MCQ – GK Questions

Answer: Battle of Saraighat

The Battle of Saraighat (1671) on the Brahmaputra River saw Ahom forces under Lachit Borphukan defeat the Mughal navy. It is considered one of the greatest naval battles in Indian history and preserved Ahom independence. [[1]]

Answer: Assam

The Ahom dynasty ruled Assam from 1228 to 1826 CE. They successfully resisted Mughal invasions (notably at Saraighat, 1671) and developed a unique administrative system called the Paik system. [[30]]

Answer: Famine Commission (1880)

The Famine Commission under Richard Strachey (1880) investigated the Great Famine of 1876-78. It recommended famine codes, relief works, and irrigation projects, though implementation remained inadequate. [[30]]

Answer: Growth of cash crops for export

British policies promoted cash crops like indigo, cotton, and jute for export, reducing food grain cultivation. This made Indian agriculture vulnerable to global price fluctuations and contributed to famines. [[1]]

Answer: Humayun

Humayun brought Persian painters Mir Sayyid Ali and Abdus Samad from Tabriz during his exile, establishing the imperial atelier. Akbar expanded it significantly, employing over 100 artists for manuscript illustrations. [[1]]

Answer: All of the above

Mughal painting blended Persian miniature traditions with Indian themes, Chinese landscape techniques, and later European perspective and shading. Akbar's atelier produced illustrated manuscripts like Hamzanama and Akbarnama. [[30]]

Answer: Manigramam

Manigramam and Ainnurruvar were powerful merchant guilds in ancient South India that controlled maritime trade with Southeast Asia. They had settlements in Sri Lanka, Sumatra, and other regions. [[30]]

Answer: Muziris

Muziris (modern Kodungallur, Kerala) was the most important port for Indo-Roman trade in ancient times. Roman coins, amphorae, and artifacts found here confirm extensive maritime commerce with the Mediterranean world. [[1]]

Answer: Venkatamakhin

Venkatamakhin (17th century) systematized Carnatic music through the Melakarta scheme of 72 parent ragas in his work 'Chaturdandi Prakasika'. This framework remains foundational to Carnatic music theory. [[1]]

Answer: Kirana Gharana

Pandit Bhimsen Joshi belonged to the Kirana Gharana, known for its emphasis on melody, intricate taans, and devotional renditions. He popularized Hindustani classical music globally. [[30]]

Answer: August 8, 1942

The Quit India Movement was launched by Gandhi on August 8, 1942, at the Bombay session of the All India Congress Committee. The slogan 'Do or Die' inspired mass participation despite immediate arrests of leaders. [[30]]

Answer: 1915

Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa on January 9, 1915. He spent a year traveling across India to understand the people's conditions before launching his first satyagraha in Champaran (1917). [[1]]

Answer: French Revolution

The Reign of Terror (1793-94) was a violent phase of the French Revolution led by the Committee of Public Safety under Robespierre. Thousands were executed by guillotine for alleged counter-revolutionary activities. [[30]]

Answer: 1789

The French Revolution began in 1789 with the storming of the Bastille. It overthrew the monarchy, established a republic, and promoted ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity that influenced global politics. [[1]]

Answer: Samarangana Sutradhara

Samarangana Sutradhara (11th century CE) by Bhoja describes mechanical devices including 'Vimanas' (flying machines). While largely mythological, it reflects ancient Indian interest in aeronautics and engineering. [[1]]

Answer: Unknown author

Surya Siddhanta is an ancient Sanskrit text on astronomy of unknown authorship (c. 4th-5th century CE). It describes planetary motions, eclipses, and time measurement, influencing Indian and Islamic astronomy. [[30]]

Answer: Pandita Ramabai

Pandita Ramabai founded Seva Sadan in Pune (1889) to educate and empower widows and destitute women. She also established Mukti Mission for women's rehabilitation and vocational training. [[30]]

Answer: Raja Ram Mohan Roy

Raja Ram Mohan Roy campaigned vigorously against Sati, arguing it was not sanctioned by true Hindu scriptures. His efforts led to Regulation XVII of 1829 abolishing Sati under Lord William Bentinck. [[1]]

Answer: Great Famine 1876-78

The Famine Codes were introduced after the Great Famine of 1876-78, which killed millions. They outlined preventive and relief measures, though implementation remained inadequate during subsequent famines. [[30]]

Answer: Expenses of the India Office in London charged to Indian revenues

Home Charges were expenses of the India Office in London (salaries, pensions, interest on debt) charged to Indian revenues. Nationalists like Dadabhai Naoroji criticized this as part of the 'Drain of Wealth'. [[1]]