Question 1

Based on the statements given below, choose the correct option: Statement I: Gandhara art was influenced by Greco-Roman styles. Statement II: Gandhara sculptures avoided depicting human figures.

Accepted Answer

Only statement I is correct. Gandhara art was strongly influenced by Greco-Roman or Hellenistic styles. The second statement is incorrect because Gandhara sculptures did depict human figures, especially the Buddha in human form.

Question 2

Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar is best remembered for his role in:

Accepted Answer

Reforming widow remarriage laws. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was a prominent social reformer who strongly advocated widow remarriage in 19th-century India. His efforts helped lead to the Hindu Widows' Remarriage Act of 1856.

Question 3

Arrange the following Mughal rulers chronologically from earliest to latest: 1. Jahangir 2. Babur 3. Shah Jahan 4. Humayun

Accepted Answer

2 - 4 - 1 - 3. The Mughal rulers in order are Babur, Humayun, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan. Matching the given numbers gives 2 - 4 - 1 - 3.

Question 4

The rock-cut temples at Mahabalipuram were primarily patronized by which dynasty?

Accepted Answer

Pallavas. Mahabalipuram, also called Mamallapuram, was a major center of art and architecture under the Pallavas. They patronized the rock-cut temples and monolithic structures there.

Question 5

Determine the correctly matched Chola administrative term with its meaning.

Accepted Answer

Urar – village assembly. Urar refers to the village assembly in the Chola administrative system. The other terms are associated with taxes or gifts, not the village assembly. Hence, the correctly matched pair is Urar – village assembly.

Question 6

What defensive feature was used in Rajput forts to protect gates from battering by enemy war elephants?

Accepted Answer

Iron spikes embedded on fort gates. Rajput forts often used iron spikes on gates to prevent war elephants from breaking them down. These spikes made it difficult for elephants to ram the gates effectively. Hence, the correct answer is Iron spikes embedded on fort gates.

Question 7

What role did Bairam Khan play in Akbar’s early reign?

Accepted Answer

Military regent and guardian. Bairam Khan served as Akbar’s regent and guardian during the early years of the emperor’s reign. He also led military affairs and helped stabilize Mughal authority.

Question 8

What was the diplomatic outcome of Chandragupta Maurya’s treaty with Seleucus I?

Accepted Answer

Territorial exchange and marriage alliance. Chandragupta Maurya’s treaty with Seleucus I resulted in territorial adjustments and a marriage alliance. This agreement also helped establish friendly relations between the Mauryas and the Seleucids.

Question 9

In the agrarian system of the Vijayanagara Empire, which factor was a key constraint that rulers tried to address through the construction of tanks and canals?

Accepted Answer

Irregular water supply for irrigation. The Vijayanagara rulers invested in tanks and canals to improve irrigation and manage the irregular availability of water. This helped expand agriculture in a region where dependable water supply was a major constraint.

Question 10

Humayun's Tomb in Delhi is mainly constructed using:

Accepted Answer

Marble and red sandstone. Humayun's Tomb is a Mughal monument built mainly with red sandstone and marble. This combination is typical of grand Mughal architecture in Delhi.

Question 11

Arrange the following monuments in chronological order, from earliest to latest:

Accepted Answer

Qutub Minar -> Humayun’s Tomb -> Taj Mahal. Qutub Minar was begun in the early 13th century, Humayun’s Tomb was built in the 16th century, and the Taj Mahal was completed in the 17th century. Therefore, the correct chronological order is Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, then Taj Mahal.

Question 12

Which pair is correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Lord Dalhousie – Doctrine of Lapse. Lord Dalhousie is correctly associated with the Doctrine of Lapse, which was used to annex Indian states. The other pairs are incorrect because the Vernacular Press Act is linked to Lord Lytton, Subsidiary Alliance to Lord Wellesley, and Permanent Settlement to Lord Cornwallis.

Question 13

Which battle marked the final defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan?

Accepted Answer

Second Battle of Tarain. Prithviraj Chauhan suffered his final defeat in the Second Battle of Tarain. This battle in 1192 was a turning point in medieval Indian history.

Question 14

Assertion (A): The Gupta period is often referred to as the Golden Age of Indian art. Reason (R): Extensive temple architecture and refined sculpture developed during this period.

Accepted Answer

Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.. The Gupta period saw remarkable progress in art, sculpture, and early temple architecture. These achievements justify calling it the Golden Age of Indian art. Thus, both statements are true and the reason explains the assertion.

Question 15

Arrange the Mughal emperors in chronological order of their reign:

Accepted Answer

Akbar – Jahangir – Shah Jahan. Akbar ruled first among these three, followed by Jahangir, and then Shah Jahan. This is the correct chronological order of their reigns.

Question 16

Fill in the blank: The Rowlatt Act of 1919 authorised the government to _____.

Accepted Answer

Detain individuals without trial. The Rowlatt Act of 1919 gave the government powers to arrest and detain people without trial. It was widely opposed because it curtailed civil liberties.

Question 17

Consider the following statements about early medieval political struggles in northern India: Statement I: The Gurjara-Pratiharas, Palas and Rashtrakutas competed for dominance over Kanauj. Statement II: The Palas were mainly centred in the Bengal region. Which of the statements given abov

Accepted Answer

Both Statement I and II. The Tripartite Struggle involved the Gurjara-Pratiharas, Palas, and Rashtrakutas competing for control of Kanauj. The Palas were primarily based in Bengal, so both statements are correct.

Question 18

Consider the following statements regarding the Red Fort in Delhi: 1. It was commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. 2. The Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas are located inside the complex. 3. It was constructed during the reign of Aurangzeb. Which of the statements given above is/are co

Accepted Answer

1 and 2 only. The Red Fort was commissioned by Shah Jahan, and the Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas are inside the complex. It was not constructed during Aurangzeb's reign, so statement 3 is incorrect.

Question 19

Consider the following statements: Statement 1. Jalal-ud-din Khalji was the founder of the Khalji Dynasty. Statement 2. The Tughlaq dynasty was established immediately after the end of the Slave Dynasty. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only 1. Jalal-ud-din Khalji was indeed the founder of the Khalji Dynasty. However, the Tughlaq dynasty did not follow immediately after the Slave Dynasty; the Khalji dynasty came in between. Therefore, only Statement 1 is correct.

Question 20

Which Sultan of Delhi is credited with introducing the 'True Arch' and 'True Dome' into the architectural landscape of the Indian subcontinent?

Accepted Answer

Ghiyasuddin Balban. Ghiyasuddin Balban is credited with introducing the true arch and true dome in Indian architecture during the Delhi Sultanate period. These were important innovations in Indo-Islamic architecture.

Question 21

Alauddin Khalji's market control policy was primarily aimed at:

Accepted Answer

Maintaining a large standing army at low costs. Alauddin Khalji controlled market prices so that soldiers could be paid lower salaries while still affording necessities. This helped him maintain a large standing army at low cost.

Question 22

In the traditional accounts of Vijayanagara, who were referred to as narapati or "lord of men"?

Accepted Answer

Rayas. In Vijayanagara sources, narapati or 'lord of men' referred to the rulers, known as Rayas. The term highlights their royal authority in the empire.

Question 23

Which of the following best describes the role and personality traits of Shaheed Kanhu and Sidhu Murmu during the Santhal Rebellion of 1855?

Accepted Answer

Visionary tribal leaders who united the Santhal community to resist exploitation with courage and strategic acumen. Kanhu and Sidhu Murmu were the principal leaders of the Santhal Rebellion of 1855. They mobilized the Santhal community against exploitation by landlords, moneylenders, and the colonial administration. Their role is best described as courageous tribal leadership with organized resistance.

Question 24

Thakkar Bapa was a dedicated social worker and freedom fighter primarily known for his lifelong efforts toward the upliftment and welfare of which section of Indian society?

Accepted Answer

Tribal (Adivasi) communities. Thakkar Bapa is remembered for his extensive work among tribal and backward communities in India. He devoted his life to their education, health, and social upliftment. Hence, the correct answer is tribal (Adivasi) communities.

Question 25

What was the role of the India Council established by the Government of India Act, 1858?

Accepted Answer

To advise the Secretary of State. The Government of India Act, 1858 transferred power from the East India Company to the British Crown and created the office of the Secretary of State for India. The India Council was formed to assist and advise the Secretary of State in administration. It did not represent Indian opinion or handle trade or courts.

Question 26

The trio of Binoy, Badal, and Dinesh are remembered for their daring armed attack on which building, a symbol of British administration in Calcutta?

Accepted Answer

Writers' Building. Binoy, Badal, and Dinesh are known for attacking the Writers' Building in Calcutta, which was a major symbol of British administration. This event is associated with the revolutionary movement in Bengal.

Question 27

Rani Gaidinliu is best known for her leadership in which movement?

Accepted Answer

Joined the Heraka movement against British missionaries. Rani Gaidinliu was a Naga spiritual and political leader associated with the Heraka movement. She opposed British rule and missionary influence among the tribal communities of Northeast India.

Question 28

Who among the following is not a disciple of Buddha?

Accepted Answer

Susima. Ananda, Upali, and Sariputta are known disciples of Buddha. Susima is not counted among Buddha’s disciples, so he is the correct answer.

Question 29

In historical texts, Baji Rao I is popularly referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Baji Rao Ballal. Baji Rao I, the famous Maratha Peshwa, is popularly referred to as Baji Rao Ballal in historical texts. The other options do not match his commonly used historical name.

Question 30

What was one major provision introduced by the Pitt's India Act of 1784 concerning the Court of Directors?

Accepted Answer

It made them accountable to the British Government in civil/military affairs.. The Pitt's India Act of 1784 created a system of dual control, where the Court of Directors continued to manage commercial affairs but came under British government supervision in political and military matters. This reduced the East India Company's independent power.

Question 31

In the Rigveda, what term is used for a collection of hymns?

Accepted Answer

Suktas. In the Rigveda, hymns are called suktas. The Rigveda is a collection of such hymns dedicated to various deities.

Question 32

In the context of medieval Islamic taxation, what did Khums refer to?

Accepted Answer

One-fifth of war booty and hidden wealth. Khums was a tax equal to one-fifth of certain gains, especially war booty and hidden treasure or wealth. It was part of Islamic fiscal practice in the medieval period.

Question 33

Alluri Sitarama Raju led the Rampa Rebellion in the 1920s, mobilizing tribal communities against British rule. He primarily operated in which modern-day Indian state?

Accepted Answer

Andhra Pradesh. Alluri Sitarama Raju led the Rampa Rebellion in the agency areas of the Godavari region. This region lies in present-day Andhra Pradesh.

Question 34

Identify the tribal leader who led the Kol Revolt (1831–1832) in Chotanagpur against British exploitation.

Accepted Answer

Budhu Bhagat. Budhu Bhagat was a key leader of the Kol Revolt in Chotanagpur. He resisted British exploitation and mobilized tribal communities against colonial oppression.

Question 35

Which among the following was NOT a Mughal provincial capital?

Accepted Answer

Bidar. Lahore, Allahabad, and Ajmer were important Mughal provincial capitals or administrative centers. Bidar was associated with the Deccan Sultanates and later regional powers, not as a Mughal provincial capital.

Question 36

Which of the following Mughal emperors was responsible for the construction of the Red Fort in Delhi?

Accepted Answer

Shah Jahan. The Red Fort in Delhi was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. He is well known for patronizing grand architecture during his reign.

Question 37

Read the statements below labeled as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Select the appropriate option: Assertion (A): Humayun’s Tomb marked the first significant Mughal garden tomb and served as a direct model for the Taj Mahal’s architecture. Reason (R): It pioneered the charbagh garden design

Accepted Answer

Both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A. Humayun’s Tomb is widely regarded as the first major Mughal garden tomb and a precursor to the Taj Mahal. The reason is also true because it introduced features like charbagh planning and a double-domed structure, which explain why it became a model for later Mughal architecture.

Question 38

Which ancient Indian ruler's governance was characterized by a strongly centralized administrative framework?

Accepted Answer

Chandragupta Maurya. Chandragupta Maurya’s शासन was marked by a strong centralized administration, especially under the guidance of Kautilya. The Mauryan state had a well-organized bureaucracy and direct control over key functions.

SSC CGL (Prelims) General: History questions with solutions

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