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

The ancient Indian ruler who was the first to issue a large number of coins was?

Hard ancient

💡 Explanation

Bindusara, the Mauryan emperor, is known to have issued a large number of coins, which helped in the spread of trade and commerce throughout ancient India.

The Rigveda, a sacred Hindu text, contains a hymn dedicated to which ancient Indian king?

Hard ancient

💡 Explanation

The Rigveda contains a hymn called the 'Nasadiya Sukta' which is dedicated to the king Pururavas, but it may also refer to the king Sagara, who is mentioned in the Puranas.

The concept of 'Moksha' is central to:

Hard

💡 Explanation

The concept of 'Moksha' is central to Hinduism, which is one of the world's oldest and most complex religions. Moksha refers to the ultimate goal of human existence, which is to attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

The Indian National Congress launched the Non-Cooperation Movement in:

Hard

💡 Explanation

The Indian National Congress launched the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920, under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. It was a major campaign that called for the boycott of British goods and the non-payment of taxes.

The Mughal Emperor Akbar's policies led to the growth of the Mughal Empire due to:

Hard

💡 Explanation

The Mughal Emperor Akbar's policies led to the growth of the Mughal Empire due to his economic policies, which created a stable and prosperous economy that supported the empire's expansion.

The concept of 'Karma' is central to:

Hard

💡 Explanation

The concept of 'Karma' is central to Hinduism, which is one of the world's oldest and most complex religions. Karma refers to the idea that an individual's actions have consequences in this life and the next.

The Indian National Army was defeated by:

Hard

💡 Explanation

The Indian National Army was defeated by British forces in 1945, after a long and bloody campaign. It was a major setback for the Indian independence movement.

The concept of 'Dharmashastras' is central to:

Hard

💡 Explanation

The concept of 'Dharmashastras' is central to Hinduism, which is one of the world's oldest and most complex religions. Dharmashastras refer to the sacred texts that outline the duties and responsibilities of individuals within the Hindu tradition.

The Indian National Congress was reorganized in:

Hard

💡 Explanation

The Indian National Congress was reorganized in 1915, after the Lucknow Session, which marked a significant shift in the party's policies and goals. It was a major step towards Indian independence.

The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb's policies led to the decline of the Mughal Empire due to:

Hard

💡 Explanation

The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb's policies led to the decline of the Mughal Empire due to his religious policies, which created many enemies and set the stage for the eventual decline of the empire.

The concept of 'Ahimsa' is central to:

Hard

💡 Explanation

The concept of 'Ahimsa' is central to Jainism, which is a major world religion that emphasizes non-violence and compassion. Ahimsa refers to the avoidance of harm or injury to all living beings.

The Indian Independence Act was passed by the British Parliament on:

Hard

💡 Explanation

The Indian Independence Act was passed by the British Parliament on August 15, 1947, which provided for the partition of India and the creation of Pakistan.

The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built:

Hard

💡 Explanation

The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal, a beautiful white marble mausoleum in Agra, India. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and a symbol of love and beauty.

The concept of 'Swadeshi' was popularized by:

Hard

💡 Explanation

The concept of 'Swadeshi' was popularized by Mahatma Gandhi, who advocated for the use of Indian-made goods and the boycott of British products. It was a key aspect of the Indian independence movement.

The Indian National Army was formed by:

Hard

💡 Explanation

The Indian National Army was formed by Subhas Chandra Bose in 1942, during World War II. It was a military force that fought alongside the Japanese against the British in India.

The Mughal Empire's decline began with the death of:

Hard

💡 Explanation

The Mughal Empire's decline began with the death of Aurangzeb in 1707. He was a powerful and ambitious emperor who expanded the empire but also created many enemies and set the stage for its eventual decline.

The concept of 'Dharma' is central to:

Hard

💡 Explanation

The concept of 'Dharma' is central to Hinduism, which is one of the world's oldest and most complex religions. Dharma refers to the natural order of the universe and the duties of individuals within it.

The Bhagavad Gita is a part of:

Hard

💡 Explanation

The Bhagavad Gita is a part of the Mahabharata, one of the two major Hindu epics. It is a dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna that explores the nature of reality and the path to self-realization.

The Indian Independence Act was passed by the British Parliament in:

Hard

💡 Explanation

The Indian Independence Act was passed by the British Parliament in 1947, which provided for the partition of India and the creation of Pakistan.

The Treaty of Allahabad was signed in:

Hard

💡 Explanation

The Treaty of Allahabad was signed in 1765, between the British East India Company and the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. It marked the beginning of British rule in India.