Indian history MCQ

1151. When did Babur attack India?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Early sixteenth century.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, History Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, invaded India in the early sixteenth century.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse the timeline of Babur's invasion with other historical events or periods.

Explanations: Babur, the first Mughal emperor, launched his invasion of India in 1526, which falls in the early sixteenth century. This invasion led to the establishment of the Mughal Empire in India.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Babur invaded India in 1526, which is in the early sixteenth century.
Option B: Incorrect. The early seventeenth century is too late for Babur's invasion.
Option C: Incorrect. The early fifteenth century is too early for Babur's invasion.
Option D: Incorrect. The mid seventeenth century is also too late for Babur's invasion.

Mnemonic: Babur's Battle Begins, Sixteenth Century Starts.

1152. Who was Alamgir I?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Son of Shah Jahan.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Alamgir I, also known as Aurangzeb, was the sixth Mughal Emperor and a significant ruler in Indian history.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse Alamgir I with other Mughal emperors or their lineage.

Explanations: Alamgir I, whose birth name was Muhammad Aurangzeb, was the third son of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. He ascended to the throne in 1658 after a period of conflict with his brothers. His reign was marked by significant territorial expansion and consolidation of Mughal power, making him one of the most powerful rulers of the Mughal Empire.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect, as Alamgir I was not the son of Jehangir. Jehangir was Shah Jahan's father.
Option B: Correct, Alamgir I was the son of Shah Jahan.
Option C: Incorrect, as Bahadur Zafar I was not Alamgir I's father. Bahadur Zafar I was a later Mughal emperor.
Option D: Incorrect, as David Harrison is not related to the Mughal dynasty.

Mnemonic: A for Alamgir, S for Shah Jahan, remember AS.

1153. Who was the founder of 'Drain Theory' which among others, exposed the constant drain of wealth from India to England:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Dadabhai Naoroji.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Dadabhai Naoroji, a prominent Indian nationalist and economist, is credited with formulating the 'Drain Theory' which highlighted the economic exploitation of India by the British.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse Dadabhai Naoroji with other Indian leaders of the same era, such as S.N. Bannerjea, M.K. Gandhi, or Gopal Krishna Gokhale.

Explanations: Dadabhai Naoroji, also known as the 'Grand Old Man of India,' was a key figure in the Indian independence movement. He introduced the 'Drain Theory' in his book 'Poverty and Un-British Rule in India,' published in 1901. This theory argued that the British colonial rule was draining India's wealth, leading to economic backwardness and poverty. Naoroji's work was instrumental in raising awareness about the economic exploitation of India by the British.

Option Analysis:

Option A: S.N. Bannerjea was a notable Indian nationalist but is not associated with the 'Drain Theory.'
Option B: Dadabhai Naoroji is the correct answer as he formulated the 'Drain Theory.'
Option C: M.K. Gandhi was a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement but did not formulate the 'Drain Theory.'
Option D: Gopal Krishna Gokhale was a social reformer and political leader but is not credited with the 'Drain Theory.'

Mnemonic: Dadabhai's Drain: D for Dadabhai, D for Drain.

1154. The Aryans came to India from

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Central Asia.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Aryans are believed to have migrated to India from Central Asia.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse the origin of the Aryans with other regions such as Eastern Europe or South East Asia.

Explanations: The Aryans, an Indo-European speaking group, are thought to have migrated to the Indian subcontinent from Central Asia around 1500 BCE. This migration is supported by linguistic and archaeological evidence, which indicates a cultural and linguistic connection between the Indo-European languages of Central Asia and the Vedic Sanskrit spoken in ancient India.

Option Analysis:

Option A: South East Asia is not considered the primary origin of the Aryans based on historical and linguistic evidence.
Option B: Eastern Europe is not the primary origin of the Aryans, although it is part of the broader Indo-European region.
Option C: Central Asia is the correct answer as it is widely accepted as the region from which the Aryans migrated to India.
Option D: None of the above is incorrect because Central Asia is the accepted origin of the Aryans.

Mnemonic: Aryans Came, Central Asia Migrated (ACAM)

1155. Where and When Did Aurangzeb Died??

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Ahmednagar 1707 CE.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, History Olympiad

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal emperor, died in 1707 CE. The location of his death is recorded as Ahmednagar.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse the year or location of Aurangzeb's death with other significant events or figures from the Mughal era.

Explanations: Aurangzeb, the last of the great Mughal emperors, died in 1707 CE. Historical records indicate that he passed away in Ahmednagar, a city in present-day Maharashtra, India. This information is crucial for understanding the end of the Mughal Empire's zenith and the subsequent decline.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect, as Aurangzeb did not die in Ahmedabad in 1705 CE.
Option B: Incorrect, as the year 1604 CE is incorrect and Ahmednagar is the correct location.
Option C: Correct, as Aurangzeb died in Ahmednagar in 1707 CE.
Option D: Incorrect, as one of the provided options is correct.

Mnemonic: Aurangzeb's end: A in 1707.

1156. Which were the 2 periods divided by Aurangzeb reign

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

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The reign of Aurangzeb is often divided into two distinct periods: the early reign and the later reign. This division is based on significant changes in his policies and the overall governance of the Mughal Empire.

Common Mistakes: Students may mistakenly believe that the division of Aurangzeb's reign is based on external events or religious movements, such as the Satnamis, rather than internal policy changes.

Explanations: Aurangzeb's reign is typically divided into two periods: the early reign and the later reign. The early reign is characterized by a more liberal approach to governance, while the later reign is marked by a shift towards a more orthodox and conservative approach. The Satnamis, mentioned in option C, were a religious movement that occurred during Aurangzeb's reign but do not represent a period division.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Early reign of Aurangzeb is a correct period division.
Option B: Later reign of Aurangzeb is a correct period division.
Option C: Satnamis are a religious movement and not a period division.
Option D: Only (A) & (B) correctly identifies the two periods of Aurangzeb's reign.

Mnemonic: Early-Late, Not Satnamis

1157. Which one of the following iqtas was held by Sultan Iltutmish as its Muqta immediately before his accession?

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Sultan Iltutmish held the iqtas of Badaun as its Muqta before his accession to the throne.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse the iqtas held by Iltutmish with those held by other sultans or with other regions he governed.

Explanations: Sultan Iltutmish was appointed as the Muqta of Badaun by his predecessor, Sultan Shamsuddin Iltutmish. This position allowed him to gain significant administrative and military experience, which eventually led to his rise to power. The iqtas of Badaun were strategically important and provided Iltutmish with the resources and influence necessary to consolidate his power and eventually become the Sultan of Delhi.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Kalinjar was not the iqtas held by Iltutmish before his accession.
Option B: Badaun was the iqtas held by Iltutmish before his accession.
Option C: Lakhanauti was not the iqtas held by Iltutmish before his accession.
Option D: Kalpi was not the iqtas held by Iltutmish before his accession.

Mnemonic: Badaun, B for Before Accession.

1158. Mughal emperor Akbar showed respect for religious diversity by

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Easing enforcement of Islamic law.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Akbar's policy of religious tolerance and respect for diversity is well-documented in historical records.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse Akbar's policies with those of other Mughal emperors who had different approaches to religious law.

Explanations: Akbar, the Mughal emperor, is known for his policy of religious tolerance and respect for diversity. He eased the enforcement of Islamic law to accommodate the diverse religious practices within his empire. This approach was part of his broader policy of Sulh-i-kul, which promoted harmony and understanding among different religious communities. By easing the enforcement of Islamic law, Akbar demonstrated his commitment to religious diversity and inclusivity.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Promoting the rights of women is not directly related to Akbar's policy of religious diversity.
Option B: Respecting those he conquered is a general policy but does not specifically address his approach to religious law.
Option C: Easing enforcement of Islamic law is correct as it reflects Akbar's policy of religious tolerance.
Option D: Increasing enforcement of Islamic law would contradict Akbar's policy of religious diversity.

1159. Malatimadhava of Bhavabhuti is an important source for the study of the

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

Exam Relevance: PhD entrance exams, Indian Philosophy exams, Sanskrit literature exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Malatimadhava, a Sanskrit play by Bhavabhuti, provides insights into various religious and philosophical groups of ancient India. The Kapalikas, a tantric sect, are one such group that is mentioned in the text.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse the Kapalikas with other tantric or ascetic groups mentioned in ancient Indian literature.

Explanations: Malatimadhava, a Sanskrit play by Bhavabhuti, is an important source for understanding the Kapalikas, a tantric sect known for their esoteric practices and rituals. The text provides valuable information about their beliefs, practices, and cultural context, making it a significant resource for scholars studying this group.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Malatimadhava does not focus on Buddhist Tantriks.
Option B: The text does not provide significant information on Digambara Jainas.
Option C: Bhagavata is not the primary focus of Malatimadhava.
Option D: Malatimadhava provides insights into the Kapalikas, making it a valuable source for their study.

Mnemonic: Kapalikas: K for Kali, A for Ascetic, P for Practices, A for Ancient, L for Literature, I for Insights, K for Kali worship.

1160. Shivaji's army has 2 main divisions; ..... and cavalry soldiers.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Infantry soldiers.

Exam Relevance: History exams, Military history exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Shivaji's army was divided into two main divisions: infantry and cavalry. Infantry soldiers are foot soldiers who fight on foot, while cavalry soldiers fight on horseback.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse infantry soldiers with walking soldiers, as both fight on foot. However, "infantry" is the specific term used for foot soldiers in military contexts.

Explanations: Shivaji's army had two main divisions: infantry and cavalry. Infantry soldiers are foot soldiers who fight on foot, making them the correct answer. The term "infantry" is the specific military term for foot soldiers.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Walking soldiers is a general term and not the specific military term used for foot soldiers.
Option B: Infantry soldiers is the correct term for foot soldiers in military contexts.
Option C: Soldiers on horseback refers to cavalry, not infantry.
Option D: Non-cavalry soldiers is too vague and does not specifically refer to infantry.

Mnemonic: INF - Infantry Foot

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11 thoughts on “Indian history MCQ - Set 116”

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
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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 116”

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