If you are preparing for competitive exams and searching for the top 100 history MCQ that are most useful for revision, this blog post is made especially for you. History is an important subject in exams like UPSC, SSC, Railway, State PCS, NDA, CDS and other government examinations.
In this post, you will find Top 100 History MCQs selected from Ancient, Medieval, and Modern History. These questions are designed to help students understand key concepts, revise important facts, and practice exam-oriented multiple-choice questions in an effective and time-saving manner.
Top 100 History MCQ for Competitive Exams
1. The Indus Valley Civilization was discovered in which year? (SSC PYQ)
- A. 1919
- B. 1921
- C. 1925
- D. 1931
Explanation: Harappa was discovered in 1921 by Daya Ram Sahni.
2. Which river is known as the ‘Sorrow of Bengal’? (SSC)
- A. Ganga
- B. Yamuna
- C. Damodar
- D. Hooghly
Explanation: Damodar causes frequent floods in Bengal region.
3. Who was the compiler of Rigveda? (UPSC PYQ)
- A. Valmiki
- B. Ved Vyasa
- C. Panini
- D. Bharata
Explanation: Ved Vyasa compiled the Vedas including the Rigveda.
4. Ajanta Caves belong to which period? (SSC)
- A. Mauryan
- B. Gupta
- C. Kushana
- D. Chola
Explanation: Most Ajanta paintings belong to the Gupta period.
5. Who founded the Maurya Empire? (UPSC)
- A. Bimbisara
- B. Ashoka
- C. Chandragupta Maurya
- D. Bindusara
Explanation: He founded the Maurya dynasty with the help of Chanakya.
6. Ashoka inscriptions were written mainly in which script? (SSC)
- A. Kharosthi
- B. Brahmi
- C. Devanagari
- D. Pali
Explanation: Most Ashokan inscriptions are in Brahmi script.
7. Who was known as the ‘Napoleon of India’? (SSC)
- A. Ashoka
- B. Samudragupta
- C. Harshavardhana
- D. Skandagupta
Explanation: Due to his extensive military campaigns.
8. Who defeated Harsha on the banks of river Narmada? (UPSC)
- A. Pulakesin II
- B. Rajendra Chola
- C. Dhruva
- D. Bhoja
Explanation: Pulakesin II stopped Harsha’s southern expansion.
9. Who built the Kailasa Temple at Ellora? (SSC)
- A. Ashoka
- B. Amoghavarsha
- C. Krishna I
- D. Rajaraja Chola
Explanation: Rashtrakuta ruler Krishna I built the Kailasa temple.
10. Who was the founder of Delhi Sultanate? (SSC)
- A. Qutbuddin Aibak
- B. Iltutmish
- C. Balban
- D. Alauddin Khilji
Explanation: He founded the Slave Dynasty in 1206.
11. Who introduced market control system? (UPSC)
- A. Balban
- B. Alauddin Khilji
- C. Firoz Shah Tughlaq
- D. Sikandar Lodi
Explanation: He fixed prices to control inflation.
12. Who wrote Tuzuk-i-Baburi? (SSC)
- A. Akbar
- B. Babur
- C. Jahangir
- D. Humayun
Explanation: It is Babur’s autobiography.
13. Mansabdari system was introduced by? (UPSC)
- A. Babur
- B. Humayun
- C. Akbar
- D. Jahangir
Explanation: Mansabdari organized civil and military administration.
14. Battle of Plassey was fought in? (SSC)
- A. 1757
- B. 1764
- C. 1772
- D. 1781
Explanation: It marked the beginning of British political rule.
15. Doctrine of Lapse was introduced by? (SSC)
- A. Lord Wellesley
- B. Lord Dalhousie
- C. Lord Cornwallis
- D. Lord Curzon
Explanation: It was used to annex Indian states.
16. The Revolt of 1857 started from? (SSC)
- A. Delhi
- B. Kanpur
- C. Meerut
- D. Lucknow
Explanation: Sepoy mutiny first broke out in Meerut.
17. Indian National Congress was founded in? (SSC)
- A. 1883
- B. 1885
- C. 1890
- D. 1905
Explanation: INC was founded by A.O. Hume.
18. Who started the Home Rule Movement? (SSC)
- A. Gandhi
- B. Nehru
- C. Tilak & Annie Besant
- D. Subhas Bose
Explanation: It demanded self-government.
19. Quit India Movement was launched in? (UPSC)
- A. 1940
- B. 1941
- C. 1942
- D. 1945
Explanation: Launched after failure of Cripps Mission.
20. Who was the first Governor-General of independent India? (SSC)
- A. C. Rajagopalachari
- B. Rajendra Prasad
- C. Lord Mountbatten
- D. Jawaharlal Nehru
Explanation: He was the last Viceroy and first Governor-General.
21. Which metal was mainly used by the Harappans for making tools?
- A. Iron
- B. Copper
- C. Bronze
- D. Gold
Explanation: The Harappan Civilization belonged to the Bronze Age.
22. Which Vedic text is mainly devoted to sacrificial rituals?
- A. Rigveda
- B. Samaveda
- C. Yajurveda
- D. Atharvaveda
Explanation: Yajurveda contains rules and procedures for sacrifices.
23. Who was the founder of the Maurya Dynasty?
- A. Ashoka
- B. Bindusara
- C. Chandragupta Maurya
- D. Brihadratha
Explanation: Chandragupta Maurya founded the Maurya Empire in 322 BC.
24. Which inscription provides details of Ashoka’s Dhamma?
- A. Hathigumpha Inscription
- B. Junagarh Inscription
- C. Rock Edicts
- D. Allahabad Pillar Inscription
Explanation: Ashoka’s Rock Edicts explain his policy of Dhamma.
25. The famous Iron Pillar is located at?
- A. Sarnath
- B. Mehrauli
- C. Mathura
- D. Ujjain
Explanation: The Iron Pillar at Mehrauli is known for its rust-resistant nature.
26. Who wrote the biography of Harshavardhana?
- A. Kalhana
- B. Banabhatta
- C. Hiuen Tsang
- D. Fa-Hien
Explanation: Banabhatta wrote Harshacharita, the biography of Harsha.
27. Who introduced the Iqta system in India?
- A. Qutbuddin Aibak
- B. Iltutmish
- C. Alauddin Khilji
- D. Balban
Explanation: Iltutmish organized the Iqta system for revenue administration.
28. Which Mughal emperor built the Jama Masjid of Delhi?
- A. Akbar
- B. Jahangir
- C. Shah Jahan
- D. Aurangzeb
Explanation: Jama Masjid was built by Shah Jahan in 1656.
29. Who was the last Mughal emperor of India?
- A. Aurangzeb
- B. Bahadur Shah Zafar
- C. Shah Alam II
- D. Akbar II
Explanation: Bahadur Shah Zafar was the last Mughal ruler.
30. The Battle of Buxar was fought in which year?
- A. 1757
- B. 1761
- C. 1764
- D. 1772
Explanation: The Battle of Buxar (1764) strengthened British power in India.
31. Who introduced the Permanent Settlement in India?
- A. Lord Hastings
- B. Lord Cornwallis
- C. Lord Wellesley
- D. Lord Dalhousie
Explanation: Permanent Settlement was introduced in 1793.
32. Who founded the Indian National Congress?
- A. Dadabhai Naoroji
- B. A.O. Hume
- C. Surendranath Banerjee
- D. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Explanation: INC was founded in 1885 by A.O. Hume.
33. The slogan “Do or Die” was given during which movement?
- A. Non-Cooperation Movement
- B. Civil Disobedience Movement
- C. Quit India Movement
- D. Swadeshi Movement
Explanation: Mahatma Gandhi gave the slogan during the Quit India Movement (1942).
34. Who was known as the ‘Iron Man of India’?
- A. Jawaharlal Nehru
- B. Subhash Chandra Bose
- C. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
- D. B.R. Ambedkar
Explanation: Patel integrated princely states into the Indian Union.
35. Who was the first Governor-General of independent India?
- A. Lord Mountbatten
- B. C. Rajagopalachari
- C. Rajendra Prasad
- D. Jawaharlal Nehru
Explanation: Lord Mountbatten served as the first Governor-General of independent India.
36. Which ancient Indian text deals mainly with statecraft and administration?
- A. Manusmriti
- B. Arthashastra
- C. Rigveda
- D. Mahabharata
Explanation: Arthashastra, written by Chanakya, focuses on administration, economy, and governance.
37. Which Harappan site is famous for its dockyard?
- A. Harappa
- B. Dholavira
- C. Lothal
- D. Rakhigarhi
Explanation: Lothal is known for the world’s earliest dockyard, indicating maritime trade.
38. Who composed the Allahabad Pillar inscription?
- A. Kalidasa
- B. Harisena
- C. Banabhatta
- D. Vishakhadatta
Explanation: Harisena was the court poet of Samudragupta and composed the Allahabad Pillar inscription.
39. Which Sultan of Delhi introduced the policy of blood and iron?
- A. Iltutmish
- B. Alauddin Khilji
- C. Balban
- D. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Explanation: Balban followed a strict policy of blood and iron to maintain law and order.
40. Which Mughal emperor introduced the Mansabdari system?
- A. Babur
- B. Humayun
- C. Akbar
- D. Aurangzeb
Explanation: Akbar introduced the Mansabdari system to organize military and civil administration.
41. The Battle of Buxar was fought between the British and whom?
- A. Tipu Sultan
- B. Siraj-ud-Daulah
- C. Mir Qasim, Shah Alam II and Shuja-ud-Daula
- D. Haider Ali
Explanation: The Battle of Buxar (1764) was fought between the British and a combined Indian alliance.
42. Who founded the Asiatic Society of Bengal?
- A. Lord Dalhousie
- B. Warren Hastings
- C. William Jones
- D. Charles Wilkins
Explanation: Sir William Jones founded the Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1784.
43. Which movement is associated with the slogan “Do or Die”?
- A. Non-Cooperation Movement
- B. Civil Disobedience Movement
- C. Quit India Movement
- D. Swadeshi Movement
Explanation: Mahatma Gandhi gave the slogan “Do or Die” during the Quit India Movement in 1942.
44. Who was the first Governor-General of independent India?
- A. Rajagopalachari
- B. Lord Mountbatten
- C. Jawaharlal Nehru
- D. C. Rajendra Prasad
Explanation: Lord Mountbatten served as the first Governor-General of independent India.
45. The Permanent Settlement was introduced by which Governor-General?
- A. Warren Hastings
- B. Lord Cornwallis
- C. Lord Wellesley
- D. Lord Curzon
Explanation: The Permanent Settlement of 1793 was introduced by Lord Cornwallis.
46. Which Indian leader founded the Forward Bloc?
- A. Jawaharlal Nehru
- B. Subhas Chandra Bose
- C. Lala Lajpat Rai
- D. Bhagat Singh
Explanation: Subhas Chandra Bose founded the Forward Bloc in 1939.
47. Which Viceroy partitioned Bengal in 1905?
- A. Lord Curzon
- B. Lord Minto
- C. Lord Irwin
- D. Lord Chelmsford
Explanation: Lord Curzon partitioned Bengal in 1905, leading to the Swadeshi Movement.
48. The Simon Commission came to India in which year?
- A. 1925
- B. 1927
- C. 1928
- D. 1930
Explanation: The Simon Commission arrived in India in 1927 without any Indian member.
49. Who was the first Indian to become President of the Indian National Congress?
- A. Dadabhai Naoroji
- B. W. C. Bonnerjee
- C. Surendranath Banerjee
- D. Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Explanation: W. C. Bonnerjee was the first President of the Indian National Congress in 1885.
50. Indian independence was officially declared on which date?
- A. 26 January 1950
- B. 15 August 1947
- C. 2 October 1947
- D. 26 November 1949
Explanation: India became an independent nation on 15 August 1947.
51. Which book describes the administration of Chandragupta Maurya?
- A. Arthashastra
- B. Indica
- C. Mudrarakshasa
- D. Rajatarangini
Explanation: Indica was written by Megasthenes describing Mauryan administration.
52. Which Gupta ruler is known as the Napoleon of India?
- A. Chandragupta I
- B. Samudragupta
- C. Chandragupta II
- D. Skandagupta
Explanation: Historian V.A. Smith called Samudragupta the Napoleon of India.
53. Which Chola ruler conquered Sri Lanka?
- A. Rajaraja I
- B. Rajendra I
- C. Vijayalaya
- D. Kulottunga I
Explanation: Rajendra Chola I led expeditions to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.
54. Who constructed the Qutub Minar?
- A. Qutbuddin Aibak
- B. Iltutmish
- C. Alauddin Khilji
- D. Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Explanation: Qutub Minar was started by Qutbuddin Aibak.
55. Who introduced market control (price control) policy?
- A. Balban
- B. Alauddin Khilji
- C. Firoz Shah Tughlaq
- D. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Explanation: Alauddin Khilji enforced strict price control measures.
56. Which Mughal emperor introduced Mansabdari system?
- A. Babur
- B. Humayun
- C. Akbar
- D. Jahangir
Explanation: Mansabdari system was a key administrative reform of Akbar.
57. Which Maratha Peshwa defeated the Nizam at Bhopal?
- A. Balaji Vishwanath
- B. Baji Rao I
- C. Balaji Baji Rao
- D. Madhavrao I
Explanation: Baji Rao I defeated the Nizam in the Battle of Bhopal (1737).
58. The Treaty of Allahabad was signed in?
- A. 1757
- B. 1764
- C. 1765
- D. 1772
Explanation: Treaty of Allahabad was signed after the Battle of Buxar.
59. Who introduced the Doctrine of Lapse?
- A. Lord Hastings
- B. Lord Wellesley
- C. Lord Dalhousie
- D. Lord Cornwallis
Explanation: Doctrine of Lapse was used to annex Indian states.
60. Who led the revolt of 1857 from Kanpur?
- A. Rani Lakshmibai
- B. Kunwar Singh
- C. Begum Hazrat Mahal
- D. Nana Saheb
Explanation: Nana Saheb was the leader of the revolt at Kanpur.
61. The Vernacular Press Act was passed in?
- A. 1858
- B. 1878
- C. 1885
- D. 1909
Explanation: The act restricted freedom of the Indian vernacular press.
62. Who started the Home Rule Movement in India?
- A. Mahatma Gandhi
- B. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
- C. Annie Besant
- D. Both B and C
Explanation: Tilak and Annie Besant started Home Rule Leagues.
63. Which session of INC adopted the Quit India resolution?
- A. Karachi
- B. Lahore
- C. Bombay
- D. Calcutta
Explanation: Quit India resolution was adopted in Bombay session (1942).
64. Who was the President of the Constituent Assembly Drafting Committee?
- A. Jawaharlal Nehru
- B. Rajendra Prasad
- C. B.R. Ambedkar
- D. Sardar Patel
Explanation: Dr. Ambedkar chaired the Drafting Committee.
65. Who was the first Indian to become Governor-General of India?
- A. Rajendra Prasad
- B. C. Rajagopalachari
- C. Jawaharlal Nehru
- D. Sardar Patel
Explanation: Rajaji became the last Governor-General of India.
66. Which civilization is associated with the Great Bath?
- A. Vedic Civilization
- B. Harappan Civilization
- C. Chalcolithic Culture
- D. Mauryan Empire
Explanation: The Great Bath is found at Mohenjo-daro.
67. Which ruler assumed the title ‘Sultan-i-Adil’?
- A. Balban
- B. Alauddin Khilji
- C. Sikandar Lodi
- D. Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Explanation: Balban emphasized kingship and absolute authority.
68. Which Mughal emperor abolished Jizya tax?
- A. Babur
- B. Akbar
- C. Jahangir
- D. Shah Jahan
Explanation: Akbar abolished Jizya to promote religious tolerance.
69. Which movement is associated with the Dandi March?
- A. Non-Cooperation Movement
- B. Civil Disobedience Movement
- C. Quit India Movement
- D. Swadeshi Movement
Explanation: Dandi March marked the beginning of Civil Disobedience Movement.
70. Who gave the slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan”?
- A. Jawaharlal Nehru
- B. Lal Bahadur Shastri
- C. Indira Gandhi
- D. Rajendra Prasad
Explanation: The slogan emphasized importance of soldiers and farmers.
71. Which Harappan site is located in Gujarat?
- A. Harappa
- B. Mohenjo-daro
- C. Dholavira
- D. Rakhigarhi
Explanation: Dholavira is an important Harappan site located in Gujarat.
72. Which Upanishad contains the concept of ‘Tat Tvam Asi’?
- A. Katha Upanishad
- B. Chandogya Upanishad
- C. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
- D. Isha Upanishad
Explanation: ‘Tat Tvam Asi’ is a key teaching of the Chandogya Upanishad.
73. Who was the court poet of Samudragupta?
- A. Kalidasa
- B. Harisena
- C. Banabhatta
- D. Vishakhadatta
Explanation: Harisena composed the Allahabad Pillar Inscription.
74. Who introduced token currency in medieval India?
- A. Alauddin Khilji
- B. Balban
- C. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
- D. Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Explanation: He introduced token currency of brass and copper.
75. Which Mughal emperor wrote his autobiography?
- A. Babur
- B. Humayun
- C. Jahangir
- D. Shah Jahan
Explanation: Baburnama is the autobiography of Babur.
76. Who was the founder of the Sikh religion?
- A. Guru Gobind Singh
- B. Guru Nanak Dev
- C. Guru Arjan Dev
- D. Guru Tegh Bahadur
Explanation: Guru Nanak Dev founded Sikhism in the 15th century.
77. Which Governor-General introduced English education in India?
- A. Lord Wellesley
- B. Lord Dalhousie
- C. Lord Bentinck
- D. Lord Cornwallis
Explanation: English education was promoted after Macaulay’s Minute (1835).
78. The Indigo Revolt took place in?
- A. Bihar
- B. Bengal
- C. Punjab
- D. Awadh
Explanation: Indigo Revolt (1859–60) occurred in Bengal.
79. Who founded the Arya Samaj?
- A. Ram Mohan Roy
- B. Swami Vivekananda
- C. Dayanand Saraswati
- D. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
Explanation: Arya Samaj was founded in 1875.
80. Who was the Viceroy of India at the time of partition?
- A. Lord Wavell
- B. Lord Mountbatten
- C. Lord Linlithgow
- D. Lord Irwin
Explanation: Lord Mountbatten was the last Viceroy of India.
81. Which prehistoric age is associated with microliths?
- A. Paleolithic
- B. Mesolithic
- C. Neolithic
- D. Chalcolithic
Explanation: Mesolithic age tools include microliths.
82. Which ruler issued the Allahabad Pillar Inscription?
- A. Chandragupta Maurya
- B. Ashoka
- C. Samudragupta
- D. Harsha
Explanation: The inscription details Samudragupta’s conquests.
83. Who built the Red Fort in Delhi?
- A. Akbar
- B. Jahangir
- C. Shah Jahan
- D. Aurangzeb
Explanation: Red Fort was built by Shah Jahan in 1648.
84. Which war led to the establishment of British rule in Bengal?
- A. Battle of Buxar
- B. Battle of Panipat
- C. Battle of Plassey
- D. Battle of Wandiwash
Explanation: Battle of Plassey (1757) established British dominance in Bengal.
85. Who was the leader of the Bardoli Satyagraha?
- A. Mahatma Gandhi
- B. Jawaharlal Nehru
- C. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
- D. Rajendra Prasad
Explanation: Bardoli Satyagraha (1928) made Patel a national leader.
86. The Simon Commission came to India in which year?
- A. 1925
- B. 1927
- C. 1928
- D. 1930
Explanation: Simon Commission arrived in 1927 and was boycotted.
87. Who presided over the Lahore Session of INC (1929)?
- A. Mahatma Gandhi
- B. Jawaharlal Nehru
- C. Subhash Chandra Bose
- D. Vallabhbhai Patel
Explanation: Purna Swaraj resolution was adopted in this session.
88. Who is known as the Father of the Indian Constitution?
- A. Jawaharlal Nehru
- B. Rajendra Prasad
- C. B.R. Ambedkar
- D. Sardar Patel
Explanation: Dr. Ambedkar played a key role in drafting the Constitution.
89. When did India become a Republic?
- A. 15 August 1947
- B. 26 January 1949
- C. 26 January 1950
- D. 2 October 1950
Explanation: The Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950.
90. Who was the first President of India?
- A. Jawaharlal Nehru
- B. Sardar Patel
- C. Dr. Rajendra Prasad
- D. C. Rajagopalachari
Explanation: Dr. Rajendra Prasad served as the first President of India.
91. Which Paleolithic site is located in Madhya Pradesh?
- A. Bhimbetka
- B. Hunsgi
- C. Kurnool
- D. Chirand
Explanation: Bhimbetka rock shelters are important Paleolithic sites in Madhya Pradesh.
92. Which Mahajanapada had its capital at Rajagriha?
- A. Kosala
- B. Magadha
- C. Avanti
- D. Vatsa
Explanation: Rajagriha (Rajgir) was the early capital of Magadha.
93. Which Gupta ruler issued silver coins?
- A. Samudragupta
- B. Chandragupta I
- C. Chandragupta II
- D. Skandagupta
Explanation: Chandragupta II issued silver coins after conquering western regions.
94. Who completed the construction of Qutub Minar?
- A. Qutbuddin Aibak
- B. Alauddin Khilji
- C. Iltutmish
- D. Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Explanation: Iltutmish completed the construction of Qutub Minar.
95. Which Mughal emperor introduced the practice of weighing himself against gold?
- A. Akbar
- B. Jahangir
- C. Shah Jahan
- D. Aurangzeb
Explanation: Jahangir followed the custom of weighing himself against gold on birthdays.
96. Which Act introduced Dyarchy in the provinces?
- A. Indian Councils Act 1909
- B. Government of India Act 1919
- C. Government of India Act 1935
- D. Indian Independence Act 1947
Explanation: Dyarchy was introduced by the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms.
97. Who founded the Forward Bloc?
- A. Jawaharlal Nehru
- B. Subhash Chandra Bose
- C. Jayaprakash Narayan
- D. C. Rajagopalachari
Explanation: Forward Bloc was founded by Subhash Chandra Bose in 1939.
98. The Cabinet Mission Plan was introduced in which year?
- A. 1942
- B. 1945
- C. 1946
- D. 1947
Explanation: Cabinet Mission Plan aimed at constitutional settlement in India.
99. Who was the first Indian woman President of the Indian National Congress?
- A. Sarojini Naidu
- B. Annie Besant
- C. Vijayalakshmi Pandit
- D. Sucheta Kriplani
Explanation: Sarojini Naidu became INC President in 1925.
100. Who was the first Prime Minister of independent India?
- A. Rajendra Prasad
- B. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
- C. Jawaharlal Nehru
- D. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Explanation: Jawaharlal Nehru served as India’s first Prime Minister from 1947.
A strong command over History can significantly improve your performance in competitive exams. The Top 100 History MCQ included in this post cover the most important and frequently asked topics, making them ideal for last-minute revision as well as daily practice.
By regularly practicing these history MCQs, students can improve accuracy, speed, and confidence. Keep revising these questions and make History one of your strongest scoring subjects in exams.
