CHAPTER SECTION - D : GENERAL AWARENESS 1 HISTORY ANCIENT INDIA ANCIENT HISTORY OF INDIA The earliest periods of Indian history are known only through reconstructions from archaeological evidence. Since the late 20th century, much new data has emerged. Now we are in a position to divide the ancient Indian history in the following manner : 1. The early prehistoric period (before the 8th millennium BCE) 2. The period of the prehistoric agriculturalists and pastoralists (approximately the 8th to the mid-4th millennium BCE). 3. The Early Indus or Early Harappan period witnessing the emergence of the first cities in the Indus River System (C. 3500–2600 BCE). 4. The Indus or Harappan, civilization (C. 2600–2000 BCE, or perhaps ending as late as 1750 BCE), and 5. The post-urban period, which follows the Indus civilization and precedes the rise of cities in northern India during the second quarter of the 1st millennium BCE (C. 1750–750 BCE) INDUS VALLEY CIVILISATION (ABOUT 2500 TO 1750 BC) The Indus valley civilization (IVC) was a unique bronze age civilization and one of the most ancient urban civilizations in the world. The Civilization flourished around the Indus river basin and its tributaries, consist of modern Pakistan and northwestern India. Mohenjodaro is the largest site and Allahdino the smallest site in the civilization. BASIC FEATURES OF INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION Town planning : Harappan cities were divided into two parts - a fortified settlement on the high mounds called 'citadels' and the main residential areas called 'lower town', 'citadel' was smaller in area than the 'lower town' and located to the west of the cities. The streets ran in straight lines crossing one another at right angles. Houses stood on both sides of the streets. Houses, drains, wells and bathing platforms were made of Klin-burnt bricks. Most of the houses had wells within them and a drainage system carried the waste water to the main underground drain of the street. The main streets ran from north to south varied from 9 feet to 34 ft in width. The Great Bath of Mohenjodaro is the most important public place measuring 39 feet (length) × 23 feet (breadth) × 8 feet (depth) and the great granary found here is largest building measuring 150 feet (length) × 50 feet (breadth). It is located within the citadel and next to the Great Bath. Metallurgy : People were familiar with certain new technologies in metallurgy. They used these methods for the production of lead, copper, tin and bronze. Seals were decorated with animal motifs such as elephants, buffaloes, tigers, and most of all unicorns. Agriculture : The civilization subsisted primarily by irrigationbased agriculture. They used sickles stone blades, which were mounted on wooden sticks for cultivation purposes. Wheat and six-row barley; field peas, mustard, sesame seeds, etc. were grown. Political system : It is speculated that the rulers might have been wealthy merchants, or powerful landlords or spiritual leaders. Writing system : Their scripts were pictographic and written from right to left like modern Urdu. These scripts are found on various seals, pottery copper tablets, tools etc. It is not deciphered yet. Religious life : Harappan people had features of Hinduism, such as worship of the mother Goddess, Pashupati Shiva, Sacred animals, trees etc. Reason of decline of the Indus Valley Civilization : After 700 years, the Harappan cities began to decline. The main reason for decline of the Indus valley civilization was a shift in the course of the river and natural disasters such as drought, floods, etc or long-term climate change. Some scientists also believe that the war with the Aryan civilization can also be a cause of their decline. MAJOR IMPORTS Material S ource place Gold Kolar (Karn ataka, A fgh anis tan, Pers ia Silver A fgh anis tan, Pers ia (Iran ) Cop per Khetri (Rajas than ), Balu chis tan, A rabia Tin A fgh anis tan, Central A s ia, Bih ar A gates W es tern India. Lead Rajas than , So uth India, A fgh anis tan, Iran Lapis Lazuri & Badak-s han (A fgh anis tan) Sapp hire Torqu is e Central A s ia, Iran A meth ys t M ah aras h tra THE VEDIC AGE (1500 BC TO 500 BC) The Vedic Period or the Vedic Age refers to the period when the Vedic Sanskrit texts were composed in India. During the early part of the Vedic period, the Indo-Aryans settled on the IndoGangetic Plains. The Vedic Age was followed by the golden age of Hinduism and classical Sanskrit literature, the Maurya Empire and the Middle Kingdoms of India. 2 The Vedas : Aryans developed Vedic culture based on Vedas.The Vedic literature consists of the four Vedas - Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharva Veda. Besides the Vedas, there are other Holy books like the Brahmanas, the Upanishads, Aranyakas and the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata The Rig Veda is the oldest of the four Vedas and it consists of 1028 hymns. Hymns were sung in honour of various gods. It refers to Saptasindhu or the land of seven rivers including the five rivers of the Punjab, namely Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej along with the Indus and Sarasvati. The Yajur Veda consists of various details of the rules which must be adhered at the time of sacrifice. The Sama Veda is a set of melody for singing during sacrifices. It is called the book of songs and the origins of Indian music can be traced in it. The Atharva Veda contains details of rituals of worship. Political Organization : The basic unit of political organization was Kula or family. Several families came together to form a village or Grama. The leader of the Grama was known as Gramani. A group of villages constituted a larger unit called visu, headed by vishayapati. The highest political unit was called Jana or tribe. There were two popular bodies called Sabha ( Council of Elders), Samiti ( General Assembly). Social Organization : The society was clearly divided into four varnas: bhahmanas, Kshatriyas, vaisyas and sudras in the Vedic period. Each Varna was allowed well-defined jobs, although it was emphasized that Varna was based on birth and two higher varnas were given some privileges. Religion : The Vedic Aryans worshipped the forces of nature such as Earth, Fire, Wind, Rain and Thunder. There were no temples, and no idol worship in the period. Elaborate rituals were followed during worship. Economic Condition : The Rig Vedic Aryans were a pastoral people and their main occupation was cattle rearing. When they finally settled in Northern India, they began the practice of agriculture. They were able to clear forests and bring more land under cultivation. Carpentry is another very important profession. Carpenters made chariots and ploughs. Workers of metal made a variety of products with copper and bronze. Spinning was another important profession and cotton and woolen fabrics were made. RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS JAINISM • • • • • Rishabhadeve was the founder of Jainism and the first Tirthankara. Mahavira was the last of the 24 tirthankaras, or great teachers. Their teachings constitute the core of the religion of Jainism. Mahavira was born at Kundagrama (near Vaishali), in Bihar around 2500 years ago. His father was the head of the Jnatrika clan and his mother was a Lichchavi princess At the age of 30, Mahavira left his home. For the the next 12 years, he wandered from place to place in search of knowledge. In the end he realised perfect perception, knowledge, power and bliss. This implementation is called keval-Jnana. Mahavira travelled from place to place preaching his message. He visited the court of Bimbisara and Ajatashatru. • • • Five doctrines of Jainism: (i) Ahinsa (non-violence) (ii) Satya (do not speak a lie) (iii) Aehaurya (do not steal) (iv) Brahmacharya (celibacy) and (v) Aparigraha (nonpossessiveness). Ratnatraya (three jewels) of Jainism - Samyagdarshan (right belief), Samyagyana (correct knowledge), and Samyak Charitra (correct behaviour). One of the three cannot exist exclusive of the others, and all are required for spiritual liberation. The followers of Jainsism divided into Digambaras (skyclad or naked) and Svetambaras (white-clad). BUDDHISM • Gautam Buddha was the founder of Buddhism. His real name was Siddhartha. He was born as a royal prince in 624 BC at a place called Lumbini, Bihar, now part of Nepal. • His father was a king named Suddodana Tharu, the chief of the Shakya clan, and his mother's name was Mahamaya. • Siddhartha left home to seek knowledge and the true meaning of life. For six years, he wandered from place to place. After many days of intense meditation, he discovered enlightenment under the Peepal tree in Gaya, Bihar at the age of 35. He thus, became the 'Buddha', the enlightened or the Awakened or the Wise one. • He gave his first sermon at the Deer Park in Sarnath. It is known as the Dharmachkra Pravartana (setting in motion the wheel of dharma). • The Tiratana (Three Jewels) of Buddhism are Buddha (The Enlightened), Dhamma (The Teaching) and Sangha (The Community). • The Buddhism spread over worldwide due to the missionaries activities of Emperor Ashoka. Buddhist Councils : According to Pali literature four councils were held to draw up the canonical texts and the creed in their pure form. The First Council was held at Rajgir, presided by Molakassapa. At this council, Vinaya Pitaka and Sutra Pitak were compiled. The Second Council was held at vaishali in 383 BC In it Vinaya Pitaka was revised and the daily activities of the monks were settled. The Third Council was held in Patliputra in 250 BC during the reign of Ashoka. Moggliputta Tissa presided over it. At this council Abhidhamma Pitaka were collected. The Fourth Council was held under Kanishka in Kashmir, presided by Vasumitra and Asvaghosa acted as vice president of this council. The proceedings of this council were confirmed to the composition of commentaries. Buddhism divided into two sects in this council- Hinayana and Mahayana. JANPADAS AND MAHAJANPADAS (600 BC TO 300 BC) The term janapada part janas means "man" or "subject" and pada means foot". Janapada were the first places, merchants, artisans and craftsmen akin to marketplace or town surrounded by villages. With developments janpadas became more powerful and turned into mahajanpadas (great states). There were 16 Mahajanpadas. Buy books : http://www.dishapublication.com/entrance-exams-books/ssc-exams.html 3 Sl. No. Mahajanapadas 1 Gandhara • Taxila Capitals Present places A part of Afghanistan 2 Kamboja Rajpur Part of Kashmir and Afghanistan 3 Asmaka Potana Godavari Valley 4 Vatsa Kaushambi Allahabad 5 Avanti Ujjain Malwa and a part of M.P 6 Surasena Mathura Mathura in U.P 7 Chedi Shuktimati Bundelkhand in M.P 8 Malla Kushinara, Pawa Eastern U.P 9 Kurus Hstinapur/Indraprashta Delhi and Meerut 10 Matasya Virat Nagari Jaipur and Alwar 11 Vajjis Vaishali North Bihar 12 Anga Champa Bhagalpur and Monghyr in Bihar 13 Kashi Banaras Banaras 14 Kosala Shravasti Oudh in U.P 15 Magadha Girivraja/ Rajgriha Patna and Gaya in Bihar 16 Panchala Ahichhatra/Kampilya Rohilkhand in U.P The Mahajanapadas of Vijji, Malla, Kuru, Panchala and Kamboja were republican states and ruled by a group of elected rulers by the common people. • MAGADHA EMPIRE • • • • • • • • • • • Magadha was the cradle of most of the important and powerful Indian empires. Soon this kingdom lost to the Nandas (361–321 BC) and finally to the Mauryas. Mahapadma Nanda was the most famous ruler of the Nanda Dynasty. Chandragupta Maurya, the founder and the most powerful king of the Mauryan dynasty overthrew the last Nanda ruler and established his own empire. He was supported by an efficient minister Chanakya who authored the Arthasastra (a political treatise) that formed the basis of political agenda practised by most Hindu sovereigns. Alexander of Greece (327 BC) entered North-West India pursuing his chain of victories over Gandhara. He died on his way back to Babylon, Iraq in 323BC. Greek writers belonging to the Mauryan times stated that after Alexander’s death, Seleucus Nicator ruled the eastern part of Alexander’s Empire. Bindusara succeeded Chandragupta and further expanded the empire. Bindusara was succeeded by Ashoka and he was one of the greatest rulers of India. His records are well documented, unlike previous empires. The first major event inscribed by Ashoka himself is about Kalinga (modern Orissa) war. This was the first and last battle fought by him. He embraced Buddhism and adopted the policy of Ahimsa or Non-violence after Kalinga war. In Ashoka’s times, the king was the head of the state and was assisted by ‘mantriparishad’— council of ministers. Pataliputra — the capital city was administered by the chiefnagarika with the city council of 30 members, who in turn had 6 boards, each board incharge of various functions. All cities were administered like Pataliputra. MAJOR DYNASTIES AND RULERS OF INDIA THE HARYANKA DYNASTY (544 - 412 BC) • • • • Bimbisara (544 - 492 BC) was the first ruler of Haryanka dynasty. The capital of the kingdom was Rajagriha that was initially shifted to Pataliputra The Haryanka king Bimbisara expanded the boundaries of the kingdom through matrimonial alliances and conquests. He is considered to be the contemporary of Lord Mahavira and follower of Jainism. Under Bimbisara's son and successor, Ajatashatru (551- 519 BC) the kingdom expanded. According to the Mahavamsa text Udayabhadra succeeded his father, Ajatashatru. He shifted the capital of the Magadha kingdom to Pataliputra. A succession of three weak kings, Anuruddha, Munda and Nagadasaka ascended the throne after him. SHISHUNAGA DYNASTY (412 - 344 BC) • • • • The last Haryanka ruler, Nagadasaka, was killed by his courtier Shishunaga in 430 BC, who became the king and founded the Shishunaga dynasty. He further strengthened Magadha by annexing Avanti and Vatsa and turned Magadha into the most powerful kingdom in north India. He shifted its capital from Rajgriha to Patliputra. Shishunaga was succeeded by his son Kalashoka. The Second Buddhist Council was organised at Vaishali under the sponsorship of Kalashoka in 383 BC. The last ruler of Shishunaga dynasty was Nandivardhan. Buy books : http://www.dishapublication.com/entrance-exams-books/ssc-exams.html 4 NANDA DYNASTY (344-321 BC) • • • • Mahapadmananda established the Nanda dynasty into a powerful empire. It was a Non-Kshatriya dynasty in the history of India that extended from Punjab in the west to Bihar in the east. Mahapadmananda had the titles of Ekarat and Sarvakshatrantaka. The Nanda dynasty had a huge army consisting of 2,00,000 lakh infantry, 20,000 cavalry, 2,000 war chariots and 3,000 war elephants. Last ruler of Nanda dynasty was Dhanananda. He was contemporary of Alexander. Alexander invasion of India took place in 326 BC during the reign of Dhanananda. THE MAURYA EMPIRE (322 - 185 BC) • • • • • • • Chandragupta Maurya founded the Maurya Empire with the help of Chanakya (author of the Arthashastra). He defeated the king Dhanananda. He conquered the Magadha kingdom and established his capital at Pataliputra (now Patna). Maurya Empire was the largest empire of world at that time. It extended from the Himalayas in the north to the Mahisur and Madras in the south and from Assam in the east to the Balochistan in the west. Seleucus I sent Megasthenes (author of the Indika) as his ambassador to the court of Chandragupta Maurya in Pataliputra. Chandragupta Maurya was succeeded by his son Bindusara who expanded the Maurya Empire to the Southern regions of the Indian Subcontinent. Bindusara was followed by his son, Asoka (reigned 272232 BC). Asoka proved to be one of the most remarkable, and attractive, rulers in the whole of world history. After a bloody war against Kalinga, in eastern India, Asoka renounced warfare and converted to Buddhism and actively promoted the spread of Buddhism by sending missions abroad, to Sri Lanka, South East Asia and Greek-speaking kingdoms to the west. The last emperor of Maurya Empire was Brihadratha. SUNGA DYNASTY (185 TO 73 BC) • • • The Sunga dynasty was established by Pushyamitra Sunga. The Sunga Empire was a Magadha dynasty and its capital was Pataliputra. The Sunga rulers were Pushyamitra Sunga, Agnimitra, Vasujyeshtha, Vasumitra, Andhraka Pulindaka, Ghosha, Vajramitra, Bhagabhadra and Devabhuti. Sunga dynasty was known for its many wars, with both foreign and indigenous authority, although a few kings were patrons of Buddhism. THE SANGAM AGE • The Iron Age in South India laid the foundation stone for a golden period which began in 300 BC and lasted till 300 AD. This period, popularly known as SANGAM AGE, is widely regarded as the golden age of the Tamils. • • • The literature collectively produced by the ancient Tamilian poets is commonly known as the Sangam literature. Sangam literature makes a mention of three kingdoms— Chola, Chera and Pandiyan. All the three kingdoms had Victorious Expeditions in the north and some of them had territories up to north India. SATVAHANA DYNASTY • Gautamiputra Satakarni was the famous king of Satvahana dynasty. He defeated the Sakas, Yavanas (Greeks) and Pahlavas (Parithans). • His Empire stretched to Banavasi in the South, and in Maharashtra, konkan region, Saurashtra, Malwa, West, Rajasthan and Vidharbha. • Satavahanas rulers were known as the lords of the dakshinapatha (route leading to the South of the region). PALLAVA (550 - 750 AD) • Pallava was a pastoral tribe who ruled the southern parts of India. Pallava territory stretched from the North Odissi in Tanjore and Trichi in the extreme South. • They established their capital at Kanchi (modern Kanchipuram near Chennai), which gradually became popular and famous for its temples and as a centre of Vedic learning. THE SAKAS • The Sakas were a nomadic tribe of Central Asia who were driven out of their land by another tribe, Yeuh-Chi. • They established many kingdoms of which the most important were those of Taxila, Mathura, Nasik and Ujjain. Rudradaman of Ujjain was the most powerful Saka ruler who assumed the title of ‘Mahakshtrap’. THE GUPTA EMPIRE • Under the Gupta kings, India made such a progress in almost every field that it is regarded as the ‘Golden Age’. This dynasty ruled for a little more than two hundred years (from 320 to 540 AD). • Chandragupta I was the first important ruler of this dynasty. • Chandragupta I was succeeded by his illustrious son and one of the noblest kings of ancient India, Samudragupta. • He covered a long distance of 3,000 miles through dense forests with the same boldness as that of Alexander and Napoleon. • The most authentic source of information about Samudragupta is the Allahabad Pillar in the Allahabad Fort. It has an inscription composed by poet Harisena. • Chandragupta II the son and successor of Samudragupta, was another powerful ruler of the the Gupta dynasty. He is popularly known as Vikramaditya (or Sun of Power) and is often identified with Vikramaditya of Ujjain who patronised the famous Nav Ratnas. • Chandragupta II was succeeded by Kumargupta. It was during his reign that the Hunas, a barbaric nomadic tribe of Central Asia, invaded India. • Their first invasion was repulsed by the brave Gupta king Skandgupta. But soon after they conquered Punjab and Kashmir, their invasions shook the Gupta empire which soon broke into pieces. Buy books : http://www.dishapublication.com/entrance-exams-books/ssc-exams.html HARSHAVARDHANA • After the fall of the Gupta empire chaos and disorder prevailed everywhere. The Huna invasions created more confusion. It all led to the emergence of small kingdoms. Thanesar, near Kurukshetra, was one of them. It made great progress under Prabhakarvardhana and his son Harsha. • Harshavardhana is regarded as the last great ruler of ancient India. • The first task that Harsha accomplished after his accession to the throne of Thanesar was to march towards Kannauj, where first of all he saved his sister Rajyashri and then united the two kingdoms of Thanesar and Kannauj. Thereafter, he made Kannauj his capital. • According to Hieun Tsang, a Chinese pilgrim, Harsha spent six years of his reign (606 to 612 AD) in conquering the Five Indies, i.e., Eastern Punjab, Kannauj, Bengal, Bihar and Orissa and many other states. THE CHALUKYAS • • Pulakesin I (543 – 567 AD) established his own sovereign state at Vatapi (or modern Badami in Bijapur district) as his capital. His successors also extended the Chalukya empire. But the greatest ruler of this dynasty was Pulakesin II (608 – 647 AD). MEDIEVAL INDIA • • In India, the Medieval period is considered to be the time period between the 8th century AD and the 18th century AD. This Medieval Period is sometimes divided into two parts. The period from the 8th to the beginning of the 13th century is regarded as the Early Medieval Period while the period from the 13th century onward upto the 18th century is regarded as the Later Medieval Period. NORTH INDIA (800 - 1200 AD) THE PALAS • The Pala Dynasty was the ruling Dynasty in Bihar and Bengal India, from the 8th to the 12th century. • The founder of this dynasty was Gopala I who was elected as the king by the people. Dharampala and Devapala were the most famous rulers of this dynasty. • The Palas were supporters of Buddhism, and it was through missionaries from their kingdom that Buddhism was finally established in Tibet. THE GURJARA-PRATIHARAS • The Gurjara-Pratiharas were the early Rajputs who began theri rule from Gujarat and south western Rajasthan. Later they ruled from Kannauj. • Nagabhata I was the first great ruler of the dynasty. He defeated the Muslim forces of Arab. Bhoja I (AD 836-885) was the most famous ruler of this dynasty and adopted the title of Adivaraha. THE RASHTRAKUTAS • The founder of the Rashtrakuta power was Dantivarma or Dantidurga who was a contemporary of Chalukya King • • 5 Pulakeshin II. Dantidurga occupied all territories between the Godavari and the Vima. Their capital was at Manyakheta. The Rashtrakutas kept on the best of terms with the Arabs of Sindh and enriched their subjects by encouraging commerce. The king Amonghavarsha I himself authored a part of Kavirajamarga, the earliest known Kannada poem. SOCIETY, ECONOMY AND RELIGION IN NORTH INDIA • Women occupied a respectable position in the Rajput society. They could choose their husband in Swayamvara. They were honoured and protected by men. They were given higher education. To save their honour and chastity, they would perform Jauhar or mass sacrifice. • Agriculture was the main occupation of the people. Trade and commerce flourished well. • India exported silk, cotton and woolen clothes, spices, precious stones, etc. and imported wine, dates and horses. • In the 4th century Chalukyas in Karnataka and Pallavas in Andhra Pradesh ruled for about 400 years. • The Chola power started emerging in South India from around 8th century. Vijayalya (846–871AD) established his rule in the Tamil land with Tanjore as his capital in about 846 AD. He is regarded as the founder of imperial Cholas. • Rajaraja I (985–1016 AD) : With the accession of Rajaraja I, the Chola empire witnessed a glorious period in history. He extended his empire both in the North and in the South. • Under him, the Cholas became a paramout power in the South. • Rajaraja I was a great builder. He constructed the beautiful Brihadesvara Temple of Shiva at Tanjore. Rajendra Chola (1016 – 1044 AD) • Rajendra succeeded his father Rajaraja I and carried on the aggressive policy. • He conquered the whole of Sri Lanka. It was made a province of Chola empire and named Mummadi Cholamandalam. SOUTH INDIA (850 - 1279 AD) CHOLAS DYNASTY (850 - 1279 AD) • The Cholas gained control and overthrew the Pallavas. They ruled the south of India and extended their empire over the seas and ruled parts of the Maldives and Sri Lanka. • The founder of Chola Kingdom was Vijayalaya who conquered the kingdom of Tanjore during mid 8th century. He was succeeded by his son Aditya-I. • Rajaraja Chola (985-1014 AD) was the one of the imperialistic and greatest Chola rulers. He maintained diplomatic ties with countries as distant as Burma (Myanmar), China, and Malaysia across the Indian Ocean and built a magnificent temple at Tanjore, which is named as Rajarajeshwar after his name. • Rajendra I (1012 1044 AD) went upto Bengal and became victorious on the banks of Ganges. He was given the title of "Gangaikonda" (the victor of Ganges). He built up a new capital called Gangaikondacholapuram. His greatest achievements was the conquest of Andaman and Nicobar islands. Buy books : http://www.dishapublication.com/entrance-exams-books/ssc-exams.html 6 • • Chola Dynasty was prosperous. It was divided into Mandalams or provinces, further sub-divided into Valanadus and Nadus. The Cholas built many temples and numerous sculptures were also found. They include bronze image of Nataraja, the divine dancer Shiva, dancing the dance of death and destruction. THE DELHI SULTANS The period between 1206 AD and 1526 AD in the History of India is known as the Period of the Delhi Sultans. RULERS OF DELHI : AT A GLANCE Ø Rajput Dynasties Tomaras Early twelfth century –1165 Ananga Pala 1130 – 1145 Chauhans 1165 – 1192 Prithviraj Chauhan 1175 – 1192 Ø Early Turkish Rulers 1206 –1290 Qutab–ud-din Aibak 1206 – 1210 Shamsuddin Iltutmish 1210 – 1236 Raziyya 1236 – 1240 Ghiyasuddin Balban 1266 – 1287 Ø Khalji Dynasty 1290 – 1320 Jalaluddin Khalji 1290 – 1296 Alauddin Khalji 1296 – 1316 Ø Tughlaq Dynasty 1320 – 1414 Ghiyasuddin Tughluq 1320 – 1324 Muhammad Tughluq 1324 – 1351 Firuz Shah Tughluq 1351 – 1388 Ø Sayyed Dynasty 1414 – 1451 Khizr Khan 1414 – 1421 Ø Lodhi Dynasty 1451 – 1526 Bahlul Lodhi 1451 – 1489 Sikander Lodhi 1488 – 1517 Ibrahim Lodhi 1517 – 1526 THE DELHI SULTANATE (1206 - 1526 AD) THE SOURCES OF MEDIEVAL INDIAN HISTORY Books Author Tughluq Nama Amir Khusrau Tarikh i Firoze Shahi Ziauddin barani Fatawa I Jahandari Ziauddin Barani Futuhat i Firoze Shahi Firoze Shan Tughluq Tabakat-I-Nasiri Minhaj-e-Siraj Kitab ur Rehla Ibn batutta Futuhus Salatin Abdullah Malik Isami • Mohammad Bin Qasim invaded India in 712, and conquered Sindh, which became a province of the Omayyad Caliphate. • Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni led about 17 expeditions to India to enrich himself by taking wealth from India. In 1025 he attacked and broke into the most famous Hindu temple of Somnath, which lies on the coast in the extreme South Kathiwar. • Muhammad Ghori invaded India and laid the Foundation of • Muslim rule in India. He defeated Prithvi Raj and captured Delhi in 1192. The Delhi Sultanate period can be divided into 5 dynasties viz the Slave dynasty, the Khilji dynasty, the Tughlaq dynasty, the Sayyid dynasty, the Lodhi dynasty (1451-1526). THE SLAVE DYNASTY (1206-1290) Qutubuddin Aibek 1206-1210 AD • He constructed two mosques-Quwat-ul-Islam at Delhi and Adhai din ka Jhonpra at Ajmer. He also began the construction of Qutub Minar, in the honour of famous Sufi Saint Khwaja Qutubuddin Bakhityar Kaki. • Aibek was great patron of learning and patronised writers like Hasan-un-Nizami, author of 'Taj-ul-Massir' and Fakhruddin, author of 'Tarikh-i-Mubarak Shah'. • He was given the title of Lakh Bakhsh (give of Lakhs.) • He died in 1210 while playing Chaugan or Polo Shamsuddin Iltutmish 1211-1236 AD • He was a slave by Qutubuddin Aybak and occupied the throne of Delhi in 1211 and made Delhi the capital in place of Lahore. • He presented silver coins (tanka) and copper coins (jital). He organised lqta system and introduced reforms in the civil administration and the army. • He established the official nobility slaves known as Chahalgani/Chlisa (a group of 40) • He completed the construction of the Qutub Minar, which was launched by Aibek. Razia Sultan: 1236-1240 AD • She was the first and only Muslim lady that ever ruled in India. She married Altunia and they both headed towards Delhi. • In 1240 AD, Razia was the victim of a conspiracy and was killed near Kaithal (Haryana). Ghiyasuddin Balban: 1266-1287 AD • Balban ascended the throne in 1266 and took the title of ZILi-Ilahi (the shadow of God). • He broke the power Chalisa and ran the prestige of the crown. It was his greatest contribution to the stability of the Sultanate. • He appointed spies and established a military Department Diwani-I-ARZ. • He created a strong centralized army to deal with internal disturbances and to check the Mongols, who were posing a serious danger to Delhi Sultante. THE KHILJI DYNASTY (1290-1320 AD) Jalauddin Khalji: 1290-1296 AD • Jalaluddin Kjilji founded Khilji dynasty and invaded the fort of Ranthambhor in 1290 • He followed soft and liberal policies. This kind of policy of the Sultan affected his foreign policy as well. Alauddin Khalji: 1296-1316 AD • He was the nephew and son-in-law of Jalaluddin Khilji. He killed Jalaluddin Khilji and took over the throne in 1296. • He was the first Turkish Sultan of Delhi who seperated religion from politics. He proclaimed 'Kingship knows no Kinship'. Buy books : http://www.dishapublication.com/entrance-exams-books/ssc-exams.html • • • Alauddin took control of Gujarat (1298), Ranthambhor (1301), Mewar (1303), Malwa (1305), Jalor (1311). In Deccan, Aluddin's army led by Malik Kafur defeated Ram Chandra, Pratap Rudradeva, Vir ballal III and Vir Pandya. The most important experiment undertaken by the Alauddin was the attempt to control the markets. Alauddin sought to control the prices of all commodities. He introduced the Dagh or branding system of horses and launched the first permanent standing army of India. THE TUGHLAQ DYNASTY (1320-1414 AD) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (1320-1325 AD) • Ghazi Malik, who assumed the title of Ghias-ud-din Tughlaq, was the founder of this third dynasty of the Sultanate. • He reformed judiciary and police departments. • He built a new city of Tughlakabad near Delhi. • He died in an accident and his son Jauna (Ulugh Khan) succeeded him under the title Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq. Mohammad-bin Tughlaq (1325-1351 AD) • Prince of Jauna, Son of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq ascended the throne in 1325. • He tried to introduce many administrative reforms such as taxation in the Doab (1326), transfer of Capital to Daulatabad (1327), introduction of Token Currency (1329) etc. • His project to conquer Persia (Khurasan Expedition), his dream to keep a huge standing army and his plans to invade China (Quarachil Expedition) finished his finances. Firoz Shah Tughlaq(1351-1388 AD) • He established of Diwan-i-Khairat (department for poor and needy people) and Diwan-l-Bundagan (department of slaves) and established four new towns, Firuzabad, Fatebabad, Jaunpur and Hissar. • He constructed some canals for irrigation from Yamuna to the city of Hissar, the Sutlej to the Ghaggar, the Ghaggar to Firuzabad and Mandvi and Sirmour Hills to Hansi in Haryana. • He made Iqtadari system hereditary. THE SAYYID DYNASTY (1414-50 AD) • • Timur's nominee Khizr Khan (1414-1421) captured Delhi and was proclaimed the new Sultan and the first of the Sayyid Dynasty. The other rulers of this dynasty were Mubarak Shah (14211434), Muhammad Shah (1434-1443), Alam Shah (1443-1451). They ruled over Delhi and surrounding districts. THE LODHI DYNASTY (1451-1526 AD) Bahlol Lodhi (1451-88 AD) • Bahlol Lodhi was a Afghan Sardar who founded the Lodhi dynasty and established himself in Punjab afer invasion of Timur • He tried to reinstate the glory of Delhi by conquering territories around Delhi and succeeded in extending his authority over Jaunpur, Rewail, Itawah, Mewar, Sambhal, Gwalior after a long war for 26 years. Sikandar Lodhi (1489-1517 AD) • Sikandar Lodhi shifted his capital from Delhi to Agra and conquered Bihar and Western Bengal. 7 • Sikandar was a obsessive Muslim and he broke the sacred images of the Jwalamukhi Temple at Naga Kot and ordered to destroy the temples of Mathura. • He introduced the Gaz-i-Sikandari (Sikandar's yard) of 32 digits for measuring cultivated fields. Ibrahim Lodhi (1517-1526) • Ibrahim Lodhi is the last Afghan sultan of Delhi of the Lodhi dynasty. • He was a suspicious tyrant who increasingly alienated his nobels during his reign. • The son of Sikandar, Ibrahim succeeded to the throne on his father’s death in the year 1517. • He faced contineous disputes between the royal family and Afghan nobles. • Daulat Khan Lodhi was noble. He was the governor of Punjab. Fearing his own safety he called in the Mughal King of Kabul, Babur, who advanced towards Delhi and defeated and killed Ibrahim in the first battle of Panipat. • This victory led to the founding of the Mughal Empire in India. THE MUGHALS (1526-1540 AD AND 1555-1857 AD) Babur (1526-1530 AD) • The Mughul era began with the Babur's victory over Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat (1526) with the support of Punjab's Governor, Daulat Khan Lodhi. • Babur was the first Mughal Emperor of India. He was from the princely family of mixed Mongol and Turkish blood, • Babur turned his attention to the Rajput confederacy and defeated Mewar ruler Rana Sanga in the Battle of Khanwa in 1527 and Medini Rai in the Battle of Chanderi (1528). • He fought against the Allied forces of Afghans in Bihar and Bengal. Sultan Nusrat Shah of Bengal faced severe defeat in the Battle of Ghaghra (1529). Humayun (1530-1556 AD) • Humayun succeeded the Babur at the young age of 23. • Humayun defeated Mahmood Lodhi, the Afghan of Bihar in the Battle of Dauhariya (1532). • He was defeated in the Battle of Chausa (1539) and Battle of Kanauj (1540) form Sher Shah Suri who became the ruler of Agra and Delhi. • Following this defeat, he was driven into exile in Persia. He regained his kingdom in 1555 after the end of rule of Suri Dynasty and laid the foundation of the city Din Panah at Delhi. • Humayun's Tomb was built by his widow Haji Begum. Akbar (1556-1605 AD) • Akbar took the responsibility of the kingdom under the • • • protection of Bairam Khan at the age of 13 years. Akbar reoccupied Delhi and Agra in the second battle of Panipat with Hemu, a general of Adil Shah. Akbar captured Ranthambor and Chittor and Ahmednagar and by 1595 Akbar's armies had conquered Kashmir, Sindh, Orrisa, Central India and Qandhar. He also conquered Gujarat (1572-1573) and Bengal (1574-1576). He built the Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri. Buy books : http://www.dishapublication.com/entrance-exams-books/ssc-exams.html 8 • There were nine Jewells or Nav-Ratnas in Akbar's court Abdul • Rahim, Abdul Fazal, Birbal, Faizi, Hamim Human, Raja Man Singh, Shaikh Mubarak, Tansen and Todar Mal. Akbar built Agra Fort (1565), Lahore Palace(1572), Fatehpur Sikri, Buland Darwaza and Allahabad fort (1583), Panch Mahal and Diwan-i-Khas at Fatehpur Sikri, the Jodhabai's Palace, Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas, Buland Darwaja (built after Gujarat victory), Jahangiri Mahal in Agra. Akbar’s Officers and Departments Wazir : Head of the revenue department Mir Bakshi : Head of the military department Barids : Intelligence officers Waqia navis : Reporters Mir Samant : In-charge of imperial household Qazi : Head of the judicial department Aurangzeb (1658-1707 AD) • He took the title of Alamgir in 1659 and was also called as Zinda Pir (the living saint). • He forbade inscription of Kalma on the coins and banned music in the court. • He ended Jarokha Darsha and celebration of Navroz. Jaziya (tax on non- muslim) was reintroduced by him. However the Hindu mansabdars maintained their high proportion during his rule. • Aurangzeb built Moti Mahal in the Red Fort, Delhi, the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore and Bibi Ka Makbara, which is the tomb of his wife Rabbia-ud-Daura in Aurangabad. Bahadur Shah I (1707-1712 AD) • After the death of Aurangzeb in 1707, struggle of succession started among rest of his three surviving sons - Muazzam, Azam and Khan Baksh. • Muazzam defeated Azam and Khan baksh and ascended the Mughal throne with the title of Bahadur Shah. • He pursued pacifist policy and was called Shah Bekhabar. He also assumed the title of Shah Alam I. He made peace with Guru Gobind Singh and Chatrasal. • He granted Sardeshmukhi to Marathas and also released Shahu. He forced Ajit Singh to submit, but later recognised him as the Rana of Mewar. AKBAR’S RELIGIOUS POLICIES • Akbar built an Ibadat Khana (House of Worship) at Fatehpur Sikri in 1575 to discuss religious matters of faith. • Akbar abolished the pilgrimage tax on Hindus in 1563. He also abolished Jizya in 1579. • His liberalism is reflected again in the pronouncement of Tauhid-i-Allahi or Din-i-Allahi, which propounded Sufi divine monotheism. Din-i-Allahi was viewed more as an order of people with a motto of peace with all (Suleh Kul) MEDIEVAL ARCHITECTURE AND CULTURE rather than chosen religion. Birbal, Abul Fazl and Faizi joined • Babur built two mosques, one at Kabulibagh in Panipat and Din-i-Allahi. the other at Sambhal in Rohilakhand. • Ralph Fitch was the first Englishman to visit Akbar’s court • Humayun’s tomb was built by his widow Haji Begum. in 1585. • Buland Darwaja (built after Gujarat victory), formed the main • Abul Faizi wrote Akbarnama, the appendix of which was entrance to Fatehpur Sikri. called Aina-i-Akbari. This section deals with the laws and • Jahangir built Moti Masjid in Lahore and his mausoleum at revenue system during the reign of Akbar. Shahdara (Lahore). • The Adhai-din- ka Jhopra at Ajmer has a beautiful prayer Jehangir (1605-1627 AD) hall, an exquisitely carved Mehrab of white marble and a • A treaty was signed between the Rana and the emperor (1615), decorative arch screen. which recognised Jehangir as the suzerain of Mewar. • Other buildings Taj Mahal, Lal Quila, Jama Masjid. • His wife Nur Jahan built Itimad-ud-Daula's (another name of Growth of Music Under the Mughals Mirza Ghiyas Beg) Marble tomb at Agra. • Music is forbidden in Islam but the Mughal emperors, except • Ain-e-Jahangiri is the collection of Jehangir 12 points on Aurangzeb, were great lovers of music. judicial probes. • Tansen was a court musician during Akbar’s reign. • He built Moti Mahal in Lahore and his own Mausoleum at • Music developed in various forms like Thumri, Khayal and Shahdara (Lahore). Ghazal. • His son Khurram (Shah Jahan) rebelled against him at the end of his reign. Shah Jahan (1627-1658 AD) EXPANSION OF BRITISH POWER • Shah Jahan was the son of Jahangir and a Rajput princess, • Sirajuddaula seiged the English factory at Kasimbazar. On who was daughter of Rana of Marwar. 20th June, 1756, Fort William surrendered but Robert Clive • He became emperor in 1627 and exhibited modernization as a ruler. recovered Calcutta. • Shah Jahan's policy towards Central Asia was to secure a • Battle of Plassy was fought on 23 June 1757. Owing to the position of Qandhar which the Persians had re-occupied conspiracy, the Nawab was defeated. during the Jehangir's reign. He occupied Badakshan and Balk • The company was granted undisputed right to free trade in in 1646. Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. It received the zamindari of 24 • He built the Taj Mahal at Agra and the Jama Masjid in Delhi. Parganas. Ustad Isa was the master architect under whose guidance, Mir Qasim soon revolted as he was angry with the British the Taj Mahal was designed and constructed in Agra. Its • for misusing the dastak (free duty passes). However, having construction took 22 years. been defeated by the British, he fled to Awadh, where he • He laid the foundation of Shahjahanabad in 1637 where he formed a confederacy with Awadh ruler Shujauddaula and built the Red Fort and Taqt-i-Taus (Peacock Throne). He also Mughal emperor Shah Alam II. built Nahar-i-Faiz. Buy books : http://www.dishapublication.com/entrance-exams-books/ssc-exams.html MODERN INDIA 9 • Battle of Buxar (1764) : Mir Qasim, Shujauddaula & Shah Alam II were defeated by Munro. • Dual Government of Bengal started in 1765. • The Company acquired both Diwani & Nizamat rights from Nazmuddaula, the Nawab of Bengal. But the company did not take over direct administration and revenue collection. • Warren Hastings ended the dual system of government in 1772. ADVENT OF THE EUROPEANS IN INDIA • • • • • • • Vascode Gama was sent in 1498 from Lisbon to find the direct Sea route from Europe to India. The Portuguese were able to establish their settlements near the sea in Diu, Daman, Salsette, Bassein, Chaul and Bombay on the western coast and San Thome near Madras and Hoogly in Bengal. In 1602, the Dutch East India Company was formed and the Dutch Parliament by a charter, gave it powers to make wars. In 18th century Dutch power in India began to decline and finally collapsed with their defeat by English in the battle of Bedara in 1759. English East India Company was founded in 1600 A.D. by the merchants of London, starting trade with India. Jahangir permitted the East India Company to establish factories at several places in the empire. Gradually the company established factories at Agra, Ahmedabad, Baroda, Broach, Bombay, Surat, Madras, Masulipatnam, and different parts of Orissa, Bihar, Bengal. The French East India Company was founded in 1664 A.D. The French factories established in Surat and Masulipatam and also laid the foundation at Pondicherry. POPULAR MOVEMENTS AND SOCIAL REFORMS • Soon after the establishment of the Company's rule over Bengal, Bihar and Orissa as a result of the Treaty of Allahabad signed in 1765 after the Battle of Buxar and till the end of the Company's rule in 1857, there were many revolts of the peasants in different parts of the country. PEASANT REVOLTS AND INDIGO RIOTS • It was led by the peasants accompanied by the Sanyasis and fakirs who organised themselves into armed groups, sometimes upto 50,000 and greatly harassed the British troops. • Some cultivators, like the Lathials, armed themselves to resist the cultivation of indigo. There was a strong demonstration against the cultivation of indigo in Champaran (Bihar) in 1866–68. SOCIAL REFORMS • • Raja Rammohan Roy did laudable work in the field of improving the lot of women. First of all he focussed his attention towards removing the evil practice of Sati. It was because of his cooperation that in 1829 AD Lord William Bentick could declare Sati as unlawful. He himself saved several widows from being burnt alive. Sir Sayed Ahmed Khan demanded a ban on the purdah system and polygamy among the Muslims. • • • • • Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar opened a number of schools for girls in Bengal and was closely associated with the Hindu Kanya Vidyalaya founded by J.E.D. Bethune. Swami Vivekananda was an active social reformer and an impassioned contributor to the Renaissance of the 19th century Bengal. Vivekananda inspired sister Nivedita to settle in Calcutta and work for the enlightenment of poor, downtrodden girls. The Arya Samaj was founded in 1875 in Bombay, for the general awakening of the Indian people by another outstanding personality named Swami Dayananda Saraswati. As he was a Vedic scholar who believed that the Vedas were infallible and that the wisdom inherent in the Vedas could solve the social problems of the country. GOVERNOR GENERALS, VICEROYS AND IMPORTANT EVENTS Warren Hastings (1772-1785 AD) : Collection of revenue was taken over by the Company, Zamindars were given judicial powers; establishment of civil and criminal courts in each district. Lord Cornwallis (1786-1793 AD) : Permanent settlement of Bengal, Reorganisation of the revenue courts and the criminal courts. Lord Wellesley, (1798-1805 AD) : Introduced Subsidiary Alliance system, opened colleges to train the Company's servants in Calcutta, was titled the Father of the Civil Services in India. Lord Minto I (1807-1813 AD) : Signed the treaty with Shah of Persia and Treaty of Amritsar (1809) with Ranjit Singh. Lord William Bentinck (1828-1833 AD) : Abolition of sati in 1829, abolition of provincial courts of appeal and circuit, power of the magistrate increased, appointment of Indians as judges, banning of female infanticide, banning of human sacrifice, reform in the Hindu Law of Inheritance. Lord Dalhousie (1848-1856 AD) : The Doctrine of Lapse, the second Burwese war, 1852, the second Anglo Sikh War, first railway line was laid from Bombay to Thana, 1853, set up of universities in Calcutta, Bombay and Madras, competitive examination for the Indian Civil Services began in 1853. INDIA UNDER VICEROYS Lord Canning (1858-1862 AD) : The first Viceroy of India, High courts were set up at Calcutta, Bombay and Madras. Lord Lytton (1876-1880 AD) : The Delhi Durbar was held to decorate Queen Victoria with the title Kaiser-i-Hind in 1877, foundation of the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College at Aligarh in 1877, famine in 1876-1878, the Vernacular Press Act and Indian Arms act,1878. Lord Ripon (1880-1884 AD) : Repeal of Vernacular Press act, 1882, Constitution of the Hunter commission on education (1882) and Resolution in 1882 for institution of local self-government in India. Lord Curzon (1899-1905 AD) : Set up a Famine Commision, partition of Bengal in 1905, establishment of agricultural banks and the department of agriculture. Lord Irwin (1926-31AD) : Appointment of Simon commission in 1928, the civil Disobedience movement. Gandhi-Irwin Pact, 1931 and first Round Table Conference (1930). Buy books : http://www.dishapublication.com/entrance-exams-books/ssc-exams.html 10 Lord Linlithgow (1936-44 AD) : Longest reign as viceroy of India, arrival of the Cripps Mission, the Quit India Movement, the Great Famine of Bengal (1943). Lord Wavell (1944-1947 AD) : Arrival of the Cabinet Mission, 1946, the Interim Government under Pt. Jawajarlal Nehru's leadership and Attlee's Declaration. Lord Mountabatten, (1947 - 1948 AD) : Declaration of third June, 1947, Indian Independence Act, Partition of the country. INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS • • THE STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM THE REVOLT OF 1857 The main causes of the revolt • Growing suspicion among native rulers over Lord Dalhousie's policies of "Doctrine of Lapse" • Racialism in civil and military administration and inefficient administrative machinery of the company. • Spread of Christianity through missionaries and social discrimination of the British against Indians. • Enactment of the Religious Disabilities act 1850, which enabled a convert to inherit his ancestral property. • Greased Cartridges: The Hindu as well as Muslim sepoys were enraged because of the use of new greased cartridges, which was made of beef and pig fat, and that was against their religious faith. They were compelled to chew the cartridges that led displeasure among them. The major impacts of the Revolt • • • • The control of the British government in India was transferred to the British Crown and a minister of British government, called the Secretary of State, was made responsible for the Government of India. Doctrine of Lapse was withdrawn. The Peshwaship and the Mughal rule were ended. • The credit for the birth of the Indian National Congress is generally given to A.O. Hume, a retired British civil servant who found it in December 1885. The Congress was a natural and inevitable consequence of various political, economic and social forces. The Phases of Indian National Congress are The Moderates Phase (1885-1905) : The position of the Indian National Congress was not clear in this phase. The moment was confined to a handful educated Indians who were thoroughly loyal to the British. Dadabhai Naoroji was the most prominent among their leaders. The Extremist Phase (1905-1919) : There were some members who were dissatisfied with the scheme of peaceful affairs under the Moderate leaders. Fiery and spirited leaders like, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal parted company with them. The Congress got its scope to an all-round upliftment of the people-social, cultural, economic and political. Swaraj or self government was made the call of the National Congress in this phase. • The Gandhian Phase (1919-1947) : This phase was dominated by the objective of Purna Swaraj or Complete independence. The dynamic leadership of Gandhiji with a unique method of nonviolence was finally able to shrink of the British Empire. The important movements of the Gandhian phase Khilafat Movement : The Khilafat movement was launched as the communal movement in defense of the Turkish Khalifa and save his Empire from dismemberment by Britain and other European powers. The chief cause of the Khilafat Movement was the defeat of Turkey in the First World War. The harsh terms of the Treaty of Sevres (1920) was felt by the Muslims as a great insult to them. The Muslims in India were upset over the British Changes were made in the administration and English soldiers were increased in the army. The Revolt of 1857 : At a Glance Centre Date of Date of Indian Beginning Ending Leader Delhi 1857 Kanpur 1857 11 May, 1857 4 June, 1857 20 Sep., Bahadur Shah II John Nicholson 'Zafar' 6 Dec, Nana Sahib & Colin Campbell his loyal commander Tantiya Tope Lucknow 4 June, 1857 21 Mar, Begum Hazrat 1858 Mahal Jhansi 4 June, 1857 18 June, Rani Laxmi Bai Huge Rose 1858 Allahabad 5 June, 1857 March, 1858 Liyaqat Ali Colonel Neil Dec., 1858 Kunwar Singh & Amar Singh William Taylor & Vineet Eyre Jagadishpur Aug., (Bihar) 1857 British Suppressor Colin Campbell Buy books : http://www.dishapublication.com/entrance-exams-books/ssc-exams.html attitude against Turkey and launched the Khilafat Movement. Ali brothers, Muhammad Ali, Shaukat Ali, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Dr. M. Ansari, among others, started the movement. October 17, 1919 was known as Khilafat Day when the Hindu united with Muslims in fasting and observed a hartal on that day. The Khilafat Movement merged with the Non-cooperation Movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920. Non-cooperation Movement : The Indian National Congress, under the leadership of Gandhi, launched his first innovative protest, the Non-cooperation Movement on 1 August, 1920. It involved surrender of all titles, honorary offices and nominated posts in local bodies. British courts, offices and all kinds of government-run educational institutions were boycotted. Chauri-Chaura Incident : During the Non-cooperation Movement, being provoked by some policemen, a section of the crowd attacked them. The police opened fire. In retaliation, the entire procession killed 22 policemen and set the police station on fire. A stunned Gandhi decided to withdraw the movement. Civil Disobedience Movement : Civil Disobedience Movement was launched in 1930 under Gandhi's leadership with the violation of the Salt Law after Dandi Salt March. The Dandi march (Salt Satyagraha) started from Sabarmati Ashram and ended at Dandi (a place in Gujrat). This was followed by a lot of agitation all over the country. This angered the British government which resulted in the imprisonment of Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi. On March 1930, Gandhi signed the Gandhi-Irwin Pact with the Viceroy Lord Irwin to call off the Movement but it finally came to an end on 7th April 1934. The Individual Satyagraha (August 1940) : Mahatma Gandhi launched in Individual Satyagraha. It was limited, symbolic and non-violent in nature. Acharya Vinoba Bhave was the first Satyagrahi and he was sentenced to three months imprisonment. Jawaharlal Nehru was the second Satyagrahi and imprisoned for four months. The individual Satyagraha continued for nearly 15 months. Quit India Movement : The Quit India Movement, also called the August Movement, launched on 8th August, 1942. It was a result of Gandhi's protest against the return of Sir Stafford Cripps. He wanted to negotiate with the British government for the independence of India through this movement. He gave slogan - 'Do or Die. On 9th August leaders of the Congress like Abul Kalam Azad, Vallabhbhai Patel, Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru were arrested. The movement can be divided into four phases - • In the first phase of the Quit India Movement, there were processions, strikes and demonstrations • The second phase of the movement saw raids on the government buildings and municipal houses. Along with this, post offices, railway stations and police stations were set on fire. • The third phase of Quit India movement began in September 1942. Mobs bombed police in places like Bombay, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. • Gradually, the movement gained back its peaceful form and continued till Mahatma Gandhi was released on May, 1944. This was the fourth phase of the movement. 11 OTHER IMPORTANT EVENTS OF FREEDOM STRUGGLE The Home Rule Movement (1916): The release of Tilak after 6 years of jail is Mandalay (Burma) moderated the launching of Home Rule Movement by Tilak and Mrs. Annie Besnat, both of whom decided to work in close co-operation to launch the movement to attain concessions, disillusionment with Morley Minto Reforms and Wartime miseries. Rowlatt Act (March 1919) : As per this Act, any person could be arrested on the basis of suspicion. No appeal or petition could be filed against such arrests. This Act was called the Black Act and it was widely opposed. Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (13 April, 1919) : On the Baisakhi day (harvest festival), a public meeting was organized at the Jallianwala Bagh (garden) to support the Rowlatt Satyagraha. General Dyer marched in and without any warning opened fire on the crowd. According to official report 379 people were killed and 1137 wounded in the incident. The Swaraj Party (Jan, 1923) : The suspension of the NonCooperation Movement led to a split within Congress in the Gaya session of the Congress in December 1922. On 1 January 1923 leaders like Motilal Nehru and Chittranjan Das formed a separate group within the Congress known as the Swaraj Party to contest the council elections and wrecked the government from within. Simon Commission (Nov, 1927) : Simon Commission was appointed in the chairmanship of Sir John Simon by the British Conservative government to report on the working of the Indian constitution established by the Government of India Act of 1919. All its seven members were Englishmen. As there was no Indian member in it therefore the Commission faced a lot of criticism. Lala Lajpat Rai was seriously injured in the police lathi charge in a large anti-Simon Commission demonstration on 30 October 1928 and he passed away after one month. Poona Pact (1932) : Poona pact was an agreement upon a joint electorate between the untouchables and the Hindus which The Poona pact took place at Yerawada jail in Pune on 24th September, 1932. Cripps Mission (1942) : The British Government in its continued effort to secure Indian cooperation sent Sir Stafford Cripps to India on 23 March 1942. This is known as Cripps Mission. The major political parties of the country rejected the Cripps proposals. Gandhi called Cripp's proposals as a "Post-dated Cheque". The Cabinet Mission (1946) : Three members of the British Cabinet - Pathick Lawrence, Sir Stafford Cripps and A. V. Alexander - were sent to India 15 March, 1946, under a historic announcement in which the right to self-determination and the framing of a Constitution for India were conceded. This is known as the Cabinet Mission. MOUNTBATTEN PLAN (3RD JUNE PLAN) • The plan declared that power would be handed over by 15 August 1947 on the basis of Dominion Status to India and Pakistan. • Boundary Commission was to be headed by Radcliffe. • Independence for Bengal and accession of Hyderabad to Pakistan ruled out. • Mountbatten Plan was to divide India but retain maximum unity. Buy books : http://www.dishapublication.com/entrance-exams-books/ssc-exams.html 12 WORLD FAMOUS REVOLUTIONS • • • • • Renaissance: It is a name given to the Revival of Learning, which started in Italy in the early 14th century and slowly spread throughout Europe in the late 15th century. It was a cultural movement that affected areas, such as art, literature, education and spread of science and technology. The American Revolution: It is the name given to the struggle by which England's 13 colonies in North America declared their independence. The declaration of Independence was issued on July 4, 1776. Its author was Thomas Jefferson. The French Revolution: It is the name given to the struggle which swept away the Old Regime in France, as well as the fundamental changes which resulted from that struggle. The immediate cause of the French Revolution was the bankrupt condition of the French Treasury under Louis XV and Louis XVI. On July 14, 1789 the revolutionaries stormed the Bastille, the state prison for political prisoners that symbolised the king's despotism. The fall of the Bastille marked the end of monarchy. The King was beheaded on the guillotine in 1793 on charges of treason. A new constitution was adopted in 1795. Industrial Revolution: It denotes a series of changes in the economic conditions of England in the 18th and 19th centuries brought about the invention of various kinds of machines that could be used for the industrial progress of the country, such as steam engine, spinning and weaving machines; the industrial revolution took place not only in England but also in other West European countries and the USA. Russian Revolution: It was one of the most significant events of the 20th century; main causes were:discontent towards the autocratic rule of Nicholas II, the new Czar; special privileges enjoyed by the upper class; and miserable conditions of the labourers and factory workers. The Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, seized powers in Petrograd (now Leningrad) on November 7,1917. Nicholas II was forced to abdicate. In 1923, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) came into being. YEAR-WISE EVENTS; IMPORTANT DATES OF INDIAN HISTORY BC 2350-1750 540 563 327-26 269-232 261 57 AD 78 320 Events Indus Valley Civilization. Birth of Mahavir; Nirvana in 468. BC Birth of Gautam Buddha; Nirvana in 483 BC Alexander’s invasion of India and the opening of land route between India and Europe. Ashoka’s reign. Battle of Kalinga. Beginning of Vikrama era. Events Beginning of Saka era. Beginning of Gupta era. 380-413 606-647 629-645 1001-27 1025 1191 1192 1398 1498 1510 1526 1556 1565 1576 1600 1611 1631 1699 1739 1757 1761 1764 1828 1853 1857-58 1858 1869 1885 1905 1906 1909 1911 1914 1918 1919 1921 1923 1927 Rule of Chandragupta Vikramaditya, age of Kalidasa, renewal of Hinduism. Rule of Harsha Vardhana. Hieun Tsang’s visit in India. Repeated attacks of Mahmud of Ghazni. Sacking of Somnath temple by Mahmud. First battle of Tarain in which Prithviraj Chauhan defeated Mohd. Ghori. Second battle of Tarain in which Mohd. Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chauhan. Timur invaded India. Vasco da Gama landed at Calicut. Portuguese captured Goa-Albuquerque Governor. First Battle of Panipat in which Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi and established the Mughal dynasty. Second battle of Panipat in which Akbar defeated Hemu. Battle of Talikota in which Vijaynagar empire is defeated. Battle of Haldighati in which Akbar defeated Maharana Pratap. English East India Company established. The English built a factory at Masulipatnam. Death of Shahjahan’s wife Mumtaz Mahal. The building of Taj Mahal. Guru Gobind Singh created ‘Khalsa’. Nadir Shah invaded India; the peacock throne and the Kohinoor Diamond taken away from India. Battle of Plassey in which the English defeated Siraj-ud-Daule, Nawab of Bengal. Third Battle of Panipat in which Ahmed Shah Abdali defeated the Marathas. Battle of Buxar in which the English defeated the tripe alliance of Nawab Mir Qasim of Bengal, Nawab Shuja-ud-daula of Awadh and Mughal emperor Shah Alam. Lord William Bentinck became Governor General; Era of social reforms; Prohibition of Sati (1829), Suppression of thugs (1830). First Indian railway from Bombay to Thane. First war of Indian Independence. British crown took over the Indian Government; End of East India Company’s rule. Birth of M.K. Gandhi. Formation of Indian National Congress. Partition of Bengal by Lord Curzon. Formation of All India Muslim League. Minto-Morley Reforms. Delhi durbar held, partition of Bengal cancelled, capital shifted from Calcutta to Delhi. World War I started End of World War I. Rowlatt Act, Jallianwala Bagh massacre, MontagueChelmsford reforms. Moplah rebellion in Malabar; visit of Prince of Wales. Swaraj Party formed. Simon Commission appointed. Buy books : http://www.dishapublication.com/entrance-exams-books/ssc-exams.html 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1935 1937 Visit of Simon Commission to India, death of Lala Lajpat Rai. Congress demanded ‘Poorna Swaraj’ in Lahore session. Januar y 26 celebrated as Independence Day throughout India, Dandi Salt Satyagraha, First Round Table Conference. Gandhi-Irvin Pact, Second Round Table Conference. Suppression of Congress Movement, Third Round Table Conference, Communal Award, Poona Pact. Government of India Act. Inauguaration of Provincial Autonomy. Congress ministries formed in 9 (7 + 2 Coalition) out of 11 provinces. 1939 1942 1945 1946 1947 13 Beginning of World War II. Resignation of Congress ministries. Cripps Mission Plan, Quit India Movement, Formation of Indian National Army by SC Bose. Simla conference held and the failure of Wavell Plan, INA trials at Red Fort, Delhi. Cabinet Mission Plan, Formation of Interim Government, Direct Action Resolution by Muslim League. Mountbatten Plan of June 3 in which partition of India resolution is proposed, India divided, Pakistan created, both achieved independence, Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru became the Ist Prime Minister of India. Buy books : http://www.dishapublication.com/entrance-exams-books/ssc-exams.html 14 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. Indus Valley Civilization was discovered in: (a) 1911 (b) 1921 (c) 1931 (d) 1941 Which metal was unknown to Indus Valley Civilization? (a) Gold (b) Silver (c) Copper (d) Iron In Indus Valley Civilization, the script was: (a) Kharosthi (b) Brahmi (c) Boustrophedus (d) None of these Which of the following is the latest site found? (a) Dholavira (b) Amri (c) Lothal (d) Kalibangan Harappa is located on the bank of river: (a) Indus (b) Ravi (c) Beas (d) Sutlej The local name of Mohenjodaro is: (a) Mound of Living (b) Mound of Survivor (c) Mound of Dead (d) Mound of Great Which of the following animals was unknown in Indus Valley Civilization? (a) Lion (b) Bull (c) Elephant (d) Horse Which one of the following Indus Valley Civilization sites gives evidence of a dockyard? (a) Harappa (b) Mohenjodaro (c) Lothal (d) Dholavira Indus Valley Civilization was discovered by: (a) Dayaram Sahni (b) R.D. Banerji (c) Cunningham (d) Wheeler The Indus Valley Civilization people traded with the: (a) Romans (b) Parthians (c) Mesopotamians (d) Chinese The earliest evidence of agriculture in Indian subcontinent has been obtained from: (a) Brahmagiri (b) Chirand (c) Mehargarh (d) Burzahom Which of the following is not depicted on the Pashupati seal of Mohenjodaro? (a) Rhinoceros (b) Tiger (c) Bull (d) Elephant Which amongst the following civilizations was not contemporary with the Harappan civilization? (a) Greek civilization (b) Egyptian civilization (c) Mesopotamian civilization (d) Chinese civilization In the Indus valley civilization period. Lapis-Lazuli was imported from: (a) Badakhshah (b) Iran (c) Mesopotamia (d) Gujrat Which of the following was one of the causes of Harappan decline? (a) Ecological change (b) Earthquakes (c) Aryan attack (d) All of these 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. Who is the most important God in Rigaveda? (a) Agni (b) Indra (c) Varun (d) Vishnu Who wrote a book ‘Return of the Aryans’ ? (a) Bhagvan Das Gidvani (b) L.D. Kalla (c) Avinash Chandra Das (d) D.S. Trivedi The Vedic river Vitasta has been identified with : (a) Ravi (b) Jhelum (c) Chenab (d) Beas Which of the following Brahmana texts belongs to Atharvaveda? (a) Shatpatha (b) Aitareya (c) Gopatha (d) Panchavinsh In Rigveda, maximum number of shlokas are written in the memory of : (a) Indra (b) Brahma (c) Vishnu (d) Shiva The word Gotra occurs for the first time in : (a) Rigveda (b) Samveda (c) Yajurveda (d) Atharvaveda In the Vedic Period, which animal was known as ‘Aghanya’? (a) Bull (b) Sheep (c) Cow (d) Elephant The famous dialogue between Nachiketa and Yama is mentioned in the : (a) Chhandogyopanishad (b) Mundakopnishad (c) Kathopanishad (d) Kenopanishad Which of the following Upnishads is written in prose? (a) Isa (b) Katha (c) Brihadaranyaka (d) Svetasvatara Which of the following is also called Adharvayuveda ? (a) Rigveda (b) Yajurveda (c) Samveda (d) Atharveda Who among the following wrote Sanskrit grammar? (a) Panini (b) Manu (c) Kalidasa (d) Charak The words “Satyameva Jayate” in the state emblem of India have been adopted from which one of the following? (a) Mundaka Upnishad (b) Katha Upnishad (c) Mandukya Upnishad (d) Chhandogya Upnishad The main reason for the boycott of Simon Commission in India was (a) Appointment before time (b) All the members were Englishman (c) Chairman was a member of British Liberal Party (d) None of these In which of the Vedas, Sabha and Samiti are called as two daughters of Prajapati? (a) Rigveda (b) Samveda (c) Yajurveda (d) Atharvaveda The earliest epigraphic evidence mentioning the birth place of Sakyamuni Buddha is obtained from (a) Sarnath (b) Sravasti (c) Kausambi (d) Rummindei Buy books : http://www.dishapublication.com/entrance-exams-books/ssc-exams.html 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. To whom of his following disciples did Buddha preach his last sermon? (a) Anand (b) Sariputra (c) Subhadra (d) Upali The Jain Tirthankara Mahavira has been mentioned in the early Buddhist literature as (a) Nigantha Nataputta (b) Vardhamana (c) Vesaliya (d) Videhaputta The Tripitaka was written in (a) Brahmi (b) Kharosthi (c) Pali (d) Sanskrit Who was the author of Buddha Charita? (a) Asvaghosha (b) Nagarjuna (c) Nagasen (d) Vasumitra Buddha lived approximately at the same time as (a) Confucius (b) Moses (c) Mohammad (d) Hammurabi Name the clan Buddha belonged to (a) Gnathrika (b) Maurya (c) Shakya (d) Koliya Who of the following was a contemporary of Gautama Buddha? (a) Bhadrabahu (b) Kalashok (c) Parsvanath (d) Vardhaman Mahavir Who is believed by the Jainas to be the first Tirthankar? (a) Rishabhadeva (b) Mahavira (c) Neminath (d) Parshvanath Who was the teacher of Gautam Buddha? (a) Gautam (b) Alara Kalam (c) Asanga (d) Sudharman Who was the founder of Sunyavada? (a) Asang (b) Basubandhu (c) Vasumitra (d) Nagarjuna Syadvad is a doctrine of (a) Buddhism (b) Jainism (c) Shaivism (d) Vaishnavism The first Jain council was convened during the reign of (a) Bimbisara (b) Shisunaga (c) Mahapadamnand (d) Chandragupta Maurya Who was the founder of Maurya dynasty? (a) Chandragupta II (b) Chandragupta Maurya (c) Vishnugupta (d) Ashoka Who of the following was a contemporary of Alexander the great? (a) Chandragupta Maurya (b) Pushyamitra Sunga (c) Bimbisara (d) Ashoka Who was the mentor of Chandragupta Maurya? (a) Vishakhadutta (b) Chanakya (c) Megasthenes (d) Patanjali Who was Ashoka’s contemporary king of Ceylon? (a) Abhaya (b) Pakanduka (c) Tissa (d) Mutasiva Rulers of which of the following dynasties maintained diplomatic relations with distant countries like Syria in the west? (a) Maurya (b) Gupta (c) Pallava (d) Chola 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 15 Who replaced Megasthanese as the ambassador of the Syrian king Antiochus I in the court of Bindusara? (a) Diodorus (b) Arrian (c) Dionysius (d) Deimachos Which of the following was an administrative centre of the Southern province of Ashoka’s empire? (a) Isila (b) Samapa (c) Satiyaputra (d) Keralputra The book Indica was written by (a) Seleucas (b) Megasthenes (c) Kalidas (d) Pliny Which was the currency in circulation during the Maurya period? (a) Pana (b) Tola (c) Kakini (d) Dinar The superintendent of weights and measures in the Mauryan administration was (a) Samsthadhyaksha (b) Lavanadhyaksha (c) Shulkadhyaksha (d) Pautuvadhyaksha Who of the following also had the name Devanama Priyadasi? (a) Chandragupta Maurya (b) Ashoka (c) Bindusara (d) Harsha Who of the following was known as Amitrochates? (a) Chandragupta Maurya (b) Bindusar (c) Ashoka (d) Kautilya Who of the following historical personalities of India is also known as Vishnugupta? (a) Bindusara (b) Kunala (c) Chanakya (d) Shreegupta Which of the following Indian king defeated Seleucus, the administrator of Sindha and Afghanistan? (a) Chandragupta (b) Ashoka (c) Bindusar (d) Kanishka Who was the writer of Mudrarakshasa? (a) Kautilya (b) Pushyagupta (c) Vishnugupta (d) Vishakhdatta The third Buddhist council during the reign of Ashoka was held at (a) Rajgriha (b) Vaishali (c) Pataliputra (d) Nalanda The last Mauryan emperor was (a) Kunal (b) Jalok (c) Samprati (d) Brihadratha Charaka was the famous court physician of (a) Kanishka (b) Pushyamitra (c) Chandragupta (d) Ashoka Which Chinese general defeated Kanishka? (a) Pan Chao (b) Pan Yang (c) Ho Ti (d) Chi Huang Ti Who was the founder of Kushan dynasty? (a) Vim Kadphises (b) Kujul Kadaphises (c) Huvishka (d) Kanishka Who of the following had issued gold coins for the first time? (a) Kujula Kadphises (b) Vima Kadphises (c) Kanishka (d) Huvishka Buy books : http://www.dishapublication.com/entrance-exams-books/ssc-exams.html 16 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70. 71. 72. 73. 74. 75. 76. 77. 78. The practice of land grants to brahmins and Buddhist was initiated by (a) Sungas (b) Satavahanas (c) Vakatakas (d) Guptas Nanaghata inscription belong to (a) Gautamiputra Satakarni (b) Vashistiputra Pulumavi (c) Yajansri Satakarni (d) Satakarni I Which of the following Saka rulers was responsible for important irrigation works in Saurashtra? (a) Nahapana (b) Menander (c) Rudradaman (d) None of these The only ruler of India who ruled over territories in central Asia beyond the Pamirs was (a) Kanishka (b) Harsha (c) Ashoka (d) Chandragupta Maurya Which one of the following was a land measure in Gupta period? (a) Dharaka (b) Karsha (c) Nivartana (d) Vimsopaka The Gupta ruler who defeated the Hunas was (a) Samudragupta (b) Chandragupta II (c) Kumargupta (d) Skandgupta Who was the first ruler of Gupta dynasty to assume the title of ‘Maharajadhiraja? (a) Srigupta (b) Chandragupta I (c) Samudragupta (d) Chandragupta II Who of the following Gupta kings was first to issue silver coins? (a) Chandragupta I (b) Samudragupta (c) Chandragupta II (d) Kumargupta The Gupta gold coins were known as (a) Dramma (b) Karsapana (c) Dinar (d) Niska The officer responsible for the safe custody of land records during the Gupta period was known as (a) Dhruvadhikarana (b) Karanika (c) Samaharta (d) Shaulkika Who among the following is known as the ‘Napoleon of India’? (a) Chandragupta Maurya (b) Samudragupta (c) Chandragupta II (d) Harshvardhan The travel account of Fahien is known as (a) Si-yu-ki (b) Yen-tu (c) Fo-kwo-ki (d) Fa-chien The Hunes invaded India during the reign of (a) Chandragupta II (b) Kumargupta- I (c) Skandgupta (d) Budhagupta Expansion of agricultural land took place on the largest scale in which period ? (a) Pre-Mauryan age (b) Mauryan age (c) Post-Mauryan age (d) Gupta age During which Gupta king’s reign did the Chinese traveller Fa hien visit India? (a) Chandragupta I (b) Chandragupta II (c) Samudragupta (d) Skandgupta 79. 80. 81. 82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. 91. 92. 93. 94. Who was the court poet of Samudragupta? (a) Nagarjuna (b) Aryabhatta (c) Virasena (d) Harisena Aryabhatta and Varahamihira belong to which age? (a) Maurya (b) Kushana (c) Gupta (d) Cholas Who was the last ruler of the imperial Gupta family? (a) Ramagupta (b) Buddhagupta (c) Kumargupta (d) Vishnugupta In which century, did the famous Chinese pilgrim Fa hien visit India? (a) 4th century AD (b) 5th century AD (c) 6th century AD (d) 7th century AD Who explained that the earth rotates on its axis but revolves round the sun? (a) Bhashkar (b) Brahmagupta (c) Varahamihir (d) Aryabhatta Who declared the ‘Law of Gravity’ long before the Newton’s law ? (a) Aryabhatta (b) Prithuyasas (c) Brahmagupta (d) Varahamihira Who among the following foreign invaders sacked the Temple of Somnath? (a) Changez Khan (b) Amir Timur (c) Mahmud of Ghazni (d) Muhammad Ghori Who was the Chola king under whose reign Brihadishwar Temple of Tanjore was constructed? (a) Rajendra I (b) Kulottevnga I (c) Rajaraja I (d) Rajadhiraj I Who destroyed the Nalanda University in 1202 AD ? (a) Moizuddin Muhammad Ghori (b) Bakhtiyar Khalji (c) Mahmud of Ghazni (d) Qutbuddin Aibak Who was ruling the Chola kingdom at the time of Mahmud Ghazni’s expedition of Somnath? (a) Uttama chola (b) Rajaraja I (c) Rajendra I (d) Kulotenga Which of the following dynasties frequently assigned to the ladies high ranking positions in administration? (a) Chola (b) Chalukya (c) Pala (d) Sena The Rock-cut temples of Mahabalipuram were built under the patronage of the (a) Chola kings (b) Pandya kings (c) Pallava kings (d) Satavahan kings Who sent Heiun-Tsang as an envoy to Harsha’s court? (a) Tai Tsung (b) Tung-Kuan (c) Ku Yen-wa (d) None of these Arab was defeated in 738 AD by (a) Pratiharas (b) Rashtrakutas (c) Palas (d) Chalukyas Which one of the following is not a feature of North Indian temple architecture? (a) Shikhara (b) Garbha Griha (c) Gopuram (d) Pradakshina-path Astanga samgraha is a text on (a) Astronomy (b) Philosophy (c) Polity (d) Medicine Buy books : http://www.dishapublication.com/entrance-exams-books/ssc-exams.html 95. 96. 97. 98. 99. 100. 101. 102. 103. 104. 105. 106. 107. 108. Out of eighteen rulers of the family at least one -third were women. This statement is applicable to (a) Bhaumakaras (b) Chalukyas (c) Rastrakutas (d) Kakatiyas By which ruler Pataliputra was chosen for the first time as a capital? (a) Bimbisara (b) Ajatsatru (c) Udayin (d) Sisunaga Who among the following scholars established Vajrayana sect of Buddhism in Tibet? (a) Shanta Rakshita (b) Padma Sambhava (c) Dharm Raksha (d) Kumarajiva The southern most Mahajanapada was (a) Avanti (b) Asmaka (c) Chedi (d) Matsya Name of the Mahajanapada, which was a confederacy of eight republican clans? (a) Vatsa (b) Magadha (c) Vajji (d) Malla The ruler of Bundelkhand defeated by Qutubuddin Aibak was (a) Parmardi Deva (b) Lakshman Sen (c) Uday Singh (d) Malayvarma Deva Which of the following works of Amir Khusrow deals with the military expeditions of Alauddin Khilji? (a) Qairanus Sadain (b) Miftah-Ul-Futuh (c) Nuh Siphar (d) Khazain-Ul-Futuh The city of Jaunpur was founded by (a) Mohmmad Bin Tughlaq (b) Firoz Shah Tughlaq (c) Ibrahim Lodi (d) Sikandar Lodi The first Silver Tanka of Delhi Sultanate was issued by (a) Qutubuddin Aibak (b) Iltutmish (c) Razia Sultan (d) Ghiyasuddin Balban The ‘Tibb-i-Sikandari’, which was compiled from Sanskrit sources dealt with (a) Astronomy (b) Medicine (c) Music (d) Philosophy Most authoritative account of Malik Kafur’s deccan campaign is given by (a) Amir Khusrow (b) Hasan Nizami (c) Minhaj (d) Ziauddin Barani Amir Khusrow wrote his famous masanavi ‘Ashiqa’ on the order of (a) Alauddin Khilji (b) Khizra Khan (c) Rai Karan (d) Rani Kamla Devi The statement. “India is not Arabia, it is not practically feasible to convert it into Qarul Islam.” is associated with (a) Iltutmish (b) Balban (c) Alauddin Khilji (d) Muhammad Bin Tughlaq Who among the following scholars has been given the title of Hujjat-ul-Islam? (a) Shah Wali Ullah (b) Abu Yazid Al Bistami (c) Shaikh Junaid (d) Abu Hamid Mohammad Al-Ghazali 109. 110. 111. 112. 113. 114. 115. 116. 117. 118. 119. 120. 121. 122. 17 Who destroyed the Nalanda University in 1193 AD and burnt it down? (a) Muizuddin Muhammad Ghori (b) Ikhtiyaruddin Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khilji (c) Mahmud Ghazni (d) Qutubuddin Aibak Which Sultan of the Sultanate period introduced irrigation tax for the first time? (a) Allauddin Khilji (b) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (c) Muhammad Tughlaq (d) Firoz Tughlaq Who among the following historians was made prisoner by the Mongols? (a) Hasan Nizami (b) Minhaj-us-Siraj (c) Amir Khusrow (d) Ziauddin Barani Who among the following has given a detailed account of the postal system during the Sultanate period? (a) Amir Khusrow (b) Ibn Battuta (c) Sultan Firoz Shah (d) Ziauddin Barani Who of the following Sultans of Delhi had abolished the tax on grain (also called Zakat on grain)? (a) Alauddin Khilji (b) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (c) Firoz Shah Tughlaq (d) Sikandar Lodi Which Sultan of Delhi imposed Jaziya on the Brahmins also? (a) Balban (b) Firoz Tughlaq (c) Allauddin Khilji (d) Muhammad Bin Tughlaq Which Sultan of Delhi assumed the title of Alexander the Great? (a) Balban (b) Alauddin Khilji (c) Muhammad Bin Tughlaq (d) Sikandar Lodi Which Sultan of Delhi had established a separate agriculture department and had planned the rotation of crops? (a) Iltutmish (b) Balban (c) Alauddin Khilji (d) Muhammad Bin Tughlaq Who were instrumental in deposing Raziya Begum? (a) Afghans (b) Mongols (c) Turkish (d) Arabs Which one of the following kings of the medieval India began the ‘Public Distribution System’? (a) Balban (b) Mohammad Bin Tughlaq (c) Firoz Shah Tughlaq (d) Alauddin Khilji The Sultan of Delhi who is reputed to have built the biggest network of canals in India was (a) Iltutmish (b) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (c) Firoz Shah Tughlaq (d) Sikandar Lodi Which of the dynasties ruled for the shortest period of time during to course of Delhi Sultanate? (a) Slave dynasty (b) Khilji dynasty (c) Sayyid dynasty (d) Lodhi dynasty Malik Kafur was the General of (a) Balban (b) Alauddin Khilji (c) Muhammad Bin Tughlaq (d) Firoz Shah Tughlaq In the Sultanate period, the highest rural authority for land revenue was (a) Rawat (b) Malik (c) Chaudhary (d) Patwari Buy books : http://www.dishapublication.com/entrance-exams-books/ssc-exams.html 18 123. Coins of which Muslim ruler have been image of Devi Lakshmi? (a) Muhammad Ghori (b) Iltutmish (c) Alauddin Khilji (d) None of these 124. Who among the following kings of Vijayanagar sent an ambassador to China? (a) Bukka I (b) Harihar I (c) Harihar II (d) Devaraya II 125. Who among the following Sufis has called India a paradise on earth? (a) Baba Farid (b) Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya (c) Amir Khurd (d) Amir Khusrow 126. The kingdom of Vijayanagar was established during the reign period of (a) Alauddin Khilji (b) Muhammad Bin Tughlaq (c) Firoz Shah Tughlaq (d) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq 127. To whom did Sheikh Nizamuddin Auliya bestow the title of ‘Ain-i-Hind’ (Mirror of India)? (a) Sheikh Bahauddin Zakaria (b) Sheikh Sirajuddin Usmani (c) Sheikh Nasiruddin Chirag Dehlavi (d) Khwaja Syed Muhammad Gesudaraj 128. Who among the following Sufi saints witnessed the rule of Seven Sultans of Delhi? (a) Shekh Ahmad Sirhindi (b) Shekh Nizamuddin Auliya (c) Baba Fareed (d) Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti 129. The first dynasty of the Vijayanagar Kingdom was (a) Hoyasala (b) Sangama (c) Saluva (d) Tuluva 130. Who like Dara Shikoh considered Vedas as the revealed book? (a) Shekh Abdul Haqq (Qadiriya) (b) Mirza Mazhar Jan-i-Jahan (Naqshbandiya) (c) Shekh Kalimuddin (Chistiya) (d) None of these 131. Month scale in the Mansabdari system was introduced by (a) Jahangir (b) Shahjahan (c) Aurangzeb (d) None of these 132. Who among the following had joined Akbar’s Din-i-Ilahi? (a) Birbal (b) Bhagwan Das (c) Man Singh (d) Surjan Rai 133. Which Queen of Jahangir had committed suicide by consuming poison? (a) Harkhabai (b) Manmati (c) Jodhpuri Begam (d) Zebunnisa 134. Among the following, which Mughal emperor introduced the policy of Sulah-i-Kul? (a) Akbar (b) Jahangir (c) Humayun (d) Aurangzeb 135. Who among the following Mughal kings had sent Raja Ram Mohan Roy as his envoy to London? (a) Alamgir II (b) Shah Alam II (c) Akbar II (d) Bahadur Shah II 136. The original name of Mumtaj Mahal was (a) Arjumand Banu Begum (b) Mehrunnisa (c) Roshan Ara (d) Ladli Begum 137. Who built the Ibadatkhana at Fatehpur Sikri? (a) Akbar (b) Jahangir (c) Shahjahan (d) Aurangzeb 138. Who was the author of Ain-i-Akbari? (a) Abdul Qadir Badauni (b) Gulbadan Begum (c) Faizi (d) Abul Fazl 139. Who was the Sikh Guru to be slaughtered by Aurangzeb? (a) Ramdas (b) Arjundev (c) Teg Bahadur (d) Govind Singh 140. The Mughal rulers of medieval India were in fact (a) Persians (Iranians) (b) Afghans (c) Chagtai Turks (d) None of these 141. Todar Mal was associated to (a) Law (b) Land revenue reforms (c) Literature (d) Music 142. Which one of the following wives of Shivaji became Sati? (a) Soyrabai (b) Sakawarbai (c) Puttabai (d) None of these 143. Who among the following Maratha officers looked after the revenue department? (a) Peshwa (b) Amatya (c) Sachiva (d) Sumant 144. The Maratha power reached its Zenith during the Peshwaship of (a) Balaji Vishwanath (b) Balaji II (c) Baji Rao I (d) Madhav Rao 145. Who among the following Maratha women led struggles against of Mughal empire from 1700 AD onwards? (a) Ahalya Bai (b) Mukta Bai (c) Tara Bai (d) Rukmini Bai 146. In Shivaji Council of Minister, the Prime Minister was called (a) Peshwa (b) Mantri (c) Sachiv (d) Sumanta 147. Who among the following was killed by Shivaji? (a) Shaista Khan (b) Afzal Khan (c) Jai Singh (d) Najib Khan 148. Who was the envoy of British king James I at the court of Jahangir? (a) William Finch (b) Pietra Della Vella (c) Edward Terry (d) William Hawkins 149. The famous Kohinour diamond was produced from one of the mines in (a) Orissa (b) Chhotanagpur (c) Bijapur (d) Golconda 150. Who of the following Sikh Guru was started Gurumukhi script? (a) Guru Nanak (b) Guru Angad (c) Guru Arjundev (d) Guru Govind Singh 151. Which one of the following was the first English ship that came to India? (a) Elizabeth (b) Titanic (c) Red Dragon (d) Mayflower Buy books : http://www.dishapublication.com/entrance-exams-books/ssc-exams.html 152. Who was the first Portuguese Viceroy in India? (a) Vasco da Gama (b) Diaz (c) Francisco de Almeida (d) Albuquerque 153. Which English governor of East India Company in India was expelled by Aurangzeb? (a) Aungier (b) Sir John Child (c) Sir John William (d) Sir Nicholas Waite 154. Who was the first Indian native ruler to accept the system of subsidiary alliance? (a) Sindhia of Gwalior (b) Nawab of Awadh (c) Dilip Singh of Punjab (d) Nizam of Hyderabad 155. What was the bone of contention between Nizam Ali, the ruler of Hydrabad and the English? (a) Masulipatanum (b) Karnataka (c) The Sarkar of Guntur (d) The Northern Sarkars 156. When was the East India Company brought under the parliamentary control? (a) 1773 (b) 1784 (c) 1793 (d) None of these 157. Which one of the following, journals had conducted a bitter campaign against the abolition of the practice of Sati? (a) Sambad Kaumadi (b) Bangadoot (c) Samachar Darpan (d) Samachar Chandrika 158. The permanent settlement of Lord Cornwallis gave the ownership of land to (a) Zamindars (b) Peasants (c) State (d) Nobles 159. Who was the Governor General who changed the official language of the courts of Justice from Persian to English? (a) Lord Cornwallis (b) Lord William Bentick (c) Lord Hardinge (d) Lord Dalhousie 160. The first financial bank under European guidelines was established in India in 1770 in Calcutta by Alexander and Co. What was the name of that bank? (a) People Bank (b) Indian Bank (c) European Bank (d) Bank of Hindustan 161. Who signed the Treaty of Pune on the 13th June 1817? (a) Daulat Rao Schindhia (b) Baji Rao II (c) Appa Saheb (d) Malhar Rao Holkar 162. Which one of the following founded the ‘Atmiya Sabha’? (a) Raja Ram Mohan Roy (b) Devendra Nath Tagore (c) Swami Vivekanand (d) Akshay Kumar Dutt 163. First decisive military success of English East India Company in india is marked by (a) Battle of Buxar (b) Battle of Plassey (c) Battle of Wandiwash (d) Battle of Chilianwala 164. Which one of the following wars was ended by the treaty of madras ? (a) First Carnatic war (b) Second Carnatic war (c) First Mysore war (d) Second Mysore war 165. The treaty of Amritsar was concluded between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and who of the following? (a) Lord Cornwallis (b) Lord Dalhousie (c) Lord Hastings (d) Lord Minto 166. Which one of the following had drafted the Hindu Widows Remarriage Act ? (a) Lord Canning (b) Lord Dalhousie (c) Lord Hardinge (d) None of these 167. 168. 169. 170. 171. 172. 173. 174. 175. 176. 177. 178. 179. 180. 181. 182. 19 Who among the following had started the Public Works Department in India in 1848? (a) Lord William Bentinck (b) Lord Dalhousie (c) Lord Wellesley (d) Lord Cornwallis In the permanent settlement, the share of Zamindar stood at (a) 1/4 (b) 1/6 (c) 1/11 (d) 1/2 The first tribal group which rose against the British was (a) Kolarian (b) Mundas (c) Khasis (d) Santhals In which year, Raja Ram Mohan Roy founded the Brahmo Samaj? (a) 1822 (b) 1828 (c) 1830 (d) 1833 Who was the father of Civil Service? (a) Lord Minto (b) Lord Wellesley (c) Lord William Bentinck (d) Lord Cornwallis The first Englishman to acquire the knowledge of Sanskrit was (a) James Princep (b) Sir William Jones (c) Charles Wilkins (d) Max Muller Which one among the following states was first annexed by Lord Dalhousie under the Doctrine of Lapse? (a) Hydarabad (b) Jhansi (c) Sambalpur (d) Satara Who was the first Governor General of Bengal? (a) Lord Clive (b) Warren Hastings (c) Lord Wellesley (d) Lord Hastings Who among the following was the first Governor General of India? (a) Robert Clive (b) Lord Canning (c) Lord William Bentinck (d) Lord Wellesley Which Governor General had abolished slavery in India? (a) Lord Cornwallis (b) Lord Wellesley (c) Lord William Bentinck (d) Lord Ellenborough Who among the following was founded the Asiatic Society of Bengal? (a) J.A. Hickey (b) Max. Muller (c) Willkins (d) William Jones Ram Mohan Roy was given the title of Raja by (a) Lord William Bentinck (b) Akbar II (c) Followers of Brahma Samaj (d) Intellectuals opposing the custom of Sati The Brahmo Samaj is based on the principle of (a) Monotheism (b) Polytheism (c) Atheism (d) Monism Who among the following formulated and implemented the ‘Doctrine of Lapse’? (a) Lord Wellesley (b) Lord Clive (c) Lord Hastings (d) Lord Dalhousie Who was the first Viceroy of India? (a) Lord Canning (b) Warren Hastings (c) Lord William Bentinck (d) Lord Curzon The Scientific Society was founded by (a) Wilton Oldham (b) Lord Cornwallis (c) Sir Syed Ahmed Khan (d) Raja Shiv Prasad Buy books : http://www.dishapublication.com/entrance-exams-books/ssc-exams.html 20 183. Who was not associated with the Gaddar Party? (a) Lala Hardayal (b) Kartar Singh (c) Ganesh Vishnu Pingle (d) Shyamji Krishna Verma 184. Who influenced Mahadev Govind Ranade to establish Prathana Samaj in Bombay? (a) Raja Ram Mohan Roy (b) Devendra Nath Tagore (c) Keshav Chandra Sen (d) Tek Chand Mitra 185. The Revolt of 1857 was witnessed by the poet (a) Taqi Mir (b) Nauq (c) Ghalib (d) Iqbal 186. Who was the Governor General of India during the Sepoy mutiny? (a) Lord Dalhousei (b) Lord Canning (c) Lord Hardinge (d) Lord Lytton 187. The first Indian Factory Act was passed by (a) Lord Ripon (b) Lord Cornwallis (c) Lord Wellesley (d) Lord Curzon 188. Vande Mataram the national song was a part of (a) Durgesh Nandini (b) Anand Math (c) Grihadaha (d) Bhagvad-Gita 189. Young Bengal Movement was started by (a) Alexander Duft (b) H.V. Derozio (c) Jonathan Duncan (d) Swami Vivekanand 190. Who was the first Indian to become member of the British Parliament? (a) Badruddin Tyabji (b) W.C. Banerjee (c) D.N. Wacha (d) Dadabhai Naoroji 191. Who was the Viceroy of India when the British India’s capital was shifted from Calcutta to Delhi? (a) Lord Curzon (b) Lord Hardinge (c) Lord Dalhousie (d) Lord Dufferin 192. Who was the founder of All India Muslim League? (a) Syed Ahmed Khan (b) Mohammad Iqbal (c) Agha Khan (d) Nawab Salimullah Khan 193. Who said, “Swaraj is my birth right and I shall have it”? (a) Gopal Krishna Gokhale (b) Bal Gangadhar Tilak (c) Bipin Chandra Pal (d) Mahatma Gandhi 194. Who established the first Womens University of India? (a) D.K. Karve (b) Annie Besant (c) Ramabai Ranade (d) Hirabai Tata 195. The system of separate electorates was introduced by the Act of (a) 1813 (b) 1835 (c) 1895 (d) 1909 196. Who was the first Muslim President of Indian National Congress? (a) Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (b) Shaukat Ali (c) Badruddin Tyabji (d) Muhammad Ali 197. In which of the following sessions of Indian National Congress, the resolution of Swadeshi was adopted? (a) Madras Session 1903 (b) Bombay Session 1904 (c) Banaras Session 1905 (d) Calcutta Session 1906 198. Who was the first President of Indian National Congress? (a) Dadabhai Naoroji (b) William Wedderburn (c) Allan Octavian Hume (d) W.C. Banerjee 199. In which session of the Indian National Congress, Vande Mataram was first sung? (a) 1886 (b) 1890 (c) 1896 (d) 1905 200. The capital of India was shifted from Calcutta to Delhi in (a) 1910 (b) 1911 (c) 1912 (d) 1913 201. After returning from South Africa, Gandhiji launched his first successful Satyagraha in (a) Champaran (b) Chauri Chaura (c) Bardoli (d) Dandi 202. The first mass movement started by Mahatma Gandhi was (a) Non-cooperation Movement (b) Salt Movement (c) Quit India Movement (d) Indigo Movement 203. The title of the autobiography of Subhas Chandra Bose is (a) Autobiography of an unknown Indian (b) Autobiography of a Revolutionary (c) Autobiography of an Indian Pilgrim (d) Autobiography of an Indian Soldier 204. Where was the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association founded in 1928? (a) Kanpur (b) Delhi (c) Allahabad (d) Lahore 205. Who among the following attended all the three Round Table Conferences? (a) Mahatma Gandhi (b) Bhimrao Ambedkar (c) Vallabhbhai Patel (d) Jawaharlal Nehru 206. Which of the following came to India after the Second World War in 1946? (a) Cripps Mission (b) Cabinet Mission (c) Wavell Plan (d) Simon Commission 207. Kakori conspiracy case took place in the year (a) 1920 (b) 1925 (c) 1930 (d) 1935 208. Which one of the following was directly related to the Poona Pact of 1932? (a) Indian women (b) Indian labour class (c) Indian farmers (d) Indian depressed class 209. Subhash Chandra Bose had founded ‘Forward Block’ in the year (a) 1936 AD (b) 1937 AD (c) 1938 AD (d) 1939 AD 210. Lahore Session of Muslim League (1940) was presided over by (a) Liaqat Ali Khan (b) Chaudhary Khaliquzzaman (c) Mohammad Ali Jinnah (d) Fatima Jinnah 211. Who was the man to propose a separate state for the Muslims of India for the first time? (a) Rahmat Ali (b) Fazlul Haque (c) Sir Syed Ahmed Khan (d) Mohammad Iqbal 212. Which movement inspired Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to become a follower of Gandhiji? (a) Kheda (b) Champaran (c) Salt (d) Khadi Buy books : http://www.dishapublication.com/entrance-exams-books/ssc-exams.html 21 213. An article ‘Why I am an Atheist’ was written by (a) Bhagat Singh (b) B.K. Dutt (c) Bhagavati Charan Vohra (d) Yashpal 214. Who was the founder president of ‘Harijan Sevak Sangh’? (a) Mahadev Desai (b) Ghanshyam Das Birla (c) B.R. Ambedkar (d) Amritlal Thakkar 215. Who among the following was not a member of the Cabinet Mission Plan? (a) Lord Pathic Lawrence (b) A.V. Alexander (c) Sir Stafford Cripps (d) Lord Emery 216. Name the foreign journalist who reported Satyagrah at Dharsana salt work was (a) Mark Tully (b) Web Miller (c) Philip Sprat (d) Francis Louis 217. In which session, did the Muslim League give the slogan ‘Divide and Quit’? (a) Lucknow 1931 (b) Karachi 1933 (c) Lahore 1940 (d) Karachi 1943 218. Bal Gangadhar Tilak was given the epithet ‘Lok-Manya’ during (a) Swadeshi Movement (b) Revolutionary Movement (c) Home Rule Movement (d) Quit India Movement 219. In which one of the following sessions of the Indian National Congress, ‘Poorna Swaraj’ was declared the goal of Congress? (a) Lahore 1929 (b) Karachi (c) Delhi (d) Bombay 220. Who among the following had denounced the participation of Mahatma Gandhi in the Khilafat Movement? (a) Abul Kalam Azad (b) Muhammad Ali (c) Shaukat Ali (d) Muhammad Ali Jinnah 221. Two independent states of India and Pakistan were created by (a) The Shimala Conference (b) The Crips Proposal (c) The Cabinet Mission Plan (d) The Indian Independence Act 222. Where was the first All Indian Kisan Sabha formed? (a) Patna (b) Lucknow (c) Calcutta (d) Madras 223. Who among the following was regarded by Mahatma Gandhi as his Political Guru? (a) Dadabhai Naoroji (b) Bal Gangadhar Tilak (c) Feroz Shah Mehta (d) Gopal Krishna Gokhale 224. During whose tenure as the Viceroy of India, were the great martyrs Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev hanged? (a) Lord Curzon (b) Lord Irwin (c) Lord Minto (d) Lord Cheimsford 225. The massacre of the crowd at Jallianwala Bagh at Amritsar took place on (a) Ist June 1918 (b) 13th Marh 1919 (c) 12th April 1919 (d) 13th April 1919 226. The founder of the Lodhi Dynasty was (a) Bahlol Lodhi (b) Sikandar Shah Lodhi (c) Jalal Khan Lodhi (d) Ibrahim Lodhi 227. The Gandharva School of art is also known as the (a) Buddhist-Roman art (b) Dravidian-Roman art (c) Greco-Roman art (d) Greco-Roman-Buddhist art 228. The Bolshevik Revolution of Russia symbolized following: (a) coming of the Communist Rule (b) establishment of Republic of Russia (c) establishment of Democracy in Russia (d) overthrow of Romanov Dynasty 229. Which General, who commanded the British forces against the Americans in their War of Independence later became Governor-General of India ? (a) Dalhousie (b) William Bentinck (c) Wellesley (d) Cornwallis 230. Who was the first President of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) ? (a) C.R. Das (b) V.V. Giri (c) Lala Lajpat Rai (d) Sarojini Naidu 231. Which one of the following does not match? (a) Hindu Marriage Act : 1955 (b) Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act : 1971 (c) Domestic Violence on women Act : 1990 (d) Cruelty Against Women : 1995 232. Who among the following was the First Viceroy of India? (a) Lord Ripon (b) Lord Curzon (c) Lord Mountbatten (d) Lord Canning 233. Prithvi Raj Chauhan was defeated in the Second Battle of Tarain by (a) Mahmud Ghazni (b) Muhammad Ghori (c) Qutbuddin Aibak (d) Yalduz 234. The original name of Nana Phadnavis was (a) Mahadaji Sindhia (b) Tukoji Holkar (c) Narayan Rao (d) Balaji Janardan Bhanu 235. Who among the following first propounded the idea of Basic Education? (a) Jawahar Lal Nehru (b) Raja Ram Mohan Roy (c) Mahatma Gandhi (d) Dayanand Saraswati 236. Arrange the following in chronological order: I. Dandi March II. Simon Commission III. Poona Pact IV. Gandhi Irwin Pact (a) II, I, III, IV (b) II, I, IV, III (c) IV, III, I, II (d) IV, III, II, I 237. Multan was named by the Arabs as (a) City of beauty (b) City of wealth (c) City of gold (d) Pink city 238. Which one of the following was the book written by Amoghvarsha, the Rashtrakuta King? (a) Adipurana (b) Ganitasara Samgraha (c) Saktayana (d) Kavirajamarga 239. Who built the Kailasanatha Temple at Ellora? (a) Rajendra I (b) Mahendra Varman I (c) Krishna I (d) Govinda I 240. The land measures of the Second Pandyan Empire was mentioned in (a) Thalavaipuram Copper Plates (b) Uttirameru Inscription (c) Kudumiyammalai Inscription (d) Kasakudi Copper Plates Buy books : http://www.dishapublication.com/entrance-exams-books/ssc-exams.html 22 241. Who was the greatest ruler of the Satavahanas? (a) Satkarni I (b) Gautamiputra Satkarni (c) Simuka (d) Hala 242. Which was the second capital of Akbar ? (a) Delhi (b) Agra (c) Fatehpur-Sikri (d) Patna 243. The first country which discovered sea route to India was (a) Portugal (b) Dutch (c) French (d) Britain 244. Who introduced the Indian University Act? (a) Lord Curzon (b) Lord Minto (c) Lord Morelay (d) Lord Rippon 245. Chinese travellers visited India primarily because (a) they were interested in Buddhism (b) they were invited by the Indian kings (c) they were interested to study Indian culture (d) they were interested to stay in India ANSWER KEY 1 (b) 37 (a) 73 (b) 109 (b) 145 (c) 181 (a) 217 (d) 2 (d) 38 (a) 74 (b) 110 (d) 146 (a) 182 (c) 218 (c) 3 (c) 39 (b) 75 (c) 111 (c) 147 (b) 183 (d) 219 (a) 4 (a) 40 (d) 76 (c) 112 (b) 148 (d) 184 (c) 220 (d) 5 (b) 41 (b) 77 (d) 113 (d) 149 (d) 185 (c) 221 (d) 6 (c) 42 (d) 78 (b) 114 (b) 150 (b) 186 (b) 222 (b) 7 (d) 43 (b) 79 (d) 115 (b) 151 (c) 187 (a) 223 (d) 8 (c) 44 (a) 80 (c) 116 (d) 152 (c) 188 (a) 224 (b) 9 (a) 45 (a) 81 (d) 117 (c) 153 (b) 189 (b) 225 (d) 10 (c) 46 (c) 82 (b) 118 (d) 154 (d) 190 (d) 226 (a) 11 (c) 47 (a) 83 (d) 119 (c) 155 (c) 191 (b) 227 (d) 12 (c) 48 (d) 84 (c) 120 (c) 156 (a) 192 (d) 228 (a) 13 (d) 49 (a) 85 (c) 121 (b) 157 (d) 193 (b) 229 (b) 14 (a) 50 (b) 86 (a) 122 (c) 158 (a) 194 (a) 230 (c) 15 (d) 51 (a) 87 (b) 123 (a) 159 (b) 195 (d) 231 (c) 16 (b) 52 (d) 88 (c) 124 (a) 160 (d) 196 (c) 232 (d) 17 (a) 53 (b) 89 (b) 125 (d) 161 (b) 197 (d) 233 (b) 18 (b) 54 (b) 90 (c) 126 (b) 162 (a) 198 (d) 234 (d) 19 (c) 55 (c) 91 (a) 127 (b) 163 (a) 199 (c) 235 (c) 20 (a) 56 (a) 92 (a) 128 (b) 164 (c) 200 (c) 236 (b) 21 (a) 57 (d) 93 (c) 129 (b) 165 (d) 201 (a) 237 (c) 22 (c) 58 (c) 94 (d) 130 (b) 166 (b) 202 (a) 238 (d) 23 (c) 59 (d) 95 (d) 131 (b) 167 (b) 203 (c) 239 (c) 24 (c) 60 (c) 96 (c) 132 (a) 168 (c) 204 (b) 240 (a) 25 (b) 61 (a) 97 (b) 133 (b) 169 (c) 205 (b) 241 (b) 26 (a) 62 (b) 98 (b) 134 (a) 170 (b) 206 (b) 242 (c) 27 (a) 63 (b) 99 (c) 135 (c) 171 (d) 207 (b) 243 (a) 28 (b) 64 (b) 100 (a) 136 (a) 172 (c) 208 (d) 244 (a) 29 (d) 65 (d) 101 (d) 137 (a) 173 (d) 209 (d) 245 (a) 30 (d) 66 (c) 102 (b) 138 (d) 174 (b) 210 (c) 31 (c) 67 (a) 103 (b) 139 (c) 175 (c) 211 (d) 32 (a) 68 (c) 104 (b) 140 (c) 176 (d) 212 (a) 33 (c) 69 (d) 105 (a) 141 (b) 177 (d) 213 (a) 34 (a) 70 (b) 106 (a) 142 (c) 178 (b) 214 (b) 35 (a) 71 (c) 107 (a) 143 (b) 179 (a) 215 (c) 36 (c) 72 (c) 108 (a) 144 (b) 180 (d) 216 (b) Buy books : http://www.dishapublication.com/entrance-exams-books/ssc-exams.html 23 226. (a) Bahlul Khan Lodhi was the founder of Lodhi dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate in India upon the abdication of the last claimant from the previous Sayyid rule. 227. (d) Greco-Roman-Buddhist Art 228. (a) The Bolshevik Revolution, was a seizure of state power instrumental in the larger Russian Revolution of 1917. It took place with an armed insurrection in Petrograd traditionally dated to 25 October 1917. 229. (b) Lieutenant-General Lord William Henry CavendishBentinck, GCB, GCH, PC, known as Lord William Bentinck, was a British soldier and statesman. He served as Governor-General of India from 1828 to 1835. 230. (c) The All India Trade Union Congress is the oldest trade union of India, established in 1920, History of AITUC is coterminous with the history of organised labour movement in India. Since its birth, AITUC has had a major role to play in mass movement phase in India's freedom struggle. 231. (c) Domestic Violence on Women Act 2005 is the first significant attempt in India to recognise domestic abuse as a punishable offence, to extend its provisions to those in live-in relationships, and to provide for emergency relief for the victims, in addition to legal recourse. 232. (d) Lord Canning was the Governor General of India from 1856 - 1862 and the first Viceroy in India from 1 November 1858. Lord Mountbatten was the First Governor General of Independent India. 233. (b) 1191 - First Battle of Tarain in which Prithviraj Chauhan defeated Mohd. Ghori.1192 - Second Battle of Tarain in which Mohd.Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chauhan. 235. (c) The first major attempt in curriculum reconstruction in India was made in 1937 when Gandhiji propounded the idea of Basic Education. 236. (b) Simon Commission (1927) > Dandi March (1930) > Gandhi Irwin Pact (1931) > Poona Pact (1932) 237. (c) During the early period, Multan was known as the city of gold for its large and wealthy temples. The Sun temple, 238. (d) 239. (c) 240. (a) 241. (b) 242. (c) 243. (a) 244. (a) 245. (a) Suraj Mandir, was considered one of the largest and wealthiest temples in the entire sub-continent. Amoghavarsha I was a follower of the Digambara branch of Jainism. His own writing Kavirajamarga is a landmark literary work in the Kannada language and became a guide book for future poets and scholars for centuries to come. The Kailasa temple is a famous rock cut monument, one of the 34 monasteries and temples known collectively as the Ellora Caves, extending over more than 2 km.The temple was commissioned and completed between dated 757-783 CE, when Krishna I ruled the Rashtrakuta dynasty. It is designed to recall Mount Kailash, the home of Lord Shiva. It is a megalith carved out of one single rock. It was built in the 8th century by the Rashtrakuta king Krishna I. The Thalavaipuram copper plate, belonging to the period between 1018 and 1054 brought out by the Pandya kings, describes giant waves, most possibly a tsunami. Gautamiputra Satakarni was the greatest of the Satavahana rulers. His reign period is noted by some scholars as 80 to 104 and by others from 106 to 130; in any case he is credited with a rule of 24 years. Akbar celebrated his conquest of Rajputana by laying the foundation of a new capital, 23 miles (37 km) W.S.W of Agra in 1569. It was called Fatehpur Sikri ("the city of victory"). Vasco da Gama was a Portuguese explorer who discovered the sea route to India from Europe through the Cape of Good Hope. Lord Curzon introduced the Indian University Act. The Indian Universities Act of 1904, passed on March, 21 was formulated on the basis of the recommendations of the Indian University Commission of 1902. Curzon gave importance on improving the standard and quality of higher education. After the spread of the Buddhist religion, Chinese travelers came to India in big numbers to collect religious books and to visit holy places of Buddhism. Buy books : http://www.dishapublication.com/entrance-exams-books/ssc-exams.html 24 This chapter is taken from : Buy books : http://www.dishapublication.com/entrance-exams-books/ssc-exams.html