Indian history MCQ – Change your future

1. On which part of body, an arrow struck to Hemu?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Eye.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, History Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The historical event in question is the Second Battle of Panipat in 1556, where Hemu, the Hindu general of the Sur Empire, was struck by an arrow in the eye.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse the location of the arrow strike with other parts of the body, such as the chest or leg, due to varying historical accounts or lack of detailed knowledge.

Explanations: Hemu, the Hindu general, was struck by an arrow in the eye during the Second Battle of Panipat. This event is well-documented in historical records and is a significant detail in the study of Indian history.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The arrow did not strike Hemu's leg.
Option B: The arrow struck Hemu's eye, making this the correct answer.
Option C: The arrow did not strike Hemu's chest.
Option D: This option is incorrect as the arrow did strike Hemu's eye.

Mnemonic: Eye of the Storm, Hemu's Doom

2. Al-Firdousi was the poet of:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) Persia.

Exam Relevance: World History, Literature Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Al-Firdousi, also known as Ferdowsi, was a renowned Persian poet.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse Al-Firdousi with poets from other regions or cultures.

Explanations: Al-Firdousi, or Ferdowsi, is best known for his epic poem "Shahnameh" (Book of Kings), which is a significant work in Persian literature. He lived during the 10th and 11th centuries in Persia, which is now modern-day Iran. His work is a cornerstone of Persian culture and literature, making Persia the correct answer.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Al-Firdousi is not associated with Africa.
Option B: Al-Firdousi is not associated with America.
Option C: Al-Firdousi is not associated with Asia as a whole, but specifically with Persia.
Option D: Al-Firdousi is a Persian poet, making this the correct answer.

Mnemonic: F for Ferdowsi, F for Persia.

3. Theravada Buddhism believes that salvation:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Comes from good works.

Exam Relevance: Religious Studies, Philosophy, World Religions

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Theravada Buddhism emphasizes individual effort and the accumulation of good karma through ethical conduct and meditation.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse Theravada Buddhism with Mahayana Buddhism, which places more emphasis on the grace of the Buddha and bodhisattvas.

Explanations: Theravada Buddhism teaches that salvation, or enlightenment, is achieved through personal effort and the cultivation of good karma. This is primarily done through ethical behavior, meditation, and the pursuit of wisdom. The belief is that through these practices, one can break the cycle of rebirth and achieve Nirvana.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Theravada Buddhism emphasizes the importance of good works and ethical conduct in achieving salvation.
Option B: Incorrect. Theravada Buddhism does not emphasize the grace of the Buddha as a means to salvation.
Option C: Incorrect. Ritual devotion is not the primary means of achieving salvation in Theravada Buddhism.
Option D: Incorrect. Theravada Buddhism does not believe that salvation is impossible; it is achievable through individual effort.

4. Saibai came from the ..... family of Phaltan.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Nimbalkar.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, History Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The question pertains to historical lineage and family origins.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse the family names or misremember the historical context.

Explanations: Saibai came from the Nimbalkar family of Phaltan. This is a factual piece of historical information that needs to be recalled accurately.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect, as Saibai did not come from the Jadhav family.
Option B: Correct, as Saibai came from the Nimbalkar family.
Option C: Incorrect, as the correct family is specifically identified as Nimbalkar.
Option D: Incorrect, as the Nimbalkar family is the correct answer.

Mnemonic: Nimbalkar, Not Jadhav, Nimbalkar

5. Which Bhakti Saints known as Sri Gauranga, was a popular Vaishnava saint and reformer from Bengal?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Chaitanya.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, Competitive History Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Chaitanya, also known as Sri Gauranga, was a prominent Vaishnava saint and reformer from Bengal.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse Chaitanya with other Bhakti saints like Sankaracharya, Kabir, or Mirabai.

Explanations: Chaitanya, also known as Sri Gauranga, was a significant figure in the Vaishnava tradition, particularly in Bengal. He was a reformer and a proponent of Bhakti, emphasizing devotion to Lord Krishna. This makes him the correct answer as he is the Bhakti Saint known as Sri Gauranga.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Sankaracharya was a philosopher and theologian, not specifically known as Sri Gauranga.
Option B: Chaitanya, also known as Sri Gauranga, was a prominent Vaishnava saint and reformer from Bengal.
Option C: Kabir was a prominent Bhakti saint but not known as Sri Gauranga.
Option D: Mirabai was a Bhakti saint but not known as Sri Gauranga.

Mnemonic: Gauranga Chaitanya, Bengal's Vaishnava.

6. The widespread using of Black and Red ware (BRW) and Painted Grey Ware (PGW) mark the

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Coming of Iron Technology in India.

Exam Relevance: UPSC Civil Services, IAS, History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The widespread use of Black and Red Ware (BRW) and Painted Grey Ware (PGW) is associated with the transition to the Iron Age in India.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse the introduction of these pottery styles with the advent of other metal technologies, such as copper.

Explanations: The Black and Red Ware (BRW) and Painted Grey Ware (PGW) are significant archaeological markers for the Iron Age in India. These pottery styles emerged during a period when iron technology was becoming widespread. The use of iron tools and implements facilitated agricultural advancements and societal changes, which are reflected in the material culture, including pottery styles. Therefore, the presence of BRW and PGW indicates the coming of iron technology in India.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The widespread use of BRW and PGW is associated with the advent of iron technology in India.
Option B: Incorrect. The coming of copper technology is not associated with BRW and PGW.
Option C: Incorrect. The end of using bronze is not directly linked to the emergence of BRW and PGW.
Option D: Incorrect. The correct answer is explicitly stated as Option A.

Mnemonic: BRW-PGW-Iron

7. The period from 1500-1000 BC was known as the

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Early Vedic Period.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, History Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Early Vedic Period is a significant phase in ancient Indian history, characterized by the composition of the Rig Veda and the early Aryan settlements in the Indian subcontinent.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse the Early Vedic Period with the Later Vedic Period, which is a different phase marked by the composition of the Brahmanas and Upanishads.

Explanations: The Early Vedic Period, spanning from approximately 1500-1000 BC, is correctly identified as the time when the Rig Veda was composed. This period is marked by the early Aryan settlements and the development of Vedic culture. The Later Vedic Period, which follows, is characterized by the composition of the Brahmanas and Upanishads.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Later Vedic period is incorrect as it refers to a later time period, approximately 1000-500 BC.
Option B: The Early Vedic Period is correct as it corresponds to the time frame of 1500-1000 BC.
Option C: The Middle Vedic period is not a recognized term in the standard historical classification of Vedic periods.
Option D: None of the above is incorrect as the Early Vedic Period is the correct classification for the given time frame.

Mnemonic: Rig Veda, Early Aryans, 1500-1000 BC

8. Which are the achievements of Akbar.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) Only (A) & (B).

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Akbar's achievements include abolishing taxes on non-Muslims and creating a powerful military system. The Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan, not Akbar.

Common Mistakes: Students often confuse the achievements of different Mughal emperors, such as attributing the Taj Mahal to Akbar instead of Shah Jahan.

Explanations: Akbar abolished the jizya tax on non-Muslims, promoting religious tolerance. He also established a strong military system, including the Mansabdari system, which integrated diverse military units. The Taj Mahal, however, was built by Shah Jahan, Akbar's grandson, as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Akbar abolished the jizya tax on non-Muslims.
Option B: Correct. Akbar created a powerful military system.
Option C: Incorrect. The Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan, not Akbar.
Option D: Correct. Only options (A) and (B) are correct.

Mnemonic: Jizya Gone, Mansabdari Strong, Taj by Jahan

9. Prithviraj Chauhan ruled the kingdoms of ..... and Delhi in northern India during the latter half.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Ajmer.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Civil Services

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Prithviraj Chauhan was a prominent Rajput king who ruled the kingdoms of Ajmer and Delhi in northern India during the latter half of the 12th century.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse the territories ruled by Prithviraj Chauhan with other regions in northern India, such as Kashmir or Agra.

Explanations: Prithviraj Chauhan was the ruler of the Chauhan dynasty and controlled the kingdoms of Ajmer and Delhi. Ajmer was the capital of his kingdom, and Delhi was an important city under his rule. This makes Ajmer the correct answer.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Kashmir was not ruled by Prithviraj Chauhan.
Option B: Ajmer was the capital of Prithviraj Chauhan's kingdom.
Option C: Agra was not under the direct rule of Prithviraj Chauhan.
Option D: This option is incorrect as Ajmer is the correct answer.

Mnemonic: A for Ajmer, A for Ajmer Chauhan's capital.

10. The people of the Santhal rebellion armed themselves with their traditional weapons of

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) All of the above.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Santhal Rebellion, also known as the Santhal Hul, was an uprising by the Santhal people against British colonial rule and zamindari oppression in the 1850s. The Santhals used traditional weapons in their rebellion.

Common Mistakes: Students may mistakenly believe that the Santhals used only one type of traditional weapon, such as bows and arrows, and overlook the use of other weapons like axes and swords.

Explanations: The Santhals, being a tribal community, relied on their traditional weapons for the rebellion. These weapons included bows and arrows, axes, and swords. The use of these weapons reflects the Santhals' reliance on their cultural heritage and the limited access to modern weaponry. Therefore, the correct answer is that the Santhals used all of the above weapons.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Bows and arrows were indeed used by the Santhals during the rebellion.
Option B: Axes were also used by the Santhals as a traditional weapon.
Option C: Swords were another traditional weapon used by the Santhals.
Option D: This option correctly states that all of the above weapons were used by the Santhals during the rebellion.

Mnemonic: BAS: Bows, Axes, Swords

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11 thoughts on “Indian history MCQ - Set 1”

ramanasri January 11, 2020

IAS UPSC Mathematics Optional Syllabus 2020
Ashish February 10, 2020

Its really helpful MCQ’s for Government Exam preparations. I hope we will get more in future. Really thankful for such an amazing work by Gatecseit team!
Jumma February 21, 2020

Very Useful Or Informative Article For preparations.
DreamNaukri March 4, 2020

this question is awesome and very important for all exam. this is a unique collection which gives by your team. Thanks of lots
Shankar March 12, 2020

From where can I get answer of these questions?
yoga ttc in india March 20, 2020

very useful information, thanks for sharing with us.
Jayashankar Naik June 3, 2020

MCQ in history is really helpful to any competitive exam
Kunwar Yoga September 15, 2020

thansks for sharing these mcq question with us.
Rajib Gosh February 28, 2021

It is helpful for preparing exam. Thanks
Krishna November 19, 2021

Bahut acche prashna hain
yoga school in rishikesh October 4, 2023

Thanks for sharing this MCQ.

11 thoughts on “Indian history MCQ - Set 1”

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