Test your basic knowledge |

World History: India

Subject : history
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. The cube shaped building enshrining a sacred Black Stone around which Hajjis circle as the final destination of their pilgrimage.






2. The main god in Hinduism - also referred to as The One - The Ultimate Reality - and The World Soul.






3. The lowest level within the Caste System - these people are the poorest and least educated in India.






4. The attempt by Britain to mediate negotiations between major groups-the Muslim League - Congress Party - Unionists - and Sikhs-to form an independent India.






5. The ideal (especially in religion) that a group should revert to traditional values and customs and follow a rigid or literal understanding of texts like the Bible or Koran.






6. A Hindu nationalist group in the 1920s that launched the shuddhi movement - an effort to reconvert Muslims back to Hindus.






7. The Shi'a Imam (a leader of sorts) also known as the Hidden Imam who went into hiding in the 10th century. Some believe he will return at the end of time.






8. 1. To establish a free and united India - hopefully within the Commonwealth. 2. To create an interim government to assist the Viceroy until independence.






9. A young Englishman who defeated the French in battle over which country would hold greater economic control in India.






10. The original followers of Muhammed - today anyone following the religion of Islam.






11. The Muslim equivalent of a temple or church where they go to pray. No idols or imagery are allowed in the Mosque.






12. A political party in East Pakistan that argued in favor of splitting Pakistan into two autonomous states - east and west. After they won the 1970 elections - violence erupted; they and India supported Bengali rebels against Pakistan which led to war.






13. Islamic Law - imposed by fundamentalists to support a rigid and uncompromising set of traditions - laws - and beliefs.






14. The holy of book of Islam equivalent to the Bible or Torah. It was written after the prophet Muhammed's death to preserve his teachings.






15. The act that extended the voting population of India to 10% of adult males and formalized separate electorates for different racial and social groups.






16. The movement starting in the seventh century to simplify Hinduism into devotion to one personal god.






17. The effort of a Muslim to fight against the enemies of Allah - usually an internal struggle - but used in some cases to justify extreme violence and terrorism.






18. An Arab word meaning 'Submission to the will of God' which names the religion founded by Muhammed.






19. The cube shaped building enshrining a sacred Black Stone around which Hajjis circle as the final destination of their pilgrimage.






20. The 'Foundations' of Islam important to a Muslim's faith: Faith - Prayer Almsgiving (charity) - Fasting - and Pilgrimage (to Mecca).






21. The Hindu custom in which a widowed woman would be burned on the funeral pyre of her dead husband. It was outlawed by the British in 1829.






22. The Hindu system of societal classes determined by fate. From birth until death - people are stuck in a single social an economic class.






23. The release from material existence and unity with Brahman that is the ultimate goal of a Hindu's life.






24. A young Englishman who defeated the French in battle over which country would hold greater economic control in India.






25. The grandson of Babur Who is thought of as the Mughal Empire's greatest ruler. The British East India Company was founded at least partially in 1600 to capitalize on the empire's economic success.






26. The holy city of Islam and destination of a Muslim's Haj - or pilgrimage.






27. The majority group of Muslims who believed that Muhammed's successor should be chosen by his followers and the general public.






28. The god of rain Who was of chief importance in Vedism.






29. The only country on Earth officially sponsoring the religion of Hinduism.






30. The idea taught in the Bhagavad Gita - meaning to work according to one's duty but without attachment to the result.






31. The 622 'departure' of Muhammed and his followers to the city of Medina in order to escape persecution within their tribe.






32. The longest known epic poem - this tells the story of two warring families and emphasizes the relationship between humankind and the gods.






33. A Shi'a ritual of self flagellation and mourning to commemorate the death of Hussein at the hands of Sunnis.






34. An organization of independent nations that were formerly British colonies.






35. The majority group of Muslims who believed that Muhammed's successor should be chosen by his followers and the general public.






36. 'Something very old -' these are smriti writings that tell the stories of Hindu gods and heroes. These are considered Vedas for the common people because they are easier to understand.






37. The most recent Shruti texts - these detail teachings of gurus in the form of dialogue with students.






38. The ideal (especially in religion) that a group should revert to traditional values and customs and follow a rigid or literal understanding of texts like the Bible or Koran.






39. The law that newly allowed Indian council members to legislate. However - the viceroy could still strike down any proposition. The act also recognized the concept of separate electorates for Hindus and Muslims as valid.






40. The god of rain Who was of chief importance in Vedism.






41. The native soldiers who comprised most of India's army who were responsible for much of the 1857 unrest.






42. The oldest and primary Hindu scriptures - these include hymns and chants - a guide to rituals - a source of information on magic - and musical notes.






43. 'The Indian Shakespeare -' Who was known for his Sanskrit plays.






44. The man to whom Jews - Christians and Muslims all trace their lineage. (Jews to his son Isaac - Muslims to his son Ishmael) He is key in the Old Testament and Koran.






45. The political organization of Muslims in India formed in 1906 to protect their rights.






46. Laws from WWI which were extended beyond 1918 - these allowed people to be arrested and detained without charges or trials.






47. The 'greatest leader' of the Marathas Who was somewhat like Robin Hood in his rebellion against Aurangzeb's government.






48. The king of Delhi and former Mughal emperor to whom many sepoys pledged allegiance during the rebellion in 1857.






49. The oldest and primary Hindu scriptures - these include hymns and chants - a guide to rituals - a source of information on magic - and musical notes.






50. This man - the seventh reincarnation of Vishnu - was sent to eliminate evil forces in the world and was the ideal ruler in Hinduism.