UPSC Mains 2024 History Optional Paper I questions

35 questions from the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2024. 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. Prehistoric site

3. Buddhist monastery

4. Megalithi¢ site with rock art

5. One of the Mahajanapadas' capital and associated with Buddha's miracle

6. Hominid fossil find site

7. Major rock edict of Ashoka

8. Stone inscription recording land grants with tax exemptions

9. Shiva temples named after family relationships

10. Place of art-related inscription (xvi) 7A ATS a Afters tat Place of inscription of three languages

11. Temple site where three styles of temple architecture are found (xviii) 3a cheer Jain pilgrimage site

12. Shiva temple of Gupta period

13. INDIA—POLITICAL

14. Harappan art contributes to our understanding of their aesthetic sensibilities in addition to spiritual and ritualistic life. Comment.

    20 marks

15. Discuss different types of Megalithic burial practices in India. How far does the archaeological evidence from it help us to know the religious beliefs and cultural practices?

    15 marks

16. Western Kshatrapas are known for their socio-economic contribution, particularly in trade, agriculture and urbanization. Examine the statement.

    15 marks

17. Symbiotic relationships between Buddhist establishments, traders, artisan guilds, and royal support led to a close proximity of religion, economy and polity in the Mauryan and post-Mauryan periods. Examine the statement.

    20 marks

18. Discuss the role of Buddhism in shaping the socio-religious landscape of the Mauryan Empire.

    15 marks

19. Discuss the evolution of State institution and taxation system from Rigvedic period to later Vedic period.

    15 marks

20. Highlight the contributions of Aryabhatta, Varahamihira and Brahmagupta in the fields of Astronomy and Mathematics.

    20 marks

21. Examine the course of Pallava-Chalukya conflicts between sixth and

22. Examine the role played by the Agraharas in the promotion of education in the early medieval India.

23. Illustrate the main features of Vesara style temple architecture.

24. Evaluate the contribution of Qalandariyyah to medieval Indian culture.

25. Discuss the main features of Malwa school of painting with examples.

26. Highlight the features of Portuguese colonial enterprise.

27. Analyze the contributions of Acharya Triumvirate to Indian Vedanta.

    20 marks

28. Compare and contrast the position of Hindu and Muslim women in 3th and 4th century India.

29. Examine the causes and consequences of peasants uprising during the reign of Aurangzeb.

    15 marks

30. "Instead of bringing credit, the Ibadat Khana brought growing discredit to Akbar." Comment.

    20 marks

31. How did the Maratha guerrilla warfare tactics contribute to their military successes against larger and more established armies?

    15 marks

32. Examine the role of Asaf Jahi Dynasty in the political transformation of the State of Hyderabad.

    15 marks

33. Discuss the contributions of Bahmani Sultans to the development of Evaluate architecture.

34. Evaluate the impact of the Third Battle of Panipat on the political economy of 8th century India.

35. Examine the process of urbanization caused by the establishment of European trading companies in India.

    15 marks