VA FOCUS ACADEMY

SUBJECT:- GENERAL AWARENESS

TOPIC :- 100 GK QUESTIONS ON HISTORY

Section 1: Ancient Indian History

1. Who was the founder of the Maurya Empire?

Answer: Chandragupta Maurya

Explanation: He established the Maurya Empire in 321 BCE with the help of Chanakya.

2. Which ancient text is considered the oldest scripture in the world?

Answer: Rigveda

Explanation: Composed around 1500 BCE, it is the oldest known Vedic Sanskrit text.

3. Ashoka adopted Buddhism after which war?

Answer: Kalinga War

Explanation: The immense bloodshed in the Kalinga War (261 BCE) led Ashoka to
embrace Buddhism.

4. What was the capital of the Maurya Empire?

Answer: Pataliputra

Explanation: Located near modern-day Patna, it was the political center of the empire.
5. Which archaeological site is associated with the Indus Valley Civilization?

Answer: Mohenjo-Daro

Explanation: Mohenjo-Daro, located in present-day Pakistan, was a major city of the

Indus Valley.

6. Who composed the Arthashastra?

Answer: Kautilya (Chanakya)

Explanation: It is an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and

military strategy.

7. What material did the Harappans use for their seals?

Answer: Steatite

Explanation: Steatite or soapstone was commonly used for carving seals.

8. What is the other name for the Harappan Civilization?

Answer: Indus Valley Civilization

Explanation: Named after the Indus River along which it developed.

9. Which language was primarily used in Ashoka’s inscriptions?

Answer: Prakrit

Explanation: The inscriptions were mostly in Prakrit, using the Brahmi script.
10. Who was the last Mauryan emperor?

Answer: Brihadratha

Explanation: He was killed by his general Pushyamitra Shunga, who founded the
Shunga dynasty.

Section 2: Medieval Indian History

11. Who founded the Delhi Sultanate?

Answer: Qutb-ud-din Aibak

Explanation: He established the Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty in 1206 CE after the death of
Muhammad Ghori.

12. Who was the greatest ruler of the Mughal Empire?

Answer: Akbar

Explanation: Akbar (reigned 1556–1605) expanded the empire and introduced

administrative reforms like the Mansabdari system.

13. Which monument was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal?

Answer: Taj Mahal

Explanation: Built in Agra, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of Mughal
architecture.

14. Who wrote the ‘Ain-i-Akbari’?

Answer: Abul Fazl

Explanation: It is a part of the Akbarnama, detailing Akbar’s administration and

policies.

15. Who defeated Prithviraj Chauhan in the Second Battle of Tarain?

Answer: Muhammad Ghori

Explanation: In 1192 CE, Ghori defeated Prithviraj, leading to the Muslim rule in North
India.

16. Which South Indian empire was known for its naval strength?

Answer: Chola Dynasty

Explanation: The Cholas, especially Rajaraja and Rajendra Chola, had a powerful navy
and expanded influence to Southeast Asia.

17. Which Sultan of Delhi shifted the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad?

Answer: Muhammad bin Tughlaq

Explanation: He made this move in 1327 CE, which proved to be unsuccessful due to
logistical difficulties.

18. Who was the last powerful ruler of the Mughal Empire?

Answer: Aurangzeb

Explanation: After his death in 1707, the empire declined rapidly.

19. The Bhakti movement was led in Maharashtra by whom?

Answer: Sant Tukaram

Explanation: He was a saint-poet known for devotional songs (abhangs) promoting

equality and devotion.

20. Which ruler built the Qutub Minar?

Answer: Qutb-ud-din Aibak (started), Iltutmish (completed)

Explanation: Aibak initiated the construction, and it was completed by his successor
Iltutmish.

Section 3: Modern Indian History

21. Who was the first Governor-General of independent India?

Answer: Lord Mountbatten

Explanation: He served as the last Viceroy and the first Governor-General of

independent India in 1947.

22. Which act marked the beginning of British parliamentary control over India?

Answer: Regulating Act of 1773

Explanation: It was the first step by the British Parliament to regulate the affairs of the
East India Company.

23. Who was the leader of the 1857 Revolt in Kanpur?

Answer: Nana Sahib

Explanation: He led the uprising in Kanpur and declared himself the Peshwa.

24. Which movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi after the Jallianwala Bagh
Massacre?

Answer: Non-Cooperation Movement

Explanation: It was launched in 1920 to protest against British rule and the massacre.

25. When was the Indian National Congress founded?

Answer: 1885

Explanation: It was established by A.O. Hume to provide a platform for civil and
political dialogue among Indians.

26. Which Indian leader is known as the “Grand Old Man of India”?

Answer: Dadabhai Naoroji

Explanation: He was a founding member of the INC and proposed the “Drain Theory”
regarding British economic exploitation.

27. What was the objective of the Simon Commission (1927)?

Answer: To review the working of the Government of India Act 1919

Explanation: It faced widespread protest as it had no Indian members.

28. Who coined the slogan “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it”?
Answer: Bal Gangadhar Tilak

Explanation: He was a prominent nationalist and an advocate of radical methods for

independence.

29. Who founded the Forward Bloc?

Answer: Subhas Chandra Bose

Explanation: After resigning from the Congress presidency in 1939, he formed this
party to pursue more militant resistance.

30. What was the result of the Quit India Movement?

Answer: Mass arrests and suppression

Explanation: Launched in 1942, it was met with brutal repression by the British, but it
intensified the demand for complete independence.

Section 4: World History

31. Who is known as the father of modern democracy?

Answer: John Locke

Explanation: His ideas on natural rights and government influenced democratic

revolutions in America and France.

32. What event marked the beginning of World War I?

Answer: Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

Explanation: In 1914, the assassination in Sarajevo triggered alliances into war.

33. Who was the first President of the United States?

Answer: George Washington

Explanation: He was unanimously elected in 1789 and served two terms.

34. What was the main cause of the French Revolution?

Answer: Social inequality and economic crisis

Explanation: The Third Estate faced heavy taxes while the privileged classes enjoyed
exemptions, sparking rebellion in 1789.

35. Who led the Russian Revolution of 1917?

Answer: Vladimir Lenin

Explanation: He led the Bolshevik Party to overthrow the Provisional Government and
establish a communist state.

36. Which country was ruled by Benito Mussolini?

Answer: Italy

Explanation: He was the fascist dictator of Italy from 1922 to 1943.

37. What was the Holocaust?

Answer: Genocide of Jews by Nazi Germany

Explanation: Over six million Jews were exterminated during World War II under Adolf
Hitler’s regime.

38. Which country dropped atomic bombs on Japan in 1945?

Answer: The United States

Explanation: Bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, leading to Japan’s

surrender in WWII.

39. When was the United Nations founded?

Answer: 1945

Explanation: Formed after WWII to promote peace and cooperation among nations.

40. What wall symbolized the division of Cold War Europe?

Answer: Berlin Wall

Explanation: It divided East and West Berlin from 1961 to 1989 and became a Cold War
symbol.

Section 5: Indian Freedom Struggle – Personalities and Events

41. Who was the first woman president of the Indian National Congress?

Answer: Annie Besant

Explanation: She presided over the Calcutta Session in 1917, promoting Home Rule for
India.
42. Who led the Dandi March in 1930?

Answer: Mahatma Gandhi

Explanation: This 240-mile Salt March protested the British salt tax and marked the
start of the Civil Disobedience Movement.

43. Which revolutionary founded the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association

(HSRA)?

Answer: Bhagat Singh and others

Explanation: Formed in 1928, HSRA advocated armed resistance against British rule.

44. What was the objective of the Swadeshi Movement?

Answer: Boycott of British goods and promotion of Indian goods

Explanation: It began in 1905 after the partition of Bengal by Lord Curzon.

45. Who gave the slogan “Do or Die”?

Answer: Mahatma Gandhi

Explanation: This was his call to action during the Quit India Movement in 1942.

46. Which British official was assassinated by Udham Singh?

Answer: Michael O’Dwyer

Explanation: He was responsible for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre; Udham Singh
killed him in London in 1940.
47. Where was the first session of the Indian National Congress held?

Answer: Bombay (Mumbai), 1885

Explanation: Presided over by W.C. Bonnerjee with 72 delegates in attendance.

48. Who started the Self-Respect Movement in South India?

Answer: E.V. Ramasamy (Periyar)

Explanation: He launched this movement to promote equality and eradicate caste

discrimination.

49. Which Indian leader founded the Servants of India Society?

Answer: Gopal Krishna Gokhale

Explanation: Founded in 1905, it aimed at training Indians in social and political

service.

50. Which pact led to the suspension of the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1931?

Answer: Gandhi-Irwin Pact

Explanation: This agreement between Gandhi and the Viceroy led to Indian
participation in the Second Round Table Conference.

Section 6: Indian Constitution and Post-Independence Events

51. Who is known as the Father of the Indian Constitution?

Answer: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

Explanation: As chairman of the Drafting Committee, he played a key role in framing
the Constitution of India.

52. When did the Indian Constitution come into force?

Answer: 26th January 1950

Explanation: This day is celebrated as Republic Day to mark the adoption of the
Constitution.

53. Who was the first Prime Minister of independent India?

Answer: Jawaharlal Nehru

Explanation: He held office from 1947 until his death in 1964 and led India through its
formative years.

54. What is the significance of Article 370 in the Indian Constitution?

Answer: It granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir

Explanation: This article was abrogated in August 2019.

55. Who was the first woman Prime Minister of India?

Answer: Indira Gandhi

Explanation: She served as PM from 1966–77 and again from 1980–84.

56. Which commission recommended the reorganization of Indian states on linguistic

basis?

Answer: States Reorganisation Commission (1953)

Explanation: Led by Fazl Ali, the commission’s report resulted in the States
Reorganisation Act of 1956.

57. When was the Green Revolution introduced in India?

Answer: 1960s

Explanation: Initiated under the leadership of M.S. Swaminathan to increase

agricultural productivity.

58. Who was the first President of India?

Answer: Dr. Rajendra Prasad

Explanation: He served as President from 1950 to 1962 and is the only person to hold
the office for two terms.

59. What was the Emergency period in India?

Answer: 1975–1977

Explanation: Declared by Indira Gandhi, it suspended civil liberties and elections

citing internal disturbances.

60. Which movement led to the creation of the state of Telangana?

Answer: Telangana Movement

Explanation: After prolonged agitation, Telangana became the 29 th state of India in

2014.

Section 7: Revolutions and Movements in World History

61. Which event is known as the start of the American Revolution?

Answer: The Battle of Lexington and Concord (1775)

Explanation: These were the first military engagements between American colonists
and British troops.

62. Who led the Chinese Communist Revolution?

Answer: Mao Zedong

Explanation: He led the Communist Party to victory in 1949, establishing the People’s
Republic of China.

63. What was the Industrial Revolution?

Answer: A period of major industrialization in the 18th–19th centuries

Explanation: It began in Britain and involved a shift from hand-made to machine-based

production.

64. What was the main goal of the Civil Rights Movement in the USA?

Answer: End racial segregation and discrimination

Explanation: Led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr., it aimed to secure equal rights
for African Americans.

65. Which revolution resulted in the execution of King Louis XVI?

Answer: French Revolution

Explanation: The king was executed in 1793 after being found guilty of treason.

66. What was the Glorious Revolution of 1688?

Answer: Overthrow of King James II of England

Explanation: It led to constitutional monarchy and the supremacy of Parliament.

67. Who initiated the Protestant Reformation?

Answer: Martin Luther

Explanation: In 1517, he published the “95 Theses” criticizing the Catholic Church’s
practices.

68. Which war ended with the Treaty of Versailles?

Answer: World War I

Explanation: Signed in 1919, it placed full blame on Germany and imposed severe
reparations.

69. What movement brought down apartheid in South Africa?

Answer: Anti-Apartheid Movement

Explanation: Led by Nelson Mandela and others, it culminated in democratic elections

in 1994.

70. Which country experienced the Meiji Restoration?

Answer: Japan

Explanation: Starting in 1868, Japan modernized rapidly under Emperor Meiji,

transforming into a global power.

Section 8: Art, Culture, and Historical Monuments

71. Which Indian temple is known for its erotic sculptures?

Answer: Khajuraho Temples

Explanation: Built by the Chandela dynasty, these temples are famous for their
intricate carvings, including depictions of daily life and sensuality.

72. Who painted the famous “Last Supper”?

Answer: Leonardo da Vinci

Explanation: This Renaissance masterpiece depicts the final meal of Jesus with his
disciples.

73. The Ajanta caves are associated with which religion?

Answer: Buddhism

Explanation: These rock-cut caves in Maharashtra feature ancient Buddhist frescoes

and sculptures.

74. Where is the Sun Temple of Konark located?

Answer: Odisha

Explanation: Built in the 13th century, it is designed in the shape of a gigantic chariot.

75. Which Mughal emperor commissioned the Red Fort in Delhi?

Answer: Shah Jahan

Explanation: Built in 1648, the fort is a symbol of Mughal grandeur and houses the
famous Lahori Gate.

76. Who was the famous court painter of Akbar’s time?

Answer: Basawan

Explanation: He contributed significantly to the Mughal school of miniature painting.

77. The Great Wall of China was primarily built to protect against whom?

Answer: Mongol invasions

Explanation: It served as a defense barrier against nomadic tribes from the north.

78. What is the architectural style of the Brihadeeswarar Temple?

Answer: Dravidian style

Explanation: Built by Rajaraja Chola in Tamil Nadu, it exemplifies Chola temple

architecture.

79. Which city is famous for the Hagia Sophia?

Answer: Istanbul (formerly Constantinople)

Explanation: Originally a church, then a mosque, now a museum/mosque, it reflects
Byzantine and Islamic art.

80. The Terracotta Army is associated with which Chinese emperor?

Answer: Qin Shi Huang

Explanation: Thousands of life-sized clay soldiers were buried with China’s first
emperor to protect him in the afterlife.

Section 9: Historical Treaties, Policies, and Systems

81. Which treaty ended the First World War?

Answer: Treaty of Versailles

Explanation: Signed in 1919, it formally ended WWI and imposed harsh penalties on
Germany.

82. What was the Doctrine of Lapse?

Answer: A policy used by the British to annex Indian states without a male heir

Explanation: Introduced by Lord Dalhousie, it was one of the causes of the 1857
Revolt.

83. Which treaty established the League of Nations?

Answer: Treaty of Versailles

Explanation: The League was formed to prevent future wars but failed to stop WWII.

84. What was the Permanent Settlement of 1793?

Answer: A land revenue system introduced by Lord Cornwallis in Bengal

Explanation: Zamindars were made landowners and responsible for collecting fixed
revenues.

85. Which treaty resulted in the division of Bengal in 1905?

Answer: No formal treaty; it was an administrative decision by Lord Curzon

Explanation: The partition aimed to divide Bengal on communal lines and faced
massive opposition.

86. What was the outcome of the Treaty of Tordesillas (1494)?

Answer: It divided the newly discovered lands between Spain and Portugal
Explanation: The Pope drew a line, giving most of the Americas to Spain and
Africa/Asia to Portugal.

87. Which act is known as the “Charter Act” that allowed Indians to be appointed to
civil services?

Answer: Charter Act of 1833

Explanation: It centralized power in British India and opened civil services to Indians.

88. What was the Rowlatt Act of 1919?

Answer: A law allowing imprisonment without trial

Explanation: It led to nationwide protests and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

89. What was the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact?

Answer: A non-aggression pact between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union (1939)

Explanation: Secretly, they agreed to divide Eastern Europe between them.

90. What is the significance of the Treaty of Salbai (1782)?

Answer: Ended the First Anglo-Maratha War

Explanation: It restored peace between the Marathas and the British East India
Company

Section 10: Mixed Review & High-Order Thinking Questions

91. Why was the Battle of Plassey (1757) a turning point in Indian history?

Answer: It marked the beginning of British political rule in India

Explanation: The East India Company defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah, gaining control over
Bengal, a crucial economic center.

92. What was the primary objective of the Indian National Army (INA)?

Answer: To fight the British for India’s independence

Explanation: Led by Subhas Chandra Bose, the INA aimed to liberate India through
armed struggle.

93. How did the French Revolution influence other countries?

Answer: It inspired democratic and nationalist movements

Explanation: The ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity sparked revolutions in Europe
and Latin America.

94. Why did the Industrial Revolution begin in Britain?

Answer: Availability of coal, capital, colonies, and innovations

Explanation: Britain’s resources and inventions, like the steam engine, gave it a major
advantage.

95. How did World War I contribute to the Russian Revolution?

Answer: Economic hardship and military defeats

Explanation: The war exposed the weaknesses of the Tsarist regime, leading to mass
uprisings.

96. What were the major causes of the 1857 Revolt in India?

Answer: Political, economic, military, and religious grievances

Explanation: Policies like the Doctrine of Lapse, discrimination, and introduction of

Enfield rifles triggered the revolt.

97. Why is the period 1947–1964 considered the Nehruvian era?

Answer: Jawaharlal Nehru’s leadership and policies shaped modern India

Explanation: His focus on planning, secularism, non-alignment, and industrialization

defined this era.

98. How did the Cold War influence global politics?

Answer: It led to the division of the world into capitalist and communist blocs

Explanation: Superpower rivalry between the USA and USSR led to proxy wars, arms
race, and alliances like NATO and Warsaw Pact.

99. What role did the printing press play in the spread of Renaissance ideas?

Answer: It made books affordable and accessible

Explanation: Invented by Gutenberg, it facilitated the quick spread of humanist and

scientific thought.

100. What distinguishes the Harappan Civilization from later Indian civilizations?

Answer: Urban planning, drainage system, and uniformity

Explanation: Harappan cities had grid layouts, advanced sanitation, and standardized
weights, showing centralized control.