Indian History GK MCQ Questions for Competitive Exams
Permanent Revenue Settlement of Bengal was introduced by
(A) Wellesley
(B) Cornwallis
(C) Clive
(D) Hastings
Correct Answer : B
Explanation :
The Permanent Revenue Settlement of Bengal was introduced by Lord Cornwallis. It was implemented in 1793 during the British colonial period in India. The system aimed to provide a stable source of revenue for the British East India Company by fixing the land revenue demand on a permanent basis. Under this settlement, land revenue was fixed in perpetuity, and the zamindars (landlords) became intermediaries responsible for collecting revenue from the peasants and forwarding it to the British government. While it aimed to create stability, the Permanent Settlement had long-term negative consequences for the agrarian economy in Bengal.
Who directed India's first publicly screened cinema Raja Harishchandra?
(A) Bimal Roy
(B) Dada Saheb Phalke
(C) V G Damle
(D) V Shantaram
Correct Answer : B
Explanation :
India's first publicly screened cinema, "Raja Harishchandra," was directed by Dadasaheb Phalke. He is often regarded as the father of Indian cinema. "Raja Harishchandra" was released in 1913, marking the beginning of the Indian film industry. Dadasaheb Phalke played a crucial role in the early development of Indian cinema and is remembered for his pioneering contributions to the art form.
In which of the following years, 26th January was celebrated as an Independence Day?
(A) 1942
(B) 1946
(C) 1930
(D) 1929
Correct Answer : C
Explanation :
The year 26th January was celebrated as Independence Day was 1930. On this day in 1930, the Indian National Congress, under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, declared Purna Swaraj, or complete independence, as opposed to the dominion status offered by the British government. The day marked the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement against British rule in India. While 26th January continued to be celebrated as Independence Day in subsequent years, it later became Republic Day after India adopted its constitution on January 26, 1950.
Who founded the city of Pataliputra?
(A) Ajatshatru
(B) Bimbisara
(C) Ashoka
(D) Udayin
Correct Answer : D
Explanation :
Udayin founded the city of Pataliputra in the 5th century. Pataliputra is now known as Patna which is the capital of Bihar. Udayin was the ruler who first established Pataliputra as the capital of Magadha.
The English established their first factory in India at
(A) Sutanati
(B) Madras
(C) Bombay
(D) Surat
Correct Answer : D
Explanation :
The English established their first factory in India at Surat. The East India Company, an English company formed for the exploitation of trade with East and Southeast Asia and India, set up its first factory in Surat in 1600. Surat was an important port and commercial center during that period, and it played a significant role in early English trade activities in India.
Harisena, the author of the famous “Prayag Prashasti” adorned the court of which Gupta ruler?
(A) Samudragupta
(B) Kumar Gupta-I
(C) Chandragupta Vikramaditya
(D) Skandagupta
Correct Answer : A
Explanation :
Harisena, the author of the famous "Prayag Prashasti," adorned the court of Samudragupta, who was a prominent ruler of the Gupta Empire in ancient India. Samudragupta ruled from around 335 to 375 CE and is often considered one of the greatest rulers of the Gupta dynasty. The "Prayag Prashasti" is an inscription that glorifies Samudragupta's achievements and military conquests, providing valuable historical insights into the Gupta period.
Which of the following emperor was known as “Lichchavi Duhitra” during the Gupta Age?
(A) Chandra Gupta 2
(B) Samudra Gupta
(C) Skand Gupta
(D) Chandra Gupta 1
Correct Answer : B
Explanation :
The title "Lichchavi Duhitra" during the Gupta Age was associated with Emperor Kumaragupta I, not Samudragupta. Kumaragupta I was a ruler of the Gupta Empire, and "Lichchavi Duhitra" translates to "the son of the Lichchhavi princess." This title suggests his marriage into the Lichchhavi dynasty, an important political alliance during that time.
Fire temple is the place of worship of which of the following religion?
(A) Zoroastrianism (Persian Religion)
(B) Shinto’s
(C) Taoism
(D) Judaism
Correct Answer : A
Explanation :
A fire temple is a place of worship in Zoroastrianism, the ancient Persian religion founded by the prophet Zoroaster (or Zarathustra). In Zoroastrianism, fire is considered a sacred and purifying element, and fire temples serve as places where adherents gather for religious rituals and ceremonies. Fire is a symbol of Ahura Mazda, the supreme deity in Zoroastrianism.
Muhi-ud-Din Muhammad commonly known by the sobriquet Aurangzeb or by his regnal title Alamgir was the ___________ Mughal emperor.
(A) Forth
(B) Seventh
(C) Fifth
(D) Sixth
Correct Answer : D
Explanation :
Muhi-ud-Din Muhammad, commonly known as Aurangzeb or Alamgir, was the sixth Mughal emperor. He ruled over the Mughal Empire from 1658 to 1707. Aurangzeb was the son of Emperor Shah Jahan and the sixth ruler in the line of the Mughal emperors.
The place of nirvana of Mahavira Swami is Pavapuri in present-day _______________, is a pilgrimage site for Jains.
(A) Uttar Pradesh
(B) Kaushambi
(C) Nepal
(D) Bihar
Correct Answer : D
Explanation :
The place of nirvana (death) of Mahavira Swami is Pavapuri, located in present-day Bihar, India. Pavapuri is considered a significant pilgrimage site for Jains, and it is believed to be the place where Mahavira attained nirvana (liberation) around 527 BCE. Jains visit Pavapuri to pay their respects and engage in religious activities.