GK Questions with Answers - History

History is one of the most important subjects in the general studies section of almost every competitive exam, including UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, and State PSCs. It helps students understand the evolution of human civilization, the rise and fall of empires, freedom movements, and key events that shaped India and the world. A strong grasp of historical facts, dates, and personalities not only boosts your general knowledge but also builds analytical understanding about political, social, and cultural developments over time.

In this article, we have compiled a comprehensive collection of History GK Questions with Answers designed specifically for students preparing for competitive exams. Each multiple-choice question (MCQ) is followed by a brief explanation to help you understand the background and significance of each event. The questions cover all major areas including Ancient History, Medieval History, and Modern History of India, along with important world history topics. Practicing these questions will help you strengthen your preparation and score higher in the general knowledge and history sections of your exams.

GK Questions with Answers - History

1. Which is the oldest empire in India?

1. Mauryan Empire
2. Gupta Empire
3. Mughal Empire
4. Magadha Empire

Answer: A) Mauryan Empire

Explanation: The Mauryan Empire (322 BCE – 185 BCE) is considered the first and oldest major empire in India because it was the first to unify almost the entire Indian subcontinent under one central authority. It was founded by Chandragupta Maurya in 322 BCE, after overthrowing the Nanda dynasty of Magadha with the guidance of Chanakya (Kautilya). The empire reached its greatest extent under Ashoka the Great (268–232 BCE), covering nearly the entire Indian subcontinent except parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, and extended into present-day Afghanistan. The capital of the Mauryan Empire was Pataliputra (modern-day Patna, Bihar).

2. Who ruled the first Indian empire?

1. Ashoka
2. Samudragupta
3. Harshavardhana
4. Chandragupta Maurya

Answer: D) Chandragupta Maurya

Explanation: The first Indian empire was the Mauryan Empire (322 BCE – 185 BCE), and it was founded and ruled by Chandragupta Maurya. Chandragupta Maurya established the empire in 322 BCE after defeating the Nanda dynasty of Magadha with the guidance and strategy of his mentor Chanakya (Kautilya). He became the first emperor to unify most of northern India under a centralized administration, making the Mauryan Empire the first pan-Indian empire. The capital of the Mauryan Empire was Pataliputra (modern-day Patna, Bihar), which became a major political, cultural, and economic center.

3. Who wrote the Mauryan book Arthashastra?

1. Chanakya
2. Ashoka
3. Chandragupta Maurya
4. Kalidasa

Answer: A) Chanakya

Explanation: The Arthashastra is an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, administration, military strategy, economics, and law. It was written by Chanakya (also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta), who was the chief advisor and mentor of Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Mauryan Empire. The Arthashastra provides detailed instructions on how a king should rule, covering topics such as governance, diplomacy, taxation, agriculture, trade, defense, foreign relations, and justice. The book emphasizes the idea of “Matsya Nyaya” (law of the fish), meaning in the absence of strong governance, the big fish (strong) would eat the small fish (weak).

4. Chanakya was also known as:

1. Kalidasa
2. Banabhatta
3. Vishnugupta
4. Tulsidas

Answer: C) Vishnugupta

Explanation: Chanakya, the famous teacher, philosopher, and royal advisor of ancient India, was also known by two other names: Kautilya and Vishnugupta. He played a crucial role in the establishment of the Mauryan Empire by helping Chandragupta Maurya overthrow the Nanda dynasty in Magadha. The name Vishnugupta is mentioned in the concluding verse of his famous work Arthashastra, confirming that it was written by him. Chanakya is considered the pioneer of political science and economics in India, and his principles of governance, diplomacy, and warfare are still studied today.

5. Who was the first Governor-General of India?

1. Lord Mountbatten
2. Lord William Bentick
3. Lord Canning
4. Robert Clive

Answer: B) Lord William Bentick

Explanation: Lord William Bentinck was the first Governor-General of India from 1833 to 1835, after the Charter Act of 1833 converted the title of Governor-General of Bengal to Governor-General of India. Before him, the post of Governor-General of Bengal existed, which was held by officials like Warren Hastings and Lord Cornwallis. The Charter Act of 1833 made the Governor-General of Bengal the Governor-General of all British territories in India, centralizing administration.

6. Which was the first Indian kingdom to accept Buddhism?

1. Mauryan Empire
2. Gupta Empire
3. Magadha Kingdom
4. Chola Empire

Answer: A) Mauryan Empire

Explanation: The Mauryan Empire (322 BCE – 185 BCE) was the first Indian empire to accept and promote Buddhism. Although Chandragupta Maurya founded the empire, it was Emperor Ashoka (273 BCE – 232 BCE), his grandson, who officially embraced Buddhism after the Kalinga War (261 BCE). Deeply moved by the massive loss of life in the war, Ashoka renounced violence and adopted the principles of Dhamma (righteousness) based on Buddhist teachings. Ashoka became one of the greatest patrons of Buddhism in history, spreading the religion not only within India but also to Sri Lanka, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Mediterranean region through missionaries. He built Buddhist stupas, monasteries, and pillars, such as the Sanchi Stupa and Ashokan Pillars, inscribed with edicts that promoted non-violence, tolerance, and moral conduct.

7. Which is called First War of Independence?

1. Quit India Movement – 1942
2. Non-Cooperation Movement – 1920
3. Revolt of 1857
4. Civil Disobedience Movement – 1930

Answer: C) Revolt of 1857

Explanation: The Revolt of 1857 is regarded as the First War of Independence in India because it was the first large-scale and united uprising against British rule. The revolt began on 10th May 1857 in Meerut, when Indian sepoys (soldiers) of the British East India Company mutinied against their officers. The immediate cause was the introduction of Enfield rifles, whose cartridges were rumored to be greased with cow and pig fat—deeply offensive to both Hindu and Muslim soldiers.

8. Who is the founder of the Indian National Army?

1. Subhas Chandra Bose
2. Lala Lajpat Rai
3. Mohan Singh
4. Bal Gangadhar Tilak

Answer: C) Mohan Singh

Explanation: The Indian National Army (INA) was first formed in 1942 in Singapore by Captain Mohan Singh, an Indian officer in the British Indian Army who was captured by the Japanese during World War II. After his capture, Mohan Singh agreed to cooperate with the Japanese forces and decided to form an army with Indian prisoners of war (POWs) to fight against the British for India’s independence. This first INA, under Mohan Singh’s leadership, aimed to liberate India by supporting Japanese advances into British-held territories.

9. Who gave the slogan "Give me blood and I will give you freedom"?

1. Mahatma Gandhi
2. Subhas Chandra Bose
3. Jawaharlal Nehru
4. Bhagat Singh

Answer: B) Subhas Chandra Bose

Explanation: The famous slogan “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom” was given by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in 1944 during a speech to the Indian National Army (INA) in Burma (now Myanmar). The slogan was a powerful call to arms, urging Indians to sacrifice and fight against British colonial rule to achieve independence. Bose believed that freedom could not be obtained through non-violence alone; it required courage, struggle, and bloodshed if necessary.

10. Who founded the Indian National Congress?

1. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
2. A. O. Hume
3. Dadabhai Naoroji
4. Gopal Krishna Gokhale

Answer: B) A. O. Hume

Explanation: The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded in 1885 by Allan Octavian Hume (A. O. Hume), a retired British civil servant. The first session of the INC was held in Bombay (now Mumbai) from 28th to 31st December 1885, and it was presided over by Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee (W. C. Bonnerjee). The Congress was established with the aim of providing a platform for educated Indians to voice their concerns and to create a sense of political unity among Indians.