Daily GK Challenge

More practice: Books, Authors & Awards

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

1. Q1easy

   The novel 'Anandamath', from which India's national song 'Vande Mataram' is taken, was written by:

   • ARabindranath Tagore
   • BBankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
   • CSarat Chandra Chattopadhyay
   • DMichael Madhusudan Dutt
   Show answer & solution

   Correct answer: (B) Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay

   'Anandamath' is a Bengali novel published in 1882, set against the backdrop of the Sannyasi Rebellion. It contains the song 'Vande Mataram', later adopted as the national song. Tagore wrote the national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana', which is the usual confusion. Answer: Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.

2. Q2easy

   '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.

3. Q3easy

   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.

4. Q4medium

   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.

5. Q5medium

   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.