Pakistan Studies/Affairs MCQs
Topic Notes: Pakistan Studies/Affairs
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
41
What was the primary demand of the Hindu leaders during the 1867 agitation against Urdu?
Answer:
That Hindi in Davanagri script be introduced as the national language
Hindu leaders demanded that Hindi, written in the Devanagri script, should replace Urdu (written in the Persian script) as the official and national language, arguing that it was the indigenous language of the majority.
42
The formal Hindi-Urdu controversy is generally noted to have begun in which year?
Answer:
1867
The controversy officially began in 1867 when Hindu leaders in Banaras (Varanasi) launched a movement to replace Urdu with Hindi as the primary official language of the region.
43
In which year did the British Government introduce Urdu as an official language in the subcontinent?
Answer:
1832
In 1832, the British East India Company replaced Persian with Urdu as the official language of the lower courts and administration in northern India, acknowledging Urdu's widespread use and popularity.
44
The establishment of which institute is considered the first practical step taken against the Urdu language?
Answer:
Banaras Institute
The Banaras Institute is historically viewed as the first practical institutional effort to undermine Urdu's status. It served as a hub for Hindu intellectuals who wanted to replace Urdu with Hindi in the Devanagri script.
45
In which year was the Banaras Institute established, marking a significant turn in linguistic politics?
Answer:
1861
The Banaras Institute was established in 1861. It played a pivotal role in the early organized efforts to promote Hindi at the expense of Urdu, setting the stage for future communal and linguistic tensions.
46
Which Muslim leader rendered the most valuable services for the development and protection of Urdu during the 19th century?
Answer:
Sir Syed Ahmed Khan
Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was a staunch advocate for Urdu. He recognized that the language was not just a means of communication but a symbol of Muslim identity and cultural heritage in the subcontinent.
47
What was the alternative name for the Urdu language during its formative years?
Answer:
Lashkari
Urdu was frequently called 'Lashkari' because it was the language of the 'Lashkar' (army). It served as a common medium of communication among soldiers of diverse ethnic backgrounds in the Mughal camps.
48
In which famous historical book was the word 'Urdu' used for the first time?
Answer:
Ain-e-Akbari
The word 'Urdu' was first used in the 'Ain-e-Akbari', written by Abu'l-Fazl, the court historian of Emperor Akbar. The term originally referred to the royal camp or 'Ordu'.
49
Urdu is described as an 'amalgamation' of which group of languages?
Answer:
Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and Hindi
Urdu developed as a synthetic language, drawing its vocabulary and grammar from Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and the local Hindi (Khari Boli) dialects spoken around Delhi and the northern plains.
50
Approximately how many years old is the Urdu language considered to be in the context of South Asian history?
Answer:
400 years
Urdu is considered to be approximately 400 years old. It developed as a unique linguistic blend during the Mughal era, facilitating communication between the ruling elite, the military, and the local population.