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721. The Bombay Stock Exchange, established in 1875, is considered the oldest stock exchange in:
- A. The Commonwealth
- B. South Asia only
- C. The world
- D. Asia
Answer: Asia
Explanation: BSE began as the Native Share & Stock Brokers' Association in 1875; it is Asia's oldest exchange.
722. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) was set up in 1982 on the recommendation of:
- A. Malhotra Committee
- B. Shivaraman Committee
- C. Narasimham Committee
- D. Rangarajan Committee
Answer: Shivaraman Committee
Explanation: NABARD was established on 12 July 1982 on the Shivaraman Committee's report; HQ is Mumbai.
723. The Sahitya Akademi gives annual awards in how many languages?
- A. 18
- B. 22
- C. 26
- D. 24
Answer: 24
Explanation: The Akademi recognises 24 languages — the 22 Schedule VIII languages plus English and Rajasthani; it was set up in 1954.
724. The Ramon Magsaysay Award is named after a former President of:
- A. Thailand
- B. Philippines
- C. Indonesia
- D. Malaysia
Answer: Philippines
Explanation: Magsaysay (President 1953-57) is commemorated by the award established in 1957; Vinoba Bhave was the first Indian recipient (1958).
725. Which Indian-born scientist shared the 1983 Nobel Prize in Physics for the theory of stellar evolution (Chandrasekhar limit)?
- A. Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar
- B. G. N. Ramachandran
- C. Hargobind Khorana
- D. Satyendra Nath Bose
Answer: Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar
Explanation: Chandrasekhar was the nephew of C. V. Raman; the limit (about 1.4 solar masses) concerns white dwarfs.
726. Amartya Sen received the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1998 for contributions to:
- A. Monetary policy
- B. International trade
- C. Game theory
- D. Welfare economics
Answer: Welfare economics
Explanation: Sen was recognised for work on welfare economics and famine; his book 'Poverty and Famines' (1981).
727. Which Indian received the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize jointly with Malala Yousafzai?
- A. Kailash Satyarthi
- B. Medha Patkar
- C. Muhammad Yunus
- D. Amartya Sen
Answer: Kailash Satyarthi
Explanation: Satyarthi, founder of Bachpan Bachao Andolan, shared it for opposing child labour.
728. The Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy is awarded for:
- A. Best sports journalist
- B. Lifetime achievement in sports
- C. Best coach of the year
- D. Overall best-performing university in inter-university sports
Answer: Overall best-performing university in inter-university sports
Explanation: The MAKA Trophy goes to the top overall university in inter-university tournaments.
729. The Jnanpith Award for 2024 (announced in 2025) went to which Hindi writer?
- A. Vinod Kumar Shukla
- B. Nirmal Verma
- C. Gulzar
- D. Kedarnath Singh
Answer: Vinod Kumar Shukla
Explanation: Vinod Kumar Shukla of Chhattisgarh won the 59th Jnanpith; Gulzar and Rambhadracharya shared the 58th (for 2023).
730. Who composed the music for 'Slumdog Millionaire', winning two Oscars at the 2009 ceremony?
- A. A. R. Rahman
- B. Ilaiyaraaja
- C. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
- D. R. D. Burman
Answer: A. R. Rahman
Explanation: Rahman won for Best Original Score and (with Gulzar) Best Original Song 'Jai Ho'.
731. Which song from 'RRR' won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2023?
- A. Janani
- B. Naatu Naatu
- C. Dosti
- D. Komuram Bheemudo
Answer: Naatu Naatu
Explanation: Naatu Naatu (music M. M. Keeravani, lyrics Chandrabose) won; The Elephant Whisperers won Best Documentary Short.
732. Who got the first Oscar for an Indian in 1983, for Best Costume Design in 'Gandhi'?
- A. Bhanu Athaiya
- B. Resul Pookutty
- C. A. R. Rahman
- D. Satyajit Ray
Answer: Bhanu Athaiya
Explanation: Bhanu Athaiya shared the Oscar with John Mollo; Satyajit Ray received an Honorary Oscar in 1992.
733. Which is the highest peacetime gallantry award of India?
- A. Ashoka Chakra
- B. Kirti Chakra
- C. Shaurya Chakra
- D. Param Vir Chakra
Answer: Ashoka Chakra
Explanation: Order of precedence in peacetime: Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra; PVC and Maha Vir Chakra are wartime.
734. The Param Vir Chakra was instituted on 26 January 1950 with effect from:
- A. 26 January 1950
- B. 15 January 1949
- C. 15 August 1947
- D. 22 October 1947
Answer: 15 August 1947
Explanation: The award was made retrospective to 15 August 1947, so Somnath Sharma's 1947 action qualified.
735. The Param Vir Chakra medal was designed by:
- A. Nandalal Bose
- B. D. Udaya Kumar
- C. Savitri Khanolkar
- D. Pingali Venkayya
Answer: Savitri Khanolkar
Explanation: Swiss-born Savitri Khanolkar (Eve Yvonne Maday de Maros) designed it; it features Indra's Vajra and is made of bronze.
736. Under which Article of the Constitution can national awards like the Bharat Ratna not be used as titles?
- A. Article 21
- B. Article 14
- C. Article 18(1)
- D. Article 19(1)(a)
Answer: Article 18(1)
Explanation: Article 18 abolishes titles; Balaji Raghavan (1996) upheld national awards but held they cannot be used as prefix or suffix.
737. The Padma awards are conferred in which three categories in ascending order of precedence?
- A. Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan
- B. Padma Vibhushan, Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan
- C. Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Shri
- D. Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri
Answer: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri
Explanation: Padma Vibhushan (exceptional and distinguished service) ranks above Padma Bhushan (distinguished) and Padma Shri (distinguished service). Established 1954.
738. Which of the following received the Bharat Ratna in 2024?
- A. Pranab Mukherjee
- B. P. V. Narasimha Rao
- C. Dr. Bhupen Hazarika
- D. Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Answer: P. V. Narasimha Rao
Explanation: 2024 awardees: Karpoori Thakur, L. K. Advani, P. V. Narasimha Rao, Chaudhary Charan Singh and M. S. Swaminathan; Vajpayee got it in 2015, Mukherjee and Hazarika in 2019.
739. Which sportsperson was the first to receive the Bharat Ratna (2014) and also the youngest recipient?
- A. Viswanathan Anand
- B. Sachin Tendulkar
- C. Sunil Gavaskar
- D. Dhyan Chand
Answer: Sachin Tendulkar
Explanation: Tendulkar was 40 when honoured, along with scientist C. N. R. Rao.
740. Which two non-citizens of India have received the Bharat Ratna?
- A. Mother Teresa and Nelson Mandela
- B. Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu
- C. Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan and Dalai Lama
- D. Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan and Nelson Mandela
Answer: Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan and Nelson Mandela
Explanation: Ghaffar Khan (1987) and Mandela (1990) are the only non-citizens honoured; Mother Teresa was an Indian citizen.
741. Who was the first woman to be awarded the Bharat Ratna (1971)?
- A. M. S. Subbulakshmi
- B. Mother Teresa
- C. Indira Gandhi
- D. Aruna Asaf Ali
Answer: Indira Gandhi
Explanation: Indira Gandhi received it in 1971; Mother Teresa in 1980; M. S. Subbulakshmi in 1998.
742. Who was the first posthumous recipient of the Bharat Ratna (1966)?
- A. Maulana Azad
- B. Govind Ballabh Pant
- C. Lal Bahadur Shastri
- D. Jawaharlal Nehru
Answer: Lal Bahadur Shastri
Explanation: Shastri died at Tashkent in January 1966 and received the award posthumously; Azad (1992) and Patel (1991) were also honoured posthumously.
743. Who is known as the 'Nightingale of India' (Bharat Kokila)?
- A. Lata Mangeshkar
- B. Subbulakshmi
- C. Sarojini Naidu
- D. Asha Bhosle
Answer: Sarojini Naidu
Explanation: Sarojini Naidu, poet and politician, is 'Nightingale of India'; Lata Mangeshkar was the 'Swar Kokila' (Bharat Ratna 2001).
744. Who assassinated Michael O'Dwyer in London in 1940?
- A. Batukeshwar Dutt
- B. Madan Lal Dhingra
- C. Udham Singh
- D. Bhagat Singh
Answer: Udham Singh
Explanation: Udham Singh shot O'Dwyer, ex-Lt Governor of Punjab, at Caxton Hall on 13 March 1940 for Jallianwala Bagh; he was hanged in July 1940.
745. Who is known as the 'Lion of Punjab' (Punjab Kesari)?
- A. Bhagat Singh
- B. Udham Singh
- C. Maharaja Ranjit Singh
- D. Lala Lajpat Rai
Answer: Lala Lajpat Rai
Explanation: Lala Lajpat Rai, one of the Lal-Bal-Pal trio, was called Punjab Kesari; Ranjit Singh was Sher-e-Punjab.
746. Which freedom fighter was killed after being lathi-charged during the Simon Commission protest in Lahore in 1928?
- A. Bhagat Singh
- B. Lala Lajpat Rai
- C. Bipin Chandra Pal
- D. Chandrashekhar Azad
Answer: Lala Lajpat Rai
Explanation: Lajpat Rai died on 17 November 1928; Bhagat Singh's group killed J. P. Saunders on 17 December 1928 in revenge.
747. Who is known as the 'Frontier Gandhi'?
- A. Liaquat Ali Khan
- B. Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan
- C. Maulana Azad
- D. Hakim Ajmal Khan
Answer: Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan
Explanation: He founded the Khudai Khidmatgar (Red Shirts) and was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1987.
748. Who is credited with the Satyagraha at Champaran in 1917 over indigo cultivation?
- A. Rajendra Prasad
- B. Sardar Patel
- C. Mahatma Gandhi
- D. Vinoba Bhave
Answer: Mahatma Gandhi
Explanation: Gandhi's first Satyagraha in India was at Champaran against the tinkathia system, on the plea of Rajkumar Shukla.
749. Who was the first Indian-origin person to win a Nobel Prize in Physics, in 1930?
- A. Meghnad Saha
- B. S. N. Bose
- C. C. V. Raman
- D. S. Chandrasekhar
Answer: C. V. Raman
Explanation: Raman got the 1930 Physics Nobel for light scattering; Chandrasekhar shared the 1983 Physics Nobel.
750. Who led the first successful Indian Everest expedition of 1965, in which nine climbers reached the summit?
- A. Tenzing Norgay
- B. Nawang Gombu
- C. Mohan Singh Kohli
- D. Col. Narendra Kumar
Answer: Mohan Singh Kohli
Explanation: Captain M. S. Kohli led the 1965 expedition; nine Indians reached the summit, a record at the time.
751. Who was the first woman in the world to climb Mount Everest twice in consecutive years (1992 and 1993)?
- A. Santosh Yadav
- B. Anshu Jamsenpa
- C. Bachendri Pal
- D. Premlata Agarwal
Answer: Santosh Yadav
Explanation: Santosh Yadav of Haryana summited in May 1992 and again in May 1993, the first woman to do so.
752. Who was the first Indian woman to scale Mount Everest, in 1984?
- A. Premlata Agarwal
- B. Santosh Yadav
- C. Arunima Sinha
- D. Bachendri Pal
Answer: Bachendri Pal
Explanation: Bachendri Pal summited on 23 May 1984; Arunima Sinha was the first female amputee to climb Everest (2013).
753. Who was India's first woman IPS officer, joining the service in 1972?
- A. Meera Borwankar
- B. Kiran Bedi
- C. Kanchan Choudhary Bhattacharya
- D. Asha Sinha
Answer: Kiran Bedi
Explanation: Kiran Bedi joined the IPS in 1972; Kanchan Choudhary Bhattacharya became the first woman DGP (Uttarakhand, 2004).
754. Who became the first woman Governor of an Indian state?
- A. Sucheta Kripalani
- B. Sarojini Naidu
- C. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit
- D. Padmaja Naidu
Answer: Sarojini Naidu
Explanation: Sarojini Naidu was Governor of the United Provinces from 1947; Sucheta Kripalani was the first woman Chief Minister (UP, 1963).
755. Who was the first Indian to be appointed Chief Election Commissioner of India (the first CEC, 1950)?
- A. Sukumar Sen
- B. T. N. Seshan
- C. K. V. K. Sundaram
- D. S. P. Sen Verma
Answer: Sukumar Sen
Explanation: Sukumar Sen conducted the first general elections of 1951-52; T. N. Seshan (1990-96) is known for electoral reforms.
756. Who was the first Governor of Reserve Bank of India?
- A. C. D. Deshmukh
- B. Benegal Rama Rau
- C. Sir Osborne Smith
- D. Sir James Taylor
Answer: Sir Osborne Smith
Explanation: Sir Osborne Smith (1935-37) was the first; C. D. Deshmukh was the first Indian Governor (1943).
757. Who was the first Indian woman to preside over the Indian National Congress (1925)?
- A. Nellie Sengupta
- B. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit
- C. Sarojini Naidu
- D. Annie Besant
Answer: Sarojini Naidu
Explanation: Sarojini Naidu presided at Kanpur in 1925; the British-born Annie Besant had been the first woman president (Calcutta, 1917).
758. Who hoisted the tricolour at Gowalia Tank Maidan, Bombay, on 9 August 1942 during the Quit India Movement?
- A. Usha Mehta
- B. Sarojini Naidu
- C. Sucheta Kripalani
- D. Aruna Asaf Ali
Answer: Aruna Asaf Ali
Explanation: Aruna Asaf Ali hoisted the flag; Usha Mehta ran the underground Congress Radio.
759. Who headed the Rani of Jhansi Regiment of the INA?
- A. Aruna Asaf Ali
- B. Sarojini Naidu
- C. Kasturba Gandhi
- D. Captain Lakshmi Sahgal
Answer: Captain Lakshmi Sahgal
Explanation: Lakshmi Swaminathan (Sahgal) commanded the women's regiment formed in July 1943.
760. Who founded the Indian National Army (Azad Hind Fauj) in its second phase in Singapore in 1943?
- A. Subhas Chandra Bose
- B. Lakshmi Sahgal
- C. Mohan Singh
- D. Rash Behari Bose
Answer: Subhas Chandra Bose
Explanation: Rash Behari Bose handed leadership to Subhas Bose in July 1943; the first INA was formed by Mohan Singh in 1942.
761. Who is regarded as the 'Father of the Green Revolution in India'?
- A. Verghese Kurien
- B. M. S. Swaminathan
- C. Norman Borlaug
- D. C. Subramaniam
Answer: M. S. Swaminathan
Explanation: Swaminathan (1925-2023) promoted high-yielding wheat and rice; Borlaug is the global father of the Green Revolution.
762. Who is called the 'Father of the White Revolution' in India?
- A. Norman Borlaug
- B. Jagjivan Ram
- C. Verghese Kurien
- D. M. S. Swaminathan
Answer: Verghese Kurien
Explanation: Kurien led Operation Flood from 1970 via NDDB; Amul at Anand was his cooperative model.
763. Who is known as the 'Missile Woman of India', Project Director of Agni-IV?
- A. Tessy Thomas
- B. Nandini Harinath
- C. Moumita Dutta
- D. Ritu Karidhal
Answer: Tessy Thomas
Explanation: Tessy Thomas of DRDO headed the Agni-IV project; Ritu Karidhal was Mission Director of Chandrayaan-2.
764. Who is known as the 'Father of the Indian Constitution' and chaired its Drafting Committee?
- A. Rajendra Prasad
- B. B. R. Ambedkar
- C. K. M. Munshi
- D. B. N. Rau
Answer: B. R. Ambedkar
Explanation: B. N. Rau was the Constitutional Adviser; Rajendra Prasad presided over the Constituent Assembly.
765. Who is known as the 'Iron Man of India' for integrating over 560 princely states?
- A. Rajendra Prasad
- B. C. Rajagopalachari
- C. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
- D. V. P. Menon
Answer: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Explanation: Patel, with V. P. Menon as Secretary of the States Department, integrated the princely states.
766. Hindi Diwas on 14 September commemorates the day in 1949 when the Constituent Assembly:
- A. Established the Rajbhasha Commission
- B. Passed the Official Languages Act
- C. Declared Hindi the national language
- D. Adopted Hindi in Devanagari as the Official Language of the Union
Answer: Adopted Hindi in Devanagari as the Official Language of the Union
Explanation: Article 343 declares Hindi in Devanagari script the official language of the Union; the Constitution does not name a 'national language'.
767. The 'Mahaparinirvan Diwas' of B. R. Ambedkar is observed on:
- A. 26 November
- B. 14 April
- C. 6 December
- D. 25 December
Answer: 6 December
Explanation: Ambedkar died on 6 December 1956 in Delhi; his birth anniversary is 14 April.
768. Constitution Day (Samvidhan Divas) on 26 November commemorates the:
- A. Commencement of the Constitution in 1950
- B. Drafting Committee's formation in 1947
- C. Adoption of the Constitution by the Constituent Assembly in 1949
- D. First Lok Sabha session in 1952
Answer: Adoption of the Constitution by the Constituent Assembly in 1949
Explanation: The Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949; Samvidhan Divas has been observed since 2015, the year of Ambedkar's 125th birth anniversary.
769. Which day is observed as 'Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas' in honour of Birsa Munda?
- A. 11 October
- B. 9 August
- C. 15 November
- D. 2 October
Answer: 15 November
Explanation: Declared in 2021, it falls on Birsa Munda's birth anniversary, 15 November 1875.
770. Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) on 31 October honours the birth anniversary of:
- A. Indira Gandhi
- B. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
- C. Lal Bahadur Shastri
- D. Subhas Chandra Bose
Answer: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Explanation: Patel was born 31 October 1875; the Statue of Unity at Kevadia, 182 m, was inaugurated in 2018.
771. World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (17 May) commemorates the founding of the:
- A. Universal Postal Union, 1874
- B. WMO, 1950
- C. WIPO, 1967
- D. International Telegraph Union (ITU), 1865
Answer: International Telegraph Union (ITU), 1865
Explanation: The ITU was founded on 17 May 1865 and is now a UN specialised agency headquartered in Geneva.
772. World Human Rights Day (10 December) marks the adoption of the UDHR in which year?
- A. 1945
- B. 1948
- C. 1966
- D. 1950
Answer: 1948
Explanation: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the UNGA in Paris on 10 December 1948.
773. World Food Day (16 October) marks the founding of which UN agency in 1945?
- A. WFP
- B. FAO
- C. WHO
- D. IFAD
Answer: FAO
Explanation: The Food and Agriculture Organization was founded on 16 October 1945 and is headquartered in Rome.
774. International Yoga Day on 21 June was proposed at the UNGA by India's PM in 2014 and adopted by a resolution in:
- A. January 2015
- B. December 2014
- C. September 2014
- D. June 2015
Answer: December 2014
Explanation: The UNGA adopted the resolution on 11 December 2014; the first IDY was observed on 21 June 2015.
775. World Wetlands Day on 2 February commemorates the adoption of the:
- A. Ramsar Convention
- B. Bonn Convention
- C. CITES
- D. Convention on Biological Diversity
Answer: Ramsar Convention
Explanation: The Ramsar Convention was adopted in Ramsar, Iran, on 2 February 1971.
776. World Environment Day (5 June) was designated by the UN General Assembly following which conference?
- A. Kyoto Protocol 1997
- B. Rio Earth Summit 1992
- C. Paris Agreement 2015
- D. Stockholm Conference 1972
Answer: Stockholm Conference 1972
Explanation: The Stockholm Conference opened on 5 June 1972; the first WED was observed in 1974.
777. National Consumer Rights Day on 24 December marks the enactment of the:
- A. Consumer Protection Act, 2019
- B. Sale of Goods Act, 1930
- C. Consumer Protection Act, 1986
- D. Competition Act, 2002
Answer: Consumer Protection Act, 1986
Explanation: The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 received Presidential assent on 24 December 1986; the 2019 Act replaced it.
778. Kisan Diwas (National Farmers' Day) on 23 December is observed on the birth anniversary of:
- A. Lal Bahadur Shastri
- B. Chaudhary Charan Singh
- C. Swami Sahajanand Saraswati
- D. Sardar Patel
Answer: Chaudhary Charan Singh
Explanation: Charan Singh, India's fifth Prime Minister, was born on 23 December 1902.
779. Good Governance Day on 25 December commemorates the birth anniversary of:
- A. Chaudhary Charan Singh
- B. Atal Bihari Vajpayee
- C. Madan Mohan Malaviya
- D. Syama Prasad Mukherjee
Answer: Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Explanation: Vajpayee was born on 25 December 1924; Good Governance Day has been observed since 2014 (Malaviya was also born on 25 Dec 1861).
780. Sadbhavana Diwas on 20 August honours the birth anniversary of:
- A. Atal Bihari Vajpayee
- B. Lal Bahadur Shastri
- C. Rajiv Gandhi
- D. Indira Gandhi
Answer: Rajiv Gandhi
Explanation: Rajiv Gandhi was born on 20 August 1944; the day is also Akshay Urja Diwas.
781. Army Day on 15 January marks the day when which Indian officer took over as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief in 1949?
- A. Rajendrasinhji Jadeja
- B. K. M. Cariappa
- C. S. H. F. J. Manekshaw
- D. K. S. Thimayya
Answer: K. M. Cariappa
Explanation: Lt Gen K. M. Cariappa succeeded General Roy Bucher on 15 January 1949.
782. Kargil Vijay Diwas on 26 July commemorates the end of which operation?
- A. Operation Meghdoot
- B. Operation Vijay
- C. Operation Rakshak
- D. Operation Safed Sagar
Answer: Operation Vijay
Explanation: Operation Vijay (Army) ended on 26 July 1999; Safed Sagar was the IAF's operation.
783. Engineers' Day in India is observed on 15 September in honour of:
- A. E. Sreedharan
- B. Homi Bhabha
- C. M. Visvesvaraya
- D. Satish Dhawan
Answer: M. Visvesvaraya
Explanation: Sir M. Visvesvaraya, Bharat Ratna 1955, was born on 15 September 1861; he designed the KRS Dam.
784. National Science Day (28 February) commemorates the announcement of the:
- A. Chandrasekhar limit
- B. Bose-Einstein statistics
- C. Raman Effect
- D. Saha ionisation equation
Answer: Raman Effect
Explanation: C. V. Raman announced the discovery of the Raman scattering on 28 February 1928; he won the Physics Nobel in 1930.
785. National Mathematics Day, observed on 22 December, honours the birth anniversary of:
- A. D. R. Kaprekar
- B. Harish-Chandra
- C. Srinivasa Ramanujan
- D. Aryabhata
Answer: Srinivasa Ramanujan
Explanation: Ramanujan was born on 22 December 1887; the day was declared in 2012.
786. Civil Services Day in India is celebrated on:
- A. 21 April
- B. 24 April
- C. 31 October
- D. 7 December
Answer: 21 April
Explanation: On 21 April 1947 Sardar Patel addressed probationers of the first All India Services batch at Metcalfe House, Delhi.
787. National Voters' Day in India is observed on 25 January because it marks the foundation day of:
- A. Parliament of India
- B. Supreme Court of India
- C. Lok Sabha Secretariat
- D. Election Commission of India
Answer: Election Commission of India
Explanation: The ECI was set up on 25 January 1950; National Voters' Day began in 2011.
788. 'Hind Swaraj' (1909) was written by Gandhi during his return voyage from London aboard which ship?
- A. SS Kildonan Castle
- B. SS Rohilla
- C. SS Karmala
- D. SS Arabia
Answer: SS Kildonan Castle
Explanation: Gandhi wrote it in Gujarati in ten days in November 1909 aboard SS Kildonan Castle.
789. 'Harshacharita', a biography of Harshavardhana, was written by:
- A. Hiuen Tsang
- B. Kalhana
- C. Dandin
- D. Banabhatta
Answer: Banabhatta
Explanation: Banabhatta, the court poet of Harsha, also wrote the prose romance Kadambari.
790. 'Buddhacharita', an epic on the life of the Buddha, was composed by:
- A. Ashvaghosha
- B. Nagarjuna
- C. Vasubandhu
- D. Kalidasa
Answer: Ashvaghosha
Explanation: Ashvaghosha, a court poet of Kanishka, also wrote Saundarananda.
791. 'Lilavati', a mathematical treatise named after the author's daughter, was written by:
- A. Aryabhata
- B. Mahavira
- C. Brahmagupta
- D. Bhaskara II
Answer: Bhaskara II
Explanation: Bhaskara II (Bhaskaracharya, 1150 CE) wrote Lilavati and Siddhanta Shiromani.
792. Which ancient text by Varahamihira is an encyclopaedic compendium on astronomy, architecture and omens?
- A. Surya Siddhanta
- B. Panchasiddhantika
- C. Lilavati
- D. Brihat Samhita
Answer: Brihat Samhita
Explanation: Varahamihira (6th century) wrote Brihat Samhita and Panchasiddhantika.
793. 'Aryabhatiya' composed in 499 CE, includes which mathematical result?
- A. Pythagorean triplets proof
- B. Zero as a number symbol
- C. Binomial theorem
- D. Approximation of pi as 3.1416
Answer: Approximation of pi as 3.1416
Explanation: Aryabhata gave pi as 62832/20000 = 3.1416 and explained Earth's rotation.
794. Who wrote 'Chandrakanta', widely regarded as a landmark Hindi fantasy-mystery novel of the 1890s?
- A. Premchand
- B. Kishorilal Goswami
- C. Gopalram Gahmari
- D. Devaki Nandan Khatri
Answer: Devaki Nandan Khatri
Explanation: Devaki Nandan Khatri's Chandrakanta (1888) was a bestseller that popularised Hindi reading.
795. 'Andha Yug', a verse play set at the end of the Mahabharata war, was written by:
- A. Jaishankar Prasad
- B. Dharamvir Bharati
- C. Bharatendu Harishchandra
- D. Mohan Rakesh
Answer: Dharamvir Bharati
Explanation: Dharamvir Bharati wrote Andha Yug in 1954; he also wrote 'Gunahon Ka Devta'.
796. 'Raag Darbari', a satirical novel on rural India, is by:
- A. Hazari Prasad Dwivedi
- B. Harishankar Parsai
- C. Phanishwar Nath Renu
- D. Shrilal Shukla
Answer: Shrilal Shukla
Explanation: Shrilal Shukla's Raag Darbari (1968) won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1970.
797. 'Tamas', a novel on the Partition riots, won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1975. Its author is:
- A. Krishna Sobti
- B. Yashpal
- C. Amrita Pritam
- D. Bhisham Sahni
Answer: Bhisham Sahni
Explanation: Bhisham Sahni's Tamas was adapted into Govind Nihalani's TV serial (1988).
798. Phanishwar Nath Renu's 'Maila Anchal' (1954) is a major example of which genre in Hindi literature?
- A. Anchalik (regional) novel
- B. Detective novel
- C. Epic poetry
- D. Historical romance
Answer: Anchalik (regional) novel
Explanation: Maila Anchal is set in Purnia, Bihar, and is regarded as the first major regional (aanchalik) novel.
799. Ramdhari Singh Dinkar received the Jnanpith Award in 1972 for which work?
- A. Kurukshetra
- B. Urvashi
- C. Rashmirathi
- D. Parshuram ki Pratiksha
Answer: Urvashi
Explanation: Urvashi (1961) won him the 1972 Jnanpith; Rashmirathi is about Karna.
800. 'Madhushala', the quatrain collection first published in 1935, was written by:
- A. Gopal Das Neeraj
- B. Mahadevi Verma
- C. Ramdhari Singh Dinkar
- D. Harivansh Rai Bachchan
Answer: Harivansh Rai Bachchan
Explanation: Madhushala has 135 quatrains; Bachchan's autobiography is in four volumes beginning with 'Kya Bhoolun Kya Yaad Karun'.
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