Indian history MCQ

1021. Chandragupta Maurya's empire extended in the north -west upto

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

Exam Relevance: UPSC Civil Services, SSC CGL, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Chandragupta Maurya's empire was one of the largest empires in ancient India, extending from the Himalayas to the Deccan Plateau. The northern and northwestern boundaries of his empire reached up to the Hindukush mountains.

Common Mistakes: Students often confuse the geographical boundaries of ancient empires, mistaking rivers like the Indus, Ravi, or Sutlej as the northern limits instead of the Hindukush mountains.

Explanations: Chandragupta Maurya's empire extended in the north-west up to the Hindukush mountains. The Hindukush range served as a natural boundary, marking the westernmost extent of the Mauryan Empire. This mountain range is significant as it separates the Indian subcontinent from Central Asia, providing a clear geographical limit to the empire's expansion.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Indus river is not the northern boundary of the Mauryan Empire.
Option B: The Ravi river is not the northern boundary of the Mauryan Empire.
Option C: The Sutlej river is not the northern boundary of the Mauryan Empire.
Option D: The Hindukush mountains are the correct northern boundary of the Mauryan Empire.

Mnemonic: Hindukush, High and Hind, Hindukush, Hind's limit.

1022. Sufi Saints and the saints of Hindu Bhakti movements differed on

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Need of a Guru or Pir to attain God.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, Competitive History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Sufi Saints and Hindu Bhakti saints both emphasize devotion and the unity of God, but they differ in their approach to spiritual guidance.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse the similarities in devotion and unity of God between Sufi and Bhakti traditions, overlooking the distinct role of a Guru or Pir.

Explanations: Sufi Saints emphasize the need for a spiritual guide, known as a Pir, to attain God. In contrast, Hindu Bhakti saints often emphasize direct devotion to God without the necessity of a Guru. This difference highlights the distinct approaches to spiritual guidance in these two traditions.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Both Sufi Saints and Hindu Bhakti saints emphasize devotion to God, so this is not a point of difference.
Option B: Sufi Saints require a Pir for spiritual guidance, while Hindu Bhakti saints may not necessarily require a Guru, making this a point of difference.
Option C: The concept of a family saint is not a significant point of difference between Sufi Saints and Hindu Bhakti saints.
Option D: Both traditions emphasize the unity of God, so this is not a point of difference.

Mnemonic: Pir for Sufi, direct for Bhakti.

1023. Who was the author of famous Ayurvedic text Ashtanghriday?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Vagbhatta.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, AYUSH, Medical Entrance Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Vagbhatta is the author of the Ayurvedic text Ashtanghridaya.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse Vagbhatta with other prominent Ayurvedic authors such as Charaka or Sushruta.

Explanations: Vagbhatta is known for authoring the Ashtanghridaya, a significant text in Ayurveda. This text is considered one of the three foundational texts of Ayurveda, alongside the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. The Ashtanghridaya is renowned for its concise and systematic presentation of Ayurvedic principles and practices.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Dhanvantari is a deity associated with Ayurveda but is not the author of Ashtanghridaya.
Option B: Nagarjuna is known for his contributions to alchemy and medicine but is not the author of Ashtanghridaya.
Option C: Vagbhatta is the correct author of Ashtanghridaya.
Option D: Charaka is the author of the Charaka Samhita, not the Ashtanghridaya.

Mnemonic: V for Vagbhatta, V for Vast knowledge in Ashtanghridaya.

1024. Which of the following towns were seen by Hiuen Tsang as almost deserted? Kapilvastu Kusinagar Sravasti Tamralipti Indicate the correct answer from the code given below

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) 1, 2, 3.

Exam Relevance: UPSC Civil Services, SSC CGL, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Hiuen Tsang, a Chinese Buddhist monk and traveler, visited several towns in ancient India during his journey. He noted the condition of these towns, including their population and state of development.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse the descriptions of the towns based on their historical significance rather than the specific observations made by Hiuen Tsang.

Explanations: Hiuen Tsang observed that Kapilvastu, Kusinagar, and Sravasti were almost deserted. Kapilvastu, the birthplace of Buddha, was in ruins. Kusinagar, where Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana, was also in a state of decline. Sravasti, a significant city during the Buddha's time, had also declined. Tamralipti, on the other hand, was a thriving port city and not described as deserted.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Kapilvastu, Kusinagar, and Sravasti were noted as almost deserted by Hiuen Tsang.
Option B: Incorrect. Tamralipti was not described as deserted.
Option C: Incorrect. Sravasti and Tamralipti were not both described as deserted.
Option D: Incorrect. Sravasti was not the only town described as deserted.

Mnemonic: KTS: Kapilvastu, Kusinagar, Sravasti

1025. Consider the following Statements: In the Deccan and the south, mighty Mewar and Malwa kingdoms functioned independently. Jahangir ordered the execution of Sikh Guru Arjun because of his religion. Does India have more than 80% of the worlds religions Which of the following statement(s) is/are true?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Only 3,.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The statement about India having more than 80% of the world's religions is true. The other statements are historically inaccurate.

Common Mistakes: Students may incorrectly assume that the Mewar and Malwa kingdoms were under Mughal control, or that Jahangir executed Guru Arjun solely for religious reasons.

Explanations: The correct answer is that only the third statement is true. The Mewar and Malwa kingdoms were not under Mughal control during the period mentioned, and Jahangir's execution of Guru Arjun was not solely due to religious reasons but also political ones. The statement about India having more than 80% of the world's religions is accurate, reflecting the diverse religious landscape of the country.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect because the first statement is false.
Option B: Incorrect because the second statement is false.
Option C: Correct because only the third statement is true.
Option D: Incorrect because the first and second statements are false.

1026. The slave dynasty was from .....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) 1206-1290.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Civil Services

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Slave Dynasty, also known as the Mamluk Dynasty, ruled parts of India from 1206 to 1290.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse the dates with other dynasties or periods in Indian history.

Explanations: The Slave Dynasty, founded by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, began in 1206 and ended with the death of Balban in 1287, followed by a brief period until 1290. This dynasty is significant for its establishment of the Delhi Sultanate and its impact on the political landscape of medieval India.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The Slave Dynasty ruled from 1206 to 1290.
Option B: Incorrect. This period corresponds to the later part of the Delhi Sultanate, not the Slave Dynasty.
Option C: Incorrect. This period is associated with the Tughlaq Dynasty.
Option D: Incorrect. This period is associated with the Lodi Dynasty.

1027. What was the reasons for the decline of Mughal empire? Aurangzeb's religious and political policy Peasants became stronger Zamidars became rebellion Administration was centralized Which of the above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) 1, 3 and 4.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The decline of the Mughal Empire was influenced by several factors, including Aurangzeb's religious and political policies, the rebellion of zamindars, and the centralization of administration.

Common Mistakes: Students may incorrectly assume that peasants becoming stronger was a significant factor in the decline of the Mughal Empire, but this is not accurate.

Explanations: Aurangzeb's religious policies, such as the imposition of jizya and the destruction of temples, alienated non-Muslim subjects and led to widespread discontent. The rebellion of zamindars, who were local landholders, weakened the empire's control over the provinces. The centralization of administration, while intended to strengthen the empire, often led to inefficiencies and corruption, further contributing to its decline. The statement that peasants became stronger is not a recognized factor in the decline of the Mughal Empire.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect because it does not include the rebellion of zamindars, which was a significant factor.
Option B: Correct as it includes Aurangzeb's policies, the rebellion of zamindars, and the centralization of administration.
Option C: Incorrect because it includes the incorrect statement that peasants became stronger.
Option D: Incorrect because it does not include Aurangzeb's policies and the centralization of administration.

Mnemonic: A-Z-C: Aurangzeb, Zamindars, Centralization

1028. Birth place of Buddha is

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

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, IAS, Competitive History Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Lumbini is the birthplace of Buddha, located in present-day Nepal.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse Lumbini with other significant Buddhist sites such as Bodh-Gaya, where Buddha attained enlightenment, or Sarnath, where he delivered his first sermon.

Explanations: Lumbini is recognized as the birthplace of Buddha, a significant site in Buddhist tradition. It is located in the Rupandehi district of Nepal. The other options are incorrect: Patna is a city in India, Sarnath is where Buddha gave his first sermon, and Bodh-Gaya is where he attained enlightenment.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Patna is not the birthplace of Buddha.
Option B: Sarnath is where Buddha gave his first sermon, not his birthplace.
Option C: Bodh-Gaya is where Buddha attained enlightenment, not his birthplace.
Option D: Lumbini is the correct birthplace of Buddha.

Mnemonic: Lumbini, Luminous Birth

1029. A new city called ..... was constructed in shah jahan's reign

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Shah jahanabad.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, History Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Shah Jahanabad was a new city constructed during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse Shah Jahanabad with other cities like Agra or New Delhi, which were already established.

Explanations: Shah Jahanabad, also known as Old Delhi, was founded by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1639 as the new capital of the Mughal Empire. It was built on the banks of the Yamuna River and included the Red Fort and Jama Masjid. The other options, Mumtazabad, Agra, and New Delhi, were not newly constructed during Shah Jahan's reign.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Shah jahanabad is the correct answer as it was the new city constructed during Shah Jahan's reign.
Option B: Mumtazabad is not a historically recognized city name from Shah Jahan's reign.
Option C: Agra was already an established city and not newly constructed during Shah Jahan's reign.
Option D: New Delhi was not constructed during Shah Jahan's reign; it was developed much later.

Mnemonic: SJD: Shah Jahan's Delhi

1030. During the Sangam Age a tutelary tree called Kadimaram or Kavalmaram was planted by the rulers at a central place in the town and they took great care to protect the tree because:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Both A and B.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The tutelary tree, Kadimaram or Kavalmaram, was a significant symbol in the Sangam Age, representing both protection and dynastic power.

Common Mistakes: Students may overlook the dual significance of the tree, focusing only on its protective aspect or its symbolic representation of the ruler's power.

Explanations: The Kadimaram or Kavalmaram was planted by rulers in the Sangam Age to symbolize the protection of the town and the ruler's power. The tree was believed to have protective powers, making it a sacred symbol that could safeguard the town. Additionally, the destruction of the tree was seen as a symbolic defeat of the ruler, indicating the tree's importance in representing the ruler's authority. Therefore, both aspects (A and B) are correct, making option C the right answer.

Option Analysis:

Option A: This is correct as the tree was believed to have protective powers for the town.
Option B: This is also correct as the destruction of the tree symbolized the defeat of the ruler.
Option C: This is the correct answer as it encompasses both the protective and symbolic aspects of the tree.
Option D: This is incorrect as the tree was not primarily symbolic of dynastic growth, but rather of protection and the ruler's power.

Mnemonic: Kadimaram, Kavalmaram, Protect, Defeat

⬅ Previous SetSet 103Next Set ➡

11 thoughts on “Indian history MCQ - Set 103”

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 103”

Leave a Reply