(Exam Paper) UPSC IAS Mains 2015: History

Paper- I

1. Identify the following places marked on the map supplied to you (on page 4 and write a short note of about 30 words on each of them in your Quest ion-cum- Answer Booklet. Locational hints for each of the places marked on the map are given below : 2.5×20=50
i. A Neolithic site
ii. A Neolithic site
iii. A Harappan site
iv. A Megalithic site
v. A Harappan site
vi. A painted-Grey-ware site
vii. An inscriptional site
viii. An important ancient city
ix. An ancient port
x. A site of ancient cave-paintings
xi. A Buddhist site
xii. An educational centre
xiii. Brahroadeya village
xiv. An ancient capital
xv. An ancient capital
xvi. A temple site
xvii. An ancient capital
xviii. An ancient sea-port
xix. An archaeological temple site
xx. Harappan site

2. a. How far can the ancient Indian Shruti literature be used as historical sources.
b. The decline of Harappan civilization was caused by ecological degradation rather than external invasion. Discuss
c. “Archaeology known of no Aryans.only literature knows of Aryans “Examine critically.

3. a. How far it correct to say that changes in the post Vedic economy gave birth to new religious movement* in India?
b. Delineate the nature and impact of India’s contact with Wentern Ama and the Mediterranean world during the Maury an period
c. “Not only does ancient Tamil literature furnish an accurate picture of widely disparate classes, it also describes the social condition of Tamil country as it was” Discuss

4. a. Trace the role of guilds and trade organisations in the development of early Indian economy.
b. Kailasa temple built at Ellora marks the cultivation of rock-cut architecture in India. Elucidate.
c. How could the local self-government under the Cholas adjust with their centralised administrative structure?

5. Answer the following questions about 150 words each: 10×5=50
a. Give a brief account of the early medieval temple architecture of Katnmir.
b. Why is Mamallapuram famous?
c. Mention the salient feature. of the polity of Vijaynagar Empire under Krishnadevaraya.
d. What measures did Baiban adopt to combat the Mongol menace?
e. How does Tuzuk-i-Babn testify that Babar had been a cultured man?

6. a. Do the evidence* of land ownership at our disposal support the theory of the prevalence of feudalism in early medieval India?
b. Discuss in brief the land-revenue –system and judicial administration of The Delhi Sultanate.
c. “Sufis and medieval mystic saints failed to modify either the religious ideas and practices or the outward structure of Islamic/Hindu societies to any appreciable extent.

7. a. Make an estimate of Rana Kumbha as a patron of literature and art.
b. Why should the sixteenth century be regarded as the period of the Indian Renaissance?
c. “Tantrism, if not in practice, at least on conceptual level challenged patriarchy;’ Examine Tantrism specially keeping in mind the above context.

8. a. “In medieval Indian history Akbar was unique for his religio-political ideas and policies.” Analyse this statement.
b. Will it not be correct to say that the rural economy in Mughal India was relatively? self-sufficient?
c. Compare the Peshwas’ bureaucratic management with that of the Imperial Mughal administration.

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(Exam Paper) UPSC IAS Mains 2014: History

Paper- I

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 :
(i) An ancient capital
(ii) A Palaeolithic site
(iii) A cultural centre
(iv) An ancient capital
(v) A Palaeolithic site
(vi) A historical site
(vii) A Harappan site
(viii) An ancient capital
(ix) A political and cultural centre
(x) A Megalithic site
(xi) A Mesolithic site
(xii) A Chalcolictic site
(xiii) A prehistoric site
(xiv) A political and cultural centre
(xv) An ancient
(xvi) A lost port
(xvii) Rock-cave art centre
(xviii) An ancient capital
(xix) A political and cultural centre
(xx) An ancient town

2. (a) “While using the accounts of foreign writers, historians must distinguish between statements based on hearsay and those grounded in perceptive observations.” Elaborate with examples.
(b) “The Upanishadic principles embody the epitome of the Vedic thought Discuss.
(c) Review critically the evolution of different schools of art in the Indian subcontinent between the second century BCE and the third century CE, and evaluate the socio-religious factors responsible for it.

3. (a) In what ways can the Megalithic culture be considered a foundational phase of the history of peninsular India ?
(b) Do you think the Harappan civilization had a diversity of subsistence base ?
(c) Discuss different interpretations of historians about the nature of Ashok’s ‘Dhamma’. Did his principle of ‘Dhamma-vijaya’ render the Mauryan Empire militaristically weak?

4. (a) Buddha’s teachings to a large extent could be helpful in understanding and resolving the problem of today’s society. Analyse critically.
(b) Discuss the provincial and district administrative units of the Gupta Empire with the designations and functions of the officers.
(c) What were the privileges granted to the donees in land – grant charters of early  India? How far were these charters responsible for integration or disintegration of socio-political milieu?

5. Answer the following question in about 150 words each :
(a) Critically analyse the agricultural economy from 750 to 1200 CE.
(b) Evaluate the contribution of Vaishnava saints to the growth of medieval Bhakti literature.
(c) Analyse the ordinances mentioned by Barani which Alauddin Khalji promulgated for market control.
(d) Give a brief account of resistance offered by Ahom State against the Mughal rule.
(e) How was Cartaz system used by the Portuguese to maintain their control over the oceanic trade?

6. (a) Evaluating various theories regarding the Chola State, throw light on its village assemblies.
(b) Trace the technological and stylistic development in the architecture of the Sultanate period.
(c) Analyse the Mughal monetary system and examine their policy of minting of coins.

7. (a) Evaluate the ‘Kitab al-Hind’ of Alberuni as a source of history of India.
(b) Evaluating the theory of kingship of the Sultanate, discuss the deviations seen in the reigns of different Sultans.
(C) “The Battle of Plassey that decided the fate of Bengal was won by Clive through intrigues.” Explain.

8. (a) To what extent is ‘Sagmentary State model relevant for defining the Vijayanagar State? Critically examine.
(b) How are Iqta system of the Sultans different from the Jagir system under the Mughals?
(c) “India had been for hundreds of years the Lancashire of the Eastern world.” Critically examine this view.

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(Exam Paper) UPSC IAS Mains 2012: History

Paper- I

Section-A ( Modern India)

1. Identify the following places marked on the map supplied to you and write short notes of about 40 words on each of them in your answer book. Locational hints for each of the places marked on the map are given below seriatim: 3 × 20 = 60
(i) A prehistoric state
(ii) A chalcolithic site
(iii) A religious centre
(iv) A prehistoric site
(v) An art centre
(vi) A prehistoric site
(vii) An art centre
(viii) A port
(ix) A capital town
(x) A prehistoric site
(xi) A post Mauryan town
(xii) An art centre
(xiii) A prehistoric site
(xiv) A chalcolithic site
(xv) A chalcolithic site
(xvi) A chalcolithic site
(xvii) A prehistoric site
(xviii) An art centre
(xix) A chalcolithic site
(xx) A chalcolithic site

2. (a) Evaluate the significance of scals and sealing in the reconstruction of socio-economic and religious life of the Harappan people. 30
(b) Justify Pliny’s statement that Rome was being drained out of its gold by India during the first century of the Christian era. 30

3. (a) Discuss the extent, settlement pattern and subsistence economy of the megalithic cultures. 30
(b) Assess the education system in early India and identify important educational institutions of the period. 30

4. (a) Examine the role of adhyaksa in the Mauryan administration. 30
(b) Analyse the vibrant cultural activities in peninsular India during 550-750 CE. Compare and contrast in with the situation in contemporary North India. 30

Section ‘B’

5. Write the short notes in not more than 150 words on each of the following: 12 × 5 = 60
(a) Evaluate Rajtarangini as a source of history.
(b) Medieval Indian towns were merely an extension of villages. Comment.
(c) Assess the contribution of the Acharyas in the development of the ideological basis of Bhakti.
(d) Discuss the Caurapancashika and Jain styles of paintings. Can the Caurapancashika style truly be called the precursor of pothi format?
(e) Give social background to the rise of the Maratha movement during the seventeenth century.

6. (a) (a) What king of change were visualized by historians on Indian feudalism? Examine critically. 30
(b) Analyse the racial composition and the role of nobility under the successors of Iltutmish. How did it affect the contemporary polities? 30

7. (a) Evaluate the role of nadu and nagaram in the growth of urbanization under the Cholas. 30
(b) How did the Mongol invasions affect the Delhi Sultanate the north-western frontier policy of the Delhi Sultans? 30

8. (a) State the structure of medieval village society in Northern India. What were the passive forms of resistance of the peasants in the medieval period? 30
(b) How was the Afgan nobility responsible for the decline of the Afghan empires? Discuss. 30

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(Exam Paper) UPSC IAS Mains 2011: History

Paper- I

Section-A ( Modern India)

1. Mark the following places on the map supplied to you and write short descriptive notes on them: 3 × 20 = 60
(i) Chirand
(ii) Kargil
(iii) Basohli
(iv) Lalitgiri
(v) Mandu
(vi) Penukonda
(vii) Samugarh
(viii) Vilinam
(ix) Sigiria
(x) Vikaramasila
(xi) Mukhalingam
(xii) Halebid
(xiii) Sanghol
(xiv) Kumbharia
(xv) Sirpur
(xvi) Pangudaria
(xvii) Amarkantak
(xviii) Kibbanhalli
(xix) Jorwe
(xx) Badaun

2. Trace the development of urbanization from the third millennium B.C.E. to 6th century B.C.E. 60

3. (a) Evaluate the conceptual basis of the Vedic deities. 30
(b) Assess the importance of Jain tents and their relevance to humanity. 30

4. (a) Evaluate the introduction of iron technology in the development of human history of ancient India. 20
(b) Discuss the type of lands and the science of agriculture mentioned in the literature and epigraphs of ancient India. 20
(c) Assess Ellora as a unique art centre of the different culture streams. 20

Section ‘B’

5. Write short notes in not more than 200 words on the following: 20 × 3 = 60
(a) Assess the contribution of Iltutmish for the expansion and consolidation of the Delhi Sultanate.
(b) Examine critically the agrarian and economic reforms of Alauddin Khalji. How did it strengthen the Sultanate?
(c) What is your assessment of Ibn batutah’s Rehla as an important source of Indian history.

6. Evaluate the soico-economic conditions from the Gupta Period to 1200 C.E. as gleaned from the various types of grants or dana shasana. 60

7. (a) Mughal paintings reflect the contemporary socio-political conditions. —Discuss. 30
(b) Examine the mansab and and jagir system by Akbar and its subsequent failure in the 18th century. 30

8. (a) Discuss the causes of the rise and growth of regional kingdom with special reference to the Deccan in the 18the century. 30
(b) Assess the contribution of the Cholas in the expansion of Indian culture outside India. 30

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(Exam Paper) UPSC IAS Mains 2010: History

Paper- I

Section A

1. Mark the following places on the map supplied to you and write short descriptive notes on them:
(i) Korkai
(ii) Eran
(iii) Birbhanpur
(iv) Rakhigarhi
(v) Sannati
(vi) Isipattan
(vii) Dhanyakataka
(viii) Junnar
(ix) Edakkal
(x) Paithan
(xi) Pandu Rajar Dhibi
(xii) Karle
(xiii) Vatapi
(xiv) Porkalam
(xv) Kalanjar
(xvi) Multan
(xvii) Bairat
(xviii) Chanhudaro
(xix) Rajim
(xx) Tripuri

2. (a) To what extent archaeological materials are useful in understanding the progress of neolithic man in India?
(b). Examine the significance of the deities depicted on the coins of the Kushanas.

3. (c) Examine the’ view that the sacrifice was a ritual and a form of social exchange in Vedic India.
(b). Assess the role of guilds’ and trade organizations in the development of early Indian economy.

4. What light do early inscriptions and literature throw on the status of women in politico-socio-economic spheres ?

Section B

5. Write short notes in not more than 200 words each on any three of the following:
(a) Provide a comparative analysis of the development of Arabic and Persian historiography.
(b) Discuss social dynamics in the Vijayanagara empire.
(c) Discuss different types of Karkhanas in Mughal India. How was the production organized in the Karkhanas?
(d) Critically evaluate various approaches to study medieval Indian town.

6. (a) Examine the increasing importance of maritime trade of India during thirteenth to fifteenth centuries.
(b) To what extent “monetary anaemia” afflicted the erstwhile commercial economy during the early medieval period?

7. (a). Comment on the Turco-Mongol theory of sovereignty. To what extent was it adopted by Babur and Humayun?
(b) How did Shivaji organize his administration and finances to consolidate his power?

8. (a) What was Indian response to European Technology?
(b) How far do you agree with the view that the temples in the early medieval period were catalysts in spreading education?

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(Exam Paper) UPSC IAS Mains 2009: History

Paper- I

Section - A

1. Mark any ffiftten of the following places on the map supplied to you and write short descriptive notes on these places marked by you:
(i) Koldihwa
(ii) Kuchai
(iii) Utnur
(iv) Patne
(v) Semthan
(vi) Bagasra
(vii) Balathal
(viii) Hallur
(ix) Kandahar
(x) Ter
(xi) Uchh
(xii) Gyaraspur
(xiii) Uttaramerur
(xiv) Lalkot
(xv) Sittanavasal
(xvi) Mansura
(xvii) Jaunpur
(xviii) Daojali Hading
(xix) Machilipatnam
(xx) Mahisadal

2. In what ways are the accounts of the Graeco­Romans and the Chinese helpful in reconstructing the social history of India ? How far is their information corroborated by other contemporary sources ?

3. (a) Evaluate the various approaches to the understanding of Vedic religion.
(b) Give an account of the use of gold coins by commoners in the Gupta period.

4. Bring out the regional variations in the early South Indian temples’ architectural styles.

Section – B

5. Write short essays in not more than 200 words each on any three of the following
(a) Applicability of the term ‘Indian Feudalism’ to early Medieval society
(b) Muhammad Tughluq as an agrarian innovator
(c) Implications of Akbar s notion of Sulh- i - Kul
(d) Estimates of population of Mughal India

6. (a) How far can the village assemblies or communities under the Cholas be really called democratic ?
(b) Assess Kalhana’s views on history.

7. (a) Identify the main factors that sustained the expansion of urban economy in the Delhi Sultanate.
(b) Give an estimate of Akbar as a promoter of technology.

8. (a) Give a critical assessment of the contributions of Amir Khusrau and Barani to Indo -Persian literature.
(b) “The major causes of revolts against the Mughal Empire during the latter half of the 17th century were economic, rather than religious.” Discuss.

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(Exam Paper) UPSC IAS Mains 2008: History

Paper- I

Section - A

1. Mark any fifteen of the following places on the map supplied to you and write short descriptive notes on the places marked by you:
(i) Burzahom
(ii) Banawali
(iii) Ahar
(iv) Girnar
(v) Chandraketugarh
(vi) Brahmagiri
(vii) Bayana
(viii) Gangai Kondacholapuram
(ix) Tamralipti
(x) Muziris
(xi) Ambari
(xii) Modhera
(xiii) Devni Mori
(xiv) Bhadreshwar
(xv) Bundi
(xvi) Gingee (Jinjee)
(xvii) Antichak
(xviii) Gaur
(xix) Sasaram
(xx) Mahasthamgarh

2. Discuss the distribution and significance of farming cultures outside the Indus system.

3. How justified are we in characterizing the post­Mauryan five centuries as the “Dark Period” of Indian History ? Give reasons in support of your answer.

4. How do recent archaeological findings and Sangam literary texts enlighten us about the early state and society in South India ?

Section - B

5. Write short essays in not more than 200 words each on any three of the following
(a) The Ahom Kingdom
(b) Significance of the arrival of the Portuguese in India
(c) The ‘Corps of Forty’ and its relations with the Sultan
(d) Evolution of the Khalsa Panth.

6. What are the manifestations of Tamil devotional cults ? How do you account for their growth between C. 750 and C. 1200 CE?

7. Delineate the striking features of agricultural and craft production during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries in India. How did they impact the social fabric of the country?

8. What are the distinguishing components of the debate on “The Eighteenth Century” ?

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(Exam Paper) UPSC IAS Mains 2007: History

Paper- I

Section-A

1. Mark any fifteen of the following places on the map supplied to you and write short descriptive notes on the places marked
(i) Kot digi
(ii) Kalibangan
(iii) Ahicchatra
(iv) Bhimbaitka
(v) Kanauj
(vi) Siddapura
(vii) Udayagiri
(viii) Kaveripattinam
(ix) Tiruchirapalli
(x) Sisupalgarh
(xi) Anuradhapura
 (xii) Hampi
(xiii) Srirangapatnam
(xiv) Puri
(xv) Kolhapur
(xvi) Haldighati
(xvii) Golconda
(xviii) Chittagong
(xix) Chitore
(xx) Calicut

2. “Reconstruction of Early Indian history is hardly possible without the help of inscriptions and coins.” Discuss.

3. Write what you know of the rise and spread of Buddhism before the first century A.D.

4. Throw light on the condition of common man in the Gupta period.

Section-B

5. Write short essays in not more than 200 words each on any three of the following
(a) Alberuni on science in India
(b) The Bahamani Kingdom
(c) Mughal painting
(d) Chauth & Sardeshmukhi of the Maratha rulers

6. Show that the administrative system in India reached a very high level during the Chola period.

7. “The tenets of Hindu and Muslim mystics were similar enough that the ground was ripe for syncretic movements involving adherents of both the religions.” Elucidate.