The partition of Bengal, enacted in 1905 by Lord Curzon, divided Bengal into two provinces to weaken nationalist movements. It sparked widespread protests, particularly from the Indian National Congress, due to its perceived "divide and rule" policy. The intense agitation led King George V to announce the annulment of the partition on 12th December 1911 during the Delhi Durbar, reuniting Bengal while separating Bihar and Orissa as distinct provinces.
Muqaddama-e-Sher-o-Shairi is a critical work by Maulvi Muhammad Husain Azad, originally published as an introduction to poetry and poetics in Urdu literature. The title was mistakenly referred to as "Mosadis-i-Hali" in the OCR, likely confusing it with works associated with Altaf Hussain Hali.
Sir Syed Ahmad Khan founded and edited Tehzib-ul-Akhlaq, a journal launched in 1870 to promote social and educational reforms among Indian Muslims. It played a key role in the Aligarh Movement, encouraging modern education and rational thought.
Hafeez Jullandhri, a renowned Urdu poet, wrote Shah Nama-i-Islam, an epic poem narrating the history of Islam in verse. He is also famous for composing Pakistan's national anthem, reflecting his significant contributions to Urdu literature.
5
Name two classics written in the regional languages of Pakistan.
Heer Ranjha by Waris Shah and Saif-ul-Muluk by Mian Muhammad Bakhsh are iconic works in Punjabi literature. These poetic narratives are celebrated for their romantic and mystical themes, deeply embedded in Punjab's cultural heritage.
Tarbela Dam, completed in 1976 on the Indus River, is Pakistan's first major dam and one of the largest earth-filled dams in the world. It plays a critical role in irrigation, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation.
The Indus Basin Treaty, signed on 19th September 1960 between India and Pakistan with World Bank mediation, resolved water-sharing disputes post-partition. It allocated three eastern rivers to India and three western rivers to Pakistan, ensuring equitable water distribution.
8
Who was the leader of the Pakistani delegation at the Bandung Conference?
Muhammad Ali Bogra, then Prime Minister of Pakistan, led the Pakistani delegation at the Bandung Conference in 1955. This historic Afro-Asian conference in Indonesia promoted non-alignment and cooperation among newly independent nations.
9
In which year was the boundary agreement between Pakistan and the People's Republic of China signed?
The Sino-Pakistan Boundary Agreement, signed on 2nd March 1963, demarcated the border between Pakistan and China in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. It strengthened bilateral ties and resolved territorial disputes, notably involving the Shaksgam Valley.
10
Which country opposed Pakistan's entry into the U.N.?
Afghanistan opposed Pakistan's entry into the United Nations in 1947 due to its objections over the Durand Line, the border established in 1893. Afghanistan claimed the Pashtun territories in Pakistan, leading to its lone vote against Pakistan's UN membership.
Iskander Mirza became the fourth Governor General of Pakistan in 1955, following Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Khawaja Nazimuddin, and Ghulam Muhammad. He later became the first President of Pakistan in 1956 but was ousted in a military coup in 1958.
12
Who was the President of the London Muslim League?
Syed Ameer Ali, a prominent Muslim scholar and jurist, founded the London Muslim League in 1908 to represent Muslim interests in India to the British government. As its first president, he advocated for Muslim political rights, including separate electorates, which were later incorporated into the Minto-Morley Reforms of 1909.
13
Name the pass which links Pakistan with the People's Republic of China.
The Khunjerab Pass, located at 4,693 meters in the Karakoram Range, is the primary border crossing between Pakistan and China. It is a key part of the Karakoram Highway, facilitating trade and connectivity under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
14
Who presided over the annual session of the All-India Muslim League in 1930?
Allama Muhammad Iqbal presided over the All-India Muslim League's annual session in Allahabad in 1930. His presidential address is historically significant for articulating the idea of a separate Muslim homeland in the northwestern and eastern zones of India, laying the ideological foundation for the Pakistan movement.
15
Which portfolio was held by Liaquat Ali Khan in the Interim Government?
Liaquat Ali Khan served as Finance Minister in the Interim Government of India formed in 1946. This role was critical as he controlled the budget, influencing the allocation of resources during a pivotal time leading up to partition, showcasing his strategic importance in the Muslim League's negotiations.
16
What is the name of the second highest peak in Pakistan?
K2, also known as Mount Godwin-Austen, is the second highest peak in the world and Pakistan, standing at 8,611 meters. Located in the Karakoram Range, it is renowned for its challenging climbing conditions and is a significant geographical landmark in Pakistan's northern areas.
17
What is the largest foreign exchange earning source of Pakistan?
Cotton has historically been Pakistan's largest foreign exchange earner due to its extensive textile industry, which relies on the country's significant cotton production. In the 1980s, cotton and textile exports were a cornerstone of Pakistan's economy, contributing substantially to its GDP and foreign reserves.
Hindko is a major language spoken in Pakistan's Northern Areas, particularly in regions like Hazara and parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. It is an Indo-Aryan language closely related to Punjabi and is widely used in social and cultural contexts in these areas.
19
When was the Pakistan rupee de-linked from the U.S. dollar?
On 8th June 1982, Pakistan shifted from a fixed exchange rate regime, where the rupee was pegged to the U.S. dollar, to a managed float system. This change was part of economic reforms to address balance of payment issues and allow greater flexibility in currency valuation.
Chaudhry Muhammad Ali, a former Prime Minister of Pakistan, authored The Emergence of Pakistan, a seminal book detailing the political and historical developments leading to the creation of Pakistan in 1947. It provides an insider's perspective on the partition process.