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

The ancient Indian text of the Mahabharata is attributed to the authorship of?

Easy ancient

💡 Explanation

The Mahabharata is attributed to the authorship of Krishna Dwaipayana, who is also known as Veda Vyasa.

The ancient Indian civilization of the Indus Valley is known for its advanced knowledge of?

Easy ancient

💡 Explanation

The Indus Valley Civilization is known for its advanced knowledge of architecture, as evident from its well-planned cities and structures.

The Indus Valley Civilization is also known as the Harappan Civilization due to its discovery in the village of?

Easy ancient

💡 Explanation

The Indus Valley Civilization is named after the discovery of the site of Mohenjo-Daro, which was excavated by R.D. Banerjee in 1925.

The Vedic Period is characterized by the development of:

Easy

💡 Explanation

The Vedic Period is characterized by the development of the Vedas, which are the oldest Hindu scriptures. The Vedas contain hymns, prayers, and rituals that were practiced by the ancient Indians.

The Mauryan Emperor Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Mauryan Empire in:

Easy

💡 Explanation

Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Empire in 322 BCE. He was a skilled military leader and strategist who defeated the Nanda Empire to establish his rule.

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 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.

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.