Indian History MCQ Questions 2026 – Topic-wise Practice for SSC, UPSC, Railways

The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched in:

1919

1920

1921

1922

💡 Explanation

The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in September 1920 at the Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress.

Which Governor-General introduced the Doctrine of Lapse?

Lord Dalhousie

Lord Wellesley

Lord Cornwallis

Lord Canning

💡 Explanation

Lord Dalhousie introduced the Doctrine of Lapse, by which any princely state without a natural heir would be annexed by the British East India Company.

Who was the last Viceroy of British India?

Lord Mountbatten

Lord Wavell

Lord Linlithgow

Lord Curzon

💡 Explanation

Lord Mountbatten was the last Viceroy of British India (1947). He oversaw the independence and partition of India.

The Quit India Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in which year?

1942

1945

1947

1940

💡 Explanation

The Quit India Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi on August 8, 1942, during the British Raj. The movement demanded an end to British rule in India.

The Indus Valley Civilization is believed to have flourished around which time period?

2500 BCE - 1500 BCE

1500 BCE - 500 BCE

500 BCE - 1000 CE

1000 CE - 1500 CE

💡 Explanation

The Indus Valley Civilization is believed to have flourished around 2500 BCE - 1500 BCE, and is known for its sophisticated urban planning and architecture.

The Battle of Panipat was fought between which two empires in 1761?

Mughal Empire and Maratha Empire

Mughal Empire and British Empire

Maratha Empire and British Empire

Mughal Empire and Sikh Empire

💡 Explanation

The Battle of Panipat was fought between the Mughal Empire and the Maratha Empire in 1761, and resulted in a decisive victory for the Mughal Empire.

The ancient Indian university of Nalanda was located in which state?

Bihar

Uttar Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh

West Bengal

💡 Explanation

The ancient Indian university of Nalanda was located in the state of Bihar, and was a major center of learning and intellectual inquiry in ancient India.

The ancient Indian emperor Ashoka ruled from which city?

Pataliputra

Taxila

Kolkata

Varanasi

💡 Explanation

The ancient Indian emperor Ashoka ruled from the city of Pataliputra, which is now modern-day Patna in the state of Bihar.

The Gupta Empire is known for its:

Military conquests

Economic prosperity

Cultural achievements

All of the above

💡 Explanation

The Gupta Empire is known for its military conquests, economic prosperity, and cultural achievements. It was a period of great progress in science, art, and literature.

The concept of 'Sati' was prevalent in:

Indus Valley Civilization

Vedic Period

Mauryan Empire

Medieval Period

💡 Explanation

The concept of 'Sati' was prevalent in the Medieval Period, particularly during the 10th to 19th centuries. It was the practice of burning a widow on her husband's funeral pyre.

The Delhi Sultanate was founded by:

Qutb-ud-Din Aibak

Iltutmish

Balban

Alauddin Khalji

💡 Explanation

Qutb-ud-Din Aibak, a slave soldier, founded the Delhi Sultanate in 1192. He was a Turkish slave who rose to power and established the first Muslim kingdom in India.

The Mughal Emperor Akbar introduced the system of:

Jizya tax

Zakat

Sati

Din-i-Ilahi

💡 Explanation

Akbar introduced the system of Din-i-Ilahi, a syncretic religion that combined elements of Hinduism, Islam, and other faiths. It was an attempt to create a universal faith for his empire.

The Bhakti Movement was a major development in:

Vedic Period

Mauryan Empire

Gupta Empire

Medieval Period

💡 Explanation

The Bhakti Movement was a major development in the Medieval Period, particularly during the 10th to 16th centuries. It was a movement that emphasized devotion and love for God.

The Maratha Empire was founded by:

Malhar Rao Holkar

Bajirao I

Sambhaji

Shivaji

💡 Explanation

Shivaji, a Maratha warrior, founded the Maratha Empire in 1674. He was a skilled military leader who united various Maratha clans and established a powerful kingdom.

The British East India Company's rule in India began in:

1757

1765

1773

1784

💡 Explanation

The British East India Company's rule in India began in 1765, when the company was granted the diwani of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa by the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II.

The Indian Rebellion of 1857 was also known as:

Sepoy Mutiny

Indian War of Independence

Bhagat Singh Movement

Quit India Movement

💡 Explanation

The Indian Rebellion of 1857 was also known as the Sepoy Mutiny, a major uprising against the British East India Company's rule in India. It was a significant event in Indian history.

The Indian National Congress was formed in:

1885

1890

1905

1915

💡 Explanation

The Indian National Congress was formed in 1885, at the initiative of A.O. Hume, a British civil servant. It was a major nationalist movement that fought for Indian independence.

The Vedic period is characterized by the composition of the Vedas, which are the earliest Indian sacred texts and consist of four main?

Samhitas

Brahmanas

Aranyakas

Upanishads

ancient

💡 Explanation

The four main divisions of the Vedas are the Samhitas, which contain hymns and prayers.

The Mauryan Emperor Ashoka's famous edicts are found on pillars, which helped in the spread of Buddhism throughout the Indian subcontinent during his reign.

Pataliputra

Taxila

Sanchi

Lumbini

ancient

💡 Explanation

The Sanchi Stupa, which contains Ashoka's famous edicts, is a major Buddhist site in India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Mauryan Emperor Chandragupta Maurya was a great patron of the Buddhist philosopher who is said to have founded the school of?

Hinayana

Mahayana

Vaisheshika

Charvaka