Archive · 31 Aug 2026
History and Culture Quiz Tests Five UPSC Topics
This article is a practice quiz for people preparing for the UPSC examination.
It asks questions about Indian history, culture and important historical figures.
One question explains that the Portuguese ruled Goa until 1961, making them the last European colonial power to leave India.
Another question describes the Sun Temple at Konarak, built in the 13th century under Narasimhadeva I. The temple is associated with its master builder, Bisu Moharana.
Mahatma Gandhi wrote about healthy eating, vegetarianism and diet reform.
The Kudavolai system used a pot and written lots to choose members of local Chola councils.
The final question highlights K M Panikkar’s roles in diplomacy, maritime policy and the reorganisation of Indian states.
The quiz says Portuguese control of Goa lasted until India took it in 1961.
It identifies the Sun Temple at Konarak as a 13th-century monument built under Narasimhadeva I.
Mahatma Gandhi wrote books on diet, vegetarianism and health.
The Kudavolai system was a Chola-era method of selecting local representatives, described in the Uttaramerur Inscriptions.
K M Panikkar is identified as a diplomat and administrator involved in princely-state integration and linguistic state reorganisation.
- Who
- UPSC aspirants, along with historical figures including Mahatma Gandhi, K M Panikkar, Alfonso de Albuquerque and Narasimhadeva I.
- What
- A five-question practice quiz on Indian history and culture.
- When
- The article references November 25, Portuguese rule ending in 1961, and the 13th century for the Konarak temple.
- Where
- The topics concern Goa, the Konarak Sun Temple, Chola-era Tamil regions, and India’s post-Independence administration.
- Why
- To help candidates revise static history and culture topics for the UPSC examination.
- Quiz subject
- History and Culture
- Number of questions
- Five
- Portuguese rule in Goa
- The article says Portuguese rule continued until 1961.
- Konarak Sun Temple
- Built in the 13th century under Narasimhadeva I and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1984.
- Gandhian writings
- Mahatma Gandhi wrote about diet reform, vegetarianism and health.
- Kudavolai system
- A ballot-pot selection method mentioned in the Uttaramerur Inscriptions.
- K M Panikkar
- Served as India’s first ambassador to China and participated in the States Reorganisation Committee.