Mock Test Paper - 2 (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

Q1. 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: (50 Marks)
(i) Chalcolithic settlement site
(ii) Jain rock-cut cave site
(iii) Kushana coin hoard site
(iv) Early historic trade port
(v) Megalithic burial complex

Q2.
(a) Examine the statement that the Harappan civilization was a pinnacle of urban sophistication due to its advanced town planning and engineering. (20 Marks)
(b) How far does Sangam literature serve as a source for understanding the social and cultural traditions of ancient South India? (15 Marks) (PYQ)
(c) Assess the role of archaeological sources in reconstructing the political history of the Mauryan Empire. (15 Marks)

Q3.
(a) Evaluate the principles, spread, and impact of the Bhakti Movement in medieval India. (20 Marks) (PYQ)
(b) Discuss the contributions of the Gupta period to Indian art and architecture. (15 Marks)
(c) Analyze the role of maritime trade in the economic prosperity of the Indus-Saraswati civilization. (15 Marks)

Q4.
(a) Assess the significance of Ashokan inscriptions in understanding Mauryan governance and ideology. (20 Marks)
(b) Examine the socio-economic impact of the Chola temple architecture on South Indian society. (15 Marks)
(c) Discuss the role of Vedic literature in resolving the Aryan question in Indian history. (15 Marks)

Section-B

Q5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: (10 × 5 = 50 Marks)
(a) Discuss the key features of Indian feudalism during the medieval period.
(b) Examine the limitations of Alberuni’s assessment of Indian society. (PYQ)
(c) Analyze the role of Sufi literature as a source of medieval Indian history.
(d) Discuss the factors responsible for the decline of the Delhi Sultanate.
(e) Evaluate the agrarian reforms of Alauddin Khalji and their objectives.

Q6.
(a) Discuss the role of Nur Jahan in shaping Mughal court politics during Jahangir’s reign. (20 Marks)
(b) Analyze the reasons behind Balban’s preference for consolidation over expansion of the Delhi Sultanate. (15 Marks)
(c) Examine the European influences in Mughal miniature paintings. (15 Marks)

Q7.
(a) Evaluate the threat posed by the Marathas to the integrity of the Mughal Empire. (20 Marks)
(b) Discuss the contributions of Haidar Ali and Tipu Sultan to Mysore’s state-building. (15 Marks)
(c) Analyze the rise of the Sikh power under Ranjit Singh. (15 Marks)

Q8.
(a) Examine the syncretic nature of Mughal architecture. (20 Marks)
(b) Discuss the economic dynamism of 18th-century India despite political fragmentation. (15 Marks)
(c) Analyze the nature of the Mughal state under Akbar. (15 Marks)