UPSC Mains 2017 History Optional Paper I questions

41 questions from the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2017. 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. No. — 211 WPG E 08-1100008-48000'09 PRINTED AT WESTERN PRINTING GROUP OF SURVEY OF INDIA. The territorial waters of India extend into the sea to a distance of twelve nautical miles measured from the appropriate base line.

3. A Prehistoric cave-paintings' site

4. A Neolithic-Chalcolithic site

5. An Early Harappan site

6. An ancient capital city

7. A Painted grey ware site

8. A Neolithic site

9. A site of Ashokan inscriptions

10. An ancient port and trade centre

11. An ancient capital city

12. A Rock-cut cave site

13. An early fortified city

14. A Rock-cut temple site

15. An ancient temple site

16. An ancient capital city

17. An ancient temple site

18. An ancient capital city

19. Art and culture are reflected to a far greater extent than political history in the epigraphic sources. Comment.

    15 marks

20. The second urbanization gave rise to the organized corporate activities that reached their zenith during the Gupta period. Discuss.

    20 marks

21. The emergence of Non-Harappan Chalcolithic cultures in Central India and the Deccan mark a change not only in the subsistence pattern of people but an overall transition from pre to proto historic period. Critically analyze.

    15 marks

22. Critically examine various views regarding the Vedic-Harappan relationship in light of the latest discoveries.

    15 marks

23. "The concept of Ashoka's Dhamma as found through his inscriptions had its roots in Vedic-Upanishadic literature." Discuss.

    15 marks

24. was the period of innovation and interaction. How will you react?

    20 marks

25. Trace the origin and development of temple architecture in India with reference to regional styles and variations.

    20 marks

26. Buddhism and Jainism were social movements under the umbrella of religion. Comment.

    15 marks

27. The accurate picture of the complex socio-cultural milieu of Peninsular India is presented in the early Sangam literature. Delineate.

    15 marks

28. The 11 — 12* centuries C.E. saw eventful progression in the cultural. history of India. Discuss.

    10 marks

29. Evaluate the accounts of foreign travellers about the Vijayanagar Empire.

    10 marks

30. Critically examine the 'blood and iron' policy of Balban.

    10 marks

31. Do you consider the Rajatarangini of Kalhana to be a reliable source of the political history of Kashmir?

    10 marks

32. The religion of the Sikhs was the main force of their unity. Comment.

    10 marks

33. To what extent was the Caliphate the source and sanction to the legal authority of the Sultans of Delhi?

    15 marks

34. "Bhakti and Sufi movements served the same social purpose." Discuss.

    15 marks

35. Delineate non-agricultural production and urban economy in the 3tb and 4t centuries C.E.

36. Do you agree that the schemes of Muhammad bin Tughluq were correctly conceived, badly executed and disastrously abandoned? Discuss.

    15 marks

37. Do you think that Akbar's Rajput policy was a conscious attempt to incorporate the Indian ruling elite with the Mughal Imperial System?

    15 marks

38. "The political disintegration was responsible for the socio-economic decline in India during the 18" century." Comment.

    20 marks

39. "Mughal paintings reflect social harmony in contemporary society." Discuss.

    15 marks

40. Assess the condition of peasantry during 13" to 17" centuries C.E.

41. How will you view the Maratha policy of expansion? Delineate.

    20 marks