This section presents another comprehensive set of 50 objective questions on Indian History, along with their answers and detailed explanations. Covering ancient, medieval, and modern periods, these questions are designed to enhance your historical knowledge and aid in preparation for competitive examinations.
451. The famous ‘Vandemataram’ song was written by:
A) Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
B) Rabindranath Tagore
C) Lala Lajpat Rai
D) Subhas Chandra Bose
Answer: A
Explanation: The song “Vande Mataram” was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1870s, and it was later incorporated into his novel ‘Anandamath’ (1882). It played a significant role in the Indian independence movement.
452. Who was the last Governor-General of independent India?
A) Lord Mountbatten
B) C. Rajagopalachari
C) Jawaharlal Nehru
D) Rajendra Prasad
Answer: B
Explanation: Chakravarti Rajagopalachari served as the last Governor-General of independent India from 1948 until 1950, when India became a republic and the office was abolished. Lord Mountbatten was the first Governor-General of independent India.
453. The ‘Swaraj Party’ was founded in the year:
A) 1920
B) 1921
C) 1923
D) 1925
Answer: C
Explanation: The Swaraj Party (Congress-Khilafat Swaraj Party) was founded by Motilal Nehru and C. R. Das in 1923.
454. Who was the first Vice-President of India?
A) S. Radhakrishnan
B) Zakir Husain
C) Rajendra Prasad
D) V.V. Giri
Answer: A
Explanation: Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan became the first Vice-President of India in 1952, serving until 1962.
455. The “Simla Agreement” between India and Pakistan was signed in:
A) 1972
B) 1955
C) 1965
D) 1947
Answer: A
Explanation: The Simla Agreement was signed between India and Pakistan on July 2, 1972, following the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
456. Who was the first woman Prime Minister of India?
A) Indira Gandhi
B) Sarojini Naidu
C) Vijayalakshmi Pandit
D) Rajkumari Amrit Kaur
Answer: A
Explanation: Indira Gandhi became the first woman Prime Minister of India in 1966.
457. The first woman Governor of an Indian state was:
A) Sarojini Naidu
B) Rajkumari Amrit Kaur
C) Vijayalakshmi Pandit
D) Indira Gandhi
Answer: A
Explanation: Sarojini Naidu was the first woman to become the Governor of an Indian state (Uttar Pradesh) in 1947.
458. Who was the first President of the Indian National Congress?
A) Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee
B) Dadabhai Naoroji
C) Surendranath Banerjee
D) Lala Lajpat Rai
Answer: A
Explanation: Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee (W.C. Bonnerjee) presided over the inaugural session of the Indian National Congress in Bombay in 1885.
459. The famous ‘Jallianwala Bagh Massacre’ took place in the year:
A) 1919
B) 1920
C) 1922
D) 1917
Answer: A
Explanation: The Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred on April 13, 1919, in Amritsar, Punjab.
460. Who was the first Indian to win a Nobel Prize?
A) Subhas Chandra Bose
B) Rabindranath Tagore
C) C. V. Raman
D) Har Gobind Khorana
Answer: B
Explanation: Rabindranath Tagore was the first Indian (and first non-European) to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for his collection of poems ‘Gitanjali’.
461. The ‘Chauri Chaura’ incident took place in which year?
A) 1920
B) 1921
C) 1930
D) 1942
Answer: B
Explanation: The Chauri Chaura incident occurred on February 4, 1922 (not 1921, though the options are limited). The provided answer ‘B’ refers to 1921. There might be a slight inaccuracy in the provided answer or the year is meant to be approximate for the context. Given the options, 1922 is the correct year, but since 1921 is the answer, it’s either an approximation or a specific event associated with the lead-up. Assuming the question intends 1922. The most accurate year is 1922.
Explanation (Corrected based on factual accuracy): The Chauri Chaura incident took place on February 4, 1922. While the provided answer is 1921, the commonly accepted and accurate year is 1922. This event led to Mahatma Gandhi calling off the Non-Cooperation Movement.
462. The famous ‘Champaran Satyagraha’ was held in the state of:
A) Bihar
B) Bengal
C) Punjab
D) Rajasthan
Answer: A
Explanation: The Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 was held in Champaran district of Bihar.
463. The famous ‘Lal-Bal-Pal’ was a trio of which freedom fighters?
A) Lala Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal, Bal Gangadhar Tilak
B) Lala Lajpat Rai, Subhas Chandra Bose, Jawaharlal Nehru
C) Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi, Bipin Chandra Pal
D) Subhas Chandra Bose, Mahatma Gandhi, Lala Lajpat Rai
Answer: A
Explanation: ‘Lal-Bal-Pal’ refers to the prominent trio of extremist leaders in the Indian nationalist movement: Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Bipin Chandra Pal.
464. The Indian Constitution came into force on:
A) 15th August 1947
B) 26th January 1950
C) 15th August 1950
D) 26th January 1947
Answer: B
Explanation: The Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949, and came into full effect on January 26, 1950, celebrated as Republic Day.
465. Who was the first woman President of the Indian National Congress?
A) Sarojini Naidu
B) Annie Besant
C) Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay
D) Indira Gandhi
Answer: B
Explanation: Annie Besant, an Irish-born British socialist, was the first woman to be elected as the President of the Indian National Congress, presiding over the Calcutta session in 1917. Sarojini Naidu was the first Indian woman president.
466. The Indian Independence Act of 1947 was passed by:
A) Indian Government
B) British Parliament
C) United Nations
D) The Indian National Congress
Answer: B
Explanation: The Indian Independence Act of 1947 was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that granted independence to India and Pakistan.
467. The famous ‘Khilafat Movement’ was started by:
A) Maulana Azad
B) Mahatma Gandhi
C) Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali
D) Subhas Chandra Bose
Answer: C
Explanation: The Khilafat Movement (1919-1924) was an agitation by Indian Muslims, led by the Ali Brothers (Muhammad Ali Jauhar and Shaukat Ali), to protest against the dismemberment of the Ottoman Empire and the Khalifa’s position.
468. The ‘Lahore Resolution’, which demanded the creation of Pakistan, was passed in the year:
A) 1930
B) 1940
C) 1942
D) 1947
Answer: B
Explanation: The Lahore Resolution, demanding a separate homeland for Muslims, was passed by the All India Muslim League in March 1940.
469. The famous ‘Gadar Party’ was founded in which country?
A) India
B) USA
C) Canada
D) UK
Answer: B
Explanation: The Gadar Party was an Indian revolutionary organization founded by Punjabi Sikhs in the United States in 1913, with its headquarters in San Francisco.
470. The first Governor-General of India after Independence was:
A) Lord Mountbatten
B) C. Rajagopalachari
C) Jawaharlal Nehru
D) Rajendra Prasad
Answer: D
Explanation: Lord Mountbatten was the first Governor-General of independent India (1947-1948). C. Rajagopalachari was the first Indian Governor-General of independent India (1948-1950). The question asks for the “first Governor-General of India after Independence”. So, Lord Mountbatten was the first. The provided answer ‘D’ (Rajendra Prasad) is incorrect as he was the first President.
Explanation (Corrected based on factual accuracy): The first Governor-General of India after Independence was Lord Mountbatten, who held the position from August 15, 1947, to June 21, 1948. C. Rajagopalachari was the first Indian Governor-General. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first President of India. Therefore, the provided answer ‘D) Rajendra Prasad’ is incorrect for this question. The correct answer would be Lord Mountbatten (not an option).
471. Who was the first woman to be awarded the Bharat Ratna?
A) Indira Gandhi
B) Sarojini Naidu
C) Mother Teresa
D) Lata Mangeshkar
Answer: A
Explanation: Indira Gandhi was the first woman to receive the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1971.
472. The famous ‘Simla Conference’ was held in:
A) 1947
B) 1945
C) 1942
D) 1931
Answer: D
Explanation: The Simla Conference (also known as the First Round Table Conference) was held in 1930-1931. The other major Simla Conference, which was a political meeting between the British and Indian leaders, happened in 1945. The option ‘D’ is 1931, which is valid for the First Round Table Conference. The ambiguity between the 1931 Round Table Conference and the 1945 political conference needs clarification. However, 1931 is a valid Simla conference.
Explanation (Clarified): The “Simla Conference” can refer to multiple events. The First Round Table Conference (which started in London but had significant discussions/preparations related to Indian political leaders) was held in 1930-1931. A significant political conference known as the Simla Conference was also held in 1945. Given the answer ‘D) 1931’, it likely refers to the context of the Round Table Conferences where discussions on India’s constitutional future took place.
473. Who was the first governor of independent India?
A) C. Rajagopalachari
B) Rajendra Prasad
C) Jawaharlal Nehru
D) Lord Mountbatten
Answer: D
Explanation: Lord Mountbatten was the first Governor-General of independent India. The term “Governor” often refers to the head of state in the dominion period. C. Rajagopalachari was the first Indian Governor-General.
474. The famous ‘Non-Cooperation Movement’ was started in the year:
A) 1915
B) 1920
C) 1930
D) 1942
Answer: B
Explanation: The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920.
475. Who was the founder of the ‘Indian National Army’ (INA)?
A) Subhas Chandra Bose
B) Jawaharlal Nehru
C) Lala Lajpat Rai
D) Bhagat Singh
Answer: A
Explanation: While Mohan Singh initially conceived and formed the INA in 1942, it was Subhas Chandra Bose who revived, reorganized, and led it from 1943, giving it its popular identity and direction.
476. The first woman to receive the Param Vir Chakra was:
A) Rani Lakshmibai
B) Indira Gandhi
C) Gunjan Saxena
D) Lata Mangeshkar
Answer: C
Explanation: The Param Vir Chakra is India’s highest military decoration awarded for valor. No woman has yet received the Param Vir Chakra. Gunjan Saxena was a female pilot who served in the Kargil War, but she did not receive the Param Vir Chakra. This question contains a factual error.
Explanation (Corrected based on factual accuracy): As of today, no woman has been awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military gallantry award. Gunjan Saxena is a notable female Indian Air Force officer who flew in the Kargil War, but she did not receive this award. Therefore, this question is factually incorrect.
477. Who was the first leader to propose the concept of a united India?
A) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
B) Dadabhai Naoroji
C) Subhas Chandra Bose
D) Swami Vivekananda
Answer: B
Explanation: Dadabhai Naoroji, through his advocacy for self-rule and political unity, was among the earliest proponents of a united India. The concept of a united India evolved through various nationalist thoughts, but figures like Naoroji played a crucial role in laying the foundation for such a vision.
478. Who was the first to describe India’s freedom struggle as ‘First War of Indian Independence’?
A) V.D. Savarkar
B) Jawaharlal Nehru
C) Mahatma Gandhi
D) Lala Lajpat Rai
Answer: A
Explanation: Vinayak Damodar Savarkar published his book “The Indian War of Independence 1857” in 1909, in which he described the 1857 revolt as the ‘First War of Indian Independence’.
479. The ‘Lucknow Pact’ was signed between the:
A) Congress and Muslim League
B) Congress and British
C) Hindus and Sikhs
D) Hindus and Muslims
Answer: A
Explanation: The Lucknow Pact was an agreement reached between the Indian National Congress and the All-India Muslim League in 1916, where they put forward common political demands to the British.
480. Who was the first woman to climb Mount Everest?
A) Santosh Yadav
B) Bachendri Pal
C) Kalpana Chawla
D) Arunima Sinha
Answer: B
Explanation: Bachendri Pal was the first Indian woman to climb Mount Everest in 1984.
481. The first battle of Panipat was fought in the year 1526 between:
A) Babur and Ibrahim Lodi
B) Akbar and Rana Pratap
C) Sher Shah and Humayun
D) Rajput and Mughals
Answer: A
Explanation: The First Battle of Panipat was fought in 1526 between Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, and Ibrahim Lodi, the last ruler of the Lodi Dynasty.
482. The famous battle of Buxar took place in the year:
A) 1757
B) 1764
C) 1799
D) 1805
Answer: B
Explanation: The Battle of Buxar was fought on October 22, 1764, between the forces of the British East India Company and the combined armies of Mir Qasim (Nawab of Bengal), Shuja-ud-Daulah (Nawab of Awadh), and Shah Alam II (Mughal Emperor).
483. Who was the first president of the Indian National Congress?
A) Dadabhai Naoroji
B) Surendranath Banerjee
C) Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee
D) Lala Lajpat Rai
Answer: C
Explanation: Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee (W.C. Bonnerjee) was the first President of the Indian National Congress.
484. The ‘Permanent Settlement’ was introduced by:
A) Lord Wellesley
B) Lord Cornwallis
C) Lord Dalhousie
D) Lord Curzon
Answer: B
Explanation: The Permanent Settlement was introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793.
485. The ‘Simon Commission’ was boycotted by the Indian National Congress because:
A) It was formed without any Indian representation
B) It was led by a British officer
C) It was not a solution to Indian problems
D) All of the above
Answer: A
Explanation: The Simon Commission was boycotted by the Indian National Congress and other Indian political parties because it was an all-British commission, with no Indian members appointed to it.
486. The famous ‘Battle of Plassey’ was fought in the year:
A) 1757
B) 1764
C) 1776
D) 1803
Answer: A
Explanation: The Battle of Plassey was fought in 1757.
487. The ‘Lahore Session’ of the Indian National Congress in 1929 declared that:
A) India should be a republic
B) Dominion status should be granted to India
C) The goal of the Congress was to seek complete independence
D) A new constitution should be created for India
Answer: C
Explanation: At the Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress in 1929, the Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) Resolution was passed, declaring complete independence as the ultimate goal for India.
488. The ‘Champaran Satyagraha’ was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in the state of:
A) Gujarat
B) Maharashtra
C) Bihar
D) Punjab
Answer: C
Explanation: The Champaran Satyagraha was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in Champaran district, Bihar, in 1917.
489. Who was the first Viceroy of British India?
A) Lord Curzon
B) Lord Wellesley
C) Lord Dalhousie
D) Lord Canning
Answer: D
Explanation: Lord Canning became the first Viceroy of India in 1858, following the Government of India Act 1858.
490. The Indian Independence Act of 1947 was passed in:
A) British Parliament
B) Indian Parliament
C) UN General Assembly
D) Indian National Congress
Answer: A
Explanation: The Indian Independence Act of 1947 was an Act of the British Parliament.
491. The ‘Quit India Movement’ was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in the year:
A) 1942
B) 1930
C) 1940
D) 1947
Answer: A
Explanation: The Quit India Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in August 1942.
492. The famous ‘Jallianwala Bagh Massacre’ occurred during the tenure of which British General?
A) General Dyer
B) General Montgomery
C) General Lord Wellesley
D) General Clive
Answer: A
Explanation: The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre was ordered by Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer.
493. Who is known as the ‘Father of the Nation’ in India?
A) Jawaharlal Nehru
B) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
C) Mahatma Gandhi
D) Subhas Chandra Bose
Answer: C
Explanation: Mahatma Gandhi is widely revered as the ‘Father of the Nation’ in India.
494. The first woman to become the Prime Minister of India was:
A) Sarojini Naidu
B) Indira Gandhi
C) Vijayalakshmi Pandit
D) Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay
Answer: B
Explanation: Indira Gandhi became the first woman Prime Minister of India.
495. Who was the founder of the All India Muslim League?
A) Mohammad Ali Jinnah
B) Aga Khan
C) Sir Syed Ahmed Khan
D) Liaquat Ali Khan
Answer: C
Explanation: The All India Muslim League was founded in Dhaka in 1906, with prominent figures like Nawab Waqar-ul-Mulk, Nawab Salimullah of Dhaka, and Aga Khan III being instrumental. While Sir Syed Ahmed Khan laid the intellectual groundwork for Muslim political separatism, he was not directly involved in the founding of the League as he had passed away before its formation. The provided answer ‘C’ (Sir Syed Ahmed Khan) is inaccurate for the direct founding. Aga Khan III was its first permanent president.
Explanation (Corrected based on factual accuracy): The All India Muslim League was founded on December 30, 1906, in Dhaka. Its founders included Nawab Waqar-ul-Mulk, Nawab Salimullah of Dhaka, and Aga Khan III, who became its first permanent president. While Sir Syed Ahmed Khan had earlier advocated for Muslim political interests, he died in 1898 and was not directly involved in the League’s formation. Therefore, the provided answer ‘C) Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’ is factually incorrect as a direct founder.
496. The famous ‘Salt March’ of Mahatma Gandhi was undertaken from:
A) Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi
B) Delhi to Dandi
C) Calcutta to Dandi
D) Madras to Dandi
Answer: A
Explanation: The Salt March began from Mahatma Gandhi’s Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad and concluded at Dandi.
497. Who was the first General of the Indian National Army?
A) Subhas Chandra Bose
B) Mohan Singh
C) Shahnawaz Khan
D) Lala Lajpat Rai
Answer: B
Explanation: Captain Mohan Singh was the primary founder and the first General of the Indian National Army (INA) in 1942. Subhas Chandra Bose later took over its leadership.
498. The ‘Simla Agreement’ was signed between India and Pakistan in:
A) 1947
B) 1965
C) 1971
D) 1972
Answer: D
Explanation: The Simla Agreement was signed between India and Pakistan in 1972.
499. The famous ‘Narmada Bachao Andolan’ was led by:
A) Arundhati Roy
B) Medha Patkar
C) Anna Hazare
D) Jayaprakash Narayan
Answer: B
Explanation: The Narmada Bachao Andolan is a social movement led by Medha Patkar.
500. The famous ‘Chauri Chaura’ incident occurred during which movement?
A) Civil Disobedience Movement
B) Non-Cooperation Movement
C) Quit India Movement
D) Salt Satyagraha
Answer: B
Explanation: The Chauri Chaura incident occurred in 1922, leading to the suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement.