HISTORY GK QUESTIONS AND ANSWER 1

Question 154

Q. 154. Who among the following defeated Harsha Vardhan in 618 CE?

(a) Chandragupta I
(b) Pulakeshin II
(c) Pushyamitra
(d) Alexander

Answer: (b) Pulakeshin II

Explanation: Pulakeshin II defeated Harsha Vardhan on the banks of the Narmada in the winter of 618–619. Pulakeshin II was the most famous ruler of the Chalukya dynasty.

Question 155

Q. 155. Konark Temple in Odisha was built by which of the following kings?

(a) Bhanu Deva
(b) Anantavarman Chodagangadeva
(c) Narasimha Deva I
(d) Ananga Bhima Deva

Answer: (c) Narasimha Deva I

Explanation: Konark Temple in Odisha was built by Narasimha Deva I. He was the ruler of Eastern Ganga Dynasty about 1250 CE. This temple is dedicated to the Hindu Sun God Surya and was built in the 13th century.

Question 156

Q. 156. Alexander invaded India in _________.

(a) 467 BC
(b) 323 BC
(c) 454 BC
(d) 326 BC

Answer: (d) 326 BC

Explanation: Alexander invaded India in 326 BC, after crossing the river Indus. He then challenged King Porus, the ruler of the kingdom between the rivers Jhelum and Chenab.

Question 157

Q. 157. The Vikramasila University was founded by____.

(a) Ashoka
(b) Dharmapala
(c) Chandragupta I
(d) Bimbisara

Answer: (b) Dharmapala

Explanation: Vikramasila University was founded by Dharmapala, a Pala king, in the late 8th or early 9th century. It prospered for about four centuries before it was destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji along with the other major centres of Buddhism in India around 1193.

Question 158

Q. 158. ________ attacked the southern coast of Kathiawar along the Arabian Sea, where he sacked the city of Somnath and its renowned Hindu temple in 1026.

(a) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
(b) Mahmud of Ghazni
(c) Ahmed Shah Tughlaq
(d) Muhammad Ghori

Answer: (b) Mahmud of Ghazni

Explanation: Mahmud of Ghazni attacked the southern coast of Kathiawar along the Arabian Sea, where he sacked the city of Somnath and its renowned Hindu temple in 1026. He attacked India 17 times. He made his 16th attack on the Somnath temple in 1025 just to plunder the gold.

Question 159

Q. 159. Which of the following Indian rulers was defeated by Mahmud Ghazni in his first attack in the year 1001 AD?

(a) Anandpal
(b) Chandrapal
(c) Jaipal
(d) Sukhpal

Answer: (c) Jaipal

Explanation: Mahmud of Ghazni first invaded modern Afghanistan and Pakistan in 1000 AD. He defeated Hindu shahi kingdom ruler Jaipal, who killed himself later, and his son Ananda Pala became his successor.

Question 160

Q. 160. Guru___is known as the cobbler saint.

(a) Ravidas
(b) Narahari
(c) Jiva Goswami
(d) Ayya Vaikundar

Answer: (a) Ravidas

Explanation: Saint Ravidas was an Indian saint of the 15th century. He belonged to a family of leather workers. Traditionally, in Hinduism such families belong to the Shudra group, the lowest level of traditional Hindu society.

Question 161

Q. 161. The first Invasion of Muhammad Ghori was in ___when he attacked Multan.

(a) 1089 AD
(b) 1475 AD
(c) 1175 AD
(d) 1287 AD

Answer: (c) 1175 AD

Explanation: Muhammad Ghori was an ambitious leader. His invasions in India were Conquest of Multan and Sindh, 1175-1178. The first invasion of Muhammad Ghori was in 1175 AD when he attacked Multan, defeated the ruling Ismailian Heretics and was successful in capturing Multan.

Question 162

Q. 162. The second battle of Tarain was fought in the year __________.

(a) 1345 AD
(b) 1294 AD
(c) 1079 AD
(d) 1192 AD

Answer: (d) 1192 AD

Explanation: The Second Battle of Tarain was again fought between the Ghurid army of Mohammed Ghori and the Rajput army of Prithviraj Chauhan. The battle took place in 1192 A.D near Tarain. In this battle, Prithviraj Chauhan was defeated by Mohammed Ghori.

Question 163

Q. 163. The Battle of ____was fought in 326 BC by Alexander, the Great against King Porus.

(a) Hydaspes
(b) Tarain
(c) Panipat
(d) Plassey

Answer: (a) Hydaspes

Explanation: The Battle of Hydaspes was fought in 326 BC by Alexander, the Great against King Porus. The battle resulted in a Greek victory and the surrender of Porus. Large areas of the Punjab between the Hydaspes (Jhelum) and Hyphasis (Beas) rivers were absorbed into the Alexandrian Empire, and Porus was reinstated as a subordinate ruler.

Question 164

Q. 164. Alexander invaded India in_____.CE

(a) 467 BC
(b) 323 BC
(c) 454 BC
(d) 326 BC

Answer: (d) 326 BC

Explanation: In 326 BC, Alexander invaded India, after crossing the river Indus. He then challenged King Porus, the ruler of the kingdom between the rivers Jhelum and Chenab.

Question 165

Q. 165. Kalhana penned the book named ____in the 12th century which is a metrical chronicle of the kings of Kashmir.

(a) Tarikh-i-FiruzShahi
(b) Nuh Sipihr
(c) Rajatarangini
(d) Padmavat

Answer: (c) Rajatarangini

Explanation: Kalhana penned the book named Rajatarangini in the 12th century which is a metrical chronicle of the kings of Kashmir. The Rajatarangini is a metrical historical chronicle of north-western Indian subcontinent, particularly the kings of Kashmir, written in Sanskrit by Kashmiri Brahman Kalhana in 12th century CE.

Question 166

Q. 166. Kanishka was a _____king.

(a) Kushan
(b) Gupta
(c) Maurya
(d) Chola

Answer: (a) Kushan

Explanation: Kanishka was a Kushan king. The capital of his empire was Purushpura (Peshawar). Under his rule, the Kushan Empire extended from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan to Mathura and Kashmir. Kanishka I or Kanishka the Great, an emperor of the Kushan dynasty in the second century (c. 127–150 CE), is famous for his military, political, and spiritual achievements.

Question 167

Q. 167. Which of the following temples was built by the Rashtrakutas Dynasty?

(a) Kailash Temple
(b) Adi Kumbeswarar
(c) Brihadeshwara Temple
(d) Chennakeshava Temple

Answer: (a) Kailash Temple

Explanation: Kailash temple was built by the Rashtrakutas Dynasty. It was built by the 8th century Rashtrakuta King Krishna I between the year 756 and 773 AD. The Kailash Temple is the sixteenth cave, and it is one of the 32 cave temples and monasteries forming the magnanimous Ellora Caves.

Question 168

Q. 168. Who wrote the book ‘Amuktamalyada’?

(a) Krishna Dev Rai
(b) Brahmadev Rai
(c) Bucca Rai
(d) Harihar Rai

Answer: (a) Krishna Dev Rai

Explanation: Amuktamalyada is written by Krishnadevaraya. Krishnadevaraya hailed from the Vijayanagara Empire and was an emperor who ruled from 1509 to 1529.

Question 169

Q. 169. Which dynasty had developed the Gandhara School of Art in ancient India?

(a) Kushana dynasty
(b) Gupta dynasty
(c) Mauryan dynasty
(d) Chola dynasty

Answer: (a) Kushana dynasty

Explanation: The Gandhara art flourished during the Kushana rule in India. It was during his reign that Gandhara School of art flourished. According to V. A. Smith, the Gandhara style of art that developed in sculpture was a fusion of Greco-Roman and Indian styles.

Question 170

Q. 170. Which of the following books is written by Varaha Mihira?

(a) Kumarasambhava
(b) Shakuntala
(c) Brihat Samhita
(d) Ritusamhara

Answer: (c) Brihat Samhita

Explanation: Varahamihira also called Varaha or Mihira, was a Hindu polymath who lived in Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh, India). He was born in the Avanti region, roughly corresponding to modern-day Malwa, Adityadisha, who was himself an astronomer. According to one of his own works, he was educated at Kapitthaka.

Question 171

Q. 171. Which of the following religions NOT originated in India?

(a) Zoroastrianism
(b) Buddhism
(c) Sikhism
(d) Jainism

Answer: (a) Zoroastrianism

Explanation: Zoroastrianism is one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions. It was founded by the Prophet Zoroaster in ancient Iran approximately 3500 years ago. It is centered in a dualistic cosmology of good and evil and an eschatology predicting the ultimate conquest of evil with theological elements of henotheism, monotheism/monism, and polytheism.

Question 172

Q. 172. Who among the following was the greatest ruler of the Pratihara Dynasty?

(a) Nagabhata
(b) Ramabhadra
(c) Mihir Bhoja
(d) Samantha Sena

Answer: (c) Mihir Bhoja

Explanation: The greatest ruler of the Pratihara dynasty was Mihir Bhoja. He recovered Kanauj (Kanyakubja) by 836, and it remained the capital of the Pratiharas for almost a century. He built the city Bhojpal (Bhopal). Raja Bhoja and other valiant Gujara kings faced and defeated many attacks of the Arabs from the west.

Question 173

Q. 173. Which of the following is associated with the Sanskrit Mahabharata?

(a) Gitagovinda
(b) Yuddha Kanda
(c) Shanti Parva
(d) Kathasaritasagar

Answer: (c) Shanti Parva

Explanation: The Shanti Parva is the twelfth of eighteen books of the Indian Epic Mahabharata. The Shanti parva recites the duties of the ruler, dharma and good governance, as counseled by the dying Bhishma and various Rishis.

Question 174

Q. 174. The archaeological site of Koldihwa is located at:

(a) Maharashtra
(b) Bihar
(c) Uttar Pradesh
(d) Madhya Pradesh

Answer: (c) Uttar Pradesh

Explanation: The archaeological site of Koldihwa is located in Uttar Pradesh. The site represents three occupational levels: the Neolithic, Chalcolithic, and Iron Age phases.

Question 175

Q. 175. Which of the following styles is not a Temple Architecture Style in India?

(a) Vesara Style
(b) Nagar Style
(c) Dravid Style
(d) Gothic Style

Answer: (d) Gothic Style

Explanation: Gothic architecture is a style that flourished in Europe during the High and Late Middle Ages. It evolved from Romanesque architecture and was succeeded by Renaissance architecture. Originating in 12th-century France, it was widely used, especially for cathedrals and churches, until the 16th century.

Question 176

Q. 176. Who had built the grand ‘Chariot’ cave temples in Mahabalipuram?

(a) Maharana Pratap Singh
(b) Narsimha
(c) Ashok
(d) Akbar

Answer: (b) Narsimha

Explanation: The magnificent ‘Ratha’ cave temples of Mahabalipuram were built by the Pallava king Narsimha in the 7th and 8th centuries. The beauty of the rock-cut sculpture of the temple is reflective of the artistic tastes of the erstwhile Pallava rulers.

Question 177

Q. 177. The goddess Aryani is the goddess of ____ as per the Rigvedic period.

(a) Dawn
(b) Forest
(c) Wind
(d) Earth

Answer: (b) Forest

Explanation: In Hinduism, Aranyani is a goddess of the forests and the animals that dwell within them. She is believed to be the mother of them all. Her name comes from the word, Aranya, which means forest in Sanskrit. Goddess Aranyani animates and protects the forest, and provides food for humankind.

Question 178

Q. 178. What was the name of that last Hindu dynasty of Gujarat, which ruled from 1244 to 1304?

(a) Gujjar Dynasty
(b) Janpad Dynasty
(c) Vaghela Dynasty
(d) Nand Dynasty

Answer: (c) Vaghela Dynasty

Explanation: The Vaghela dynasty was a short-lived Indian dynasty that ruled Gujarat from their capital Dholka during the 13th century CE. The Vaghelas were the last Hindu monarchs to rule large parts of Gujarat, before the Muslim conquest of the region. Medieval bardic literature includes them among the Agnivashi Rajput dynasties.

Question 179

Q. 179. Which of the following books is written by Varaha Mihira?

(a) Kumarasambhava
(b) Shakuntala
(c) Brihat Samhita
(d) Ritusamhara

Answer: (c) Brihat Samhita

Explanation: Brihat Samhita is a compilation of an assortment of topics that provides interesting details of prevailing beliefs. Brihat Jataka is a book on astrology. However, the most famous work by Varahamihira is the treatise on mathematical astronomy called the Parica-siddhantika and dated 575 AD.

Question 180

Q. 180. National Emblem of India is taken from Mauryan Pillar located at ______.

(a) Sarnath
(b) Amravati
(c) Delhi
(d) Meerut

Answer: (a) Sarnath

Explanation: The State Emblem of India, as the national emblem of Republic of India is called, is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka from 250 BCE at Sarnath, preserved in the Sarnath Museum near Varanasi, India.

Question 181

Q. 181. ______________is An Epic Poem In The Sanskrit Mahakavya Style On The Life And Nirvana Of Gautama Buddha By Aśvaghoṣa.

(a) Buddhacarita
(b) Shishupal Vadh
(c) Arthashastra
(d) Kiratarjuniya

Answer: (a) Buddhacarita

Explanation: Buddhacharita (Acts of the Buddha) is an epic poem in the Sanskrit mahakavya style on the life of Gautama Buddha by Asvaghosa composed in the early second century CE.

Question 182

Q. 182. _______created a new system of musicology called ‘Indraprastha Mata’ or ‘Chaturdandi Sampradaya’.

(a) Ali Azmat
(b) Ustad Ghulam Ali
(c) Bhimsen Joshi
(d) Amir Khusro

Answer: (d) Amir Khusro

Explanation: Amir Khusro created a new system of musicology, called ‘Indraprastha Mata’ or ‘Chaturdandi Sampradaya’. He also brought into circulation the two specific musical genres of ‘tarana’ and ‘kaul’.

Question 183

Q. 183. Kolathunadu, Valluvanad and Thekkumkoor were ancient small-time kingdoms in which state of India?

(a) Gujarat
(b) Karnataka
(c) Kerala
(d) Bihar

Answer: (c) Kerala

Explanation: Kolathunadu, Valluvanad and Thekkumkoor were ancient small-time kingdoms in the Indian state of Kerala.

Question 184

Q. 184. When did the Vikrama Era begin?

(a) 47 BC
(b) 55 BC
(c) 57 BC
(d) 50 BC

Answer: (c) 57 BC

Explanation: The Vikram era, or Vikram samvat is a Nepali calendar starting in 57 BC. The Vikram Samvat calendar starts half a century before the Gregorian calendar and works on an Indian calendar cycle. The first day of the Vikram Samvat calendar is celebrated after Diwali in the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Question 185

Q. 185. In which state The Jaugada Rock Edict of Asoka is located?

(a) Andhra Pradesh
(b) Gujarat
(c) Odisha
(d) Uttarakhand

Answer: (c) Odisha

Explanation: Jaugada Rock edict is located in Dhauli hills, close to 10 kms from Bhubaneswar, Odisha. It is located near the historical site of the Kalinga war which is said to transform Samrat Ashok. The edicts are engraved on a large piece of rock, written in Pali literature.

Question 186

Q. 186. Who was the founder of the Pala Dynasty?

(a) Dharampala
(b) Mahipala
(c) Ramapala
(d) Gopala

Answer: (d) Gopala

Explanation: Gopala was the founder of Pala Dynasty which ruled in Bihar and Bengal.

Question 187

Q. 187. Who among the following was associated with Vaisheshika School of Philosophy?

(a) Kanada
(b) Patanjali
(c) Gautama
(d) Jaimini

Answer: (a) Kanada

Explanation: Vaisheshika was proposed by Maharishi Kanada. It postulates that all objects in the physical universe are reducible to a finite number of atoms. It accepted only perception and interference.

Question 188

Q. 188. The famous caves of Udayagiri and Khandagiri are located in:

(a) Tripura
(b) Uttarakhand
(c) Odisha
(d) Chhattisgarh

Answer: (c) Odisha

Explanation: Udaygiri and Khandagiri caves are located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. These caves were built in the 1 BCE and are on two adjacent hills known as Udayagiri and Khandagiri hills.

Question 189

Q. 189. The ‘Kathasaritsagara’ is written by:

(a) Somadeva
(b) Jayadeva
(c) Kalidasa
(d) Bhasa

Answer: (a) Somadeva

Explanation: Kathasaritsagara is written by Somadeva. It is a famous 11th-century collection of Indian legends, fairy tales and folk tales as retold in Sanskrit by the Shaivite Somadeva.

Question 190

Q. 190. In the context of Hindu Mythology, which of the following options is not among the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu?

(a) Garud
(b) Matsya
(c) Kurm
(d) Varah

Answer: (a) Garud

Explanation: 10 Avtars of Lord Vishnu- 1. The First Avatar: Matsya (The Fish) 2. The Second Avatar: Kurma (The Tortoise) 3. The Third Avatar: Varaha (The Boar) 4. The Fourth Avatar: Narasimha (The Man-Lion) 5. The Fifth Avatar: Vamana (The Dwarf) 6. The Sixth Avatar: Parasurama (The Angry Man) 7. The Seventh Avatar: Lord Rama (The Perfect Man) 8. The Eighth Avatar: Lord Krishna (The Divine Statesman) 9. The Ninth Avatar: Balarama (Krishna’s Elder Brother) 10. The Tenth Avatar: Kalki (The Mighty Warrior)

Question 191

Q. 191. Who among the following was known as ‘Devanam Piya’?

(a) Kanishka
(b) Amoghavarsha
(c) Ashoka
(d) Kharavela

Answer: (c) Ashoka

Explanation: Ashoka in his Rock and Pillar Edicts used his name as Devnampriya or Priyadarshi. He has mentioned his name as Ashoka only in one Edict named as Maski Edict.

Question 192

Q. 192. Tolkappiyar is a famous ancient grammarian of the _________ language.

(a) Tamil
(b) Telugu
(c) Kannada
(d) Oriya

Answer: (a) Tamil

Explanation: Tolkappiyar (epithet), the author of Tolkappiyam, which is the oldest extant Tamil grammar, is believed by various traditions to be one of the twelve disciples of Agattiyar.

Question 193

Q. 193. As per ancient Indian philosophy, the Purusharthas or the four aims of life does NOT include:

(a) kama
(b) moksha
(c) artha
(d) yasha

Answer: (d) yasha

Explanation: The purusharthas refers to four proper goals or aims of a human life. (i)Artha (Economic value) (ii)Kama (pleasure) (iii)Dharma (moral values) (iv)Moksha (spiritual values)

Question 194

Q. 194. Konark Temple in Odisha was built by which of the following kings?

(a) Bhanu Deva
(b) Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva
(c) Narasimha Deva I
(d) Ananga Bhima Deva

Answer: (c) Narasimha Deva I

Explanation: Konark sun Temple (the Black Pagoda) of Puri in Odisha was built by the king Narasimha Deva I of the eastern ganga dynasty about 1250 CE.

Question 195

Q. 195. In which of the following temples will you find Gopurams?

(a) Shiva Temple, Chidambaram
(b) Bhabatarini Temple, Dakshineswar
(c) Golden Temple, Amritsar
(d) Dilwara Temple, Mount Abu

Answer: (a) Shiva Temple, Chidambaram

Explanation: A gopuram or gopura is a monumental tower, usually ornate, at the entrance of any temple, especially in Southern India. They are a prominent feature of koils, Hindu temples built in the Dravidian style. They are topped by the kalasam, a bulbous stone finial. Nataraja temple in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu is one of the famous examples of Gopuram. Nataraja temple is also referred to as the Chidambaram Nataraja temple or Thillai Nataraja temple.

Question 196

Q. 196. The Mysore Palace was the residence of the ______.

(a) Chandelas
(b) Palas
(c) Bundelas
(d) Wodeyars

Answer: (d) Wodeyars

Explanation: The Mysore Palace was the residence of the Wodeyar Dynasty, the rulers of Mysore from 1399 to 1950. Mysore Palace, also called Amba Vilas Palace, is one of the most magnificent and largest palaces in India.

Question 197

Q. 197. Pattachitra art form is dedicated to which Lord in Hindu mythology?

(a) Lord Jagannath
(b) Lord Ganesha
(c) Lord Brahma
(d) Lord Shiva

Answer: (a) Lord Jagannath

Explanation: Pattachitra art form is dedicated to Lord Jagannath. Pattachitra means ‘cloth-picture/painting’ in Sanskrit. It is a cloth-based scroll painting known for its intricate details as well as mythological narratives and folktales.

Question 198

Q. 198. The Sun Temple of Odisha was built in the 12th Century AD by which of the following emperors?

(a) Kharavela
(b) Dharmapala
(c) Narasimha Deva I
(d) Vijaya Sena

Answer: (c) Narasimha Deva I

Explanation: The Sun Temple of Odisha was built in the 12th Century AD by Narasimha Deva I. ‘Langula’ Narasingha Deva I was a powerful monarch and warrior of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty or suryavamsha of early medieval Odisha who reigned from 1238 to 1264.

Question 199

Q. 199. Which of the following is a work on statecraft written by Krishnadevaraya?

(a) Karpuramanjari
(b) Amuktamalyada
(c) Tolkappiyam
(d) Kadambari

Answer: (b) Amuktamalyada

Explanation: Amuktamalyada is a work on statecraft written by Krishnadevaraya. It is a Telugu epic poem. Krishnadevraya was the Vijayanagara Emperor in the early 16th century. Karouramanjri is the work of Rajashekhara. Tolkappiyam is the work of Tholkappiyar and Kadambari is the work of Banabhatta.

Question 200

Q. 200. Who among the following wrote the basic text of Vaisheshika philosophy?

(a) Kanada
(b) Shankaracharya
(c) Patanjali
(d) Jaimini

Answer: (a) Kanada

Explanation: Kanada wrote the basic text of Vaisheshika philosophy. It is an ancient Sanskrit text at the foundation of the Vaisheshika school of Hindu philosophy. The sutra was authored by the Hindu sage Kanada, also known as Kashyapa.

Question 201

Q. 201. The story of Maynamati and Gopichandra is a part of which of the following literary works?

(a) Nath literature
(b) Chandimangal Kavya
(c) Manasamangal Kavya
(d) Sanskrit epics

Answer: (a) Nath literature

Explanation: The story of Maynamati and Gopichandra is a part of Nath literature. It includes stories concerning the worship of Dharma Thakur, and fairy tales, folk tales and ballads.

Question 202

Q. 202. Who among the following established the Rashtrakuta Kingdom?

(a) Krishna I
(b) Dantidurga
(c) Ashoka
(d) Amoghavarsha

Answer: (b) Dantidurga

Explanation: Dantivarman or Dantidurga (735 – 756) was the founder of the Rashtrakutas dynasty. Rashtrakutas were originally known to be the feudatories of the Western Chalukyas of Vatapi. They ruled from Manyakheta in Karnataka.

Question 203

Q. 203. Which of the following books was written by Panini?

(a) Raghuvamsam
(b) Ashtadhyayi
(c) Manusmriti
(d) Kathasaritsagara

Answer: (b) Ashtadhyayi

Explanation: Ashtadhyayi was written by Panini. Panini was a Sanskrit grammarian who gave a comprehensive and scientific theory of phonetics, phonology, and morphology. Sanskrit was the classical literary language of the Indian Hindus and Panini is considered to be the founder of the language and literature.

Question 204

Q. 204. Gautamiputra Satakarni was a ______ ruler.

(a) Satavahana
(b) Eastern Ganga
(c) Mauryan
(d) Parthian

Answer: (a) Satavahana

Explanation: Gautamiputra Satakarni was the greatest ruler of the Satavahana Dynasty in the present-day Deccan region of India. The information available about him comes from his coins, the Satavahana inscriptions, and the royal genealogies in the various Puranas which suggests that he revived the Satavahana power after a decline caused by Saka invasions.

Question 205

Q. 205. Yashovigraha, Mahichandra and Chandradeva were the first three rulers of ______ dynasty.

(a) Maratha
(b) Chauhans
(c) Gahadavala
(d) Wadiyar

Answer: (c) Gahadavala

Explanation: Yashovigraha, Mahichandra and Chandradeva were the first three rulers of Gahadavala dynasty. Yashovigraha was the founder of the Gahadavala dynasty. The majority of the Gahadavala epigraphic records were discovered in Uttar Pradesh.

Question 206

Q. 206. Who founded Vikramshila University and revived Nalanda University?

(a) Dharampala
(b) Vasudeva
(c) Gopala
(d) Shri Gupta

Answer: (a) Dharmapala

Explanation: Dharmapala founded the Vikramshila University and revived the Nalanda University. This university was the popular learning center of Buddhism.

Question 207

Q. 207. Who among the following was NOT a ruler of the Kushana dynasty?

(a) Nahapana
(b) Vasishka
(c) Vasudeva
(d) Huvishka

Answer: (a) Nahapana

Explanation: Nahapana was an important ruler of the Western Kshatrapas, a descendant of the Indo-Scythians, in northwestern India, who ruled during the 1st or 2nd century CE.

Question 208

Q. 208. The Chalukya dynasty was a major kingdom in the ______ part of India.

(a) eastern
(b) northern
(c) southern
(d) western

Answer: (c) southern

Explanation: The Chalukya dynasty was a Classical Indian dynasty that ruled large parts of southern and central India between the 6th and the 12th centuries. The rule of the Chalukyas marks an important milestone in the history of South India and a golden age in the history of Karnataka.

Question 209

Q. 209. Identify the Indian state which was known as ‘Pragjyotisha’ during the epic period.

(a) Assam
(b) Odisha
(c) Kerala
(d) Bihar

Answer: (a) Assam

Explanation: Assam was known as Pragjyotisha or the place of eastern astronomy during the epic period and later named Kamrupa.

Question 210

Q. 210. In which of the following caves is the painting named ‘Padmapani Bodhisattva’ found?

(a) Ajanta Cave No. 4
(b) Ajanta Cave No. 2
(c) Ajanta Cave No. 3
(d) Ajanta Cave No. 1

Answer: (d) Ajanta Cave No. 1

Explanation: The iconic Ajanta paintings Padmapani and Vajrapani glorify the walls of the Cave 1 of Ajanta. Cave 1 of Ajanta was built in the second phase of excavation under the patronage of King Harisena of the Vakataka dynasty.

Question 211

Q. 211. Bhaskaravarman of the Varman dynasty ruled in the ______ region.

(a) Kamarupa
(b) Ujjain
(c) Magadha
(d) Vaishali

Answer: (a) Kamarupa

Explanation: Bhaskara Varman of the Varman dynasty ruled in the kamarupa region. His name has been immortalized in the accounts of the Chinese Buddhist pilgrim, Xuanzang, who visited Kamarupa during his reign.

Question 212

Q. 212. Ancient Indian manuscripts were usually written on palm leaves or the bark of the ______ tree, which grows in the Himalayas.

(a) boxwood
(b) maple
(c) birch
(d) cedar

Answer: (c) birch

Explanation: Ancient Indian manuscripts were usually written on palm leaves or the bark of the birch tree, which grows in the Himalayas.

Question 213

Q. 213. Which place had water harvesting system channeling the flood water of the Ganga river in the first century B.C?

(a) Kanpur
(b) Gorakhpur
(c) Mirzapur
(d) Sringaverapura

Answer: (d) Sringaverapura

Explanation: Sringaverapura had a water harvesting system channeling the flood water of the Ganga river in the first century B.C.

Question 214

Q. 214. With reference to early Indian history, who among the following was famous in the field of medicine?

(a) Banabhatta
(b) Visakhadatta
(c) Harisena
(d) Charaka

Answer: (d) Charaka

Explanation: With reference to early Indian history, Charaka was famous in the field of medicine. Charaka was the author of Charaka Smaitha.

Question 215

Q. 215. Gautamiputra Satakarni was the greatest ruler of the ______ Empire in the 2nd century CE.

(a) Chera
(b) Rashtrakuta
(c) Chola
(d) Satavahana

Answer: (d) Satavahana

Explanation: Gautamiputra Satakarni was the greatest ruler of the Satavahana Empire in the 2nd century CE. By his achievements as a conqueror and as an able administrator he raised the prestige of the Satavahana Dynasty to a new height and came to be regarded as its greatest monarch.

Question 216

Q. 216. The Caves of Elephanta are predominantly dedicated to which of the following deities?

(a) Lord Shiva
(b) Lord Krishna
(c) Lord Rama
(d) Lord Ganesha

Answer: (a) Lord Shiva

Explanation: The Caves of Elephanta are predominantly dedicated to Lord Shiva. The caves of Ellora Elephanta were built by the Rashtrakuta rulers. They are on Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri, in Mumbai Harbour. There are about 34 caves. These are declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987.

Question 217

Q. 217. Chola inscriptions describe Tirunamattukkani as ‘______’.

(a) land gifted to Brahmanas
(b) land of non-Brahmana peasant proprietors
(c) land donated to Jaina institutions
(d) land gifted to temples

Answer: (d) land gifted to temples

Explanation: There were five types of ‘land gifts’ that Chola kings gave to their people: Vellanvagai was land for non-Brahmana, peasant proprietors. Brahmadeya was land gifted to Brahmanas. Shalabhoga was Land for the maintenance of a school. Devadana / Tirunamattukkani was land gifted to temples. Pallichchhandam was land donated to Jaina institutions.

Question 218

Q. 218. _____________ attacked the southern coast of Kathiawar along the Arabian Sea, where he sacked the city of Somnath and its renowned Hindu temple in 1026.

(a) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
(b) Mahmud of Ghazni
(c) Ahmed Shah Tughlaq
(d) Muhammad Ghori

Answer: (b) Mahmud of Ghazni

Explanation: Mahmud of Ghazni attacked the southern coast of Kathiawar along the Arabian Sea, where he sacked the city of Somnath and its renowned Hindu temple in 1026, where he destroyed and plundered the Somnath temple. Somnath temple is located in Gujrat and believed to be the first among the twelve “Jyotirlingas” shrines of Shiva.

Question 219

Q. 219. Mohammad Ghori was defeated by a ______ ruler in 1191.

(a) Chauhan
(b) Chalukya
(c) Garhwal
(d) Maurya

Answer: (a) Chauhan

Explanation: In the First Battle of Tarain which happened in 1191 Prithiviraj Chauhan (III) defeated Mohammad Ghori. In the second Battle of Tarain in year 1192 Mohammad Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chauhan (III).

Question 220

Q. 220. Prithviraj Chauhan defeated Muhammad Ghori in a battle in the year ______ but lost to him the following year.

(a) 1176
(b) 1191
(c) 1163
(d) 1182

Answer: (b) 1191

Explanation: In First Battle of Tarain (1191), Prithviraj Chauhan defeated Muhammad Ghori. In Second Battle of Tarain (1192), Prithviraj Chauhan was defeated by Muhammad Ghori.

Question 221

Q. 221. Prithviraj Chauhan defeated Muhammad Ghori in a battle in the year ______ but lost to him the following year.

(a) 1176
(b) 1191
(c) 1163
(d) 1182

Answer: (b) 1191

Explanation: In First Battle of Tarain (1191), Prithviraj Chauhan defeated Muhammad Ghori. In Second Battle of Tarain (1192), Prithviraj Chauhan was defeated by Muhammad Ghori.

Question 222

Q. 222. Which of the following Indian rulers was defeated by Mahmud Ghazni in his first attack in the year 1000 AD?

(a) Chandra Pala
(b) Anand Pala
(c) Jaya Pala
(d) Sukh Pala

Answer: (c) Jaya Pala

Explanation: Mahmud of Ghazni first invaded modern Afghanistan and Pakistan in 1000 AD. He defeated Hindu shahi kingdom ruler Jaya Pala, who killed himself later, and his son Ananda Pala became his successor.

Question 223

Q. 223. Who attacked Somnath Temple of Gujarat?

(a) Jalal-ud-din Khalji
(b) Ibrahim Lodi
(c) Ahmad Shah Durrani
(d) Mahmud of Ghazni

Answer: (d) Mahmud of Ghazni

Explanation: In 1024, during the reign of Bhima I, the prominent Turkic ruler Mahmud of Ghazni raided Gujarat, plundering the Somnath temple and breaking its jyotirlinga. He took away a booty of 20 million dinars.

Question 224

Q. 224. The first Invasion of Muhammad Ghori was in ___when he attacked Multan.

(a) 1089 AD
(b) 1475 AD
(c) 1175 AD
(d) 1287 AD

Answer: (c) 1175 AD

Question 225

Q. 225. The second battle of Tarain was fought in the year __________.

(a) 1345 AD
(b) 1294 AD
(c) 1079 AD
(d) 1192 AD

Answer: (d) 1192 AD

Question 226

Q. 226. Queen Naikidevi is remembered as the woman who defeated_____in 1178 CE.

(a) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
(b) Muhammad al-Baqir
(c) Al-Salih Muhammad
(d) Muhammad Ghori

Answer: (d) Muhammad Ghori

Explanation: Queen Naikidevi is remembered as the woman who defeated Muhammad Ghori in 1178 CE. This victory is chronicled by local Hindu as well as Muslim chroniclers. Naikidevi was a Solanki queen. Naikidevi was daughter of the Kadamba ruler Mahamandalesvara Permadi of Goa and she took over the kingship after the death of his husband.

Question 227

Q. 227. _____was born to the Chauhan King Someshwara and his queen Karpura Devi in 1166 CE.

(a) Maharaja Man Singh
(b) Maharana Pratap
(c) Maharaja Suraj Mal
(d) Prithviraj Chauhan

Answer: (d) Prithviraj Chauhan

Explanation: Prithviraj Chauhan was born to the Chauhan King Someshwara and his queen Karpura Devi in 1166 CE. He ruled Sapadalaksha, the traditional Chahamana territory, in present-day north-western India. He controlled much of present-day Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi; and some parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

Question 228

Q. 228. Which of the following Governor-Generals introduced a code which provided for the separation of revenue administration from judicial administration?

(a) Lord Wellesley
(b) Lord Cornwallis
(c) William Bentink
(d) Warren Hastings

Answer: (b) Lord Cornwallis

Explanation: Lord Cornwallis introduced a code which provided for the separation of revenue administration from judicial administration. This code contained significant provisions governing policing and judicial and civil administration.

Question 229

Q. 229. Which of the following Indian rulers was defeated by Mahmud Ghazni in his first attack in the year 1001 AD?

(a) Anandpal
(b) Chandrapal
(c) Jaipal
(d) Sukhpal

Answer: (c) Jaipal

Explanation: In 1001AD when Mohmud of Ghazni invaded India for the purpose of loot. He was attacked by the Hindu Shahi army of Jaypala, near Peshawar. Jayapala got defeated in the battle.

Question 230

Q. 230. Muhammad Ghori attacked Tabarhinda (Bhatinda) in 1191, a strategic point for______.

(a) Maharana Pratap Singh
(b) Hem Chandra Vikramaditya
(c) Prithviraj Chauhan
(d) Rana Kumbha

Answer: (c) Prithviraj Chauhan

Explanation: Muhammad Ghori attacked Bhatinda in 1191, a strategic point for Prithviraj Chauhan.

Question 231

Q. 231. Prithviraj Chauhan and Muhammad Ghori fought the battle of ______.

(a) Tallikota
(b) Chanderi
(c) Chausa
(d) Tarain

Answer: (d) Tarain

Explanation: Prithviraj Chauhan and Muhammad Ghori fought the battle of Tarain. Muhammad Gori was Turk ruler and Prithviraj Chauhan was the Rajput ruler of India. They fought two battles of Tarain, in 1191 AD, Prithviraj Chauhan defeated Ghori. In 1192 AD, Ghori defeated and killed Prithviraj Chauhan.

Question 232

Q. 232. Who among the following had invaded India in 712 AD?

(a) Muhammad Bin-Quasim
(b) Qutub-ud-Din Aibak
(c) Mahmud of Ghazni
(d) Muhammad Ghori

Answer: (a) Muhammad Bin-Quasim

Explanation: Muhammad Bin-Qasim had invaded India in 712 AD. He was an Arab military commander in the service of the Umayyad Caliphate who led the Muslim conquest of Sindh from the last Hindu king, Raja Dahir in the battle of Aror. He was the first Muslim to have successfully captured Hindu territories and initiated early Islamic India in 712 CE.

Question 233

Q. 233. In 711 CE, Arab general ______ conquered Sindh, which became a part of the Caliph’s domain.

(a) Qutub-ud-din Aibak
(b) Muhammad-Bin-Tughlaq
(c) Muhammad Bin Qasim
(d) Muhammad Ghori

Answer: (c) Muhammad Bin Qasim

Explanation: In 711 AD, Sindh was conquered by Mohammad bin Qasim. He defeated Dahir, the king of Sind in his third attempt and conquered Sindh.

Question 234

Q. 234. Who among the following built the first European fort in India in the year 1503?

(a) Dutch
(b) British
(c) French
(d) Portuguese

Answer: (d) Portuguese

Explanation: The first European fort in India was built by the Portuguese in the year 1503. Fort Emmanuel was built in 1503 by the Portuguese. Situated at Fort Kochi, it was once a symbol of the alliance between the ruler of Kochi and the monarch of Portugal.

Question 235

Q. 235. Who was the Mughal Emperor at the time of Battle of Plassey?

(a) Alamgir II
(b) Siraj- Ud- Daulah
(c) Mir Qasim
(d) Shah Alam II

Answer: (a) Aziz-ud-din Alamgir II

Explanation: Aziz-ud-din Alamgir II was the Mughal Emperor at the time of Battle of Plassey.

Question 236

Q. 236. Who introduced ‘Charbagh’ style of architecture in India?

(a) Mughals
(b) Rajputs
(c) Mauryas
(d) Marathas

Answer: (a) Mughals

Explanation: Charbagh: Char represents four whereas bagh represents garden. This concept was introduced to India by the Mughal king “Babur” who is the founder of mughal dynasty in India.

Question 237

Q. 237. Who among the following was popularly known as the parrot of India?

(a) Tansen
(b) Ibn Battuta
(c) Amir Khosrow
(d) Ziauddin Barani

Answer: (c) Amir Khusro

Explanation: Amir Khusro, the Parrot of India. Amir Khusro is often considered the first Urdu poet. He lived from 1263 to 1325 CE and was a Sufi poet, musician, and scholar and worked in the royal courts of various kings and sultans. He was also called ‘Tut-e-Hind’.

Question 238

Q. 238. The period between _______ in India’s history is known as the Delhi Sultanate period.

(a) 1206 A.D. and 1526 A.D.
(b) 1456 A.D. and 1675 A.D.
(c) 745 A.D. and 1245 A.D.
(d) 1105 A.D. and 1445 A.D.

Answer: (a) 1206 A.D. and 1526 A.D.

Explanation: The period between 1206 A.D. and 1526 A.D. in India’s history is known as the Delhi Sultanate period. During this period of over three hundred years, five dynasties ruled in Delhi: 1.Mamluk (Slave) dynasty 2.Khaljis dynasty 3.Tughlaq dynasty 4.Sayyid dynasty 5.Lodi dynasty

Question 239

Q. 239. In the context of the Mughals, which of the following statements is NOT correct?

(a) The Mughal court chronicles describe them as the descendents of a legendary Iranian king Afrasiyab.
(b) Babur was pushed out of his homeland Farghana by Uzbeks.
(c) Babur was related to Ghenghis Khan from his mother’s side.
(d) They were the descendants of Taimur on the paternal side.

Answer: (a) The Mughal court chronicles describe them as the descendents of a legendary Iranian king Afrasiyab.

Explanation: Mughal rulers referred to themselves as Timurids, as descendants of the Turkish ruler Timur on the paternal side.

Question 240

Q. 240. The city of victory, Fatehpur Sikri in_____was built during the glorious reign of the Mughals.

(a) Jaipur
(b) Bidar
(c) Aligarh
(d) Agra

Answer: (d) Agra

Explanation: The city of victory, Fatehpur Sikri in Agra was built during the glorious reign of the Mughals. Fatehpur Sikri is a small city in northern India, just west of Agra, founded by a 16th-century Mughal emperor. Red sandstone buildings cluster at its center. Buland Darwaza gate is the entrance to Jama Masjid mosque.

Question 241

Q. 241. The Drishyakala-Exhibition held at the Red Fort showcased art works from ___________ till India’s independence.

(a) 11th century
(b) 12th century
(c) 16th century
(d) 10th century

Answer: (c) 16th century

Explanation: The Drishyakala-Exhibition on Indian Art showcases artwork from 16th century till India’s independence. It has paintings by Amrita Shergil and Raja Ravi Varma on display. Titled Drishyakala, the exhibition, mounted on the walls of a newly-restored former British barracks inside the Red Fort, tells the tale of a rich and diverse land and its people passing through colonial rule.

Question 242

Q. 242. The Mahabharata translated from Sanskrit to Persian in the Mughal period is known as ______.

(a) Tutinama
(b) Shahnama
(c) Razmnama
(d) Badshahnama

Answer: (c) Razmnama

Explanation: In the 1580s, Emperor Akbar ordered the translation of the Sanskrit Mahabharata into Persian. The newly minted Mughal epic, called the Razmnama (Book of War), would prove a seminal work in imperial circles for decades.

Question 243

Q. 243. Which of the following is an INCORRECT sequence of Mughal-rulers?

(a) Jahangir, Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb
(b) Akbar, Shah Jahan, Jahangir
(c) Babur, Humayun, Akbar
(d) Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan

Answer: (b) Akbar, Shah Jahan, Jahangir

Explanation: Correct order of Mughals Rulers are as follows – Babar, Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, Aurangeb So option B is wrong

Question 244

Q. 244. A pillar containing inscriptions from three different periods, i.e. The Mauryan Period, Gupta period and Mughal period, is located at:

(a) Lauriya Nandangarh
(b) Topra
(c) Allahabad (Prayagraj)
(d) Rummindei

Answer: (c) Allahabad (Prayagraj)

Explanation: A pillar containing inscriptions from three different periods, is located at Allahabad pillar. It contains information that praises the Samudragupta from Gupta dynasty, Ashoka from the Mauryan Dynasty and Mughal emperor Jahangir.

Question 245

Q. 245. In the context of state and administration in the Delhi Sultanate, the term ‘muqti’ means:

(a) a head of Gram Panchayat
(b) the holder of a land assignment called ‘iqta’
(c) the head of a village community
(d) a district level judicial official

Answer: (b) the holder of a land assignment called ‘iqta’

Explanation: Administration and Consolidation under the Khaljis and the Tughlaqs… … The Khaljis and the Tughlaqs appointed local commanders called ‘iqtadar’ or’ muqti’, and the lands given to them to manage were called ‘iqtas’. The ‘iqtadars’ led military campaigns, maintained law and order, collected taxes, and paid their soldiers.

Question 246

Q. 246. In the context of the Mughals, which of the following statements is NOT correct?

(a) The Mughal court chronicles describe them as the descendents of a legendary Iranian king Afrasiyab.
(b) Babur was pushed out of his homeland Farghana by Uzbeks.
(c) Babur was related to Ghenghis Khan from his mother’s side.
(d) They were the descendants of Taimur on the paternal side.

Answer: (a) The Mughal court chronicles describe them as the descendents of a legendary Iranian king Afrasiyab.

Explanation: The Mughal court chronicles describe them as the descendants of a legendary Iranian king Afrasiyab is not correct. Mughal rulers referred to themselves as Timurids, as descendants of the Turkish ruler Timur on the paternal side.

Question 247

Q. 247. Who was the first and last woman ruler of Delhi Sultanate?

(a) Rani Durgavati
(b) Nur Jahan
(c) Sultana Chand Bibi
(d) Razia Sultana

Answer: (d) Razia Sultana

Explanation: Razia Sultana was the first and last woman ruler of the Delhi Sultanate from 1236-1240. She was the first Muslim woman associated with the Delhi Sultanate throne. She succeeded her father Shams-ud-din Iltutmish and became the Sultanate of Delhi in 1236 but was later killed in Kaithal, Haryana.

Question 248

Q. 248. Who among the following is the author of the book ‘Tabaqat-i-Nasiri’?

(a) Minhaj-us-Siraj
(b) Al-Biruni
(c) Ziauddin Barani
(d) Amir Khusrau

Answer: (a) Minhaj-us-Siraj

Explanation: Minhaj-us-Siraj is the author of the book ‘Tabaqat-i-Nasiri’. Al-Bruni was an Iranian scholar and traveled to India in 1017 AD and wrote a treatise on Indian Culture Tarikh-al-Hind. Ziauddin Barani was a Muslim political thinker of the Delhi Sultanate and wrote a book, Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi (a work on medieval India). Amir Khusrau was an Indo-Persian Sufi singer, scholar and poet often referred to as “voice of India” or “father of Urdu literature”

Question 249

Q. 249. Who among the following sultans of the Delhi Sultanate appointed Ghiyasuddin Balban as his/her Prime Minister?

(a) Raziyya
(b) Nasiruddin Mahmud
(c) Muizuddin Bahram
(d) Shamsuddin Iltutmish

Answer: (b) Nasiruddin Mahmud

Explanation: When Sultan Nasir-ud-din Mahmud ascended the throne of the Delhi Sultanate, Balban was appointed as the Prime Minister of the Empire between 1246 AD and 1266 AD and married the Sultan’s daughter.

Question 250

Q. 250. Who was the ruler of Delhi sultanate when Ibn Batuta came to India?

(a) Alauddin Khilji
(b) Firuz Shah Tughlaq
(c) Muhammad Bin Tughlaq
(d) Ibrahim Lodi

Answer: (c) Muhammad Bin Tughlaq

Explanation: Muhammad bin Tughluq was the ruler of the Delhi sultanate when Ibn Batuta came to India. Muhammad bin Tughluq was the Sultan of Delhi from 1325 to 1351 from the Tughluq Dynasty.