UPSC Mains Modern History PYQs, 2016-2026
33 Modern History questions from GS Paper 1, 2016-2026: 1750s to independence and the post-independence consolidation. Newest year first, from the official UPSC papers. Practise them and get your answers checked with UPSC Mains answer evaluation.
Modern History questions in GS Paper 1 2026
- 2
Discuss the impact of Macaulay's Minute on colonial administration and education in India.
150 words · 10 marks
- 3
The significance of the Gandhian movements lay in the masses they mobilized. Elucidate.
150 words · 10 marks
- 12
Linguistic reorganization of Indian States was driven by popular pressure from below. Comment.
250 words · 15 marks
- 13
The model of planned economy was adopted in India to address the regional imbalances left behind by colonial rule. Comment.
250 words · 15 marks
Modern History questions in GS Paper 1 2025
- 11
Mahatma Jotirao Phule's writings and efforts of social reforms touched issues of almost all subaltern classes. Discuss.
250 words · 15 marks
- 12
Trace India's consolidation process during early phase of independence in terms of polity, economy, education and international relations.
250 words · 15 marks
Modern History questions in GS Paper 1 2024
- 3
What were the events that led to the Quit India Movement? Point out its results.
150 words · 10 marks
Modern History questions in GS Paper 1 2023
- 2
What was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach towards education and nationalism?
150 words · 10 marks
- 13
How did the colonial rule affect the tribals in India and what was the tribal response to the colonial oppression?
250 words · 15 marks
Modern History questions in GS Paper 1 2022
- 2
Why did the armies of the British East India Company — mostly comprising of Indian soldiers — win consistently against the more numerous and better equipped armies of the then Indian rulers? Give reasons.
150 words · 10 marks
- 3
Why was there a sudden spurt in famines in colonial India since the mid-eighteenth century? Give reasons.
150 words · 10 marks · Model answer & what aspirants miss
- 11
The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has been a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with examples.
250 words · 15 marks
Modern History questions in GS Paper 1 2021
- 2
Trace the rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements with special reference to Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj.
150 words · 10 marks
- 3
Assess the main administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration process of Indian Princely States.
150 words · 10 marks
- 11
To what extent did the role of the Moderates prepare a base for the wider freedom movement? Comment.
250 words · 15 marks
- 12
Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement.
250 words · 15 marks
Modern History questions in GS Paper 1 2020
- 3
Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on the national movement.
150 words · 10 marks
- 13
Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss.
250 words · 15 marks
Modern History questions in GS Paper 1 2019
- 2
The 1857 Uprising was the culmination of the recurrent big and small local rebellions that had occurred in the preceding hundred years of British rule. Elucidate.
150 words · 10 marks
- 3
Examine the linkages between the nineteenth century's 'Indian Renaissance' and the emergence of national identity.
150 words · 10 marks
- 11
Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian phase. Elaborate.
250 words · 15 marks
- 12
Assess the role of British imperial power in complicating the process of transfer of power during the 1940s.
250 words · 15 marks
Modern History questions in GS Paper 1 2018
- 3
Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times.
150 words · 10 marks
- 13
Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to other colonies? Have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there?
250 words · 15 marks
Modern History questions in GS Paper 1 2017
- 2
Clarify how mid-eighteenth century India was beset with the spectre of a fragmented polity.
150 words · 10 marks
- 3
Why did the 'Moderates' fail to carry conviction with the nation about their proclaimed ideology and political goals by the end of the nineteenth century?
150 words · 10 marks
- 12
Examine how the decline of traditional artisanal industry in colonial India crippled the rural economy.
250 words · 15 marks
- 13
Highlight the importance of the new objectives that got added to the vision of Indian independence since the twenties of the last century.
250 words · 15 marks
- 18
The women's questions arose in modern India as a part of the 19th century social reform movement. What were the major issues and debates concerning women in that period?
250 words · 15 marks
Modern History questions in GS Paper 1 2016
- 3
Explain how the Uprising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British policies towards colonial India.
200 words · 12½ marks
- 4
Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase.
200 words · 12½ marks
- 5
Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom.
200 words · 12½ marks
- 6
Has the formation of linguistic States strengthened the cause of Indian Unity?
200 words · 12½ marks
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