RRB Group D 2022Harappan CivilizationQ1
The Indus Valley Civilization is also called the Harappan Civilization. The site of Mohenjodaro is located in present-day which country?
A) India
B) Pakistan ✅
C) Afghanistan
D) Bangladesh
✅ Answer: B) Pakistan
Mohenjodaro (meaning "Mound of the Dead") is located in the Sindh province of present-day Pakistan. It was one of the largest cities of the Indus Valley Civilization (3300–1300 BCE) and was discovered in 1922 by R. D. Banerji. Harappa (also in Pakistan) is the other major site. The Great Bath at Mohenjodaro is a famous structure. The IVC is notable for its town planning, drainage system, and standardised weights and measures.
Railway NTPC 2021Maurya EmpireQ2
Which Maurya emperor is associated with the propagation of Buddhism and the concept of "Dhamma"?
A) Chandragupta Maurya
B) Bindusara
C) Ashoka ✅
D) Brihadratha
✅ Answer: C) Ashoka
Emperor Ashoka (reign: 268–232 BCE) was deeply transformed by the Kalinga War (261 BCE), where he witnessed massive bloodshed. He converted to Buddhism and propagated the concept of Dhamma — a code of ethical conduct emphasizing non-violence, truthfulness, and compassion. He sent Buddhist missionaries to Sri Lanka, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia. The Ashoka Chakra on India's national flag is named after him.
RRB NTPC 2022Ancient IndiaQ3
Which ancient Indian text is considered one of the earliest works on statecraft and economic policy, written by Kautilya (Chanakya)?
A) Manusmriti
B) Arthashastra ✅
C) Rigveda
D) Mahabharata
✅ Answer: B) Arthashastra
The Arthashastra is an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy, written by Kautilya (also known as Chanakya or Vishnugupta), who was the chief minister and advisor to Chandragupta Maurya. It covers topics from taxation, governance, and law to foreign policy and espionage. It was rediscovered in 1905 by R. Shamasastry.
RRB Group D 2023Gupta EmpireQ4
The Gupta period (4th–6th century CE) is often called the "Golden Age of India" because of extraordinary achievements in which fields?
A) Military conquests only
B) Trade and commerce only
C) Art, literature, science and mathematics ✅
D) Agriculture and irrigation only
✅ Answer: C) Art, literature, science and mathematics
The Gupta period (320–550 CE) is called India's Golden Age because of remarkable achievements across multiple fields. Aryabhata proposed the heliocentric theory and calculated the value of pi. Kalidasa wrote the Abhijnana Shakuntalam. Vatsyayana wrote the Kamasutra. The decimal number system and concept of zero were developed. Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) was one of the most powerful rulers of this era.
Railway NTPC 2023Vedic PeriodQ5
The Rigveda, the oldest of the four Vedas, primarily contains hymns dedicated to which subject?
A) Praise of deities (gods) ✅
B) Medical knowledge and healing
C) Rituals and sacrifices
D) Music and dance forms
✅ Answer: A) Praise of deities (gods)
The Rigveda is the oldest known religious text in the world and contains 1,028 hymns (suktas) dedicated to various deities, primarily Indra (god of thunder and war), Agni (fire god), and Varuna (god of water and cosmic order). The four Vedas are: Rigveda (hymns), Samaveda (musical chants), Yajurveda (rituals), and Atharvaveda (charms and spells).
RRB NTPC 2021Mughal EmpireQ6
The First Battle of Panipat (1526) was fought between Babur and which ruler of the Lodi dynasty?
A) Sikandar Lodi
B) Ibrahim Lodi ✅
C) Bahlul Lodi
D) Daulat Khan Lodi
✅ Answer: B) Ibrahim Lodi
The First Battle of Panipat was fought on April 21, 1526 between Babur (founder of the Mughal Empire) and Ibrahim Lodi (last ruler of the Delhi Sultanate's Lodi dynasty). Babur's victory ended the Lodi dynasty and established the Mughal Empire in India. Babur's use of artillery (gunpowder warfare) was decisive in this battle. All three Battles of Panipat are frequently asked in Railway exams.
RRB Group D 2022Mughal EmpireQ7
Which Mughal emperor introduced the "Din-i-Ilahi" (Divine Faith) — a syncretic religion combining elements of Islam, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, and Christianity?
A) Babur
B) Humayun
C) Akbar ✅
D) Aurangzeb
✅ Answer: C) Akbar
Emperor Akbar (1556–1605), known for his policy of religious tolerance and inclusion, introduced the Din-i-Ilahi in 1582 as a syncretic religious movement combining elements from multiple faiths. It had very few followers and did not survive after Akbar. His most famous policy was Sulh-i-Kul (peace with all), and he abolished the jizya tax on non-Muslims. Akbar also introduced the Mansabdari system for administration.
Railway NTPC 2022BattlesQ8
The Battle of Haldighati (1576) was fought between Maharana Pratap of Mewar and the Mughal forces led by which general on behalf of Emperor Akbar?
A) Birbal
B) Man Singh I ✅
C) Todar Mal
D) Abul Fazl
✅ Answer: B) Man Singh I
The Battle of Haldighati was fought on June 18, 1576 in the Haldighati pass in Rajasthan between Maharana Pratap of Mewar and the Mughal army led by Raja Man Singh I of Amber (a Rajput king in service of Akbar). The battle was inconclusive — Maharana Pratap escaped and continued his resistance. His horse Chetak is famous for saving his life during the battle.
RRB NTPC 2023Mughal EmpireQ9
The Taj Mahal in Agra was built by which Mughal emperor in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal?
A) Akbar
B) Jahangir
C) Shah Jahan ✅
D) Aurangzeb
✅ Answer: C) Shah Jahan
The Taj Mahal was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1632 as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. It took approximately 22 years and 20,000 workers to complete (finished in 1653). Built in white marble with semi-precious stone inlay work (pietra dura), it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Shah Jahan was later imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb in Agra Fort.
RRB Group D 2023Delhi SultanateQ10
Which was the first dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate, established after Muhammad of Ghor's conquest of India?
A) Slave (Mamluk) Dynasty ✅
B) Khilji Dynasty
C) Tughlaq Dynasty
D) Lodi Dynasty
✅ Answer: A) Slave (Mamluk) Dynasty
The Slave Dynasty (also called the Mamluk Dynasty) was the first dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate, founded by Qutb ud-Din Aibak in 1206. The Delhi Sultanate had five dynasties: Slave (1206–1290), Khilji (1290–1320), Tughlaq (1320–1414), Sayyid (1414–1451), and Lodi (1451–1526). Qutb ud-Din Aibak began construction of the Qutb Minar. Razia Sultana, the first female ruler of Delhi, also belonged to the Slave Dynasty.
RRB NTPC 20211857 RevoltQ11
The revolt of 1857 is known by different names. Which of the following is NOT a name used for it?
A) First War of Indian Independence
B) Sepoy Mutiny
C) Great Rebellion
D) Non-Cooperation Movement ✅
✅ Answer: D) Non-Cooperation Movement
The revolt of 1857 is known as: Sepoy Mutiny (by British historians), The Great Rebellion, India's First War of Independence (term used by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in 1909). Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22) was a separate event led by Mahatma Gandhi. The 1857 revolt began in Meerut on May 10, 1857 when soldiers refused to use cartridges greased with animal fat. Key leaders included Rani Lakshmi Bai, Tantia Tope, Nana Sahib, and Bahadur Shah Zafar.
Railway NTPC 20221857 RevoltQ12
Rani Lakshmi Bai, one of the greatest heroes of the 1857 revolt, was the queen of which princely state?
A) Awadh
B) Jhansi ✅
C) Gwalior
D) Kanpur
✅ Answer: B) Jhansi
Rani Lakshmi Bai (Manikarnika) was the Queen of Jhansi in present-day Uttar Pradesh. When Lord Dalhousie applied the Doctrine of Lapse to annex Jhansi (since her adopted son was not recognised as heir), she resisted British rule fiercely in 1857. She died fighting in battle on June 18, 1858 near Gwalior. She is one of India's most celebrated freedom fighters, symbolising courage and patriotism.
RRB Group D 2022British IndiaQ13
The "Doctrine of Lapse," which was used to annex several Indian princely states, was introduced by which Governor-General of British India?
A) Lord Curzon
B) Lord Ripon
C) Lord Dalhousie ✅
D) Lord Wellesley
✅ Answer: C) Lord Dalhousie
Lord Dalhousie (Governor-General: 1848–1856) introduced the Doctrine of Lapse — a policy by which the British East India Company could annex any princely state if the ruler died without a natural male heir (adopted sons were not recognised). States annexed under this doctrine include Satara (1848), Nagpur, Jhansi, Udaipur, and Awadh. Dalhousie also introduced the railways, telegraph, and postal system in India.
Railway NTPC 2023Battle of PlasseyQ14
The Battle of Plassey (1757) marked the beginning of British political power in India. Who commanded the British East India Company forces in this battle?
A) Warren Hastings
B) Lord Cornwallis
C) Robert Clive ✅
D) Lord Wellesley
✅ Answer: C) Robert Clive
The Battle of Plassey was fought on June 23, 1757 between the British East India Company led by Robert Clive and the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj ud-Daulah. The British won largely because Mir Jafar (Siraj's commander) betrayed Siraj. After the battle, Mir Jafar was made the new Nawab and Robert Clive became the first British Governor of Bengal. This battle is considered the start of the British Empire in India.
RRB NTPC 2022British IndiaQ15
Lord Curzon's Partition of Bengal in 1905 divided Bengal into East Bengal and West Bengal. Which major nationalist response did this trigger?
A) Quit India Movement
B) Swadeshi Movement ✅
C) Non-Cooperation Movement
D) Civil Disobedience Movement
✅ Answer: B) Swadeshi Movement
Lord Curzon's Partition of Bengal on October 16, 1905 sparked the Swadeshi Movement — a boycott of British goods and promotion of Indian-made products. It was one of the first mass nationalist movements in India. The partition was widely seen as a "divide and rule" strategy to weaken Bengali nationalism along religious lines. The partition was eventually annulled in 1911. The Swadeshi Movement also gave rise to the Home Rule movement.
RRB Group D 2022GandhiQ16
Mahatma Gandhi launched the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920 primarily in response to which event?
A) Simon Commission
B) Rowlatt Act 1919
C) Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and Rowlatt Act ✅
D) Partition of Bengal
✅ Answer: C) Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and Rowlatt Act
The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922) was launched by Mahatma Gandhi primarily in response to the Rowlatt Act (1919) and the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (April 13, 1919), where General Dyer ordered troops to open fire on unarmed civilians in Amritsar, killing 379+ people. The movement called for boycott of British goods, courts, and schools. Gandhi suspended it after the Chauri Chaura incident (1922), where a mob killed 22 policemen.
Railway NTPC 2021GandhiQ17
The Dandi March (Salt March) of 1930, which launched the Civil Disobedience Movement, covered a distance of approximately how many miles/km?
A) 100 km
B) 241 km (150 miles)
C) 385 km (240 miles) ✅
D) 500 km
✅ Answer: C) 385 km (240 miles)
Gandhi's Dandi March began on March 12, 1930 from Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad and ended at Dandi (Navsari district, Gujarat) on April 6, 1930 — a walk of 385 km (240 miles) over 24 days. Gandhi broke the British salt law by picking up salt from the sea, symbolically defying British taxation. This launched the Civil Disobedience Movement. It inspired mass acts of civil disobedience across India and drew global attention.
RRB NTPC 2023Quit IndiaQ18
The Quit India Movement was launched on August 8, 1942. What was the famous slogan given by Mahatma Gandhi at this time?
A) Jai Hind
B) Vande Mataram
C) Do or Die ✅
D) Swaraj is My Birthright
✅ Answer: C) Do or Die
At the Bombay session of the All India Congress Committee on August 8, 1942, Gandhi gave the famous call "Karo Ya Maro" (Do or Die), launching the Quit India Movement demanding immediate end of British rule. The British arrested Gandhi and all major Congress leaders the very next morning. "Jai Hind" was the slogan of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's Indian National Army (INA). "Swaraj is my birthright" was Bal Gangadhar Tilak's famous quote.
RRB Group D 2023INCQ19
The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded in 1885. Who is credited as its founder?
A) Dadabhai Naoroji
B) A.O. Hume (Allan Octavian Hume) ✅
C) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
D) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
✅ Answer: B) A.O. Hume
The Indian National Congress was founded by Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant, on December 28, 1885 in Bombay. Its first session was presided over by Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee. Dadabhai Naoroji was the first Indian President of INC (1886). The founding of the INC gave Indians a formal political platform to voice their grievances against British rule. The INC later became the leading organisation of India's independence movement.
Railway NTPC 2022Revolutionary LeadersQ20
Bhagat Singh was executed on March 23, 1931 along with which two other revolutionary freedom fighters?
A) Chandrashekhar Azad and Ram Prasad Bismil
B) Sukhdev Thapar and Shivaram Rajguru ✅
C) Ashfaqulla Khan and Batukeshwar Dutt
D) Lala Lajpat Rai and Bal Gangadhar Tilak
✅ Answer: B) Sukhdev Thapar and Shivaram Rajguru
Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, and Shivaram Rajguru were hanged on March 23, 1931 at Lahore Central Jail (now in Pakistan). They were convicted for the killing of British police officer John Saunders in 1928, in retaliation for the death of Lala Lajpat Rai. March 23 is observed as Shaheed Diwas (Martyrs' Day) in their memory. Bhagat Singh was only 23 years old at the time of his execution.
RRB NTPC 2021British ActsQ21
The Government of India Act 1935 was significant because it introduced which major feature that later influenced India's Constitution?
A) Universal adult franchise
B) Abolition of the caste system
C) Federal structure and provincial autonomy ✅
D) Fundamental Rights
✅ Answer: C) Federal structure and provincial autonomy
The Government of India Act 1935 was the longest Act passed by the British Parliament and introduced a federal structure for India with a division of powers between Centre and Provinces. It granted provincial autonomy, established a Federal Court of India, and introduced direct elections (with limited franchise). Many of its provisions were borrowed directly into India's Constitution of 1950. It is considered the most important constitutional document of British India.
Railway NTPC 2023British ActsQ22
The Rowlatt Act of 1919 gave the British government the power to do which of the following without a trial?
A) Arrest and detain any person suspected of sedition ✅
B) Ban all political parties in India
C) Tax Indian goods at a higher rate
D) Dissolve the Indian National Congress
✅ Answer: A) Arrest and detain any person suspected of sedition
The Rowlatt Act (officially the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act, 1919) allowed the British government to arrest and detain any person suspected of revolutionary or seditious activities without trial for up to two years. It was widely called the "Black Act" because it denied the right to a fair trial and appeal. Gandhi organised a nationwide Satyagraha against it — his first major mass protest in India. The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre occurred during protests against this act.
RRB Group D 2022IndependenceQ23
India gained independence on August 15, 1947. Who was the last Viceroy of British India who oversaw the transfer of power?
A) Lord Wavell
B) Lord Irwin
C) Lord Mountbatten ✅
D) Lord Linlithgow
✅ Answer: C) Lord Mountbatten
Lord Louis Mountbatten was the last Viceroy of British India. He announced the Mountbatten Plan (June 3, 1947) which proposed the partition of India into two dominions — India and Pakistan. India became independent on August 15, 1947 and Pakistan on August 14, 1947. After independence, Mountbatten became the first Governor-General of the Dominion of India (until June 1948), followed by C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji), India's first and only Indian Governor-General.
Railway NTPC 2022British ActsQ24
The Ilbert Bill controversy (1883) was associated with which Governor-General of India?
A) Lord Curzon
B) Lord Dalhousie
C) Lord Ripon ✅
D) Lord Wellesley
✅ Answer: C) Lord Ripon
Lord Ripon (Governor-General: 1880–1884) introduced the Ilbert Bill in 1883, which proposed allowing Indian judges to try European British subjects — a significant step toward racial equality. However, it faced massive opposition from the British community in India. Lord Ripon is also known for introducing Local Self-Government (1882), which is called the "Magna Carta of Local Self Government" in India. He also repealed the Vernacular Press Act.
RRB NTPC 2023Social ReformsQ25
The abolition of Sati (the practice of widow self-immolation) in British India in 1829 was achieved by which Governor-General?
A) Lord Dalhousie
B) Lord Cornwallis
C) Lord William Bentinck ✅
D) Lord Curzon
✅ Answer: C) Lord William Bentinck
Lord William Bentinck (Governor-General: 1828–1835) abolished the practice of Sati through the Bengal Sati Regulation Act of 1829. He was influenced heavily by the social reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy, who campaigned tirelessly against Sati. Bentinck also suppressed Thuggee (organised robbery and murder by the Thugs), suppressed female infanticide, and promoted English education in India (Macaulay's Minute, 1835).
RRB Group D 2023Social ReformersQ26
Who founded the Arya Samaj in 1875 to reform Hinduism and promote the authority of the Vedas?
A) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
B) Swami Vivekananda
C) Swami Dayananda Saraswati ✅
D) Sri Ramakrishna
✅ Answer: C) Swami Dayananda Saraswati
Swami Dayananda Saraswati founded the Arya Samaj on April 10, 1875 in Bombay. It advocated a return to the Vedas as the source of all knowledge, opposed idol worship, caste discrimination, and child marriage, and promoted women's education. His slogan was "Back to the Vedas." Swami Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Mission. Raja Ram Mohan Roy founded the Brahmo Samaj (1828).
Railway NTPC 2021NationalismQ27
The slogan "Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it" is associated with which Indian freedom fighter?
A) Mahatma Gandhi
B) Bal Gangadhar Tilak ✅
C) Subhas Chandra Bose
D) Lala Lajpat Rai
✅ Answer: B) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Bal Gangadhar Tilak, known as "Lokmanya Tilak," gave the famous slogan "Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it" (Swarajya haa majha janmasiddha hak ahe ani to mi milawnarach). He was the first popular leader to demand complete independence (Swaraj) from British rule. He started the Ganesh Chaturthi festival as a mass political event and published the newspapers Kesari (Marathi) and Mahratta (English).
RRB NTPC 2022INAQ28
The Indian National Army (INA or Azad Hind Fauj) was formed during World War II. Who reorganised and led it from Singapore?
A) Bhagat Singh
B) Chandrashekhar Azad
C) Subhas Chandra Bose ✅
D) Lala Lajpat Rai
✅ Answer: C) Subhas Chandra Bose
Subhas Chandra Bose (Netaji) reorganised the Indian National Army (INA) in 1943 in Singapore after escaping from India. The INA's slogan was "Jai Hind" and it included a women's regiment called the Rani of Jhansi Regiment. Bose gave the famous radio address: "Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom." The INA fought alongside Japanese forces against British India in 1944. Bose died in a plane crash in 1945 near Taiwan.
RRB Group D 2023Third Battle of PanipatQ29
The Third Battle of Panipat (1761) was fought between the Maratha Empire and which invader from Afghanistan?
A) Nadir Shah
B) Ahmad Shah Abdali (Durrani) ✅
C) Timur (Tamerlane)
D) Mahmud of Ghazni
✅ Answer: B) Ahmad Shah Abdali (Durrani)
The Third Battle of Panipat was fought on January 14, 1761 between the Maratha Confederacy (led by Vishwasrao and Bhau Saheb Peshwa) and Ahmad Shah Abdali (also called Ahmad Shah Durrani), the founder of the Durrani Empire of Afghanistan. The Marathas suffered a devastating defeat, losing thousands of soldiers and two major leaders. This battle significantly weakened Maratha power and is considered a turning point in Indian history.
Railway NTPC 2023Jallianwala BaghQ30
The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre took place on April 13, 1919 in Amritsar. Which British officer ordered troops to open fire on the unarmed crowd?
A) Lord Curzon
B) Lord Chelmsford
C) General Reginald Dyer ✅
D) Winston Churchill
✅ Answer: C) General Reginald Dyer
General Reginald Dyer ordered troops to open fire on an unarmed crowd gathered at Jallianwala Bagh on Baisakhi (April 13, 1919). The crowd had gathered to protest the Rowlatt Act and mourn two arrested leaders. Official figures reported 379 dead and 1,200 wounded, but actual casualties were much higher. Rabindranath Tagore renounced his knighthood in protest. Udham Singh later assassinated Michael O'Dwyer (Lt. Governor of Punjab who approved Dyer's actions) in London in 1940.
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How many History questions come in Railway NTPC CBT-1?
Railway NTPC CBT-1 includes approximately 4–6 History questions out of 100. In RRB Group D, History and Polity together account for about 10–12 questions out of 100. Modern Indian History — especially the freedom struggle — contributes the most questions in both exams.
Which History topics are most repeated in Railway NTPC and Group D exams?
The most repeated History topics are: (1) Freedom Struggle — 1857 revolt, Gandhi's movements, INC sessions, (2) Mughal Empire — Akbar, Aurangzeb, important battles, (3) Maurya Empire — Ashoka and Dhamma, (4) Ancient India — Vedic period, Harappan civilization, (5) Governor-Generals and Viceroys of British India. Modern History (1857–1947) accounts for roughly 60% of all History questions in Railway exams.
What is the best way to prepare History for Railway NTPC in 30 days?
The best 30-day strategy is: Week 1 — Ancient India (Harappan, Vedic, Maurya, Gupta). Week 2 — Medieval India (Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, important battles). Week 3 — Modern India (1857 revolt, INC, Gandhi's movements, important Acts). Week 4 — Full revision using PYQ practice. Practice 10 Railway History PYQs daily on GK Capsule throughout all 4 weeks — this reinforces recall far better than passive reading.
Which battles and wars are most frequently asked in Railway History GK?
The most frequently asked battles are: Three Battles of Panipat (1526, 1556, 1761) — all three are important. Battle of Plassey (1757) — beginning of British rule. Battle of Buxar (1764) — consolidated British power. Battle of Haldighati (1576) — Maharana Pratap vs Akbar. Third Battle of Panipat (1761) — Marathas vs Ahmad Shah Abdali. These 5 battles cover approximately 70% of all battle questions in Railway exams.
Is History important for RRB Group D exam?
Yes. History is part of the General Awareness section in RRB Group D, which has 20 questions out of 100 total. History, Polity, and Geography together form the bulk of the GA section. Modern Indian History — particularly the freedom struggle, important Acts, and nationalist leaders — is the highest-yield History sub-topic for Group D.
Who were the most important Governors-General asked in Railway NTPC?
The most important Governors-General in Railway NTPC are: Lord Dalhousie (Doctrine of Lapse, Railways, Telegraphs), Lord Curzon (Partition of Bengal 1905), Lord Mountbatten (last Viceroy, Indian Independence), Lord Ripon (Local Self Government, Ilbert Bill), Lord William Bentinck (abolished Sati), and Lord Wellesley (Subsidiary Alliance). Dalhousie, Curzon, and Mountbatten appear in almost every Railway exam cycle.