Essential Facts on Indian History, Religion, and Governance

Posted on Dec 2, 2025 in Geography

Common Factors in Western Religions

Western religions share several fundamental beliefs:

  • Belief in one God (Monotheism).
  • Belief in prophets.
  • Importance of holy scriptures.
  • Belief in heaven and hell.

Works and Philosophy of Shankaracharya

Shankaracharya (Adi Shankara) was a pivotal figure in Hindu philosophy:

  • He wrote influential commentaries on the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Brahmasutras.
  • He established four major mutts (monasteries) across India.
  • He propagated the Advaita (Non-dualism) philosophy.

Understanding Public Interest Litigation (PIL)

Public Interest Litigation (PIL) can be filed when an issue affects the public at large, rather than solely impacting an individual.

The Crucial Role of Family in Indian Society

The family unit plays a vital role in Indian society by providing:

  • Love and security.
  • Values and social control.
  • Assistance in the socialization of children.

Key Factors for Effective Leadership Decisions

A leader must observe the following factors when making decisions:

  • Collecting comprehensive information.
  • Considering various alternatives.
  • Thinking about future results and consequences.
  • Consulting team members.
  • Using resources properly and efficiently.
  • Selecting the best available option.

Drawbacks of Modern Agriculture in India

Modern agricultural practices in India face several demerits:

  • Overuse of chemical fertilizers.
  • Soil degradation and loss of fertility.
  • Water pollution.
  • High cost of inputs, leading to debt for small farmers.
  • Increased unemployment (due to mechanization).

Eastern and Western Flowing Rivers of Karnataka

Karnataka’s rivers are categorized based on their flow direction:

Eastern Flowing Rivers:

  • Krishna
  • Kaveri (Cauvery)
  • Pennar

Western Flowing Rivers:

  • Sharavathi
  • Kali
  • Netravathi
  • Mandovi (partially flows through Karnataka)

The Ten Commandments of Judaism

The 10 Commandments are fundamental tenets of Judaism:

  1. Worship only one God.
  2. Do not make idols.
  3. Do not misuse God’s name.
  4. Keep the Sabbath holy.
  5. Respect your parents.
  6. Do not kill.
  7. Do not commit adultery.
  8. Do not steal.
  9. Do not lie (bear false witness).
  10. Do not covet (desire what belongs to others).

Social Development: Roles of Childhood and Youth

Different life stages contribute uniquely to social development:

  • Childhood: This is the crucial stage for learning fundamental values, habits, and skills.
  • Youth: Youth contribute significantly through their energy, creativity, leadership, and active participation in nation-building.

Teachings of Madhwacharya and Dwaitha Philosophy

Madhwacharya was a proponent of dualistic philosophy:

  • He advocated the Dwaitha (Dualism) philosophy.
  • He believed in two distinct realities: God (Vishnu) and the individual soul.
  • He stressed intense devotion (Bhakti) to Vishnu.
  • He explicitly rejected the Advaita philosophy of Shankaracharya.

Structure and Functions of the Legislative Council

The Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad) is the upper house of the state legislature:

Structure:

  • Members are partly elected and partly nominated.

Functions:

  • It reviews and revises laws passed by the lower house.
  • It controls the government (through debates and questions).
  • It represents different sections of society (e.g., teachers, graduates).

Contributions and Activities of Basaveshwara

Basaveshwara (Basavanna) founded the Lingayat tradition and championed social reform:

  • He started the Lingayat religion (or sect).
  • He preached social equality and rejected the caste system.
  • He opposed superstitions.
  • He encouraged Kayaka (work is worship).
  • He promoted Dasoha (sharing and community service).

Causes of Regional Forest Variation

Forest characteristics change significantly from region to region due to variations in:

  • Rainfall levels.
  • Soil type.
  • Climate (temperature and humidity).
  • Altitude.
  • Human activities (e.g., agriculture, industries, deforestation).

Achievements of Lalitaditya Muktapeda

Lalitaditya Muktapeda, of the Karkota dynasty, was a powerful ruler of Kashmir:

  • He expanded the Kashmir kingdom significantly.
  • He defeated many kings across India.
  • He conquered parts of Central Asia.
  • He encouraged trade and commerce.
  • He promoted art and architecture.
  • He built many temples, including the famous Martand Sun Temple.

Life and Legacy of Prophet Muhammad

Prophet Muhammad was the founder of Islam:

  • Born in Mecca around 570 CE.
  • He received divine messages from Allah through the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel).
  • He preached strict monotheism and opposed idol worship.
  • His migration to Medina in 622 CE is known as the Hijra.
  • He successfully united the Arab tribes and established the religion of Islam.

Qualifications for Rajya Sabha Membership

To be eligible for membership in the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), a person must meet the following qualifications:

  • Must be a citizen of India.
  • Must be at least 30 years of age.
  • Must be of sound mind.
  • Should not hold any office of profit under the government.
  • Must have the support of a political party or members of the state assembly (as required by the election process).

Geographical Location and Regions of Karnataka

Karnataka occupies a strategic position in South India:

  • Latitude: Lies between 11°31′ and 18°45′ North latitude.
  • Longitude: Lies between 74°12′ and 78°40′ East longitude.

Boundaries:

  • North: Maharashtra and Goa.
  • South: Kerala.
  • East: Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
  • West: Arabian Sea.

The state is divided into three natural regions:

  1. Coastal Plains
  2. Malnad (Hilly Region)
  3. Maidan (Plateau Region)