Important Battles in Indian History : Top MCQs for Exams
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From ancient times to the modern era, "Important battles in Indian history" have significantly influenced the power dynamics, territorial boundaries, and the rise and fall of empires.
This topic Indian history wars were crucial in shaping the nation's cultural and political landscape. For students preparing for competitive exams like SSC CGL, SSC MTS, SSC CHSL, UPSC Prelims, and State PSCs, understanding these key Indian battles is essential.
In this post, we will discuss some of the most significant important Indian wars in the history of India and their impact, providing valuable insights for those studying Indian history for SSC and other exams.
Important Battles in Indian History :
Here's a list of the Most Important Battles of Indian History arranged chronologically (16th to 20th centuries):
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Year of Battle
Battle Name
Battle Fought Between
Place of Battle
Winner
1526
First Battle of Panipat
Babur vs Ibrahim Lodi
Panipat, Haryana
Babur (Mughal Empire)
1527
Battle of Khanwa
Babur vs Rana Sanga
Khanwa, Rajasthan
Babur
1528
Battle of Chanderi
Rajputs vs Mughals
Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh
Babur
1529
Battle of Ghaghra
Babur vs Mahmud Lodi & Nusrat Shah
Ghaghara River, Bihar
Babur
1539
Battle of Chausa
Sher Shah Suri vs Humayun
Chausa, Bihar
Sher Shah Suri
1540
Battle of Kannauj
Sher Shah Suri vs Humayun
Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh
Sher Shah Suri
1555
Battle of Sirhind
Humayun vs Sikandar Shah Suri
Fatehgarh, Punjab
Humayun
1556
Second Battle of Panipat
Akbar vs Hemu (Raja Hemu)
Panipat, Haryana
Akbar
1565
Battle of Talikota
Vijayanagar Empire vs Deccan Sultanates
Talikota, Karnataka
Deccan Sultanates
1576
Battle of Haldighati
Maharana Pratap vs Akbar's forces (led by Man Singh I)
Haldighati, Rajasthan
Mughal Empire
1681–1707
Deccan Wars
Maratha Empire vs Mughal Empire
Deccan Region
Maratha Empire
1739
Battle of Vasai
Maratha Empire vs Portuguese
Vasai, Mumbai
Maratha Empire
1757
Battle of Plassey
East India Company vs Nawab of Bengal (Siraj-ud-Daulah)
Plassey, near Calcutta
East India Company
1761
Third Battle of Panipat
Maratha Empire vs Ahmad Shah Durrani (Afghanistan)
Panipat, Haryana
Ahmad Shah Durrani (Afghan)
1764
Battle of Buxar
East India Company vs Mir Qasim, Shuja-ud-Daulah, Shah Alam II
Buxar, Bihar
East India Company (Treaty of Allahabad)
1767–1769
First Anglo-Mysore War
East India Company vs Kingdom of Mysore (Hyder Ali)
South India
Mysore (Treaty of Madras)
1775–1782
First Anglo-Maratha War
East India Company vs Maratha Empire
Pune, Maharashtra
Maratha Empire (began with the Treaty of Surat and ended with the Treaty of Salbai.)
1780–1784
Second Anglo-Mysore War
East India Company vs Kingdom of Mysore (Hyder Ali)
South India
The situation as it existed before the war (Treaty of Mangalore)
1785–1787
Maratha-Mysore War
Maratha Empire vs Mysore
South India
Maratha Empire
1790–1792
Third Anglo-Mysore War
East India Company vs Kingdom of Mysore (Tipu Sultan)
South India
East India Company (Treaty of Seringapatam)
1798–1799
Fourth Anglo-Mysore War
East India Company vs Kingdom of Mysore (Tipu Sultan)
South India
East India Company
1803–1805
Second Anglo-Maratha War
East India Company vs Maratha Empire
India
East India Company
1817–1818
Third Anglo-Maratha War
East India Company vs Maratha Empire
Maharashtra
East India Company (Treaty of Mandsaur.)
1824–1826
First Anglo-Burmese War
East India Company vs Burmese Empire
Burma
East India Company
1839–1842
First Anglo-Afghan War
East India Company vs Emirate of Kabul
Afghanistan
Afghan Empire
1878–1880
Second Anglo-Afghan War
British India vs Emirate of Afghanistan
Afghanistan
British India
1919
Third Anglo-Afghan War
British India vs Emirate of Afghanistan
Afghanistan
British India
1944
Battle of Imphal
British India vs Imperial Japan (World War II)
Imphal, Manipur
British India
PracticeShow All Answers
Q1: The "First Battle of Tarain" was fought between
A. Babur and Medini Rai
B. Gakkhar and Muhammad Ghori
C. Prithviraj Chauhan and Muhammad Ghori
D. Sher Shah Suri and Humayun
The First Battle of Tarain was fought 1191 near Tarain (modern Taraori in Haryana, India) . Battle of Tarain was fought between the Prithviraj Chauhan and Mohammed Ghori. The battle resulted in victory for the Prithviraj Chauhan.
Q2: The "Second Battle of Tarain" was fought between
A. Ashoka and Raja Anant Padmanabhan
B. British Forces Vs Tipu Sultan
C. Babur and Sultan Mahmud Lodi
D. Muhammad Ghori and Prithviraj Chauhan
The Second Battle of Tarain was fought 1192 near Tarain (modern Taraori in Haryana, India) . Battle of Tarain was fought between the Prithviraj Chauhan and Mohammed Ghori. The battle resulted in victory for the Mohmmed Ghori.
Q3: The "First Battle of Panipat" was fought between
A. Prithviraj Chauhan and Md Ghori
B. Ahmed Shah Abdali and Marathas
C. Babur and Ibrahim Lodi
D. Hyder Ali and British
The First Battle of Panipat occurred on April 21 1526, in North India. It was fought between the invading forces of Babur and Ibrahim Lodi. The battle resulted in victory for Babur and Establishment of Mughal Empire
Q4: The "Second Battle of Panipat" was fought between
A. Ahmed Shah Abdali and Marathas
B. Mughal and Maratha Empire
C. Maratha Empire and Company Raj
D. Akbar and Hemu
The Second Battle of Panipat took place on November 5, 1556, between Akbar and Hemu, the king of Delhi. Just a few weeks earlier, Hemu had defeated the Mughal army led by Tardi Beg Khan and captured Delhi and Agra. After this victory, he crowned himself Raja Vikramaditya at Purana Qila in Delhi..
Q5: The "Third Battle of Panipat" was fought between
A. Hemu and Akbar
B. Humayun and Sher Shah
C. Marathas and Ahmad Shah Durrani
D. Nadir Shah and the Mughals
The Third Battle of Panipat was fought between the Maratha Empire and the Durrani Empire on January 14, 1761.The forces led by Ahmad Shah Durrani came out victorious after destroying several Maratha flanks.
Q6: The "Battle of Plassey" was fought between
A. East India Company and Ahmad Shah
B. East India Company and Tipu Sultan
C. East India Company and Sirajuddaulla
D. East India Company and Anwaruddin
The Battle of Plassey was a pivotal conflict fought on June 23, 1757, near the village of Plassey (Palashi) in Bengal. The battle was between the British East India Company, led by Robert Clive, and the forces of Siraj-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal. The British victory marked a significant turning point, solidifying their control over Bengal and setting the stage for broader colonial rule in India. The battle was influenced by internal conflicts and alliances within Siraj-ud-Daulah's court, notably the defection of Mir Jafar, the commander-in-chief, who sided with the British. This victory allowed the British to expand their political and military influence, ultimately leading to the establishment of British rule in India.
Q7: The "Battle of Buxar" was fought between
A. Babur and Sultan Mahmud Lodi
B. Babur and Rana Sanga
C. Babur and Ibrahim Lodi
D. East India Company and Mir Qasim
The Battle of Buxar was fought on October 22-23, 1764, between the British East India Company, led by Major Hector Munro, and the combined forces of Mir Qasim (Nawab of Bengal), Shuja-ud-Daulah (Nawab of Awadh), and Shah Alam II (Mughal Emperor). The battle took place in Buxar, Bihar, and resulted in a decisive victory for the British. This victory further consolidated British control over Bengal and significantly weakened the Mughal Empire and its allies. The battle is considered a crucial event in the expansion of British power in India.
Q8: The "First Anglo Mysore War" was fought between
A. Hyder Ali (Mysore) Vs British, Marathas
B. Akbar and Hemu
C. Babur and Ibrahim Lodi
D. Alaxender and Porus
The First Anglo-Mysore War (1767–1769) was fought between the British East India Company and the Kingdom of Mysore, led by Hyder Ali. The war was instigated by Hyder Ali's ambitions to expand his territory and challenge British influence in southern India. The conflict saw initial successes for Hyder Ali, but the British, with the support of the Marathas, managed to counter his advances. The war ended with the Treaty of Madras in 1769, which temporarily restored peace but did not resolve the underlying tensions between the British and Mysore.
Q9: The "Second Anglo Mysore War" was fought between
A. East India Company and Ahmad Shah
B. Akbar and Hemu
C. Babur and Ibrahim Lodi
D. British East India Company and the Kingdom of Mysore
The Second Anglo-Mysore War (1780–1784) was fought between the British East India Company and the Kingdom of Mysore, led by Hyder Ali and later his son Tipu Sultan. The war was marked by intense battles, including the British defeat at the Battle of Pollilur and the subsequent British victories. The war ended with the Treaty of Mangalore in 1784, which temporarily restored peace but left underlying tensions unresolved. The conflict highlighted the growing military prowess of Mysore and the strategic challenges faced by the British in southern India.
Q10: The "The Third Anglo Mysore war" ended with the Treaty of
A. Treaty of Mangalore
B. Treaty of Seringapatam
C. Treaty of Amiens
D. Treaty of Yandabo
The Third Anglo-Mysore War (1790–1792) was fought between the British East India Company and the Kingdom of Mysore, led by Tipu Sultan. The war ended with the Treaty of Seringapatam in 1792, which forced Tipu Sultan to cede half of his territories to the British and their allies. This treaty significantly weakened Mysore's military and economic capabilities, setting the stage for future conflicts. The war was marked by fierce battles and strategic maneuvers, ultimately consolidating British control over southern India.
Q11: The "Fourth Anglo Mysore War" was fought between
A. Akbar and Hemu
B. Maharana Pratap & Akbar
C. British Forces Vs Tipu Sultan
D. Hyder Ali Vs Marathas
The Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1798–1799) was fought between the British Forces and Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore. The war culminated in the Battle of Seringapatam, where Tipu Sultan was defeated and killed. The fall of Seringapatam marked the end of the Kingdom of Mysore as an independent state and the beginning of direct British rule over the region. The war was characterized by intense fighting and strategic maneuvers, with the British ultimately emerging victorious, consolidating their control over southern India.
Q12: The "Battle of Haldighati" was fought between
A. Babur and Rana Sanga
B. Maharana Pratap & Akbar
C. Aurangzeb and Siraj-ud-daulah
D. Babur and Sultan Mahmud Lodi
The Battle of Haldighati was fought on 18 June 1576 in Haldighati, Rajsamand District, Rajasthan. The battle resulted in victory for the Mughal
Q13: The "Battle of Hydspace" was fought between
A. Alaxender the Great and Porus
B. Babur and Ibrahim Lodi
C. Maharana Pratap & Mughal
D. Sher Shah Suri and Humayun
The Battle of Hydspace was fought between Alaxender the Great and Porus in 326 BCE Near the river Jhelum (Hydaspes in Greek), Eastern Punjab, now Pakistan. Greek Army of Alexander won the battle.
Q14: The "Battle of Samugarh" was fought between
A. Ashoka and Raja Anant Padmanabhan
B. Alaxender and Porus
C. Dara and Aurangzeb
D. Babur and Sultan Mahmud Lodi
The battle of Samugarh was the second battle fought between Dara Shikoh and his three younger brothers Aurangzeb, Shah Shuja and Murad Baksh (third and fourth sons of Shah Jahan) to decide who would be the heir of the throne after their father The battle of Samugarh was the second battle fought between Dara Shikoh (the eldest son and heir apparent) and his three younger brothers Aurangzeb, Shah Shuja and Murad Baksh (third and fourth sons of Shah Jahan) to decide who would be the heir of the throne after their father.
Q15: The "Battle of Gakkhar and Ghori" was fought between
A. Sher Shah Suri and Humayun
B. Gakkhar and Md Ghori
C. Akbar and Hemu
D. Ahmed Shah Abdali and Marathas
The Battle of Gakkhar and Ghori was fought between the Gakkhar and the Md Ghori tribes in 1206 A.D. Ghori was killed by Gakkhar tribes in this attack
Q16: The "Battle of Khanwa" was fought between
A. Babur and Sultan Mahmud Lodi
B. Akbar and Hemu
C. British Forces Vs Tipu Sultan
D. Babur and Rana Sanga
The Battle of Khanwa was fought 16 March 1527 near Khanwa, Rajasthan. The battle resulted in victory for the Babur
Q17: The "Battle of Chausa" was fought between
A. Sher Shah Suri and Humayun
B. Tipu Sultan Vs British
C. Sikh Empire & British East India Company
D. Akbar and Hemu
The Battle of Chausa was fought on 26 June 1539 in Chausa, Buxar, Bihar. The battle resulted in victory for the Sher Shah Suri
Q18: The "Battle of Chanderi" was fought between
A. Babur and Medini Rai
B. Sher Shah Suri and Humayun
C. Ahmed Shah Abdali and Marathas
D. Deccan Sultanates and Vijayanagar Empire
The Battle of Chanderi was fought on 20 January 1528. The battle resulted in victory for the Babur
Q19: The "Battle of Kannauj (or Bilgram)" was fought between
A. Babur and Ibrahim Lodi
B. Babur and Rana Sanga
C. Sher Shah Suri and Humayun
D. Alaxender and Porus
The Battle of Kannauj (or Bilgram) was fought on 17 May 1540 in Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh. The battle resulted in victory for the Sher Shah Suri
Q20: The "Kalinga War" was fought between
A. Babur and Sultan Mahmud Lodi
B. Ashoka and Raja Anant Padmanabhan
C. Babur and Rana Sanga
D. Ahmed Shah Abdali and Marathas
The Kalinga War was fought on 261 BCE in Odisha & Andhra Pradesh. The battle resulted in victory for the Ashoka.
Q21: The "Battle of Ghaghara" was fought between
A. Babur and Ibrahim Lodi
B. Gakkhar and Md Gori
C. Babur and Sultan Mahmud Lodi
D. Babur and Rana Sanga
The Battle of Ghaghara was fought on 6 May 1529 Ghaghara River, Bihar. The Battle of Ghaghara was fought by Babur and joint forces of Mahmud Lodi (Delhi Sultanate), Nusrat Shah (Bengal Sultanate).The battle resulted in victory for the Babur
Q22: The "Battle of Talikota (or Banihatti)" was fought between
A. Deccan Sultanates and Vijayanagar Empire
B. Babur and Sultan Mahmud Lodi
C. Babur and Medini Rai
D. Babur and Ibrahim Lodi
The Battle of Talikota was fought on 23 January 1565 in Talikot, Karnataka. The battle resulted in victory for the Deccan Sultanates
Q23: The "Battle of Chandawar" was fought between
A. Muhammad Ghori and Jaychand
B. Ashoka and Raja Anant Padmanabhan
C. Alaxender and Porus
D. Babur and Rana Sanga
The Battle of Chandawar was fought on 1194 CE in Chandawar (present-day Chandawal near Firozabad), Agra, UP. The battle resulted in victory for Mohmmed Ghori
Q24: The "Battle of Sarangpur" was fought between
A. Muhammad Ghori and Jaychand
B. Muhammad Ghori and Jaichandra
C. Sultan Mahmud Khilji and Rana Kumbha
D. Babur and Rana Sanga
The Battle of Sarangpur was fought on 1437 CE in Sarangpur, Madhya Pradesh. The battle resulted in victory for Rajput &
Mahmud Khilji was imprisoned
Q25: The "Battle of Imphal" was fought between
A. East India Company and Burmese Empire
B. British India and Imperial Japan
C. British India and Emirate of Afghanistan
D.British India and Burma
The Battle of Imphal was fought between British India and Imperial Japan (During World War II) on 1944 in Imphal, Manipur. The battle resulted in victory for British India
Q26: The "First Anglo-Maratha War" was fought between
A. East India Company and Burmese Empire
B. Maratha Empire and Mysore
C. East India Company and Maratha
D.British India and Burma
The First Anglo-Maratha War was fought between East India Company and Maratha between 1775 -1782 in Pune, Maharashtra. The battle resulted in victory for Maratha victory with Treaty of Salbai
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Important Battles in Indian History
is essential for competitive exam success. Whether you’re preparing for SSC, UPSC, or state exams, knowing key details about these waterfalls will help you score higher in General Knowledge sections. Focus on When did the Battle happen?, Battles fought Between, Result of the Battle and is there any Treaty from to End the Battle to ace related questions.