Table of Contents
Indian history is a rich tapestry of events, cultures, and people that have shaped the subcontinent over thousands of years. From the ancient Indus Valley Civilization to the struggle for independence and the formation of the modern Indian state, it’s a story worth exploring. In this blog, we have compiled over 100+ General Knowledge (GK) questions and answers on Indian history to test and enhance your knowledge.
Ancient Indian History
Q 1: What is the approximate period of the Indus Valley Civilization?
Ans. 3300-1300 BCE.
Q 2: Who is considered the founder of the Maurya Empire?
Ans. Chandragupta Maurya.
Q 3: Which ancient Indian text is often regarded as the world’s oldest surviving work on medical science?
Ans. Sushruta Samhita.
Q 4: What is the significance of the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath?
Ans. It is an emblem of India and features on the national emblem.
Q 5: Who authored the Arthashastra, an ancient treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy?
Ans. Chanakya (Kautilya).
Medieval Indian History
Q 6: During whose reign did the famous traveler Ibn Battuta visit India?
Ans. Muhammad bin Tughluq.
Q 7: Who was the founder of the Vijayanagara Empire?
Ans. Harihara and Bukka Raya.
Q 8: Which Mughal emperor is known for his efforts to promote religious tolerance through policies like Din-i Ilahi?
Ans. Akbar the Great.
Q 9: What is the significance of the Battle of Plassey in 1757?
Ans. The start of British control in India was signalled by it.
Q 10: Who is known as the ‘Father of Urdu Poetry’ and ‘Mirza Ghalib’?
Ans. Mirza Asadullah Baig Khan.
Modern Indian History
Q 11: Who was the first Governor-General of India after the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857?
Ans. Lord Canning.
Q 12: Who wrote the famous poem “Where the mind is without fear”?
Ans. Rabindranath Tagore.
Q 13: Who was the first President of the Indian National Congress?
Ans. Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee.
Q 14: In which year did India gain independence from British rule?
Ans. 1947.
Q 15: Who was the first woman Prime Minister of India?
Ans. Indira Gandhi.
Post-Independence India
Q 16: Who is known as the “Missile Man of India”?
Ans. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
Q 17: What is the significance of the Green Revolution in India?
Ans. It led to increased agricultural production, especially in the 1960s and 1970s.
Q 18: Who is the architect of India’s economic reforms in 1991?
Ans. Dr. Manmohan Singh.
Q 19: Which Indian state is often referred to as the “Land of Five Rivers”?
Ans. Punjab.
Q 20: What is the role of the Rajya Sabha in the Indian Parliament?
Ans. It represents the states of India in the Parliament.
Cultural and Heritage
Q 21: What is the significance of the Konark Sun Temple?
Ans. It is dedicated to the Sun God and is known for its intricate architecture.
Q 22: Which classical dance form is known for its intricate facial expressions and graceful movements?
Ans. Bharatanatyam.
Q 23: Who composed the Indian national anthem, “Jana Gana Mana”?
Ans. Rabindranath Tagore.
Q 24: Which Indian festival is celebrated by lighting oil lamps and signifies the victory of light over darkness?
Ans. Diwali.
Q 25: What is the oldest language in the Indian subcontinent and the classical language of India?
Ans. Sanskrit.
Famous Personalities
Q 26: Who was known as the “Father of the Nation” in India?
Ans. Mahatma Gandhi.
Q 27: Who was India’s first woman Prime Minister?
Ans. Indira Gandhi.
Q 28: Who was the first woman to climb Mount Everest from India?
Ans. Bachendri Pal.
Q 29: Who is the founder of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)?
Ans. Dr. Vikram Sarabhai.
Q 30: Who is known as the “Nightingale of India”?
Ans. Sarojini Naidu.
Revolt of 1857 (First War of Independence)
Q 31: Who was the last Mughal emperor of India and a key figure in the Indian Rebellion of 1857?
Ans. Bahadur Shah II (Bahadur Shah Zafar).
Q 32: Which city is often considered the epicenter of the 1857 revolt?
Ans. Meerut.
Q 33: Who was the leader of the Rani of Jhansi Regiment during the 1857 revolt?
Ans. Rani Lakshmibai.
Q 34: Which incident triggered the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857?
Ans. The use of animal fat on cartridges.
Q 35: Who played a pivotal role in leading the revolt in Bihar during the 1857 uprising?
Ans. Kunwar Singh.
Freedom Fighters
Q 36: Who was a prominent leader of the Indian National Army (INA) and known as “Netaji”?
Ans. Subhas Chandra Bose.
Q 37: Which leader is often referred to as the “Iron Man of India” for his role in the integration of princely states?
Ans. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Q 38: Who was the first woman President of the Indian National Congress and a prominent freedom fighter?
Ans. Annie Besant.
Q 39: Who was a renowned poet and freedom fighter known for his poem “Sarfaroshi ki Tamanna”?
Ans. Ram Prasad Bismil.
Q 40: Which leader was the driving force behind the formation of the Indian National Army (INA) during World War II?
Ans. Captain Mohan Singh.
Landmarks and Monuments
Q 41: What is the historical significance of the Red Fort in Delhi?
Ans. It was the main residence of the Mughal emperors for over 200 years.
Q 42: Which world-famous monument is located in Agra and was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal?
Ans. The Taj Mahal.
Q 43: Which ancient rock-cut caves, located in Maharashtra, represent one of the most prominent examples of Indian rock-cut architecture?
Ans. Ajanta and Ellora Caves.
Q 44: What is the name of the historical stepwell in Gujarat known for its intricate architecture and design?
Ans. Rani Ki Vav.
Q 45: Which UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tamil Nadu is known for its stunning Dravidian architecture?
Ans. Mahabalipuram.
Independence Movements
Q 46: What was the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, and in which year did it occur?
Ans. A brutal massacre of Indian civilians by British troops in Amritsar in 1919.
Q 47: Who was the leader of the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Salt March?
Ans. Mahatma Gandhi.
Q 48: What is the significance of the Dandi March?
Ans. It was a 240-mile march to produce salt from the sea in defiance of the British salt monopoly.
Q 49: Who were the three prominent leaders who signed the ‘Gandhi-Irwin Pact’ in 1931?
Ans. Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, and Lord Irwin.
Q 50: What was the famous slogan associated with the Quit India Movement of 1942?
Ans. “Do or Die.”
Indian States and their History
Q 51: Which Indian state was known as the ‘Land of Kings’ and is famous for its historic palaces and forts?
Ans. Rajasthan.
Q 52: Which northeastern state of India was once known as ‘Assam Valley’ and is famous for its tea plantations?
Ans. Assam.
Q 53: What is the historical significance of the Golconda Fort in Hyderabad?
Ans. It was a medieval fortress known for its diamond mines.
Q 54: Which state is known as the ‘Spice Garden of India’ due to its historic spice trade?
Ans. Kerala.
Q 55: In which state is the ancient city of Hampi, once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, located?
Ans. Karnataka.
Indian Freedom Struggles
Q 56: Who was the leader of the Swaraj Party and the first woman to become the President of the Indian National Congress?
Ans. Annie Besant.
Q 57: What is the significance of the ‘Champaran Satyagraha’ in 1917?
Ans. It was one of Mahatma Gandhi’s first major movements in India against the British, focusing on the issues faced by indigo farmers.
Q 58: Who was the first Indian to be posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award for bravery?
Ans. Khudadad Khan.
Q59: Which freedom fighter and social reformer is known for his efforts to eradicate the practice of untouchability?
Ans. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Q 60: What was the Rowlatt Act, and how did it impact India’s struggle for independence?
Ans. It allowed for the arrest and detention of Indians without trial and led to widespread protests.
Indian Literature and Arts
Q 61: Who wrote the famous epic poem, the ‘Ramayana’?
Ans. Valmiki.
Q 62: Which ancient Indian art form involves the intricate folding of paper to create various shapes and designs?
Ans. Origami.
Q 63: Who is known as the “Father of Indian Cinema” for making India’s first full-length feature film, ‘Raja Harishchandra’?
Ans. Dadasaheb Phalke.
Q 64: What is the name of the ancient Indian text on performing arts, including dance, music, and drama?
Ans. Natya Shastra.
Q 65: Who is the author of the famous novel ‘The Guide,’ which was also made into a Bollywood film?
Ans. R.K. Narayan.
Indian Wars and Conflicts
Q 66: What is the significance of the Battle of Panipat, fought in 1526?
Ans. It marked the beginning of Mughal rule in India.
Q 67: Who led the Indian National Army (INA) during World War II against British forces?
Ans. Subhas Chandra Bose.
Q 68: What was the outcome of the Kargil War, fought between India and Pakistan in 1999?
Ans. India successfully reclaimed territory infiltrated by Pakistani forces.
Q 69: Which war led to the liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistan in 1971?
Ans. The Bangladesh Liberation War.
Q 70: In which year did the India-China war occur, primarily over a border dispute in the Himalayas?
Ans. 1962.
Indian Philosophical and Religious Contributions
Q 71: Who is the founder of Buddhism, one of India’s major religions?
Ans. Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha).
Q 72: What is the ancient Indian system of medicine and healing that emphasizes natural remedies and holistic well-being?
Ans. Ayurveda.
Q 73: Which ancient Indian text is considered the foundational work of yoga philosophy?
Ans. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
Q 74: Who is the founder of Sikhism and the first Guru of the Sikhs?
Ans. Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Q 75: What is the holy river that is considered sacred in Hinduism and plays a significant role in the religion’s rituals and beliefs?
Ans. The Ganges (Ganga).
Famous Indian Scientists and Innovations
Q 76: Who was the Indian mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of number theory, including the discovery of the ‘infinite series’?
Ans. Srinivasa Ramanujan.
Q 77: What is the name of the Indian space probe that successfully reached Mars in 2013?
Ans. Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan).
Q 78: Who is the Indian scientist and former President of India who played a key role in the development of India’s nuclear program?
Ans. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
Q 79: What is the name of the Indian mathematician who introduced the concept of ‘zero’ and ‘decimal system’ to the world?
Ans. Aryabhata.
Q 80: Which Indian space scientist is known for his contributions to the development of India’s satellite program, including the successful launch of the ‘Aryabhata’ satellite?
Ans. U.R. Rao.
Indian Traditions and Festivals
Q 81: What is the significance of the festival of Holi?
Ans. It is the festival of colors and marks the triumph of good over evil.
Q 82: Which religious festival celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna and involves activities like ‘Dahi Handi’?
Ans. Janmashtami.
Q 83: What is the traditional Indian art of applying henna designs on the skin, often practiced during weddings and festivals?
Ans. Mehndi.
Q 84: What is the name of the traditional Indian system of architecture, design, and spatial arrangement?
Ans. Vastu Shastra.
Q 85: In which state of India is the Hornbill Festival celebrated to showcase the cultural diversity of the indigenous tribes?
Ans. Nagaland.
Historical Landmarks in India
Q 86: What is the historical significance of the Qutub Minar in Delhi?
Ans. It is the world’s tallest brick minaret and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Q 87: Which ancient university, dating back to around 427 CE, is considered one of the oldest centers of learning in the world?
Ans. Nalanda University.
Q 88: What is the name of the famous marble rock formation in Madhya Pradesh, often referred to as the “Marble Rocks”?
Ans. Bhedaghat Marble Rocks.
Q 89: What is the historical significance of the Elephanta Caves, located on an island near Mumbai?
Ans. They contain rock-cut temples and sculptures dating back to the 5th century.
Q 90: In which city is the India Gate, a war memorial, and an important landmark dedicated to Indian soldiers who died in World War I?
Ans. New Delhi.
Indian Political Figures
Q 91: Who was India’s first female Prime Minister and served as Prime Minister for a total of 15 years?
Ans. Indira Gandhi.
Q 92: Who is known as the “Architect of the Indian Constitution” and served as the chairman of the drafting committee?
Ans. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Q 93: Who was India’s first Vice President and second President, often regarded as the “Scholar President”?
Ans. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
Q 94: Who is known as the “Iron Lady of India” and was the first female Chief Minister of an Indian state?
Ans. Smt. Sucheta Kriplani.
Q 95: Who was the principal leader of the Indian independence movement in the state of Andhra Pradesh and served as the Chief Minister of the state?
Ans. Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu.
Historical Agreements and Documents
Q 96: What was the Simon Commission, and why did it become a subject of protest in India?
Ans. The Simon Commission was a group of British politicians sent to India to examine and report on constitutional reform. It faced protest in India because it did not include any Indian members.
Q 97: What is the significance of the Treaty of Sugauli, signed in 1815 between the British East India Company and the Kingdom of Nepal?
Ans. The treaty led to territorial changes in favor of the British, including the cession of significant areas by Nepal to the British.
Q 98: Which document, written by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930, declared the intention of the Indian National Congress to begin the civil disobedience campaign against British rule?
Ans. The Dandi March Declaration or the Salt Satyagraha Declaration.
Q 99: What is the Preamble to the Indian Constitution, and what does it signify?
Ans. The Preamble is an introductory statement that outlines the objectives and guiding principles of the Indian Constitution, including justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Q 100: In which year was the historic “Poona Pact” signed between Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi, relating to the political representation of Dalits?
Ans. 1932.
Indian Dynasties and Rulers
Q 101: Who was the founder of the Gupta Empire, known for the “Golden Age” of India?
Ans. Chandragupta I.
Q 102: Which Mughal ruler was known for his efforts to promote religious tolerance and was a patron of art and culture?
Ans. Akbar the Great.
Q 103: Who was the Maratha warrior king and the founder of the Maratha Empire in India?
Ans. Chhatrapati Shivaji.
Q 104: Who was the last ruler of the Mughal Empire and a prominent figure during the Indian Rebellion of 1857?
Ans. Bahadur Shah II (Bahadur Shah Zafar).
Q 105: Who was the first emperor of the Maurya Dynasty and a contemporary of Alexander the Great?
Ans. Chandragupta Maurya.
