Trivia Quiz Questions On Indian History!

Pataliputra was the capital of the Maurya Dynasty. It was an ancient city located in present-day Bihar, India. Pataliputra was strategically situated on the banks of the river Ganges, which made it a significant center for trade and administration. It was also the political and cultural hub of the Maurya Empire, under the rule of Emperor Chandragupta Maurya and his successors. Pataliputra's grandeur and prosperity during this period are well-documented in ancient texts and archaeological findings, making it the correct answer for the capital of the Maurya Dynasty.

Annie Besant started the 'Home Rule' Movement. She was a prominent British socialist, women's rights activist, and the president of the Indian National Congress. Besant played a crucial role in promoting the idea of self-governance and home rule for India. She founded the Home Rule League in 1916, which aimed to achieve self-government for India within the British Empire. Besant's efforts and leadership in the Home Rule Movement greatly contributed to the Indian independence movement and the eventual attainment of independence from British rule.

Gandhi's first Satyagraha was held in Champaran. Satyagraha is a form of nonviolent resistance, and Champaran was the site of the first successful implementation of this method by Gandhi in India. In 1917, he led a movement to support the indigo farmers who were being forced to grow indigo by British landlords. This movement not only helped the farmers gain freedom from oppression but also marked the beginning of Gandhi's influential role in India's struggle for independence.

Hiuen Tsang was a Chinese pilgrim who visited India during Harsha Vardhana's period. He was a Buddhist monk and scholar who embarked on a journey to India in the 7th century. His primary purpose was to study Buddhism and collect Buddhist scriptures. Hiuen Tsang spent several years in India, visiting various Buddhist sites and monasteries, and interacting with scholars and practitioners. He documented his experiences and observations in his famous travelogue, "Records of the Western World." Hiuen Tsang's visit to India during Harsha Vardhana's reign is significant as it provides valuable insights into the socio-cultural and religious landscape of ancient India.

In 1911, Delhi was declared as the Capital of India. This decision was made during the British rule in India, when they decided to shift the capital from Calcutta (now Kolkata) to Delhi. The British government felt that Delhi, with its historical and cultural significance, would be a more suitable administrative center for the entire country. The shift of the capital to Delhi was also seen as a way to strengthen British control over the northern regions of India. Therefore, 1911 is the correct answer as it marks the year when Delhi officially became the capital of India.

The Indigo Revolt took place in Bengal. This revolt was a rebellion by Indian farmers against the oppressive indigo planters during the British colonial rule. The farmers were forced to cultivate indigo instead of food crops, leading to widespread poverty and starvation. The revolt was a significant event in the Indian independence movement as it highlighted the exploitation of Indian farmers by British landlords.

The Indian National Congress divided for the first time in 1907 during the Surat Session. This division occurred due to ideological differences between the moderate and extremist factions within the party. The moderates, led by leaders like Gopal Krishna Gokhale, advocated for a gradual and peaceful approach towards achieving independence from British rule. On the other hand, the extremists, led by leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, demanded more radical measures and direct action against the British. The split at the Surat Session highlighted the growing tensions and diverging strategies within the Indian National Congress.

The main metal used by the Indus Valley people was copper. This is because copper was readily available in the region and was easily malleable, making it suitable for crafting various tools and ornaments. Copper was an important material for the Indus Valley civilization, and it played a significant role in their daily lives, including agriculture, trade, and artistic expression. The extensive use of copper by the Indus Valley people is evident from the numerous copper artifacts discovered at archaeological sites.

The official language of the Satavahana dynasty was Prakrit. Prakrit was a group of ancient Indic languages that were derived from Sanskrit but spoken by the common people. It was the language of administration and communication during the Satavahana rule, as Sanskrit was primarily used for religious and scholarly purposes. Prakrit was widely spoken and understood by the people, making it the preferred language for official purposes.

The correct answer is Kolkata because the second session of the Indian National Congress (INC) was held in Kolkata. Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, was the capital of British India at that time and served as an important center for political and social activities. The session took place from 27th to 31st December 1886 and was attended by prominent leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, A.O. Hume, and Surendranath Banerjee. This session played a significant role in shaping the future direction of the Indian National Congress and its struggle for independence.

Chittor was not affected by the revolt of 1857. The revolt, also known as the Indian Rebellion of 1857 or the First War of Independence, was a major uprising against British rule in India. It started in Meerut and spread to various parts of the country, including Lucknow, Jagdishpur, and Jhansi. However, Chittor, a city in Rajasthan, did not witness any significant participation or impact from the revolt.

India's first General Election was held in 1951-52. This was a landmark event in the country's history as it marked the establishment of a democratic system after gaining independence from British rule. The election was conducted to elect members of the Constituent Assembly who would then draft India's constitution. The election was a significant step towards establishing a representative government and giving voice to the people of India in shaping their own destiny.

Gulsarilal Nanda was appointed as the acting Prime Minister of India twice. The first time was in 1964, after the death of Jawaharlal Nehru, and the second time was in 1966, following the demise of Lal Bahadur Shastri. Nanda served as the acting Prime Minister until a new leader was elected by the party. Therefore, he is the correct answer to the question.

Gandhiji published 'Hindi Swaraj' in the year 1908. This book, originally written in Gujarati, was later translated into Hindi. In 'Hindi Swaraj', Gandhi expressed his views on self-governance and the need for Indians to strive for independence from British rule. The book became a significant political and philosophical work, inspiring many Indians to join the freedom movement.

Young India is a journal that was indeed published by Mahatma Gandhi. It was a weekly journal that Gandhi himself edited and wrote for, and it played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. Gandhi used Young India as a platform to spread his ideas and principles of non-violence, civil disobedience, and self-reliance. The journal aimed to inspire and educate the youth of India, hence the name "Young India".