These essential MCQ questions are selected from the most important topics in UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2026. Sections include Ancient Indian History, Medieval Indian History, Modern Indian History and the Indian Freedom Struggle as per UPSC syllabus. For truely unlimited daily MCQ practice, visit Vooo AI Education.
🏛️ UPSC Indian History
1The Indus Valley Civilisation was discovered in which year?
Answer: B — 1921
The Indus Valley Civilisation was discovered in 1921 when excavations began at Harappa (in present-day Pakistan) under the direction of Daya Ram Sahni. Mohenjo-daro was excavated in 1922 by R.D. Banerji. It is one of the world's oldest urban civilisations.
The Indus Valley Civilisation was discovered in 1921 when excavations began at Harappa (in present-day Pakistan) under the direction of Daya Ram Sahni. Mohenjo-daro was excavated in 1922 by R.D. Banerji. It is one of the world's oldest urban civilisations.
2Who founded the Maurya Empire?
Answer: C — Chandragupta Maurya
Chandragupta Maurya founded the Maurya Empire around 321 BCE with the help of his mentor Chanakya (Kautilya). He overthrew the Nanda dynasty and unified most of the Indian subcontinent. His grandson Ashoka later expanded the empire to its greatest extent.
Chandragupta Maurya founded the Maurya Empire around 321 BCE with the help of his mentor Chanakya (Kautilya). He overthrew the Nanda dynasty and unified most of the Indian subcontinent. His grandson Ashoka later expanded the empire to its greatest extent.
3Akbar's policy of religious tolerance was called:
Answer: B — Sulh-i-Kul
Sulh-i-Kul meaning "universal peace" or "peace with all" was Akbar's policy of religious tolerance and universal brotherhood. Din-i-Ilahi was a syncretic religious movement he founded. Ibadat Khana was his hall of religious discussions at Fatehpur Sikri.
Sulh-i-Kul meaning "universal peace" or "peace with all" was Akbar's policy of religious tolerance and universal brotherhood. Din-i-Ilahi was a syncretic religious movement he founded. Ibadat Khana was his hall of religious discussions at Fatehpur Sikri.
4The First War of Indian Independence was fought in:
Answer: B — 1857
The First War of Indian Independence (also called the Sepoy Mutiny or Indian Rebellion) began on 10 May 1857 at Meerut. It was triggered by the introduction of the Enfield rifle cartridges greased with animal fat. Mangal Pandey fired the first shot of the rebellion.
The First War of Indian Independence (also called the Sepoy Mutiny or Indian Rebellion) began on 10 May 1857 at Meerut. It was triggered by the introduction of the Enfield rifle cartridges greased with animal fat. Mangal Pandey fired the first shot of the rebellion.
5Who gave the slogan "Do or Die"?
Answer: C — Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi gave the slogan "Do or Die" (Karo ya Maro) during the Quit India Movement launched on 8 August 1942 at the Bombay session of the All India Congress Committee. The movement demanded an end to British rule in India.
Mahatma Gandhi gave the slogan "Do or Die" (Karo ya Maro) during the Quit India Movement launched on 8 August 1942 at the Bombay session of the All India Congress Committee. The movement demanded an end to British rule in India.
6The Indian National Congress was founded in which year?
Answer: B — 1885
The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded on 28 December 1885 in Bombay by Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant, along with Dadabhai Naoroji and Dinshaw Wacha. The first president was Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee.
The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded on 28 December 1885 in Bombay by Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant, along with Dadabhai Naoroji and Dinshaw Wacha. The first president was Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee.
7Partition of Bengal was done by which Viceroy?
Answer: B — Lord Curzon
Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India, partitioned Bengal on 16 October 1905 into East Bengal (with Assam) and West Bengal, citing administrative reasons. The partition was widely seen as a divide-and-rule policy and sparked the Swadeshi Movement.
Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India, partitioned Bengal on 16 October 1905 into East Bengal (with Assam) and West Bengal, citing administrative reasons. The partition was widely seen as a divide-and-rule policy and sparked the Swadeshi Movement.
8Simon Commission was boycotted because:
Answer: B — It had no Indian members
The Simon Commission (1928) was boycotted by Indian leaders because it had no Indian members — all seven members were British. Indians were excluded from deciding their own constitutional future. The slogan "Simon Go Back" became famous during the protests.
The Simon Commission (1928) was boycotted by Indian leaders because it had no Indian members — all seven members were British. Indians were excluded from deciding their own constitutional future. The slogan "Simon Go Back" became famous during the protests.
9Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place in which year?
Answer: C — 1919
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred on 13 April 1919 in Amritsar, Punjab. General Reginald Dyer ordered troops to fire on a peaceful gathering, killing hundreds. The tragedy intensified the Indian independence movement and turned many moderates against British rule.
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred on 13 April 1919 in Amritsar, Punjab. General Reginald Dyer ordered troops to fire on a peaceful gathering, killing hundreds. The tragedy intensified the Indian independence movement and turned many moderates against British rule.
10Who wrote "Discovery of India"?
Answer: C — Jawaharlal Nehru
"The Discovery of India" was written by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1946 while imprisoned at Ahmednagar Fort. The book traces Indian history and culture from ancient civilisation to the modern independence movement. Nehru's other works include "Glimpses of World History" and "An Autobiography."
"The Discovery of India" was written by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1946 while imprisoned at Ahmednagar Fort. The book traces Indian history and culture from ancient civilisation to the modern independence movement. Nehru's other works include "Glimpses of World History" and "An Autobiography."
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