Indian History & Culture

No.

Question

Answer

01

Alexander invaded India in

326 BC

02

The Mauryan Empire was

established in

322 BC

03

The First Mughal Emperor of

India was

Babur

04

Taj Mahal was built by

Shahjahan

05

Lala Lajpat Rai was also known

as

Lion of Punjab

06

Chandragupta II was also known

as

Vikramaditya

07

The city of Fatehpur Sikri was

built by

Akbar

08

The Red Fort in Delhi was built

by

Shahjahan

09

Battle of Panipat was faught in

1761 AD

10

The first President of India was

Dr.Rajendra Prasad

11

"Swaraj is my birthright!" was

said by

Bal Gangadhar Tilak

12

The capital of Mysore during the

rule of Tipu Sultan was

Srirangapatnam

13

Battle of Plassey was fought in

1757 AD

14

The first Governor-General of

Bengal under the East India
Company was

Warren Hastings

15

Ashoka was born in

269 BC

16

Permanent settlement in Bengal

was introduced by

Lord Cornwallis

17

The last Governor-General of

India was

C.Raja Gopalachari

18

The first session of the Indian

National Congress was held at

Bombay (Mumbai)

19

Quit India Movement started in

the year

1942 AD

20

Sir Thomas Roe,English

Ambassador, visited India during
the reign of

Jahangir

21

In the battle of Plassey, Lord

Clive defeated

Siraj-ud-Daula

22

The city of Calcutta was founded

in

1690 AD

23

The capital of king

Vikramaditya's kingdom was

Ujjain

24

The first Viceroy of India was

Lord Canning

25

The name of the famous horse

of Rana Pratap was

Chetak

26

The Grand Trunk road was built

Shersa Suri

151

The Allahabad Pillar inscription is the

most authentic record about the reign
of a famous Emperor. Identify that
Emperor.

Samudra Gupta

152

The Hindu kingdom of Champa

flourished outside the present
boundaries of India. Where would the
kingdom be located in today's context?

Vietnam. During this period, the country was considered

a great centre of Vedic education.

153

What is Theravada in the context of

Buddhism?

It is a major form of Buddhism prevalent in Sri Lanka,

Burma, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand.

154

Where is Angkor Vat located?

It is located in the ancient kingdom of Kambuja (modem

Cambodia). It means Temple (Vat) of the city (Angkor).

155

Who constructed Angkor Vat?

Suryavarman II.

156

To whom is Angkor Vat dedicated?

Vishnu.

157

Who wrote Uttara-Rama-Charitam?

Bhavabhuti.

158

What is the Gandhara art also known

as?

Indo-Greek. The Gandhara sculptures drew their

inspiration from the Hellenic (Greek) art of Asia Minor.

159

After whom have the rock-cut temples

at Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu been
named?

The five Pandavas and Draupadi.

160

To which dynasty did Gautamiputra

Shatakarni belong?

Shatavahanas.

161

Who founded the Shatavahana dynasty? The founder of the family was Simuka but it was
Shatakarni I who raised it to eminence.

162

Who wrote the Buddha Charita?

Ashvaghosha.

163

To which dynasty did Kanishka belong?

The Kushana dynasty

164

On the banks of which river did Harappa Ravi. Mohenjodaro was on the bank of the Sindhu
lie?
(Indus.)

165

Name the trading station of the Indus

Valley Civilisation.

Lothal.

166

The 'Sapta Sindhu' was the area of the

initial Aryan settlement. To what region
did it refer?

The land of the Sindhu (Indus) and its principal

tributaries.

167

Which is the crime that is most often

mentioned in the
Rjgveda?

Cattle-lifting.

168

What does the word 'Sangam' refer to

in Tamil History?

It is the literary assembly of Tamil scholars held at

Madurai under the patronage of the Pandyan Kings.

Which great Chola Emperor started the

tradition of installing epigraphs with
historical introductions?

Rajaraja Chola.

169

170

Nalanda and Vikramshila were very

famous in ancient India. What was the
reason for their fame?

These were the centres where the famous Buddhist

Universities flourished.

171

What were Nalanda, Vikramshila in

reality?

Buddhist monasteries. They later took on the shape of

universities.

172

What does the term Bhagavata relate

to?

CC.

Greek sources refer to him as

Sandrocottus (Androcottus). How do we
know him?

Chandragupta Maurya.

What does the term 'dwija' mean?

'Dwija' describes those who wear the sacred thread after

Upanayanam. Literally 'Dwija' means twice-born.

175

What was the reason for the importance

of Kaveripattanam during the Sangam
period?

It was among the chief ports of the Tamil countries that

carried on trade with the Romans.

What was the intoxicating drink that

was consumed by the Rig Vedic Aryans
during religious ceremonies?

Soma.

176

177

How do we better know "Sakyamuni"

(Shakyamuni)?

Buddha.

178

Who was the twenty-fourth and the last

Tirthankara of the Jains?

Vardhamana Mahavira

179

On the basis of the Dhamma that

Ashoka propagated, what is
"Shusrusha"?

Shusrusha meant obedience to father, mother, teacher

and men of high caste.

180

What is the literal meaning of

Mohenjodaro?

Mound of the dead.

181

What is a Stupa?

It is a kind of tomb where the relics of Buddha or other

Buddhist monks are kept.

182

What were the four sights which

Gautam saw, while being driven around
the city?

An old man, a sick man, a corpse and an ascetic.

183

Who was the chief deity of the Sangam

Period?

Murugan (Karttikeya)

184

Which Gupta ruler is also known as

'Kavi Raja'?

Samudragupta.

185

Samudragupta is represented on coins

Veena.
as playing a particular musical
instrument. Which musical instrument is
that?

186

What is common to the following:

Kumarasambhava, Ritusamhara,
Raghuvamsham and Meghdootam?

They are all works of Kalidasa.

187

What was the name of Harsha's sister?

Rajyashri

188

What was the title assumed by Harsha

when he ascended the throne?

Shiladitya

189

Whom did Harsha succeed?

His elder brother, Rajyavardhana.

190

Mahendra, the son of Ashoka, was sent

as a Buddhist missionary to a particular
kingdom. Identify the kingdom.

Sri Lanka

191

In ancient times, who were the

foreigners who were called Yavanas?

The Greeks. The word was derived from the Old Persian
form of the word 'Yauna', signifying originally the Ionian
Greeks, but later, all people of Greek nationality. In the
medieval times it came to be used for all foreigners
irrespective of their place of origin.

192

What was Sumatra called as, in ancient

times?

Suvarnadvipa.

193

Who systematised the rules of Sanskrit

grammar

Panini.

173

174

(4 Century BC) in the work

Ashtadhyayi?
194

One of the chief sources of revenue

from villages mentioned in the Ashokan
inscriptions is the "Bhaga". What is it?

Bhaga: King's share of the produce of the soil, usually

l/6th. The other source of revenue was the Bali. The Bali
was the land tribute paid to the King.

195

In the Mauryan times if someone were

The Karshapana was a copper coin that was in use during
referring to the Karshapana, what would the Mauryan times. Dharana was a Silver coin and the
he be talking about?
Kakani were smaller copper coins.

196

Where is Gandhara art found?

The ruins of Taksha-shila, in modern Pakistan and

Afghanistan.

197

What were the Jains originally called?

Nirgrantha.

198

In Jainism a small group of people were

called Ganadharas. Who were they?

The close disciples of Mahavira were called Ganadharas.

199

For a while, Bhagavatism and

Brahmanism were separate sects. How
did the two merge into one?

When Krishna, the main deity of Bhagavatism, began to

be identified with Vishnu, the main deity of Brahmanism,
the two sects merged into one.

200

What is the importance of the Khyber

and Bolan passes in Indian history?

The land route between India and West Asia lies through
these passes.

201

Which city in ancient India was famous

for its textile industry?

Mathura

202

What is Stridhana?

It is the exclusive property of a married lady, something

she often inherits from her mother.

203

According to the Arthashastra the

Senapati was an important member of
the Mantri Parishad. What was his role?

Commander-in-Chief of the army.

204

Jyotisha is one of the Vedangas. What

does it deal with?

Astronomy and astrology

205

Two popular assemblies used to control

the affairs of the Vedic kingdoms. Name
them.

Sabha: - Body of the elders. Constituted of

Brahmins and rich patrons.
Samiti: - An assembly of common people.
for the discharge of administration.

206

Who or what are the 'Uttariya' and

'Antariya'?

In ancient India, antariya (dhoti) a lower garment was

worn by all common people. Uttariya was the garment
that covered the upper part of the body. In addition to
these the well-to-do people wore Prapata around the
waist. Around the prapata, the rich wore Rasana, usually
of gold. Ushneesha was used to cover the head and
Stanapatta was worn to cover the breasts.

207

Who built the rock-cut temples at

Ellora?

The Rashtrakuta king, Krishna I.

208

In the context of Buddhism, what is

Vinaya Pitaka?

It is the work that deals with the governance of the life of

Buddhists. It also describes the gradual development of
the Sangha and the life and teachings of Buddha.

209

What is contained in the Sutta Pitaka?

Sutta Pitaka incorporates the greatest literary works of

Buddhism. Of the five collections, the first four consist of
discourses of Buddha.

210

Patanjali's Mahabhashya refers to some

of the stories about Krishna's early life.
Who does Patanjali call Samkarshana?

Balarama.

211

With which modern township would you

identify the ancient port of Suppara
(also known as Surparaka)?

Nala Sopara an extended suburb of modern Mumbai.

Meant

212

What was the basis of barter for

common articles during the Vedic
period?

Paddy.

213

In which script were a majority of the

Ashoka inscriptions written?

Brahmi. Brahmi script was used in the whole of the

country, except the northwest.

214

What script did Ashoka use in the

inscriptions of the Northwest of India?

Kharoshti script.

215

The Jaina texts were finally compiled in

the sixth century A.D. in Vallabhi in
Gujarat. In which language were they
written?

Prakrit.

216

Who wrote the Arthashastra?

Kautilya.

217

Which is a very important source of

information for the social, political and
economic life of the people living in the
Tamil Naidu area in the early Christian
era?

Sangam literature.

218

Who is the author of the Greek work

"Indika"?

Megasthenes. This book, however, is not available to us

in its entirety and survives only in quotations by
subsequent classical writers.

219

When did the Vikram Samvat begin in

India?

It began in 57 B.C.

220

Over which part of present-day India

did the Pala dynasty rule?

Bengal.

221

When did the Shaka era begin in India?

78A.D.

222

Who started the Shaka era?

Kanishka of the Kushana dynasty.

223

When did the Gupta era begin in India?

In 320 A.D., after Chandragupta of the Gupta dynasty.

224

Over which kingdom did Kharavela rule? Kalinga.

225

According to Buddhist sources, a

dreaded dacoit had a transformation of
heart and took refuge in Buddha's
Dhamma. Who was he?

Angulimala.

226

An accomplished and rich dancer gave

away her mango-grove to the Sangha
of Buddha and became his disciple.
Name her.

Amrapali.

227

Why was the Indus Valley Civilisation

originally called the Harappan
Civilisation?

It was so called because the first site of this civilization

was discovered (in 1921) at the modern site of Harappa,
in present day Pakistan.

228

What was the basis of the town

planning of the people of the Indus
Valley Civilisation?

It was the Grid System. In the format that they used all
roads cut across each other almost at right angles. This
led to the city being divided into blocks.

229

What was the most important public

place in Mohenjodaro?

It was the Great Bath. It was probably used for ritual

bathing.

230

What religion did Kharavela patronise?

Jainism.

231

The Greeks called cotton "Sindon".

There is a reason behind this name.
What is it?

The people of the Indus Valley Civilisation were the first

to produce cotton and therefore the Greeks called it
Sindon. This word is derived from the name Sindh.

232

Karikala Chola founded a famous city.

What was it?

Puhar. Identified with Kaveripatnam the Chola capital.

233

To which Age does the Indus Valley

The Bronze Age. Iron was not known to them.

Civilisation belong?
234

What is the birthplace of

Shankaracharya?

Kaladi. Shankaracharya was a famous exponent of the

Advaita philosophy. Advaita literally means not two.
Advaita believes in an eternal being and holds that the
plurality is nothing but illusion.

235

How many books or Mandalas does the

Rig Veda contain?

Ten.

236

Who introduced chariots drawn by

horses into India?

The Aryans

237

Who was born to Siddhartha and

Trishala in the year 540 B.C.?

Vardhamana Mahavira

238

According to the Arthashastra, the

Purohita was an important member of
the Mantri Parishad. What was his role?

He was the High Priest.

239

In ancient India handicraftsmen were

organised into economic corporations or
guilds. What were these Guilds called?

Shreni.

240

Who wrote Kadambari?

Banabhatta.

241

At what age did Mahavira abandon the

world and become an ascetic?

At the age of 30 yrs.

242

Where and when did Mahavira pass

away?

In 468 B.C at Pavapuri, in modern Bihar.

243

Jainism was divided into two sects.

Name them.

Shvetambara: - Those clad in white.

Digambara: - Those who are sky-clad (or are
naked)

244

Where was Buddha born?

Buddha was born in the royal grove in Lumbini near

Kapilavastu.

245

Where did Buddha deliver his first

sermon?

At Sarnath.

246

What was the path to be followed to be

free from misery according to Buddha?

He recommended following the eight-fold path, (ashtanga

magga)

247

Under whose rule did Magadha first

attain prominence?

Bimbisara. According to Ashwaghosha, Bimbisara

belonged to the Haryanka dynasty.

248

Who was the Royal Physician at

Bimbisara's court?

Jivaka.

249

Which was the capital of the kingdom of

Magadha before Pataliputra?

Girivraja. Also called Rajagriha or Rajgir.

250

Who succeeded Bimbisara to the throne

of Magadha?

Ajatashatru.

251

Which dynasty succeeded the dynasty

of Bimbisara?

The Shishunagas. They conquered the kingdom of Avanti,

and made it a part of the Magadhan empire.

252

Where was Pataliputra situated?

It was situated at the confluence of the Gandak, the Son,

and the Ganga. It is present-day Patna.

253

What were the reasons behind the

refusal of the Greek soldiers to
accompany Alexander beyond the Beas?

They were war weary and home sick. The hot climate of
India did not suit them. Having experienced the fighting
abilities of the Indian people they were apprehensive
about the power of the Nandas. All these reasons
contributed to their refusal.

254

What theme does Vishakhadatta's play,

Mudrarakshasa, deal with?

The strategies adopted by Chanakya against the enemies

of Chandragupta Maurya.

255

Which were the four divisions of the

army in ancient India?

Infantry, cavalry, elephants and chariots.

256

Why did Ashoka exempt the village of

Lumbini from 'Bali' (tribute paid to the
king)?

Because this was the birthplace of Gautama Buddha.

257

Menander, also known as Milinda, was

the most famous of the Indo-Greek
kings. Where was his capital city?

Sakala, modern Sialkot.

258

Who was the Buddhist monk who

converted Menander into Buddhism?

Nagasena or Nagarjuna.

259

What is the Milinda Panha?

It is a book, which records the conversation between

Nagarjuna and Menander. Milinda Panha literally means
Questions by Milinda.

260

Who issued the first long inscription in

chaste
Sanskrit?

Rudradaman, the famous Shaka ruler.

261

We know of two successive dynasties of

the Kushanas. Who founded them?

The first dynasty was founded by Kadphises I and the

second by Kanishka.

262

The Shakas and the Kushanas

completely identified themselves with
Indian culture. What factors helped
them in this?

They did not have a script of their own nor did they have
any organised religion.

263

What were the articles of clothing

introduced in India by the Shakas and
the Kushanas?

Trousers, long coat, tunic and turban. The turban,

however, is mentioned as a head dress in ancient India
(Ushneesha)

264

How were the foreign elements like

Shaka, Pahlava and the Kushanas
assimilated into Indian society?

Since they came as conquerors they were classified as

Kshatriyas.

265

Buddhism was divided into two sects.

What were they?

Mahayana: - The Great wheel. Hinayana: - The Lesser

wheel.

266

Name the two Buddhist centres located

in present day Andhra Pradesh?

Nagarjunakonda and Amaravati.

267

What was the contribution of the Greeks The use of curtain was borrowed from the Greeks. The
to Indian theatre techniques?
curtain was called "Yavanika".

268

Over which areas did the Shatavahana

dynasty rule?

The Deccan and Central India.

269

Over which area of India did

Rashtrakutas rule?

Northern Maharashtra.

270

Who were Gandhikas?

Artisans who are mentioned as giving donations to the

Buddhists. Originally Gandhika meant perfumes but was
later used to describe shopkeepers. The name Gandhi is
said to have been derived from it.

271

What was the Buddhist temple known

as?

Chaitya.

272

What was a Buddhist monastery known

as?

Vihara.

273

What were the main articles of trade of

the Southern Kingdoms of the Cholas,
the Cheras and the Pandyas?

Spices especially pepper, ivory, pearls, muslin and silk.

274

Name two of the epics of the Sangam

Age.

Silappadikaram, Jivakachintamani and Manimekalai.

275

What was the Uttarapatha?

It was the route that was used for trade. It ran from

Taksha-shila to Broach on the Western coast.

276

Which empire rose on the remains of

the Kushan Empire?

The Gupta Empire.

277

Who were Lichchhavis? What are they

known for?

Lichchhavis ruled over a vast area from Magadha to

Nepal. They were best known for the democracy they
practised. It would not be correct to compare it with
democracy as understood today. Some preferred to call it
oligarchy.

278

Who wrote 'Hitopadesha'?

Narayana Bhatta. Hitopadesha is a collection of stories,

most of which were drawn from the Panchatantram of
Vishnu Sharma.

279

Who is regarded as the first important

King of the Gupta dynasty?

Chandragupta I.

280

Which Gupta ruler adopted the title

'Vikramaditya'?

Chandragupta II. He is regarded as the greatest of the

Gupta rulers (376 to 414 AD).

281

Who was the Chinese pilgrim who

visited India during the time of
Chandragupta II?

Fa-Hien.

282

Who was the first Gupta king to assume

the title 'Rajadhiraja"?

Chandragupta I. In addition to 'Rajadhiraja',

Samudragupta assumed the titles 'Parambhattaraka' and
'Paramabhagavata'.

283

What was the image on the royal seal of Garuda.

the Guptas?

284

Who was the author of the play

'Mrichchhakatikam'?

Shudraka.

285

Which empire rose on the ruins of the

empire of the Pallavas of Kanchi?

The Chola Empire.

286

A ruling dynasty at Thanesar, (in

modern Haryana), extended its
authority over the feudatories of the
Gupta Empire. Who was the ruler who
achieved this?

Harsha.

287

Which city did Harsha make his capital?

Kanauj.

288

Who was the Chinese pilgrim who

visited India during the time of Harsha?

Hiuen Tsang.

289

Who was the ruler of South India who

prevented Harsha from extending his
kingdom southwards?

The Chalukya King Pulakesin II.

290

What religion did Harsha follow during

his early
years?

He was a devotee of Shiva.

291

Which religious sect did Harsha

patronise in his later
years?

The Buddhist.

292

What are the Vedangas?

The limbs of the Vedas. It was necessary to learn the

Vedanga to understand the Vedas. The Vedangas were :
a) Shiksha (phonetics)
b) Kalpa (rituals)
c) Vyakarana
d) Nirukta (etymology)
e) Chhanda (metrics)
f) Jyotisha (astronomy)

293

Who was reputed to be the author of

Harsha.

the following books: Priyadarshika,

Ratnavali and Nagananda?
294

In which book would you find the

famous Gayatri mantra?

Rigveda.

295

In the Rigveda, a daughter is

sometimes referred to as 'duhitr'. What
is the literal translation of the word?

One who milks the cow.

296

Who was the first person to hold that

the earth was a sphere and rotated on
its axis?

Aryabhata. He also declared that the eclipses were not

the work of Rahu but were caused by the shadow of the
earth falling on the moon. Varahamihira and
Brahmagupta later astronomers did not agree with his
view. Aryabhata also gave an accurate approximation
ofn.

297

What is the 'Dharmachakrapravartana'?

The preaching of the first sermon by Buddha.

298

Who was responsible for establishing

the order of nuns in Buddhism?

Ananda, the personal attendant of Buddha, was largely

responsible for the admission of Gautami (the widowed
stepmother of Buddha) into the Sangha. This was the
beginning of the order of nuns.

299

Who deciphered the Asokan

inscriptions?

James Prinsep.

300

The word 'Aryan' originates from the

Sanskrit word 'Arya'. What was the
meaning of the word?

Of good family.

301

What was the complaint of Pliny the elder,

against India?

He complained that India drained Roman wealth

by selling luxury articles at high prices to Romans

302

What was the name of the son of King of

Takshashila who offered Alexander help in
invading India?

Ambhi. This was the first recorded instance of an

Indian King turning traitor.

303

What was the name the Greeks used to refer to

Ambhi?

Omphis.

304

By which name do we know the ancient city of

Prayag?

Allahabad.

305

Of the five Siddhantas (Indian astronomical

works) two are said to be of Western origin.
Which?

Romaka Siddhanta and Paulisa Siddhanta. This

shows that Indian astronomy was considerably
influenced by Western thoughts.

306

What is the modern name for the ancient city of Peshawar.

Purushapura?

307

From which language is the word 'Sindoora'

(vermilion) derived?

Chinese. (From the Chinese word Tsin-sung.)

308

According to Chinese sources Kaundinya an

Indian Prince, formed a kingdom in south East
Asia. Where was this kingdom located?

Cambodia.

309

Who was Buddha's personal physician?

Jivaka. Jivaka was the personal physician of

Bimbisara. During his visit to Buddha, Bimbisara
offered the services of Jivaka, who became
Buddha's personal physician.

310

Who were the Ajivikas?

They were one of the prominent religious sects

during the time of Mahavira and Buddha.

311

In Vedic times, who was referred to as a

'Grihapati'?

The master of the house.

312

Which common seasoning ingredient of today

finds no reference in the Rig Veda?

Salt.

313

What was the name of the famous tract of land

that lay between the Saraswati and the
Drishadvati?

Kurukshetra.

314

What was the Rajasuya sacrifice (yajna)?

It was the yajna to mark the royal consecration.

It included offerings to the gods in the houses of
officials and a formal abhisheka by the priest.
Other popular rites that followed were a cow-raid
and a game of dice in which the king was made
the Victor.

315

What was the Vishwajit sacrifice?

In the Vishwajit sacrifice, the (yajamana)

performer had to give away all that he possessed.

316

Who succeeded Chandra Gupta I?

Samudragupta.

317

According to legend, who succeeded

Samudragupta?

His son Rama Gupta. He was a weak ruler who

surrendered his wife to a Shaka tyrant. Her
honour was saved by the younger brother of
Rama Gupta, Chandra Gupta, who killed the
Shaka ruler, replaced his brother on the throne
and married Dhruvadevi.

318

Who succeeded Chandra Gupta II?

His son Kumara Gupta, who ruled from AD 415 to

455.

319

Who or what were the Huns?

They were a race of fierce, warlike people, whose

original home was in the steppes of Central Asia.
They spread terror and destruction both in the
West (i.e. the Roman Empire) and India.

320

Which Gupta ruler successfully defended his

empire against the invading Huns?

Skanda Gupta.

321

Which Gupta ruler performed the Ashwamedha

yajna?

Samudra Gupta.

322

Into which group of people were the Huns

assimilated by the Indian society?

The Rajputs.

323

Which dynasty claimed its descent from

Lakshmana, the brother of Shri Rama?

The Pratiharas. By the ninth century the influence

of Pratiharas extended from the Punjab to central
India and from Kathiawar to north Bengal.

324

Who invented the decimal place value system?

Aryabhata invented the decimal place value

system. Scholars hold that it cannot be said with
certainty that the system was invented by
Aryabhata. It seems it was known to astronomers
who came before him.

325

The Cholas extended their territory in South

India and also conquered the northern part of
Sri Lanka. Who was the ruler who made
northern Sri Lanka a province of his empire?

Rajaraja Chola.

326

Which part of India did the Arabs first conquer?

Sindh. Mohammed Ibn-Kasim, the nephew and

son-in-law of the governor of Iraq, defeated Dahir
Sen in 712 A.D.

327

What are the four sources of Law according to

the law giver, Manu?

a. Sruti or the Vedas.

b. Smriti (expanded version of the Dharma
shastras). Smriti is also regarded as the only
authentic source of Hindu Law and social
customs,
c. Customs of holy men
d. One's own inclination.

328

By what name was the area of western and

Gauda. The name was applied both to the people

northwestern Bengal known?

and their country.

329

Where in Maharashtra are frescoes that depict

the Jataka Stories?

At Ajanta, near Ellora caves.

330

What was the language used by the people of

the Indus Valley Civilization?

Historians have as yet not been able to determine

the language used by the people of the Indus
Valley Civilization. The script used by the people
of the Indus Valley Civilization has also not been
deciphered.

331

Which was the animal that was most engraved

on Indus Valley Civilization seals?

The Humpless Bull.

332

What was unique about the ascension to the

throne by Gopala, the founder of the Pala
dynasty in Gauda (present day West Bengal)?

He was not a hereditary ruler, but was elected by

the people to rule over them.

333

Which was the seat of power of the Pallava

dynasty?

Kanchipuram. The Pallavas founded the first great

empire in south India. Under the Pallavas, Kanchi
became a great centre of Brahminical and
Buddhist
learning.

334

Who was the Chola ruler who crossed the

Ganga and defeated the rulers there?

Rajendra Chola.

335

When did the first invasion of Mahmud of

Ghazni take
place?

1000 A.D.

336

Who was the first Indian ruler defeated by

Mahmud of Ghazni?

Jayapala of the Hindushahi dynasty.

337

Where is Ghazni?

In modem Afghanistan.

338

Why were temples the main target of Mahmud

of Ghazni?

They had immense wealth stockpiled.

339

Who was the Arab traveller whose work on

India is referred to as a mirror of 11"1 century
India?

Alberuni.

340

At whose request did Alberuni travel to India?

Mahmudof Ghazni.

341

At which battle did Prithviraj Chauhan defeat

Mohammed of Ghori?

In the first Battle of Tarain in 1190-91.

342

Which medieval ruler is reputed to be an author

of almost 20 books on subjects as diverse as
medicine, architecture and astronomy?

Raja Bhoja of the Paramara dynasty. The

Paramara dynasty ruled over the Malwa region.

343

Identify the person who was in charge of

Mohammad of Ghori's possessions in India.

Qutbuddin Aibak.

344

To which deity was the temple of Somnath

dedicated?

Shiva.

345

Who wrote the Ramayana in Tamil?

Kamban.

346

Who was the founder of the Slave dynasty?

Qutbuddin Aibak.

347

Why is the term "Slave dynasty" an inaccurate

term?

Only three sultans (Qutbuddin Aibak, Iltutmish

and Balban) were slaves, and later even they
were released from slavery by their masters.
They were slaves, but only in the early part of
their lives.

348

Who was the only woman to ascend the throne

of Delhi?

Razia Sultana.

349

Which Persian historian accompanied Alauddin

Amir Khusrau.

Khalji on his expedition to Chittor?

350

The Choda Ganga dynasty of Orissa was

The Jagannath temple at Puri and the Sun Temple
responsible for the construction of some famous at Konark.
temples. Can you identify them?

351

Name the king of Mewar who is said to have

built thirty two forts during his reign?

RanaKumbha

352

How did Rana Kumbha celebrate his victory

over Mahmud Khalji of Malwa?

He built the Tower of Victory in Chittor. It is called

the Vijayastambha.

353

Who helped Humayun save himself after the

Battle of Chausa?

A water carrier helped Humayun cross the Ganga

and to safety.

354

Over which kingdom did Chand Bibi rule?

She ruled over Ahmadnagar as a Regent.

355

What articles of trade was the kingdom of

Golconda known for?

Diamonds and textiles.

356

Who founded the city of Hyderabad?

Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah.

357

Who was the Qutub Minar dedicated to?

The Sufi saint Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki and not

Qutbuddin Aibak as people mistakenly assume.

358

In which language did Shankaradeva, a Bhakti

Saint, propagate his views?

Assamese.

359

In which language did Surdas sing?

Brij.

360

Where is the famous Kamakhya temple

(Kamakshi)?

At Guwahati.

361

Which Mughal Emperor adopted the Zoroastrian

practice of Navroz?

Akbar.

362

Which were the provinces added by Aurangzeb

to the Mughal Empire?

Bijapur and Golconda.

363

Who took care of Shah Jahan when he was kept

imprisoned by Aurangzeb?

Jahanara, Shah Jahan's daughter.

364

Who installed a chain of bells outside his palace

gate?

Jahangir.

365

Why was the chain of bells installed?

This was the "Chain of Justice" installed to ensure

that all citizens of the country had access to
justice.

366

During the reign of which Mughal Emperor was

the peacock throne made?

Shah Jahan.

367

Which place did Vasco da Gama reach when he

found a new route to India?

Calicut. Now known as Kozhikode

368

What were the European Factories that are

referred to in Indian history?

Factories were nothing but fortified trading

stations established by the European powers in
India.

369

Where did the English set up their first factory?

Surat.

370

Who was the Englishman who succeeded in

getting a farman from the Mughals exempting
the English from paying any inland toll?

Sir Thomas Roe.

371

What prompted Jahangir to allow the English to

set up a factory in Surat?

The British defeated the Portuguese naval

squadrons. Jahangir wanted to use the English as
a counter against the growing Portuguese power.

372

What were the reasons why the British wanted

to secure Bombay from the Portuguese?

Those controlling Bombay controlled trade on the

west coast. And there was no interference from
either the Mughals or the Marathas on this sea.

373

Which city did Job Charnock establish?

Colcutta.

374

Which Saint inspired the Marathas with ideals of Saint Samarth Ramdas.
social reform and national regeneration?

375

Near which fort, acquired early in his career, did

Shivaji build Raigarh?

376

Between 1649 and 1655 Shivaji suspended

His father had been arrested and was released
offensive operations against Bijapur. Why did he only on the condition that Shivaji suspend his
do so?
military activities.

377

Alauddin Khalji was the nephew and son-in-law

of a Delhi Sultan whom he later murdered. Who
was the sultan?

378

One of the more interesting causes for a battle

That Allaudin Khalji invaded Chittor because he
fought in Indian history has been vividly
was infatuated by Padmini, the queen of Rana
described by Malik Muhammad Jayasi in his epic Ratan Singh of Mewar.
Padmavat. What, according to Malik Muhammad
Jayasi was the cause of the battle?

379

Why did Muhammad-bin-Tughluq shift his

capital from Delhi?

He shifted his capital to Deogir (Deogiri) because

it held a central position in the empire and
therefore, would be safe from Mongol invasions.

380

Who was the first Afghan to be seated on the

throne of Delhi?

Buhlul Khan Lodi (in April 1451).

381

Which kingdom came into existence during the

reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq?

Bahmani kingdom.

382

Where is Babur buried?

He is buried in Kabul.

383

Poems of which Kashmiri poet are the oldest of

the ones still available with us?

LallaDidi(LalDed)

384

The ruler of Bihar conferred upon the young

Farid a title. What was the title and why was it
conferred upon him?

Sher Khan, for killing a tiger single-handed.

385

What was the name assumed by Farid when he

ascended the throne?

Sher Shah.

386

Who were the opponents in the battle fought at

Chausa?

Humayun and Sher Shah.

387

How did Sher Shah die?

Sher Shah died due to an accidental explosion of

gunpowder while attempting to capture the fort
Kalinjar in 1545.

388

Which ruler helped Humayun recover Kandahar

and Kabul?

The Ruler of Persia.

389

Who proclaimed Akbar the Emperor?

Bairam Khan in 1556.

390

What words did Saint Ramanuja use to describe

the scheduled castes?

Tirukulattar (Belonging to the family of God).

391

At what age did Akbar ascend the thorne?

Thirteen years.

392

How did Humayun die?

Humayun tumbled down the stairs of his library

when he was responding to the call of muezzin
for evening prayers.

393

What was the occupation of Himu (also spelt

He was a grocer.
Hemu) before he rose to prominence in politics?

394

Who fought the second battle of Panipat?

Akbar and Himu.

395

Who wrote Lilavati, a treatise on Algebra?

Bhaskaracharya.

396

What title did Himu adopt after he occupied

Raja Vikramaditya

Torna.

Jalaluddin Firuz Khalji.

Agra and Delhi by defeating its Mughal

governor?
397

Who did Iltutmish nominate as his successor

His daughter Razia.

398

Himu, in the battle of Panipat, gained initial

success against the Mughal forces. How did the
tide turn in the favour of the Mughals?

A chance arrow struck Himu in the eye rendering

him unconscious. Deprived of his leadership his
soldiers dispersed in confusion.

399

The Mughal forces defeated a Rajput ruler at

the pass of Haldighat. Which ruler are we
talking about?

Rana Pratap.

400

Which work describes the romantic story of the

marriage of Sanyogita the daughter of the
Gahadavala king Jaichandra with Prithviraj
Chauhan?

Prithviraja Raso.

401

Marco Polo was a traveller (from Venice) who is

very well known for his adventures. Which
south Indian dynasty does he mention in his
travelogues?

The Kakatiya dynasty.

402

Timur or Tamerlane, a central Asian Turk (and

an ancestor of Babur) invaded India and
ransacked Delhi. Who was the ruler of Delhi at
that time?

Sultan Mahmud Shah.

403

Name the ruler of the Tughluq dynasty who was

well versed in Astronomy, Mathematics and
Medicine.

Muhammad bin Tughluq.

404

A particular dance form gained prominence

during the Vijayanagara period. What was the
dance form?

Yakshagana.

405

Who fought the battle of Talikota?

The battle was fought between the Vijayanagara

Empire and the combined forces of the Deccan
Sultans. The Sultan of Berar however did not take
part in this battle.

406

Who won the battle of Talikota?

The Vijayanagara forces were comprehensively

defeated and this eventually led to their downfall.

407

Where was the Battle of Talikota fought?

It was fought in the area between the villages of

Rakassi and Tangadi (Tagdi). Due to the
bloodshed and ruin that this battle brought on the
Vijayanagara Empire it was also called 'Raktakshi
Tangadi'.

408

Who were the opponents at the battle of

Khanua?

Rana Sanga and Babur.

409

What was the name of RanaPratap's horse?

Chetak.

410

Who was the Jesuit missionary who held

personal
discussions with Akbar?

Anthony Monserrate.

411

How do we better know Mihr-un-nisa in Indian

history?

NurJahan.

412

What was the title given to Mihr-un-nisa by

Jahangir?

Nur Mahal (the light of the Palace). The title was

later changed to Nur Jahan (Light of the World).

413

Who was the Mughal queen whose name was

written on all the imperial Mughal farmans of
her time and inscribed on coins?

Nur Jahan.

414

After Akbar secured victory in Gujarat he

undertook an activity to commemorate this

He founded the city of Fatehpur Sikri.

victory. What was that activity?

415

By which name was Ramtanu Mishra known?

Tansen. He was earlier in the employment of the

Raja of Rewah.

416

Name the Mughal emperor who was an

accomplished veena player.

Aurangzeb

417

The Razmnama in Persian was a compilation by

several scholars. Of which Hindu epic was this a
translation?

Mahabharata

418

Name Aurangzeb's daughter who wrote under

the pen name Makhi and produced a collection
of poems.

Zebunnisa.

419

King Charles II of England married the

Portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza.
How did this event affect Indian history?

The Portuguese transferred the islands that make

up modern Mumbai to the British as the dowry of
Catherine.

420

From whom did the Portuguese capture Goa?

Sultan of Bijapur.

421

Who was the Portuguese Governor who

captured Goa?

Alfonso de Albuquerque.

422

What was Shivaji's council of ministers known

as?

The Ashla Pradhan Mandal.

423

Who were the opponents in the battle of

Takkolam?

Cholas and Pandyas. The Pandyas were

completely defeated.

424

How do we better know the Kingdom of

Pragjyotishpur?

Assam.

425

Which dynasties rose on the ruins of the Chola

dynasty?

The Pandyas and the Hoysalas.

426

Who wrote the Telugu version of the

Mahabharata?

Nanniah. Though he began the work it was

eventually completed by Tikkanna.

427

Who were the "Nayanars" in Tamil Nadu?

They were devotees of Shiva who flourished

between the sixth and ninth centuries.

428

Who were the "Alvars" in Tamil Nadu?

They were the devotees of Vishnu.

429

Who fought the second battle of Tarain in 1192

A,D?

Prithviraj Chauhan and Muhammad Ghori.

430

Before the battle of Tarain, Prithviraj Chauhan

appealed for help from the rajas of North India.
One prominent ruler refused any. Who was this
ruler?

Jaichandra of Kanauj.

431

What was the capital of the Bahmani kingdom?

Gulbarga.

432

Who was the Turkish officer who conquered the

area of north Bengal?

BakhtiyarKhalji.

433

How did Qutbuddin Aibak die?'

He fell off his horse while playing chaugan (polo)

and died due to the resultant injuries.

434

Who succeeded Qutbuddin Aibak to the throne

of Delhi?

Iltutmish (son-in-law of Qutbuddin Aibak).

435

What did Shivaji say when he got the news of

the capture of Kondana?

"Gadh aala pun Sinha gela" - We got the fort but

lost the lion (referring to Tanaji Malsure).

436

What was the original name of the town

Daulatabad?

Deogiri (Devgiri).

437

For how long did Razia rule?

About three and a half years.

438

How do we better know Ulugh Khan in Indian

Balban.

history?
439

What were the ceremonies introduced by

Balban, merely to demonstrate his superiority
to other nobles?

Sijada-Prostration Paibos - Kissing the emperor's

feet. He introduced these ceremonies to
demonstrate his superiority over the nobles.

440

During whose rule did the Mongols make the

first serious attempt to establish their rule over
Delhi?

Alauddin Khalji.

441

What is the region of Kamrup known in modern

India?

Assam.

442

Who were the sons of Shah Jahan?

Dara Shikoh (also Shukoh), Shuja Murad and

Aurangzeb.

443

During the reign of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, where

was his son Muhammad Tughlaq posted?

Deogir.

444

Who was the first sultan of Delhi to pay his

soldiers in cash?

Alauddin Khalji.

445

Which ruler introduced the concept of token

currency in India?

Muhammad Bin Tughlaq.

446

Harihara and Bukka rebelled against

Muhammad Bin Tughlaq and founded a
kingdom. What was it?

The Vijayanagara Kingdom.

447

Whom did Shah Jahan choose, in his last will,

as his heir apparent?

Dara Shukoh.

448

During whose rule did jizyah become a separate Firuz Tughlaq. It was a part of the land revenue in
tax?
earlier times.

449

During the period of the Delhi Sultanate who

was the most important official?

TheWazir.

450

Who was commissioned by Akbar to write the

history of his reign?

AbulFazI.

451

What did India import from China (during the

medieval period)?

Porcelain, raw silk.

452

What is Jnaneshwari?

The free rendering of the Gita in Marathi, along

with elucidation.

453

From whom did some sections of the Hindus

adopt the concept of the purdah?

The Turks.

454

Who was the guru of Harihara and Bukka?

Vidyaranya. He was the one who readmitted

them into the Hindu fold.

455

Who were the first two kings of the Vijayanagara

Empire?

Harihara (1336-1356), Bukka I (1356-1377).

456

Who founded the Bahmani Kingdom?

Alauddin Hasan also called Hasan Gangu

457

What title did Alauddin Hasan adopt at his

coronation?

Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah. He is supposed

to have adopted the name Bahman Shah as a
mark of respect for a Brahmin in whose service
he had risen to greatness.

458

Which Bahmani ruler encouraged the study of

astronomy and even built an observatory near
Daulatabad?

Firuz Shah Bahmani.

459

What was the title of the ruler of Calicut

(Kozhikode)?

Zamorin.

460

Who were the parents of Sankaracharya?

Sivaguru and Aryamba.

461

Who wrote Ain-i-Akbari?

Abul Fazl. It is a work which deals with

regulations issued by Akbar.

462

Who was the Sultan of Malwa who died when he

went on board a Portuguese ship for
negotiations?

Bahadur Shah.

463

Which European power declared that trade in

pepper, warhorses and arms and ammunitions
was a royal monopoly?

Portugal.

464

From which area have the potato and tobacco

been introduced into India?

Central America. By the Portuguese.

465

Who was born in Talwandi in 1469?

GuruNanak.

466

What form of worship did Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

popularise?

Kirtans.

467

In which language did Narasimha Mehta (also

known as Narsee Mehta) compose his songs and
preach?

Gujarati.

468

Which language did the Turks introduce into

India?

Persian.

469

Who was Nizammudin Auliya?

A famous Sufi saint. His Dargah is in Delhi.

470

Which was the language, apart from Persian,

used for administrative purpose in the Bahmani
kingdom?

Marathi

471

What was the chief reason for the difference

between Hindustani and Camatic music?

The introduction of Persian scales in Hindustani

music led to the difference.

472

Babur succeeded to the throne of this kingdom in

1494 at the tender age of 11. Identify the
kingdom.

Farghana. Farghana is located in modern

Uzbekistan.

473

When did Timur sack Delhi?

1398.

474

Who is supposed to have invited Babur to invade

India?

Daulat Khan Lodi, uncle of Ibrahim Lodi.

475

Who were the opponents in the first battle of

Panipat?

Babur and Ibrahim Lodi.

476

How long did the first battle of Panipat last?

Three hours. It was all over by mid-day.

477

Who were the adversaries at the Battle of

Khanua?

It was fought between Babur and Rana Sanga.

478

Babur, after defeating Ibrahim Lodi and Rana

Mahmud Lodi, brother of Ibrahim Lodi.
Sanga had to deal with the Afghans who had
regrouped. Who did the Afghans proclaim as their
leader?

479

What was the new mode of warfare introduced by Extensive use of gunpowder. Though gunpowder
Babur in India?
was known in India, it was not used as skilfully
and in combination with cavalry as Babur did.

480

What was the name of Babur's memoirs?

Tizuk-I-Baburi.

481

Which kingdom did Shahaji Bhonsale, Shivaji's

father serve initially?

The Nizam Shahis of Ahmednagar. When Shah

Jahan captured Ahmednagar, Shahaji sought
service with the Sultan of Bijapur.

482

Who was the ruler of Malwa who was among the

chief adversaries of Humayun?

Bahadur Shah.

483

Who built a new city at Delhi called Dinpanah?

Humayun.

484

At which battle was Humayun defeated by Sher

The Battle of Chausa (March 1539) and Battle

Shah?

of Kanauj (May 1540).

485

At what age did Sher Shah ascend the throne of

Delhi?

At 67 years.

486

Where did Sher Shah build a Mausoleum for

himself?

Sasaram. (InBihar)

487

Who repaired the Grand Trunk road that ran from

the river Indus to Sonargaon in Bengal?

SherShah.

488

Where was Akbar born?

Amarkotinl542.

489

Where was Akbar crowned?

Kalanaur in Punjab in 1556.

490

What was the title that Bairam Khan adopted?

He became the wakil of the kingdom with the

title Khan-I-Khanan.

491

Who was the ruler of Malwa, who was defeated

by the Mughal forces?

Baz Bahadur. He was a master musician and an

accomplished poet. There were also stories of
his romance with the beautiful and talented
Roopmati.

492

Who were the two famous warriors of Chittor who Jaimal and Patta. Akbar, to honour these two
held the Mughal forces at bay for almost six
warriors ordered their stone statues, seated on
months?
elephants, be erected outside the gate of the
Agra fort.

493

What did Akbar divide his empire into?

Suba. Each Suba was under a governor called

Subedar.

494

Who succeeded Rana Udai Singh to the throne of

Mewar?

Rana Pratap (in 1572).

495

Akbar sent a series of embassies to Rana Pratap.

These were sent to persuade him to accept the
suzerainty of the Mughals. Who led these
embassies?

Man Singh, Bhagwan Das, Raja Todar Mal.

496

To whom did Akbar assign the task to translate

the Bible (Gospel) into Persian?

AbulFazl.

497

Which famous Mughal courtier lost his life in a

campaign against the tribesmen of the Khyber
pass?

RajaBirbal.

498

Akbar, in 1575, built the Ibadat Khana. What was

it for?

It was the Hall of Prayer at Fatehpur Sikri.

499

What was the original name of Raja Birbal?

MaheshDas.

500

Who founded Din-I-Ilahi?

Akbar. Birbal was the only Hindu to accept the

new religion of Din-i-Ilahi or Tauhid-i-Ilahi.

501

Who ordered the construction of the Charminar?

Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah. He was a

patron of art and architecture and a poet in
Dakhani Urdu, Persian and Telugu. He had the
Charminar constructed in 1591-92 at the centre
of the new city of Hyderabad.

502

The Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur is one of the largest

single domed structures constructed. Which
dynasty built it?

The Adil Shahi dynasty. A whisper at one end

can be heard at the other end.

503

Jehangir had to face a rebellion immediately after

he ascended the throne. Who was the rebel?

Khusrau, Jehangir's eldest son.

504

Which Sikh guru completed the compilation of the Guru Arjan Dev.
Adi Granth?

505

Which Mughal Prince had the Gita translated into

Persian?

Dara Shukoh (also spelt Shikoh).

506

Whom did the ruler of Bijapur send to capture

Shivaji?

Afzal Khan.

507

Who was the Mughal Governor of Deccan who

was instructed by Aurangazeb to invade Shivaji's
territories?

Shaista Khan.

508

Which Mughal port city did Shivaji attack in

1664?

Surat.

509

Who persuaded Shivaji to visit Aurangazeb at

Agra?

Raja Jai Singh of Amber.

510

Golconda, the world famous kingdom was built on Warangal.

the ruins of an old Hindu Kingdom. Which one?

511

How was Mumtaz Mahal related to Nur Jahan?

Mumtaz Mahal was the daughter of Asaf Khan,

Nur Jahan's brother.

512

Who is regarded as the father of Carnatic music?

Purandaradasa.

513

How could Shivaji with a relatively small army

fight against the army of Bijapur?

By adopting Guerrilla Warfare.

514

Whom did King Prataparudra consider as his

guru?

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

515

What was the capital of the Rajput Kingdom of

Mewar?

Chitor.

516

What was the act that led to the martyrdom of

Guru Arjan?

Khusrav, the son of Jehangir rebelled

unsuccessfully against his father. When Khusrav
was fleeing the Mughal forces, he was
honourably received by Guru Arjan and
provided with some money. This was perceived
by Jehangir as an act of treason and ultimately
led to the Guru's martyrdom.

517

Humayun attacked and besieged the fort of

SherShah.
Chunar because it commanded the route between
Agra and the east. Who was the person who held
the fort?

518

What gift did Humayun offer Babur after Babur

arrived in Agra following the first Battle of
Panipat?

The Koh-i-nur.

519

Who saved the life of Uday Singh of Mewar, when

he was still a prince?

Panna. Panna, who was Uday Singh's nurse

realised that his life was in danger; she placed
her own son in Uday Singh's bed. The attackers
assuming that Panna's son was the prince killed
him thus saving Uday Singh.

520

From where did the Hoysala dynasty rule?

Dorasamudra (or Dwarasamudra). The Hoysalas

succeeded the Chalukyas of Kalyana as the
leading power of the Mysore area.

521

Domingo Paes, the famous Portuguese traveller,

described this city as the best provided city in the
world. Name the city.

Vijayanagar.

522

Who was the poet who enriched Kashmiri

literature with her exquisite lyrics on love and
life?

Habba Khatun (also spelt Habba Khotun).

523

Who is the author of the Telugu work

"Amuktamalyada"?

Sri Krishnadevaraya, the greatest of the

Vijayanagara rulers.

524

Over which part of India did Queen Didda (9801003)rule?

Kashmir.

525

According to tradition who were Harihara I and

Bukka I serving before founding the Vijayanagara
Empire?

Prataparudra of Warangal.

526

During the time of the Vijayanagara rule,

(Krishnadevaraya) what was the title adopted by
the rulers of Orissa?

Gajapati (1434 to 1541).

527

Vishwambhara (Nimai) was responsible for the

revival of Vaishnavism in Bengal. What was the
name by which we know him?

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

528

The Sangama dynasty (1336 -1485), the Saluva

dynasty (1485 - 1505) the Tuluva dynasty (1505
-1570), and the Aravidu dynasty (1570 - 1649).
These dynasties ruled over, in the sequence
given, the same kingdom. Which kingdom are we
talking about?

Vijayanagara Empire.

529

How did Timur come to be called Tamerlane?

Timur had a limp because of an injury to his

leg. Due to this the Persians called him Timur-ilang (Timur the lame) which was corrupted by
Europeans into Tamerlane.

530

What was the capital of the kingdom of the

Gonds?

Chandrapur. Durgavati was the queen of the

Gonds who fought bravely with the Mughal
forces sent by Akbar.

531

Who was Gorakhshanath, popularly known as

Gorakhnath?

Gorakhnath popularized the practice of

Hathayoga throi AD. throughout India. He lived
in the 10lh - 11th century

532

Where was Kabir born? What was he known for?

Kabir was born in Varanasi. Throughout his life

he kept dwelling on the essential unity of all
religions.

533

What are Abhangs? Who composed them?

Abhang literally means unbroken. Unbroken

rhymes were referred to as Abhangs. Tukaram
is best known for his Abhangs. Many saints that
came after him also composed Abhangs.

534

According to tradition who was the guru of Kabir?

Ramananda.

535

In which year was emergency declared in postindependent India?

In 1975.

536

What did the East India Company acquire as its

zamindari in 1698?

The zamindari of Sutanati, Kalikata and

Govindpur.

537

Where is Fort William located?

Present day Kolkata.

538

Which European power established itself at

chandernagore and Pondicherry?

The French.

539

During the rule of Tipu Sultan, what was the

capital of Mysore?

Srirangapatnam.

540

What were the Indian soldiers in the English army Sepoys.

called?

541

During the rule of Muhammad Shah, who was the

ruler of Persia who invaded India?

Nadir Shah.

542

What was the result of the Battle of Karnal fought

between Nadir Shah and Emperor Mohammad
Shah?

The Mughals lost and the Emperor Muhammad

Shah was taken prisoner,

543

Among the other things, what were the precious

articles Nadir Shah carried away from India?

The Koh-i-noor diamond and the Peacock

throne.

544

After Nadir Shah's death, which of his generals

Ahmad Shah Abdali.

established his authority in Afghanistan?

545

What was the Doctrine of Lapse?

When the ruler of a protected state died without

a natural heir, the adopted heir would not be
able to succeed him. In such a case the state
would be annexed by the British. The only
exception would be if the British authorities
approved of the adoption before hand.

546

Who was the Peshwa who signed the "Subsidiary

Alliance"?

Peshwa Baji Rao II on December 31, 1802. This

was after the combined armies of the Peshwa
and the Sindhia were defeated by the Holkar.

547

Who fought the third Battle of Panipat?

Ahmad Shah Abdali and the Marathas (on 14th

Jan 1761).

548

Who fought the battle of Buxar?

The English fought against a confederacy of Mir

Kasim; Shah Alam, the Mughal Emperor and
Nawab Shuja-ud-daulah.

549

What was the result of the battle of Buxar?

The English won and established their

supremacy in Bengal.

550

Which Indian ruler was a member of the Jacobin

Club?

Tlpu Sultan.

551

Name the Indian ruler who tried to promote trade

with Russia, Arabia and Turkey. He also tried to
set up a trading company on the lines of the East
India Company.

Tipu Sultan.

552

Of which state was Martanda Varma the ruler?

Travancore.

553

The capital of the state of Travancore became an

important centre of Sanskrit scholarship towards
the later half of the 18th century. How do we
know it today?

Thiruvanthapuram (Trivandrum).

554

Who founded the city of Jaipur?

Raja Sawai Jai Singh of Amber.

555

Where did Raja Sawai Jai Singh build

astronomical observatories?

Delhi, Jaipur, Ujjain, Varanasi and Mathura.

556

Under which guru did the Sikhs become a united

political power?

Guru Gobind Singh.

557

He was born in a Bengali Brahmin family at

Radhanagar in 1774. He served under the East
India Company from 1803 to 1814. He also
founded the Brahmo Samaj? Who was he?

Raja Ram Mohan Roy.

558

Why was the Cripps Mission sent to India?

The British Government wanted India's help in

the Second World War. It sent the Cripps
Commission to persuade Indian leaders to
support its war effort.

559

Who was the guru of Swami Vivekananda?

Ramakrishna Paramhansa. He was a saint who

lived in Dakshineshwar in Bengal.

560

Over which kingdom did Ahalyabai rule?

Indore.

561

Who was the first Viceroy of India? (appointed

after the revolt of 1857)

Lord Canning (1858-62).

562

When did the revolt of 1857 start?

At Meerut, on May 10,1857.

563

Name India's first newspaper?

Bengal Gazette.

564

When and where did the first Congress session

take place?

1885, Bombay. Goculdas Tejpal Auditorium.

565

When did Gandhiji start his Dandi March?

Marchl2,1930.

566

Who was known as the "Frontier Gandhi"?

Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan.

567

Who wrote the novel, 'Anand Math'?

Bankim Chandra Chatterji

568

Rabindranath Tagore renounced his knighthood

as a protest against an incident. Name the
incident.

The Jailianwalla Baug massacre.

569

He was an uncle of Bhagat Singh and was

closely . associated with Lala Lajpat Rai. He
founded the "Bharat Mata" society and worked
for the Ghadar party. He died on 15th August
1947. Who was it?

AjitSingh.

570

What was the Kuka movement?

The Kuka movement began as a religious

movement. Its aim was to purify die Sikh
religion by removing superstitions mat had
crept into it. After the conquest of the Punjab
by the British, the revival of the Sikh
sovereignty became its chief aim.

571

Who wrote the poem "Heer Ranjha" (also known

simply as "Heer")?

Wans Shah.

572

He was born in Cuttack in 1897. He ranked 4lh in

the ICS (the forerunner of the IAS) exam but
resigned. He was elected President of the Indian
National Congress in 1938 and 1939, in spite of
opposition from Mahatma Gandhi. He organised
the Azad Hind Fauj founded by Ras Behari Bose.
Who was he?

Subhas Chandra Bose.

573

The Revolt of 1857 started in Meerut. To which

regiment did the Sepoys belong?

3rd Cavalry.

574

What was the immediate cause of the revolt?

The introduction of the New Enfield Rifle whose

cartridges were believed to be greased with the
fat of cows and pigs. Both Hindus and Muslims
resented this.

575

Who led the revolt in Kanpur?

NanaSaheb.

576

Which was die Maratha family that established

itself in Baroda?

The Gaekwads established themselves at

Baroda, the Bhonsales at Nagpur, Holkars at
Indore and the Sindhias at Gwalior.

577

What were the Dastaks?

They were passes that the East India Company

had the right to issue for the movement of
goods. The East India Company did not pay any
taxes on these goods.

578

The English secured the Diwani of Bengal from

the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam. This Diwani was
however different from the existing practice by
the Mughals. In what respect?

The English got their Diwani rights permanently

as opposed to the practice of limited tenure.
Also under the Mughal system the office was
given to an individual.

579

What did the Charter Act of 1833 achieve?

It divested the East India Company of its

commercial functions.

580

He was born in 1856 in Ratnagiri. He was one of

the founders of the Poona New English School. In
1908 he was sentenced to 6 years imprisonment
in Mandalay. He died in August 1920. Who is he?

Bal Gangadhar Tilak.

581

Who recaptured Jhansi for die British?

Sir Hugh Rose.

582

The Sikhs were organised into a confederacy of

12 units. What was the term given to these
units?

Misl.

583

Who was the first Peshwa of the Maratha

Balaji Vishwanath.

kingdom?
584

What help did Balaji Vishwanath render the

Sayyid brothers?

He marched to Delhi and helped them

overthrow the Mughal Emperor Farrukh Siyar.
(1719).

585

Who succeeded Balaji Vishwanath as the Peshwa? BajiRaoI.

586

He was born in 1888 in Mecca. He was a scholar

of Arabic, Persian, Urdu and fluent in Islamic
theology. He was the education minister in
Nehru's cabinet. Who was he?

Abdul Kalam Azad.

587

What was the Rowlatt Act?

The Rowlatt Act sought to impose wartime

restrictions on civil liberties on a permanent
basis. It provided for detention without trial.

588

Who is called the 'Mother of the Indian

Revolution'?

Madam Bhikhaji Rustam K.R. Cama.

589

When did Bhikhaji Cama unfurl the Indian flag?

August 1907 at the International Socialist

Congress held in Stuttgart. This was a tricolour
in green, red and yellow.

590

What was the revolutionary Jatin Mukherji

popularly known as?

Bagha Jatin.

591

Why did all the Congress ministers resign in

1939?

The working committee of the Congress asked

the British Government to state whether their
war aims included the elimination of imperialism
and the treatment of India as a free nation. The
British did not give a satisfactory reply. Hence
they all resigned.

592

When was the Sharada Act for prevention of child

marriage passed?

In 1929. It was to come into force from 1930.

593

Who founded the "Mirat-ul-Akbhar", the first

Journal in Persian and the "Banga-Dutta" a
weekly in four Languages?

Raja Ram Mohan Roy.

594

He was a watchmaker by profession and had

come to India from Netherlands in 1800. He
however spent his entire life promoting education
in India. He founded the Hindu College in
Calcutta to take forward his ideas. Who was he?

David Hare.

595

He was the Principal of die Sanskrit College in

Calcutta and opened its gates to non-Brahmin
students. He was a great proponent of widowremarriages and the first lawful Hindu widow
remarriage among the upper castes was
celebrated under his supervision. Who was he?

Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar.

596

Who started the Swatantra Party?

C. Rajagopalachari.

597

Who gave the slogan "Do or Die"?

Mahtma Gandhi. While launching the Quit India

movement.

598

Where is JalHanwala Baug?

In Amritsar.

599

What infamous event occurred on April 13, 1919?

The Jallianwala Baug massacre.

600

Why were people gathered at the JallianwaJa

Baug?

They had gathered there to protest against the

arrest of their leaders Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew
and Dr. Satyapal.

601

Who was the first Governor General of

Bengal?

Warren Hastings.

602

What was the most important difference

between the British and other conquerors of
India?

Previous invaders became an integral part of India,

whereas the British always maintained their own
identity.

603

Who was the Maratha general who

repeatedly fought against die British during
die 1857 revolt and later kept harassing the
British with guerrilla warfare till he was
betrayed by Mansingh and hanged by the
British?

TatiaTope.

604

When was the Champaran Agitation

launched?

The Champaran agitation was launched in the

Champaran district of Bihar. It was against the
English landlords who used to force the peasants, to
cultivate indigo. When synthetic indigo was
discovered they began to force the peasants to pay
them compensation for not growing indigo any
longer.

605

Which area did the Japanese hand over to

the Azad Hind Government?

Andaman and Nicobar islands.

606

Where did Mahatma Gandhi establish his first

ashram in India?

At Sabarmati, Ahmedabad.

607

Who popularised the Young India Journal?

Mahatma Gandhi.

608

Why did Mahatma Gandhi spin cloth daily?

To emphasise the dignity of labour and the value of

self-reliance. Gandhi once said that from among the
activities he was engaged in, khadi and uplift of the
scheduled castes was the most important to him.

609

Why was the Akali movement started?

To remove corrupt mahants from the Gurudwaras.

610

What was the unique mode of protest of the

population of Chirala (in present day Andhra
Pradesh) against the British?

The whole town refused to pay the municipal tax

and moved out of the village.

611

What was the Chauri Chaura incident?

A crowd angered by police firing set Fire to a police

station killing many policemen.

612

What was the impact of the Chauri Chaura

incident on the Freedom struggle?

Gandhiji suspended the struggle because he felt

people had yet to understand the concept of nonviolence.

613

Where was the decision to suspend the

agitation taken?

Bardoli in Gujarat.

614

Who founded the Swarajya party?

Chitta Ranjan Das and Motilal Nehru.

615

To which country did Subhas Chandra Bose

escape to carry on the Freedom Struggle?

Germany. He escaped from Calcutta (Kolkata) and

travelled through Peshawar, reaching Kabul via
Jalalabad. From there he went to Russia (with an
Italian passport) and then to Berlin from Moscow.

616

Who is the father of the Indian Chemical

Industry?

Prafulla Chandra Ray.

617

After Delhi fell to the British during the revolt

of 1857 what brutal act did the British officer
Hodson commit?

He shot dead the sons of Bahadur Shah at point

blank range.

618

Who passed a resolution declaring Sati illegal

and punishable by the courts?

William Bentinck.

619

Who led the rebellion of the Koyas (tribals of

the West Godavari district in Andhra
Pradesh) against the British?

Alluri Sitarama Raju.

620

When was Bengal first partitioned by the

British, leading to wide-spread agitation?

In 1905.

621

Who did the soldiers, who rebelled in Meerut,

declare as the Emperor of India?

The soldiers set out for Delhi from Meerut where

they were joined by the local infantry. Here they
proclaimed Bahadur Shah as the Emperor of India.

622

Who led the revolt at Lucknow?

Begum Hazrat Mahal of Awadh.

623

Who founded the Arya Samaj?

Swami Dayananda Saraswati in 1875.

624

What did Swami Dayananda Saraswati

regard as infallible?

The Vedas. He considered them to be the fountain of

knowledge.

625

Madam H.P. Blavatsky and Colonel H.S Olcott

founded the headquarters of this society at
Adyar, Madras. Which society was this?

The Theosophical Society.

626

Who was the first Indian to be elected to the

leadership of the Communist International?

M.N.Roy.

627

Who threw a bomb in the Central Legislative

Assembly?

Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt (on April 9,

1929).Their aim in throwing a bomb in the Central
Legislative Assembly was, as their leaflet pointed
out, "to make the deaf hear". Not to hurt anyone.

628

Which British general defeated Haider Ali?

EyreCooteinJuly 1781.

629

He was a member of the Hindustan Socialist

Republican Army. He was sentenced to death
for his role in the Kakori train conspiracy. He
composed the revolutionary song,
"Sarfaroshi ki tamana ab hamare dil mein
hai....." Name him.

Ram Prasad Bismil. (1897-1927).

630

Who became the Peshwa after the Battle of

Panipat?

Madhav Rao. After the death of Balaji Baji Rao.

631

Which Mughal Emperor became a pensioner

of the Marathas in 1771?

ShahAlam.

632

When was the Poona Pact signed by

Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar?

In 1932.

633

When did Mahatma Gandhi arrive in India

from South Africa?

1915 (January).

634

Who was the Viceroy who was assassinated

by a convict when he visited the Andamans?

Lord Mayo.

635

When was the "Quit India" Resolution

passed?

August 8, 1942, in Goculdas Tejpal Auditorium in

Bombay.

636

Who was the only Indian ruler who never

alied himself with the British to fight against
other Indian rulers?

Tipu Sultan.

637

Who were the signatories to the treaty of

Seringapatam (Srirangapatnam)?

Tipu Sultan and the British.

638

What were the important clauses of the

treaty of Seringapatam?

Tipu Sultan had to cede about half his territories to

the English and also pay Rs.330 lakhs as indemnity.
His two sons were also kept as hostages.

639

What was the Wood's Despatch? What is its

significance?

Sir Charles Wood sent an educational despatch that

formed the basis of the subsequent development of
university education in India. Based on the
principles outlined in Wood's Despatch three
universities were established in India in Calcutta
(Kolkata}, Bombay (Mumbai) and Madras (Chennai).

640

Who were the Siddhis?

They were people of Abyssinian descent who were

put in charge of important forts like Raigarh, Dabhol
and Ratnagiri by Aurangzeb. They were a maritime

power and constant source of problems for the

Marathas.
641

He was a revolutionary, who was arrested by

the British in the Maniktala bomb conspiracy.
In 1910, he went to Pondicherry and led a
life of a spiritualist. Who was he?

Aurobindo Ghosh.

642

Who founded the Benaras Hindu University?

Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya in 1916.

643

He entered politics with the Kheda

Satyagraha. In 1922 he played a leading role
in the Bardoli Satyagraha. He was
Independent India's first home minister.
Name him.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

644

Who succeeded Peshwa Baji Rao?

Peshwa Baji Rao was succeeded by Balaji Baji Rao.

645

Who was the Peshwa during the third battle

of Panipat?

Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao.

646

Who founded the Tattvabodhini Sabha? Later

he became a great leader of the Brahmo
Samaj movement.

Debendranath Tagore, father of Rabindranath

Tagore.

647

What was the Komagata Maru episode?

The Komagata Maru was a Japanese vessel that was

hired to take a large number of Punjabis to Canada.
The passengers were not allowed to disembark and
they therefore made their way back to India. The
Komagata Maru on return, docked at Budge-Budge
near Calcutta. The British ordered the passengers to
go to Punjab in a special train. Those who wanted to
go to Calcutta refused to do so and were fired upon,
leaving eighteen dead and twenty nine not being
accounted for.

648

After the Revolt, Bahadur Shah II was

arrested and deported to a city outside
modern India. Name the city.

Rangoon.

649

Who was the French Governor General who

helped Muzzafar Jung become the Nizam of
Hyderabad?

Dupleix.

650

How do we better know Narendranath Datta?

Swami Vivekananda.

651

Muazzam, Aurangazeb's son, succeeded him

to the throne of Delhi. On ascension he
assumed a royal title. What was the title?

Bahadur Shah.

652

Ranjit Singh was appointed the governor of

Kabul at the age of 19. Who appointed him?

ZamanShah.

653

Who was the 18th century Hindu ruler who

performed two Asvamedha sacrifices?

Sawai Jai Singh of Amber.

654

The English obtained the royal Farman from

the Nawabs of Bengal in 1717. There was
one privilege in the Farman that was to
prove an irritant. What was the privilege?

The freedom to export and import goods in Bengal

without paying customs duties.

655

Who was the judge who found Raghunath

Rao Peshwa, guilty of murder and said, "No
penalty other than death is prescribed for
such a crime"?

Ram Shastri Prabhune.

656

Who did General Hugh Rose refer to as "the

only man among the rebels"?

Rani Lakshmibai.

657

Who were the adversaries in the battle of

Wandiwash?

The British and the French. The supremacy of the

British was thoroughly established as the

consequences of this battle.

658

What was the result of the battle of

Wandiwash?

The British under Eyre Coote comprehensively

routed the French

659

Who coined the slogan "Jai Jawan, Jai

Kisan"?

Lal Bahadur Shastri. The slogan became immensely

popular and was soon on the lips of almost every
Indian.

660

Who said the following and in what context

".... in the sky of India, serene as it is, a
small cloud might arise, at first no bigger
than a man's hand but which growing larger
and larger, may at last threaten to burst and
overwhelm us with ruin."

Lord Canning. He was referring to the situation in

India just prior to he Revolt of 1857.

661

The first Round Table Conference was a

result of a suggestion by an Englishman to
the then British Prime Minister. Who was the
Britisher?

Sir John Simon (Chairman of the Simon

Commission)

662

Who was the sole representative of the

Congress at the second Round Table
Conference?

Mahatma Gandhi.

663

Who was the first President of the Indian

National Congress?

Womesh Chandra Banerji.

664

Who was the first Indian woman President of

the Indian National Congress?

Sarojini Naidu.

665

When did Mahatma Gandhi become the

President of the Indian National Congress?

1924.

666

Who was the President of the Congress in

1947 at the time of Independence?

Rajendra Prasad.

667

Who died fighting the police at Alfred Park in

Lucknow?

Chandrashekhar Azad. He shot himself with the last

bullet that he had been left with.

668

Who signed the Treaty of Salbai?

The Marathas and the English in 1782. The treaty

established beyond dispute, the dominance of the
British as the controlling factor in Indian politics.

669

What was the result of the Treaty of Salbai?

Though the English did not gain materially, it gave

them peace with the Marathas for 20 years, thereby
enabling them to fight other enemies such as the
French and Tipu Sultan.

670

Who was the chief minister of Peshwa Baji

Rao II?

Nana Fadnavis. He was responsible for preserving

the Maratha confederacy. He also resisted British
interference in Maratha affairs.

671

What is the meaning of the word

"Satyagraha"?

Satyagraha consists of two words : Satya (truth)

and agraha (insistence). The term was coined by
Mahatma Gandhi.

672

Who started the Home Rule movement?

Annie Besant. At the Congress session held in

Kolkata in 1917, the demand for home rule was
made eloquent by Ms. Annie Besant, the President
of the
session.

673

Who formulated the two nation theory?

M.A.Jinnah.

674

Over which area did the Asaf Jahis rule?

The state of Hyderabad as it then was.

675

Where did Aurobindo Ghosh begin to live

after renouncing an active political life?

In Pondicherry from 1910 till the end 1950.

676

Which was the first state of India to be

Andhra Pradesh.

formed on the basis of language?

677

Who was Gopal Ganesh Agarkar?

He was a social reformer of Maharashtra. He was

the founder editor of Kesari, but later concentrated
on a new newspaper he started called Sudharak.

678

Who was Kanaklata Barua?

Kanaklata Barua played an important role in the

freedom struggle. She was shot dead while holding
the congress flag during the Quit India movement.

679

Who led the Santhals who were armed with

only bows and arrows?

BirsaMunda.

680

A prominent Naga fighter she spent eighteen

years in prison for her role in the freedom
struggle. Who was she?

Gidalyu Rani who led the Nagas. She was released

in 1949.

681

When did the Naval Mutiny break out?

February 1946

682

He was born in 1889 at Allahabad. He was

sent to England for studies and returned to
India in 1912. He made his first appearance
on the Congress platform as a delegate in
1912 at the Bankipore session. In 1923 he
was elected General Secretary of the
Congress. Who was he?

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

683

Who were the adversaries at the Battle of

Plassey?

The British fought Siraj-ud-Daulah the Nawab of

Bengal.

684

In the Battle of Plassey, a major part of

Siraj-ud-Daulah's army did not take part in
the fighting. Why was this?

Mir Jafar and Rai Durlabh who commanded a major

portion of the army had turned traitors and did not
join in the battle.

685

Who were the only two leading men of Sirajud-Daulah's court who took active part in the
Battle of Plassey?

Mir Madan and Mohan Lal.

686

Who was raised to the throne of Bengal after

the Battle of Plassey?

Mir Jafar.

687

Who succeeded Mir Jaffar to the throne of

Bengal?

Mir Kasim, his son-in-law.

688

Who devised the system of "Subsidiary

Alliances"?

Lord Wellesley. By using Subsidiary Alliances Lord

Wellesley saw to it that the Indian princes remained
helpless and would soon be unable to govern their
territory without the help of the British army.

689

How did Tipu Sultan die?

He died fighting the English on May 4, 1799?

690

What role did the Chapekar brothers play in

the Freedom struggle?

Damodar Chapekar along with his two brothers,

Vasudev and Balakrishna, fired at Rand and then
disappeared in the dark. They were arrested later
and were hanged.

691

He worked throughout his life for the uplift of

the 'untouchables'. He was the law minister
in the interim government. He was the
Chairman of the Constituent Assembly's
Drafting Committee. Who
was he?

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

692

Which day was fixed as the first

Independence Day?

31st December 1929.

693

When was the Indian Tri-colour (saffron,

white and green) hoisted for the first time?

December 31, 1929. At the Congress session.

694

If anyone wanted to meet Mahatma Gandhi

on the 6lh of April 1930, where would they

To Dandi. On this day Gandhiji breached the salt

law.

have needed to go?

695

Who organised the society of Khudai

Khidmatgars (servants of god)?

Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan.

696

Why did Subhas Bose resign from the

Presidentship of the Congress in 1939?

He did so because of opposition from Gandhiji.

697

Which party did Subhas Bose found?

Forward Bloc.

698

Who was responsible (as President of the

"Committee of Public Instruction") for the
introduction of English education in India?

Thomas Babington Macaulay.

699

Whom did Ahmed Shah Abdali serve as a

general before proclaiming himself king?

Nadir Shah. Ahmed Shah Abdali proclaimed himself

king of Afghanistan after Nadir Shah's assassination.

700

What was the title adopted by Ahmed Shah

Abdali when he crowned himself ruler of
Afghanistan?

Durr-i-Durran, 'The pearl of the age.' His clan came

to be known as Durrani.

701

What were the Morley Minto reforms?

In 1909, the reforms introduced by Morley and

Minto provided for the association of qualified
Indians with the Government of India to a greater
extent in deciding public queries.

702

Who did the Marathas decisively defeat in the The Nizam-ul-Mulk of Hyderabad. This campaign
Palkhed campaign of 1727-28?
ensured that the Nizam's attempt at challenging
Maralha supremacy failed.

703

Which French Governor has been given the

credit of using Indian Sepoys in his army?

Dupleix.

704

Who handed over the leadership of the

Independence Movement in East Asia to
Subhas Chandra Bose?

Rash Behari Bose (on July 4, 1943).

705

What was the slogan adopted by the Muslim

League at its Karachi Session in 1943?

Divide and Quit.

706

Who is Subramania Bharati?

A Tamil poet and nationalist of the early 20th

Century.

707

Who was the Viceroy at the time of

Indepenence?

Lord Louis Mountbatten.

708

Who was hired by a group of Porbandar

Muslims (who were working in Natal, South
Africa) as their lawyer in!893?

M.K. Gandhi.

709

Where did Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose set

up the provisional government of free India?

In Singapore. It had been renamed Shonan. Subhas

Chandra Bose regularly addressed Indians from
Shonan Radio.

710

Who gave the first call for the freedom

struggle in
1857?

Mangal Pandey.

711

Who was the freedom fighter who led the

Ramoshis of Maharashtra?

Vasudev Balwant Phadke.

712

He was popularly known as Sher-1-Punjab.

LalaLajpatRai.
He founded the weekly "The People". He died
due to the injuries he received from a brutal
lathi charge by the police when protesting
against the Simon Commission. Who was he?

713

Who initiated the celebration of the Ganapati

Festival and the Shivaji Jayanti as social
activities to awaken the people?

Lokamanya Tilak.

714

What was the slogan that electrified the

Bande Mataram.

nation when Bengal was partitioned?

715

What was the Poona Pact?

The pact between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr.

Ambedkar. This pact was against the separate
electorates announced by the British.

716

What was the Act which granted partial

autonomy to the Provinces?

Government of India Act of 1935.

717

Who was the Governor General of India who

added the maximum extent of Indian
territories to the East India Company?

Lord Dalhousie

718

Who was the Governor General of India when Lord Canning

the
Revolt of 1857 broke out?

719

Which Act passed by the British was termed

the
Gagging Act?

The Vernacular Press Act, 1878. This Act

empowered a magistrate to stop a publisher from
publishing anything that would create disaffection
against the government.

720

Who was responsible for the partition of

Bengal in 1905?

Lord Curzon.

721

During whose Viceroyalty was the capital

changed from Calcutta to Delhi?

Lord Hardinge (in 1912).

722

What was the Khilafat movement?

The Sultan of Turkey, who was the Caliph, was

deposed after World War I. The Khilafat Movement
was launched in India to defend the prestige of the
Caliph.

723

Her real name was Madeleine Slade. She was

a devoted follower of Gandhiji. What was the
name given to her by Gandhiji?

MeeraBehn.

724

The British created the Kingdom of Satara

out of the Peshwa's lands. Who was it given
to?

A descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji.

725

To which party did Chandrashekar Azad

belong?

Hindustan Socialist Republican Association.

726

Who was the leader, whose death led Bhagat

Singh, Azad and Rajguru to assassinate the
British police officer Saunders?

Lala Lajpat Rai.

727

In April 1930, the revolutionary Surya Sen

led an activity. What was it?

He organised an armed raid on the government

armoury at Chittagong.

728

Who were executed on March 23, 1931?

Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru in Lahore

prison.

729

In 1927, the British Government appointed

the Indian Statutory Commission. How was it
popularly known as?

Simon Commission.

730

What was interesting about Jawaharlal Nehru

taking over the Presidentship of the Indian
National Congress at the Lahore session of
1929?

He succeeded his father Motilal Nehru.

731

At which session was a resolution passed

which declared "Poorna Swaraj" (total
freedom) as the Congress objective?

At the session held at Lahore, 1929.

732

Who conceived of the idea of setting up the

Indian National Congress?

Allan Octavian Hume.

733

What did Mahatma Gandhi describe as a

The Cripps offer of Independence.

post-dated cheque?
734

Who was the admiral who recreated the

Maratha navy almost single handed?

Kanhoji Angrey (also spelt Angria).