UPSC Mains 2026 History Optional Paper II questions

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

1. "Superior Maritime strength proved to be England's most powerful weapon in the struggle for colonial supremacy, particularly in the Carnatic Wars."

   10 marks

2. "No educated Indian has ever forgotten the lesson of Ilbert Bill."

   10 marks

3. "Permanent settlement policy resulted in an unfair distribution of assessment, particularly when there was no survey."

   10 marks

4. "The poverty of India was not a product of the Geography or of the lack of natural resources, it was mainly a product of the History of the last two centuries."

5. Alan Hume's ultimate aim in encouraging the foundation of the Indian National Congress was to provide a 'Safety Valve' for the release of growing Indian discontent.

   10 marks

6. Underline the various factors for decline of the Indian cottage industries during the nineteenth century.

   20 marks

7. Was the Moplah Rebellion in Malabar an expression of anti-landlord and anti-foreign discontent? Discuss.

   20 marks

8. "In my belief, congress is to tottering to its fall and one of my great ambitions which in India is to assist it to a peaceful demise." Comment.

   10 marks

9. Raja Rammohan Roy stands in history as the living bridge over which India marches from her unmeasured part to her incalculable future.' Explain.

   20 marks

10. The Quit India Movement of 942 was a decisive phase in India's struggle for: independence, rooted in the circumstances of the second world war, colonial policies and the growing strength of Indian Nationalism.' Analyse.

    20 marks

11. The Orientalist-Anglicist controversy of the century constituted a turning point in shaping colonial educational policy in India.' Examine.

    10 marks

12. Why did the British Crown assume direct control over the Indian Government in 858? Mention the new administrative arrangements.

    20 marks

13. Subhas Chandra Bose and the Indian National Army awakened an unprecedented sense of national consciousness among both the Indian armed forces and masses. Evaluate.

    20 marks

14. How did the introduction of Community Development Programme and Panchayat Raj Programme promote welfare of rural India? Explain.

    10 marks

15. "Immanuel Kant was an advocate of liberalism and nationalism."

    10 marks

16. "The rise of the Cordelier Club in France was significant for the revolutionary body."

17. "The Meiji reign (I868-9!2) was an epoch making in the industrial history of Japan."

18. "Globalization tends to benefit the privileged sections of society and further marginalized those who are already disadvantaged."

19. The July Revolution of 830 marked a significant turning point in the advancement of liberalism and constitutionalism in France.' Analyse.

20. The Vienna Settlement of 85 was based on three principles, restoration, legitimacy and compensation. Elucidate.

    20 marks

21. The conquests of Napoleon were ephemeral but his civilian work was built on granite. Explain.

    20 marks

22. Review the features of the 'New Imperialism' in the context of the revival of colonialism in the nineteenth century.

    10 marks

23. The Industrial Revolution in England accelerated the decline of traditional Indian handicrafts and cottage Industries. Critically examine the factors responsible for this decline and its impact on the Indian economy and society.

    20 marks

24. Lenin was the brilliant strategist of the socialist revolution. Substantiate.

    20 marks

25. The League of Nations failed to achieve its objectives of maintaining international peace and security.' Analyse the major factors responsible for its failure during the period 99-946.

    10 marks

26. 'The Acerbo law played a crucial role in.strengthening Mussolini's hold on power by undermining democratic institutions in Italy.' Examine.

    20 marks

27. The European Union sought to create 'Europe without frontiers'. Elaborate.

    20 marks

28. Discuss the core principles and significance of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.

    10 marks