UPSC Mains 2017 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. [Map of India and neighbouring regions with twenty marked locations (i) to (xx)] (i) A Prehistoric cave-paintings' site. (ii) A Neolithic-Chalcolithic site. (iii) An Early Harappan site. (iv) A Harappan site. (v) An ancient capital city. (vi) A Painted grey ware site. (vii) A Neolithic site. (viii) A site of Ashokan inscriptions. (ix) An ancient port and trade centre. (x) A Harappan site. (xi) A Chalcolithic site. (xii) An ancient capital city. (xiii) A Rock-cut cave site. (xiv) An early fortified city. (xv) A Rock-cut temple site. (xvi) An ancient temple site. (xvii) An ancient capital city. (xviii) An ancient temple site. (xix) A Palaeolithic site. (xx) An ancient capital city. (2 1/2 x 20 = 50)

   Answer in about 30 words
   50marks
2. 2

   Question 2

   50marks
   1. 2(a)

      Art and culture are reflected to a far greater extent than political history in the epigraphic sources. Comment.

      15marks
   2. 2(b)

      The second urbanization gave rise to the organized corporate activities that reached their zenith during the Gupta period. Discuss.

      20marks
   3. 2(c)

      The emergence of Non-Harappan Chalcolithic cultures in Central India and the Deccan mark a change not only in the subsistence pattern of people but an overall transition from pre to proto historic period. Critically analyze.

      15marks
3. 3

   Question 3

   50marks
   1. 3(a)

      Critically examine various views regarding the Vedic-Harappan relationship in light of the latest discoveries.

      15marks
   2. 3(b)

      "The concept of Ashoka's Dhamma as found through his inscriptions had its roots in Vedic-Upanishadic literature." Discuss.

      15marks
   3. 3(c)

      The period of Indian History from 3rd century B.C.E. to 5th century C.E. was the period of innovation and interaction. How will you react?

      20marks
4. 4

   Question 4

   50marks
   1. 4(a)

      Trace the origin and development of temple architecture in India with reference to regional styles and variations.

      20marks
   2. 4(b)

      Buddhism and Jainism were social movements under the umbrella of religion. Comment.

      15marks
   3. 4(c)

      The accurate picture of the complex socio-cultural milieu of Peninsular India is presented in the early Sangam literature. Delineate.

      15marks

Section B

1. 5

   Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:

   50marks
   1. 5(a)

      The 11th – 12th centuries C.E. saw eventful progression in the cultural history of India. Discuss.

      10marks
   2. 5(b)

      Evaluate the accounts of foreign travellers about the Vijayanagar Empire.

      10marks
   3. 5(c)

      Critically examine the 'blood and iron' policy of Balban.

      10marks
   4. 5(d)

      Do you consider the Rajatarangini of Kalhana to be a reliable source of the political history of Kashmir? Why?

      10marks
   5. 5(e)

      The religion of the Sikhs was the main force of their unity. Comment.

      10marks
2. 6

   Question 6

   50marks
   1. 6(a)

      To what extent was the Caliphate the source and sanction to the legal authority of the Sultans of Delhi?

      15marks
   2. 6(b)

      "Bhakti and Sufi movements served the same social purpose." Discuss.

      15marks
   3. 6(c)

      Delineate non-agricultural production and urban economy in the 13th and 14th centuries C.E.

      20marks
3. 7

   Question 7

   50marks
   1. 7(a)

      Do you agree that the schemes of Muhammad bin Tughluq were correctly conceived, badly executed and disastrously abandoned? Discuss.

      15marks
   2. 7(b)

      Do you think that Akbar's Rajput policy was a conscious attempt to incorporate the Indian ruling elite with the Mughal Imperial System?

      15marks
   3. 7(c)

      "The political disintegration was responsible for the socio-economic decline in India during the 18th century." Comment.

      20marks
4. 8

   Question 8

   50marks
   1. 8(a)

      "Mughal paintings reflect social harmony in contemporary society." Discuss.

      15marks
   2. 8(b)

      Assess the condition of peasantry during 13th to 17th centuries C.E.

      15marks
   3. 8(c)

      How will you view the Maratha policy of expansion? Delineate.

      20marks

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