Mock Test Paper - 1 (History Optional Paper- I): 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

1. Identify the following places marked on the map provided and write a short note of about 30 words on each in your Question-cum-Answer Booklet. Locational hints for each place are given below seriatim: (50 Marks)
(i) Mesolithic site
(ii) Harappan port town
(iii) Buddhist stupa site
(iv) Megalithic burial site
(v) Gupta period temple site

2. 
(a) Examine the role of trade and commerce in the urban development of Harappan civilization. (20 Marks)
(b) Discuss different types of Megalithic burial practices in India. How far does the archaeological evidence from it help us to know the religious beliefs and cultural practices? (15 Marks) (PYQ 2024) 
(c) Discuss the contributions of the Satavahanas to art and architecture in the Deccan region. (15 Marks)

3. 
(a) Analyze the impact of Ashoka’s Dhamma on the socio-political landscape of the Mauryan Empire. (20 Marks)
(b) Discuss the role of guilds (shrenis) in the economic organization of ancient India during the post-Mauryan period. (15 Marks)
(c) Trace the development of Vedic literature from the Rigvedic to the later Vedic period. (15 Marks)

4. 
(a) Highlight the contributions of Aryabhatta, Varahamihira, and Brahmagupta in the fields of Astronomy and Mathematics. (20 Marks) (PYQ 2024) 
(b) Examine the socio-economic contributions of the Pallavas in South India. (15 Marks)
(c) Discuss the role of inscriptions in reconstructing the history of early medieval India. (15 Marks)

Section-B

5. Answer the following questions in about 150–170 words each: (10 × 5 = 50 Marks)
(a) Discuss the salient features of Nagara style temple architecture.
(b) Evaluate the administrative reforms of Alauddin Khalji.
(c) Highlight the contributions of Bhakti saints to medieval Indian society.
(d) Discuss the main features of Malwa school of painting with examples. (PYQ 2024) 
(e) Examine the impact of Dutch commercial activities in India.

6. 
​(a) Analyze the contributions of Ramanuja and Shankara to Indian philosophy. (20 Marks)
(b) Discuss the role of Sufi saints in promoting communal harmony in medieval India. (15 Marks)
(c) Examine the causes and consequences of the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire. (15 Marks)

7. 
(a) Evaluate the impact of Akbar’s religious policies on the Mughal Empire. (20 Marks)
(b) Discuss the contributions of the Deccani Sultanates to Indo-Islamic architecture. (15 Marks)
(c) Examine the role of the Maratha navy in their military strategy. (15 Marks)

8. 
(a) Discuss the socio-economic impact of British land revenue policies in 18th-century India. (20 Marks)
(b) Evaluate the contributions of Raja Rammohan Roy to social reforms in India. (15 Marks)
(c) Examine the process of urbanization during the early colonial period in India. (15 Marks)