Historical Monuments of India: 50 Important MCQs with Answers & Explanations

1. Which of the following monuments is known as the ‘Symbol of Eternal Love’?
A) Red Fort
B) Taj Mahal
C) Qutub Minar
D) Gol Gumbaz
✅ Answer: B) Taj Mahal
📘 Explanation: The Taj Mahal, built by Shah Jahan in memory of Mumtaz Mahal, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbolizes love and beauty.

2. The Qutub Minar was built by which ruler?
A) Qutub-ud-din Aibak
B) Iltutmish
C) Alauddin Khilji
D) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
✅ Answer: A) Qutub-ud-din Aibak
📘 Explanation: The Qutub Minar, part of the Historical Monuments of India, was started by Qutub-ud-din Aibak and completed by Iltutmish.

3. Where is the famous Konark Sun Temple located?
A) Tamil Nadu
B) Odisha
C) Karnataka
D) Gujarat
✅ Answer: B) Odisha
📘 Explanation: The Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO site, represents the chariot of the Sun God and is among the most artistic monuments in India.

4. Who built the Red Fort in Delhi?
A) Shah Jahan
B) Akbar
C) Aurangzeb
D) Humayun
✅ Answer: A) Shah Jahan
📘 Explanation: The Red Fort, an iconic part of the Historical Monuments of India, was built by Shah Jahan in 1648 and served as the Mughal residence.

5. The Charminar is located in which Indian city?
A) Hyderabad
B) Lucknow
C) Delhi
D) Mumbai
✅ Answer: A) Hyderabad
📘 Explanation: Built in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, Charminar is a hallmark of Indo-Islamic architecture.

6. Who constructed the Gateway of India?
A) British Government
B) East India Company
C) Indian National Congress
D) Delhi Sultanate
✅ Answer: A) British Government
📘 Explanation: Built in 1924 in Mumbai to welcome King George V, it’s a major colonial-era monument.

7. The Hampi ruins belong to which ancient empire?
A) Maurya
B) Chola
C) Vijayanagara
D) Gupta
✅ Answer: C) Vijayanagara
📘 Explanation: Hampi, part of the Historical Monuments of India, was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and is a UNESCO site.

8. Where is the famous Khajuraho Group of Temples located?
A) Rajasthan
B) Madhya Pradesh
C) Gujarat
D) Maharashtra
✅ Answer: B) Madhya Pradesh
📘 Explanation: Khajuraho temples are famous for their intricate sculptures representing human emotions and art.

9. Sanchi Stupa is associated with which religion?
A) Hinduism
B) Buddhism
C) Jainism
D) Sikhism
✅ Answer: B) Buddhism
📘 Explanation: Built by Ashoka, the Sanchi Stupa is a Buddhist monument symbolizing the relics of Lord Buddha.

10. The Mysore Palace is the residence of which royal family?
A) Marathas
B) Wodeyars
C) Mughals
D) Peshwas
✅ Answer: B) Wodeyars
📘 Explanation: The Mysore Palace reflects Indo-Saracenic architecture and is a major tourist attraction in South India.  

11. Who commissioned the India Gate in New Delhi?
A) Lord Hardinge
B) Edwin Lutyens
C) George V
D) Queen Victoria
✅ Answer: A) Lord Hardinge
📘 Explanation: India Gate was built in memory of soldiers who died in World War I — an iconic landmark among Historical Monuments of India.

12. Which monument in Delhi houses the tomb of Humayun?
✅ Answer: Humayun’s Tomb
📘 Explanation: Constructed by Hamida Banu Begum, this Mughal masterpiece inspired the architecture of the Taj Mahal.

13. Where is the Gol Gumbaz located?
✅ Answer: Bijapur, Karnataka
📘 Explanation: Known for its massive dome, it is the mausoleum of Muhammad Adil Shah of the Adil Shahi dynasty.

14. Ajanta and Ellora caves are found in which state?
✅ Answer: Maharashtra
📘 Explanation: These caves contain Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain monuments — showcasing India’s cultural unity.

15. Which fort in Rajasthan is known as the ‘Golden Fort’?
✅ Answer: Jaisalmer Fort
📘 Explanation: Made of yellow sandstone, Jaisalmer Fort glows golden under sunlight, hence the name. 

16. The Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur was built by which Chola ruler?
A) Rajendra Chola
B) Raja Raja Chola I
C) Karikala Chola
D) Vikrama Chola
✅ Answer: B) Raja Raja Chola I
📘 Explanation: Among the most magnificent Historical Monuments of India, Brihadeeswarar Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site reflecting Dravidian architecture.

17. Fatehpur Sikri was built by which Mughal emperor?
A) Babur
B) Akbar
C) Shah Jahan
D) Jahangir
✅ Answer: B) Akbar
📘 Explanation: Fatehpur Sikri, near Agra, was Akbar’s capital and features Indo-Islamic architecture with monuments like Buland Darwaza.

18. The Iron Pillar at Mehrauli, Delhi, is famous for what feature?
A) Tallest pillar
B) Rust-resistant composition
C) Carved inscriptions
D) Association with Chandragupta
✅ Answer: B) Rust-resistant composition
📘 Explanation: This unique Historical Monument of India has resisted corrosion for 1,600 years, showing ancient India’s metallurgical skill.

19. Which ruler built the Golconda Fort?
A) Kakatiya rulers
B) Qutb Shahi dynasty
C) Mughals
D) Vijayanagara kings
✅ Answer: B) Qutb Shahi dynasty
📘 Explanation: The Golconda Fort, located in Hyderabad, was a thriving diamond trading center and a symbol of Deccan’s architectural grandeur.

20. Which monument in Delhi is dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi?
A) Shantivan
B) Rajghat
C) Vijay Ghat
D) Gandhi Smriti
✅ Answer: B) Rajghat
📘 Explanation: Rajghat, one of the peaceful Historical Monuments of India, marks the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi and attracts global visitors.

21. The Lotus Temple in Delhi belongs to which religion?
A) Hinduism
B) Islam
C) Bahá’í Faith
D) Jainism
✅ Answer: C) Bahá’í Faith
📘 Explanation: Shaped like a lotus, this Historical Monument of India promotes unity of all religions and symbolizes peace.

22. The Meenakshi Temple is located in which city?
A) Madurai
B) Thanjavur
C) Chennai
D) Kanchipuram
✅ Answer: A) Madurai
📘 Explanation: A masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, Meenakshi Temple stands as a major pilgrimage and cultural site in South India.

23. The Gateway of India was constructed to commemorate whose visit?
A) Lord Curzon
B) George V and Queen Mary
C) Lord Mountbatten
D) Winston Churchill
✅ Answer: B) George V and Queen Mary
📘 Explanation: The monument was built in 1924, symbolizing colonial heritage among Historical Monuments of India.

24. The Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka are famous for what?
A) Buddhist sculptures
B) Stone Age paintings
C) Jain carvings
D) Mughal murals
✅ Answer: B) Stone Age paintings
📘 Explanation: The Bhimbetka Caves in Madhya Pradesh showcase prehistoric art — among the oldest Historical Monuments of India.

25. The Hawa Mahal is located in which city?
A) Udaipur
B) Jodhpur
C) Jaipur
D) Bikaner
✅ Answer: C) Jaipur
📘 Explanation: The “Palace of Winds,” Hawa Mahal, built by Sawai Pratap Singh, is a key Historical Monument of India reflecting Rajput architecture. 

26. The Dilwara Temples are dedicated to which religion?
A) Hinduism
B) Jainism
C) Buddhism
D) Sikhism
✅ Answer: B) Jainism
📘 Explanation: Located in Mount Abu, these temples are renowned for marble carvings — among sacred Historical Monuments of India.

27. The Golden Temple is situated in which city?
A) Amritsar
B) Patiala
C) Chandigarh
D) Ludhiana
✅ Answer: A) Amritsar
📘 Explanation: Also known as Harmandir Sahib, this monument is the spiritual center of Sikhism.

28. The Victoria Memorial is located in which city?
A) Delhi
B) Mumbai
C) Kolkata
D) Chennai
✅ Answer: C) Kolkata
📘 Explanation: Built in memory of Queen Victoria, it is one of the most majestic Historical Monuments of India from the British era.

29. The Shore Temple is part of which UNESCO site?
A) Hampi
B) Mahabalipuram
C) Khajuraho
D) Ellora
✅ Answer: B) Mahabalipuram
📘 Explanation: Built by the Pallavas, this coastal temple complex symbolizes ancient South Indian maritime culture.

30. The Sun Temple of Modhera was built by which dynasty?
A) Solanki
B) Chola
C) Gupta
D) Maurya
✅ Answer: A) Solanki
📘 Explanation: Located in Gujarat, Modhera Sun Temple is another gem among Historical Monuments of India dedicated to the Sun God.

31. The ruins of Nalanda University are located in which state?
A) Bihar
B) Uttar Pradesh
C) West Bengal
D) Odisha
✅ Answer: A) Bihar
📘 Explanation: Nalanda is an ancient university site, representing India’s knowledge heritage and Buddhist scholarship.

32. The Ajmer Sharif Dargah is associated with which Sufi saint?
A) Nizamuddin Auliya
B) Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti
C) Baba Farid
D) Sheikh Salim Chishti
✅ Answer: B) Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti
📘 Explanation: A spiritual center for all faiths, Ajmer Dargah is a respected Historical Monument of India.

33. The Elephanta Caves are located near which city?
A) Pune
B) Mumbai
C) Surat
D) Nashik
✅ Answer: B) Mumbai
📘 Explanation: These rock-cut caves depict Lord Shiva and are part of the UNESCO heritage monuments of India.

34. The famous Buland Darwaza was built to commemorate whose victory?
A) Babur’s victory over Ibrahim Lodi
B) Akbar’s conquest of Gujarat
C) Aurangzeb’s conquest of Deccan
D) Sher Shah’s victory over Mughals
✅ Answer: B) Akbar’s conquest of Gujarat
📘 Explanation: This gateway at Fatehpur Sikri is one of the tallest arches among Historical Monuments of India.

35. The ruins of Hampi lie along which river?
A) Tungabhadra
B) Krishna
C) Godavari
D) Cauvery
✅ Answer: A) Tungabhadra
📘 Explanation: Hampi, capital of Vijayanagara, flourished on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. 

36. The Cellular Jail, now a national memorial, is located in which place?
A) Kanyakumari
B) Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
C) Kolkata
D) Chennai
✅ Answer: B) Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
📘 Explanation: Known as “Kala Pani,” this site stands as one of the most moving Historical Monuments of India, symbolizing the freedom struggle and the sacrifices of Indian revolutionaries.

37. Rani ki Vav is located in which state?
A) Rajasthan
B) Gujarat
C) Madhya Pradesh
D) Uttar Pradesh
✅ Answer: B) Gujarat
📘 Explanation: This intricate stepwell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases the artistic brilliance of ancient Historical Monuments of India and was built during the reign of the Solankis.

38. Golghar is a granary located in which city?
A) Patna
B) Varanasi
C) Lucknow
D) Gaya
✅ Answer: A) Patna
📘 Explanation: Constructed in 1786 by Captain John Garstin, Golghar was meant to store grain during famines. It remains one of the notable Historical Monuments of India from the colonial era.

39. The Gateway to the Himalayas — Badrinath Temple — is dedicated to which deity?
A) Lord Shiva
B) Lord Vishnu
C) Lord Brahma
D) Lord Kartikeya
✅ Answer: B) Lord Vishnu
📘 Explanation: Badrinath Temple, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, is revered among sacred Historical Monuments of India, attracting devotees from around the world.

40. The tomb of Sher Shah Suri is located in which city?
A) Delhi
B) Sasaram, Bihar
C) Gwalior
D) Agra
✅ Answer: B) Sasaram, Bihar
📘 Explanation: Built in Afghan architectural style, the tomb of Sher Shah Suri is situated in the center of an artificial lake, showcasing the grandeur of medieval Historical Monuments of India.

41. Which monument is called the “White Marble Symphony”?
A) Jama Masjid
B) Red Fort
C) Taj Mahal
D) Humayun’s Tomb
✅ Answer: C) Taj Mahal
📘 Explanation: The Taj Mahal, one of the most iconic Historical Monuments of India, is called the “White Marble Symphony” for its symmetry, design, and unparalleled elegance.

42. The ruins of Dholavira belong to which ancient civilization?
A) Mesopotamian Civilization
B) Indus Valley Civilization
C) Egyptian Civilization
D) Chinese Civilization
✅ Answer: B) Indus Valley Civilization
📘 Explanation: Located in Gujarat, Dholavira is an ancient Harappan site showcasing early urban planning and is one of the most recently recognized UNESCO Historical Monuments of India.

43. The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is in which state?
A) Tamil Nadu
B) Andhra Pradesh
C) Kerala
D) Karnataka
✅ Answer: C) Kerala
📘 Explanation: Situated in Thiruvananthapuram, this temple is among the richest in the world and a key Historical Monument of India, known for its architectural grandeur and treasure vaults.

44. The famous Jagannath Temple is located in which city?
A) Konark
B) Bhubaneswar
C) Puri
D) Cuttack
✅ Answer: C) Puri
📘 Explanation: The Jagannath Temple in Odisha is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, making it one of the most sacred Historical Monuments of India in Vaishnav tradition.

45. The Bada Imambara is located in which Indian city?
A) Delhi
B) Hyderabad
C) Lucknow
D) Agra
✅ Answer: C) Lucknow
📘 Explanation: Built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784, this structure is renowned for its central hall and the Bhulbhulaiya maze, representing Indo-Islamic Historical Monuments of India.

46. The Victoria Tower in Mumbai is now known as?
A) Gateway of India
B) Rajabai Clock Tower
C) CST Tower
D) Bombay Tower
✅ Answer: B) Rajabai Clock Tower
📘 Explanation: Built in Gothic Revival style during the 19th century, the Rajabai Tower is one of the colonial-era Historical Monuments of India, symbolizing European influence on Indian design.

47. The Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah is often called?
A) Mini Taj Mahal
B) Baby Taj
C) Mughal Garden
D) White Tomb
✅ Answer: B) Baby Taj
📘 Explanation: Located in Agra, Itimad-ud-Daulah’s tomb is often seen as a draft of the Taj Mahal, representing the evolution of Mughal architecture among Historical Monuments of India.

48. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is located in which state?
A) Kerala
B) Tamil Nadu
C) Goa
D) Maharashtra
✅ Answer: C) Goa
📘 Explanation: This 16th-century church houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier and is a key part of Goa’s UNESCO Historical Monuments of India.

49. Which temple complex is famous for erotic sculptures and UNESCO recognition?
A) Ellora Temples
B) Meenakshi Temple
C) Khajuraho Temples
D) Konark Temple
✅ Answer: C) Khajuraho Temples
📘 Explanation: The Khajuraho Temples in Madhya Pradesh, built by the Chandela dynasty, reflect ancient artistry and remain among the most exquisite Historical Monuments of India.

50. The Victoria Memorial’s architecture is a blend of?
A) Mughal and Persian styles
B) Indo-Saracenic and European styles
C) Colonial and Gothic styles
D) Indian and Dravidian styles
✅ Answer: B) Indo-Saracenic and European styles
📘 Explanation: Located in Kolkata, the Victoria Memorial combines Mughal domes with British design, symbolizing Indo-British architectural synthesis in Historical Monuments of India.