UPSC Mains 2020 History Optional Paper I questions

33 questions from the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2020. Official UPSC paper (PDF) · All History Optional PYQs

1. wees wart & few ear dat oan Are fer qe é 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. Fares ere (xi) Wt Usa AK Paleolithic site Ancient Capital City

3. Paleolithic Factory site -Place-of 'Shaiva Temple,

4. Neolithic site Temple complex

5. Early and Mature Harappan site An Inscriptional site Chalcolithic site Place of Jain Temple

6. Site of Coin and Seal Moulds Largest Buddhist Monastery

7. Ancient Administration Centre Ancient Temple Complex

8. van) a = Place of oldest Mosque. Ancient Political Headquarter

9. Ancient Temple site Shiva

10. DO NOT WRITE YOUR ROLL NO. ON THIS SHEET '!INDIA —POLITICAL

11. Puranas were the innovative genre of literature to popularise and revive Vedic religion. Elaborate with examples.

    15 marks

12. Discuss the factors that played an important role in the process of urbanisation after the Later-Vedic period.

    15 marks

13. Throw light on the nature of religion and classification of gods mentioned in the Rigveda.

14. Evaluate the significant political features of the Post Mauryan Northern India. What are the main sources of it?

    15 marks

15. A number of scholars considered Alexander as 'The Great', although long term impacts of Alexander's invasion on India need to be re-evaluated. Comment.

    15 marks

16. Discuss the salient features of cultural traditions of South India as reflected in Sangam Literature.

17. Sanskrit literature of classical Gupta Age set standards for the early medieval India'. Evaluate the statement with representative examples.

    15 marks

18. Trace and identify the changing pattern of Tantrism in Ancient India with examples.

19. Sire Describe the evolution and development of regional temple architecture of South India with special reference to Pallavas.

    20 marks

20. Critically evaluate the Muslim Nobility during the period of Tughlaq dynasty.

    10 marks

21. Describe in detail about the foreign travellers' accounts which gave information of Vijayanagar kingdom.

    10 marks

22. How did international trade support urbanisation in North India during the 3-4th century CE.

23. Evaluate the aim and impact of the translation of Sanskrit scriptures into Persian language during Mughal period.

    10 marks

24. Examine the sources of the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji with special reference to Shivabharat and Sabhasad Bakhar.

25. Assess the causes of the defeat of Northern Indian States against the Turkish invasion.

    15 marks

26. Amuktamalyada dwells much upon the relationship of fort, Brahmanas and dispersed tribal groups. Comment.

27. Elaborate upon the agrarian reforms of Alauddin Khilji.

    20 marks

28. Describe village polity and economy of medieval Deccan.

29. Some new crafts production were introduced by the Turks. Comment.

    15 marks

30. The mission of Kabir was to preach a religion of love which would unite all castes and creeds. Explain.

    20 marks

31. Evaluate the contribution of Sher Shah towards trade and commerce, administration

32. Make an estimate of the development of paintings under Mughal rulers with special reference to colours, technique, themes and influences on them.

    15 marks

33. Critically evaluate history of the Eighteenth century India with reference to culture and economy.

    20 marks