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UPSC Prelims Previous Year Questions 2019: History | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Q1: Which one of the following is not a Harappan site? (Ancient History and Art & Culture)
(a) 
Chanhudaro
(b) 
Kot Diji
(c) 
Sohgaura
(d)
Desalpur

UPSC Prelims Previous Year Questions 2019: History | History for UPSC CSE  View Answer

Ans: (c)

Sohgaura - 

  • It is not a Harappan site.
  • It is an Ashokan era copper plate inscription written in Prakrit in the Brahmi script. 

Q2: In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is ‘Ranyo Ashoka’ (King Ashoka) mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka?  (Ancient History and Art & Culture)
(a)
Kanganahalli
(b) Sanchi
(c) Shahbazagrhi
(d) Sohgaura

UPSC Prelims Previous Year Questions 2019: History | History for UPSC CSE  View Answer

Ans: (a)
Kanaganahalli in Karnataka is the site with an inscription in Brahmi script reading Ranyo Ashoka and a sculpture of King Ashoka.


Q3: Consider the following: (Ancient History and Art & Culture)

  1. Deification of the Buddha
  2. Treading the path of Bodhisattvas
  3. Image worship and rituals

Which of the above is/are the feature/ features of Mahayana Buddhism?
(a) 
1 only
(b) 
1 and 2 only
(c)
2 and 3 only
(d) 
1, 2 and 3

UPSC Prelims Previous Year Questions 2019: History | History for UPSC CSE  View Answer

Ans: (d)
Mahayana Buddhism promoted devotional support, Deification of Buddha, icon worship and rituals and treading path of Bodhisattvas.


Q4: With reference to forced labour (Vishti) in India during the Gupta period, which one of the following statements is correct? (Ancient History and Art & Culture)
(a) 
It was considered a source of income for the State, a sort of tax paid by the people.
(b) 
It was totally absent in the Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar regions of the Gupta Empire.
(c) The forced labourer was entitled to weekly wages.
(d) 
The eldest son of the labourer was sent as the forced labourer.

UPSC Prelims Previous Year Questions 2019: History | History for UPSC CSE  View Answer

Ans: (a)
Vishti was considered as a source of income for the state, a sort of tax by the people. 


Q5: Building ‘Kalyaana Mandapas’ was a notable feature in the temple construction in the kingdom of  (Ancient History and Art & Culture)
(a) Chalukya
(b) Chandela
(c) Rashtrakuta
(d) Vijayanagara

UPSC Prelims Previous Year Questions 2019: History | History for UPSC CSE  View Answer

Ans: (d)
In the Vittala Temple of Hampi, pavilions or mandapas that were meant to celebrate the marriages of dieties were known as Kalyan Mandapa.


Q6: With reference to Mughal India, what is/are the difference/differences between Jagirdar and Zamindar?

  1. Jagirdars were holders of land assignments in lieu of judicial and police duties, whereas Zamindars were holders of revenue rights without obligation to perform any duty other than revenue collection.
  2. Land assignments to Jagirdars were hereditary and revenue rights of Zamindars were not hereditary.

Select the correct answer using the code given below. (Medieval India)
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

UPSC Prelims Previous Year Questions 2019: History | History for UPSC CSE  View Answer

Ans: (d)

  • In Mughal India, Jagirdars under Mansabdari system were assigned land in lieu of assigned duties towards the empire such as police,judicial,military; Zamindars too apart from revenue collecting duties had to render military duties and perform Khidmat such as rendering soldiers to fill the ranks of royal army at times of need and offer gifts at the royal court.
  • Jagirdars were frequently transferred as promotion and demotion was a regular part of empire as loyalties towards Emperor were largely dependent on the rank of jagir/mansab held by a Noble; on the other hand, Zamindars had hereditary rights over revenue as their sway over rural society was overarching in all aspects which rested on paternal and patronage application of rituals.

Q7: Consider the following statements:

  1. In the revenue administration of Delhi Sultanate, the in-charge of revenue collection was known as ‘Amil’.
  2. The lqta system of Sultans of Delhi was an ancient indigenous institution.
  3. The office of ‘Mir Bakshi’ came into existence during the reign of Khalji Sultans of Delhi.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (Medieval India)
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

UPSC Prelims Previous Year Questions 2019: History | History for UPSC CSE  View Answer

Ans: (a)

  • In the Delhi Sultanate, the task of collecting revenue directly from peasant and measurement of land rested on Amils.
  • Iqta system evolved in West Asia significantly in Persia
  • Mir Bhakshi was the head of militiary department in Mughal India whereas in Delhi Sultanate, Ariz under Diwan-i-arz (set up by Balban) was improved by Alauddin Khalji as he introduced Dagh system which was aimed to improve Horse quality as well as eliminate fake numbering.

Q8: Consider the following statements:

  1. Saint Nimbarka was a contemporary of Akbar.
  2. Saint Kabir was greatly influenced by Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (Medieval India)
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

UPSC Prelims Previous Year Questions 2019: History | History for UPSC CSE  View Answer

Ans: (d)
Nimbarka was a 13th century philosphical Saint whereas Akbar's time period was 1556-1605;Saint Kabir was 15th century poet whereas Sirhindi was in 17th century.


Q9: With reference to Mian Tansen, which one of the following statements is not correct?  (Medieval India)
(a) Tansen was the title given to him by Emperor Akbar.
(b) Tansen composed Dhrupads on Hindu gods and goddesses.
(c) Tansen composed songs on his patrons.
(d) Tansen invented many Ragas.

UPSC Prelims Previous Year Questions 2019: History | History for UPSC CSE  View Answer

Ans: (a)
Tansen was the title given by Raja Vikramjit of Gwalior. Tansen was a court musician in the darbar of Raja Ramachandra of Bandavagarh (Rewa).


Q10: Who among the following Mughal Emperors shifted emphasis from illustrated manuscripts to album and individual portrait? (Medieval India)
(a)
Humayun
(b) Akbar
(c) Jahangir
(d) Shah Jahan

UPSC Prelims Previous Year Questions 2019: History | History for UPSC CSE  View Answer

Ans: (c)
During Akbar's reign many manuscripts were illustrated, the prominent being Razmnamah, the Persian translation of Mahabharata. It was during Jahangir's reign that manuscripts became less important and individual portraits became more prominent.


Q11: Consider the following statements about ‘the Charter Act of 1813’: (Modern India)

  1. It ended the trade monopoly of the East India Company in India except for trade in tea and trade with China.
  2. It asserted the sovereignty of the British Crown over the Indian territories held by the Company.
  3. The revenues of India were now controlled by the British Parliament.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

UPSC Prelims Previous Year Questions 2019: History | History for UPSC CSE  View Answer

Ans: (a)
The Charter Act of 1813 ended trade monopoly of East India company in India except for trade in tea and trade in China. Further it also asserted sovereignty of British Crown over the Indian territories held by company. However the Company was to retain the possession of territories and revenues for 20 years more without prejudice to British Crown.


Q12: With reference to Swadeshi Movement, consider the following statements:

  1. It contributed to the revival of the indigenous artisan crafts and industries.
  2. The National Council of Education was established as a part of Swadeshi Movement.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (Modern India)
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

UPSC Prelims Previous Year Questions 2019: History | History for UPSC CSE  View Answer

Ans: (c)
Swadeshi Movement had its genesis in opposition to the partition of Bengal in 1905. It emphasised on self-reliance thus contributing to revival of indigenous artisans craft and industries. In August 1906 the National Council of Education was established to provide an impetus to program of national education as a part of Swadeshi movement.


Q13: Consider the following pairs:

UPSC Prelims Previous Year Questions 2019: History | History for UPSC CSE

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? (Modern India)
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

UPSC Prelims Previous Year Questions 2019: History | History for UPSC CSE  View Answer

Ans: (d)
Mahatma Gandhi set up All India Anti-Untouchability league in 1932 which later transformed into Harijan Sevak Sangh. All India Kisan Sabha was founded by Swami Sahajanand Saraswati in 1936 to spearhead peasant movements in colonial India. E V Ramaswamy Naicker started Self respect movement against untouchability in 1925.


Q14: With reference to the British colonial rule in India, consider the following statements:

  1. Mahatma Gandhi was instrumental in the abolition of the system of ‘indentured labour
  2. In Lord Chelmsford’s ‘War Conference’, Mahatma Gandhi did not support the resolution on recruiting Indians for World War.
  3. Consequent upon the breaking of Salt Law by Indian people, the Indian National Congress was declared illegal by the colonial rulers.

Which of the statements given above are correct? (Modern India)
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

UPSC Prelims Previous Year Questions 2019: History | History for UPSC CSE  View Answer

Ans: (b)

  • In South Africa, Gandhi in opposition to compulsory registration of Indian population under Asiatic Law Amendment Act of the Transvaal government organised non-violent protest which led to passing of Indian Relief Act 1914- which eliminated extra tax on Indian citizens who had not renewed their indentures and recognised validity of Indian marriages.
  • In the Young India article dated 27 Nov ,1920 - “To Every Englishmen In India”, Gandhi quoted his recruiting campaign which was carried out in Kaira District (Gujarat) in support of British Cause in World War I according to the promise made in War Conference of Delhi.
  • As the Salt March ended in month of April 1930, between June and August several Congress Working Committees and leaders were arrested and Congress as an political was declared illegal by the British Administration.

Q15: With reference to Indian National Movement, consider the following pairs:

UPSC Prelims Previous Year Questions 2019: History | History for UPSC CSE

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? (Modern India)
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

UPSC Prelims Previous Year Questions 2019: History | History for UPSC CSE  View Answer

Ans: (d)
Tej Bahadur Sapru was a prominent member of Liberal Party of India and the President of All India Liberal Federation. KC Neogy was a memeber of Constituent Assembly and also the Chairman of First Finance Commision. P.C Joshi was the General Secretary of Communist Party of India.


The document UPSC Prelims Previous Year Questions 2019: History | History for UPSC CSE is a part of the UPSC Course History for UPSC CSE.
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FAQs on UPSC Prelims Previous Year Questions 2019: History - History for UPSC CSE

1. What is the significance of the UPSC Prelims exam in the selection process?
Ans. The UPSC Prelims exam is the first stage of the Civil Services examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It serves as a screening test to shortlist candidates for the next stage, which is the UPSC Mains exam. The Prelims exam consists of two papers: General Studies Paper-I and General Studies Paper-II (CSAT). Clearing the Prelims is essential to qualify for the Mains exam and eventually for the final selection.
2. How can I prepare for the History section of the UPSC Prelims exam?
Ans. To prepare for the History section of the UPSC Prelims exam, candidates should focus on the following aspects: 1. Understand the syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the topics mentioned in the syllabus for History. It will help you identify the areas to concentrate on during your preparation. 2. Study NCERT textbooks: Start with reading the NCERT textbooks of History from class 6 to 12. This will provide a solid foundation of historical events and concepts. 3. Refer to standard reference books: Apart from NCERT textbooks, refer to standard reference books like 'India's Ancient Past' by R.S. Sharma, 'A Brief History of Modern India' by Rajiv Ahir, and 'India's Struggle for Independence' by Bipan Chandra. 4. Take mock tests: Practice solving previous year question papers and mock tests specifically designed for the UPSC Prelims exam. It will help you assess your preparation level and improve your time management skills. 5. Stay updated with current affairs: Keep yourself updated with recent events and their historical significance. Read newspapers, magazines, and online sources to stay informed.
3. Which topics of Indian History should I focus on for the UPSC Prelims exam?
Ans. While preparing for the Indian History section of the UPSC Prelims exam, candidates should focus on the following topics: 1. Ancient India: Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Period, Mauryan Empire, Gupta Empire, etc. 2. Medieval India: Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, Vijayanagara Empire, Bhakti and Sufi Movements, etc. 3. Modern India: British Rule and Indian National Movement, Socio-Religious Reform Movements, Indian Independence Struggle, etc. 4. Art and Culture: Architecture, Sculpture, Painting, Dance Forms, Music, Literature, etc. 5. World History: Important events and developments in world history that had an impact on India, such as the French Revolution, Industrial Revolution, World Wars, etc.
4. Are there any specific strategies to remember historical dates and events for the UPSC Prelims exam?
Ans. Remembering historical dates and events can be challenging, but these strategies may help: 1. Create a timeline: Draw a timeline and mark important dates and events on it. Visualizing the sequence of events can aid in memorization. 2. Use mnemonics: Create mnemonic devices like acronyms or rhymes to remember a series of dates or events. 3. Make associations: Connect historical dates or events with something familiar to you. For example, associate a particular date with a significant personal event or link a historical event with a movie or book. 4. Create flashcards: Write down important dates, events, and their significance on flashcards. Review them regularly to reinforce your memory. 5. Practice regularly: Regular revision and practice through mock tests and previous year question papers will help you retain the information.
5. How can I improve my analytical and interpretational skills for the History section of the UPSC Prelims exam?
Ans. To improve analytical and interpretational skills for the History section of the UPSC Prelims exam, consider the following tips: 1. Focus on understanding concepts: Instead of memorizing facts, try to grasp the underlying concepts and their significance in historical events. 2. Analyze primary and secondary sources: Read and analyze primary sources like historical documents, letters, and secondary sources like scholarly articles and books. This will develop your ability to critically evaluate different perspectives and interpretations. 3. Practice answer writing: Regularly practice answering questions based on historical events and their implications. This will help you develop a structured and well-analyzed approach to tackling historical questions. 4. Join study groups or online forums: Engage in discussions with fellow aspirants or join online forums to exchange ideas and interpretations. It will expose you to different viewpoints and enhance your analytical skills. 5. Stay updated with historiographical debates: Read about historiographical debates and controversies related to specific historical events. Understanding different interpretations and arguments will sharpen your analytical thinking.
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