UPSC Mains Previous Year Questions 2024: GS1 History | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Q1: Underline the changes in the field of society and economy from the Rig Vedic to the later Vedic period. (Answer in 150 words)
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Introduction
The evolution from the Rig Vedic period (1500–1000 BCE) to the Later Vedic period (1000–500 BCE) marked a transformative journey from a semi-nomadic, pastoral lifestyle to a settled, agrarian way of life. This transition brought significant changes in societal norms and economic practices, shaping the foundation of early Indian civilization.
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Conclusion
The transformation from the flexible, tribal society of the Rig Vedic period to the structured, agrarian economy of the Later Vedic era paved the way for urbanization, particularly in the fertile Ganga Valley. This shift laid the groundwork for the emergence of large political units, known as the Mahajanapadas, signaling the rise of complex societal organization and statehood.

Q2: Estimate the contribution of Pallavas of Kanchi for the development of art and literature of South India. (Answer in 150 words)
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Introduction
The Pallavas, who ruled South India from the 3rd to the 9th century CE, were initially vassals of the Satavahanas. Renowned as patrons of art, architecture, and literature, the Pallavas played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural heritage of South India.

Pallavas' Contributions to Art

• Temple Architecture: The Pallavas were pioneers in temple architecture, introducing rock-cut temples and laying the foundation for the Dravidian architectural style. Their architectural evolution occurred in four distinct phases:
• Rock-Cut Temples: Initiated by Mahendravarman I, marking the early phase of Pallava temple art.
• Monolithic Rathas and Mandapas: Exemplified by the Panchapandava Rathas and other structures at Mamallapuram, attributed to Narasimhavarman I.
• Structural Temples: Developed during Rajasimha's reign, these were built from soft sandstone. Notable examples include the Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchipuram.
• Later Structural Temples: Built during the later Pallava period, such as the Vaikunta Perumal Temple.
• Sculpture: The Pallavas made remarkable advancements in sculpture, as seen in the open-air art gallery at Mamallapuram and iconic works like the "Descent of the Ganges."
• Paintings: Frescoes in the Sittannavasal caves are also attributed to the Pallavas, showcasing their artistic finesse.

Pallavas' Contributions to Literature

• Sanskrit Literature: Pallava kings like Mahendravarman I were patrons of Sanskrit literature. He himself authored the play Mattavilasa Prahasana.
• Tamil Literature: Tamil literature flourished under the Pallavas with contributions from Nayanmars and Alwars.
• Under Nandivarman II, Perundevanar translated the Mahabharata into Tamil as Bharathavenba.

Conclusion
The Pallavas of Kanchipuram left an enduring legacy through their innovative contributions to architecture, sculpture, and literature. Their pioneering work in temple construction and literary patronage profoundly influenced South Indian culture and left an indelible mark on the broader cultural history of India.

Q3: What were the events that led to the Quit India Movement? Point out its results. (Answer in 150 words)
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Introduction
The Quit India Movement (QIM), initiated on August 8, 1942, was a pivotal mass uprising that demanded the immediate cessation of British rule in India. This movement signified a decisive departure from earlier calls for gradual constitutional reforms.
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Events Leading to the QIM:

• India's Forced Involvement in World War II: The British unilaterally declared India's participation in World War II without seeking the consent of Indian leaders.
• Failure of the Cripps Mission (1942): The Cripps proposals were unsatisfactory, offering only dominion status with vague promises of future autonomy.
• Economic Hardships and Famine: Wartime conditions led to rampant inflation, food scarcity, and devastating famines, further fueling public discontent.
• Legacy of Earlier Movements: Movements such as the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920) and the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-34) laid the groundwork for mass mobilization.
• Call for Immediate Freedom: Gandhi’s clarion call of "Do or Die" signified the formal commencement of the Quit India Movement.

Outcomes of the QIM:

• Widespread Participation: The movement drew involvement from diverse sections of society, including students, women, workers, and farmers.
• Underground Resistance: Prominent leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan and Aruna Asaf Ali led covert operations and secret meetings.
• Erosion of British Authority: The movement exposed the weakening grip of British colonial power and demonstrated India's collective resolve to achieve independence.
• Emergence of Parallel Governments: Local communities established independent administrations in places like Ballia and Tamluk, showcasing the grassroots support for independence.

Conclusion
The Quit India Movement served as the ultimate blow to British imperialism in India. It unified the call for complete independence and influenced the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946, setting the stage for India’s liberation in 1947.

Q4: Though the great Cholas are no more yet their name is still remembered with great pride because of their highest achievements in the domain of art and architecture. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)
Ans: 
Introduction
The Chola dynasty (8th–12th century AD) is celebrated as one of the longest-ruling dynasties in southern India. For over five centuries, the Cholas presided over a golden age of art and architecture, perfecting Dravidian temple design and creating some of the most exquisite structures in Indian history.
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Distinctive Features of Chola Temples

• Imposing Temple Complexes: Characterized by high boundary walls and tall, ornate entrance towers (gopurams).
• Sanctum Designs: Both circular and square sanctums were employed.
• Pyramidal Vimana: The stepped pyramid structure crowned with an octagonal shikhara.
• Intricate Detailing: Sculptures and inscriptions adorned the temple walls.
• Functional Design: Inclusion of water tanks within the temple premises for ritual and community use.
• Mandapas: Pillared halls, such as the ardha mandapa, added to the grandeur and utility of temple spaces.

Chola Contributions to Temple Architecture:

• Grand Structures: Iconic temples like the Brihadeshwara Temple showcase the Cholas’ architectural excellence.
• Material Innovation: Transitioned from brick to stone for enduring construction.
• Elaborate Gopurams: Enhanced with intricate carvings and effigies, gopurams became prominent architectural features.
• Architectural Maturity: Brought sophistication and grandeur to temple design, as seen in the pyramidal tiers of the Shiva Temple at Thanjavur.
• Exquisite Shikharas: Featured detailed carvings, exemplified by the Gangaikondacholapuram Temple.
• Dvarapalas: The guardian figures at mandapa entrances became iconic elements in Chola temples, a refinement of Pallava innovations.
• Artistic Pillars: Stone pillars with detailed carvings, such as the wheel chariot motif in the Airavatesvara Temple, demonstrated the Cholas’ mastery.

Chola Sculptures:

• Bronze Masterpieces: Chola bronze sculptures, crafted using the lost wax technique, are revered for their artistic finesse. Notable example: the Nataraja in the Tandava posture.
• Thematic Evolution: Later Chola sculptures depicted Bhudevi (Earth Goddess) as Vishnu’s younger consort.
• Temple Sculptures: Known for delicate ornamentation, serene expressions, and a fresh aesthetic. Example: Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur.
• Independent Figurines: Graceful depictions, such as Parvati in the tribhanga posture, highlighted Chola artistry.

Conclusion
Through their grand temples, architectural innovations, and exceptional sculptures, the Cholas left an indelible mark on Indian art and architecture. Their contributions have been recognized globally, with UNESCO designating their temples as World Heritage Sites—a testament to the dynasty’s enduring legacy.

Q5: How far is it correct to say that the First World War was fought essentially for the preservation of balance of power? (Answer in 250 words)
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Introduction
The First World War, spanning from July 1914 to November 1918, was a major global conflict between the Allied Powers and the Central Powers. While maintaining the balance of power in Europe is often cited as a key reason for the war, this explanation only partially captures the complex interplay of factors that led to the outbreak of hostilities.
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The Balance of Power as a Cause

• Formation of Alliances: European powers formed alliances to counterbalance each other's influence:
  • Triple Entente: Included France, Russia, and the United Kingdom, aimed at limiting the growing power of Germany.
  • Triple Alliance: Comprised Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy, seeking to assert dominance in Europe.

Shifting Power Dynamics:

• Germany’s Ascendancy: Germany’s rapid industrial and military growth posed a perceived threat to its neighbors, prompting efforts to curb its power. Post-war treaties aimed to weaken Germany both economically and territorially while strengthening its rival, France.
• Decline of Empires: The weakening of the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Empires created instability and power vacuums, intensifying tensions among European states.

Other Contributing Factors

• Imperialist Rivalries: The race for colonies in Africa and Asia fueled friction among European nations, as competition for resources and markets intensified. This imperialist ambition heightened international confrontations that ultimately led to war.
• Militarism: By 1914, nations like Britain and Germany had significantly expanded their military capabilities, particularly naval forces. This emphasis on military strength encouraged mass mobilization, with events such as Germany’s troop deployment near Russia provoking a retaliatory stance.
• Nationalism: Nationalist fervor across Europe, rooted in ethnic and racial identities, exacerbated disputes. For example, Slavic groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina sought unification with Serbia rather than remaining under Austro-Hungarian rule, further escalating tensions.

Conclusion
While preserving the European balance of power was a key driver of the First World War, it was one of many interconnected causes. Nationalism, imperialist ambitions, militarism, and economic rivalries also played pivotal roles in creating the conditions for this catastrophic conflict.

Q6: How far was the Industrial Revolution in England responsible for the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India? (Answer in 250 words)
Ans: The Industrial Revolution and Colonial Exploitation: Impact on Indian Industry

The Industrial Revolution, which originated in Britain in the late 18th century, marked a transformative period of mechanization, factory production, and mass manufacturing. This period saw British colonies, including India, being exploited as sources of raw materials (such as cotton and indigo) and as markets for British industrial goods.
Impact of the Industrial Revolution on India's Handicrafts and Cottage Industries

• Handcrafted vs. Machine-Made Goods: Mass-produced machine-made British goods, being cheaper, displaced Indian handcrafted items from the market. This influx devastated India's traditional industries.
• Discriminatory Trade Policies: British policies, under the guise of laissez-faire economics, imposed high tariffs on Indian exports to Britain while allowing British imports into India at minimal tariffs, further crippling Indian industries.
• Unemployment and Shift in Occupations: The collapse of local markets led to widespread unemployment among artisans and craftsmen, many of whom lost their traditional patronage. This forced a significant portion of the population to shift to agriculture or other low-paying jobs for survival.
• Exploitative Agriculture Practices: Farmers with considerable landholdings were coerced into cultivating cash crops like indigo, which were essential for British industries, further straining India's agricultural system.
• Stifled Innovation: With the dominance of cheaper, machine-made goods, demand for handcrafted items dwindled, discouraging artisans from innovating. Over time, this resulted in reduced production quality and volume.

Indian Perspectives on British Exploitation

• Drain of Wealth: Dadabhai Naoroji’s theory of the “Drain of Wealth” highlighted how British exploitation siphoned off India's resources and wealth, stalling its industrial and economic progress.
• Swadeshi Movement: Mahatma Gandhi criticized British industrialization for its detrimental effects on Indian livelihoods. He urged Indians to adopt Swadeshi principles, boycotting British goods to revive domestic industries.
• Jawaharlal Nehru's Insights: In The Discovery of India, Nehru detailed how British policies deindustrialized India, transforming it from a global manufacturing leader to a mere supplier of raw materials.

Conclusion
The Industrial Revolution caused profound structural damage to Indian society, much of which remains evident. Recognizing the importance of revitalizing India's cottage industries, the framers of the Indian Constitution enshrined provisions like Article 43, which encourages the promotion of these industries as a cornerstone of economic self-reliance.