Olympiad Test Level 2: India and the World- 1 - Class 7 MCQ

Rivers Tigris and Euphrates are associated with Mesopotamian Civilization.

Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity was the slogan of the French Revolution.

The Hundred Years War was fought between France and England.
The war lasted from 1337 to 1453 and was a series of conflicts between the two nations. Here is a detailed explanation of the war:
Causes of the War:
- Dispute over the succession of the French crown: The war began with a dispute over the rightful heir to the French throne. Edward III of England claimed the crown as his own, leading to tensions with the French monarchy.
- Economic and territorial conflicts: France and England had competing interests in the territories of Gascony and Flanders, leading to economic and territorial disputes.
Key Events and Battles:
- Battle of Crécy (1346): The English, led by Edward III, won a decisive victory against the French army. This battle showcased the effectiveness of the English longbow and marked the beginning of English dominance in the war.
- Siege of Orléans (1428-1429): This siege was a turning point in the war. The French, led by Joan of Arc, successfully defended the city against English forces, boosting French morale and leading to a series of French victories.
- Battle of Agincourt (1415): The English, under the leadership of Henry V, achieved a major victory against the French. This battle further solidified English control in France.
Effects of the War:
- Weakening of feudalism: The war led to the decline of feudalism in both France and England, as it showcased the effectiveness of professional armies and centralized power.
- Rise of nationalism: The war fueled nationalistic sentiments in both countries, as people identified more strongly with their respective nations.
- Technological advancements: The war prompted advancements in military technology, particularly in the use of longbows and artillery.
Conclusion:
The Hundred Years War was a prolonged conflict between France and England that had significant political, social, and military consequences. It shaped the history of both nations and had a lasting impact on Europe as a whole.

Mesopotamia Cuneiform is the earliest writing form in the world.



Explanation:
Mesopotamia, an ancient region located in the eastern Mediterranean, is known for its significant contributions to human civilization. One of its most notable achievements is the development of writing systems. Among the various writing forms that emerged in Mesopotamia, cuneiform is considered to be the earliest.
Here's a breakdown of the options and why cuneiform is the correct answer:
A: Cuneiform
- Cuneiform originated in Mesopotamia around 3400 BCE, making it the oldest known writing system. It involved the use of wedge-shaped marks made on clay tablets using a stylus.
- Cuneiform was primarily used for administrative and record-keeping purposes, such as keeping track of taxes, trade, and legal matters.
- This writing system was versatile and could be adapted to write different languages, including Sumerian, Akkadian, and Babylonian.
B: Hieroglyphics
- Hieroglyphics, on the other hand, were the writing system used by the ancient Egyptians. It developed independently from cuneiform and emerged around 3200 BCE.
- While hieroglyphics are also ancient and significant, they are not the earliest form of writing in the world.
C: Clay-tablet
- Clay tablets were the medium on which cuneiform writing was inscribed, but they are not a writing form in themselves.
- Clay tablets provided a durable surface for recording cuneiform script and were widely used in Mesopotamia.
D: Pictographic
- Pictographic writing uses pictorial symbols to represent words or ideas.
- While some early forms of writing may have had pictographic elements, cuneiform is not primarily pictographic in nature. It developed from a system of counting and numerical representation.
In conclusion, cuneiform is the earliest writing form in the world, originating in Mesopotamia around 3400 BCE. It predates other writing systems such as hieroglyphics and is characterized by wedge-shaped marks made on clay tablets.

Shivaji's Council of Ministers - Ashtapradhan
Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha Empire, had a council of ministers known as Ashtapradhan. This council played a crucial role in the administration and decision-making of the empire. Among the options provided, the correct answer is B: Eight. Let's explore more about the Ashtapradhan council and its members:
1. Peshwa: The Peshwa was the prime minister of the Maratha Empire and held the highest position in the council. He was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day governance and advising the king.
2. Amatya: The Amatya, also known as the Finance Minister, handled the financial affairs of the empire, including revenue collection and budget management.
3. Sachiv: The Sachiv served as the Secretary of the council and was responsible for maintaining records, correspondence, and other administrative tasks.
4. Mantri: The Mantri, or the Minister of Foreign Affairs, dealt with diplomatic relations, negotiations, and maintaining alliances with other kingdoms.
5. Senapati: The Senapati, or the Commander-in-Chief, was responsible for the defense and military affairs of the empire.
6. Mujumdar: The Mujumdar, also known as the Revenue Minister, handled the land revenue administration and land-related matters.
7. Panditrao: The Panditrao, or the High Priest, oversaw religious and spiritual matters, including the administration of temples and religious institutions.
8. Sumant: The Sumant served as the Chief Diplomat and was responsible for maintaining diplomatic relations with foreign powers and negotiating treaties.
These eight ministers formed the core of Shivaji's council and played vital roles in the functioning and governance of the Maratha Empire.

Aruna Asaf Ali and the Quit India Movement

Aruna Asaf Ali was a prominent figure in the Indian freedom struggle and played a significant role in various underground activities. One of the main movements in which she actively participated was the Quit India Movement.

1. Quit India Movement:

• Also known as the August Movement, it was launched by Mahatma Gandhi on 8th August 1942.


• The goal of the movement was to demand an end to British rule in India and achieve complete independence.


• Aruna Asaf Ali, along with other leaders, organized protests, demonstrations, and acts of civil disobedience against the British government.


• She played a crucial role in mobilizing women and encouraging their active participation in the movement.


• Aruna Asaf Ali hoisted the Indian National Congress flag at the Gowalia Tank Maidan (now August Kranti Maidan) in Bombay, marking the beginning of the movement.


• She also faced arrests and imprisonment for her involvement in the Quit India Movement.

Therefore, Aruna Asaf Ali was a main woman organizer during the Quit India Movement, one of the significant underground activities of the Indian freedom struggle.

The Congress at its Lahore session held in 1929 declared Purna Swaraj as its ultimate goal.

The Incident at Gorakhpur: Chauri-Chaura
The incident described in the question took place in the village of Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, India, on February 5, 1922. It occurred during a procession organized by the Indian National Congress. Here is a detailed explanation of the event:
Background:
- The Indian National Congress was at the forefront of the Indian independence movement, advocating for the rights and freedom of the Indian people.
- In 1922, the Congress called for a non-cooperation movement against British colonial rule, urging Indians to boycott British institutions and engage in peaceful protests.
The Incident:
- On February 5, 1922, a procession was organized by the Congress in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh.
- The aim of the procession was to raise awareness and gather support for the non-cooperation movement.
- The local police authorities, who were under British control, intervened and attempted to disperse the crowd.
- A clash ensued between the people participating in the procession and the police, leading to heightened tensions.
Outcome:
- In the heat of the moment, the angry crowd set fire to the local police station in retaliation for the police interference.
- This incident came to be known as the Chauri-Chaura incident, named after the village where it took place.
- The incident had a significant impact on the Indian independence movement.
- Mahatma Gandhi, who was leading the non-cooperation movement, called off the movement as a result of the violence in Chauri-Chaura.
- Gandhi believed in the principle of non-violence and believed that the incident at Chauri-Chaura went against the peaceful nature of the movement.
Conclusion:
The incident at Gorakhpur's Chauri-Chaura village on February 5, 1922, marked a turning point in the Indian independence movement. It highlighted the importance of non-violence and peaceful resistance in the fight against British colonial rule. Gandhi's decision to call off the non-cooperation movement demonstrated his commitment to non-violence and paved the way for future peaceful protests and movements in India's struggle for freedom.

Events in the Indian Freedom Struggle:
1. Lucknow Pact:
- The Lucknow Pact was signed in 1916.
- It was an agreement between the Indian National Congress and the All India Muslim League.
- The pact aimed to unite Hindus and Muslims in the fight for self-government and to demand political reforms from the British government.
- The pact marked an important step towards Hindu-Muslim unity and cooperation in the freedom struggle.
2. Gandhi-Irwin Pact:
- The Gandhi-Irwin Pact, also known as the Delhi Pact, was signed in 1931.
- It was an agreement between Mahatma Gandhi and Lord Irwin, the then Viceroy of India.
- The pact was a result of the second roundtable conference held in London.
- It marked a truce between the Indian National Congress and the British government, leading to the release of political prisoners and the participation of the Congress in the Round Table Conference.
3. Cripps Mission Proposals:
- The Cripps Mission was sent to India in 1942 by the British government.
- The mission, led by Sir Stafford Cripps, proposed a plan for granting dominion status to India after the end of World War II.
- However, the proposals were rejected by both the Indian National Congress and the All India Muslim League, as they did not meet the demands for complete independence.
Conclusion:
- Among the given events, the Lucknow Pact occurred earliest in 1916.
- The Gandhi-Irwin Pact took place in 1931, and the Cripps Mission Proposals were sent in 1942.
- Therefore, the correct answer is option C: Lucknow Pact.

Answer:
The correct answer to the question is Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru.
Here is a detailed explanation:
Background:
- Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi, was a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement.
- He played a crucial role in achieving India's independence from British rule through nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience.
The Death of Mahatma Gandhi:
- On January 30, 1948, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist.
- This tragic event took place in New Delhi, India, when Gandhi was on his way to a prayer meeting.
The Quote:
- Upon hearing the news of Gandhi's death, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, who was the first Prime Minister of India, said, "The light has gone out of our lives and there is darkness everywhere."
- Nehru's statement reflects the immense impact and loss that Gandhi's death had on the Indian nation.
Importance of Nehru's Statement:
- Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru's quote conveys the deep sorrow and grief felt by the Indian people at the loss of their beloved leader.
- It also emphasizes the significance of Mahatma Gandhi's presence in their lives and the inspiration he provided in their struggle for independence.
In conclusion, when Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru expressed the profound impact of his death by stating, "The light has gone out of our lives." This quote signifies the immense loss felt by the Indian nation and the lasting legacy of Mahatma Gandhi.