Indian history is vast and rich, covering ancient civilizations, mighty empires, colonial rule, and the freedom struggle. Whether you’re preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, Railways, Banking, NDA, or State PSCs, having a strong grasp of Indian history is crucial.
To help you revise efficiently, we have compiled important GK questions on Indian history from ancient, medieval, and modern periods. Let’s test your knowledge!
🕉️ Ancient Indian History GK Questions
- Which is the oldest civilization in India?
A. Indus Valley Civilization
B. Vedic Civilization
C. Mauryan Empire
D. Gupta Empire
✅ Answer: A. Indus Valley Civilization - What was the main occupation of the people of the Indus Valley Civilization?
A. Agriculture
B. Hunting
C. Trade
D. Metalwork
✅ Answer: A. Agriculture - Who wrote the Arthashastra, a book on political strategy and economics?
A. Kalidasa
B. Chanakya (Kautilya)
C. Aryabhata
D. Panini
✅ Answer: B. Chanakya (Kautilya) - Which Mauryan emperor converted to Buddhism after the Kalinga War?
A. Chandragupta Maurya
B. Ashoka
C. Bindusara
D. Harsha
✅ Answer: B. Ashoka - Who was the first Indian ruler to issue gold coins?
A. Chandragupta Maurya
B. Kanishka
C. Samudragupta
D. Harshavardhana
✅ Answer: C. Samudragupta - Which ancient Indian university was famous for higher education?
A. Oxford
B. Nalanda
C. Cambridge
D. Harvard
✅ Answer: B. Nalanda - Which mathematical concept was first introduced by Indian mathematician Aryabhata?
A. Algebra
B. Zero
C. Trigonometry
D. Pythagorean Theorem
✅ Answer: B. Zero
🏰 Medieval Indian History GK Questions
- Who was the founder of the Delhi Sultanate?
A. Alauddin Khilji
B. Babur
C. Qutb-ud-din Aibak
D. Akbar
✅ Answer: C. Qutb-ud-din Aibak - Which dynasty built the Qutub Minar?
A. Slave Dynasty
B. Mughal Dynasty
C. Gupta Dynasty
D. Maurya Dynasty
✅ Answer: A. Slave Dynasty - Who was the first female ruler of India?
A. Rani Lakshmibai
B. Razia Sultana
C. Chand Bibi
D. Ahilyabai Holkar
✅ Answer: B. Razia Sultana - Which Rajput ruler fought against Akbar in the Battle of Haldighati?
A. Prithviraj Chauhan
B. Rana Sanga
C. Maharana Pratap
D. Shivaji Maharaj
✅ Answer: C. Maharana Pratap - Which Mughal ruler built the Taj Mahal?
A. Babur
B. Akbar
C. Jahangir
D. Shah Jahan
✅ Answer: D. Shah Jahan - Who was the founder of the Maratha Empire?
A. Bajirao I
B. Shivaji Maharaj
C. Sambhaji Maharaj
D. Ahilyabai Holkar
✅ Answer: B. Shivaji Maharaj - Which famous battle in 1761 ended Maratha dominance in India?
A. Battle of Panipat (Third Battle)
B. Battle of Haldighati
C. Battle of Plassey
D. Battle of Buxar
✅ Answer: A. Battle of Panipat (Third Battle)
🇮🇳 Modern Indian History GK Questions
- Which European power was the first to arrive in India?
A. British
B. French
C. Dutch
D. Portuguese
✅ Answer: D. Portuguese - Who was the first Governor-General of British India?
A. Robert Clive
B. Warren Hastings
C. Lord Mountbatten
D. Lord Dalhousie
✅ Answer: B. Warren Hastings - Which battle led to the establishment of British rule in India?
A. Battle of Haldighati
B. Battle of Buxar
C. Battle of Plassey
D. Battle of Panipat
✅ Answer: C. Battle of Plassey (1757) - Who started the Swadeshi Movement?
A. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
B. Mahatma Gandhi
C. Subhas Chandra Bose
D. Jawaharlal Nehru
✅ Answer: A. Bal Gangadhar Tilak - Which revolutionary organization was founded by Bhagat Singh?
A. Indian National Army
B. Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA)
C. Azad Hind Fauj
D. All India Forward Bloc
✅ Answer: B. Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) - When did India gain independence from British rule?
A. 15th August 1947
B. 26th January 1950
C. 2nd October 1942
D. 30th January 1948
✅ Answer: A. 15th August 1947
🏆 How Many Did You Get Right?
✅ 16-20: History Genius! 🏅
✅ 10-15: Good Knowledge! 📚
✅ 5-9: Keep Learning! 💡
✅ 0-4: No Worries! This is just the start! 🚀
Why Are These Questions Important for Exams?
📌 UPSC, SSC, Railways, Banking, and other exams always ask questions related to Indian history.
📌 Understanding historical events helps in essay writing, interviews, and general awareness.
📌 Competitive exam toppers always recommend a strong foundation in history.
💬 Drop your score in the comments and challenge your friends to take this quiz too! 🚀🔥