Assam-Specific Topics – History of Assam
Assam Public Service Commission (APSC)
Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) – Preliminary Examination
General Studies Paper I (Objective, 200 Marks)
Topic: Assam-Specific Topics
Sub-Topic: History of Assam
History of Assam – Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers & Explanations
Q1. The earliest known kingdom of Assam mentioned in ancient texts was:
A. Kamata
B. Pragjyotisha
C. Kamarupa
D. Davaka
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Pragjyotisha is the earliest known political entity of ancient Assam, mentioned in epics like the Mahabharata.
Q2. The ancient kingdom of Kamarupa roughly corresponds to present-day:
A. Entire Northeast India
B. Assam and parts of Bengal
C. Assam and parts of present-day Bangladesh and Bhutan
D. Only Upper Assam
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Kamarupa covered Assam along with parts of Bangladesh and Bhutan.
Q3. Which ruler is associated with the Narakasura dynasty of Pragjyotisha?
A. Bhagadatta
B. Bana
C. Samudragupta
D. Rudrasimha
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Bhagadatta, son of Narakasura, is mentioned in the Mahabharata as a powerful king of Pragjyotisha.
Q4. The Varman dynasty ruled ancient Assam from:
A. 4th to 6th century CE
B. 6th to 10th century CE
C. 10th to 12th century CE
D. 12th to 14th century CE
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Varman dynasty ruled Kamarupa from the 6th to the 10th century CE.
Q5. The most famous ruler of the Varman dynasty was:
A. Bhaskaravarman
B. Narayanapala
C. Suhungmung
D. Rudrasimha
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Bhaskaravarman was a powerful ruler and contemporary of Harshavardhana.
Q6. After the Varman dynasty, Kamarupa was ruled by:
A. Ahoms
B. Pala dynasty
C. Salastambha dynasty
D. Koch dynasty
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Salastambha dynasty succeeded the Varmans.
Q7. Which dynasty ruled Assam during the 10th–12th centuries CE?
A. Koch
B. Ahom
C. Pala
D. Chutiya
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Pala dynasty of Kamarupa ruled during this period.
Q8. The Ahom kingdom was established in Assam in:
A. 1206 CE
B. 1228 CE
C. 1350 CE
D. 1401 CE
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Ahom kingdom was founded in 1228 CE.
Q9. The founder of the Ahom kingdom was:
A. Suhungmung
B. Gadadhar Singha
C. Sukaphaa
D. Rudrasimha
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Sukaphaa, a Tai prince, established Ahom rule in Assam.
Q10. The Ahoms ruled Assam for nearly:
A. 300 years
B. 400 years
C. 500 years
D. 600 years
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
The Ahoms ruled Assam for about 600 years (1228–1826).
Q11. The administrative system of the Ahoms was known as:
A. Mansabdari
B. Iqta
C. Paik system
D. Zamindari
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Paik system was a unique form of compulsory state service.
Q12. Which Ahom ruler introduced Hindu customs and language extensively?
A. Sukaphaa
B. Suhungmung
C. Rudrasimha
D. Gaurinath Singha
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Suhungmung (also known as Dihingia Raja) promoted Hindu culture and Sanskrit.
Q13. The Ahoms successfully resisted Mughal invasions, notably in the:
A. Battle of Saraighat
B. Battle of Panipat
C. Battle of Talikota
D. Battle of Plassey
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
The Battle of Saraighat (1671) was a decisive Ahom victory over the Mughals.
Q14. Who led the Ahom forces in the Battle of Saraighat?
A. Lachit Barphukan
B. Rudrasimha
C. Gadadhar Singha
D. Sukaphaa
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Lachit Barphukan is remembered as a legendary Ahom general.
Q15. The Koch kingdom was founded by:
A. Biswa Singha
B. Naranarayan
C. Chilarai
D. Pratap Singha
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Biswa Singha founded the Koch kingdom in the early 16th century.
Q16. Naranarayan and Chilarai were rulers of the:
A. Ahom dynasty
B. Koch dynasty
C. Pala dynasty
D. Chutiya dynasty
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
They were prominent rulers of the Koch dynasty.
Q17. The Chutiya kingdom was located mainly in:
A. Lower Assam
B. Barak Valley
C. Upper Assam
D. Central Assam
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Chutiya kingdom existed mainly in Upper Assam.
Q18. The Ahom rule ended with the signing of the:
A. Treaty of Yandabo
B. Treaty of Allahabad
C. Treaty of Bassein
D. Treaty of Salbai
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
The Treaty of Yandabo (1826) ended Ahom rule and Burmese occupation.
Q19. Assam came under British control after the:
A. Battle of Plassey
B. First Anglo-Burmese War
C. Second Anglo-Sikh War
D. Revolt of 1857
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
After the First Anglo-Burmese War, Assam was annexed by the British.
Q20. During British rule, Assam was initially made part of:
A. Bengal Presidency
B. Madras Presidency
C. Bombay Presidency
D. United Provinces
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Assam was merged with the Bengal Presidency in 1838.
Q21. The tea industry in Assam was developed by:
A. Ahoms
B. Mughals
C. British
D. Burmese
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The British developed tea plantations, making Assam a major tea producer.
Q22. The capital of British Assam was:
A. Shillong
B. Guwahati
C. Dibrugarh
D. Jorhat
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Shillong served as the capital of Assam during British rule.
Q23. The Revolt of 1857 in Assam was led by:
A. Maniram Dewan
B. Kanaklata Barua
C. Kushal Konwar
D. Piyoli Phukan
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Maniram Dewan played a key role in Assam’s resistance during 1857.
Q24. Who among the following was an early freedom fighter of Assam?
A. Lachit Barphukan
B. Maniram Dewan
C. Sukaphaa
D. Rudrasimha
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Maniram Dewan was an early nationalist leader under British rule.
Q25. The language that became dominant during Ahom rule was:
A. Tai
B. Sanskrit
C. Assamese
D. Bengali
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Assamese language flourished during Ahom administration.
Q26. The Ahoms originally migrated from:
A. Mongolia
B. Tibet
C. Yunnan region of China
D. Myanmar plains
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Ahoms were Tai people who migrated from Yunnan (China).
Q27. The administrative officer equivalent to a governor in Ahom administration was:
A. Raja
B. Barphukan
C. Phukan
D. Borbarua
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Barphukan governed Lower Assam on behalf of the Ahom king.
Q28. Which historical event weakened Ahom rule significantly?
A. Mughal invasions
B. Burmese invasions
C. British annexation
D. Koch attacks
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Burmese invasions (1817–1826) devastated Assam and weakened Ahom authority.
Q29. The Ahom kings were also known as:
A. Maharajas
B. Swargadeos
C. Sultans
D. Rajas
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Ahom rulers used the title Swargadeo, meaning “Lord of Heaven”.
Q30. The historical importance of the Ahom rule lies in:
A. Short-term rule
B. Promotion of Mughal culture
C. Long-term political stability and integration
D. Exclusive military expansion
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Ahom rule provided political stability, cultural synthesis, and resistance to external invasions for centuries.
✅ APSC Prelims Smart Tip – History of Assam
Focus on:
- Ancient kingdoms (Pragjyotisha & Kamarupa)
- Ahom administration & battles
- Koch and Chutiya dynasties
- British annexation & early freedom struggle
-
Assam history MCQs for APSC
-
Ahom dynasty history questions
-
Ancient Assam kingdoms MCQs
-
Battle of Saraighat MCQs
-
British rule in Assam MCQs
-
Assam freedom movement prelims
-
Assam specific GS Paper I MCQs