Indian history MCQ – Change your future

261. Who among the following had set up an association called Mitra Mela?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) P. Mitra.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: P. Mitra established an association called Mitra Mela, which was involved in nationalist activities during the Indian independence movement.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse P. Mitra with other nationalist leaders of the time, such as Barindra Kumar Ghosh or V.D. Savarkar, who were also involved in revolutionary activities.

Explanations: P. Mitra, a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement, set up an association called Mitra Mela. This organization was involved in nationalist activities and played a role in the broader struggle against British colonial rule. The other options, while also significant figures in the independence movement, did not establish Mitra Mela.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Barindra Kumar Ghosh was involved in revolutionary activities but did not establish Mitra Mela.
Option B: P. Mitra established Mitra Mela, which was involved in nationalist activities.
Option C: V.D. Savarkar was a prominent revolutionary but did not establish Mitra Mela.
Option D: The Chapekar Brothers were involved in revolutionary activities but did not establish Mitra Mela.

Mnemonic: Mitra Mela, P. Mitra, Nationalist

262. Who is an Alvar

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) A saint who worships Lord Vishnu.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, Competitive Religious Studies

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Alvars are a group of 12 ancient Tamil saints who were devoted to Lord Vishnu. They are known for their devotional poetry and their role in the Bhakti movement in South India.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse Alvars with Nayanars, who are devoted to Lord Shiva.

Explanations: Alvars are specifically known for their devotion to Lord Vishnu. They composed devotional hymns and were instrumental in the spread of Vaishnavism in Tamil Nadu. The term "Alvar" itself means "immersed" in the devotion to Vishnu, indicating their deep spiritual connection to the deity.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect, as Alvars are not associated with Lord Shiva.
Option B: Correct, as Alvars are saints who worship Lord Vishnu.
Option C: Incorrect, as Alvars are not associated with Lord Ganesha.
Option D: Incorrect, as Alvars are not specifically associated with Lord Krishna, although Krishna is an avatar of Vishnu.

Mnemonic: Alvars Vishnu Devotees

263. The Gupta ruler who repaired Sudarsana Lake for the second time

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) Skanda Gupta.

Exam Relevance: UPSC Civil Services, IAS, History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Skanda Gupta, a Gupta ruler, is known for repairing the Sudarsana Lake, which was an important irrigation project.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse Skanda Gupta with other Gupta rulers like Samudra Gupta or Rama Gupta, who are also well-known figures in the Gupta dynasty.

Explanations: Skanda Gupta, who ruled during the later part of the Gupta Empire, is historically recognized for repairing the Sudarsana Lake. This lake was a significant irrigation project that had been initially constructed during the Mauryan period. Skanda Gupta's efforts to repair it highlight his administrative and engineering capabilities, contributing to the agricultural prosperity of the region.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Samudra Gupta was a prominent Gupta ruler known for his military conquests, not specifically for repairing the Sudarsana Lake.
Option B: Vishnu Gupta is not a well-known ruler in the Gupta dynasty and is not associated with the repair of the Sudarsana Lake.
Option C: Rama Gupta was a Gupta ruler but is not historically recognized for repairing the Sudarsana Lake.
Option D: Skanda Gupta is the correct answer as he is known for repairing the Sudarsana Lake.

Mnemonic: Sudarsana Skanda, Lake Repairer

264. With reference to the Vijaynagar administration, consider the following statement: The tradition of village self government was discarded. The kingdom was divided into rajyas or mandalams below which nadu, sthala and grama. Which of the above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) 2 only.

Exam Relevance: UPSC Civil Services, State PSC Exams, History Olympiads

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Vijayanagara Empire maintained a hierarchical administrative structure that included divisions such as rajyas or mandalams, nadus, sthalas, and gramas. The tradition of village self-government was not discarded but rather integrated into the larger administrative framework.

Common Mistakes: Students may mistakenly believe that the Vijayanagara Empire completely abandoned village self-government, leading to the incorrect choice of option A.

Explanations: The Vijayanagara Empire's administrative system was characterized by a hierarchical division of the kingdom into rajyas or mandalams, which were further subdivided into nadus, sthalas, and gramas. This indicates that the second statement is correct. The first statement is incorrect because the tradition of village self-government was not discarded but rather continued within the broader administrative structure.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect because the tradition of village self-government was not discarded.
Option B: Correct because the kingdom was divided into rajyas or mandalams, nadus, sthalas, and gramas.
Option C: Incorrect because the first statement is false.
Option D: Incorrect because the second statement is true.

265. Which of the following is not a reason for downfall mughal empire

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) None of these.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Mughal Empire's downfall can be attributed to several factors, including the policies of Aurangzeb, the vastness of the empire, and wars of succession.

Common Mistakes: Students may mistakenly believe that only one factor led to the downfall of the Mughal Empire, overlooking the cumulative effect of multiple factors.

Explanations: The Mughal Empire's decline was influenced by multiple factors. Aurangzeb's policies, such as his religious policies and the imposition of jizya, led to social unrest and weakened the empire. The vastness of the empire made it difficult to govern effectively, leading to regional revolts and the rise of local powers. Wars of succession weakened the central authority and drained resources. Therefore, none of the individual factors listed alone can be considered the sole reason for the downfall, making "None of these" the correct answer.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Aurangzeb's policies were a significant factor in the Mughal Empire's decline, but not the only one.
Option B: The vastness of the empire contributed to its downfall, but it was not the sole reason.
Option C: Wars of succession weakened the empire, but they were not the only cause of its decline.
Option D: This option correctly identifies that the downfall of the Mughal Empire was due to a combination of factors, not just one.

Mnemonic: A Vast War (AVW) - Aurangzeb, Vastness, Wars

266. William Bentinck's far-reaching social reforms were meant to remove evils of society, which of the following was not included in these reforms

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Widow remarriage.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: William Bentinck's social reforms aimed to address and eliminate various social evils prevalent in 19th century India. These reforms included the abolition of the Sati system, human sacrifice, and the suppression of Thagi (a form of organized robbery and murder). Widow remarriage, however, was not a primary focus of Bentinck's reforms.

Common Mistakes: Students may mistakenly believe that widow remarriage was a significant part of Bentinck's reforms, as it was a social issue of the time. However, it was not directly addressed by Bentinck's reforms.

Explanations: William Bentinck's reforms were primarily aimed at abolishing practices that were considered inhumane and barbaric, such as the Sati system and human sacrifice. Thagi, a form of organized crime, was also targeted. Widow remarriage, while a social issue, was not a primary focus of Bentinck's reforms. The Widow Remarriage Act was later introduced by Lord Dalhousie in 1856.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Sati system was a significant social evil that Bentinck aimed to abolish.
Option B: Widow remarriage was not a primary focus of Bentinck's reforms.
Option C: Human sacrifice was another social evil that Bentinck aimed to eliminate.
Option D: Thagi, a form of organized crime, was also targeted by Bentinck's reforms.

Mnemonic: SHT, not W: Sati, Human sacrifice, Thagi, not Widow remarriage.

267. Which one of the following was not an item of export from India to the west during the early centuries of the Christian era?

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

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: During the early centuries of the Christian era, India was known for exporting various valuable items to the West, including precious stones, textiles, and pearls. However, silver was not a major export item from India during this period.

Common Mistakes: Students might mistakenly believe that silver was a significant export item from India, given the historical importance of precious metals in trade.

Explanations: India was renowned for its exports of precious stones, textiles, and pearls to the West during the early centuries of the Christian era. These items were highly valued and sought after in the Western markets. However, silver was not a major export item from India during this period. The primary focus of Indian exports was on luxury goods and textiles, which were in high demand in the West.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Precious stones were indeed exported from India to the West during the early centuries of the Christian era.
Option B: Textiles were a significant export item from India to the West during the early centuries of the Christian era.
Option C: Pearls were also exported from India to the West during the early centuries of the Christian era.
Option D: Silver was not a major export item from India to the West during the early centuries of the Christian era.

268. Where is the Mughal Empire located?

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

Exam Relevance: UPSC, GRE, SAT World History

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Mughal Empire was a powerful and influential dynasty that ruled much of the Indian subcontinent from the 16th to the 19th century.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse the Mughal Empire with other historical empires or dynasties, such as the Chinese dynasties or African kingdoms.

Explanations: The Mughal Empire was centered in the Indian subcontinent, encompassing present-day India, Pakistan, and parts of Afghanistan. It was founded by Babur in 1526 and lasted until the mid-19th century. The empire was known for its cultural and architectural achievements, including the Taj Mahal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: China is incorrect as the Mughal Empire was not located in China.
Option B: Africa is incorrect as the Mughal Empire was not located in Africa.
Option C: India is correct as the Mughal Empire was primarily located in the Indian subcontinent.
Option D: South America is incorrect as the Mughal Empire was not located in South America.

Mnemonic: Mughal = M for Mughal, I for India.

269. The Abhidhamma treatise Kathavatthu was written by-

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) Moggaliputta Tissa.

Exam Relevance: UPSC,

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Kathavatthu is a significant treatise in the Abhidhamma Pitaka, which is part of the Buddhist Pali Canon. It is known for its detailed examination of doctrinal disputes and is attributed to Moggaliputta Tissa, a prominent Buddhist scholar and teacher.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse the authorship of the Kathavatthu with other important figures in early Buddhism, such as Mahinda or Milinda, who were also influential but not the author of this specific treatise.

Explanations: Moggaliputta Tissa was a key figure in the Third Buddhist Council, convened under the patronage of Emperor Ashoka. He is credited with compiling the Kathavatthu, which addresses and refutes various heretical views and clarifies doctrinal issues within the Buddhist tradition. This treatise is crucial for understanding the development of Buddhist philosophy and the consolidation of the Theravada school's teachings.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Mahā Kassapa was a prominent disciple of the Buddha and played a significant role in the First Buddhist Council, but he is not associated with the Kathavatthu.
Option B: Mahinda was a missionary who spread Buddhism to Sri Lanka, but he is not the author of the Kathavatthu.
Option C: Milinda was a Greek king who engaged in philosophical dialogues with the Buddhist monk Nagasena, but he is not the author of the Kathavatthu.
Option D: Moggaliputta Tissa is the correct author of the Kathavatthu, as he compiled it during the Third Buddhist Council to address doctrinal disputes.

270. On what evidence is South Russia/Central Asia regarded as the original home of the Aryans?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Philological.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, GRE, History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The original home of the Aryans is often determined through philological evidence, which involves the study of language and linguistic patterns.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse philological evidence with archaeological or anthropological evidence, which are also used in historical studies but not as primary for determining the Aryan homeland.

Explanations: Philological evidence is based on the study of language and linguistic patterns. The Aryan languages, such as Sanskrit, have common linguistic features with other Indo-European languages, suggesting a common origin. By tracing these linguistic similarities, scholars have inferred that the original home of the Aryans was in South Russia/Central Asia. This philological approach provides a strong basis for understanding the migration and origin of the Aryan people.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Philological evidence is the primary basis for identifying the original home of the Aryans.
Option B: Incorrect. Anthropological evidence, while useful, is not the primary basis for determining the Aryan homeland.
Option C: Incorrect. Racial evidence is not a reliable or ethical method for determining the Aryan homeland.
Option D: Incorrect. Archaeological evidence, although important, is not the primary basis for determining the Aryan homeland.

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11 thoughts on “Indian history MCQ - Set 27”

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 27”

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