Indian History MCQs for Competitive Exams MCQs

1 min read

Indian History is a major pillar of the General Studies syllabus for competitive examinations like UPSC, SSC, RRB, and State PSCs. The subject is traditionally divided into Ancient, Medieval, and Modern periods, each presenting unique socio-political, cultural, and economic transformations. Ancient history focuses on the Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic age, and major empires like the Mauryas and Guptas. Medieval history covers the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughal Empire, and the rise of regional powers like the Marathas and Vijayanagara. Modern history heavily emphasizes the British colonial era, the Revolt of 1857, and the multifaceted Indian National Movement that culminated in independence in 1947.

1. Which of the following Indus Valley Civilization sites is known for having an artificial brick dockyard?

a) Harappa
b) Mohenjo-Daro
c) Lothal
d) Kalibangan
Correct Answer: c) Lothal
Explanation:
Lothal, located in Gujarat, is famous for its ancient dockyard, suggesting it was a significant trading and manufacturing center of the Indus Valley Civilization.

2. The script of the Indus Valley Civilization was:

a) Brahmi
b) Kharosthi
c) Boustrophedon
d) Aramaic
Correct Answer: c) Boustrophedon
Explanation:
The Indus Valley script is boustrophedon, meaning it is written from right to left in one line and left to right in the next. It remains undeciphered.

3. Which is the oldest among the four Vedas?

a) Rig Veda
b) Yajur Veda
c) Sama Veda
d) Atharva Veda
Correct Answer: a) Rig Veda
Explanation:
The Rig Veda is the oldest Veda, composed around 1500-1000 BCE. It consists of 1028 hymns divided into 10 Mandalas.

4. The famous 'Gayatri Mantra' is found in which ancient Indian text?

a) Rig Veda
b) Mundaka Upanishad
c) Bhagavad Gita
d) Sama Veda
Correct Answer: a) Rig Veda
Explanation:
The Gayatri Mantra is found in the 3rd Mandala of the Rig Veda, which was composed by sage Vishwamitra and is dedicated to the solar deity Savitri.

5. Where was the First Buddhist Council held after the death of Gautama Buddha?

a) Vaishali
b) Rajagriha
c) Pataliputra
d) Kashmir
Correct Answer: b) Rajagriha
Explanation:
The First Buddhist Council was held at the Sattapanni caves in Rajagriha in 483 BCE under the patronage of King Ajatashatru.

6. The Fourth Buddhist Council was convened during the reign of which king?

a) Ashoka
b) Kalashoka
c) Kanishka
d) Ajatashatru
Correct Answer: c) Kanishka
Explanation:
The Fourth Buddhist Council was held in Kundalavana, Kashmir, in the 1st century AD under the patronage of the Kushan king Kanishka. Buddhism split into Mahayana and Hinayana here.

7. Who was the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism?

a) Rishabhanatha
b) Parshvanatha
c) Mahavira
d) Ajitanatha
Correct Answer: c) Mahavira
Explanation:
Vardhamana Mahavira was the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism. Rishabhanatha was the first, and Parshvanatha was the 23rd.

8. Who was the founder of the Mauryan Empire?

a) Bindusara
b) Ashoka
c) Chandragupta Maurya
d) Bimbisara
Correct Answer: c) Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation:
Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Empire in 322 BCE after overthrowing the Nanda Dynasty with the help of his mentor, Chanakya.

9. The Kalinga War, which led to Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism, took place in which year?

a) 261 BCE
b) 273 BCE
c) 232 BCE
d) 298 BCE
Correct Answer: a) 261 BCE
Explanation:
The Kalinga War was fought in 261 BCE. The massive bloodshed deeply moved Ashoka, leading him to embrace Buddhism and the path of non-violence (Ahimsa).

10. Which Greek ambassador wrote the book 'Indica' while visiting the Mauryan court?

a) Fa-Hien
b) Hiuen Tsang
c) Megasthenes
d) Ptolemy
Correct Answer: c) Megasthenes
Explanation:
Megasthenes was a Greek ambassador sent by Seleucus I Nicator to the court of Chandragupta Maurya. He wrote 'Indica', providing details about Mauryan administration.

11. Who was the greatest ruler of the Satavahana dynasty?

a) Simuka
b) Gautamiputra Satakarni
c) Vashishtiputra Pulumavi
d) Hala
Correct Answer: b) Gautamiputra Satakarni
Explanation:
Gautamiputra Satakarni was the most powerful ruler of the Satavahana dynasty, known for expanding the empire and defeating the Shakas.

12. Who was the founder of the Gupta Empire?

a) Chandragupta I
b) Samudragupta
c) Sri Gupta
d) Kumargupta
Correct Answer: c) Sri Gupta
Explanation:
Sri Gupta is considered the founder of the Gupta dynasty. However, Chandragupta I is often regarded as the true founder of the Gupta Empire's imperial power.

13. Which Gupta ruler is known as the 'Napoleon of India' for his extensive military conquests?

a) Chandragupta II
b) Samudragupta
c) Skandagupta
d) Ramagupta
Correct Answer: b) Samudragupta
Explanation:
Samudragupta was given the title 'Napoleon of India' by historian V.A. Smith due to his vast military conquests described in the Allahabad Pillar inscription.

14. The famous Allahabad Pillar Inscription was composed by which court poet?

a) Kalidasa
b) Harishena
c) Banabhatta
d) Ravikirti
Correct Answer: b) Harishena
Explanation:
Harishena was the court poet of Samudragupta. He composed the Allahabad Pillar Inscription (Prayag Prashasti) praising the king's achievements.

15. The famous Iron Pillar at Mehrauli in Delhi is attributed to which king?

a) Ashoka
b) Harshavardhana
c) Chandragupta II
d) Kanishka
Correct Answer: c) Chandragupta II
Explanation:
The Iron Pillar of Delhi, known for its rust-resistant composition, is generally attributed to Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) of the Gupta Empire.

16. King Harshavardhana was defeated on the banks of the Narmada River by which Chalukya ruler?

a) Pulakeshin I
b) Pulakeshin II
c) Vikramaditya I
d) Kirtivarman
Correct Answer: b) Pulakeshin II
Explanation:
Harshavardhana's southward expansion was halted when he was defeated by the Chalukyan king Pulakeshin II on the banks of the Narmada River.

17. Which Chinese pilgrim visited India during the reign of Harshavardhana?

a) Fa-Hien
b) Hiuen Tsang
c) I-Tsing
d) Marco Polo
Correct Answer: b) Hiuen Tsang
Explanation:
Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang) visited India during the reign of Harshavardhana and wrote extensively about the social, economic, and religious conditions of the time.

18. The Sangam Literature is a collection of ancient texts written in which language?

a) Sanskrit
b) Prakrit
c) Telugu
d) Tamil
Correct Answer: d) Tamil
Explanation:
Sangam Literature is the earliest known literature of South India, composed in ancient Tamil by assemblies of poets held under the patronage of Pandya kings.

19. Which Chola king assumed the title 'Gangaikonda' after his victorious campaign up to the Ganges?

a) Rajaraja I
b) Rajendra I
c) Parantaka I
d) Aditya I
Correct Answer: b) Rajendra I
Explanation:
Rajendra Chola I assumed the title 'Gangaikonda' (Conqueror of the Ganges) to commemorate his successful military campaign to the Gangetic plains.

20. The Chola Empire was highly renowned for its:

a) Extensive use of iron tools
b) Local self-government system
c) Cavalry forces
d) Guerilla warfare tactics
Correct Answer: b) Local self-government system
Explanation:
The Chola administration is best known for its excellent local self-government system, particularly the village assemblies (Ur and Sabha).

21. The monolithic rock-cut Kailasanatha Temple at Ellora was built by which Rashtrakuta king?

a) Dantidurga
b) Krishna I
c) Amoghavarsha
d) Govinda III
Correct Answer: b) Krishna I
Explanation:
The famous Kailasanatha Temple at Ellora, carved out of a single rock, was commissioned by the Rashtrakuta king Krishna I in the 8th century.

22. The Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur was built by which Chola king?

a) Rajendra I
b) Rajaraja I
c) Kulothunga I
d) Rajaraja II
Correct Answer: b) Rajaraja I
Explanation:
The magnificent Brihadisvara Temple (also known as Rajarajesvaram) at Thanjavur was completed in 1010 CE by the Chola emperor Rajaraja I.

23. The famous Rathas (chariot temples) of Mahabalipuram were constructed during the reign of which dynasty?

a) Cholas
b) Pandyas
c) Pallavas
d) Cheras
Correct Answer: c) Pallavas
Explanation:
The rock-cut Rathas at Mahabalipuram, including the Pancha Rathas, were built by the Pallava kings, primarily under Narasimhavarman I.

24. The First Battle of Tarain in 1191 was fought between Muhammad Ghori and:

a) Jaichand
b) Prithviraj Chauhan
c) Maharana Pratap
d) Bappa Rawal
Correct Answer: b) Prithviraj Chauhan
Explanation:
The First Battle of Tarain took place in 1191 CE, where the Rajput forces led by Prithviraj Chauhan successfully defeated the invading army of Muhammad Ghori.

25. The first Muslim invasion of India (Sindh) was led by:

a) Mahmud of Ghazni
b) Muhammad Ghori
c) Muhammad bin Qasim
d) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
Correct Answer: c) Muhammad bin Qasim
Explanation:
The first successful Arab/Muslim invasion of India occurred in 712 AD when Muhammad bin Qasim conquered Sindh, defeating King Dahir.

26. Aryabhatta and Varahamihira belong to which age of Indian history?

a) Mauryan Age
b) Gupta Age
c) Vedic Age
d) Sangam Age
Correct Answer: b) Gupta Age
Explanation:
Aryabhatta and Varahamihira were prominent scholars of mathematics and astronomy during the Gupta Age, which is often called the Golden Age of India.

27. Who authored the famous ancient Sanskrit grammar text 'Ashtadhyayi'?

a) Patanjali
b) Panini
c) Bhasa
d) Kalidasa
Correct Answer: b) Panini
Explanation:
The Ashtadhyayi, a foundational text on Sanskrit grammar, was authored by Panini around the 6th to 4th century BCE.

28. The ancient Indian text 'Charaka Samhita' deals primarily with:

a) Statecraft
b) Astronomy
c) Architecture
d) Medicine
Correct Answer: d) Medicine
Explanation:
Charaka Samhita is a foundational text of Ayurveda (Indian traditional medicine) authored by the ancient physician Charaka.

29. Who is known as the 'Father of Indian Surgery'?

a) Charaka
b) Sushruta
c) Jivaka
d) Dhanvantari
Correct Answer: b) Sushruta
Explanation:
Sushruta, the author of the Sushruta Samhita, is widely regarded as the 'Father of Surgery' for his detailed descriptions of surgical procedures, including early plastic surgery.

30. Who was the founder of the Slave Dynasty in India?

a) Iltutmish
b) Balban
c) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
d) Razia Sultana
Correct Answer: c) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
Explanation:
Qutb-ud-din Aibak, a general of Muhammad Ghori, established the Delhi Sultanate and founded the Slave (Mamluk) Dynasty in 1206 AD.

31. Who introduced the 'Iqta' system in the Delhi Sultanate?

a) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
b) Iltutmish
c) Alauddin Khalji
d) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Correct Answer: b) Iltutmish
Explanation:
Iltutmish institutionalized the Iqta system in the Delhi Sultanate, dividing the empire into tracts of land assigned to nobles in lieu of salary.

32. Who was the first and only female Muslim ruler of medieval India?

a) Chand Bibi
b) Nur Jahan
c) Razia Sultana
d) Mumtaz Mahal
Correct Answer: c) Razia Sultana
Explanation:
Razia Sultana, the daughter of Iltutmish, ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1236 to 1240, making her the only female Muslim ruler of Delhi.

33. Which Delhi Sultan is famous for implementing the 'Blood and Iron' policy?

a) Iltutmish
b) Balban
c) Alauddin Khalji
d) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Correct Answer: b) Balban
Explanation:
Ghiyas ud din Balban adopted the rigid policy of 'Blood and Iron' to suppress rebellions, defend against Mongols, and restore the prestige of the Sultan.

34. Which ruler introduced stringent market control policies and the 'Dagh' (branding of horses) system?

a) Alauddin Khalji
b) Jalaluddin Khalji
c) Balban
d) Sher Shah Suri
Correct Answer: a) Alauddin Khalji
Explanation:
Alauddin Khalji introduced price control measures to maintain a large standing army at a low cost. He also introduced the Dagh and Chehra systems.

35. Which Sultan of Delhi transferred his capital from Delhi to Daulatabad (Devagiri)?

a) Alauddin Khalji
b) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
c) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
d) Sikandar Lodi
Correct Answer: b) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Explanation:
Muhammad bin Tughlaq shifted his capital from Delhi to Devagiri (renamed Daulatabad) in 1327 to govern the South better, though it ended in failure.

36. Which Sultan established the department of 'Diwan-i-Khairat' to provide financial help for the marriage of poor girls?

a) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
b) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
c) Alauddin Khalji
d) Ibrahim Lodi
Correct Answer: b) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Explanation:
Firoz Shah Tughlaq set up the 'Diwan-i-Khairat' (Department of Charity) to support orphans, widows, and provide financial help for the marriages of poor Muslim girls.

37. Who was the founder of the Sayyid Dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate?

a) Bahlul Lodi
b) Mubarak Shah
c) Khizr Khan
d) Alam Shah
Correct Answer: c) Khizr Khan
Explanation:
Khizr Khan was a deputy of Timur in India. He captured Delhi in 1414 and founded the Sayyid Dynasty.

38. The First Battle of Panipat (1526) was fought between Babur and:

a) Rana Sanga
b) Ibrahim Lodi
c) Sikandar Lodi
d) Sher Shah Suri
Correct Answer: b) Ibrahim Lodi
Explanation:
In 1526, Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat, marking the end of the Delhi Sultanate and the beginning of the Mughal Empire.

39. The Second Battle of Panipat (1556) was fought between:

a) Babur and Hemu
b) Akbar and Hemu
c) Akbar and Maharana Pratap
d) Humayun and Sher Shah Suri
Correct Answer: b) Akbar and Hemu
Explanation:
The Second Battle of Panipat in 1556 was fought between the forces of the young Mughal emperor Akbar (led by Bairam Khan) and the Hindu king Hemu.

40. Who introduced the silver coin named 'Rupiya' which became the precursor of the modern Indian Rupee?

a) Akbar
b) Alauddin Khalji
c) Sher Shah Suri
d) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Correct Answer: c) Sher Shah Suri
Explanation:
Sher Shah Suri introduced a standard silver coin weighing 178 grains, which he called the 'Rupiya'. This remained the standard currency for centuries.

41. Which Mughal Emperor founded a new syncretic religion called 'Din-i-Ilahi'?

a) Humayun
b) Akbar
c) Jahangir
d) Shah Jahan
Correct Answer: b) Akbar
Explanation:
Akbar introduced 'Din-i-Ilahi' (Religion of God) in 1582, aiming to merge elements of the various religions of his empire into a single ethical system.

42. The famous Battle of Haldighati in 1576 was fought between Maharana Pratap and the forces of:

a) Babar
b) Akbar
c) Aurangzeb
d) Sher Shah Suri
Correct Answer: b) Akbar
Explanation:
The Battle of Haldighati (1576) was fought between Maharana Pratap of Mewar and the Mughal army of Akbar, which was led by Man Singh I of Amber.

43. Which Mughal Emperor established the 'Zanjir-i-Adil' or the Chain of Justice?

a) Akbar
b) Jahangir
c) Shah Jahan
d) Aurangzeb
Correct Answer: b) Jahangir
Explanation:
Jahangir installed a 'Chain of Justice' with bells outside his palace, allowing any citizen to ring it and seek direct justice from the emperor.

44. The Red Fort in Delhi and the Jama Masjid were built during the reign of:

a) Akbar
b) Jahangir
c) Shah Jahan
d) Aurangzeb
Correct Answer: c) Shah Jahan
Explanation:
Shah Jahan was a prolific builder. Besides the Taj Mahal in Agra, he constructed the Red Fort and Jama Masjid when he shifted his capital to Shahjahanabad (Delhi).

45. Which Mughal Emperor re-imposed the Jizya tax on non-Muslims in 1679?

a) Jahangir
b) Shah Jahan
c) Aurangzeb
d) Bahadur Shah Zafar
Correct Answer: c) Aurangzeb
Explanation:
Aurangzeb, abandoning Akbar's policy of religious tolerance, re-imposed the Jizya (a poll tax on non-Muslims) in 1679.

46. The Vijayanagara Empire was founded in 1336 by:

a) Krishnadevaraya
b) Harihara and Bukka
c) Vidyaranya
d) Ramadeva
Correct Answer: b) Harihara and Bukka
Explanation:
The Vijayanagara Empire was established in 1336 by two brothers, Harihara I and Bukka Raya I of the Sangama Dynasty.

47. The Telugu epic poem 'Amuktamalyada' was written by which ruler?

a) Devaraya II
b) Harihara II
c) Krishnadevaraya
d) Achyuta Deva Raya
Correct Answer: c) Krishnadevaraya
Explanation:
Krishnadevaraya, the greatest ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire, was a patron of literature and authored 'Amuktamalyada' in Telugu.

48. The Vijayanagara Empire suffered a catastrophic defeat in 1565 at the Battle of:

a) Talikota
b) Raichur
c) Panipat
d) Tarain
Correct Answer: a) Talikota
Explanation:
The Battle of Talikota (1565) was fought between the Vijayanagara Empire and an alliance of the Deccan Sultanates, leading to the destruction of the empire's capital.

49. Who was the founder of the Bahmani Sultanate?

a) Mahmud Gawan
b) Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah
c) Ahmad Shah
d) Quli Qutb Shah
Correct Answer: b) Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah
Explanation:
Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah (also known as Hasan Gangu) rebelled against the Delhi Sultanate and founded the Bahmani Sultanate in 1347.

50. The Treaty of Purandar (1665) was signed between Shivaji and which Mughal commander?

a) Shaista Khan
b) Afzal Khan
c) Jai Singh I
d) Mirza Ghalib
Correct Answer: c) Jai Singh I
Explanation:
The Treaty of Purandar was signed on June 11, 1665, between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Rajput commander Jai Singh I, representing Aurangzeb.

51. The council of eight ministers in the administration of Shivaji was known as:

a) Navaratnas
b) Ashtapradhan
c) Ashtadiggajas
d) Panchayat
Correct Answer: b) Ashtapradhan
Explanation:
Shivaji established the 'Ashtapradhan' (Council of Eight Ministers) to advise him on political and administrative matters, with the Peshwa being the chief minister.

52. Who is considered the greatest of the Peshwas and is credited with the massive expansion of the Maratha Empire?

a) Balaji Vishwanath
b) Baji Rao I
c) Balaji Baji Rao
d) Madhavrao I
Correct Answer: b) Baji Rao I
Explanation:
Peshwa Baji Rao I (1720–1740) never lost a battle and was instrumental in expanding the Maratha Empire across India.

53. Who was the founder of Sikhism?

a) Guru Angad
b) Guru Arjan Dev
c) Guru Nanak
d) Guru Gobind Singh
Correct Answer: c) Guru Nanak
Explanation:
Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469–1539) was the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus.

54. The Khalsa Panth was established in 1699 by which Sikh Guru?

a) Guru Tegh Bahadur
b) Guru Gobind Singh
c) Guru Hargobind
d) Guru Ram Das
Correct Answer: b) Guru Gobind Singh
Explanation:
The 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, established the Khalsa Panth on Vaisakhi in 1699, giving Sikhs a distinct military and spiritual identity.

55. Which Sikh Guru was executed by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir?

a) Guru Ram Das
b) Guru Arjan Dev
c) Guru Hargobind
d) Guru Tegh Bahadur
Correct Answer: b) Guru Arjan Dev
Explanation:
Guru Arjan Dev, the 5th Sikh Guru who compiled the Adi Granth, was executed on the orders of Mughal Emperor Jahangir in 1606.

56. Which Sikh Guru was executed by Aurangzeb for refusing to convert to Islam?

a) Guru Har Rai
b) Guru Har Krishan
c) Guru Tegh Bahadur
d) Guru Gobind Singh
Correct Answer: c) Guru Tegh Bahadur
Explanation:
Guru Tegh Bahadur, the 9th Sikh Guru, was executed in Delhi in 1675 by Aurangzeb's order for standing up for Kashmiri Pandits' religious freedom.

57. Which Bhakti saint was a disciple of Ramananda and belonged to a weaver family?

a) Tulsidas
b) Kabir
c) Surdas
d) Mirabai
Correct Answer: b) Kabir
Explanation:
Kabir Das was a 15th-century mystic poet and saint, raised by a Muslim weaver family, who became a prominent disciple of Ramananda.

58. The famous Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti's dargah is located in:

a) Delhi
b) Lahore
c) Ajmer
d) Agra
Correct Answer: c) Ajmer
Explanation:
The Dargah of the revered Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is located in Ajmer, Rajasthan.

59. The Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama reached the coast of India in which year?

a) 1492
b) 1498
c) 1502
d) 1510
Correct Answer: b) 1498
Explanation:
Vasco da Gama discovered the sea route to India, arriving at Calicut (Kozhikode) on the Malabar coast in 1498.

60. The Battle of Plassey (1757) was fought between the British East India Company and:

a) Mir Qasim
b) Siraj-ud-Daulah
c) Shuja-ud-Daulah
d) Shah Alam II
Correct Answer: b) Siraj-ud-Daulah
Explanation:
The Battle of Plassey was fought on June 23, 1757, where Robert Clive's forces defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal, largely due to Mir Jafar's betrayal.

61. The Battle of Buxar (1764) established complete British control over Bengal. Who among the following was NOT part of the Indian alliance?

a) Mir Qasim
b) Shuja-ud-Daulah
c) Shah Alam II
d) Siraj-ud-Daulah
Correct Answer: d) Siraj-ud-Daulah
Explanation:
Siraj-ud-Daulah died after the Battle of Plassey (1757). The alliance at Buxar (1764) comprised Mir Qasim, Shuja-ud-Daulah, and Shah Alam II.

62. Who introduced the 'Permanent Settlement' of land revenue in Bengal in 1793?

a) Warren Hastings
b) Lord Cornwallis
c) Lord Wellesley
d) Lord William Bentinck
Correct Answer: b) Lord Cornwallis
Explanation:
Lord Cornwallis introduced the Permanent Settlement in 1793, fixing the land revenue at a permanent amount to be collected by Zamindars.

63. The policy of 'Subsidiary Alliance' was heavily used to expand British territory by:

a) Lord Dalhousie
b) Lord Wellesley
c) Lord Hastings
d) Lord Curzon
Correct Answer: b) Lord Wellesley
Explanation:
Lord Wellesley (Governor-General from 1798-1805) systematically used the Subsidiary Alliance system to bring Indian states under British control.

64. Which Governor-General is associated with the 'Doctrine of Lapse'?

a) Lord Dalhousie
b) Lord Canning
c) Lord Auckland
d) Lord Ripon
Correct Answer: a) Lord Dalhousie
Explanation:
Lord Dalhousie introduced the Doctrine of Lapse, by which an Indian state without a natural male heir would be annexed by the British (e.g., Satara, Jhansi).

65. The Revolt of 1857 started from which military cantonment?

a) Kanpur
b) Delhi
c) Meerut
d) Lucknow
Correct Answer: c) Meerut
Explanation:
The widespread Revolt of 1857 officially started as a mutiny by sepoys in Meerut on May 10, 1857, before spreading to Delhi and other regions.

66. Who led the Revolt of 1857 in Kanpur?

a) Begum Hazrat Mahal
b) Nana Sahib
c) Kunwar Singh
d) Khan Bahadur Khan
Correct Answer: b) Nana Sahib
Explanation:
Nana Sahib, the adopted son of Peshwa Baji Rao II, led the rebellion in Kanpur alongside his commander Tantia Tope.

67. Who was the leader of the 1857 revolt in Bihar?

a) Kunwar Singh
b) Ahmadullah
c) Liyakat Ali
d) Tantia Tope
Correct Answer: a) Kunwar Singh
Explanation:
Babu Kunwar Singh, a prominent Rajput chieftain from Jagdishpur, led the Indian rebellion of 1857 in Bihar despite being 80 years old.

68. Following the Revolt of 1857, who became the first Viceroy of India under the Government of India Act 1858?

a) Lord Dalhousie
b) Lord Lytton
c) Lord Canning
d) Lord Elgin
Correct Answer: c) Lord Canning
Explanation:
Lord Canning was the Governor-General during the 1857 revolt and became the first Viceroy of India when the Crown took over administration in 1858.

69. The Vernacular Press Act, which curtailed the freedom of the Indian language press, was passed in 1878 by:

a) Lord Lytton
b) Lord Ripon
c) Lord Curzon
d) Lord Dufferin
Correct Answer: a) Lord Lytton
Explanation:
Lord Lytton enacted the Vernacular Press Act in 1878 to silence the growing criticism of British policies in the native Indian press. It was later repealed by Lord Ripon.

70. The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded in 1885 during the viceroyalty of:

a) Lord Lytton
b) Lord Ripon
c) Lord Dufferin
d) Lord Lansdowne
Correct Answer: c) Lord Dufferin
Explanation:
The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885 by A.O. Hume. Lord Dufferin was the Viceroy of India at that time.

71. Who was the first President of the Indian National Congress?

a) A.O. Hume
b) W.C. Bonnerjee
c) Dadabhai Naoroji
d) Badruddin Tyabji
Correct Answer: b) W.C. Bonnerjee
Explanation:
Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee presided over the first session of the Indian National Congress held in Bombay in 1885.

72. Who partitioned Bengal in 1905, triggering the Swadeshi Movement?

a) Lord Minto
b) Lord Curzon
c) Lord Hardinge
d) Lord Chelmsford
Correct Answer: b) Lord Curzon
Explanation:
Viceroy Lord Curzon partitioned Bengal in 1905 on the pretext of administrative efficiency, though the real motive was to divide the nationalist movement along religious lines.

73. The historic 'Surat Split' of 1907 refers to the division between:

a) Hindus and Muslims
b) Moderates and Extremists
c) INC and the Muslim League
d) British and Indians
Correct Answer: b) Moderates and Extremists
Explanation:
The Indian National Congress split into two factions—Moderates (led by Gokhale) and Extremists (led by Lal-Bal-Pal)—during its Surat session in 1907.

74. The All India Muslim League was founded in 1906 in which city?

a) Aligarh
b) Dhaka
c) Lahore
d) Lucknow
Correct Answer: b) Dhaka
Explanation:
The All India Muslim League was founded in December 1906 in Dhaka (now in Bangladesh) under the leadership of Nawab Salimullah.

75. Which act introduced the system of separate electorates for Muslims in India?

a) Indian Councils Act, 1892
b) Morley-Minto Reforms, 1909
c) Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, 1919
d) Government of India Act, 1935
Correct Answer: b) Morley-Minto Reforms, 1909
Explanation:
The Indian Councils Act of 1909, known as the Morley-Minto Reforms, introduced separate electorates for Muslims, sowing the seeds of partition.

76. The Ghadar Party was established in 1913 in San Francisco by:

a) Bhagat Singh
b) Lala Hardayal
c) Subhas Chandra Bose
d) V.D. Savarkar
Correct Answer: b) Lala Hardayal
Explanation:
The Ghadar Party was an Indian revolutionary organization founded in San Francisco in 1913 by Lala Hardayal, Sohan Singh Bhakna, and others.

77. Who started the Home Rule Movement in India alongside Annie Besant in 1916?

a) Mahatma Gandhi
b) Jawaharlal Nehru
c) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
d) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Correct Answer: c) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Explanation:
In 1916, Bal Gangadhar Tilak established the Home Rule League in Maharashtra, while Annie Besant launched her league for the rest of India.

78. The Lucknow Pact of 1916 was a historic agreement between:

a) INC and the British Government
b) Moderates and Extremists
c) Indian National Congress and the Muslim League
d) Gandhi and Ambedkar
Correct Answer: c) Indian National Congress and the Muslim League
Explanation:
The Lucknow Pact (1916) brought the INC and the Muslim League together on a common political platform, demanding self-government from the British.

79. Mahatma Gandhi's first major Satyagraha experiment in India was:

a) Kheda Satyagraha
b) Ahmedabad Mill Strike
c) Champaran Satyagraha
d) Rowlatt Satyagraha
Correct Answer: c) Champaran Satyagraha
Explanation:
Gandhi's first Satyagraha in India was in Champaran (Bihar) in 1917, where he fought against the oppressive tinkathia system forced on indigo cultivators.

80. The infamous Rowlatt Act of 1919 allowed the British government to:

a) Increase taxes on salt
b) Ban Indian newspapers entirely
c) Imprison any person without trial
d) Confiscate lands of farmers
Correct Answer: c) Imprison any person without trial
Explanation:
The Rowlatt Act allowed the British to arrest and imprison suspects without warrant or trial. It was popularly criticized as 'No Dalil, No Vakil, No Appeal'.

81. Who was the British officer responsible for the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre on April 13, 1919?

a) General Dyer
b) Lord Irwin
c) Sir John Simon
d) Michael O'Dwyer
Correct Answer: a) General Dyer
Explanation:
Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer ordered his troops to fire on a peaceful, unarmed gathering at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, killing hundreds.

82. Why did Mahatma Gandhi call off the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922?

a) Due to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre
b) Because of the Chauri Chaura incident
c) Because the British offered concessions
d) Due to a lack of public support
Correct Answer: b) Because of the Chauri Chaura incident
Explanation:
Gandhi abruptly called off the Non-Cooperation Movement after a violent mob set fire to a police station in Chauri Chaura, killing 22 policemen.

83. Who were the founders of the Swaraj Party in 1923?

a) Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel
b) C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru
c) Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose
d) B.G. Tilak and Annie Besant
Correct Answer: b) C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru
Explanation:
Chittaranjan Das and Motilal Nehru founded the Swaraj Party within the Congress to participate in council elections and obstruct the government from within.

84. The Simon Commission (1927) was widely boycotted in India because:

a) It proposed the partition of India
b) It did not have a single Indian member
c) It banned the Indian National Congress
d) It aimed to increase taxes
Correct Answer: b) It did not have a single Indian member
Explanation:
The Simon Commission was an all-white commission sent to review constitutional reforms. Indians boycotted it because it had zero Indian representation.

85. The resolution for 'Purna Swaraj' (Complete Independence) was passed at which session of the INC in 1929?

a) Karachi Session
b) Lucknow Session
c) Lahore Session
d) Calcutta Session
Correct Answer: c) Lahore Session
Explanation:
Under the presidency of Jawaharlal Nehru, the INC passed the historic 'Purna Swaraj' resolution at the Lahore session in December 1929.

86. From where did Mahatma Gandhi start his historic Dandi March in 1930?

a) Wardha Ashram
b) Sabarmati Ashram
c) Champaran
d) Aga Khan Palace
Correct Answer: b) Sabarmati Ashram
Explanation:
Gandhi began the Salt Satyagraha (Dandi March) on March 12, 1930, from his Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, marching 240 miles to the coastal village of Dandi.

87. The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed in which year?

a) 1929
b) 1930
c) 1931
d) 1932
Correct Answer: c) 1931
Explanation:
Signed on March 5, 1931, the Gandhi-Irwin Pact led to the suspension of the Civil Disobedience Movement and the participation of the INC in the Second Round Table Conference.

88. Who among the following was a signatory to the Poona Pact of 1932 along with Mahatma Gandhi?

a) Jawaharlal Nehru
b) Lord Irwin
c) B.R. Ambedkar
d) M.A. Jinnah
Correct Answer: c) B.R. Ambedkar
Explanation:
The Poona Pact was an agreement between Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar. It provided for reserved seats for depressed classes instead of a separate electorate.

89. Which British Act introduced the concept of 'Provincial Autonomy' in India?

a) Government of India Act, 1909
b) Government of India Act, 1919
c) Government of India Act, 1935
d) Indian Independence Act, 1947
Correct Answer: c) Government of India Act, 1935
Explanation:
The Government of India Act 1935 abolished dyarchy at the provincial level and introduced 'Provincial Autonomy'.

90. Which mission was described by Mahatma Gandhi as a 'post-dated cheque on a crashing bank'?

a) Cabinet Mission
b) Cripps Mission
c) Simon Commission
d) Wavell Plan
Correct Answer: b) Cripps Mission
Explanation:
Gandhi used this phrase for the Cripps Mission (1942), which offered Dominion status to India after World War II, a promise he found completely inadequate.

91. The famous slogan 'Do or Die' is associated with which movement?

a) Swadeshi Movement
b) Non-Cooperation Movement
c) Civil Disobedience Movement
d) Quit India Movement
Correct Answer: d) Quit India Movement
Explanation:
Gandhi gave the call to 'Do or Die' (Karo ya Maro) on August 8, 1942, launching the Quit India Movement demanding an immediate end to British rule.

92. Who took charge of the Indian National Army (Azad Hind Fauj) in Singapore in 1943?

a) Captain Mohan Singh
b) Rash Behari Bose
c) Subhas Chandra Bose
d) Bhagat Singh
Correct Answer: c) Subhas Chandra Bose
Explanation:
Subhas Chandra Bose reorganized and took supreme command of the Indian National Army (INA) in 1943 in Singapore to fight for India's independence.

93. The Constituent Assembly that drafted the Indian Constitution was set up under the framework of the:

a) Cripps Mission
b) Cabinet Mission Plan
c) Mountbatten Plan
d) August Offer
Correct Answer: b) Cabinet Mission Plan
Explanation:
The Constituent Assembly of India was elected to write the Constitution of India, and it was formed in 1946 under the Cabinet Mission Plan.

94. Which plan proposed the partition of India into two independent dominions, India and Pakistan?

a) Wavell Plan
b) Cabinet Mission Plan
c) Mountbatten Plan
d) Cripps Mission
Correct Answer: c) Mountbatten Plan
Explanation:
The Mountbatten Plan of June 3, 1947, provided the framework for the partition of British India into India and Pakistan.
← Previous: Indian Geography MCQs for Competitive Exams MCQs
Next →: Indian History MCQs for UPSC Exams
NewTOEFL Speaking Section – Format and Tips MCQs

TOEFL Speaking Section – Format and Tips MCQs

The TOEFL iBT Speaking section is a computer-delivered assessment lasting approximately 16 minutes, comprising one Independent task and three Integrated…

By MCQs Generator
NewState PSC Prelims vs Mains MCQs

State PSC Prelims vs Mains MCQs

State Public Service Commission (PSC) examinations follow a rigorous multi-tier selection structure designed to evaluate candidates from baseline general screening…

By MCQs Generator
NewGeneral Science for Railway Exams MCQs

General Science for Railway Exams MCQs

The General Science section is a major scoring component in Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) exams like NTPC, Group D, and…

By MCQs Generator