This section continues with a diverse set of 50 objective questions, complete with answers and explanations, covering various periods of Indian History including Ancient, Medieval, and Modern. These questions are curated to aid your preparation for competitive exams and enhance your general knowledge of historical events and figures.
Ancient India
201. Who was the founder of the Maurya Empire?
A) Ashoka
B) Bindusara
C) Chandragupta Maurya
D) Bimbisara
Answer: C
Explanation: Chandragupta Maurya established the Maurya Empire in 322 BCE after overthrowing the Nanda Dynasty. He is considered one of the most important figures in ancient Indian history for uniting a large part of the subcontinent under one rule.
202. The famous Buddhist text ‘Milinda Panha’ contains dialogue between King Milinda and:
A) Nagarjuna
B) Asanga
C) Nagasena
D) Vasumitra
Answer: C
Explanation: ‘Milinda Panha’ (Questions of Milinda) is an important non-canonical Buddhist text that records a dialogue between the Indo-Greek King Menander I (Milinda) and the Buddhist sage Nagasena. It covers various aspects of Buddhist doctrine.
203. The Battle of Talikota (1565) led to the downfall of:
A) Bahmani Kingdom
B) Vijayanagara Empire
C) Mughal Empire
D) Maratha Empire
Answer: B
Explanation: The Battle of Talikota, fought in 1565, was a decisive battle between the Vijayanagara Empire and a coalition of Deccan Sultanates. The defeat of the Vijayanagara forces led to the catastrophic decline and eventual collapse of the empire.
204. Who is known as the Napoleon of India?
A) Chandragupta Maurya
B) Ashoka
C) Samudragupta
D) Harshavardhana
Answer: C
Explanation: Samudragupta, a powerful ruler of the Gupta dynasty (c. 335-375 CE), was given the title “Napoleon of India” by historian V. A. Smith due to his extensive military conquests and expansion of the Gupta Empire across the Indian subcontinent.
205. The earliest evidence of agriculture in the Indian subcontinent is found at:
A) Lothal
B) Mehrgarh
C) Mohenjodaro
D) Kalibangan
Answer: B
Explanation: Mehrgarh, located in present-day Balochistan, Pakistan, provides the earliest archaeological evidence of farming and herding in South Asia, dating back to around 7000 BCE, indicating the beginning of the Neolithic period in the region.
206. The Second Buddhist Council was held at:
A) Vaishali
B) Pataliputra
C) Rajagriha
D) Kashmir
Answer: A
Explanation: The Second Buddhist Council was held at Vaishali (or Vesali) approximately 100 years after the Buddha’s Parinirvana (around 383 BCE). It was convened to address disputes regarding monastic rules and practices.
207. The Indus Valley script has been classified as:
A) Alphabetic
B) Pictographic
C) Devanagari
D) Brahmi
Answer: B
Explanation: The Indus Valley script, found on seals and other artifacts from the Harappan civilization, is generally considered to be pictographic or logographic. It remains undeciphered, and its nature is still a subject of scholarly debate.
208. The famous Buddhist university of Nalanda was established during the reign of:
A) Harshavardhana
B) Kumaragupta
C) Chandragupta I
D) Samudragupta
Answer: B
Explanation: The renowned Nalanda University, a major Buddhist monastic learning center in ancient India, was established during the reign of Kumaragupta I of the Gupta dynasty (c. 415-455 CE).
209. The Chola dynasty was famous for:
A) Naval power
B) Rock-cut temples
C) Literature
D) All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: The Chola dynasty (c. 850-1250 CE) was celebrated for its strong naval power, which enabled maritime trade and expeditions, its magnificent rock-cut and structural temples (like Brihadeshwara Temple), and its patronage of Tamil literature and art.
210. The Lingaraja temple is located in:
A) Bhubaneswar
B) Khajuraho
C) Tanjore
D) Madurai
Answer: A
Explanation: The Lingaraja Temple, a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. It is a masterpiece of Kalinga architecture and dates back to the 11th century CE.
211. The rock-cut temples at Ellora represent:
A) Hinduism
B) Buddhism
C) Jainism
D) All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: The Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Maharashtra, feature a remarkable complex of rock-cut caves and temples dedicated to three different religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. They were built between the 6th and 10th centuries CE.
212. The first metal used by man was:
A) Copper
B) Iron
C) Bronze
D) Gold
Answer: A
Explanation: Copper was the first metal widely used by humans, marking the beginning of the Chalcolithic Age (Copper Age), preceding the Bronze Age and Iron Age.
213. The Upanishads are also known as:
A) Vedangas
B) Aranyakas
C) Jnana Kanda
D) Karma Kanda
Answer: C
Explanation: The Upanishads are referred to as Jnana Kanda because they primarily deal with philosophical knowledge (jnana) and the ultimate truth (Brahman and Atman), contrasting with the Karma Kanda portion of the Vedas that focuses on rituals and sacrifices.
214. The oldest Veda is:
A) Samaveda
B) Yajurveda
C) Atharvaveda
D) Rigveda
Answer: D
Explanation: The Rigveda is the oldest and most important of the four Vedas. It is a collection of hymns dedicated to various deities, composed between c. 1500 and 1000 BCE.
215. The Vedic Aryans first settled in:
A) Indo-Gangetic plains
B) Saptasindhu region
C) Vindhya region
D) Western India
Answer: B
Explanation: The Vedic Aryans, during the Early Vedic Period (c. 1500-1000 BCE), are believed to have first settled in the ‘Saptasindhu’ region, which refers to the land of seven rivers, including the Indus and its tributaries in present-day Punjab and parts of Afghanistan.
216. Who introduced Mansabdari system?
A) Akbar
B) Babur
C) Shah Jahan
D) Humayun
Answer: A
Explanation: Emperor Akbar introduced the Mansabdari system, a unique administrative and military system, in the Mughal Empire. Under this system, every officer was assigned a rank (mansab), which determined their status, salary, and the number of troops they were expected to maintain.
217. The city of Agra was founded by:
A) Sikandar Lodi
B) Akbar
C) Babur
D) Ibrahim Lodi
Answer: A
Explanation: The city of Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodi, a Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate from the Lodi dynasty, in 1504 CE. He made it his capital.
218. The practice of Sati was formally banned in:
A) 1815
B) 1829
C) 1835
D) 1856
Answer: B
Explanation: The practice of Sati (widow immolation) was formally banned in British India by Lord William Bentinck, the then Governor-General of Bengal, in 1829, with the strong advocacy of social reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy.
219. The founder of the Satavahana dynasty was:
A) Gautamiputra Satakarni
B) Simuka
C) Vasishthiputra
D) Pulumavi
Answer: B
Explanation: Simuka is recognized as the founder of the Satavahana dynasty, which ruled parts of the Deccan region in ancient India from the 3rd century BCE to the 3rd century CE.
220. The capital of Satavahanas was:
A) Pratishthana
B) Amaravati
C) Kanchi
D) Pataliputra
Answer: A
Explanation: Pratishthana (modern Paithan in Maharashtra) was the primary capital of the Satavahana dynasty. They also had another important center at Amaravati.
Modern India
221. The Chauri Chaura incident occurred in:
A) 1920
B) 1921
C) 1922
D) 1923
Answer: C
Explanation: The Chauri Chaura incident occurred on February 4, 1922, in a village called Chauri Chaura in Uttar Pradesh. A large group of protestors clashed with the police, leading to the death of 22 policemen. This violent event prompted Mahatma Gandhi to call off the Non-Cooperation Movement.
222. The slogan “Do or Die” is associated with:
A) Civil Disobedience Movement
B) Quit India Movement
C) Non-Cooperation Movement
D) Swadeshi Movement
Answer: B
Explanation: The powerful slogan “Do or Die” (Karo ya Maro) was given by Mahatma Gandhi during the Quit India Movement, launched in August 1942. It was a call for complete and immediate independence from British rule.
223. The Ilbert Bill controversy is associated with:
A) Civil Services reform
B) Judicial equality
C) Land reforms
D) Education reform
Answer: B
Explanation: The Ilbert Bill controversy in 1883 was related to judicial equality. The bill proposed allowing Indian judges to try Europeans in criminal cases, which was met with strong opposition from the European community in India, highlighting racial discrimination.
224. The main objective of the Brahmo Samaj was:
A) Revival of Hinduism
B) Reform in religion and society
C) Establishing supremacy of Brahmins
D) Promotion of Western education
Answer: B
Explanation: The Brahmo Samaj, founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in 1828, aimed at reforming Hinduism and Indian society. Its objectives included monotheism, opposition to idol worship, polytheism, Sati, child marriage, and advocating for women’s education and widow remarriage.
225. The Swadeshi Movement was launched as a result of:
A) Jallianwala Bagh massacre
B) Partition of Bengal
C) Rowlatt Act
D) Arrival of Simon Commission
Answer: B
Explanation: The Swadeshi Movement (1905-1908) was a direct response to the Partition of Bengal in 1905. It aimed at promoting indigenous industries and boycotting British goods as a form of protest against the division.
226. The famous Kirti Stambha was built by:
A) Rana Kumbha
B) Rana Sanga
C) Rana Pratap
D) Rana Udai Singh
Answer: A
Explanation: The Kirti Stambha (Tower of Fame) in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, was built by Rana Kumbha of Mewar in the 15th century to commemorate his victory over Mahmud Khilji of Malwa.
227. The famous Jain scholar Hemachandra lived during the reign of:
A) Kumarapala
B) Harshavardhana
C) Ashoka
D) Chandragupta II
Answer: A
Explanation: Hemachandra (1088–1173 CE) was a renowned Jain scholar, poet, and polymath who lived during the reign of the Chaulukya king Kumarapala of Gujarat. He was a significant figure in Jainism and contributed immensely to literature and philosophy.
228. Fa-Hien visited India during the reign of:
A) Harshavardhana
B) Ashoka
C) Chandragupta II
D) Kanishka
Answer: C
Explanation: Fa-Hien (Faxian), a Chinese Buddhist pilgrim, visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) of the Gupta dynasty (c. 399-412 CE). His travel accounts provide valuable information about the Gupta period.
229. Who was the first Indian woman to become President of the Indian National Congress?
A) Annie Besant
B) Sarojini Naidu
C) Indira Gandhi
D) Aruna Asaf Ali
Answer: A
Explanation: Annie Besant, an Irishwoman, was the first woman to become President of the Indian National Congress, presiding over the Calcutta session in 1917. Sarojini Naidu was the first Indian woman to hold this position, in 1925. The question asks for the first woman president, not necessarily Indian woman.
230. The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed in:
A) 1928
B) 1929
C) 1931
D) 1932
Answer: C
Explanation: The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was a political agreement signed on March 5, 1931, between Mahatma Gandhi and Lord Irwin, the then Viceroy of India. It ended the Civil Disobedience Movement and ensured Gandhi’s participation in the Second Round Table Conference.
231. Who was the Viceroy of India during the Quit India Movement?
A) Lord Linlithgow
B) Lord Wavell
C) Lord Mountbatten
D) Lord Irwin
Answer: A
Explanation: Lord Linlithgow served as the Viceroy of India from 1936 to 1943. The Quit India Movement was launched in August 1942 during his tenure.
232. The Dandi March began on:
A) 12 March 1930
B) 10 April 1930
C) 15 March 1930
D) 6 April 1930
Answer: A
Explanation: The Dandi March, also known as the Salt Satyagraha, commenced on March 12, 1930, when Mahatma Gandhi and 78 of his followers began their march from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi.
233. Who was the first woman ruler of Delhi?
A) Razia Sultana
B) Chand Bibi
C) Rani Durgavati
D) Noor Jahan
Answer: A
Explanation: Razia Sultana, the daughter of Iltutmish, was the first and only female Muslim ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, reigning from 1236 to 1240 CE.
234. Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated in the year:
A) 1947
B) 1948
C) 1949
D) 1950
Answer: B
Explanation: Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse on January 30, 1948, in New Delhi, just a few months after India gained independence.
235. The Khilji dynasty was founded by:
A) Alauddin Khilji
B) Jalaluddin Khilji
C) Mubarak Shah
D) Qutbuddin Aibak
Answer: B
Explanation: The Khilji dynasty was founded by Jalaluddin Firuz Khilji in 1290 CE. He was a general who seized power from the Mamluk (Slave) dynasty.
236. The ‘Din-i-Ilahi’ was introduced by:
A) Akbar
B) Jahangir
C) Shah Jahan
D) Babur
Answer: A
Explanation: Din-i-Ilahi (Divine Faith) was a syncretic religion or ethical system propounded by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1582. It was intended to combine the best elements of various religions found in his empire.
237. Shivaji crowned himself as king at Raigarh in:
A) 1670
B) 1672
C) 1674
D) 1676
Answer: C
Explanation: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was formally crowned as the king of the Maratha Empire at Raigarh Fort in 1674. This event marked the official establishment of his independent Maratha kingdom.
238. The English East India Company was established in the year:
A) 1599
B) 1600
C) 1601
D) 1602
Answer: B
Explanation: The English East India Company received its Royal Charter from Queen Elizabeth I on December 31, 1600, officially establishing it for trade with the East Indies.
239. The Treaty of Allahabad was signed between:
A) Akbar and Jahangir
B) Shah Jahan and Dara
C) Robert Clive and Shah Alam II
D) Tipu Sultan and Lord Cornwallis
Answer: C
Explanation: The Treaty of Allahabad was signed in 1765 between Robert Clive (representing the British East India Company) and the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II, along with Shuja-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Awadh. This treaty gave the Diwani (right to collect revenue) of Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha to the British.
240. The Non-Cooperation Movement was started in the year:
A) 1919
B) 1920
C) 1921
D) 1922
Answer: B
Explanation: The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920 after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the Rowlatt Act. It aimed at non-violent resistance to British rule by withdrawing cooperation from British institutions.
241. Which Mughal emperor is known for his golden chain of justice?
A) Akbar
B) Babur
C) Jahangir
D) Shah Jahan
Answer: C
Explanation: Emperor Jahangir is famously known for his “Chain of Justice” (Zanjir-i-Adl), a golden chain with bells that extended from his palace to a stone pillar on the riverbank, allowing any common citizen to directly appeal for justice from the emperor without bureaucratic hurdles.
242. Who was the founder of the Sikh religion?
A) Guru Nanak
B) Guru Angad
C) Guru Arjan
D) Guru Gobind Singh
Answer: A
Explanation: Guru Nanak Dev (1469–1539) is revered as the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. He preached a message of devotion to God, truth, and equality among all people.
243. The Third Battle of Panipat was fought between:
A) Marathas and Mughals
B) Marathas and Afghans
C) British and Marathas
D) Mughals and British
Answer: B
Explanation: The Third Battle of Panipat was fought on January 14, 1761, between the Maratha Empire and the invading Afghan army of Ahmad Shah Durrani (Abdali). The Marathas suffered a devastating defeat in this battle.
244. The title “Sardar” was given to Vallabhbhai Patel during:
A) Kheda Satyagraha
B) Bardoli Satyagraha
C) Champaran Satyagraha
D) Salt Satyagraha
Answer: B
Explanation: The title “Sardar” (Chief or Leader) was given to Vallabhbhai Patel by the peasant women of Bardoli, Gujarat, after he successfully led the Bardoli Satyagraha (a non-violent civil disobedience movement) against unfair tax increases in 1928.
245. Who was the founder of Ramakrishna Mission?
A) Dayanand Saraswati
B) Swami Vivekananda
C) Ramakrishna Paramahamsa
D) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
Answer: B
Explanation: The Ramakrishna Mission was founded by Swami Vivekananda, the chief disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, in 1897. The mission aims to propagate the teachings of Vedanta and undertake various social service activities.
246. Who was the founder of the Prarthana Samaj?
A) Atmaram Pandurang
B) Keshab Chandra Sen
C) B.R. Ambedkar
D) M.G. Ranade
Answer: A
Explanation: The Prarthana Samaj was founded by Atmaram Pandurang in Bombay in 1867. It was a socio-religious reform movement that aimed at monotheism, social reforms, and discarding caste system.
247. The Ajanta caves are associated with which religion?
A) Jainism
B) Buddhism
C) Hinduism
D) Islam
Answer: B
Explanation: The Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Maharashtra, are a series of rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments. They contain exquisitely painted murals and frescoes depicting the Jataka tales (stories of Buddha’s previous lives) and Buddhist deities.
248. The Indian Councils Act of 1919 is also known as:
A) Morley-Minto Reforms
B) Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms
C) Rowlatt Act
D) Government of India Act
Answer: B
Explanation: The Indian Councils Act of 1919 is commonly known as the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, named after Edwin Montagu (Secretary of State for India) and Lord Chelmsford (Viceroy of India). It introduced dyarchy in the provinces.
249. Who built the Gol Gumbaz?
A) Adil Shah
B) Muhammad Adil Shah
C) Ibrahim Adil Shah
D) Ali Adil Shah
Answer: B
Explanation: The Gol Gumbaz, located in Bijapur, Karnataka, is the tomb of Muhammad Adil Shah, the seventh ruler of the Adil Shahi dynasty. It is famous for its massive dome and whispering gallery.
250. Who was the first Indian to be elected to the British Parliament?
A) Dadabhai Naoroji
B) M.G. Ranade
C) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
D) Surendranath Banerjee
Answer: A
Explanation: Dadabhai Naoroji became the first Indian to be elected as a Member of Parliament to the British House of Commons in 1892, representing the Liberal Party for the Central Finsbury constituency.