Static GK Test 1
1. Who founded the ‘Ajivika Sect’? Static GK Test - Click Here
(A) Makkhali Gosala (B) Mahavira (C) Buddha (D) Patanjali
Answer: (A) Makkhali Gosala
Explanation : The Ajivika sect was founded by Makkhali Gosala, a contemporary of Mahavira and Buddha. It followed fatalism, believing destiny controls life, and became popular during Mauryan rule.
2. What type of script was used in the Indus Valley Civilization ?
(A) Brahmi (B) Kharosthi (C) Pictographic (D) Nagari
Answer: (C) Pictographic
Explanation : The Indus script was mainly pictographic, using pictures and symbols instead of alphabets. It remains undeciphered, found on seals, pottery, and tablets, showing the civilization’s advanced communication system.
3. The “Allahabad Pillar Inscription” is related to which emperor ?
(A) Samudragupta (B) Chandragupta (C) Ashoka (D) Harshavardhana
Answer: (A) Samudragupta
Explanation : The Allahabad Pillar Inscription, written by Harisena, glorifies Samudragupta’s victories. It records his conquests and political achievements, highlighting his title “Napoleon of India” for extensive military campaigns.
4. Who wrote the book “Arthashastra”?
(A) Kalidasa (B) Chanakya (C) Banabhatta (D) Harsha
Answer: (B) Chanakya
Explanation : The Arthashastra was authored by Chanakya (Kautilya), mentor of Chandragupta Maurya. It is an ancient treatise on politics, economics, diplomacy, and military strategy, guiding state administration effectively.
5. When was the Planning Commission of India established ?
(A) 1950 (B) 1947 (C) 1962 (D) 1975
Ans: (A) 1950
Explanation : The Planning Commission was set up in 1950 under Jawaharlal Nehru to formulate India’s Five-Year Plans. It played a key role in planned economic development before being replaced by NITI Aayog.
6. Who formed the Indian National Army (INA)?
(A) Subhas Chandra Bose (B) Motilal Nehru (C) Rashbehari Bose (D) Chandrashekhar Azad
Ans: (C) Rashbehari Bose
Explanation : The INA was first formed in 1942 by Rashbehari Bose in Japan with Indian prisoners of war. Later, Subhas Chandra Bose reorganized and strengthened it as “Azad Hind Fauj.”
7. The “Spindle Wheel” symbol on coins is found in which civilization ?
(A) Maurya (B) Gupta (C) Kushan (D) Indus Valley
Ans: (D) Indus Valley
Explanation : Indus Valley coins and seals often show spindle wheel symbols, indicating trade, textile industry, and crafts. These motifs reflect the civilization’s economic prosperity and symbolic artistic culture.
8. Where was Prithviraj Chauhan’s capital ?
(A) Ajmer (B) Delhi (C) Kannauj (D) Varanasi
Ans: (A) Ajmer
Explanation (30 words): Prithviraj Chauhan, a famous Rajput king, ruled from Ajmer. He later extended power to Delhi. Ajmer remained his political and cultural center, strengthening Chauhan dynasty influence in Rajasthan.
9. What was the main occupation of the Harappan Civilization?
(A) Metallurgy (B) Agriculture (C) Animal Husbandry (D) Trade
Ans: (B) Agriculture
Explanation : Agriculture was Harappans’ main livelihood. They cultivated wheat, barley, rice, and cotton using advanced irrigation. Surplus farming supported trade, urban growth, and made Harappa an agrarian-based civilization.
10. In which year was the Battle of Buxar fought ?
(A) 1757 (B) 1764 (C) 1857 (D) 1858
Ans: (B) 1764
Explanation : The Battle of Buxar (1764) was fought between British East India Company and the combined armies of Mir Qasim, Shuja-ud-Daulah, and Shah Alam II. British victory strengthened colonial rule.
11. Major Dhyan Chand was related to which sport ?
(A) Hockey (B) Football (C) Cricket (D) Kabaddi
Ans: (A) Hockey
Explanation : Major Dhyan Chand, the “Wizard of Hockey,” brought India Olympic gold medals in 1928, 1932, and 1936. His unmatched skill made him India’s greatest hockey legend worldwide.
12. Where did Subhas Chandra Bose form the Azad Hind Fauj ?
(A) Burma (B) Japan (C) Singapore (D) Germany
Answer: (C) Singapore
Explanation : Subhas Chandra Bose reorganized the Azad Hind Fauj in Singapore in 1943. With Japanese support, it aimed to free India from British rule, inspiring nationalist spirit across the nation.
13. What does “Democracy” in the Preamble of the Constitution mean ?
(A) Rule of the people (B) Secularism (C) Equality (D) Liberty
Ans: (A) Rule of the people
Explanation (30 words): Democracy means power lies with the people. Citizens elect representatives, ensuring government by, for, and of the people. It guarantees participation, freedom, and equality in governance.
14. Who abolished Jizya tax in the medieval period ?
(A) Akbar (B) Babur (C) Aurangzeb (D) Sher Shah
Ans: (A) Akbar
Explanation : Emperor Akbar removed Jizya tax, a religious tax on non-Muslims, to promote religious harmony and equality. His policy of tolerance strengthened Mughal administration and people’s faith in his rule.
15. When was the Indian Science Congress founded ?
(A) 1900 (B) 1914 (C) 1918 (D) 1935
Ans: (B) 1914
Explanation : The Indian Science Congress was founded in 1914 to promote scientific research and cooperation. It provides a platform for scientists, researchers, and policymakers to exchange knowledge and innovations.
16. The Nagarjuna Sagar Project is built on which river ?
(A) Godavari (B) Krishna (C) Kaveri (D) Mahanadi
Ans: (B) Krishna
Explanation : Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, one of India’s largest masonry dams, is constructed on the Krishna River. It provides irrigation, hydroelectric power, and drinking water, boosting agriculture in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
17. Who wrote the epic “Padmavat”?
(A) Tulsidas (B) Malik Muhammad Jayasi (C) Surdas (D) Raidas
Ans: (B) Malik Muhammad Jayasi
Explanation : Padmavat, written in Awadhi by Malik Muhammad Jayasi in 1540, narrates the story of Queen Padmini of Chittor. It blends history, romance, and Sufi mystical philosophy.
18. After how many years is the Indian Census conducted ?
(A) 5 years (B) 10 years (C) 12 years (D) 15 years
Ans: (B) 10 years
Explanation : The Census in India is conducted every 10 years since 1872. It provides vital demographic, economic, and social data, helping the government in planning policies and development programs.
19. The “White Revolution” is related to which sector ?
(A) Milk production (B) Wheat production (C) Cotton production (D) Egg production
Ans: (A) Milk production
Explanation : The White Revolution, launched under Dr. Verghese Kurien, made India the world’s largest milk producer. Operation Flood increased dairy production, improved rural economy, and ensured nutritional security.
20. When was the first Lok Sabha election in India held?
(A) 1947–48 (B) 1951–52 (C) 1955–56 (D) 1962–63
Ans: (B) 1951–52
Explanation : India’s first general elections for Lok Sabha were held in 1951–52 under universal adult franchise. It marked the beginning of democratic governance in independent India, strengthening people’s political participation.
Q21. Which Mughal emperor built the Taj Mahal ?
a) Akbar
b) Jahangir
c) Shah Jahan
d) Aurangzeb
Ans: c) Shah Jahan
Explanation : The Taj Mahal, located in Agra, was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1632 in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Q22. Assam’s capital city is —
a) Jorhat
b) Guwahati
c) Dibrugarh
d) Tezpur
Ans: b) Guwahati
Explanation : Guwahati, the largest city in Assam, functions as the state’s capital and commercial hub. It hosts important landmarks like the Assam Secretariat, High Court, and the historic Kamakhya Temple.
Q23. “Janmabhumi” newspaper is published in which language ?
a) Assamese
b) English
c) Hindi
d) Bengali
Ans: a) Assamese
Explanation : “Janmabhumi” is a prominent Assamese daily newspaper, published from Jorhat and Guwahati. It plays an important role in spreading Assamese literature, culture, and socio-political awareness among readers.
Q24. Kaziranga National Park is famous for —
a) Elephants
b) Lions
c) One-horned Rhinoceros
d) Tigers
Ans: c) One-horned Rhinoceros
Explanation : Kaziranga National Park in Assam is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, globally renowned for conserving the one-horned rhinoceros. It also shelters tigers, elephants, wild buffalo, and migratory birds.
Q25. The longest river in Assam is —
a) Dibang
b) Lohit
c) Manas
d) Brahmaputra
Ans: d) Brahmaputra
Explanation : The Brahmaputra is the longest river in Assam, flowing from Tibet into Arunachal Pradesh and Assam before entering Bangladesh. It supports agriculture, transportation, and is prone to flooding.
Q26. Which Indian state is called the “Land of Rising Sun”?
a) Arunachal Pradesh
b) Sikkim
c) Assam
d) Nagaland
Ans: a) Arunachal Pradesh
Explanation : Arunachal Pradesh, India’s easternmost state, is called the “Land of the Rising Sun” because it witnesses the earliest sunrise in the country due to its geographical location.
Q27. Who was the first President of India ?
a) Rajendra Prasad
b) S. Radhakrishnan
c) Zakir Hussain
d) V.V. Giri
Ans: a) Rajendra Prasad
Explanation : Dr. Rajendra Prasad was India’s first President (1950–1962). A freedom fighter and leader of the Constituent Assembly, he played a crucial role in shaping India’s democratic Constitution.
Q28. Which Assamese saint introduced Neo-Vaishnavism ?
a) Madhavdev
b) Sankardev
c) Damodardev
d) Haridev
Ans: b) Sankardev
Explanation : Srimanta Sankardev was a 15th-century saint who introduced Neo-Vaishnavism in Assam. He promoted bhakti, unity, literature, and culture through naamghars, satras, dramas, and devotional songs called borgeets.
Q29. Who wrote the book “India Wins Freedom”?
a) Jawaharlal Nehru
b) B.R. Ambedkar
c) Abul Kalam Azad
d) Mahatma Gandhi
Ans: c) Abul Kalam Azad
Explanation : Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, India’s first Education Minister, wrote “India Wins Freedom.” It highlights his experiences and perspectives during India’s freedom struggle and post-independence developments.
Q30. Which is the smallest continent ?
a) Africa
b) Australia
c) Europe
d) Antarctica
Ans: b) Australia
Explanation : Australia is the smallest continent, covering about 7.7 million square kilometers. Surrounded by oceans, it is both a country and a continent, with unique flora and fauna.
Q31. When did the Jallianwala Bagh massacre occur ?
a) 1916
b) 1919
c) 1921
d) 1925
Ans: b) 1919
Explanation : On April 13, 1919, British troops under General Dyer fired on a peaceful gathering at Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, killing hundreds. It fueled Indian independence movement and anti-British sentiment.
Q32. What type of body is the judiciary ?
a) Legislative
b) Executive
c) Independent
d) All of the above
Ans: c) Independent
Explanation: The judiciary is an independent branch of government. It interprets laws, ensures justice, and maintains the Constitution, free from influence by the legislature or executive.
Q33. The Dhyan Chand Award is associated with —
a) Literature
b) Sports
c) Medicine
d) Science
Ans: b) Sports
Explanation : The Dhyan Chand Award is India’s lifetime achievement sports award, named after hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, honoring outstanding contributions and achievements by athletes in promoting sports in India.
Q34. When was the Rajya Sabha formed ?
a) 1950
b) 1952
c) 1955
d) 1962
Ans: b) 1952
Explanation : The Rajya Sabha, India’s upper house of Parliament, was constituted in 1952 under the Constitution. It represents states and union territories and participates in legislative processes.
Q35. Who built the Red Fort (Lal Qila)?
a) Akbar
b) Shah Jahan
c) Aurangzeb
d) Babur
Ans: b) Shah Jahan
Explanation : Shah Jahan built the Red Fort in Delhi between 1638–1648 as his palace. It is a symbol of Mughal architecture and India’s historic and cultural heritage.
Q36. Who wrote the Ramayana?
a) Tulsidas
b) Valmiki
c) Surdas
d) Vedavyasa
Answer: b) Valmiki
Explanation : Sage Valmiki wrote the epic Ramayana in Sanskrit, narrating Lord Rama’s life, principles of dharma, and devotion. It remains a key religious, cultural, and literary text in India.
Q37. Who wrote the “Gita Govinda”?
a) Surdas
b) Jayadeva
c) Tulsidas
d) Kalidas
Ans: b) Jayadeva
Explanation : Jayadeva, a 12th-century poet, composed the devotional Sanskrit work “Gita Govinda” praising Lord Krishna and Radha, famous for lyrical poetry and musical compositions in Indian classical tradition.
Q38. Who wrote “India Wins Freedom”?
a) Nehru
b) Gandhi
c) Maulana Azad
d) Subhas Bose
Ans: c) Maulana Azad
Explanation : Maulana Abul Kalam Azad authored “India Wins Freedom,” recounting the struggle for independence. It provides insights into politics, negotiations, and the challenges during India’s freedom movement.
Q39. When was the National Human Rights Commission established ?
a) 1991
b) 1993
c) 1995
d) 1997
Ans: b) 1993
Explanation: India’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was established in 1993 to investigate human rights violations, promote awareness, and advise the government on human rights protection and policy measures.
Q40. Where was the Great Bath discovered?
a) Harappa
b) Mohenjo-daro
c) Lothal
d) Kalibangan
Ans: b) Mohenjo-daro
Explanation : The Great Bath, a large public water tank, was discovered in Mohenjo-daro of the Indus Valley Civilization. It indicates advanced urban planning, sanitation, and ritualistic practices of the era.
Q41. Where is Kanchenjunga located?
a) Nepal-India border
b) Tibet
c) Bhutan
d) Sikkim
Ans: a) Nepal-India border
Explanation : Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world, lies on the Nepal-India (Sikkim) border. It is sacred in local cultures and known for its challenging terrain and unique biodiversity.
Q42. For which work did Rabindranath Tagore receive the Nobel Prize ?
a) Gitanjali
b) Gora
c) Gruhdah
d) Ghare Baire
Ans: a) Gitanjali
Explanation : Tagore received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for “Gitanjali,” a collection of spiritual poems highlighting humanism, devotion, and Indian culture, gaining international acclaim for Indian literature.
Q43. When was All India Radio (Akashvani) established ?
a) 1930
b) 1936
c) 1940
d) 1945
Ans: b) 1936
Explanation : All India Radio, initially established as “Indian Broadcasting Company” and renamed Akashvani in 1936, became India’s national public radio, promoting education, entertainment, news, and cultural awareness.
Q44. When did Indian television broadcasting start ?
a) 1959
b) 1960
c) 1965
d) 1970
Ans: a) 1959
Explanation : Doordarshan began experimental TV broadcasts in 1959 in Delhi. It laid the foundation for India’s television network, educating and entertaining the public while promoting national integration.
Q45. When was Haryana state formed ?
a) 1960
b) 1962
c) 1966
d) 1972
Ans: c) 1966
Explanation : Haryana was carved out of Punjab on 1 November 1966 based on linguistic lines. It became a separate state, with Chandigarh as its capital (shared with Punjab).
Q46. Where is Sher Shah Suri’s tomb located ?
a) Delhi
b) Sasaram
c) Agra
d) Patna
Ans: b) Sasaram
Explanation : Sher Shah Suri’s tomb, built in Sasaram, Bihar, is a grand sandstone mausoleum showcasing Indo-Islamic architecture. It reflects Suri’s influence and architectural patronage during his reign.
Q47. Where is the headquarters of the Asian Development Bank ?
a) Singapore
b) Manila
c) Tokyo
d) Beijing
Ans : b) Manila
Explanation : The Asian Development Bank (ADB) headquarters is in Manila, Philippines. It provides financial and technical support for development projects in Asia-Pacific, aiming to reduce poverty and promote sustainable growth.
Q48. How often are the Olympic Games held ?
a) 2 years
b) 3 years
c) 4 years
d) 5 years
Ans: c) 4 years
Explanation : The Summer and Winter Olympic Games are held every four years, promoting international sportsmanship, cultural exchange, and global athletic excellence, fostering unity among participating nations.
Q49. Which constitution inspired the Indian Constitution’s preamble ?
a) US Constitution
b) French Constitution
c) British Constitution
d) Canadian Constitution
Ans: a) US Constitution
Explanation : The Indian Constitution’s preamble was inspired by the US Constitution, emphasizing justice, liberty, equality, and democracy. It outlines India’s sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic framework.
Q50. What is the maximum term of the Lok Sabha ?
a) 4 years
b) 5 years
c) 6 years
d) 7 years
Ans: b) 5 years
Explanation The Lok Sabha, India’s lower house of Parliament, has a maximum term of five years unless dissolved sooner. It represents the people and participates in law-making and governance oversight.