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History Quiz – Questions and Answers
Test what you know about ancient empires, medieval kingdoms, revolutions and the World Wars. Every question comes with the right answer and a short explanation — free, no account needed.
Practice set
History Quiz questions and answers
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- Question 1 of 12Ancient History
Which Mauryan emperor embraced and promoted Buddhism after the bloody Kalinga War?
- ABindusara
- BChandragupta Maurya
- CKanishka
- DAshoka
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Correct answer: Ashoka
Explanation: Ashoka promoted Buddhist principles throughout the Mauryan Empire after witnessing the destruction caused by the Kalinga War.
- Question 2 of 12Modern History
Who led the Indian National Army in its campaign against British rule during World War II?
- AMahatma Gandhi
- BJawaharlal Nehru
- CSubhas Chandra Bose
- DVallabhbhai Patel
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Correct answer: Subhas Chandra Bose
Explanation: Subhas Chandra Bose reorganized and led the Indian National Army against British rule during World War II.
- Question 3 of 12World Wars
Which country attacked the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor in December 1941?
- AGermany
- BItaly
- CJapan
- DHungary
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Correct answer: Japan
Explanation: Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, prompting the United States to enter World War II.
- Question 4 of 12Revolutions & Independence
In which year did the thirteen American colonies declare independence from Britain?
- A1776
- B1789
- C1815
- D1848
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Correct answer: 1776
Explanation: The Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.
- Question 5 of 12World Wars
The D-Day landings took place in Normandy, France.
- ATrue
- BFalse
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Correct answer: True
Explanation: Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944, during Operation Overlord.
- Question 6 of 12Modern History
Who headed the Bolshevik government established after Russia’s October Revolution of 1917?
- AJoseph Stalin
- BAlexander Kerensky
- CNicholas II
- DVladimir Lenin
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Correct answer: Vladimir Lenin
Explanation: Vladimir Lenin became the head of the Bolshevik government after the October Revolution.
- Question 7 of 12Civilizations & Empires
Which city, founded by Caliph al-Mansur in 762, became the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate?
- AKufa
- BDamascus
- CSamarra
- DBaghdad
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Correct answer: Baghdad
Explanation: Al-Mansur founded Baghdad in 762 as the new administrative and political center of the Abbasid Caliphate.
- Question 8 of 12Medieval History
What was a parcel of land granted by a medieval lord to a vassal commonly called?
- ADemesne
- BManor
- CCommons
- DFief
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Correct answer: Fief
Explanation: A fief was land or another valuable right granted to a vassal in return for service and loyalty.
- Question 9 of 12Medieval History
Whose empire was divided among his grandsons by the Treaty of Verdun in 843?
- ACharlemagne
- BOtto the Great
- CAlfred the Great
- DJustinian I
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Correct answer: Charlemagne
Explanation: The Treaty of Verdun divided Charlemagne’s Carolingian Empire among his grandsons Lothair I, Louis the German and Charles the Bald.
- Question 10 of 12Revolutions & Independence
The Greek War of Independence began in 1821 as a revolt against which empire?
- AOttoman Empire
- BRussian Empire
- CAustrian Empire
- DPersian Empire
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Correct answer: Ottoman Empire
Explanation: Greek revolutionaries launched their struggle in 1821 against centuries of Ottoman rule.
- Question 11 of 12Civilizations & Empires
The Inca Empire used knotted cords called quipus to record information such as tribute and census data.
- ATrue
- BFalse
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Correct answer: True
Explanation: Inca administrators used quipus to encode numerical and administrative information through patterns of knots, colors, and cords.
- Question 12 of 12Revolutions & Independence
Which revolutionary leader came to power in Cuba after the Cuban Revolution of 1959?
- AChe Guevara
- BJosé Martí
- CRaúl Castro
- DFidel Castro
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Correct answer: Fidel Castro
Explanation: Fidel Castro became Cuba's leader after his revolutionary forces overthrew Fulgencio Batista in 1959.
Topics covered
Why practise history?
Understand today's world: Borders, languages and politics all trace back to past events.
Exam ready: History is a core part of school, SSC, UPSC and other competitive exam GK sections.
Learn from explanations: Every answer includes a short reason so the fact sticks.
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How to play
- 1
Read the question
Take a moment to understand what is being asked.
- 2
Choose one of the options
Compare every option before deciding.
- 3
Check the answer
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Frequently asked questions
Is this history quiz free?
Yes. You can read every question and reveal the answers on this page without paying or creating an account.
Which periods of history are covered?
Ancient history, medieval history, civilizations and empires, revolutions and independence movements, the World Wars and modern history.
Does it include Indian history?
Yes. Questions include Indian history such as Emperor Ashoka and Subhas Chandra Bose, alongside world history.
How do I check my answer?
Tap “Show answer” under any question to see the correct option and a short explanation. Tap again to hide it.
Can I play a timed history quiz?
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