UPSC Mains 2016 History Optional Paper I questions

33 questions from the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2016. Official UPSC paper (PDF) · All History Optional PYQs

1. Identify the following places marked on the map supplied to you and write a short note of about 30 words on each of them in your Question-cum-Answer Booklet. Locational hints for each of the places marked on the map are given below seriatim

2. A Mesolithic site

3. A Neolithic site

4. A Neolithic site

5. Neolithic site

6. A site known for Buddhist remains

7. A Neolithic site

8. E A rock-cut cave site

9. A late Harappan site

10. INDIA WITH AFGHANISTAN, BANGLADESH, BHUTAN, NEPAL,. MYANMAR (BURMA), PAKISTAN AND SRI LANKA

11. 5 © xii XIV \s Lay hoe?

12. Delineate and account for the regional characteristics of the Neolithic period in India.

    15 marks

13. Tart € Explain why the majority of the known Harappan settlements are located in the semi-arid areas with saline groundwater.

    20 marks

14. In what way was the egalitarian character of the early Vedic society changed during the later of Jahangir.

15. Examine the relationship among economic growth, urbanization and State formation from c. 7th century led to 3rd century BCE.

16. How does the numismatic evidence of the period reflect the political and economic outlook of the Kushanas and the Satavahanas?

    15 marks

17. "The changes in the field of art from the Kushana period to early medieval period are mere reflection of changing outlook." Comment.

    20 marks

18. Critically evaluate the theory and practice of land revenue system in ancient India.

    20 marks

19. "The copious references to the preservation of Varnashrama system by the kings eulogized in inscriptions are mere reflection of the Smriti tradition." Discuss.

    15 marks

20. How did the temples of South India, as financial institutions, have deep impact on the social institutions of carly medicval period? Critically examine.

21. Evaluate the contents of the Tabaqat-i-Nasiri as a source of medieval history.

    10 marks

22. Analyze the significance of the Uttaramerur inscriptions of the Chola King Parantaka I.

23. Comment on the veracity of Alberuni's account of the Indian society.

    10 marks

24. Delineate the development of the Mughal painting during the reign of Jahangir.

    10 marks

25. Explain the ingredients of the transitory nature of the early medieval India.

    15 marks

26. What measures were initiated by the Sultans for the consolidation of the Delhi Sultanate? Discuss.

27. Identify the broad contours of the Mughal foreign policy and their impacts on the Mughal empire.

28. "The Advaita doctrine of Shankara cut at the very root of Bhaktivada." Do you agree?

    15 marks

29. Do you think that the economic measures introduced by the Sultanate rulers were beneficial to the common people as well? Illustrate with examples.

    20 marks

30. field of education.

31. Do you think that the agrarian crisis of the 17th century led to the: disintegration of the Mughal empire? Discuss.

    20 marks

32. Was it the weakening of the Mughal empire or the rise of regional powers that led to the British conquest of India? Discuss.

    15 marks

33. Is it true that the court intrigues and weak revenue system led to the collapse of the Maratha empire? Comment.