UPSC Mains 2026 History Paper I

Section A

1. 1

   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: (i) Harappan burial site (ii) Harappan site with radial town planning (iii) Jain cave painting (iv) Large Megalithic dolmen complexes (v) Ancient port (vi) Ancient capital (vii) Meso-Chalcolithic site (viii) Group of early medieval temples (ix) Ancient capital (x) Megalithic site (xi) Neolithic site (xii) Terra-cotta ring wells (xiii) Mauryan fort (xiv) Ancient Buddhist site (xv) Mesolithic site (xvi) Megalithic burial site (xvii) Neolithic ash mound site (xviii) Site with evidence of monastery, Stupa and Shiva temple (xix) Chalcolithic and early historic site with five occupational phases (xx) Buddhist site [Outline map of India with twenty numbered locations (i) to (xx) supplied]

   Answer in about 30 words
   50marks
2. 2

   Question 2

   50marks
   1. 2(a)

      Analyze the role of terrain, climate and vegetation in shaping the settlement and movement of prehistoric communities in India.

      15marks
   2. 2(b)

      "Harappan architecture reflects an integrated vision of environmental adaptation, technological rationality and urban aesthetics, going beyond functionality." Examine the statement.

      15marks
   3. 2(c)

      "Greek writers viewed India largely from a political perspective, Chinese travellers from a religious perspective, and Arab scholars from a scientific and cultural perspective." Comment.

      20marks
3. 3

   Question 3

   50marks
   1. 3(a)

      "The Iranian and Macedonian invasions reshaped ancient India through administrative influence, political transformation and cultural interaction." Review.

      15marks
   2. 3(b)

      Evaluate the political and socio-cultural changes occurred in North India after the decline of the Mauryan Empire under the Shunga and Kanva Dynasties.

      15marks
   3. 3(c)

      "Royal patronage and religious institutions significantly contributed to the development of Nalanda, Vikramashila and Vallabhi into prominent centres of learning." Elucidate.

      20marks
4. 4

   Question 4

   50marks
   1. 4(a)

      "Hoysala temple architecture marks a distinctive and innovative phase in the evolution of South Indian art and architecture." Illustrate with examples.

      20marks
   2. 4(b)

      Analyze the significance of the Vedic Age in shaping the social institutions, religious thoughts and intellectual traditions of ancient India.

      15marks
   3. 4(c)

      "The Satavahanas not only served as a vital link between Northern and Southern India in the Deccan region, but also strengthened the process of trade, urbanization and cultural integration." Review.

      15marks

Section B

1. 5

   Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:

   50marks
   1. 5(a)

      How far can the Qutub Complex at Mehrauli be considered as an ideal specimen for the study on the development of architecture under the Delhi Sultanate? Analyze.

      10marks
   2. 5(b)

      "The success of the Cholas as an imperial power rested not only on the administrative efficiency, but also on a well-organized army and a formidable navy." Evaluate.

      10marks
   3. 5(c)

      What European features were incorporated in the Mughal school of painting? Did it absolve the traditional Persian influences of the Mughal paintings? Evaluate.

      10marks
   4. 5(d)

      "The Sufis created a climate in which people belonging to different sects and religions could live in peace and harmony." Discuss.

      10marks
   5. 5(e)

      "Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq's token currency scheme was an innovative economic experiment in medieval India, but its failure exposed the limitations of State control over the medieval economy." Evaluate.

      10marks
2. 6

   Question 6

   50marks
   1. 6(a)

      Critically examine the theories on the origin of the Rajputs. How do the indigenous evidences contradict the European theorists?

      20marks
   2. 6(b)

      Why did the abdication of power by Alauddin Alam Shah in favour of Bahlol Lodi not culminate in the establishment of the Lodi Dynasty? Elucidate.

      15marks
   3. 6(c)

      Critically analyze Barani's Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi and identify the shortcomings in his account.

      15marks
3. 7

   Question 7

   50marks
   1. 7(a)

      From the Portuguese merchant Domingo Paes' description of Krishnadevaraya's reign, assess the socio-economic and cultural uniqueness of the Vijayanagara Empire.

      15marks
   2. 7(b)

      Trace the formulation of the Mughal imperial authority from Akbar to Aurangzeb. Focus on the influence of Persian ideas of kingship in the construction of Mughal royalty.

      20marks
   3. 7(c)

      "From Asia to Europe, from head to foot, everyone was clothed in Indian textiles." Qualify this statement with a critical account of India's foreign trade with special reference to textiles.

      15marks
4. 8

   Question 8

   50marks
   1. 8(a)

      Analyze the influence of Persian traditions on the development of architecture and painting under the Mughals. To what extent did these art forms reflect a synthesis of Indian and Persian cultural elements? Discuss.

      15marks
   2. 8(b)

      Would you consider eighteenth century in India an era of 'Dark Age', or a period of economic growth? Elucidate.

      20marks
   3. 8(c)

      Trace the trajectory of Maratha polity from Shivaji to Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao. What was the impact of the Third Battle of Panipat (1761) on the Maratha State? Analyze.

      15marks

Typed by UPSC Gurus from the official UPSC question paper. Spotted an error? Tell us on WhatsApp at 81220 02172.