UPSC Mains 2026 History Optional Paper I questions

37 questions from the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026. Official UPSC paper (PDF) · All History Optional PYQs

1. Pad HATER Ae fer mes: 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. Harappan site with radial town planning

3. Jain cave painting

4. Large Megalithic dolmen complexes

5. Ancient capital

6. Group of early medieval temples

7. Ancient capital

8. Terra-cotta ring wells

9. Ancient Buddhist site

10. Mesolithic site

11. Neolithic ash mound site

12. Site with evidence of monastery, Stupa and Shiva temple

13. Chalcolithic and early historic site with five occupational phases

14. Kilometers 100 0 100 200 300 400 500 Kilometers

15. Analyze the role of terrain, climate and vegetation in shaping the settlement and movement of prehistoric communities in India.

    15 marks

16. "Harappan architecture reflects an integrated vision of environmental adaptation, technological rationality and urban aesthetics, going beyond functionality." Examine the statement.

    15 marks

17. "Greek writers viewed India largely from a political perspective, Chinese travellers from a religious perspective, and Arab scholars from a scientific and cultural perspective." Comment.

    20 marks

18. "The Iranian and Macedonian invasions reshaped ancient India through administrative influence, political transformation and cultural interaction." Review.

    15 marks

19. Evaluate the political and socio-cultural changes occurred in North India after the decline of the Mauryan Empire under the Shunga and Kanva Dynasties.

    15 marks

20. "Royal patronage and religious institutions significantly contributed to the development of Nalanda, Vikramashila and Vallabhi into prominent centres of learning." Elucidate.

21. Elucidate.

    20 marks

22. fated eat 81" Preret SAME "Hoysala temple architecture marks a distinctive and innovative phase in the evolution of South Indian art and architecture." Illustrate with examples.

    20 marks

23. Analyze the significance of the Vedic Age in shaping the social institutions, religious thoughts and intellectual traditions of ancient India.

    15 marks

24. "The Satavahanas not only served as a vital link between Northern and Southern India in the Deccan region, but also strengthened the process of trade, urbanization and cultural integration." Review.

    15 marks

25. How far can the Qutub Complex at Mehrauli be considered as an ideal specimen for the study on the development of architecture under the Delhi Sultanate? Analyze.

26. "The success of the Cholas as an imperial power rested not only on the administrative efficiency, but also on a well-organized army and a formidable navy." Evaluate.

27. What European features were incorporated in the Mughal school of painting? Did it absolve the traditional Persian influences of the Mughal paintings? Evaluate.

28. "The Sufis created a climate in which people belonging to different sects and religions could live in peace and harmony." Discuss.

29. "Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq's token currency scheme was aninnovative economic experiment in medieval India, but its failure exposed the limitations of State control over the medieval economy." Evaluate.

30. Critically examine the theories on the origin of the Rajputs. How do the indigenous evidences contradict the European theorists?

    20 marks

31. Why did the abdication of power by Alauddin Alam Shah in favour of Bahlol Lodi not culminate in the establishment of the Lodi Dynasty? Elucidate.

    15 marks

32. From the Portuguese merchant Domingo Paes' description of Krishnadeva- raya's reign, assess the socio-economic and cultural uniqueness of the Trace Empire.

33. ore Used-aaet frat & weal a cae Alar Trace the formulation of the Mughal imperial authority from Akbar to Aurangzeb. Focus on the influence of Persian ideas of kingship in the construction of Mughal royalty.

    20 marks

34. "From Asia to Europe, from head to foot, everyone was clothed in Indian textiles." Qualify this statement with a critical account of India's foreign trade with special reference to textiles.

    15 marks

35. SITE |. Analyze the influence of Persian traditions on the development of architecture and painting under the Mughals. To what extent did these art forms reflect a synthesis of Indian and Persian cultural elements? Discuss.

36. Would you consider eighteenth century in India an era of 'Dark Age', or a period of economic growth? Elucidate.

    20 marks

37. What was the impact of the Third Battle of Panipat (1761) on the Maratha State? Analyze.

    15 marks