Indian History Quiz

The State Emblem of India features three animals besides the four lions - an elephant (representing strength), a horse (representing speed), and a bull (representing hard work). A tiger is not part of the emblem.

The Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath, from which India's national emblem is adapted, is made of sandstone. This polished sandstone sculpture dates back to the 3rd century BCE.

The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City was painted by the Italian Renaissance artist Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512. This is one of the most famous artworks in history. Lewis Carroll was an author (Alice in Wonderland). 'China' as an option appears to be an error or distractor. Michelangelo is definitively the correct answer.

Muhammad bin Qasim (Mohd. Bin Kasim) invaded Sindh in 712 CE, making him the first Muslim invader of the Indian subcontinent. Mahmud Ghazni invaded later (early 11th century), Mohammed Gori came in the late 12th century, and Kutubuddin Aibak was a slave general who became the first Sultan of Delhi in the 13th century.

Dr. Zakir Hussain was the first President of India to die in office on May 3, 1969. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan was the first President but completed his term, Dr. S. D. Sharma and V. V. Giri (who became Acting President after Hussain's death) both survived their terms.

Lord Wellesley (Governor-General from 1798-1805) introduced the Subsidiary Alliance system to bring Indian states under British control without war. Lord Dalhousie introduced Doctrine of Lapse, Lord Cornwallis introduced Permanent Settlement, and Lord Curzon partitioned Bengal in 1905.

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly and is widely regarded as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. While Nehru, Rajendra Prasad, and Radhakrishnan were important figures, Ambedkar's role in drafting was foundational.

The Quit India Resolution was passed in the Bombay Session of August 1942. Lahore Session (1929) passed the Purna Swaraj resolution, Calcutta Session saw several important decisions including the Subhas Chandra Bose election, and Lucknow Session (1916) is famous for the Congress-League pact.

Mangal Pandey was a sepoy in the 34th Bengal Native Infantry stationed at Barrackpore, but he belonged to Ghazipur district in present-day Uttar Pradesh. His revolt against the British in 1857 is widely regarded as the first act of resistance that sparked the larger uprising.

The historic battle between Shivaji and Afzal Khan took place at Pratapgad fort in 1659. Shivaji killed the Bijapur commander in a planned meeting, leading to the defeat of the Bijapur forces. Pratapgad is located in Satara district of Maharashtra.

Lal Bahadur Shastri coined the slogan 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisan' (Hail the Soldier, Hail the Farmer) in 1965 during the India-Pakistan war. It was meant to boost morale and emphasize the importance of soldiers defending the border and farmers feeding the nation during a time of crisis.

Subhash Chandra Bose founded the Indian National Army (INA) or Azad Hind Fauj in 1942 with Japanese support in Southeast Asia. The army aimed to liberate India from British rule and fought alongside Japanese forces in the Burma campaign.

The historic Battle of Haldighati was fought in 1576 between Maharana Pratap's forces and the Mughal army led by Akbar's general Man Singh. Haldighati is a narrow mountain pass in the Aravalli range in Rajasthan. Though Pratap lost the battle, his resistance became legendary.

The Sun Temple at Konark is shaped like a massive chariot with twelve pairs of elaborately carved wheels, representing the chariot of the Sun God Surya. The Lotus Temple is a Bahá'í House of Worship, while Jagannath Temple and Surya Pahar are different temples.

The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1632-1653 as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Qutub Minar was built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, Red Fort by Shah Jahan (but as a palace, not a memorial), and Fatehpur Sikri by Akbar.