Indian history MCQ – Change your future

21. Which Pala ruler founded the famous Vikramashila University for the Buddhists'?

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

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Dharmapala was a significant ruler of the Pala dynasty who made substantial contributions to the cultural and educational landscape of his time.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse Dharmapala with other Pala rulers such as Devapala or Mahipala, who were also known for their patronage of learning and culture.

Explanations: Dharmapala, a prominent ruler of the Pala dynasty, is credited with founding the Vikramashila University. This institution was a major center of Buddhist learning and attracted scholars from across the region. Dharmapala's patronage of education and culture was a hallmark of his reign, making Vikramashila a significant contribution to the Buddhist tradition.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Devapala was a notable ruler but is not associated with the founding of Vikramashila University.
Option B: Mahipala was a later ruler and is not credited with founding Vikramashila University.
Option C: Dharmapala is the correct answer as he founded Vikramashila University.
Option D: Gopala was the founder of the Pala dynasty but not associated with Vikramashila University.

Mnemonic: D for Dharmapala, D for Dharmic learning.

22. At which place among these the rows of distinctive fire altars with provision of ritual bathing have been found?

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

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, Archaeology Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Kalibangan is known for its distinctive fire altars and provision for ritual bathing, which are significant archaeological findings.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse the archaeological sites and their specific findings, leading to incorrect selection.

Explanations: Kalibangan, an important site of the Indus Valley Civilization, has yielded evidence of rows of fire altars and provisions for ritual bathing. These findings are unique to Kalibangan and are not as prominently documented in other sites like Harappa, Mohen-jo-daro, or Lothal. The presence of these altars and bathing facilities indicates the religious and ritualistic practices of the inhabitants of Kalibangan.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Harappa does not have the same distinctive rows of fire altars and ritual bathing provisions as Kalibangan.
Option B: Kalibangan is the correct site where these distinctive features have been found.
Option C: Mohen-jo-daro, while an important site, does not have the same specific findings as Kalibangan.
Option D: Lothal, another significant site, does not have the same distinctive rows of fire altars and ritual bathing provisions as Kalibangan.

Mnemonic: Fire Altars, Ritual Bath, Kalibangan

23. According to whom, "English education had enslaved Indians"?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Mahatma Gandhi.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Mahatma Gandhi believed that English education had enslaved Indians by creating a dependency on British knowledge and culture, undermining traditional Indian values and education systems.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse the views of different leaders or misattribute statements about education and colonialism.

Explanations: Mahatma Gandhi was a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement who criticized the British education system for its role in perpetuating colonial control. He argued that English education had created a class of Indians who were alienated from their own culture and traditions, leading to a form of mental enslavement. This view was part of his broader critique of colonialism and his advocacy for self-reliance and swaraj (self-rule).

Option Analysis:

Option A: Rabindranath Tagore, while critical of colonial education, did not specifically state that English education had enslaved Indians.
Option B: Mahatma Gandhi explicitly criticized English education for its role in enslaving Indians.
Option C: Subhas Chandra Bose was more focused on political independence and did not make this specific statement about education.
Option D: Aacharya Vinoba Bhave was a Gandhian and social reformer, but the specific statement about English education enslaving Indians is attributed to Gandhi.

Mnemonic: Gandhi's Grip: English Education's Enslavement

24. Land revenue was

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) 1/3.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, Competitive History Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Land revenue was historically a significant source of income for rulers and was often fixed at a specific fraction of the total produce or value of the land.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse the fraction with other common fractions used in historical contexts, such as 1/4 or 1/2.

Explanations: In historical contexts, land revenue was often set at 1/3 of the produce or value of the land. This fraction was a common practice in many historical systems of taxation, ensuring a stable and predictable income for the ruling authority.

Option Analysis:

Option A: 1/5 is not the correct fraction for land revenue in this context.
Option B: 1/3 is the correct fraction for land revenue in this context.
Option C: 1/4 is not the correct fraction for land revenue in this context.
Option D: 1/2 is not the correct fraction for land revenue in this context.

25. Nirvana

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) State of perfect peace.

Exam Relevance: SAT, ACT, AP World History, AP Religious Studies

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Nirvana is a term used in Buddhism and Hinduism to describe a state of perfect peace and enlightenment.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse Nirvana with the rock band or a city state in India.

Explanations: Nirvana is a spiritual concept in Eastern religions, particularly Buddhism and Hinduism, representing a state of perfect peace, bliss, and liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth. This state is achieved through spiritual practices and enlightenment.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Nirvana is not a band in this context.
Option B: Correct, Nirvana refers to a state of perfect peace in spiritual contexts.
Option C: Nirvana is not a city state in India.
Option D: Nirvana is not Buddha's nickname.

Mnemonic: Nirvana: No more pain, all is in peace.

26. When Ala-ud-din Khilji forbade his nobles the use of wine, intimate relations and abundance of wealth, and confiscated their endowments and inams, he aimed at

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Preventing the treachery of nobles.

Exam Relevance: UPSC Civil Services, SSC CGL, History Competitive Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Ala-ud-din Khilji's actions were aimed at consolidating his power and ensuring loyalty among his nobles.

Common Mistakes: Students may mistakenly believe that the primary goal was to gather more wealth for the king or to set an example for his Hindu subjects.

Explanations: Ala-ud-din Khilji's measures to forbid his nobles from using wine, engaging in intimate relations, and accumulating wealth, along with the confiscation of their endowments and inams, were strategic moves to prevent them from becoming too powerful or disloyal. By limiting their resources and personal freedoms, he aimed to reduce the risk of treachery and ensure their continued allegiance to him.

Option Analysis:

Option A: This option is incorrect because the primary goal was not to gather more wealth for himself, but to control the nobles.
Option B: This option is incorrect because enhancing the king's dignity was not the main objective of these measures.
Option C: This option is correct because the measures were aimed at preventing the nobles from becoming disloyal or plotting against the king.
Option D: This option is incorrect because setting an example for Hindu subjects was not the primary intention of these actions.

27. Buddhism became widely accepted and spread throughout Asia after the conversion of Emperor:

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

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Emperor Ashoka played a pivotal role in the spread of Buddhism throughout Asia.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse Ashoka with other historical figures who were also influential in Indian history.

Explanations: Emperor Ashoka, who ruled the Maurya Empire in the 3rd century BCE, converted to Buddhism after the Kalinga War. His conversion led to the widespread dissemination of Buddhist teachings and practices throughout his empire and beyond. Ashoka's support for Buddhism included the construction of stupas, the establishment of monasteries, and the sending of missionaries to other regions, which significantly contributed to the religion's expansion.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Harasha was a later ruler and not directly associated with the initial spread of Buddhism.
Option B: Ashoka's conversion and subsequent support for Buddhism led to its widespread acceptance and spread.
Option C: Porus was a contemporary of Alexander the Great and not involved in the spread of Buddhism.
Option D: Chandragupta Maurya was Ashoka's grandfather and did not convert to Buddhism.

Mnemonic: A for Ashoka, A for Asia

28. Who founded the Khilji dynasty?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Jalal ud din Firoz Khilji.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Civil Services

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Jalal ud din Firoz Khilji is recognized as the founder of the Khilji dynasty in India.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse Jalal ud din Firoz Khilji with Alauddin Khilji, who was a prominent ruler of the dynasty but not its founder.

Explanations: Jalal ud din Firoz Khilji established the Khilji dynasty by overthrowing the last ruler of the Slave dynasty, Muiz ud din Qaiqabad, in 1290 CE. He was the first ruler of the Khilji dynasty, thus making him the founder.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Jalal ud din Firoz Khilji is the founder of the Khilji dynasty.
Option B: Incorrect. Alauddin Khilji was a prominent ruler of the Khilji dynasty but not its founder.
Option C: Incorrect. Kaikubad was a ruler of the Slave dynasty, not the Khilji dynasty.
Option D: Incorrect. Malik Kafur was a general under Alauddin Khilji and not the founder of the Khilji dynasty.

Mnemonic: Jalal Firoz, Khilji's Start

29. ..... was the first Afghan Lodi ruler.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Bahlul Lodi.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, History Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Bahlul Lodi was the first Afghan Lodi ruler of the Delhi Sultanate.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse Bahlul Lodi with his successors, such as Sikandar Lodi or Ibrahim Lodi.

Explanations: Bahlul Lodi established the Lodi dynasty in 1451 and was the first Afghan ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. He was succeeded by his son Sikandar Lodi and later by his grandson Ibrahim Lodi. Therefore, Bahlul Lodi is recognized as the first Afghan Lodi ruler.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Sikandar Lodi was the second Afghan Lodi ruler, not the first.
Option B: Ibrahim Lodi was the last Afghan Lodi ruler, not the first.
Option C: Bahlul Lodi was the first Afghan Lodi ruler, establishing the dynasty in 1451.
Option D: This option is incorrect as Bahlul Lodi is the correct answer.

Mnemonic: B for Bahlul, the Beginning of the Lodi dynasty.

30. What did Akbar study and was also a fan of?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) The arts.

Exam Relevance: History exams, World History exams, Indian History exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Akbar, the Mughal emperor, was known for his interest in the arts, including painting, music, and architecture.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse Akbar's interests with his religious policies or his study of ancient literature.

Explanations: Akbar was a patron of the arts and encouraged the development of various artistic forms during his reign. He was particularly interested in painting and music, which flourished under his patronage. This makes the arts a significant area of his study and interest.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Snakes are not a known area of study or interest for Akbar.
Option B: While Akbar did have an interest in literature, it was not his primary focus compared to the arts.
Option C: Akbar was a patron of the arts, which includes painting, music, and architecture.
Option D: Religious policy was an important aspect of his rule, but it was not his primary area of study or interest.

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11 thoughts on “Indian history MCQ - Set 3”

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 3”

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