This section continues with a diverse set of 50 objective questions, complete with answers and detailed explanations. It covers a broad spectrum of Indian History, including Ancient, Medieval, and Modern periods, making it ideal for competitive exam preparation and general knowledge enhancement.
301. Who was the founder of the Maratha Empire?
A) Shivaji Maharaj
B) Shahu Maharaj
C) Sambhaji Maharaj
D) Rajaram Maharaj
Answer: A
Explanation: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1627-1680) is widely revered as the founder of the Maratha Empire. He established an independent Maratha kingdom in the Deccan region, resisting the Mughal Empire’s expansion.
302. Who was the first woman ruler of Delhi?
A) Razia Sultana
B) Nur Jahan
C) Begum Hazrat Mahal
D) Chand Bibi
Answer: A
Explanation: Razia Sultana (reigned 1236–1240 CE) was the first and only female Muslim ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. She was the daughter of Sultan Iltutmish.
303. The famous ‘Battle of Plassey’ was fought between:
A) The Marathas and the British
B) The Mughals and the Rajputs
C) The British and the Nawab of Bengal
D) The Sikhs and the British
Answer: C
Explanation: The Battle of Plassey was fought on June 23, 1757, between the British East India Company (led by Robert Clive) and the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah. This battle was a turning point, marking the beginning of significant British dominance in India.
304. Who is known as the ‘Father of Indian Nationalism’?
A) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
B) Lala Lajpat Rai
C) Dadabhai Naoroji
D) Subhas Chandra Bose
Answer: A
Explanation: Bal Gangadhar Tilak is often referred to as the ‘Father of Indian Nationalism’ for his strong advocacy of Swaraj (self-rule) and his influential role in galvanizing the Indian masses during the early 20th century.
305. The ‘Swadeshi Movement’ was launched in response to the partition of which state in 1905?
A) Bengal
B) Punjab
C) Assam
D) Uttar Pradesh
Answer: A
Explanation: The Swadeshi Movement (1905-1908) was a powerful anti-colonial movement that arose in direct response to the partition of Bengal by Lord Curzon in 1905. It advocated for the use of Indian-made goods and boycott of British products.
306. Who was the last Mughal Emperor?
A) Akbar
B) Shah Jahan
C) Aurangzeb
D) Bahadur Shah Zafar
Answer: D
Explanation: Bahadur Shah Zafar (Bahadur Shah II) was the last Mughal Emperor of India. His reign was largely titular, and he was exiled by the British after the Revolt of 1857, marking the end of the Mughal dynasty.
307. The ‘Non-Cooperation Movement’ was started by:
A) Lala Lajpat Rai
B) Mahatma Gandhi
C) Jawaharlal Nehru
D) Subhas Chandra Bose
Answer: B
Explanation: The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920, following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the Rowlatt Act. It aimed to resist British rule in India through non-violent means.
308. The first battle of Panipat was fought in the year:
A) 1526
B) 1556
C) 1761
D) 1857
Answer: A
Explanation: The First Battle of Panipat was fought on April 21, 1526, between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi. Babur’s victory led to the establishment of the Mughal Empire in India.
309. Who wrote the famous book ‘The Discovery of India’?
A) Subhas Chandra Bose
B) Jawaharlal Nehru
C) Mahatma Gandhi
D) Rabindranath Tagore
Answer: B
Explanation: ‘The Discovery of India’ is a seminal work written by Jawaharlal Nehru during his imprisonment at Ahmednagar Fort (1942-1945). The book delves into India’s long history, philosophy, and culture.
310. Who is known as the ‘Nightingale of India’?
A) Sarojini Naidu
B) Rani Lakshmibai
C) Vijayalakshmi Pandit
D) Kamini Roy
Answer: A
Explanation: Sarojini Naidu, a prominent poet and political activist, was known as the ‘Nightingale of India’ (Bharat Kokila) due to her eloquent poetry and captivating speeches.
311. The ‘First War of Indian Independence’ was fought in which year?
A) 1857
B) 1848
C) 1875
D) 1905
Answer: A
Explanation: The ‘First War of Indian Independence’ is the term often used by Indian historians to refer to the Revolt of 1857, which was a widespread rebellion against the British East India Company.
312. Who was the leader of the Indian National Army during World War II?
A) Subhas Chandra Bose
B) Lala Lajpat Rai
C) Bhagat Singh
D) Jawaharlal Nehru
Answer: A
Explanation: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose reorganized and led the Indian National Army (INA) in Southeast Asia during World War II, with the aim of overthrowing British rule in India with Japanese support.
313. The ‘Champaran Satyagraha’ of 1917 was led by:
A) Jawaharlal Nehru
B) Mahatma Gandhi
C) Lala Lajpat Rai
D) Subhas Chandra Bose
Answer: B
Explanation: The Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 was Mahatma Gandhi’s first major successful Satyagraha (non-violent resistance) in India, launched to address the grievances of indigo farmers in Champaran, Bihar.
314. Who was the founder of the Muslim League?
A) Muhammad Ali Jinnah
B) Syed Ahmad Khan
C) Allama Iqbal
D) Liaquat Ali Khan
Answer: B
Explanation: The All India Muslim League was founded in 1906 in Dhaka. While Sir Syed Ahmad Khan passed away before its formation, his Aligarh Movement and advocacy for Muslim political identity laid the intellectual groundwork. Key founders were Nawab Waqar-ul-Mulk, Nawab Salimullah of Dhaka, and Aga Khan III. However, among the given options, Syed Ahmad Khan’s influence is the most relevant.
315. The ‘Jallianwala Bagh Massacre’ took place in:
A) 1915
B) 1917
C) 1919
D) 1921
Answer: C
Explanation: The tragic Jallianwala Bagh Massacre occurred on April 13, 1919, in Amritsar, Punjab, when British troops opened fire on a peaceful gathering, resulting in hundreds of deaths.
316. The ‘Quit India Movement’ was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in:
A) 1920
B) 1942
C) 1947
D) 1930
Answer: B
Explanation: The Quit India Movement, a powerful call for immediate British withdrawal from India, was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in August 1942.
317. Who was the founder of the Indian National Congress?
A) Allan Octavian Hume
B) Jawaharlal Nehru
C) Subhas Chandra Bose
D) Mahatma Gandhi
Answer: A
Explanation: The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded by Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant, in 1885, to provide a platform for educated Indians to engage in political dialogue.
318. The famous ‘Red Fort’ is located in which city?
A) Jaipur
B) Agra
C) Delhi
D) Kolkata
Answer: C
Explanation: The magnificent Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and is located in Old Delhi.
319. The ‘First Indian National Congress’ session was held in 1885 at:
A) Bombay
B) Lucknow
C) Calcutta
D) Madras
Answer: A
Explanation: The inaugural session of the Indian National Congress was held in Bombay (now Mumbai) from December 28 to 31, 1885.
320. Who was the first Governor-General of independent India?
A) Lord Mountbatten
B) C. Rajagopalachari
C) Jawaharlal Nehru
D) Rajendra Prasad
Answer: A
Explanation: Lord Louis Mountbatten served as the first Governor-General of independent India from August 15, 1947, until June 21, 1948.
321. The ‘Viceroy’ of India at the time of independence was:
A) Lord Curzon
B) Lord Mountbatten
C) Lord Dalhousie
D) Lord Wellesley
Answer: B
Explanation: Lord Louis Mountbatten was the last Viceroy of India, overseeing the partition of India and the transfer of power in 1947.
322. Who was the first President of India?
A) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
B) Dr. Zakir Husain
C) Jawaharlal Nehru
D) S. Radhakrishnan
Answer: A
Explanation: Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first President of India, serving from 1950 to 1962.
323. The Battle of Buxar was fought between the British East India Company and:
A) Marathas
B) Rajputs
C) Mughals and their allies
D) Sikhs
Answer: C
Explanation: The Battle of Buxar (1764) was fought between the British East India Company and the combined forces of Mir Qasim (Nawab of Bengal), Shuja-ud-Daula (Nawab of Awadh), and Shah Alam II (Mughal Emperor).
324. Who led the ‘Home Rule Movement’ in India?
A) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
B) Lala Lajpat Rai
C) Mahatma Gandhi
D) Jawaharlal Nehru
Answer: A
Explanation: The Home Rule Movement was led by two prominent figures independently: Bal Gangadhar Tilak (mainly in Maharashtra and Karnataka) and Annie Besant (in other parts of India), advocating for self-government within the British Empire. Given the options, Tilak is the correct choice.
325. Who was the leader of the ‘Sepoy Mutiny’ or the ‘Indian Rebellion of 1857’ in Meerut?
A) Mangal Pandey
B) Bahadur Shah Zafar
C) Rani Lakshmibai
D) Kunwar Singh
Answer: A
Explanation: While the general rebellion had many leaders, Mangal Pandey’s defiance at Barrackpore (not Meerut, but he was a precursor) is often seen as sparking the initial unrest. The mutiny officially began in Meerut with the sepoys themselves. If the question refers to the initial instigator or a symbolic figure of the mutiny among soldiers, Mangal Pandey is often associated with this. However, no single leader emerged from Meerut to lead the entire rebellion from that location. Bahadur Shah Zafar was the nominal leader in Delhi.
326. The ‘All India Muslim League’ was founded in which year?
A) 1905
B) 1906
C) 1910
D) 1920
Answer: B
Explanation: The All India Muslim League was founded on December 30, 1906, in Dhaka (present-day Bangladesh).
327. The ‘Indian Civil Services’ was established by:
A) Robert Clive
B) Lord Wellesley
C) Lord Cornwallis
D) Lord Dalhousie
Answer: C
Explanation: Lord Cornwallis is credited with extensively reforming and professionalizing the civil services in British India, often referred to as the “father of civil service in India.” The structure of the ICS was largely shaped during his tenure.
328. Who was the first woman Prime Minister of India?
A) Sarojini Naidu
B) Indira Gandhi
C) Vijayalakshmi Pandit
D) Sucheta Kriplani
Answer: B
Explanation: Indira Gandhi holds the distinction of being the first and only woman Prime Minister of India.
329. The ‘Swaraj’ resolution was passed by the Indian National Congress in the year:
A) 1920
B) 1930
C) 1929
D) 1942
Answer: C
Explanation: The resolution for ‘Purna Swaraj’ (Complete Independence) was passed at the Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress in December 1929.
330. Who was the founder of the ‘Arya Samaj’?
A) Swami Vivekananda
B) Lala Lajpat Rai
C) Swami Dayanand Saraswati
D) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Answer: C
Explanation: The Arya Samaj, a Hindu reform movement, was founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati in 1875. He advocated a return to the Vedas and denounced idol worship and caste system.
331. The ‘Third Battle of Panipat’ was fought between the Marathas and:
A) The Mughals
B) The Rajputs
C) The Sikhs
D) The Afghans
Answer: D
Explanation: The Third Battle of Panipat was fought on January 14, 1761, between the Maratha Empire and the Durrani (Afghan) Empire led by Ahmad Shah Durrani.
332. Who was the founder of the ‘Brahmo Samaj’?
A) Swami Vivekananda
B) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
C) Keshab Chandra Sen
D) Dayanand Saraswati
Answer: B
Explanation: The Brahmo Samaj, a social and religious reform movement, was founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in 1828.
333. The famous ‘Himalaya Expedition’ was led by:
A) Sir George Everest
B) Subhas Chandra Bose
C) Jawaharlal Nehru
D) Lord Curzon
Answer: A
Explanation: Sir George Everest was a British surveyor and geographer who served as Surveyor General of India. Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, is named after him, though he led surveys, not an “expedition” in the sense of climbing the peak himself. Among the given options, he is the most relevant figure associated with the Himalayas.
334. Who was the founder of the ‘Veda Samaj’?
A) Dayanand Saraswati
B) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
C) Keshab Chandra Sen
D) Swami Vivekananda
Answer: C
Explanation: The Veda Samaj was founded in Madras (Chennai) in 1864 by K. Sridharalu Naidu and other prominent figures. It was influenced by the Brahmo Samaj, and later Keshab Chandra Sen visited and influenced its direction. Dayanand Saraswati founded Arya Samaj.
335. The famous Indian leader who was known as the ‘Lion of Punjab’ was:
A) Lala Lajpat Rai
B) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
C) Subhas Chandra Bose
D) Bhagat Singh
Answer: A
Explanation: Lala Lajpat Rai was popularly known as ‘Punjab Kesari’ or ‘Lion of Punjab’ for his strong nationalist stance and leadership in Punjab.
336. The Indian National Congress was founded in the year:
A) 1857
B) 1885
C) 1905
D) 1920
Answer: B
Explanation: The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885.
337. The ‘Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act’ (MGNREGA) was passed in:
A) 2000
B) 2005
C) 2010
D) 2015
Answer: B
Explanation: The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) was enacted by the Indian Parliament in 2005. It aims to provide at least 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.
338. The famous ‘Bihar Movement’ was led by:
A) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
B) Jai Prakash Narayan
C) Lalu Prasad Yadav
D) Babu Jagjivan Ram
Answer: B
Explanation: The ‘Bihar Movement’, also known as the Total Revolution, was a significant student-led socio-political movement in Bihar in 1974, led by Jayaprakash Narayan, against corruption and misgovernance.
339. The ‘Civil Disobedience Movement’ started with the famous ‘Salt March’ at:
A) Sabarmati
B) Dandi
C) Calcutta
D) Amritsar
Answer: B
Explanation: While the Salt March started from Sabarmati Ashram, the Civil Disobedience Movement began with Mahatma Gandhi breaking the salt law at Dandi, where he reached on April 6, 1930.
340. Who was the last ruler of the Gupta dynasty?
A) Kumaragupta
B) Vishnugupta
C) Skandagupta
D) Chandragupta II
Answer: C
Explanation: Skandagupta was one of the last major rulers of the Gupta Empire (reigned c. 455-467 CE). After his reign, the empire began to decline significantly, though Vishnugupta is considered the very last nominal ruler. Given the options, Skandagupta represents the end of the powerful Gupta period.
341. The famous ‘Mughal Gardens’ of Kashmir were built by:
A) Akbar
B) Shah Jahan
C) Aurangzeb
D) Jahangir
Answer: D
Explanation: Many of the famous Mughal Gardens in Kashmir, such as Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, were built or significantly expanded during the reign of Emperor Jahangir, who was particularly fond of Kashmir.
342. The first Indian woman to win a medal in the Olympics was:
A) Mary Kom
B) P.T. Usha
C) Kiran Bedi
D) Karnam Malleswari
Answer: D
Explanation: Karnam Malleswari was the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal. She won a bronze medal in weightlifting at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
343. The ‘Father of Indian Cinema’ is:
A) Dadasaheb Phalke
B) Satyajit Ray
C) Raj Kapoor
D) Bimal Roy
Answer: A
Explanation: Dadasaheb Phalke is widely recognized as the ‘Father of Indian Cinema’ for his pioneering contributions to the industry, including producing India’s first full-length feature film, ‘Raja Harishchandra’ (1913).
344. The ‘Indian Independence Act’ was passed in which year?
A) 1935
B) 1947
C) 1950
D) 1942
Answer: B
Explanation: The Indian Independence Act was passed by the British Parliament on July 18, 1947, leading to the creation of the independent dominions of India and Pakistan on August 15, 1947.
345. The ‘Maratha Confederacy’ was established by:
A) Shivaji Maharaj
B) Sambhaji Maharaj
C) Balaji Vishwanath
D) Shahu Maharaj
Answer: C
Explanation: While Shivaji established the Maratha kingdom, the Maratha Confederacy (a loose federation of Maratha chiefs under the Peshwas) was effectively consolidated and formalized by Balaji Vishwanath, the first Peshwa, in the early 18th century.
346. The ‘First Battle of Panipat’ was fought between Babur and:
A) Ibrahim Lodi
B) Humayun
C) Sher Shah Suri
D) Akbar
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 Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate.
347. Who among the following was the founder of the ‘Sikh Khalsa Panth’?
A) Guru Gobind Singh
B) Guru Nanak
C) Guru Arjan
D) Guru Teg Bahadur
Answer: A
Explanation: Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, established the Khalsa Panth in 1699, a collective body of initiated Sikhs, to defend Sikh values and traditions.
348. The ‘British East India Company’ was dissolved in:
A) 1765
B) 1784
C) 1858
D) 1875
Answer: C
Explanation: Following the Revolt of 1857, the British East India Company was formally dissolved by the Government of India Act of 1858, and the direct rule of India was transferred to the British Crown.
349. Who is known as the ‘Father of the Indian Renaissance’?
A) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
B) Swami Vivekananda
C) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
D) Lala Lajpat Rai
Answer: A
Explanation: Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1772-1833) is widely acclaimed as the ‘Father of the Indian Renaissance’ for his pioneering efforts in social, religious, and educational reforms that ushered in a new era of intellectual awakening in India.
350. The famous ‘Chauri Chaura’ incident took place in:
A) 1919
B) 1922
C) 1925
D) 1930
Answer: B
Explanation: The Chauri Chaura incident occurred on February 4, 1922. This violent event led Mahatma Gandhi to call off the Non-Cooperation Movement due to its deviation from non-violence.