GK Express of 02/02/2026

🚆 GK Express 2.0

Discipline • Clarity • Competitive Preparation

TODAY’S FOCUS → INDIAN HISTORY, HERITAGE AND CULTURE

🧠 Thought of the Day

“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”

— Marcus Garvey

📰 Current Affairs (History & Culture)

1. Maratha Military Landscapes: India has nominated the 'Maratha Military Landscapes' (a network of forts) for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List for 2024-25. This highlights the unique military architecture of the Maratha Empire.
2. Parakram Diwas 2026: Celebrated on January 23rd to mark the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. The PM unveiled initiatives to honor the legacy of the Indian National Army (INA).

📘 Concept of the Day

Subject:INDIAN ART & CULTURE

Concept: Temple Architecture Styles (Nagara vs. Dravida)

In Ancient India, temple architecture evolved into two distinct styles. Understanding the difference is crucial for exams.

1. Nagara Style (North India):

• Shape: Beehive-shaped tower called 'Shikhara' which curves inwards.

• Boundary: Usually no elaborate boundary walls or gateways.

• Examples: Kandariya Mahadeva Temple (Khajuraho), Sun Temple (Konark).

2. Dravida Style (South India):

• Shape: Pyramidal tower called 'Vimana' with step-like stories.

• Gateway: Massive entrance gateways called 'Gopurams'.

• Examples: Brihadeeswarar Temple (Thanjavur), Meenakshi Temple (Madurai).

🤔 Think About This

Tap a question to reveal the answer

1. What is the difference between the Gandhara and Mathura schools of art.

Gandhara School:
• Influence: Heavily influenced by Greek (Hellenistic) art.
• Material: Used Bluish-grey sandstone.
• Features: Buddha shown with wavy hair, muscular body, and spiritual calmness (Apollo-like).

Mathura School:
• Influence: Indigenous (Indian) style.
• Material: Used Spotted Red sandstone.
• Features: Buddha shown with a shaved head, smiling face, and seated in Padmasana.

2. "The Revolt of 1857 was not just a Sepoy Mutiny but the First War of Independence." Comment.

Explanation:
While the British historians called it a mere 'Sepoy Mutiny' (military revolt), Indian nationalists like V.D. Savarkar called it the First War of Independence because:
1. Mass Participation: It involved not just soldiers but peasants, artisans, and zamindars all over India.
2. Hindu-Muslim Unity: Both communities fought together against a common enemy.
3. Scope: It aimed to uproot the British rule completely, not just address military grievances.

📝 Let’s Write an Exam

Q.1 (Ancient History)
Which one of the following Indus Valley Civilization sites gives evidence of a 'dockyard'?

A) Kalibangan

B) Lothal

C) Dholavira

D) Rakhigarhi

Answer: B (Lothal)
• Lothal (Gujarat) was a major trade center of the Indus Valley Civilization.
• It contains a massive artificial brick dockyard, proving they had maritime trade relations with Mesopotamia.

Q.2 (Modern History)
Who among the following authored the book 'Poverty and Un-British Rule in India'?

A) R.C. Dutt

B) Dadabhai Naoroji

C) G.K. Gokhale

D) M.G. Ranade

Answer: B (Dadabhai Naoroji)
• He is known as the 'Grand Old Man of India'.
• In this book, he proposed the 'Drain Theory', explaining how Britain was draining India's wealth to England.

✍️ Answer These Questions

1. Who was the first Chief Minister of Andhra State?

2. The 'Kalinga War' is associated with which Mauryan King?

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Curated with discipline by Nikhil Dasari