Indian history is a vast and fascinating subject, covering ancient civilizations, medieval empires, and the struggle for independence. Whether you’re preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, NDA, CDS, or State PSC exams, having strong Indian History General Knowledge (GK) is essential.
In this article, we have compiled important Indian history GK questions with answers to help you test your knowledge and prepare for competitive exams. Let’s dive in!
Indian History GK Questions and Answers
1. Ancient Indian History GK Questions
Q1. Which is the oldest civilization in India?
👉 Answer: Indus Valley Civilization
Q2. The Great Bath was found in which Indus Valley site?
👉 Answer: Mohenjo-Daro
Q3. Who was the founder of the Maurya Empire?
👉 Answer: Chandragupta Maurya
Q4. Which Mauryan ruler converted to Buddhism after the Kalinga War?
👉 Answer: Ashoka the Great
Q5. What was the capital of the Gupta Empire?
👉 Answer: Pataliputra
Q6. Who is known as the “Napoleon of India”?
👉 Answer: Samudragupta
Q7. The Ajanta and Ellora caves are associated with which religion(s)?
👉 Answer: Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism
Q8. Who wrote the ancient Indian text “Arthashastra”?
👉 Answer: Kautilya (Chanakya)
Q9. Which is the oldest Veda?
👉 Answer: Rigveda
Q10. The Iron Pillar at Delhi is famous for?
👉 Answer: Its rust-resistant composition
2. Medieval Indian History GK Questions
Q11. Who was the founder of the Delhi Sultanate?
👉 Answer: Qutb-ud-din Aibak
Q12. The famous Qutub Minar was built by which ruler?
👉 Answer: Qutb-ud-din Aibak (later completed by Iltutmish)
Q13. Who was the first woman ruler of India?
👉 Answer: Razia Sultana
Q14. The Battle of Panipat (1526) was fought between whom?
👉 Answer: Babur and Ibrahim Lodi
Q15. Who built the Taj Mahal?
👉 Answer: Shah Jahan
Q16. Who is known as the “Father of the Indian Navy”?
👉 Answer: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Q17. The Vijayanagara Empire was founded by whom?
👉 Answer: Harihara and Bukka
Q18. Which Mughal ruler banned music and dance in his court?
👉 Answer: Aurangzeb
Q19. Who built the famous Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur?
👉 Answer: Mohammed Adil Shah
Q20. What was the capital of the Chola Dynasty?
👉 Answer: Thanjavur
3. Modern Indian History GK Questions
Q21. When did the Revolt of 1857 take place?
👉 Answer: 1857
Q22. Who was the first Governor-General of India?
👉 Answer: Lord William Bentinck
Q23. Who founded the Indian National Congress (INC)?
👉 Answer: A.O. Hume
Q24. What was the real name of Bhagat Singh?
👉 Answer: Bhagat Singh Sandhu
Q25. Who gave the slogan “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it”?
👉 Answer: Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Q26. When did Mahatma Gandhi start the Non-Cooperation Movement?
👉 Answer: 1920
Q27. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place in which year?
👉 Answer: 1919
Q28. Who was the last Viceroy of British India?
👉 Answer: Lord Mountbatten
Q29. When did India gain independence?
👉 Answer: 15th August 1947
Q30. Who was the first President of independent India?
👉 Answer: Dr. Rajendra Prasad
4. Indian Freedom Struggle GK Questions
Q31. Who is known as the “Father of the Indian Nation”?
👉 Answer: Mahatma Gandhi
Q32. What was the name of Subhas Chandra Bose’s army?
👉 Answer: Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army)
Q33. Who led the Salt March in 1930?
👉 Answer: Mahatma Gandhi
Q34. Who was the first Indian to win the Nobel Prize?
👉 Answer: Rabindranath Tagore
Q35. Who wrote the book “Discovery of India”?
👉 Answer: Jawaharlal Nehru
Q36. The Partition of Bengal was done by which British Viceroy?
👉 Answer: Lord Curzon
Q37. Who was the leader of the 1857 revolt in Kanpur?
👉 Answer: Nana Sahib
Q38. The Quit India Movement was launched in which year?
👉 Answer: 1942
Q39. Who designed the Indian national flag?
👉 Answer: Pingali Venkayya
Q40. The slogan “Do or Die” was given during which movement?
👉 Answer: Quit India Movement
5. Important Indian History Facts
✅ The Harappan Civilization was one of the world’s earliest urban cultures.
✅ Ashoka was the first Indian ruler to embrace Buddhism.
✅ The Mughals ruled India for over 300 years, starting from Babur in 1526.
✅ The British East India Company ruled India before British Crown rule started in 1858.
✅ Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent movements played a crucial role in India’s independence.
✅ The Constitution of India was adopted on 26th January 1950, making India a Republic.
Why Should You Study Indian History GK?
✅ Essential for Competitive Exams – UPSC, SSC, Railways, Banking, and State PSCs.
✅ Increases Awareness – Learn about India’s rich past and its impact on the present.
✅ Boosts Memory & Analytical Thinking – Helps in essay writing, interviews, and discussions.
✅ Enhances Cultural Knowledge – Understand India’s traditions, rulers, and historical events.
How many questions did you get right? Whether you’re preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, NDA, or any other exam, practicing Indian History GK regularly will help you stay ahead.
📚 Keep learning and improve your knowledge of India’s glorious past!