Welcome to “Set 11” of our “Indian History – UPSC MCQ Series”! This diverse set of multiple-choice questions spans various periods of Indian history, from the ancient Harappan Civilization and Vedic Age to the medieval Sultanate and Mughal eras, and crucial aspects of British colonial rule and the freedom struggle. Delve into the intricacies of ancient Indian administration and art, the economic policies of medieval rulers, and the socio-political movements that shaped modern India. Test your knowledge on topics such as early Buddhist philosophy, the Chola administration and architecture, the causes of major rebellions, and the key personalities and events leading to India’s independence. This set is designed to challenge your understanding across the vast spectrum of Indian history.
Set 11
501. Which of the following Harappan sites provides the earliest evidence of ploughed agricultural fields?
A. Lothal
B. Kalibangan
C. Dholavira
D. Rakhigarhi
Answer: B
Explanation: Kalibangan, located in Rajasthan, is unique among Harappan sites for providing the earliest evidence of a ploughed agricultural field. Distinct furrow marks, dating back to the Early Harappan period, indicate the practice of agriculture.
502. The term Nishta in early Buddhist philosophy refers to:
A. The Four Noble Truths
B. The Eightfold Path
C. Firm commitment to liberation
D. Discipline in monastic life
Answer: C
Explanation: In early Buddhist philosophy, Nishta implies a resolute attitude or firm commitment towards attaining liberation (Nirvana) from suffering. It signifies a determined effort and unwavering dedication to the path of spiritual freedom.
503. The “Doctrine of Not-self” (Anatta) challenges which concept of Brahmanical philosophy?
A. Karma
B. Rebirth
C. Atman
D. Moksha
Answer: C
Explanation: The Buddhist “Doctrine of Not-self” or Anatta asserts that there is no permanent, unchanging soul or self. This directly challenges the Brahmanical concept of Atman, which posits the existence of an eternal, unchanging soul or self that is identical with Brahman (the ultimate reality).
504. The earliest recorded instance of land grants to Brahmanas can be traced to:
A. Gupta inscriptions
B. Mauryan rock edicts
C. Satavahana copper plates
D. Vedic Samhitas
Answer: C
Explanation: The practice of making land grants, particularly to Brahmanas (known as Brahmadeya), saw its earliest recorded instances in India through Satavahana copper plates from the Deccan region, dating back to the 1st-2nd centuries CE. This practice later became widespread during the Gupta and post-Gupta periods.
505. The economic policy of Alauddin Khalji was aimed primarily at:
A. Enhancing trade
B. Maximizing state revenue
C. Curbing the power of nobles
D. Regulating price inflation
Answer: C
Explanation: While Alauddin Khalji’s economic policies included strict control over prices (regulating price inflation), his primary underlying aim was to maintain a large and efficient standing army at lower costs to counter Mongol invasions and to curb the power of the nobility by preventing them from accumulating excessive wealth and resources that could challenge the central authority. His price controls ensured military supplies were cheap, reducing the need for higher salaries, and also limited the profitability of trade for powerful merchants and nobles.
506. Which Gupta-era text provides elaborate details about the duties of a king and ideal administration?
A. Arthashastra
B. Manusmriti
C. Nitisara by Kamandaka
D. Harshacharita
Answer: C
Explanation: The Nitisara (Essence of Polity) by Kamandaka is a significant text from the Gupta period that extensively discusses statecraft, the duties of a king, and principles of ideal administration. Arthashastra is a Mauryan text, Manusmriti is an ancient law code, and Harshacharita is a biography from a later period.
507. Which of the following pairs is incorrect?
A. Hiuen Tsang – Harshavardhana
B. Al-Biruni – Mahmud of Ghazni
C. Megasthenes – Samudragupta
D. Fa-Hien – Chandragupta II
Answer: C
Explanation: The incorrect pair is C. Megasthenes – Samudragupta. Megasthenes was a Greek ambassador in the court of Chandragupta Maurya (the founder of the Mauryan Empire), not Samudragupta (who belonged to the later Gupta dynasty). The other pairs are correct: Hiuen Tsang visited during Harshavardhana’s reign, Al-Biruni accompanied Mahmud of Ghazni, and Fa-Hien visited during Chandragupta II’s reign.
508. Which of the following temples is the best example of the Nagara style architecture?
A. Brihadeshwara, Tanjore
B. Kandariya Mahadeva, Khajuraho
C. Sun Temple, Konark
D. Kailasanatha, Ellora
Answer: B
Explanation: The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple at Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh) is widely considered one of the finest and most representative examples of the Nagara style of temple architecture, characterized by its curvilinear shikhara (tower) and intricate sculptures. Brihadeshwara is Dravidian style, Sun Temple at Konark is Kalinga style (a regional variation of Nagara), and Kailasanatha Temple at Ellora is a monolithic rock-cut structure (Rashtrakuta).
509. The term Turquoise Throne is associated with the coronation of which ruler?
A. Akbar
B. Babur
C. Shah Jahan
D. Humayun
Answer: D
Explanation: The “Turquoise Throne” is prominently associated with the Mughal emperor Humayun. It was a symbol of his restored sovereignty when he regained his throne in 1555 CE, after his exile.
510. The ‘Mazhar’ issued by Akbar in 1579 was meant to:
A. Promote trade
B. Abolish Jizya
C. Declare Akbar as supreme in religious matters
D. Create Din-i-Ilahi
Answer: C
Explanation: The Mazhar, or “Infallibility Decree,” issued by Akbar in 1579 CE, declared that in case of any religious dispute, the Emperor’s decision would be final and binding, effectively making Akbar supreme in religious matters and placing him above the Ulemas (religious scholars). It was not meant to abolish Jizya (which he did later) or directly create Din-i-Ilahi (which was established later).
511. The Satnami revolt during Aurangzeb’s reign reflected:
A. Discontent of tribal peasants
B. Anti-Brahmin sentiment
C. Revolt by artisans and lower castes
D. Jat militarism
Answer: C
Explanation: The Satnami revolt (1672 CE) during Aurangzeb’s reign was a significant uprising primarily by a sect of Hindu peasants, artisans, and lower castes who believed in strict monotheism. Their rebellion reflected social and economic discontent against Mughal authority, rather than being solely driven by tribal or anti-Brahmin sentiments.
512. The Ryotwari system was favored by Thomas Munro due to:
A. Abundance of zamindars
B. Need to deal directly with peasantry
C. Policy of Indianisation
D. Corruption in revenue collection
Answer: B
Explanation: Thomas Munro, a key figure in its implementation, favored the Ryotwari system because he believed in the need to deal directly with the peasantry (ryots) for revenue collection, thereby eliminating the intermediary role of zamindars, whom he saw as exploitative.
513. Which one of the following battles marked the beginning of the end of Mughal supremacy in India?
A. Battle of Plassey
B. Battle of Karnal
C. Battle of Panipat (3rd)
D. Battle of Buxar
Answer: B
Explanation: The Battle of Karnal in 1739 CE, where Nadir Shah decisively defeated the Mughal army and looted Delhi, marked the beginning of the irreversible decline and end of Mughal supremacy as a pan-Indian power. While Plassey and Buxar (later in the 18th century) established British dominance, Karnal directly shattered Mughal authority.
514. Who among the following leaders was influenced by Giuseppe Mazzini in shaping his revolutionary ideals?
A. Aurobindo Ghosh
B. Subhas Chandra Bose
C. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
D. Lala Lajpat Rai
Answer: A
Explanation: Aurobindo Ghosh, particularly in his early nationalist phase, was deeply influenced by the revolutionary nationalism of Italian unification leaders like Giuseppe Mazzini and Giuseppe Garibaldi. He advocated for a more radical approach to achieve Indian independence.
515. Which of the following British policies directly led to the Santhal Rebellion (1855–56)?
A. Doctrine of Lapse
B. Zamindari Settlement
C. Ryotwari exploitation
D. Permanent Settlement and moneylenders
Answer: D
Explanation: The Santhal Rebellion (1855–56) was directly triggered by the oppressive consequences of the Permanent Settlement, which led to the dispossession of Santhal lands, exorbitant land revenue demands, and severe exploitation by corrupt zamindars and greedy moneylenders who operated under the new British legal system.
516. The objective of Ilbert Bill (1883) was to:
A. Introduce Indian judges in British courts
B. Give voting rights to Indians
C. Appoint Indians to Viceroy’s council
D. Regulate vernacular press
Answer: A
Explanation: The primary objective of the Ilbert Bill (1883), introduced by Lord Ripon, was to allow Indian judges and magistrates to try European British subjects in criminal cases, thereby removing the racial discrimination in the judicial system.
517. In which Congress Session was the concept of economic drain first officially adopted?
A. 1885 Bombay
B. 1889 Allahabad
C. 1896 Calcutta
D. 1906 Calcutta
Answer: C
Explanation: The Indian National Congress officially adopted the concept of the ‘Drain of Wealth’ at its 1896 Calcutta Session, passing a resolution that highlighted the economic drain of India’s wealth by the British. Dadabhai Naoroji’s works were instrumental in this.
518. The Anushilan Samiti was formed in which city?
A. Madras
B. Bombay
C. Calcutta
D. Pune
Answer: C
Explanation: The Anushilan Samiti was a prominent revolutionary secret society that emerged in the early 20th century, with its major branches formed in Calcutta (led by Satish Chandra Basu) and Dhaka, promoting armed revolution against British rule.
519. The Blue Water Policy was advocated by:
A. Francis Xavier
B. St. Thomas
C. Francisco de Almeida
D. Alfonso de Albuquerque
Answer: C
Explanation: The “Blue Water Policy,” which aimed at establishing Portuguese naval supremacy in the Indian Ocean rather than acquiring land territories, was advocated by Francisco de Almeida, the first Portuguese Viceroy in India.
520. The Indian States Committee of 1927 was also known as:
A. Hunter Committee
B. Simon Commission
C. Butler Committee
D. Nehru Committee
Answer: C
Explanation: The Indian States Committee of 1927, appointed by the British government to investigate the relationship between the Paramount Power (British Crown) and the Indian Princely States, was also known as the Butler Committee (chaired by Sir Harcourt Butler).
521. Who among the following was not a member of the Nehru Report (1928)?
A. Motilal Nehru
B. Subhas Chandra Bose
C. Tej Bahadur Sapru
D. Ali Imam
Answer: B
Explanation: The committee that drafted the Nehru Report (1928) was chaired by Motilal Nehru. Other members included Tej Bahadur Sapru, Ali Imam, and M.R. Jayakar. Subhas Chandra Bose was not a member of this drafting committee, although he represented the younger, more radical wing of the Congress at the time.
522. The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was opposed within Congress by:
A. Rajendra Prasad
B. Nehru
C. Subhas Bose
D. Vallabhbhai Patel
Answer: C
Explanation: The Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931) was criticized and opposed within the Congress by younger, radical leaders like Subhas Chandra Bose and Jawaharlal Nehru, who believed it did not go far enough towards achieving complete independence.
523. In which year did the Indian capital shift from Calcutta to Delhi?
A. 1910
B. 1911
C. 1912
D. 1914
Answer: B
Explanation: The decision to shift the capital of British India from Calcutta to Delhi was announced by King George V at the Delhi Durbar on December 12, 1911 CE. The actual shift and construction of New Delhi took several years, but the announcement marked the official transfer.
524. Which revolutionary published the journal “Bande Mataram” in Paris?
A. Aurobindo Ghosh
B. Shyamji Krishna Verma
C. Madam Cama
D. Bhikaji Cama
Answer: D
Explanation: Madam Bhikaji Cama (often referred to as Madam Cama) was a prominent Indian nationalist who lived in exile. She published the revolutionary journal “Bande Mataram” from Paris and Geneva. While Aurobindo Ghosh also had a journal by this name, his was published from Calcutta.
525. “The Indian Struggle” was written by:
A. Mahatma Gandhi
B. Jawaharlal Nehru
C. Subhas Chandra Bose
D. Rabindranath Tagore
Answer: C
Explanation: The authoritative historical account of the Indian independence movement from 1920 to 1942, titled “The Indian Struggle,” was written by Subhas Chandra Bose during his time in Europe.
526. The Wahabi movement was declared illegal by British in:
A. 1831
B. 1857
C. 1868
D. 1870
Answer: C
Explanation: The Wahabi movement, a socio-religious reform movement that advocated for the return to pure Islam and later developed anti-British sentiments, faced severe suppression by the British. It was effectively declared illegal and systematically suppressed through a series of trials and campaigns in the 1860s, with major trials culminating around 1868 CE.
527. The Young Bengal Movement was inspired by:
A. Derozio
B. Raja Ram Mohan Roy
C. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
D. Syed Ahmed Khan
Answer: A
Explanation: The Young Bengal Movement, a radical intellectual movement among Bengali youth in the 1820s and 1830s, was inspired by and centered around Henry Louis Vivian Derozio, a teacher at Hindu College, Calcutta.
528. The term “Drain of Wealth” appeared for the first time in:
A. Poverty and Un-British Rule in India
B. Economic History of India
C. Indian Mirror
D. British Parliamentary Debates
Answer: D
Explanation: While Dadabhai Naoroji systematized and popularized the “Drain of Wealth” theory through his writings like Poverty and Un-British Rule in India, the term “drain” and the concept of economic outflow from India were discussed in British Parliamentary Debates and official reports even prior to his comprehensive exposition, albeit not with the same critical theoretical framework.
529. The Lucknow Pact symbolized:
A. Hindu-Muslim unity
B. Home Rule support
C. Abandoning of partition
D. Support for Simon Commission
Answer: A
Explanation: The Lucknow Pact (1916), an agreement between the Indian National Congress and the All-India Muslim League, symbolized a period of Hindu-Muslim unity and joint political action against the British.
530. Who said, “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it”?
A. Gandhi
B. Tilak
C. Nehru
D. Bose
Answer: B
Explanation: The iconic slogan “Swaraj (self-rule) is my birthright and I shall have it!” was famously proclaimed by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, becoming a powerful rallying cry for the Indian nationalist movement.
531. The most famous bronze image of Chola art is:
A. Shiva Nataraja
B. Vishnu reclining
C. Ardhanarishvara
D. Ganesha
Answer: A
Explanation: The bronze image of Shiva Nataraja (the cosmic dancer) is undoubtedly the most celebrated and iconic representation of Chola art, renowned for its artistic brilliance, philosophical depth, and sophisticated metallurgical techniques.
532. The Kritar Sarit Sagara was written by:
A. Somadeva
B. Banabhatta
C. Kalidasa
D. Vishakhadatta
Answer: A
Explanation: The Kathasaritsagara (Ocean of the Streams of Stories), a celebrated collection of Indian legends, fairy tales, and folk tales, was written in Sanskrit by Somadeva in the 11th century CE.
533. Who was the first Gupta ruler to issue silver coins?
A. Chandragupta I
B. Samudragupta
C. Kumaragupta
D. Chandragupta II
Answer: D
Explanation: Chandragupta II was the first Gupta ruler to issue silver coins, which he likely did after his victory over the Western Satraps (Sakas) in western India, imitating their coinage.
534. Which Gupta ruler was also known as Napoleon of India?
A. Samudragupta
B. Chandragupta II
C. Skandagupta
D. Kumaragupta
Answer: A
Explanation: The British historian V.A. Smith famously referred to Samudragupta as the “Napoleon of India” due to his extensive military conquests and expansion of the Gupta empire across a large part of the Indian subcontinent.
535. The Chinese traveler Fa-Hien visited India during:
A. Harshavardhana
B. Ashoka
C. Chandragupta II
D. Samudragupta
Answer: C
Explanation: The renowned Chinese Buddhist pilgrim Fa-Hien visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) of the Gupta dynasty, in the early 5th century CE.
536. Meghaduta was composed by:
A. Banabhatta
B. Kalidasa
C. Bharavi
D. Sudraka
Answer: B
Explanation: Meghaduta (The Cloud Messenger), one of the most celebrated lyrical poems in Sanskrit literature, was composed by the classical Sanskrit writer Kalidasa, who is often considered the greatest poet and dramatist in the Sanskrit language.
537. Which ancient port was important for Indo-Roman trade?
A. Lothal
B. Broach
C. Tamralipti
D. Arikamedu
Answer: D
Explanation: Arikamedu, an ancient Roman trading station and archaeological site near Puducherry on the southeastern coast of India, was a crucial port for Indo-Roman trade, yielding extensive evidence of Roman pottery, glassware, and other artifacts. While Broach (Bharuch) was also important, Arikamedu’s direct Roman links are highly significant.
538. The term “Ur” in Chola administration referred to:
A. Merchant guild
B. Assembly of Brahmins
C. Village assembly
D. Land grant
Answer: C
Explanation: In the sophisticated Chola administration, the term “Ur” referred to the general assembly of the village, comprising all the landholding residents of the village. Another assembly, ‘Sabha’ or ‘Mahasabha’, was specific to Brahmin villages.
539. The head of a Chola village council was called:
A. Nadu
B. Mukhiya
C. Gramika
D. Periyanattar
Answer: D
Explanation: In the Chola administration, while ‘Ur’ was the village assembly, the term “Periyanattar” referred to the great men or influential individuals who were prominent members or leaders, often exercising significant influence or acting as heads, particularly in the Nadus (regional assemblies) which comprised multiple villages. While a specific singular term for all village heads of ‘Ur’ is not uniformly documented, ‘Periyanattar’ represents the powerful local figures who guided village councils.
540. Mandapa in temple architecture refers to:
A. Inner sanctum
B. Tower above sanctum
C. Pillared hall
D. Temple compound wall
Answer: C
Explanation: In Indian temple architecture, a “Mandapa” refers to a large, often ornate, pillared hall or pavilion. It serves as a space for devotees to assemble for rituals, prayers, or discourses, typically located in front of the main shrine (garbhagriha).
541. The Rathas of Mahabalipuram were built by:
A. Cholas
B. Rashtrakutas
C. Pallavas
D. Cheras
Answer: C
Explanation: The famous Rathas (monolithic rock-cut temples shaped like chariots) at Mahabalipuram were carved out of single rocks by the Pallavas, primarily during the reign of King Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla) in the 7th century CE.
542. The most powerful Chola ruler was:
A. Rajaraja I
B. Rajendra I
C. Aditya Chola
D. Kulottunga I
Answer: B
Explanation: While Rajaraja I laid the foundations of the Chola empire’s greatness, his son, Rajendra I, is considered the most powerful Chola ruler. He expanded the empire further, notably undertaking a naval expedition to Southeast Asia (Srivijaya) and a military expedition to the Ganges in the north.
543. The battle of Takkolam was fought between:
A. Cholas and Rashtrakutas
B. Cholas and Pandyas
C. Cholas and Western Chalukyas
D. Cholas and Sri Lanka
Answer: A
Explanation: The decisive Battle of Takkolam in 949 CE was fought between the Cholas (under Parantaka I) and the Rashtrakutas (under Krishna III), resulting in a significant defeat for the Cholas and a temporary setback to their expansion.
544. The famous Brihadeshwara Temple is located at:
A. Kanchipuram
B. Madurai
C. Thanjavur
D. Mahabalipuram
Answer: C
Explanation: The magnificent Brihadeshwara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Chola architecture, is located in Thanjavur (Tanjore) in Tamil Nadu. It was built by Emperor Rajaraja I.
545. The Buddhist university Nalanda was destroyed by:
A. Mahmud of Ghazni
B. Muhammad Ghori
C. Bakhtiyar Khilji
D. Timur
Answer: C
Explanation: The ancient Buddhist monastic university of Nalanda in Bihar was largely destroyed by the forces of Bakhtiyar Khilji, a Turkish general of Qutb al-Din Aibak, in the late 12th or early 13th century CE.
546. Which river is most mentioned in Rigveda?
A. Yamuna
B. Ganga
C. Indus
D. Saraswati
Answer: D
Explanation: The Rigveda refers to several rivers, but the Saraswati River is the most frequently and reverently mentioned, often hailed as a sacred river and a mother goddess (Naditama, ‘best of rivers’).
547. The term “Ashta-Pradhan” was associated with:
A. Vijayanagara
B. Mughals
C. Marathas
D. Cholas
Answer: C
Explanation: The term “Ashta-Pradhan” refers to the council of eight ministers that assisted the Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji in his administration. It was a unique feature of the Maratha administrative system.
548. Who among the following was not associated with Bhakti movement?
A. Kabir
B. Tulsidas
C. Mirabai
D. Chanakya
Answer: D
Explanation: Chanakya (also known as Kautilya) was an ancient Indian statesman, philosopher, and economic theorist, known for authoring the Arthashastra. He lived centuries before the Bhakti movement (which flourished from the 8th to 18th centuries CE) and was not associated with its devotional and reformist teachings. Kabir, Tulsidas, and Mirabai were prominent Bhakti saints.
549. The Bijak is a collection of verses attributed to:
A. Kabir
B. Chaitanya
C. Ravidas
D. Guru Nanak
Answer: A
Explanation: The Bijak is a comprehensive and highly revered collection of the spiritual and philosophical verses (sakhis, ramainis, shabads) attributed to the 15th-century mystic poet and saint, Kabir, one of the most influential figures of the Bhakti movement.
550. The term “Guru Shishya Parampara” is most relevant to:
A. Jain rituals
B. Buddhist monasticism
C. Indian classical arts
D. Tantric practices
Answer: C
Explanation: The “Guru Shishya Parampara” (tradition of master-disciple lineage) is a fundamental and deeply ingrained aspect of the transmission of knowledge, skills, and values in Indian classical arts (music, dance, painting) and various traditional disciplines. It emphasizes direct, personalized instruction from a guru to a shishya.