History & Panipat Battles — Set 3

Correct Answer: C. Bhagwat Dayal Sharma

Bhagwat Dayal Sharma was the first Chief Minister of Haryana, taking office when the state was formed on 1 November 1966. He was a senior Congress leader who had been involved in the demand for a separate Haryana state. His tenure saw the initial administrative organization of the new state.

Correct Answer: C. Linguistic basis

Haryana was separated from Punjab in 1966 on a linguistic basis. The States Reorganisation Act and the Punjab Reorganisation Act (1966) divided Punjab so that Hindi-speaking areas formed Haryana while Punjabi-speaking areas remained in Punjab. This followed the broader pattern of Indian states being reorganized along linguistic lines after 1956.

Correct Answer: C. Rakhigarhi

Rakhigarhi, located in the Hisar district of Haryana, is the largest known Harappan (Indus Valley Civilization) site in the Indian subcontinent. Recent excavations have revealed it to be larger than Mohenjo-daro in present-day Pakistan. The site provides crucial insights into the urban planning and culture of the Harappan civilization.

Correct Answer: B. Thanesar

Thanesar (also called Sthaneshvara) in the Kurukshetra district of Haryana served as the capital of King Harsha (Harshavardhana) in the 7th century CE. Harsha ruled a vast empire covering much of northern India from this city. The Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) visited Thanesar during Harsha's reign.

Correct Answer: B. Kurukshetra War (Mahabharata)

Kurukshetra in Haryana is traditionally identified as the battlefield where the Mahabharata war (Kurukshetra War) was fought between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. It is one of the most sacred sites in Hinduism and attracts millions of pilgrims annually. The Bhagavad Gita, one of the most important Hindu scriptures, is believed to have been recited here by Lord Krishna to Arjuna.

Correct Answer: C. Brahma Sarovar

Brahma Sarovar at Kurukshetra is one of the most sacred water bodies (sarovars) in Hinduism. It is believed that taking a dip here during a solar eclipse absolves one of all sins. The tank is associated with Lord Brahma and is at the center of the Kurukshetra pilgrimage complex.

Correct Answer: B. Jyotisar

Jyotisar, located near Kurukshetra in Haryana, is believed to be the precise spot where Lord Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna before the start of the Mahabharata war. A sacred Banyan tree (believed to be descended from the original) marks this site. It is one of the most revered pilgrimage spots in Haryana.

Correct Answer: B. Freedom fighter who led revolt in Rewari against British in 1857

Rao Tula Ram was a freedom fighter from Rewari, Haryana, who played a significant role in the revolt of 1857 against British rule. He mobilized Ahir clansmen and fought the British forces, but was ultimately forced to flee to Afghanistan where he died in 1863. He is considered one of the greatest heroes of Haryana and a national freedom fighter.

Correct Answer: B. Rewari and Jhajjar region

The Rewari and Jhajjar region (in present-day Haryana) showed strong resistance against the British in the revolt of 1857. Rao Tula Ram of Rewari organized armed resistance, while the Nawab of Jhajjar also rose against the British. However, after the revolt was suppressed, the British reorganized these territories and punished the rebels severely.

Correct Answer: C. Punjab

Before 1966, the territory of present-day Haryana was part of Punjab. The Punjab Reorganisation Act of 1966 divided Punjab into three units: Haryana (Hindi-speaking), Punjab (Punjabi-speaking), and the union territory of Chandigarh. This reorganization was based on the recommendations of the Shah Commission.