Mock Test Paper - 3 (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) Palaeolithic tool site
(ii) Mesolithic rock art site
(iii) Neolithic farming settlement
(iv) Harappan trade outpost
(v) Megalithic stone circle site

Q2.
(a) Examine the view that the urban character of the Harappan Civilization was a result of gradual socio-economic evolution rather than external influences. (20 Marks) (PYQ)
(b) Discuss the role of foreign accounts as sources of ancient Indian history, highlighting their advantages and limitations with examples. (15 Marks) (PYQ)
(c) Analyze the influence of Vedic-Upanishadic traditions on the development of Buddhist principles and institutions. (15 Marks)

Q3.
(a) Evaluate the economic achievements of the Gupta period as a continuation of processes initiated during the Kushana period. (20 Marks) (PYQ)
(b) Discuss the socio-cultural impact of the Tamil Bhakti Movement in early medieval South India. (15 Marks)
(c) Examine the significance of Ashokan inscriptions in understanding Mauryan state policies. (15 Marks)

Q4.
(a) Assess the role of temple architecture in reflecting the socio-economic dynamics of early medieval India. (20 Marks)
(b) Analyze the contributions of Kalhana’s Rajatarangini to the historiography of early India. (15 Marks)
(c) Discuss the key differences between Nagara and Dravida temple architecture styles with examples. (15 Marks)

Section-B

Q5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: (10 × 5 = 50 Marks)
(a) Discuss the nature and significance of Brahmadeya grants in early medieval India.
(b) Examine the role of Turkish garrisons in the growth of urban settlements in 13th-century North India.
(c) Analyze the impact of the Chahalgan on political instability after Iltutmish’s death.
(d) Discuss the Mughal influence on the style of Rajput paintings.
(e) Account for the rise of Maratha power in the 18th century.

Q6. 
(a) Examine the impact of Alauddin Khalji’s market regulations on the Delhi Sultanate’s economy and military. (20 Marks)
(b) Discuss the structure and significance of the Mansabdari system under Akbar. (15 Marks)
(c) Analyze the role of maritime trade in the Chola Empire’s expansion. (15 Marks)

Q7.
(a) Evaluate the social reform aspects of the Virashaiva Movement in the 12th-century Deccan. (20 Marks)
(b) Discuss the patronage of regional courts in the development of Hindustani classical music Gharanas. (15 Marks)
(c) Examine the strategic and economic factors behind the Vijayanagara-Bahmani successor states’ conflicts. (15 Marks)

Q8.
(a) Assess the role of trade and commerce in integrating the Indian subcontinent during the Mughal period. (20 Marks)
(b) Discuss the impact of Aurangzeb’s Deccan policy on Mughal decline. (15 Marks)
(c) Analyze the contribution of the 15th-century Vaishnava Bhakti tradition to regional literature. (15 Marks)