Indian History Practice MCQs with Answers: Indian History plays an important role in the syllabus of major competitive examinations such as SSC, UPSC, Railways, and various State-level exams. A clear understanding of key historical events, important rulers, dynasties, ancient scholars, foreign travellers, and political changes helps aspirants develop a strong conceptual base. The following set includes 25 carefully selected MCQs covering significant phases of Indian history, ranging from the Mauryan and Gupta periods to the Mughal era and the period of British administration. Each question is provided with its correct answer to support effective revision, regular practice, and improved performance in examinations.
Indian History MCQs with Answers (Practice Set)
1. Who is credited with establishing the Maurya Empire?
A. Ashoka
B. Ajatashatru
C. Chandragupta Maurya
D. Bimbisara
Answer: C
2. The Arthashastra, an important ancient Indian text, was authored by—
A. Kalidasa
B. Bana
C. Panini
D. Kautilya
Answer: D
3. In which year was the First Battle of Panipat fought?
A. 1540
B. 1527
C. 1526
D. 1530
Answer: C
4. The famous Dilwara Jain Temples are located at—
A. Ajmer
B. Ujjain
C. Mount Abu
D. Mathura
Answer: C
5. Bimbisara was a ruler of which dynasty?
A. Sunga
B. Maurya
C. Nanda
D. Haryanka
Answer: D
6. Alexander defeated King Porus in which historic battle?
A. Battle of Issus
B. Battle of Hydaspes
C. Battle of Arbela
D. Battle of Gaugamela
Answer: B
7. The Kalinga War was fought by Ashoka in—
A. 185 BCE
B. 261 BCE
C. 250 BCE
D. 200 BCE
Answer: B
8. Who was the last ruler of the Maurya dynasty?
A. Dasharatha
B. Bindusara
C. Brihadratha
D. Ashoka
Answer: C
9. Which Chinese traveller visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II?
A. Al Beruni
B. Ibn Batuta
C. Fa-Hien
D. Hiuen Tsang
Answer: C
10. Samudragupta is often referred to as the—
A. Ashoka of Gupta dynasty
B. Napoleon of India
C. Founder of Gupta rule
D. Guardian of Dharma
Answer: B
11. Who laid the foundation of the Gupta Empire?
A. Kumaragupta
B. Skandagupta
C. Samudragupta
D. Chandragupta I
Answer: D
12. The slogan “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it” was given by—
A. Jawaharlal Nehru
B. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
C. Mahatma Gandhi
D. Sardar Patel
Answer: B
13. Geeta Phogat is associated with which sport?
A. Boxing
B. Hockey
C. Tennis
D. Wrestling
Answer: D
14. Who became the first Viceroy of British India?
A. Lord Mayo
B. Lord Irwin
C. Lord Wavell
D. Lord Canning
Answer: D
15. The first complete population census in India was conducted in—
A. 1873
B. 1885
C. 1881
D. 1891
Answer: C
16. Nadir Shah defeated Mughal ruler Muhammad Shah in the Battle of Karnal in—
A. 1757
B. 1739
C. 1764
D. 1720
Answer: B
17. The Battle of Haldighati was fought between Akbar’s forces and—
A. Rana Hammir
B. Rana Sanga
C. Rana Pratap
D. Jai Singh
Answer: C
18. The Battle of Samugarh (1658) was fought between—
A. Akbar and Hemu
B. Dara Shikoh and Aurangzeb
C. Babur and Rana Sanga
D. Shah Jahan and Portuguese
Answer: B
19. The Fourth Buddhist Council took place at—
A. Sarnath
B. Pataliputra
C. Lumbini
D. Kashmir
Answer: D
20. Megasthenes authored which famous book?
A. Brihatsamhita
B. Mudrarakshasa
C. Rajatarangini
D. Indica
Answer: D
21. Sher Shah Suri defeated Humayun in the Battle of—
A. Khanwa
B. Panipat
C. Chausa
D. Ghaghra
Answer: C
22. Which Mughal ruler fought the Battle of Sarai Ghat in 1671?
A. Jahangir
B. Akbar
C. Aurangzeb
D. Shah Jahan
Answer: C
23. The Shaka Era (78 CE) was started by—
A. Harsha
B. Vikramaditya
C. Kanishka
D. Kadphises
Answer: C
24. Aryabhatta was a renowned scholar in the court of—
A. Ashoka
B. Harsha
C. Samudragupta
D. Chandragupta II
Answer: D
25. The Third Battle of Panipat was fought in—
A. 1707
B. 1739
C. 1757
D. 1761
Answer: D