MCQs Class 11 History Chapter 5 – “Changing Cultural Traditions”

Updated on: November 13, 2025

100 Important MCQs with Answers

1–20: Basic Conceptual MCQs

Q1. The term Renaissance means —
A. Revolution
B. Rebirth
C. Revival
D. Reformation
✅ Answer: B. Rebirth

Explanation: “Renaissance” comes from French renaître meaning to be reborn. It marks Europe’s revival of classical Greek and Roman art, literature, and learning after the Middle Ages.

Q2. Renaissance began first in —
A. France
B. England
C. Italy
D. Germany
✅ Answer: C. Italy

Explanation: Renaissance began in Italian city-states like Florence, Venice, and Rome because of prosperity, trade networks, and patronage by wealthy families like the Medici.

Q3. The Renaissance period is roughly between —
A. 11th–13th century
B. 13th–16th century
C. 14th–17th century
D. 15th–18th century
✅ Answer: C. 14th–17th century

Explanation: Scholars generally date the Renaissance from the 1300s (Italian beginnings) to the 1600s (Northern Europe)

Q4. The Renaissance was primarily a —
A. Religious movement
B. Cultural movement
C. Political movement
D. Military movement
✅ Answer: B. Cultural movement

Explanation: Humanism valued individual reason, worldly experience, and human dignity rather than purely church-centered life.

Q5. Who is known as the ‘Father of Renaissance’?
A. Leonardo da Vinci
B. Petrarch
C. Dante
D. Michelangelo
✅ Answer: B. Petrarch

Explanation: Francesco Petrarch emphasized study of classical texts and human potential rather than divine matters—hence “Father of Humanism.”

Q6. The Renaissance originated mainly due to —
A. Church reforms
B. Growth of towns and trade
C. Crusades
D. Discovery of new continents
✅ Answer: B. Growth of towns and trade

Explanation : The growth of towns and trade created wealthy, educated classes who supported art, literature, and learning, giving rise to the Renaissance.

Q7. Humanism emphasized —
A. Human welfare and dignity
B. Power of Church
C. Feudal hierarchy
D. Divine monarchy
✅ Answer: A. Human welfare and dignity

Explanation: Humanism emphasized the value, abilities, and dignity of humans instead of religious or feudal control.

Q8. Who painted the famous ‘Mona Lisa’?
A. Raphael
B. Michelangelo
C. Leonardo da Vinci
D. Botticelli
✅ Answer: C. Leonardo da Vinci

Explanation: The ‘Mona Lisa’ is a world-famous portrait painted by Leonardo da Vinci during the Renaissance. It is admired for its realistic expression, detailed background, and mysterious smile, showcasing Da Vinci’s mastery of art and human emotion.

Q9. The ‘Divine Comedy’ was written by —
A. Petrarch
B. Dante Alighieri
C. Boccaccio
D. Erasmus
✅ Answer: B. Dante Alighieri

Explanation: The ‘Divine Comedy’ was written by Dante Alighieri, an Italian poet. It is a long epic poem describing the soul’s journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven, symbolizing the human search for salvation and truth during the early Renaissance.

Q10. The Renaissance man who painted ‘The Last Supper’ was —
A. Raphael
B. Leonardo da Vinci
C. Titian
D. Michelangelo
✅ Answer: B. Leonardo da Vinci.

Explanation: The Last Supper (1495–98) depicts Jesus with his disciples; it shows perspective, balance, and emotion typical of Renaissance realism.

Q11. The movement that criticized Church corruption was —
A. Counter-Reformation
B. Protestant Reformation
C. Catholicism
D. Calvinism
✅ Answer: B. Protestant Reformation

Explanation: Sparked by Martin Luther’s 95 Theses (1517), the Reformation protested Church corruption and emphasized personal faith.

Q12. Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses at —
A. Geneva
B. Rome
C. Wittenberg
D. Venice
✅ Answer: C. Wittenberg

Explanation: Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the church door at Wittenberg in 1517 to protest against the sale of indulgences by the Catholic Church.

Q13. Who invented the printing press?
A. Martin Luther
B. Johann Gutenberg
C. Copernicus
D. Galileo
✅ Answer: B. Johann Gutenberg

Explanation: Johann Gutenberg, a German craftsman, invented the printing press around 1440, which revolutionized the spread of knowledge and helped in the growth of the Renaissance and Reformation.

Q14. The first printed book in Europe was —
A. Divine Comedy
B. Bible
C. Iliad
D. Odyssey
✅ Answer: B. Bible

Explanation: The Bible was the first book printed in Europe by Johann Gutenberg using the movable type printing press around 1455.

Q15. The new art technique in Renaissance painting was—
A. Fresco
B. Mosaic
C. Perspective
D. Sculpture
✅ Answer: C. Perspective

Explanation: Perspective techniques allowed paintings to create depth and a three-dimensional effect, making Renaissance art more realistic.

Q16. Renaissance art focused mainly on —
A. God and religion
B. Nature and human body
C. Supernatural ideas
D. Monastic life
✅ Answer: B. Nature and human body

Explanation: Renaissance art emphasized realism and beauty of nature and the human body, reflecting the humanist belief in man’s importance and individuality.

Q17. The book The Prince was written by —
A. Erasmus
B. Thomas More
C. Machiavelli
D. Petrarch
✅ Answer: C. Machiavelli

Explanation: Machiavelli wrote the book ‘The Prince’, in which he gave practical tips to rulers on how to run politics and power.

Q18. Which city is called the “Cradle of Renaissance”?
A. Florence
B. Rome
C. Venice
D. Milan
✅ Answer: A. Florence

Explanation: Florence is called the “Cradle of the Renaissance” because it was the center of art, learning, and culture, supported by wealthy patrons like the Medici family.

Q19. The powerful family of Florence who patronized art was —
A. Tudor
B. Habsburg
C. Medici
D. Bourbon
✅ Answer: C. Medici

Explanation: The Medici family of Florence supported artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, turning Florence into the cultural centre of the Renaissance.

Q20. The artist who painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling —
A. Leonardo da Vinci
B. Raphael
C. Michelangelo
D. Donatello
✅ Answer: C. Michelangelo

Explanation: Michelangelo painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome, depicting Biblical scenes and showcasing his mastery in human anatomy and realism.

21–40: Analytical and Interpretation-Based

Q21. Renaissance thinkers studied —
A. Greek and Roman classics
B. Indian philosophy
C. Islamic theology
D. None of these
✅ Answer: A. Greek and Roman classics

Explanation: Renaissance thinkers studied the Greek and Roman classics because they wanted to revive the teachings of ancient civilizations related to reason, science, art, and humanity.

Q22. The concept of “Humanism” was revived from —
A. Ancient Greek texts
B. Medieval theology
C. Egyptian manuscripts
D. Chinese philosophy
✅ Answer: A. Ancient Greek texts

Explanation: The idea of Humanism was revived from ancient Greek texts, which focused on reason, beauty, and human potential. Renaissance scholars studied these classics to promote learning based on human experience rather than religious authority.

Q23. Which scientist proved that Earth revolves around the Sun?
A. Galileo
B. Newton
C. Copernicus
D. Kepler
✅ Answer: C. Copernicus

Explanation: Nicolaus Copernicus was the first scientist to propose the heliocentric theory, which stated that the Earth revolves around the Sun, not the other way around. This idea challenged the Church’s geocentric belief and marked a major step in the Scientific Revolution.

Q24. Galileo supported the theory of —
A. Geocentric universe
B. Heliocentric universe
C. Static universe
D. Divine universe
✅ Answer: B. Heliocentric universe

Explanation: Galileo supported Copernicus’ heliocentric theory, which held that the Earth and other planets revolve around the Sun. This view conflicted with the Church’s geocentric theory (an Earth-centered universe), leading to opposition and punishment for Galileo.

Q25. The spread of Renaissance ideas was aided by —
A. Monks
B. Printing press
C. Kings
D. Universities only
✅ Answer: B. Printing press

Explanation:
The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century made books cheaper and more widely available. This allowed Renaissance ideas about art, science, and humanism to spread rapidly across Europe, reaching scholars and the general public alike.

Q26. The Reformation divided Christianity into —
A. Catholic and Protestant
B. Greek and Roman
C. Orthodox and Buddhist
D. Christian and Pagan
✅ Answer: A. Catholic and Protestant

Explanation: The Reformation Movement began in the 16th century under the leadership of Martin Luther. It opposed the errors and corruption of the Roman Catholic Church. As a result, Christianity split into two major branches—Catholic and Protestant.

Q27. The Counter-Reformation was led by —
A. Protestant Church
B. Catholic Church
C. Lutheran Church
D. Anglican Church
✅ Answer: B. Catholic Church

Explanation: The Counter-Reformation was the movement launched by the Catholic Church to reform itself and counter the spread of Protestantism. It began with the Council of Trent (1545–1563), which clarified Catholic doctrines, reformed corrupt practices, and strengthened the role of the Pope and church institutions like the Jesuits.

Q28. Ignatius Loyola founded —
A. Jesuit Society
B. Calvinist Church
C. Lutheran Church
D. Church of England
✅ Answer: A. Jesuit Society

Explanation: Ignatius of Loyola, a Spanish soldier turned priest, founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuit Order) in 1540. The Jesuits became the leading force of the Counter-Reformation, promoting education, missionary work, and loyalty to the Pope to strengthen the Catholic Church worldwide.

Q29. Renaissance encouraged —
A. Blind faith
B. Rational thinking
C. Dogma
D. Clergy control
✅ Answer: B. Rational thinking

Explanation: The Renaissance taught people to trust reason, scientific thinking, and human intelligence. It promoted rational thinking and humanism instead of superstition and religious fanaticism.

Q30. Thomas More wrote —
A. Utopia
B. The Prince
C. Inferno
D. Paradise Lost
✅ Answer: A. Utopia

Explanation: Thomas More, an English scholar and statesman, wrote “Utopia” in 1516. The book describes an ideal and imaginary island society based on equality, justice, and reason — a contrast to the corruption and inequality of 16th-century Europe. The term “Utopia” itself means “no place” or “an ideal place.”

Q31. Utopia describes —
A. An imaginary ideal society
B. Church domination
C. Feudal society
D. Roman Empire
✅ Answer: A. An imaginary ideal society

Q32. The invention of printing press took place in —
A. 1440 CE
B. 1540 CE
C. 1340 CE
D. 1640 CE
✅ Answer: A. 1440 CE

Q33. The Renaissance spirit emphasized —
A. Individualism
B. Monastic life
C. Blind obedience
D. Pessimism
✅ Answer: A. Individualism

Q34. Vitruvian Man’ was drawn by —
A. Raphael
B. Michelangelo
C. Leonardo da Vinci
D. Donatello
✅ Answer: C. Leonardo da Vinci

Q35. Who discovered blood circulation?
A. Vesalius
B. Harvey
C. Galileo
D. Bacon
✅ Answer: B. Harvey

Q36. The Scientific Revolution was influenced by —
A. Church doctrines
B. Renaissance ideas
C. Greek myths
D. Feudal traditions
✅ Answer: B. Renaissance ideas

Q37.. Erasmus was a —
A. Religious reformer
B. Painter
C. Scientist
D. Merchant
✅ Answer: A. Religious reformer

Q38. Who sculpted ‘David’?
A. Donatello
B. Michelangelo
C. Raphael
D. Leonardo
✅ Answer: B. Michelangelo

Q39. The word ‘Renaissance’ was first used by —
A. Jules Michelet
B. Burckhardt
C. Voltaire
D. Machiavelli
✅ Answer: A. Jules Michelet

Q40. The famous work Decameron was written by________.
A. Dante
B. Boccaccio
C. Petrarch
D. Erasmus
✅ Answer: B. Boccaccio

🧠 41–60: Assertion & Reason Type MCQs

Directions: Choose the correct option:
(A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(C) A is true, but R is false.
(D) A is false, but R is true.

Q41. Assertion (A): Renaissance marked the end of the Middle Ages.
Reason (R): It promoted humanism and scientific thinking.
✅ Answer: (A)

Explanation: The Reason (R) correctly explains the Assertion (A), because the rise of humanism and scientific thinking ended medieval religious dominance, marking the beginning of the modern era.

Q42. A: Printing press played a vital role in spreading Renaissance ideas.
R: Books became cheaper and easily available.
✅ Answer: (A)

Explanation: The invention of the printing press allowed books to be printed in large quantities, reducing their cost and making them accessible to the general public. This allowed Renaissance ideas, such as humanism, science, and rationality, to spread rapidly throughout Europe.
👉 Therefore, Reason (R) is correct and correctly explains Assertion (A).

Q43. A: Church supported scientific discoveries during the Renaissance.
R: Church wanted to expand knowledge and rationalism.
✅ Answer: (D)

✅ Answer: D (A is false, but R is true)

Explanation: During the Renaissance, the Church did not support many scientific discoveries that challenged its teachings (for example, Galileo’s heliocentric theory). The Reason (R) is true because promoting knowledge and rationalism were core Renaissance ideas—but these were mainly encouraged by humanists and scientists, not by the Church. Hence, A is false, R is true.

Q44. A: Humanism encouraged study of classical texts.
R: It valued human intellect and dignity over divine authority.
✅ Answer: (A)

Explanation: Humanism promoted the study of classical Greek and Roman texts to revive ancient knowledge and culture. It emphasized human intellect, reason, and dignity rather than relying solely on divine or Church authority, which perfectly explains the idea of Renaissance humanism.

Q45. A: Italy became the center of Renaissance culture.
R: It had wealthy merchant families and ancient Roman heritage.
✅ Answer: (A)

Explanation: Italy became the center of the Renaissance because it was home to wealthy merchant families like the Medici, who patronized art and learning. Moreover, Italy had the legacy of ancient Rome, which inspired a revival of classical art, architecture, and literature. Thus, R correctly explains A.

Q46. A: The Renaissance encouraged blind faith in Church doctrines.
R: Rationalism was the essence of Renaissance thinking.
✅ Answer: (D) – A is incorrect, but R is correct.

Explanation: The Renaissance promoted rationalism and scientific thinking, not superstition. Therefore, Assertion (A) is incorrect because the Renaissance challenged the superstitions of the Church. Reason (R) is correct because logic and human reason were the mainstays of Renaissance ideology.

Q47. A: Copernicus proposed the heliocentric theory.
R: He proved that the Earth revolves around the Sun.
✅ Answer: (A) – Both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A.

Explanation: Nicolaus Copernicus proposed the heliocentric theory, which stated that the Sun is at the center of the universe and the Earth revolves around it. This idea challenged the earlier geocentric theory supported by the Church. Hence, both statements are true, and R correctly explains A.

Q48. A: The Medici family were artists of Florence.
R: They were actually patrons and financiers of art.
✅ Answer: (C) – A is incorrect, but R is correct.

Explanation: The Medici family were not artists themselves, but were patrons and financiers of the arts. They supported many great artists in Florence, such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Therefore, the assertion is incorrect, but the reason is correct.

Q49. A: The Renaissance in Northern Europe was deeply religious.
R: It focused more on moral and social reform.
✅ Answer: (A) – Both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A.

Brief Explanation:
The Northern Renaissance had a strong religious and moral character. Thinkers like Erasmus emphasized moral reform and criticized Church corruption. Their focus was on ethical living and social improvement, which explains why the Northern Renaissance was more religious and reform-oriented than the Italian one.

Q50. A: Machiavelli’s The Prince advised rulers to be ideal and moral.
R: He actually justified power politics and practicality.
✅ Answer: (C) – A is incorrect, but R is correct.

Explanation: Niccolo Machiavelli’s book “The Prince” advised rulers not to be moral or ideal, but to adopt a practical and power-centric policy. He stated that rulers must sometimes make tough decisions for the stability and strength of the state. Therefore, Assertion is incorrect, but Reason is correct.

Q51 A: Michelangelo was both a sculptor and a painter.
R: He painted the Sistine Chapel and sculpted ‘David’.
✅ Answer: (A) – Both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A.

Explanation: Michelangelo was a multi-talented Renaissance artist — both a sculptor and a painter. He painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican and sculpted the famous statue of ‘David’, which prove his mastery in both arts. Hence, both statements are true, and R explains A correctly.

Q52. A: The Protestant Reformation was against Church corruption.
R: Indulgences and papal taxes led to public outrage.
✅ Answer: (A) – Both statements are correct, and R correctly explains A.

Explanation: The Protestant Reformation began in protest against the corrupt practices of the Church (such as the sale of indulgences and excessive taxation by the Pope). These reasons led to public discontent and demands for reform. Therefore, both statements are correct, and Reason correctly explains Assertion.

Q53. A: The Renaissance encouraged individualism.
R: It valued human potential and personal achievement.

✅ Answer: (A) – Both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A.

Explanation: The Renaissance emphasized individualism, encouraging people to explore their own talents, creativity, and achievements. It valued human potential and believed that individuals could shape their own destiny through learning and effort. Thus, R perfectly explains A.

Q54. A: The Counter-Reformation weakened the Catholic Church.
R: It actually strengthened the Church through reforms.
✅ Answer: (D) – A is incorrect, but R is correct.

Explanation: The Counter-Reformation strengthened the Catholic Church, not weakened it. This movement introduced reforms within the Church, established the Jesuit order, and restored discipline and faith through the Council of Trent. Therefore, Assertion is incorrect, but Reason is correct.

Q55. A: The Renaissance spread quickly due to universities only.
R: Printing press and trade played a larger role.
✅ Answer: (D) – A is false, but R is true.

Explanation: The Renaissance did not spread mainly because of universities; it spread widely due to the printing press, which made books cheaper and ideas more accessible, and through trade and travel, which connected different regions. Hence, the Assertion is false, but the Reason is true.

Q56. A: Scientific Revolution was a result of Renaissance curiosity.
R: Renaissance thinkers encouraged observation and experimentation.
✅ Answer: (A) – Both statements are correct, and R is the correct explanation of A.

Explanation: The Scientific Revolution was the result of the curiosity and rational thinking of the Renaissance. Renaissance thinkers considered observation and experimentation the foundation of knowledge, which later led to major discoveries and theories in science.

Q57. A: Boccaccio’s Decameron reflected medieval values.
R: It actually represented human life and worldly pleasures.
✅ Answer: (D) – A is false, but R is true.

Explanation: Boccaccio’s Decameron did not reflect medieval religious values; instead, it portrayed real human experiences, emotions, and worldly pleasures, showing the humanist spirit of the Renaissance. Hence, Assertion is false, but Reason is true.

Q58. A: Humanism was anti-religious.
R: It focused on human values but did not reject religion.
✅ Answer: (D) – A is false, but R is true.

Explanation: Humanism was not anti-religious; it simply shifted focus from purely religious themes to human values, reason, and individual dignity. Many humanists were still religious but believed that faith and reason could coexist. Hence, Assertion is false, but Reason is true.

Q59. A: Renaissance art was realistic and human-centered.
R: Artists studied anatomy and used perspective. ✅ Answer: (A) – Both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A.

Explanation:
Renaissance art focused on realism and the human form, moving away from flat, symbolic medieval art. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo studied human anatomy and used linear perspective to create depth and lifelike images. Hence, both statements are true, and R correctly explains A.

Q60. A: The Reformation led to unity in the Church.
R: It divided Christianity into Catholic and Protestant.
✅ Answer: (D)

🕰️ 61–75: Chronology & Matching Type

(A) Chronology: Arrange in correct order

Q61. Arrange the following Renaissance thinkers chronologically:

A. Dante

B. Petrarch

C. Boccaccio

D. Erasmus
✅ Answer: 1 → 2 → 3 → 4

Q62. Order of major inventions:

A. Printing Press

B. Telescope

C. Microscope
✅ Answer: A → B → C

Q63. Put in correct sequence:

A. Birth of Renaissance in Italy

B. Discovery of America

C. Reformation

D. Scientific Revolution
✅ Answer: A → B → C → D

(B) Match the Following

Q64. Match the reformers with countries:

A. Martin Luther _____ 1. Germany
B. John Calvin ________2. Switzerland
C. Henry VII__________3.England |
✅ Answer: A–1, B–2, C–3

Q65. Match the artists with their famous works

A. Artists	B. Works
1. Leonardo da Vinci	a. The School of Athens
2. Michelangelo	b. Birth of Venus
3. Raphael	c. Mona Lisa
4. Botticelli	d. David

✅ Answer: 1 → c, 2 → d, 3 → a, 4 → b

Explanation:
Each of these masters symbolizes a unique side of Renaissance art:

Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Mona Lisa’ is famous for its realism, emotional depth, and mysterious smile — showing the human-centered spirit of the Renaissance.
Michelangelo’s ‘David’ reflects the power and perfection of the human body — a celebration of man’s strength and divine beauty.
Raphael’s ‘The School of Athens’ portrays ancient Greek philosophers, symbolizing the rediscovery of classical knowledge.
Botticelli’s ‘Birth of Venus’ blends mythology and beauty, showing that art could go beyond religion and explore imagination.