This section continues with a set of 50 objective questions, complete with answers and explanations, covering key aspects of Ancient and Medieval Indian History. These questions are designed to deepen your knowledge of significant historical periods, rulers, dynasties, and cultural developments.
101. Who was the first Mughal Emperor?
A) Akbar
B) Humayun
C) Babur
D) Jahangir
Answer: C
Explanation: Babur was the first Mughal Emperor, who established the Mughal dynasty in India after defeating Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526. His victory marked the beginning of a new era in Indian history.
102. The Battle of Plassey was fought in:
A) 1757
B) 1764
C) 1857
D) 1748
Answer: A
Explanation: The Battle of Plassey was fought in 1757 between the British East India Company forces led by Robert Clive and the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-daula. This battle was a decisive victory for the British, laying the foundation for British rule in India.
103. Who wrote ‘Ain-i-Akbari’?
A) Amir Khusrau
B) Abul Fazl
C) Badauni
D) Ibn Battuta
Answer: B
Explanation: ‘Ain-i-Akbari’ is a detailed document recording the administration of Emperor Akbar’s empire. It was written by Abul Fazl, one of Akbar’s nine jewels (Navaratnas), as part of the larger work ‘Akbarnama’.
104. Who founded the Maurya Dynasty?
A) Bindusara
B) Ashoka
C) Chandragupta Maurya
D) Brihadratha
Answer: C
Explanation: The Maurya Dynasty was founded by Chandragupta Maurya in 322 BCE. He overthrew the Nanda Dynasty and established one of the largest empires in ancient India, with the help of his advisor Chanakya (Kautilya).
105. The capital of Mauryan Empire was:
A) Ujjain
B) Taxila
C) Pataliputra
D) Kalinga
Answer: C
Explanation: Pataliputra (modern-day Patna) was the capital city of the Mauryan Empire. It was a strategically important and prosperous city, serving as the center of administration and trade.
106. The Indus Valley Civilization was discovered in the year:
A) 1901
B) 1921
C) 1935
D) 1942
Answer: B
Explanation: The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, was discovered in 1921 with the excavation of the city of Harappa by Dayaram Sahni, followed by Mohenjo-Daro in 1922 by R.D. Banerji.
107. The famous ruler Kanishka belonged to:
A) Maurya Dynasty
B) Gupta Dynasty
C) Kushan Dynasty
D) Nanda Dynasty
Answer: C
Explanation: Kanishka was a prominent ruler of the Kushan Dynasty, which flourished in the 1st to 3rd centuries CE. He is known for his patronage of Buddhism and for expanding the Kushan Empire.
108. The Rigveda is written in:
A) Sanskrit
B) Prakrit
C) Pali
D) Hindi
Answer: A
Explanation: The Rigveda, one of the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, is composed in Vedic Sanskrit. It is a collection of hymns and prayers, forming a foundational text of the Vedic period.
109. Ashoka embraced Buddhism after:
A) First Buddhist Council
B) Kalinga War
C) His coronation
D) A natural disaster
Answer: B
Explanation: Emperor Ashoka embraced Buddhism after the Kalinga War (c. 261 BCE). The immense suffering and death caused by the war deeply affected him, leading to his conversion and a commitment to spreading Dhamma (Buddhist teachings).
110. The Gupta Age is known as the:
A) Iron Age
B) Golden Age
C) Silver Age
D) Medieval Period
Answer: B
Explanation: The Gupta Age (c. 320-550 CE) is often referred to as the “Golden Age of India” due to significant advancements in science, mathematics, astronomy, literature, art, and philosophy during this period.
111. The founder of the Gupta Dynasty was:
A) Samudragupta
B) Chandragupta I
C) Chandragupta II
D) Skandagupta
Answer: B
Explanation: Chandragupta I is considered the real founder of the Gupta Dynasty, establishing a vast empire and initiating the Gupta era in 320 CE. He was succeeded by his son Samudragupta, who further expanded the empire.
112. Megasthenes was the ambassador of:
A) Seleucus
B) Alexander
C) Darius
D) Augustus
Answer: A
Explanation: Megasthenes was a Greek ambassador sent by Seleucus I Nicator (a successor of Alexander the Great) to the court of Chandragupta Maurya in Pataliputra. He wrote the famous account of India called ‘Indica’.
113. The Harappan civilization was based on:
A) Pastoral economy
B) Trade and agriculture
C) Fishing and hunting
D) Iron tools
Answer: B
Explanation: The Harappan civilization (Indus Valley Civilization) had a sophisticated economy based primarily on trade and agriculture. They cultivated various crops and engaged in extensive internal and external trade, indicated by seals and artifacts.
114. The language of the Buddhist scriptures is:
A) Sanskrit
B) Prakrit
C) Pali
D) Tamil
Answer: C
Explanation: The earliest Buddhist scriptures, particularly the Pali Canon, are primarily written in Pali, an ancient Middle Indo-Aryan language. Buddha himself is believed to have preached in Magadhi, a form of Prakrit, which later evolved into Pali.
115. The famous astronomer and mathematician Aryabhatta belonged to:
A) Maurya period
B) Gupta period
C) Mughal period
D) Vedic period
Answer: B
Explanation: Aryabhatta, one of India’s greatest mathematicians and astronomers, lived during the Gupta period (c. 476–550 CE). He is known for his works ‘Aryabhatiya’ and ‘Arya-siddhanta’, which introduced concepts like zero, place value system, and explained lunar and solar eclipses.
116. The Upanishads are books on:
A) Law
B) Medicine
C) Philosophy
D) Rituals
Answer: C
Explanation: The Upanishads are ancient philosophical texts that form part of the Vedic literature. They delve into profound spiritual and metaphysical concepts, focusing on the nature of Brahman (ultimate reality) and Atman (soul or self).
Medieval India
117. The first Muslim invader of India was:
A) Ghori
B) Mahmud of Ghazni
C) Timur
D) Babur
Answer: B
Explanation: Mahmud of Ghazni is considered the first significant Muslim invader of India. He conducted numerous raids into Northern India between 1000 and 1027 CE, primarily to plunder its wealth.
118. Who was the founder of the Slave Dynasty in India?
A) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
B) Iltutmish
C) Balban
D) Razia Sultan
Answer: A
Explanation: The Slave Dynasty (also known as the Mamluk Dynasty) was founded by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in 1206 CE. He was a former slave of Muhammad Ghori and became the first Sultan of Delhi.
119. The Qutub Minar was built by:
A) Akbar
B) Shah Jahan
C) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
D) Aurangzeb
Answer: C
Explanation: The construction of the Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was started by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in 1192 CE. However, he only completed the first storey, and the structure was later completed by his successor, Iltutmish, and further additions were made by Firoz Shah Tughlaq.
120. The founder of the Vijayanagar Empire was:
A) Harihara and Bukka
B) Krishnadevaraya
C) Rama Raya
D) Achyuta Raya
Answer: A
Explanation: The Vijayanagar Empire, a powerful South Indian kingdom, was founded by two brothers, Harihara and Bukka, in 1336 CE. They established the kingdom in response to the decline of the Delhi Sultanate in the Deccan.
121. The Bhakti movement was started by:
A) Kabir
B) Ramananda
C) Chaitanya
D) Ramanuja
Answer: D
Explanation: The Bhakti movement, a spiritual reform movement, originated in South India around the 6th century CE with the Alvars (devotees of Vishnu) and Nayanars (devotees of Shiva). Ramanuja (11th-12th century CE) is often credited with providing a strong philosophical foundation to the Vaishnavite Bhakti tradition.
122. The battle of Panipat in 1526 was fought between:
A) Babur and Lodi
B) Akbar and Hemu
C) Jahangir and Khusrau
D) Shah Jahan and Dara
Answer: A
Explanation: The First Battle of Panipat in 1526 was fought between Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, and Ibrahim Lodi, the last ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. Babur’s victory marked the end of the Delhi Sultanate and the beginning of Mughal rule.
123. Akbar’s land revenue system was known as:
A) Ryotwari
B) Zamindari
C) Ain-i-Dahsala
D) Iqta
Answer: C
Explanation: Akbar’s land revenue system was known as Ain-i-Dahsala (also called Todar Mal’s Bandobast). Introduced by Raja Todar Mal, his finance minister, this system was based on a ten-year assessment of average produce and land revenue demand.
124. The first battle of Tarain was fought in:
A) 1191
B) 1192
C) 1193
D) 1194
Answer: A
Explanation: The First Battle of Tarain was fought in 1191 CE between Muhammad Ghori and Prithviraj Chauhan. Prithviraj Chauhan emerged victorious in this battle.
125. The Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti was associated with:
A) Ajmer
B) Delhi
C) Agra
D) Lucknow
Answer: A
Explanation: Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti was a revered Sufi saint of the Chishti Order. His dargah (shrine) is located in Ajmer, Rajasthan, and it is a significant pilgrimage site for both Muslims and Hindus.
126. The Bhakti saint who preached in Maharashtra was:
A) Kabir
B) Chaitanya
C) Namdev
D) Tukaram
Answer: D
Explanation: Sant Tukaram (17th century) was a prominent Bhakti saint and poet from Maharashtra, known for his devotional poetry called abhangas dedicated to Lord Vitthal (a form of Vishnu). Namdev (13th-14th century) was also a significant Bhakti saint from Maharashtra.
127. The king who built the Red Fort was:
A) Akbar
B) Jahangir
C) Shah Jahan
D) Aurangzeb
Answer: C
Explanation: The Red Fort in Delhi, a magnificent example of Mughal architecture, was built by Emperor Shah Jahan. Construction began in 1639 and was completed in 1648, serving as the imperial residence for the Mughal emperors.
128. Who was the last Mughal Emperor?
A) Bahadur Shah Zafar
B) Aurangzeb
C) Shah Alam II
D) Akbar II
Answer: A
Explanation: Bahadur Shah Zafar (Bahadur Shah II) was the last Mughal Emperor. He reigned from 1837 to 1857 and was deposed by the British after his involvement in the Revolt of 1857.
129. The capital of the Mughal Empire under Akbar was:
A) Agra
B) Delhi
C) Fatehpur Sikri
D) Lahore
Answer: C
Explanation: While Agra and Delhi served as important capitals, Emperor Akbar also established a new capital city, Fatehpur Sikri, near Agra. He built it during the mid-16th century and it served as his capital from 1571 to 1585.
130. Shivaji was crowned at:
A) Pune
B) Raigarh
C) Kolhapur
D) Satara
Answer: B
Explanation: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was formally crowned at Raigarh Fort in 1674. This coronation marked his establishment as an independent sovereign ruler and the formal beginning of the Maratha Empire.
131. Who founded the Sikh religion?
A) Guru Angad
B) Guru Nanak
C) Guru Gobind Singh
D) Guru Arjan
Answer: B
Explanation: Guru Nanak Dev (1469–1539) is the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. His teachings emphasized devotion to one God, selfless service, and equality.
132. The Khilji Dynasty was founded by:
A) Alauddin Khilji
B) Jalaluddin Khilji
C) Mubarak Shah
D) Khusrau Khan
Answer: B
Explanation: The Khilji Dynasty was founded by Jalaluddin Firuz Khilji in 1290 CE. He ascended the throne after overthrowing the Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty.
133. Who was the author of ‘Humayun Nama’?
A) Gulbadan Begum
B) Abul Fazl
C) Faizi
D) Badauni
Answer: A
Explanation: ‘Humayun Nama’ is the autobiography of the Mughal Emperor Humayun, written by his half-sister, Gulbadan Begum. It provides valuable insights into the lives of Mughal royalty.
134. The Treaty of Purandar was signed between Shivaji and:
A) Akbar
B) Aurangzeb
C) Jai Singh
D) Shah Jahan
Answer: C
Explanation: The Treaty of Purandar was signed in 1665 CE between Shivaji and Jai Singh I, a Rajput general of the Mughal Empire sent by Emperor Aurangzeb. Under this treaty, Shivaji had to surrender many forts to the Mughals.
135. The Sikh Guru executed by Aurangzeb was:
A) Guru Arjan Dev
B) Guru Tegh Bahadur
C) Guru Gobind Singh
D) Guru Nanak
Answer: B
Explanation: Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, was executed by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in Delhi in 1675 CE for refusing to convert to Islam and for defending religious freedom.
136. The Rajput ruler who built Lake Pichola in Udaipur was:
A) Rana Sanga
B) Rana Pratap
C) Udai Singh
D) Amar Singh
Answer: C
Explanation: Lake Pichola, an artificial freshwater lake in Udaipur, Rajasthan, was built by Maharana Udai Singh II, the founder of the city of Udaipur. It was originally built by a Banjara tribesman in 1362.
137. The founder of the Chola dynasty was:
A) Rajendra Chola
B) Vijayalaya Chola
C) Rajaraja Chola
D) Aditya Chola
Answer: B
Explanation: Vijayalaya Chola (mid-9th century CE) is considered the founder of the imperial Chola dynasty. He conquered Tanjore (Thanjavur) and made it his capital, laying the foundation for one of the most powerful dynasties in South Indian history.
138. The city of Hampi was the capital of:
A) Bahmani Kingdom
B) Vijayanagar Empire
C) Chalukyas
D) Hoysalas
Answer: B
Explanation: Hampi, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the magnificent capital city of the Vijayanagar Empire. It was a thriving metropolis and center of trade, art, and architecture during its peak.
139. Who was the last ruler of the Maurya Dynasty?
A) Ashoka
B) Bindusara
C) Brihadratha
D) Dasharatha
Answer: C
Explanation: Brihadratha was the last ruler of the Maurya Dynasty. He was overthrown and assassinated by his commander-in-chief Pushyamitra Shunga in 185 BCE, leading to the establishment of the Shunga Dynasty.
140. The system of local self-government in Chola dynasty was known as:
A) Sabha
B) Samiti
C) Panchayat
D) Sangha
Answer: A
Explanation: The Chola dynasty was renowned for its highly organized system of local self-government, particularly the village assemblies known as ‘Sabha’ (for Brahmin villages) and ‘Ur’ (for common villages). These assemblies had significant autonomy in local administration.
141. The Lodi Dynasty was founded by:
A) Ibrahim Lodi
B) Bahlul Lodi
C) Sikandar Lodi
D) Daulat Khan
Answer: B
Explanation: The Lodi Dynasty, the last dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate, was founded by Bahlul Lodi in 1451 CE. He was an Afghan chieftain who established his rule after the Sayyid Dynasty.
142. The capital of Sher Shah Suri was:
A) Agra
B) Delhi
C) Sasaram
D) Purana Qila
Answer: D
Explanation: While Sher Shah Suri ruled from Delhi and made significant administrative reforms there, his capital was primarily located at Purana Qila (Old Fort) in Delhi. Sasaram was his birthplace and where his tomb is located.
143. The main source of revenue during Mughal rule was:
A) Land revenue
B) Trade tax
C) Religious tax
D) Military tax
Answer: A
Explanation: Land revenue was the primary and most important source of income for the Mughal Empire. The Mughals implemented various land revenue systems, such as the Ain-i-Dahsala, to collect taxes from agricultural produce.
144. The famous traveler who visited India during the reign of Harsha was:
A) Fa-Hien
B) Hiuen Tsang
C) Ibn Battuta
D) Marco Polo
Answer: B
Explanation: Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang), a renowned Chinese Buddhist monk and traveler, visited India during the reign of Emperor Harsha Vardhana (606-647 CE). He spent many years traveling across India, studying Buddhism, and his travelogue, ‘Si-Yu-Ki’, is a valuable historical source.
145. Which Chola ruler invaded Bengal?
A) Rajaraja I
B) Rajendra I
C) Kulottunga I
D) Aditya I
Answer: B
Explanation: Rajendra Chola I (1012-1044 CE), son of Rajaraja Chola I, was one of the greatest Chola rulers. He launched a successful military expedition to North India, invading Bengal and defeating the Pala ruler Mahipala I, extending the Chola influence.
146. Who built the Grand Trunk Road?
A) Akbar
B) Ashoka
C) Sher Shah Suri
D) Jahangir
Answer: C
Explanation: The Grand Trunk Road, one of Asia’s oldest and longest major roads, was significantly extended and improved by Sher Shah Suri in the 16th century. He built sarais (rest houses), wells, and planted trees along the road for travelers.
147. The greatest ruler of the Satavahana dynasty was:
A) Simuka
B) Gautamiputra Satakarni
C) Pulumavi
D) Hala
Answer: B
Explanation: Gautamiputra Satakarni (1st-2nd century CE) is considered the greatest ruler of the Satavahana dynasty. He revived the power and prestige of the Satavahanas after a period of decline, expanding their empire and engaging in significant military campaigns.
148. The early capital of the Rashtrakutas was:
A) Manyakheta
B) Kanchi
C) Badami
D) Ujjain
Answer: A
Explanation: Manyakheta (modern Malkhed in Karnataka) was the capital of the Rashtrakutas for a long period, especially during the peak of their power. They later shifted their capital to other locations at various times.
149. Al-Beruni visited India during the rule of:
A) Mahmud of Ghazni
B) Muhammad Ghori
C) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
D) Babur
Answer: A
Explanation: Al-Beruni (Abu Rayhan al-Biruni), a Persian scholar and polymath, accompanied Mahmud of Ghazni on his expeditions to India in the 11th century. His book ‘Kitab-ul-Hind’ (also known as ‘Tahqiq-i-Hind’) provides a comprehensive account of Indian society, science, and religion of the time.
150. Who was the first woman ruler of India?
A) Razia Sultana
B) Chand Bibi
C) Rani Durgavati
D) Rani Lakshmibai
Answer: A
Explanation: Razia Sultana was the first and only woman ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. She reigned from 1236 to 1240 CE, succeeding her father Iltutmish, and demonstrated great administrative and military capabilities.