4 interesting facts about Indian history and culture you didn’t know about
India is one of the oldest civilisations of the world, with a diverse cultural heritage. It has made significant socio-economic growth since its independence in 1947. The history and culture of India are dynamic, dating back to the dawn of human civilization. With various dynasties ruled by different monarchs as well as customs and festivals celebrated in specific regions across the country, India’s historical and cultural past has been truly diverse. Here are some unknown facts about our history and culture.
Q1. What was Mir Bakshi supposed to do under Mughal emperor, Akbar’s rule?
(a) Gather information about different matters
(b) Lead the king’s military operations
(c) Manage the financial affairs of the kingdom
(d) Take care of the granaries under the emperor’s rule
Q2. To which Hindu god is the Leaning Temple of Huma dedicated?
(a) Lord Vishnu
(b) Lord Shiva
(c) Lord Krishna
(d) Lord Ram
Q3. Which of these statements is correct regarding Sattriya dance?.
(a) Sattriya is a fusion of dance, drama and music
(b) It follows the old living tradition of Vaishnavites of Assam.
(c) It is based on various ragas and talas of devotional songs of Tulsidas, Kabir and Mirabai
(d) it is a forgotten dance form practiced during the Mughal rule
Q4. In which year was the Battle of Plassey fought?
(a) July 18, 1970
(b) March 23, 1836
(c) April 11, 1902
(d) June 23, 1757
ANSWERS
Q1. (a)
During Mughal emperor, Akbar’s rule, the head of the military or the military commander was known as Mir Bakshi. He was chosen from among the court’s most powerful nobles and was in charge of gathering information about different matters. Mir Bakshi was also responsible for making recommendations about military appointments and promotions to the emperor.
Q2. (b)
The Leaning Temple of Huma is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped as Bimaleshwar, a Hindu god. One of the two leaning temples in the world, the temple is located in a village on River Mahanadi's banks, 23 kilometres south of Sambalpur in Odisha. However, it's unclear if the structure leans due to design or due to another cause.
According to folklore, a milkman, Gauda, who crossed the Mahanadi everyday to a spot on the bank where the underlying rock cropped out, is claimed to have started Shiva worship. He carried his daily supply of milk here, which was immediately consumed by the rock, prompting an investigation that led to the creation of the current temple.
Q3. (b)
The Sattriya dance tradition of Assam is kept alive by the neo-Vaishnavite monks of Majuli island. Ankia Nat, or one-act play, inspired this dancing technique. It incorporates music, dance, and theatre. This dance form was introduced in the 15th century AD by Vaishnava saint and Assamese reformer, Mahapurush Srimant Sankardeva to propagate the Vaishnava faith. The dance themes are mostly around Lord Krishna, although there are also references to other Vishnu avatars like Rama and Sita and scenes from the epics, Mahabharata and Ramayana. Since Mahapurush Srimanta Sankaradeva's philosophic religion was based on Vedanta, Bhagavad Gita, and the Bhagavata Purna, Radha does not appear in Sattriya dance performances.
Q4. (d)
The Battle of Plassey, which took place on June 23, 1757, was a major victory for the British East India Company over Siraj-ud-Daulah, the last Nawab of Bengal and his French allies. The army of Siraj-ud-Daulah and his French allies were met by British East India Company troops led by Robert Clive. Following Clive's victory, the British became India's most powerful economic and military power. The battle took place in Plassey, Bengal on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, roughly 150 kilometres north of Calcutta, near Murshidabad, the undivided Bengal capital at the time.