Mock Test Paper - 2 (History Optional Paper- II): Questions | History Optional for UPSC PDF Download

Time Allowed: Three Hours
Maximum Marks: 250

Instructions:

1. There are EIGHT questions divided into two Sections (A and B), printed in English.
2. Candidates must attempt FIVE questions in all.
3. Question Nos. 1 and 5 are compulsory. Out of the remaining, THREE questions are to be attempted, choosing at least ONE from each Section.
4. Marks for each question/part are indicated against it.
5. Answers must be written in the authorized medium, as specified in the Admission Certificate, and clearly stated on the Question-cum-Answer (QCA) Booklet cover.
6. Adhere to the word limit wherever specified.
7. Attempts will be counted in sequential order. Partially attempted questions will be considered unless struck off. Blank pages/portions must be clearly struck off.

Section-A

Q1. Critically examine the following statements in about 150 words each: (10 × 5 = 50 Marks)
(a) The commercialization under colonial rule was often an artificial and forced process, driven by exploitative economic policies.
(b) Post-1857, peasants became the central force in agrarian movements, challenging British revenue systems. (PYQ)
(c) The Non-Cooperation Movement arose from awakened Indian political consciousness and British oppressive policies. (PYQ)
(d) The decline of traditional Indian artisan production was inevitable due to colonial economic policies.
(e) The British abdication of responsibility during the 1947 partition was exacerbated by its hasty execution.

Q2.
(a) Discuss how the Carnatic Wars, Anglo-Mysore Wars, and Anglo-Maratha Wars eliminated French influence in South India. (20 Marks) (PYQ)
(b) Examine the British perspective on the Indian Councils Act of 1861 as a tool for controlled despotism. (15 Marks)
(c) Analyze the role of the press in fostering nationalist ideology in colonial India. (15 Marks)

Q3.
(a) Evaluate the historical significance of tribal and peasant uprisings in establishing resistance traditions against British rule. (20 Marks)
(b) Discuss the impact of socio-religious reform movements on the political and social outlook of 19th-century India. (15 Marks)
(c) Examine the causes and consequences of the Indigo Revolt in Bengal. (15 Marks)

Q4.
(a) Analyze the Congress Socialist Party’s role in shaping the Indian National Congress’s ideology. (20 Marks)
(b) Discuss the reorganization of Dalit leadership in Hyderabad between 1948 and 1953. (15 Marks)
(c) Examine the impact of colonial education on Indian nationalist movements. (15 Marks)

Section-B

Q5. Critically examine the following statements in about 150 words each: (10 × 5 = 50 Marks)
(a) The American War of Independence concluded in 1783 with Britain recognizing U.S. sovereignty.
(b) The Chartist Movement’s influence extended beyond the middle class to workers and colonies.
(c) The 1848 Revolutions were driven by democratic and nationalist ideals.
(d) British imperialism in South Africa (1867–1902) was shaped by capitalist diamond mining.
(e) The U.S. faced significant challenges to its global supremacy post-Cold War.

Q6.
(a) Discuss the social and economic causes of the French Revolution, despite philosophical influences. (20 Marks)
(b) Examine the Marxist claim that socialism offers a scientific explanation of human history. (15 Marks)
(c) Analyze the role of humanism and progress in the Enlightenment beyond scientific advancements. (15 Marks)

Q7.
(a) Discuss how the Industrial Revolution shaped middle-class ideologies through thinkers like Adam Smith and Malthus. (20 Marks)
(b) Examine the stages of Italian unification from 1848 to 1870. (15 Marks)
(c) Analyze the Treaty of Versailles as a precursor to World War II. (15 Marks)

Q8.
(a) Evaluate the achievements and shortcomings of the United Nations since its inception. (20 Marks)
(b) Discuss the historical causes of anti-colonial movements in South-East Asia. (15 Marks)
(c) Examine Arab nationalism as both a cultural and anti-colonial movement. (15 Marks)