Daily GK Challenge

More practice: Books, Authors & Awards

5 more SSC CGL questions from the same chapter, with step-by-step solutions. Try each one, then reveal the answer.

1. Q1easy

   'Godan', a classic Hindi novel about the hardships of a poor peasant, was written by:

   • AJaishankar Prasad
   • BHarivansh Rai Bachchan
   • CMunshi Premchand
   • DMahadevi Varma
   Show answer & solution

   Correct answer: (C) Munshi Premchand

   'Godan' (1936) tells the story of the farmer Hori and was the last novel Premchand completed. His other famous works include 'Gaban' and 'Nirmala'. Jaishankar Prasad wrote 'Kamayani' and Harivansh Rai Bachchan wrote 'Madhushala'. Answer: Munshi Premchand.

2. Q2easy

   The ancient collection of animal fables 'Panchatantra' is traditionally attributed to:

   • AVishnu Sharma
   • BKalidasa
   • CBanabhatta
   • DValmiki
   Show answer & solution

   Correct answer: (A) Vishnu Sharma

   The Panchatantra is a Sanskrit collection of fables that teaches practical wisdom and statecraft through animal stories. Tradition credits it to the scholar Vishnu Sharma. Kalidasa wrote 'Abhijnanasakuntalam', Banabhatta wrote 'Harshacharita' and Valmiki composed the Ramayana. Answer: Vishnu Sharma.

3. Q3medium

   The book 'Poverty and Un-British Rule in India', which put forward the 'Drain of Wealth' theory, was written by:

   • AR. C. Dutt
   • BDadabhai Naoroji
   • CGopal Krishna Gokhale
   • DMahadev Govind Ranade
   Show answer & solution

   Correct answer: (B) Dadabhai Naoroji

   The Drain Theory argued that Britain was draining India's wealth through home charges, salaries, pensions and profits sent abroad. It was set out by Dadabhai Naoroji, the 'Grand Old Man of India', in this book published in 1901. R. C. Dutt also criticised colonial economics, but in 'The Economic History of India'. Answer: Dadabhai Naoroji.

4. Q4medium

   Which is India's highest gallantry award for valour shown during peacetime?

   • AParam Vir Chakra
   • BKirti Chakra
   • CAshoka Chakra
   • DVir Chakra
   Show answer & solution

   Correct answer: (C) Ashoka Chakra

   India has two gallantry ladders. Wartime: Param Vir Chakra > Maha Vir Chakra > Vir Chakra. Peacetime: Ashoka Chakra > Kirti Chakra > Shaurya Chakra. Param Vir Chakra is the wartime equivalent, which is the common trap. Answer: Ashoka Chakra.

5. Q5medium

   Which of the following shows India's civilian awards in the correct DESCENDING order of precedence?

   • ABharat Ratna > Padma Vibhushan > Padma Bhushan > Padma Shri
   • BBharat Ratna > Padma Bhushan > Padma Vibhushan > Padma Shri
   • CPadma Vibhushan > Bharat Ratna > Padma Bhushan > Padma Shri
   • DBharat Ratna > Padma Shri > Padma Bhushan > Padma Vibhushan
   Show answer & solution

   Correct answer: (A) Bharat Ratna > Padma Vibhushan > Padma Bhushan > Padma Shri

   Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award. Among the Padma awards, Padma Vibhushan (exceptional and distinguished service) ranks first, then Padma Bhushan (distinguished service of a high order), then Padma Shri (distinguished service). Memory aid: Vibhushan > Bhushan > Shri. Correct order: Bharat Ratna > Padma Vibhushan > Padma Bhushan > Padma Shri.