SSC CGL (Prelims) GK: History questions with solutions

Q1. According to which foreign traveller did the people of Delhi used to write letters containing abuses to the Sultan, so the Sultan decided to shift the capital to punish them?

1. Isami
2. Hasan Nizami
3. Ibn Batuta
4. Al Biruni

Answer: Ibn Batuta

Ibn Batuta described the Delhi Sultanate and mentioned that people of Delhi wrote abusive letters to the Sultan, prompting him to shift the capital. This account is associated with Muhammad bin Tughlaq's rule.

Q2. With reference to the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909, consider the following statements: (a) They are also called the Indian Councils Act, 1909. (b) They increased the strength of Legislative Councils. (c) The right to separate electorates was given to Muslims. Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1. b, c
2. a, b, c
3. c, a
4. a, b

Answer: a, b, c

The Morley-Minto Reforms are indeed the Indian Councils Act, 1909. They expanded the Legislative Councils and introduced separate electorates for Muslims, so all three statements are correct.

Q3. Which Mughal emperor constructed the Red Fort in Delhi?

1. Akbar
2. Babur
3. Shah Jahan
4. Aurangzeb

Answer: Shah Jahan

The Red Fort in Delhi was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. He is well known for patronizing monumental architecture during his reign. The fort was completed in the mid-17th century.

Q4. Which Mughal emperor was known as Zinda Pir or the “Living Saint”?

1. Babur
2. Aurangzeb
3. Shah Jahan
4. Akbar

Answer: Aurangzeb

Aurangzeb was known as Zinda Pir, meaning “Living Saint,” because of his austere and religiously strict lifestyle. This title is commonly associated with him in Mughal history. The other emperors are not known by this epithet.

Q5. Which Indian freedom fighter is associated with the slogan 'Jai Hind'?

1. Jawaharlal Nehru
2. Subhas Chandra Bose
3. Bhagat Singh
4. Lala Lajpat Rai

Answer: Subhas Chandra Bose

'Jai Hind' is widely associated with Subhas Chandra Bose, who used it as a patriotic slogan during the freedom struggle. It became a symbol of national pride.

Q6. Who built the Red Fort in Delhi?

1. Akbar
2. Humayun
3. Shah Jahan
4. Aurangzeb

Answer: Shah Jahan

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

Q7. Which Indian leader was called the ‘Frontier Gandhi’?

1. Lala Lajpat Rai
2. Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan
3. C. Rajagopalachari
4. Bal Gangadhar Tilak

Answer: Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan

Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan was known as the ‘Frontier Gandhi’ for his non-violent struggle in the North-West Frontier region. He was also called Badshah Khan.

Q8. Who founded the Maurya Empire in ancient India?

1. Ashoka
2. Chandragupta Maurya
3. Bindusara
4. Harsha

Answer: Chandragupta Maurya

Chandragupta Maurya founded the Maurya Empire in ancient India. Ashoka was a later ruler of the same dynasty, while Bindusara was Chandragupta's successor.

Q9. Who was the founder of the Mughal Empire in India?

1. Babur
2. Akbar
3. Shah Jahan
4. Aurangzeb

Answer: Babur

Babur founded the Mughal Empire in India after defeating Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526. He established the first Mughal rule in India.

Q10. Who discovered the sea route to India in 1498?

1. Christopher Columbus
2. Vasco da Gama
3. Marco Polo
4. Ferdinand Magellan

Answer: Vasco da Gama

Vasco da Gama discovered the sea route to India in 1498 by reaching Calicut. This was a major event in world history and trade.