All questions of India & The World for BPSC (Bihar) Exam

Prophet Muhammad was the founder of Islam.

Prophet Muhammad's Life and Teachings
Muhammad was born in 570 CE in Mecca, a city in present-day Saudi Arabia. He grew up in a society that was deeply rooted in tribal traditions and polytheism. However, Muhammad was known for his honesty, integrity, and wisdom even before he received his prophethood.

At the age of 40, Muhammad received his first revelation from God through the angel Gabriel. These revelations continued over a period of 23 years and were later compiled into the holy book of Islam, the Quran. Muhammad began to preach the message of monotheism, emphasizing the worship of Allah, the one true God, and denouncing the worship of idols.

The Establishment of Islam
Muhammad faced opposition from the ruling elite of Mecca, who were threatened by the growing influence of his message. Despite persecution and hardships, Muhammad and his followers continued to spread the teachings of Islam. Eventually, Muhammad and his followers migrated to the city of Medina, where they were welcomed and supported by the local community.

In Medina, Muhammad established a thriving community based on the principles of justice, equality, and compassion. He became the leader of this community, not only in religious matters but also in political and social affairs. Through his leadership and teachings, Muhammad was able to unite the various tribes and clans of Arabia under the banner of Islam.

Spread of Islam
After consolidating his position in Medina, Muhammad led military campaigns to defend the Muslim community and spread the message of Islam. However, it is important to note that the spread of Islam was not solely through warfare. Many people embraced Islam willingly due to its message of monotheism, social justice, and spirituality.

Muhammad's leadership and example inspired his followers to live a life of piety, compassion, and service to humanity. His teachings laid the foundation for a just and egalitarian society, where people of all races and backgrounds were treated with dignity and respect.

Legacy of Prophet Muhammad
Prophet Muhammad passed away in 632 CE, but his legacy lives on. Islam, with its emphasis on monotheism, social justice, and spiritual growth, has become one of the world's major religions. Muhammad's teachings continue to guide millions of Muslims around the world in their daily lives.

In conclusion, Prophet Muhammad was the founder of Islam. Through his teachings and example, he established a community based on the principles of monotheism, justice, and compassion. His leadership and the spread of Islam have had a profound impact on the world, shaping the lives of countless individuals and influencing the course of history.

Introduction
The famous traveler who visited the court of the Mongol ruler Kublai Khan and later traveled to Malabar on his way back to Italy is Marco Polo.

Marco Polo's Journey
- Marco Polo was a Venetian merchant and explorer who embarked on a journey to Asia in the late 13th century.
- His travels began in 1271, and he journeyed through Silk Road routes, reaching China.

Meeting Kublai Khan
- Upon arrival in China, Marco Polo gained favor with Kublai Khan, the grandson of Genghis Khan and the founder of the Yuan Dynasty.
- Polo served as a diplomat and emissary for Kublai Khan, traveling extensively throughout the empire.

Return Journey and Malabar
- After spending nearly 17 years in the Mongol Empire, Polo began his return journey to Venice around 1292.
- During his return, he traveled through various regions, including Malabar, a coastal region in southwestern India known for its spice trade.

Significance of His Travels
- Marco Polo's accounts of his travels were documented in "The Travels of Marco Polo," which provided Europeans with one of the first comprehensive views of Asia and its cultures.
- His writings sparked interest in exploration and trade with the East, influencing future explorers like Christopher Columbus.

Conclusion
- Marco Polo's journey is significant not only for his encounter with Kublai Khan but also for the cultural exchanges that followed his travels, shaping European perceptions of Asia for centuries.

During Muhammad-bin-Qasim's rule, the tax imposed on non-Muslims was known as Jizya.

1. What is Jizya?
- Jizya is a tax that was imposed on non-Muslims living under Islamic rule.
- It was collected from non-Muslims as a form of tribute or protection fee.
- The tax was levied on adult non-Muslim males who were capable of paying.

2. Purpose of Jizya
- The main purpose of imposing Jizya was to establish the dominance of the Islamic state and to differentiate between Muslims and non-Muslims.
- It also served as a means of revenue for the state.

3. Collection of Jizya
- Jizya was collected by the state authorities in exchange for the protection and security provided to non-Muslims.
- The tax amount varied based on the financial capability of the individual.
- Non-Muslims were required to pay the tax annually or in installments.

4. Exemptions from Jizya
- Certain categories of non-Muslims were exempted from paying Jizya, including women, children, the elderly, the disabled, monks, and priests.
- Non-Muslims who served in the military or were engaged in public service were also exempted from paying the tax.

5. Consequences of non-payment
- Non-payment of Jizya could result in various penalties, including imprisonment, confiscation of property, or even enslavement.
- However, the purpose of the tax was not to impoverish non-Muslims but rather to establish the supremacy of the Islamic state.

In conclusion, Jizya was the tax imposed on non-Muslims during Muhammad-bin-Qasim's rule. It served as a means of revenue for the state and symbolized the differentiation between Muslims and non-Muslims. The tax was collected from non-Muslim men who were capable of paying, while certain categories were exempted. Non-payment could lead to penalties, but the intention was not to impoverish non-Muslims.

The Byzantine Empire
The Byzantine Empire acted as a bridge between Greco-Roman civilization and Arabs due to its geographical location and cultural influence. It was the continuation of the Eastern Roman Empire after the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

Key Points:
- The Byzantine Empire was known for its preservation and transmission of classical knowledge, art, and literature to the Arabs and later to the Western world.
- It played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity and the development of Christian theology.
- The Byzantine Empire served as a buffer between the Islamic world and Europe, maintaining trade routes and cultural exchanges.
- Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, was a major center of trade, culture, and learning, attracting scholars, traders, and artists from different regions.
- The fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks in 1453 marked the end of the Byzantine Empire and the beginning of the Ottoman Empire.
In conclusion, the Byzantine Empire played a significant role in connecting Greco-Roman civilization with the Arab world, influencing art, architecture, language, religion, and politics in the region. Its disappearance in the 15th century marked a turning point in history with the rise of the Ottoman Empire.

Historical Context of Muhammad-bin-Qasim's Conquest
Muhammad-bin-Qasim was an Umayyad general who led the Islamic conquest of the Indian subcontinent in the early 8th century. His campaign aimed to spread Islam and expand the Umayyad Empire, and he is particularly known for his conquest of Sindh, which included the city of Multan.
Multan's Significance
- Multan was a vital city located on the ancient trade routes, making it a crucial center for commerce and culture.
- It was renowned for its wealth and resources, often attracting traders from various regions.
Why "City of Gold"?
- After capturing Multan in 712 CE, Muhammad-bin-Qasim recognized the city's immense wealth.
- The term "City of Gold" reflects the city's prosperity, rich resources, and strategic importance in trade.
- It was not merely a figurative expression but an acknowledgment of the city's economic significance during that era.
Impact of the Conquest
- The conquest led to significant cultural and religious exchanges.
- Multan eventually became an important center for Islamic learning and culture under Muslim rule.
- The prosperity of Multan continued, further solidifying its reputation as "The City of Gold."
In summary, Muhammad-bin-Qasim's designation of Multan as "The City of Gold" highlights the city’s wealth and importance in the historical context of Islamic conquests in the Indian subcontinent.