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

The Battle of Plassey took place in the year:

Easy

💡 Explanation

The Battle of Plassey took place on June 23, 1757, between the British East India Company and Siraj-ud-Daula, the ruler of Bengal. It marked the beginning of British rule in India.

The ancient Indian emperor Ashoka ruled from which city?

Medium

💡 Explanation

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

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

Medium

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

Medium

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

Medium

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

Medium

💡 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.

Who was the last Viceroy of British India?

Medium

💡 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 in which year?

Easy

💡 Explanation

Mahatma Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement on 8 August 1942 during World War II, demanding an end to British rule in India.

The Indian National Congress was founded in:

Easy

💡 Explanation

The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded on 28 December 1885 by A.O. Hume, Dadabhai Naoroji, and Dinshaw Wacha.

Which Mughal emperor built the Taj Mahal?

Easy

💡 Explanation

The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1632 and 1653 in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place in which year?

Easy

💡 Explanation

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred on April 13, 1919, when British troops under General Reginald Dyer fired on a peaceful gathering.

Which Governor-General introduced the Doctrine of Lapse?

Medium

💡 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.

The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched in:

Medium

💡 Explanation

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

Who founded the Maurya Empire?

Easy

💡 Explanation

Chandragupta Maurya founded the Maurya Empire around 322 BCE with the help of his advisor Chanakya (Kautilya).

The Indus Valley Civilization is also known as:

Easy

💡 Explanation

The Indus Valley Civilization is also called the Harappan Civilization, named after Harappa — one of its major sites discovered first.

Who gave the slogan "Tum Mujhe Khoon Do, Main Tumhe Azadi Dunga"?

Easy

💡 Explanation

This famous slogan was given by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose to inspire Indians to fight for independence.

The Battle of Plassey (1757) was fought between:

Easy

💡 Explanation

The Battle of Plassey was fought on 23 June 1757 between the British East India Company (led by Robert Clive) and Siraj ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal.

Who was the first Governor-General of India after independence?

Easy

💡 Explanation

Lord Mountbatten was the first Governor-General of independent India (1947–48), followed by C. Rajagopalachari.