50 GK Questions on Indian History — UPSC/SSC Quiz for Aspirants
Mastering Indian History is crucial for success in competitive examinations like the UPSC Civil Services and SSC CGL/CHSL. History forms the bedrock of General Knowledge Questions (GK) and often accounts for a significant portion of the syllabus. This comprehensive resource is designed to test your knowledge with 50 Indian History MCQs, covering ancient, medieval, and modern periods. Each question in this History Quiz for Aspirants has been meticulously crafted to mirror the difficulty and pattern of high-stakes exams. Use this interactive Indian History Quiz for UPSC/SSC to assess your preparation level, identify weak areas, and consolidate your understanding of key historical events and figures that shaped the nation. Let's begin the challenge!
Start Your Indian History Quiz for UPSC/SSC Preparation
1. Which Harappan site is known for its unique water management system?
- A. Lothal
- B. Dholavira
- C. Kalibangan
- D. Harappa
2. The famous phrase "Satyameva Jayate" is taken from which Upanishad?
- A. Mundaka Upanishad
- B. Chandogya Upanishad
- C. Katha Upanishad
- D. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
3. Who among the following was known as the 'Light of Asia'?
- A. Mahavira
- B. Adi Shankaracharya
- C. Guru Nanak
- D. Gautama Buddha
4. The 'Ashtadhyayi', a monumental work on Sanskrit grammar, was authored by whom?
- A. Valmiki
- B. Ved Vyasa
- C. Panini
- D. Kalidasa
5. Which Mauryan Emperor adopted Buddhism and actively propagated it?
- A. Bindusara
- B. Ashoka
- C. Chandragupta Maurya
- D. Dasaratha Maurya
6. The Iron Pillar of Mehrauli, famous for its non-rusting composition, belongs to which dynasty?
- A. Gupta Dynasty
- B. Kushan Dynasty
- C. Maurya Dynasty
- D. Slave Dynasty
7. Who was the founder of the Chola Dynasty, who captured Thanjavur (Tanjore)?
- A. Rajaraja I
- B. Rajendra I
- C. Vijayalaya
- D. Kulothunga I
8. The famous book 'Kitab-ul-Hind' was written by whom?
- A. Ibn Battuta
- B. Firdausi
- C. Amir Khusro
- D. Al-Biruni
9. Who established the Slave Dynasty in Delhi after the death of Muhammad Ghori?
- A. Qutb-ud-din Aibak
- B. Iltutmish
- C. Razia Sultana
- D. Balban
10. Which ruler of the Delhi Sultanate introduced the token currency?
- A. Alauddin Khilji
- B. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
- C. Firoz Shah Tughlaq
- D. Ibrahim Lodi
Ancient and Early Medieval Indian History MCQs: UPSC/SSC Focus
11. The Vijayanagara Empire reached its zenith under the rule of:
- A. Harihara I
- B. Bukka Raya I
- C. Krishnadevaraya
- D. Deva Raya II
12. The Battle of Plassey (1757) was fought between the British East India Company and whom?
- A. Siraj-ud-Daulah
- B. Mir Jafar
- C. Shuja-ud-Daulah
- D. Tipu Sultan
13. Who built the famous rock-cut Kailasa Temple at Ellora?
- A. Guptas
- B. Rashtrakutas
- C. Chalukyas
- D. Pallavas
14. The term 'Jainism' is derived from 'Jina', meaning:
- A. Great Teacher
- B. Holy Man
- C. God
- D. Conqueror
15. Which Sikh Guru compiled the 'Adi Granth'?
- A. Guru Arjan Dev
- B. Guru Gobind Singh
- C. Guru Tegh Bahadur
- D. Guru Nanak Dev
16. Who was the architect of the Taj Mahal?
- A. Ustad Isa
- B. Ahmad Lahauri
- C. Ustad Ahmad Lahauri
- D. Mir Abd-ul Karim
17. The first session of the Indian National Congress (INC) was held in 1885 at:
- A. Calcutta
- B. Bombay
- C. Madras
- D. Delhi
18. Who propounded the 'Drain of Wealth' theory?
- A. R.C. Dutt
- B. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
- C. M.G. Ranade
- D. Dadabhai Naoroji
19. The Partition of Bengal took place in which year?
- A. 1905
- B. 1906
- C. 1911
- D. 1919
20. Who was the Governor-General of India during the Revolt of 1857?
- A. Lord Dalhousie
- B. Lord Lytton
- C. Lord Canning
- D. Lord Curzon
Modern Indian History General Knowledge Questions
21. The first Satyagraha launched by Mahatma Gandhi in India was:
- A. Champaran Satyagraha
- B. Kheda Satyagraha
- C. Ahmedabad Mill Strike
- D. Rowlatt Satyagraha
22. The Non-Cooperation Movement was suspended after which incident?
- A. Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
- B. Dandi March
- C. Partition of Bengal
- D. Chauri Chaura Incident
23. Who gave the call "Do or Die" (Karo Ya Maro)?
- A. Subhas Chandra Bose
- B. Mahatma Gandhi
- C. Jawaharlal Nehru
- D. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
24. The leader of the Bardoli Satyagraha (1928) was:
- A. Mahatma Gandhi
- B. Morarji Desai
- C. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
- D. Rajendra Prasad
25. The famous 'August Offer' (1940) was proposed by which Viceroy?
- A. Lord Linlithgow
- B. Lord Wavell
- C. Lord Mountbatten
- D. Lord Irwin
26. Who was the first woman President of the Indian National Congress?
- A. Sarojini Naidu
- B. Annie Besant
- C. Nellie Sengupta
- D. Indira Gandhi
27. The Purna Swaraj declaration was passed by the INC in which session?
- A. Calcutta (1928)
- B. Belgaum (1924)
- C. Faizpur (1937)
- D. Lahore (1929)
28. Who founded the 'Azad Hind Fauj' (Indian National Army)?
- A. Subhas Chandra Bose
- B. Ras Bihari Bose
- C. Captain Mohan Singh
- D. V.D. Savarkar
29. The Cabinet Mission Plan was sent to India in which year?
- A. 1942
- B. 1945
- C. 1946
- D. 1947
30. Who was the first and last Indian Governor-General of independent India?
- A. Jawaharlal Nehru
- B. C. Rajagopalachari
- C. Lord Mountbatten
- D. Rajendra Prasad
Deep Dive into Indian History Quiz for UPSC/SSC: Key Figures
31. The term 'Tirthankara' is associated with which religion?
- A. Buddhism
- B. Hinduism
- C. Sikhism
- D. Jainism
32. Who was the author of 'Arthashastra'?
- A. Chanakya (Kautilya)
- B. Megasthenes
- C. Bhasa
- D. Banabhatta
33. The capital of Harshavardhana was:
- A. Pataliputra
- B. Kannauj
- C. Thanesar (initially) and Kannauj (later)
- D. Kanchi
34. Which Mughal emperor abolished the Jaziya tax?
- A. Shah Jahan
- B. Akbar
- C. Aurangzeb
- D. Babur
35. The First Battle of Panipat (1526) was fought between Babur and whom?
- A. Ibrahim Lodi
- B. Rana Sanga
- C. Hemu
- D. Daulat Khan Lodi
36. Who was the founder of the Maratha Empire?
- A. Sambhaji
- B. Baji Rao I
- C. Shahu
- D. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
37. The Permanent Settlement was introduced by which Governor-General?
- A. Lord Dalhousie
- B. Lord Cornwallis
- C. Lord Wellesley
- D. Lord William Bentinck
38. The theory of 'Lapse' was associated with:
- A. Lord Hastings
- B. Lord Auckland
- C. Lord Dalhousie
- D. Lord Curzon
39. Who founded the Brahmo Samaj?
- A. Raja Ram Mohan Roy
- B. Swami Vivekananda
- C. Dayananda Saraswati
- D. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
40. The 'Ghadar Party' was founded in 1913, primarily by:
- A. Lala Hardayal and V.D. Savarkar
- B. Bhagat Singh and Sukhdev
- C. Mahatma Gandhi and Nehru
- D. Lala Hardayal and Sohan Singh Bhakna
Important History Quiz for Aspirants: Freedom Struggle Era
41. Who was the editor of the newspaper 'Kesari'?
- A. G.G. Agarkar
- B. Lala Lajpat Rai
- C. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
- D. Dadabhai Naoroji
42. The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre took place in which city?
- A. Amritsar
- B. Lahore
- C. Delhi
- D. Calcutta
43. Who established the 'Forward Bloc' political party?
- A. C. Rajagopalachari
- B. Subhas Chandra Bose
- C. Jayaprakash Narayan
- D. B.R. Ambedkar
44. The Cripps Mission came to India in:
- A. 1940
- B. 1941
- C. 1942
- D. 1945
45. Who among the following is known as the 'Frontier Gandhi'?
- A. Abdul Ghaffar Khan
- B. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
- C. Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan
- D. Both A and C
46. The famous 'Dandi March' began in which year?
- A. 1930
- B. 1929
- C. 1931
- D. 1932
47. Who was the Prime Minister of Britain when India gained independence?
- A. Winston Churchill
- B. Clement Attlee
- C. Neville Chamberlain
- D. Harold Macmillan
48. The practice of 'Sati' was abolished by law in:
- A. 1827
- B. 1828
- C. 1829
- D. 1830
49. Who founded the Deccan Education Society in Pune?
- A. G.G. Agarkar
- B. V.K. Chiplunkar
- C. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
- D. All of the above
50. The Battle of Talikota (1565) resulted in the decline of which major empire?
- A. Vijayanagara Empire
- B. Bahmani Kingdom
- C. Mughal Empire
- D. Maratha Empire
Conclusion to Your Indian General Knowledge Questions Challenge
You have successfully completed this rigorous 50 GK Questions on Indian History quiz! This challenge was designed to reinforce critical dates, figures, and events essential for excelling in the Indian History Quiz for UPSC/SSC examinations. Whether you aced the test or found areas needing more attention, the core value lies in the interactive revision provided by these Indian History MCQs. Consistent practice with high-quality Indian General Knowledge Questions is the definitive strategy to move beyond basic memorization and achieve holistic mastery of the subject. Use your results to structure a targeted study plan, focusing particularly on themes from the ancient and modern periods which often carry significant weight in the final assessment.
---Mastering Indian History for UPSC and SSC Exams
The study of Indian History is not just an academic requirement for competitive exams; it is an exploration of the deep cultural, political, and social roots of contemporary India. For aspirants preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) or Staff Selection Commission (SSC) exams, a strong foundation in this subject is indispensable. The Indian History Quiz for UPSC/SSC above demonstrates the breadth of knowledge required, spanning from the Indus Valley Civilization to the struggle for independence.
The Chronological Imperative: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern India
A systematic approach is key to mastering the vast curriculum. The history segment is typically categorized into three main eras, each presenting unique challenges and requiring distinct study methods.
1. Ancient Indian History: The Foundation of Indian Culture
This period covers the pre-historic era, the Harappan Civilization, the Vedic Age, the rise of Mahajanapadas, and the subsequent Mauryan and Gupta Empires. Questions from this section often focus on socio-religious movements (Buddhism and Jainism), art and architecture (temples, caves), and literary sources. For instance, questions on the administrative structure of the Mauryas or the scientific advancements of the Gupta period are common Indian History MCQs.
2. Medieval Indian History: The Era of Synthesis
The medieval period primarily involves the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire. Key topics include the administrative reforms of rulers like Alauddin Khilji and Sher Shah Suri, the cultural synthesis under Akbar, the Bhakti and Sufi movements, and the rise of regional powers like the Marathas and Vijayanagara. These topics are rich ground for factual History Quiz for Aspirants. Understanding the revenue systems, such as Jagirdari and Zabt, is vital.
Key Dynasties to Remember:
- Delhi Sultanate: Slave, Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, Lodi.
- Mughal Emperors: Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb.
- Regional Powers: Cholas, Vijayanagara, Marathas, Rajputs.
3. Modern Indian History: The Freedom Struggle
Modern India is arguably the most crucial section for both UPSC Prelims and SSC exams. It deals with the arrival of Europeans, the establishment of British rule, the social and religious reform movements, the Revolt of 1857, and the long struggle for independence led by the Indian National Congress. This section demands a thorough understanding of chronology and causality.
"The most important lesson for any aspirant is that history is not just a list of dates, but a narrative of interconnected events, policies, and personalities. Grasp the context, not just the content."
Strategies for Excelling in Indian History MCQs
To consistently score high in Indian History MCQs, especially in a time-bound quiz format like the one presented, you need a disciplined study and practice routine.
Divide the timeline into manageable blocks (e.g., 2500 BCE–600 CE, 700 CE–1707 CE, 1757–1947 CE). Revise one block thoroughly before moving to the next. Use flashcards for key dates and names.
Use historical maps to visualize the extent of empires (Mauryan, Mughal) and the locations of key archaeological sites (Harappa, Lothal). This enhances spatial memory for Indian General Knowledge Questions.
Know the primary historical texts (e.g., Arthashastra, Indica, Ain-i-Akbari) and their authors. This is a recurring theme in the Indian History Quiz for UPSC/SSC.
The Role of Reform Movements in Modern India
The 19th and early 20th centuries saw significant social and religious reform movements that are critical for modern Indian History General Knowledge Questions. These movements aimed at reforming religion, society, and challenging the caste system and social evils.
- Brahmo Samaj: Founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy; focused on monotheism and rationalism.
- Arya Samaj: Founded by Dayananda Saraswati; emphasized the infallibility of the Vedas ('Go back to the Vedas').
- Ramakrishna Mission: Founded by Swami Vivekananda; focused on selfless service and practical Vedanta.
- Aligarh Movement: Led by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan; aimed at modern education for the Muslim community.
Understanding the contributions of reformers like Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar (widow remarriage) and Jyotiba Phule (anti-caste movement) is as important as studying the political movements.
---Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for History Aspirants
Q1: Why is Modern History given more weight in UPSC/SSC exams?
Modern History, particularly the National Movement (1857-1947), is considered highly relevant as it directly shapes the contemporary political and social landscape of India. The principles, leaders, and constitutional milestones of this era are foundational for understanding Indian Polity and Governance.
Q2: What is the best way to remember the chronology of events?
Create a personal timeline chart. Instead of rote memorization, group events by themes (e.g., all peasant movements, all Congress sessions, all constitutional reforms) and visualize them relative to major landmarks like the Partition of Bengal (1905) or the Quit India Movement (1942). Practice History Quiz for Aspirants regularly.
Q3: Should I study world history for SSC and UPSC Prelims?
World History is typically only a part of the UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination (General Studies Paper I). It is generally not a part of the SSC syllabus or the UPSC Prelims, which focus almost exclusively on Indian History.
Q4: How many hours should I dedicate to Indian History daily?
For a beginner, a dedicated 1.5–2 hours daily for about 2-3 months is recommended to cover the syllabus systematically. For revision and practice using Indian History MCQs, 45 minutes to 1 hour daily should be sufficient closer to the exam date.
---Key Takeaways for Indian History Quiz Mastery
- Chronology is King: Always attempt to place events within a precise timeline to avoid confusion in sequence-based questions.
- Theme-Based Revision: Group study around themes—administration, economy, art, and socio-religious movements—rather than just ruler-by-ruler.
- Analyze Causes and Effects: Understand the reasons behind major battles (like Panipat) and movements (like Non-Cooperation) and their long-term consequences.
- Practice Daily MCQs: Regular engagement with 50 GK Questions on Indian History or similar quizzes sharpens retrieval speed and accuracy.
- Focus on Modern India: Allocate the majority of your study time to the period from 1857 onwards, which dominates most exams.
Conclusion
Excellence in the History section of the UPSC and SSC exams is an achievable goal, not a daunting challenge. By utilizing this framework, engaging with the Indian History Quiz for UPSC/SSC, and maintaining a structured study plan, you can transform Indian History from a subject of vast data into a manageable, fascinating narrative. Keep practicing these Indian History MCQs and refine your understanding to ensure success in your upcoming competitive examinations.
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