India

Anglo Saxon

How long was India under British colonial rule?

Nearly 200 years, officially from 1858 to 1947.

What were some effects of British colonialism in India?

Economic exploitation, social disruption, and famines.

What was the Partition of India?

The 1947 division of British India into India and Pakistan, causing massive migration and violence.

Who are Adivasis?

Indigenous tribal groups in India who resisted exploitation and displacement.

What was the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny?

The first large-scale uprising by Indian soldiers against British rule, also called the First War of Independence.

What happened at the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre?

In 1919, British troops fired on peaceful Indian protesters, killing hundreds.

Who led the Salt March?

Mahatma Gandhi.

What was the Quit India Movement?

A 1942 movement led by Gandhi demanding immediate British withdrawal from India.

Who was India's first Prime Minister?

Jawaharlal Nehru.

What ideals did Jawaharlal Nehru promote?

Democracy, secularism, and economic modernisation.

Who led the Indian National Army?

Subhas Chandra Bose.

What approach did Subhas Chandra Bose advocate?

Armed struggle against British rule.

Who united India's princely states after independence?

Sardar Patel.

Who was Rani Lakshmibai?

The Queen of Jhansi and a key leader in the 1857 rebellion.

Who was B.R. Ambedkar?

Leader of the Dalit community and principal drafter of India's Constitution.

What cause did B.R. Ambedkar champion?

Caste equality.

What philosophy did Gandhi promote globally?

Nonviolence (Ahimsa).

What were some issues Gandhi also fought for besides independence?

Rights of peasants, workers, and marginalized groups.

What are examples of modern Indian social justice movements?

Movements for caste rights, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and tribal rights.

What was the "Emergency" period in India?

A 1975–1977 period when Indira Gandhi suspended civil liberties.

What was the Anti-Emergency Movement?

Widespread protests that restored democracy after Indira Gandhi's Emergency.

What was India's role in WWII?

Indian soldiers fought under British command, and the war weakened British control.

What is the Non-Aligned Movement?

A Cold War-era group led by Nehru that refused to align with the US or USSR.

When did the Kargil War occur?

1999.

What was the Kargil War about?

India repelled Pakistani infiltrators in the Kashmir region.

What is a key goal of India’s recent foreign policy?

Balancing relations with the U.S., Russia, and China while leading the Global South.

What is the Lok Sabha?

The lower house of India's Parliament, with 543 elected members.

What does the Lok Sabha do?

Passes laws and controls the government.

What is the Rajya Sabha?

The upper house of Parliament, with 245 members.

What is the role of the Rajya Sabha?

Reviews and amends legislation.

Who holds real executive power in India?

The Prime Minister.

Who is India's current Prime Minister?

Narendra Modi.

What role does India's President play?

Mostly ceremonial.

Who is India's current President?

Droupadi Murmu.

What oversees India's various policy areas like Defence and Health?

Ministries.

What is the highest court in India?

The Supreme Court of India.

What famous case limited Parliament’s power to alter the Constitution?

Kesavananda Bharati Case.

What ruling affirmed privacy as a fundamental right in India?

The Right to Privacy case (2017).

When was the Constitution of India adopted?

1950.

How is India defined in its Constitution?

As a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic.

What does the Preamble to India’s Constitution lay out?

Values like justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

What are Fundamental Rights in India?

Rights protecting freedoms like speech, religion, and equality before law.

What is the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)?

The ruling party associated with Hindu nationalism and economic reforms.

What is the Indian National Congress (INC)?

The historic party of independence, now centre-left.

What is the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)?

A newer party focused on anti-corruption and governance reforms.

What are some examples of India’s regional and communist parties?

CPI(M), DMK, TMC, and others.

What does India's non-alignment stance emphasise?

Independence from major Cold War powers and sovereign decision-making.

Which philosophy inspired Martin Luther King Jr. from India?

Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence (Ahimsa).

Who played a key role in framing India's Constitution alongside B.R. Ambedkar?

Jawaharlal Nehru and the Constituent Assembly.

What historical event triggered Indian independence movements after 1919?

The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.

What principle did the Kesavananda Bharati ruling establish?

The Basic Structure Doctrine, limiting Parliament’s power to alter fundamental constitutional features.

What is India's largest religious group?

Hinduism, followed by Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and others.

What river is considered sacred by many in India?

The Ganges River.

Who was the Mughal Empire's most famous emperor?

Akbar the Great, known for religious tolerance and administrative reforms.

What ancient civilisation originated in India?

The Indus Valley Civilisation (c. 2600–1900 BCE).

What is India's national motto?

"Satyameva Jayate" — "Truth Alone Triumphs."

What major economic reform did India implement in 1991?

Liberalisation of the economy, opening markets to global trade and investment.

Who founded the Maurya Empire, one of India's earliest great empires?

Chandragupta Maurya.

What is India's space agency called?

ISRO — Indian Space Research Organisation.

What recent major space achievement did India accomplish?

Chandrayaan-3's successful landing on the Moon's south pole in 2023.

What movement did Gandhi launch in 1930 to protest British salt laws?

The Salt March (also called the Dandi March).