Exams › SSC CGL (Prelims) › GK › Indian History
21 questions with worked solutions.
Q1. Which of the following rulers founded the Maurya Empire?
Answer: Chandragupta Maurya
The Maurya Empire was founded by Chandragupta Maurya with the guidance of Chanakya. Bindusara and Ashoka were later Mauryan rulers, while Bimbisara belonged to the Haryanka dynasty. Hence, Chandragupta Maurya is correct.
Q2. Which Indian freedom fighter is popularly known as 'Punjab Kesari'?
Answer: Lala Lajpat Rai
Lala Lajpat Rai was popularly known as 'Punjab Kesari' for his fearless nationalist activities. He was a major leader in the Indian freedom struggle.
Q3. Who was the founder of the Gupta Dynasty?
Answer: Chandragupta I
Chandragupta I is regarded as the founder of the Gupta Dynasty. Samudragupta was his son and one of the greatest Gupta rulers.
Q4. Which of the following is a Harappan site located in present-day Gujarat?
Answer: Lothal
Lothal is a well-known Harappan site in present-day Gujarat. It is especially famous for its dockyard, which suggests trade and maritime activity.
Q5. Which one of the following freedom fighters is associated with the slogan 'Do or Die'?
Answer: Mahatma Gandhi
The slogan 'Do or Die' is associated with Mahatma Gandhi during the Quit India Movement. It became a powerful call for Indians to resist British rule.
Q6. In which year was the Quit India Movement launched?
Answer: 1942
The Quit India Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1942. It was a major mass movement against British rule.
Q7. Which Mughal emperor built the Red Fort in Delhi?
Answer: Shah Jahan
The Red Fort in Delhi was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. He also founded Shahjahanabad, the old city of Delhi, and is known for major architectural projects.
Q8. In which year did India gain independence?
Answer: 1947
India gained independence from British rule on 15 August 1947. This is the standard historical year associated with Indian independence.
Q9. Which Mughal ruler was known for his policy of religious tolerance?
Answer: Akbar
Akbar is known for his policy of religious tolerance and the principle of Sulh-i-Kul, meaning peace with all. He encouraged dialogue among different religions and reduced discrimination based on faith.
Q10. Who was the founder of the Maurya Empire?
Answer: Chandragupta Maurya
Chandragupta Maurya founded the Maurya Empire. Ashoka and Bindusara were later rulers, while Chanakya was the chief advisor who helped him.
Q11. Which Indian leader gave the slogan 'Do or Die'?
Answer: Mahatma Gandhi
The slogan 'Do or Die' is associated with Mahatma Gandhi during the Quit India Movement. It became a powerful call for Indians to fight for independence.
Q12. In which state is the famous Sanchi Stupa located?
Answer: Madhya Pradesh
The Sanchi Stupa is located at Sanchi near Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the most important Buddhist monuments in India.
Q13. Who is known as the ‘Father of the Nation’ in India?
Answer: Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi is known as the ‘Father of the Nation’ in India because of his central role in the freedom struggle and his leadership of non-violent movements. The other options are also important national leaders, but not associated with this title.
Q14. In which year did India gain independence?
Answer: 1947
India gained independence from British rule on 15 August 1947. This is a standard fact from Indian history.
Q15. Who is known as the Iron Man of India?
Answer: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is known as the Iron Man of India for his strong leadership and his role in unifying the country after independence.
Q16. Who composed the Indian national song \u2018Vande Mataram\u2019?
Answer: Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
Vande Mataram was composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. It later became a symbol of the Indian freedom movement and is known as the national song of India.
Q17. Who discovered the sea route to India?
Answer: Vasco da Gama
Vasco da Gama discovered the sea route to India in 1498 by reaching Calicut. He was a Portuguese explorer who sailed around Africa.
Q18. Who wrote the book "Discovery of India"?
Answer: Jawaharlal Nehru
"The Discovery of India" was written by Jawaharlal Nehru. It is one of his well-known works on Indian history and culture.
Q19. Who was known as the ‘Iron Man of India’?
Answer: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is known as the 'Iron Man of India' because of his firm leadership and role in integrating princely states into the Indian Union. The title reflects his strong will and administrative skill.
Q20. Who composed the patriotic song 'Vande Mataram'?
Answer: Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
'Vande Mataram' was composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. It first appeared in his novel 'Anandamath' and later became a patriotic song.
Q21. Who founded the Indian National Congress?
Answer: A. O. Hume
A. O. Hume is widely credited with founding the Indian National Congress in 1885. The other options were important nationalist leaders but not the founder.