10 Year Papers History Optional PDF

Important Books for IAS Mains Exam:
http://iasexamportal.com/civilservices/order-form/ias-mains-books
History (Main) Topic Wise Paper 1
HISTORY (MAIN) PAPER I—2002 8. Explain the principal features of architecture

during Akbar’s rule. What changes were
Section A made in them by Shahjahan ?
1. Mark any fifteen of the following places on HISTORY (MAIN) PAPER II—2002
the map supplied to you and write short
descriptive notes on the places plotted by Section A (Modern India)
you on the map: 1. Comment on any three of the following
(i) Ajanta (ii) Bodh Gaya statements in about 200 words each:
(iii) Dholavira (iv) Dwarka (a) “The Verdict at Plassey was confirmed
(v) Girnar (vi) Hastinapur by the English victory at Buxar.”
(vii) Kanchipuram (viii) Kosambi (b) “India broke her British fetters with
(ix) Madurai (x) Malkhed Western hammers.”
(xi) Mohanjodaro (xii) Nalanda (c) “Gandhi restrained mass movements,
yet he retained his popularity among
(xiii) Purushpur (xiv) Ropar
the masses.”
(xv) Sanchi (xvi) Sravanbelgola
(d) “The ideology of Subhash Chandra
(xvii) Sravasti (xviii) Tanjore Bose was a combination of nationalism,
(xix) Thaneswar (xx) Varanasi fascism and communism.”
2. Analyse the elements of urban civilisation 2. “ The rise and expansion of British empire
in the Harappan Culture. What factors were was an accident rather than the result of a
responsible for its decline ? deliberate policy and design.” Critically
3. Examine the nature of the Mauryan State. examine this statement.
Bring out the features of their administrative 3. “The recurring famines in the 19th century
system. were the inevitable consequence of the
4. Examine the proficiency of the ancient British policy and expose the real character
Indians in various crafts, science and of the paternal solicitude for the peasantry
mathematics. on the part of the British administration.”
Examine this statement critically.
Section B
4. Discuss the nature of the leadership and
5. Write short essays in not more than 200
programme of the Congress Socialist Party.
words each on any three of the following
topics Section B (World History)
(a) Origin of the Bhakti Movement 5. Comment on any three of the following
(b) Babarnama as a source of history statements in about 200 words each
(c) Mansabdari System (a) ‘The Renaissance was the discovery of
(d) Consequences of the Third Battle of the world and of man.’
Panipat (b) ‘If monarchical misrule ignited the
6. Discuss Balban’s concept of kingship. How French Revolution, lofty ideas both
was it modified by Alauddin Khalji ? inspired and sustained it.’
(c) ‘The Great Depression (1929-34) was
7. Trace the evolution of the religious views of
attended by momentous consequences
Akbar. Write a note on his policy of Sulh- i-
in the economic as well as in the
Kul.
Study Kit in Hard Copy for IAS Mains Exam:

http://iasexamportal.com/civilservices/study-kit/gs-mains
2 History (Main) Topic Wise Paper
political sphere.’ 4. Examine the information of Fahien about the
(d) “One of the most important political, religious, social and economic
consequences of the Second World War, conditions of India. Make a comparative
was ‘division of Europe’, eastern and study of his account with that of Yuan
western.” Chwang.
6. “Napoleon kindled the national sentiment, Section B
but German unity was achieved by
Bismarck.” Discuss. 5. Write short essays in not more than 200
words each on any three of the following:
7. Examine the circumstances in China in the
(a) Kalhan as a historian
years 1945-49. What did the United States
do to resolve the conflict between the (b) Experiments of Mohammad Tughluq
Nationalists and the Communists there ? (c) Sufi Movements
8. Discuss the main factors leading to the (d) Chauth and Sardeshmukhi.
collapse of the Soviet Union. 6. Attempt a critical essay on the Indian Science
HISTORY (MAIN) PAPER I—2003 and Civilisation in the light of Alberuni’s
writings. What merits and drawbacks, do
Section A you find in his account ?
1. Mark any fifteen of the following places on 7. What impact did Kabir and Nanak leave on
the /map supplied to you and write short Indian Society and Culture ?
descriptive notes on-places plotted by you
8. ‘Akbar built the Moghul Empire by enlisting
on the map:
the support of the Rajputs, Aurangzeb
(i) Kot Digi (ii) Banamali
destroyed it by alienating the Rajputs.’ Do
(iii) Tiruchirapalli (iv) Tamralipti you agree ?
(v) Vaisali (vi) Kundagrama
(vii) Puri (viii) Ujjain HISTORY (MAIN) PAPER II—2003
(ix) Badami (x) Guggara Section A (Modern India)
(xi) Sarnath (xii) Amaravati 1. Comment on any three of the following
(xiii) Janguda (xiv) Kolhapur statements in about 200 words each:
(xv) Nagarjunkonda (xvi) Calicut (a) ‘Absentee landlordism was a
(xvii) Haldighati (xviii) Golconda consequential feature of Bengal’s
(xix) Somnath (xx) Mathura. Permanent land settlement.’
(b) ‘India underwent suffering and
2. Assess the pattern of settlement, economy,
mortality in the wake of recurring
social organisation and religion of India
famines’ in the later half of the 19th
during 2000 to 500 BC from archaeological
century.
evidences.
(c) ‘In the summer of 1942 Gandhi was in
3. “The Sixth century B.C. was a period of a strange and uniquely militant mood.’
religious and economic unrest in India.” (d) ‘Rabindranath Tagore’s nationalism
Comment. was based on a Catholic


internationalism.’ descriptive notes on the places plotted by
2. What was the impact of early British land you on the map:
policy on the ‘village communities’ of North (i) Achichhatra (ii) Amaravati
India ? (iii) Bhimbaitka (iv) Champa
3. Trace the factors which led to a split in the (v) Kalibangan (vi) Kanauj
Indian National Congress in 1907. What (vii) Kapilvastu (viii) Karle
was its impact on the course of the (ix) Mahabalipuram (x) Mathura
nationalist movement ? (xi) Mehrgarh (xii) Paithan
4. Examine the causes of the rise and progress (xiii) Pataliputra (xiv) Sarnath
of revolutionary movements in India from (xv) Siddapura (xvi) Somnath
1905 to 1931. (xvii) Tamralipti (xviii) Taxila
Section B (World History) (xix) Tripuri (xx) Udaigiri
5. Comment on any three of the following 2. Describe the social life of the later Vedic
statements in about 200 words each: people. How was it different from the Rig-
(a) ‘The French Revolution attacked Vedic life ?
privileges and not property.’ 3. Explain the social aspects of Buddhism and
(b) ‘The roots of the rise of Fascism lay in account for its decline in India.
Peace Treaties.’ 4. Give an account of the rise of the Chalukyas
(c) ‘The Security Council is the heart of the of Vatapi and their struggle with other
United Nations.’ rulers. Write a note on their patronage of
(d) ‘The Brussels Treaty of 17 March, 1948 arts.
paved the way for the formation of Section B
NATO.’ 5. Write short essays in not more than 200
6. ‘Bismarck united Germany not by majority words each on any three of the following
of votes and speeches but by a policy of topics
“blood and iron”. In the light of this statement (a) The ‘Corps of Forty’ and its relations
assess the contribution of Bismarck to the with the Sultans.
unification of Germany. (b) The Token Currency System
7. Examine the causes of the Russian introduced by Muhammad Tughlaq.
Revolution of 1917 and indicate its (c) Was Din-i-Ilahi’a monument of
significance in world history. Akbar’s folly’ ?
8. Analyse the factors leading to the end of the (d) The system of the collection of Chauth
Cold War and account for the U.S. and Sardeshmukhi by the Maratha
ascendancy in the world. rulers.
6. The Cholas are said to have established a
HISTORY (MAIN) PAPER I—2004 strong and well organised administration
with an element of self-government at the
Section A
local level. Do you agree ? Give reasons.
1. Mark any fifteen of the following places on
7. Discuss the growth of the Nirguna School
the map supplied to you and write short
of Bhakti Movement emphasising the

contribution of Kabir and Nanak to it. (c) ‘To Bismarck the conclusion of the
8. In what ways were Aurangzeb’s Rajput and Treaty of May 20, 1882, was the
religious policies different from those of his culmination of this system.’
predecessors ? What were the consequences (d) ‘The most important single factor ...........
of the changes made by him ? in the years following 1919 was the
French demand for security.
HISTORY (MAIN) PAPER II—2004 6. Review the background of the Chartist
Section A (Modern India) Movement. Despite its failure how had their
demands been met in the succeeding years?
1. Comment on any three of the following
statements in about 200 words each: 7. What were the weaknesses and difficulties
(a) ‘The Treaty of Salbai (1782) was neither of the Weimer Republic ? How did Hitler
honourable to the English nor succeed in establishing, his dictatorship ?
advantageous to their interests.’ 8. Analyse the factors for the collapse of Soviet
(b) ‘The object of the Act (Regulating) was Communism and Soviet Union during’-
good, but system that it established was 1985-1991.
imperfect.’
(c) ‘Permanent Settlement disappointed HISTORY (MAIN) PAPER I—2005
many expectations and introduced the Section–A
results that were not anticipated.’
(d) ‘We are therefore unable to advise the 1. Mark any fifteen of the following places on
British Government that the power the map supplied to you and write short
which at present resides in British descriptive notes on places plotted by you
hands should be handed over to two on the map
entirely separate sovereign States.’ (i) Mohenjodaro (ii) Burzahom
2. Discuss the causes that led to the ‘economic (iii) Inamgaon (iv) Sannathi
drain’ in Bengal following the Battle of (v) Kaveripattinam (vi) Sisupalgarh
Plassey. (vii) Anuradhapura (viii) Karnasuvarna
3. Examine the impact of British rule on Indian (ix) Chittagong (x) Chitore
Society in the 19th Century. (xi) Pratishthana (xii) Vidisa
4. Analyse Indian foreign policy of Non- (xiii) Hampi (xiv) Warangal
alignment between 1947 and 1964. (xv) Diu (xvi) Seringapatam
Section B (World History) (xvii) Debal (xviii) Fatehpur Sikri
5. Comment on any three of the following (xix) Bijapur (xx) Sasaram
statements in about 200 words each :- 2. Determine the extent of the Mauryan empire.
(a) ‘Rousseau’s political philosophy 3. Assess the status of women in India from
contains the seeds of Socialism, 4th century BC to AD 6th century.
Absolutism and Democracy.’
4. What are the salient features of the
(b) ‘Napoleon was the child of the
administrative system of the Guptas ?
Revolution, but in many ways he
reversed the aims and principles of the Section-B
movement from which he sprang........ . 5. Write short essays in not more than 200


words each on any three of the following: were its aims realised in the Government of
(a) The Samanta system India Act of 1935 ?
(b) The Bahmani kingdom Section-B (World History)
(c) Mughal painting 5. Comment on any three of the following
(d) Chaitanyadeva and Vaishnavism statements in about 200 words each:
6. Give your opinion on the urban development (a) ‘Though reform was inevitable, the Act
in India during the Mughal times. (1832) by which it was accomplished
was open to grave criticism.’
7. “The tenets of Hindu and Muslim mystics
(b) ‘The writings of the philosophers had
were similar enough that the ground was
a remendous influence on the minds of
ripe for syncretic movements involving
the people and created a revolutionary
adherents of both religions.” Elucidate.
awakening in their minds and formed
8. How would you like to characterize the the intellectual creed of the French
eighteenth century in Indian history ? Revolution.’
(c) ‘They have stopped me from making
HISTORY (MAIN) PAPER II—2005
Italy by diplomacy from the North, I
Section–A (Modern India) will make it by revolution from the
South.’
(d) ‘The Russian Revolution (1917) was an
statements in about 200 words each:
economic explosion hastened by the
(a) ‘Upon the whole, then, I conclude that stupidities of the autocratic
the treaty of Bassein was wise, just and Government.’
a politic measure.’
6. ‘What were the factors that worked in the
(b) ‘Whatever might have been its original
drafting of the American Constitution ? Do
character, it (Rebellion of 1857) soon
you agree with Beard’s view of the
became a symbol of challenge to the
constitution being an Economic Document?
mighty British power in India.’
(c) ‘The impact of government on the 7. Discuss the circumstances leading to the
people meant essentially the impact of Chinese Revolution of 1949 and analyse its
government on the village.’ significance.
(d) ‘The national democratic awakening of 8. Critically examine the various dimensions
the Indian people found expression and phases of the cold war between 1947
also in the religious sphere.’ and 1962.
2. Examine the essential principles of the HISTORY (MAIN) PAPER I—2006
Subsidiary Alliance system. How far did it
contribute in making the British Company Section-A
the supreme sovereign authority in India ? 1. Mark any fifteen of the following places on
3. Trace the development of the famine policy the map supplied to you and write short
of the British in India between 1876 and descriptive notes on the places plotted by
1921. Did it provide relief to the people ? you on the map:
4. Analyse the factors responsible for the Civil (i) Konark (xi) Anegondi
Disobedience movement (1930-31). How far (ii) Taxila (xii) Chanderi
(iii) Talikota (xiii) Arikmedu
(iv) Somnath (xiv) Kalibangan (b) “A self-sufficient village, based on
(v) Kalinjar (xv)Nagarjunakonda agriculture carried on with the
(vi) Mandu (xvi) Eran primitive plough and bullock-power,
(vii) Murshidabad (xvii) Kausambi and handicrafts by means of simple
instruments, was a basic feature of Pre-
(viii) Nalanda (xviii) Pattadakal
British Indian economy.”
(ix) Tanjore (xix) Halebid
(c) “So long as the millions live in hunger
(x) Amber (xx) Dvarsamudra and ignorance, I hold every man a
2. Discuss the changing approaches to the traitor who, having been educated at
study of early Indian History. their expense, pays not the least heed
3. Describe the expansion of the Gupta empire to them.”
under Samudragupta. (d) “I felt that if we did not accept partition,
4. Discuss the major stages in the evolution of India would be split into many bits and
architecture during the ancient period. would be completely ruined.”
Section-B 2. Examine the circumstances which led to the
Third Mysore War. Could Cornwallis have
5. Write short essays in not more than 200 avoided it?
words each on any three of the following :
(a) The Khilji Revolution 3. What do you mean by the commercialization
of Indian agriculture ? Discuss its results.
(b) Sufism in North India
(c) Religious Tolerance of Akbar 4. Account for the emergence of the left-wing
within the Congress. How far did it influence
(d) Dara Shukoh
the programme and Policy of the Congress ?
6. Bring out the main features of the
Section-B (World History)
administrative system under Delhi
Sultanate during Turko-Afghan period. 5. Comment on any three of the following
7. Write a short essay on the development of
literature during the Mughal period. (a) “No taxation without representation.”
8. Examine the factors which were responsible (b) “Colonies are like fruits which cling to
for opening and development of European the tree only till they ripen.”
trade in India during the 16th and 17th (c) “Treaty of Versailles contained the
centuries. seeds of future conflict”.
(d) “A clever conqueror will always
HISTORY (MAIN) PAPER II—2006 impose his demands on the conquered
by instalments.”
Section-A (Modern India)
6. “The Renaissance scholars laid the eggs
1. Comment on any three of the following which Luther, the father of the Reformation,
statements in about 200 words each: later on hatched.” Discuss.
(a) “Neither Alexander the Great nor
7. Critically analyse the causes and results of
Napoleon could have won the empire the Chinese Revolution of 1949.
of India by starting from Puduicherry
as a base and contending with a power 8. Give a brief account of the struggle against
which held Bengal and the command ‘Apartheid’ in South Africa.
of the Sea.”

HISTORY (MAIN) PAPER I—2007 destroyed it by alienating the Rajputs.”

Discuss critically.
Section-A
1. Mark any fifteen of the following places on
the map supplied to you and write short Section-A (Modern India)
descriptive notes on the places marked
(i) Kot digi (xi) Anuradhapura
(ii) Kalibangan (xii) Hampi
(a) “The Revolt of 1857 seemed to call the
(iii) Ahicchatra (xiii)Srirangapatnam very presence of the British into
(iv) Bhimbaitka (xiv) Puri question. What it did not do was reverse
(v) Kanauj (xv) Kolhapur these changes.”
(vi) Siddapura (xvi) Haldighati (b) “Of the evils which corroded Indian
(vii) Udayagiri (xvii) Golconda society in the nineteenth century were
(viii) Kaveripattinam (xviii) Chittagong probably those stunted its
(ix) Tiruchirapalli (xix) Chitore womanhood.”
(x) Sisupalgarh (xx) Calicut (c) “At Karachi in 1931, the Congress
2. “Reconstruction of Early Indian history is defined what Swaraj would mean for
hardly possible without the help of the masses.”
inscriptions and coins.” Discuss. (d) “There is no other instance in the
3. Write what you know of the rise and spread history of mankind of a poet and
of Buddhism before the first century A.D. philosopher working such a miracle in
4. Throw light on the condition of common shaping the destiny of his people.” (A
man in the Gupta period. Tribute to M. Iqbal)
Section-B 2. Examine the major factors shaping the
5. Write short essays in not more than 200 British land-revenue policy in India. How it
words each on any three of the following affected Indian society ?
(a) Alberuni on science in India 3. Explain the circumstances leading to the
(b) The Bahamani Kingdom alliance between the Khilafat and Non-
(c) Mughal painting Cooperation Movements. Was it a politically
wise step on the part of the Congress ?
(d) Chauth & Sardeshmukhi of the
Maratha rulers 4. “With great skill and masterful diplomacy
and using both persuasion and pressure,
6. Show that the administrative system in India
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel succeeded in
reached a very high level during the Chola
integrating the hundreds of princely states
period.
with the Indian Union. Discuss.
7. “The tenets of Hindu and Muslim mystics
Section-B (World History)
were similar enough that the ground was
ripe for syncretic movements involving 5. Comment on any three of the following
adherents of both the religions.” Elucidate. statements in about 200 words each:
8. “Akbar built the Mughal Empire by enlisting (a) “No event, as encompassing as the
the support of the Rajputs, Aurangzeb French Revolution occurs in an
intellectual vacuum.”

What you will get:
 100% G.S. Syllabus Covered
 8+ Booklets
 More Than 2500+ Pages
 Guidance & Support from Our Experts
Our Objectives:
 Firstly to cover 100% civil service Mains examination (IAS) syllabus.
 Secondly to compile all the required study materials in a single place, So to save the precious time of
the aspirants.
(b) “New imperialism was a nationalistic, post-Mauryan five centuries as the “Dark
not an economic phenomena.” Period” of Indian History ? Give reasons in
(c) “The War’s (First World War’s) most support of your answer.
permanent contribution to the spirit of 4. How do recent archaeological findings and
the post-War years was disillusion.” Sangam literary texts enlighten us about the
(d) “NATO in many ways symbolized the early state and society in South India ?
key role that the United States had come Section - B
to play in Europe.”
5. Write short essays in not more than 200
6. Give reasons for the origin of the words each on any three of the following
Renaissance in Italy.
(a) The Ahom Kingdom
7. Discuss the main characteristics of Fascism. (b) Significance of the arrival of the
8. “By the 1980s, the Communist system of the Portuguese in India
Soviet Union was incapable of maintaining (c) The ‘Corps of Forty’ and its relations
the country’s role as a Superpower.” with the Sultan
Explain this statement. (d) Evolution of the Khalsa Panth.
HISTORY (MAIN) PAPER I—2008 6. What are the manifestations of Tamil
devotional cults ? How do you account for
Section - A their growth between C. 750 and C. 1200 CE?
1. Mark any fifteen of the following places on 7. Delineate the striking features of agricultural
the map supplied to you and write short and craft production during the sixteenth
descriptive notes on the places marked by and seventeenth centuries in India. How did
you: they impact the social fabric of the country?
(i) Burzahom (ii) Banawali 8. What are the distinguishing components of
(iii) Ahar (iv) Girnar the debate on “The Eighteenth Century” ?
(v) Chandraketugarh
(vi) Brahmagiri HISTORY (MAIN) PAPER II—2008
(vii) Bayana Section - A (Modern India)
(viii) Gangai Kondacholapuram 1. Comment on any three of the following
(ix) Tamralipti (x) Muziris statements in about 200 words each
(xi) Ambari (xii) Modhera (a) “Sprung from paternalism, the English
(xiii) Devni Mori (xiv) Bhadreshwar Utilitarian philosophy as introduced in
(xv) Bundi (xvi) Gingee (Jinjee) India rejected its human warmth
(xvii) Antichak between rulers and the ruled”.
(xviii) Gaur (b) “The vernacular press in the nineteenth
century was both newspaper as well
(xix) Sasaram
as ‘viewspaper’ that enlightened the
(xx) Mahasthamgarh dormant masses”.
2. Discuss the distribution and significance of (c) “Is moral law, the law of conscience,
farming cultures outside the Indus system. higher than the law of the state, which
3. How justified are we in characterizing the is oppressive ?” (Mahatma Gandhi,
1922)

(d) “In exercising its exclusive power the HISTORY (MAIN) PAPER I—2009
Parliament additionally enacted the
Untouchability (Offences) Act in 1955.” Section - A
2. Critically examine the impact of the famine 1. Mark any ffiftten of the following places on
policy on rural India. Describe the official the map supplied to you and write short
remedial measures undertaken. descriptive notes on these places marked by
3. Write a critique on the impact of the Drain you:
Theory of Dadabhai Nauroji in the growth (i) Koldihwa (ii) Kuchai
of economic nationalism. (iii) Utnur (iv) Patne
4. Describe the changing nature of (v) Semthan (vi) Bagasra
revolutionary activities in India between (vii) Balathal (viii) Hallur
1905-1946. (ix) Kandahar (x) Ter
Section–B (World History) (xi) Uchh (xii) Gyaraspur
5. Comment on any three of the following (xiii) Uttaramerur (xiv) Lalkot
statements in about 200 words each: (xv) Sittanavasal (xvi) Mansura
(a) “ France was more fertile than Britain (xvii) Jaunpur (xviii) Daojali Hading
in producing new Socialist theories
(xix) Machilipatnam
and movements, though they bore less
concrete results in France than in (xx) Mahisadal
Britain”. 2. In what ways are the accounts of the
(b) “ Most of the European Revolutions of Graeco-Romans and the Chinese helpful in
1848 were nationalist as well as reconstructing the social history of India ?
popular insurrections against foreign How far is their information corroborated
rule and repressive policy of by other contemporary sources ?
Metternich”. 3. (a) Evaluate the various approaches to the
(c) “In the long run, the Locarno Treaty understanding of Vedic religion.
(December 1925) was destructive both (b) Give an account of the use of gold coins
of the Treaty of Versailles and of the by commoners in the Gupta period.
Covenant “.
4. Bring out the regional variations in the early
(d) “After World War II, the strategy of the
West towards Soviet bloc crystallized South Indian temples’ architectural styles.
as a ‘policy of containment”. Section – B
6. “The Enlightenment represented alternative 5. Write short essays in not more than 200
approaches to modernity, alternative habits words each on any three of the following
of mind and heart, of conscience and (a) Applicability of the term ‘Indian
sensibility.” Discuss. Feudalism’ to early Medieval society
7. Account for the factors that brought about (b) Muhammad Tughluq as an agrarian
the end of the Cold War. innovator
(c) Implications of Akbar s notion of Sulh-
8. Assess the significance of the political i - Kul
developments that took place in Eastern (d) Estimates of population of Mughal
Europe during 1989 - 2001. India

6. (a) How far can the village assemblies or became his undoing ?
communities under the Cholas be really (b) How did the East Indian Company
called democratic ? become the dejure power in India ?
(b) Assess Kalhana’s views on history. 3. (a) How did social legislation in the
7. (a) Identify the main factors that sustained nineteenth century improve the
the expansion of urban economy in the condition of women in India ?
Delhi Sultanate. (b) Analyse the social composition of the
(b) Give an estimate of Akbar as a promoter early Congress leadership.
of technology. 4. (a) Discuss as to why the Congress
8. (a) Give a critical assessment of the accepted the partition of India in 1947.
contributions of Amir Khusrau and (b) Do you think that the Quit India
Barani to Indo -Persian literature. movement was a Spontaneous
(b) “The major causes of revolts against the Revolution ?
Mughal Empire during the latter half Section - B (World History)
of the 17th century were economic,
rather than religious.” Discuss. 5. Comment on any three of the following
HISTORY (MAIN) PAPER II—2009 (a) “The capitalism which gave the
European empires their apparent
Section - A (Modern India) solidarity and permanence also
1. Comment on any three of the following hastened their downfall.”
statements in about 200 words each: (b) “In all the long annals of Imperialism,
(a) “Though the Permanent Settlement had the partition of Africa is a remarkable
serious defects, it gave tranquillity to freak.”
the countryside and stability to the
government.” (c) “Hitler did not really want a world war.
His intention was only a short war with
(b) “The Arya Samaj may quite logically Poland.” (A. J. P. Taylor)
be pronounced as the outcome of
conditions imported into India by the (d) “Arab nationalism and oil - there were
west.” (Lala Lajpat Rai ) the principal factors in complicating the
(c) “Please remember, in granting separate relations of middle eastern countries
electorates we are sowing the dragon’s with the outside world.”
teeth and the harvest will be bitter.” 6. (a) Discuss the emergence of neo-
(Morley) imperialism in the late nineteenth
(d) “The annexation of Awadh shook the century.
loyalty of the Sepoys, as it was for them (b) What was the extent of
an ultimate proof of untrustworthiness industrialization in Western Europe by
of the British.” the end of the nineteenth century?
2. (a) Why was Mysore-considered a threat 7. (a) How did Napoleon Bonaparte fuse the
by the British to their possessions and old France with the new?
mercantile interests in the south. Do you (b) Why did Vietnam go through thirty
think that Tipu Sultan’s posturing years of war after the second world


war? 5. Write short notes in not more than 200 words
8. (a) Account for the overthrow of the Tsarist each on any three of the following:
regime in Russia. (a) Provide a comparative analysis of the
(b) Examine the peace – keeping efforts of development of Arabic and Persian
the United Nations Organization. historiography.
(b) Discuss social dynamics in the
HISTORY (MAIN) PAPER I—2010 Vijayanagara empire.
(c) Discuss different types of Karkhanas
Section A
in Mughal India. How was the
1. Mark the following places on the map production organized in the
supplied to you and write short descriptive Karkhanas?
notes on them:
(d) Critically evaluate various approaches
(i) Korkai (ii) Eran to study medieval Indian town.
(iii) Birbhanpur (iv) Rakhigarhi 6. (a) Examine the increasing importance of
(v) Sannati (vi) Isipattan maritime trade of India during
(vii) Dhanyakataka (viii) Junnar thirteenth to fifteenth centuries.
(ix) Edakkal (x) Paithan (b) To what extent “monetary anaemia”
(xi) Pandu Rajar Dhibi afflicted the erstwhile commercial
(xii) Karle economy during the early medieval
(xiii) Vatapi period?
(xiv) Porkalam 7. (a).Comment on the Turco-Mongol theory of
(xv) Kalanjar sovereignty. To what extent was it
adopted by Babur and Humayun?
(xvi) Multan
(xvii) Bairat (xviii) Chanhudaro (b) How did Shivaji organize his
administration and finances to
(xix) Rajim (xx) Tripuri
consolidate his power?
2. (a) To what extent archaeological
8. (a) What was Indian response to European
materials are useful in understanding
the progress of neolithic man in India? Technology?
(b) How far do you agree with the view
(b). Examine the significance of the deities that the temples in the early medieval
depicted on the coins of the Kushanas. period were catalysts in spreading
3. (c) Examine the’ view that the sacrifice was education?
a ritual and a form of social exchange
in Vedic India.
(b). Assess the role of guilds’ and trade Section-A ( Modern India )
organizations in the development of
1. Critically evaluate the following statements
early Indian economy.
in about 200 words each :
4. What light do early inscriptions and
(a) “The educated middle class in the 19th
literature throw on the status of women in
century often found the domain of
politico-socio-economic spheres ?
reason to be oppressive, as it implied
Section B the historical necessity of `civilizing’

Study Kit for Preliminary Examinations:
 IAS (Pre) GS Paper 1
http://iasexamportal.com/civilservices/study-kit/ias-pre/csat-paper-1
 IAS (Pre) GS Paper 2

http://iasexamportal.com/civilservices/study-kit/ias-pre/csat-paper-2
 आई. . . ( ) 2014 -1
http://iasexamportal.com/civilservices/study-kit/ias-pre/csat-paper-1-hindi
 आई. . . ( - ) 2014 -2
http://iasexamportal.com/civilservices/study-kit/ias-pre/csat-paper-2-hindi
Study Kit for Mains Examinations:

 Contemporary Issues
http://iasexamportal.com/civilservices/study-kit/contemporary-issues-ias-mains
 Public Administration
http://iasexamportal.com/civilservices/study-kit/ias-mains-public-adminstration
 Essay Writing
http://iasexamportal.com/civilservices/study-kit/essay-mains
 English Grammar & Comprehension

http://iasexamportal.com/civilservices/study-kit/ias-mains-english-compulsory
 History
http://iasexamportal.com/civilservices/study-kit/ias-mains-history
 Philosophy
http://iasexamportal.com/civilservices/study-kit/ias-mains-philosophy
 Sociology
http://iasexamportal.com/civilservices/study-kit/ias-mains-sociology
 General Studies
Study Kit for UPSC Other Examinations:

 Armed Police Forces (CAPF)
http://iasexamportal.com/civilservices/study-kit/capf
Study Kit for Other One Day Examinations:
 SSC Combined Graduate Level (Tier - I)
http://sscportal.in/community/study-kit/cgl
 ( -1)
http://sscportal.in/community/study-kit/cgl/tier-1-hindi
 SSC Combined Graduate Level Examination (Tier - II)

http://sscportal.in/community/study-kit/cgl-tier-2
 SSC Combined Higher Secondary Level (10+2) Examination

http://sscportal.in/community/study-kit/chsle
 IBPS Specialist Officer Study Kit

http://bankpoclerk.com/community/study-kit/ibps-specialist-officer
 IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) Study Kit

http://bankpoclerk.com/community/study-kit/ibps-po
 IBPS Clerk Study Kit

http://bankpoclerk.com/community/study-kit/ibps-clerk
For Full Information about Study Kits Click below Link:

http://iasexamportal.com/civilservices/study-kit
colonial rule.” (b) “All long marches begin with small
(b) “Railway development in India steps.”
provides an interesting instance of (c) “The essence of Perestroika is for people
private enterprise at public risk” to feel they are the country’s master.”
(c). “The active participation of Arena Asaf 6. (a) How far is it correct to say that every
Ali in 1942 movement symbolized the feature of American Constitution was
role of women in India’s freedom ultimately of English origin?
struggle.” (b) What do you understand by
2. (a). “In terms of the administrative Imperialism? State briefly its unique
structure, the Government of India Act features in the case of Africa.
of 1858, … meant more continuation (c) To what extent did Napoleon’s
than change.” Do you agree? economic war with England become his
Substantiate. undoing?
(b) “Punjab’s fate after Ranjit Singh was 7. (a) Critically examine the Dutch colonial
foredoomed as the impulse of neo- policy in Indonesia.
Victorian Imperialism was bound to (b) “Europe faced peace in 1945 politically
overwhelm “ Elucidate. disorganized and economically
(c) ‘The developments during 1937-1939 crippled.” Elaborate.
greatly undermined the ability of the 8. (a) “The Eastern Question has always been
Indian National Congress to push an international question.” Elucidate.
through the agenda of national unity.”
(b). Explain the circumstances leading to
Comment.
the emergence of Third World and
3. (a). What role did the economic ideas play; analyze its impact on world affairs.
the early phase of the British rule in the
shaping of land tenure policy? HISTORY (MAIN) PAPER I—2011
(b) Discuss the extent to which the Indian
Renaissance movement contributed Section-A ( Modern India)
towards the rise of nationalist 1. Mark the following places on the map
consciousness. supplied to you and write short descriptive
4. (a) To what extent did the process of notes on them: 3 × 20 = 60
commercialization of agriculture affect (i) Chirand (ii) Kargil
the rural scene in India? (iii) Basohli (iv) Lalitgiri
(b) Discuss the factors that led to the (v) Mandu (vi) Penukonda
growth of Dalit consciousness and (vii) Samugarh (viii) Vilinam
mention the major movements aimed (ix) Sigiria (x) Vikaramasila
at their empowerment. (xi) Mukhalingam
(xii) Halebid
Section-B ( World History )
(xiii) Sanghol
5. Critically evaluate the following statements (xiv) Kumbharia
in about 200 words each : (xv) Sirpur
(a) “... he (Voltaire) was living in the Age (xvi) Pangudaria
of Enlightenment ... . The age itself was (xvii) Amarkantak
not enlightened.” - E. Kant. (xviii) Kibbanhalli


(xix) Jorwe growth of regional kingdom with
(xx) Badaun special reference to the Deccan in the
2. Trace the development of urbanization from 18the century. 30
the third millennium B.C.E. to 6th century (b) Assess the contribution of the Cholas
B.C.E. 60 in the expansion of Indian culture
3. (a) Evaluate the conceptual basis of the outside India. 30
Vedic deities. 30
(b) Assess the importance of Jain tents and
their relevance to humanity. 30 SECTION A
4. (a) Evaluate the introduction of iron 1. Critically evaluate the following statements
technology in the development of in about 200 words each: 20 × 3 = 60
human history of ancient India. 20 (a) “The need for a unilateral transfer of
(b) Discuss the type of lands and the funds to Britain was a constant factor
science of agriculture mentioned in the and; in fact, progressively increased
literature and epigraphs of ancient over time.”
India. 20 (b) “Young Bengal left little distinctive or
(c) Assess Ellora as a unique art centre of permanent impression on the plane of
the different culture streams. 20 religion and philosophy.”
SECTION ‘B’ (c) “The emergence of left-wing group in
the Congress radicalized its social and
5. Write short notes in not more than 200 words economic agendas.”
on the following: 20 × 3 = 60
(a) Assess the contribution of Iltutmish for 2. (a) “The Charter Act of 1833 rung down
the expansion and consolidation of the the curtain on the Company’s trade and
Delhi Sultanate. introduced a new concept of
(b) Examine critically the agrarian and government in India,” Substantiate.
economic reforms of Alauddin Khalji. 20
How did it strengthen the Sultanate? (b) “Orientalism produced a knowledge of
(c) What is your assessment of Ibn the past to service the needs of the
batutah’s Rehla as an important source Colonial State.” Elucidate. 20
of Indian history. (c) “The vernacular press in nineteenth
6. Evaluate the soico-economic conditions century India served not just as
from the Gupta Period to 1200 C.E. as gleaned newspapers but more importantly as
from the various types of grants or dana views-papers.” Comment. 20
shasana. 60 3. (a) “In 1857, the robel sepoys showed a
7. (a) Mughal paintings reflect the remarkable centripetal tendency to
contemporary socio-political congregate at Delhi.” Do you agree?
conditions. —Discuss. 30 Substantiate. 30
(b) Examine the mansab and and jagir (b) “Tribals revolted more often and far
system by Akbar and its subsequent more violently than any other
failure in the 18th century. 30 community including peasants in
8. (a) Discuss the causes of the rise and India.” Elaborate. 30

4. (a) “Nehru’s ‘Temple of Modern India’ the proponents of European unity after
consisted not only of steel and power the collapse of Soviet Empire in Eastern
plants, irrigation dams, but included Europe. 30
institutions of higher learning,
particularly in the scientific fields,” HISTORY (MAIN) PAPER I—2012
Elaborate. 30
Section-A ( Modern India)
(b) Would you agree that India’s effort to
pursue and independent foreign policy 1. Identify the following places marked on the
was a highlight of post-1947 polities? map supplied to you and write short notes
30 of about 40 words on each of them in your
answer book. Locational hints for each of
SECTION B the places marked on the map are given
5. Critically evaluate the following statements below seriatim: 3 × 20 = 60
in about 200 words each: 20 × 3 = 60 (i) A prehistoric state
(a) “The promptings of the heart are more (ii) A chalcolithic site
to be trusted than the logic of the mind.” (iii) A religious centre
— Rousseau.
(iv) A prehistoric site
(b) “The peace of Versailles lacked moral
(v) An art centre
validity from the start.”
(c) “The collapse of Berlin Wall in 1989 (vi) A prehistoric site
brought new ideas of co-operation in (vii) An art centre
Europe.” (viii) A port
6. (a) “The roots of Chartism are party (ix) A capital town
political and party economic.” (x) A prehistoric site
Elaborate. 20 (xi) A post Mauryan town
(b) “Whoever says Industrial Revolution, (xii) An art centre
says cotton.” Comment. 20 (xiii) A prehistoric site
(c) “By 1914, the sick man of Europe was (xiv) A chalcolithic site
no longer just Turkey: it was Europe (xv) A chalcolithic site
itself,” Explain. 20 (xvi) A chalcolithic site
7. (a) Explain how American imperialism in (xvii) A prehistoric site
Philippines differed with European (xviii) An art centre
imperialism in Indonesia and Indo-
(xix) A chalcolithic site
China. 30
(xx) A chalcolithic site
(b) How did the policy of appeasement
escalate the problem of Nazi 2. (a) Evaluate the significance of scals and
aggrandizement? 30 sealing in the reconstruction of socio-
economic and religious life of the
8. (a) Would you argue that Non-Aligned Harappan people. 30
Movement played a crucial role in
promoting a climate of peace? 30 (b) Justify Pliny’s statement that Rome was
being drained out of its gold by India
(b) Examine the challenges confronted by during the first century of the Christian


era. 30 in the growth of urbanization under the
3. (a) Discuss the extent, settlement pattern Cholas. 30
and subsistence economy of the (b) How did the Mongol invasions affect
megalithic cultures. 30 the Delhi Sultanate the north-western
(b) Assess the education system in early frontier policy of the Delhi Sultans?30
India and identify important 8. (a) State the structure of medieval village
educational institutions of the period. society in Northern India. What were
30 the passive forms of resistance of the
4. (a) Examine the role of adhyaksa in the peasants in the medieval period? 30
Mauryan administration. 30 (b) How was the Afgan nobility
(b) Analyse the vibrant cultural activities responsible for the decline of the
in peninsular India during 550-750 CE. Afghan empires? Discuss. 30
Compare and contrast in with the
situation in contemporary North India.
30 SECTION A
SECTION ‘B’ (Modern India)
5. Write the short notes in not more than 150 1. Critically examine the following statements
words on each of the following: 12 × 5 = 60 in about 150 words each: 12 × 5 = 60
(a) Evaluate Rajtarangini as a source of (a) “The current practice of categorization
history. of ‘Early Modern India’ is based on a
shift from the old imperialist
(b) Medieval Indian towns were merely an
periodization of ‘Muslim India’ —
extension of villages. Comment.
‘British India’ to the more secularist one
(c) Assess the contribution of the Acharyas of ‘Medieval India’ — ‘Modern India’,
in the development of the ideological which puts Indian history in a
basis of Bhakti. universalists chronological structure.”
(d) Discuss the Caurapancashika and Jain (b) “Compared to their English
styles of paintings. Can the counterpart, the French East India
Caurapancashika style truly be called Company enjoyed little discretionary
the precursor of pothi format? power and had to always look up to
(e) Give social background to the rise of Paris for all major decisions. This partly
the Maratha movement during the explains the failure of the French in
seventeenth century. India.”
6. (a) (a)What king of change were visualized (c) “The peasant movement of the second
by historians on Indian feudalism? half of the nineteenth century lacked a
Examine critically. 30 positive conception of an alternative
(b) Analyse the racial composition and the society — a conception which would
role of nobility under the successors of unite the people in a common struggle
Iltutmish. How did it affect the on a wide regional and all-India plane
contemporary polities? 30 and help develop long-term political
developments.”
7. (a) Evaluate the role of nadu and nagaram
(d) “Plantations and mines, jute mills,

banking, insurance, shipping and colonial Indian and gave rise to the
export-import concerns in India were understanding that environmental
run through a system of interlocking issues are often women’s issues because
managing agencies.” they suffer most from the its
(e) “Nehru’s policy of Non-Alignment deterioration.” — Explain 30
came to symbolize the struggle of India SECTION ‘B’
and other newly independent nations World History
to retain and strengthen their
independence from colonialism.” 5. Critically examine the following statements
in about 150 words each: 12 × 5 = 60
2. (a) “The forces of free trade and the British
determination of create a political and (a) “The despotic rules of Europe were
administrative environment conductive influenced by the philosophy of
to trade and investment had shaped the Enlighten and began to follow a
British polity towards Indian in the benevolent policy toward their
first half of the nineteenth century.” — subjects.”
Elucidate. 30 (b) “The American Revolution was
essentially an economic conflict
(b) “The contact of the new Indian middle between American capitalism and
class with the West proved to be a British mercantilism.
catalyst. The social and religious
movements launched by Rammohan or (c) “The connection between the
Iswar Charidra Vidyasagar have to be philosophers’ ideas and the outbreak
understood in the context.” — of the French Revolution (1789) is
Elaborate. 30 somewhat remote and indirect.”
(d) “The process of industrialization in
3. (a) “The railways, instead of serving as the
some other countries of Europe was
catalyst of an industrial revolution as
different from that in England.”
in Western Europe and the USA, acted
in India as the catalyst of complete (e) “With the Cold War over and the Soviet
colonization’.”— Examine 30 Union gone, the face of international
diplomacy has undergone a
(b) “The Santhal hool began in July 1855. metamorphosis.”
The core of the movement was
6. (a) “The impact of the French Revolution
economic, the basic cause of the
uprising was agrarian discount.” — (1789) was initially confined to Europe,
Elucidate. 30 but, that of the Russian Revolution
(1917) was global.” — Critically review.
4. (a) “Nehru favoured the policy of 30
integrating the tribal people in Indian
society, of making them an integral part (b) “Any single explanation for the
of the Indian nation even while outbreak of the First World War is likely
maintaining their distinct identity and to be too simple. An amalgam of factors
culture.” — Elaborate with special intellectual, social, economic as well as
reference to Northeastern India. 30 political and diplomatic contributed to
this horrifying conflict f monumental
(b) “The Chipko became famous as the first proportions.” — Explain. 30
major environmental movement in post-


7. (a) How did Napoleon fuse the France of
the ancient regime with the France of
the post-revolutionary era? 30
(b) Was German unification achieved more
by ‘coal and iron’ than by ‘blood and
iron’? 30
8. (a) “The announcement of the certain of the
Peoples’ Republic of China on October
1, 1949 by Mao Zedong ended the civil
war between the Chinese Communist
Party (CCP) and the Nationalist Party
(KMT).” — Elaborate. 30
(b) “The Arab nationalism had a peculiar
character. It stood for national
independence for separate Arab States
as well as for the unity of all Arabs
irrespective of their state boundaries.”
— Examine. 30

History Uncategorized Question Paper – 2013
INDIAN HISTORY I—2013 Philosopher. 2.5

Section-A (xviii) Historical Rock cut caves. 2.5
1. Identity the following places marked on the (xix) Famous Fort. 2.5
outline map in the question-cum-Answer (xx) Capital of famous Kingdom 2.5
Booklet supplied to you and write short
2. (a) Evaluate various views regarding
notes of about 30 words on each of them in
human settlements as gleaned from the Vedic
the space provided in the Booklet.
sources. 20
Locational hints for each of the place marked
on the map are given below seriatim:- (b) Discuss the water management and its
conservation planning in the Harappan
2.5 × 20 = 50
(Indus-Saraswati) cities. 20
(i) A Paleolithic and Mesolithic site
2.5 (c) In the absence of a written script
Chalcolithic pottery gives us a fascinating
(ii) A Mesolithic site 2.5
insight into the culture and life style of the
(iii) An important halting place. 2.5 people of those times. Comment critically
(iv) A Pre-Harappan site. 2.5 15
(v) An important Harappan site 2.5 3. (a) On the basis of contemporary sources
(vi) Site of important fossils 2.5 assess the nature of banking and usuary in
(vii) A Seat port 2.5 ancient India. 15
(viii) A Paleolithic site 2.5 (b) Social norms for women in the
(ix) A Neolithic, Megalithic an Chalcolithic Dharmasastra and Arthasastra tradition
site. 2.5 were framed in accordance with the
(x) A Harappan site. 2.5 Varnashrma tradition. Evaluate critically.
(xi) A Palaeolithic site. 2.5 20
(xii) A Neolithic Site. 2.5 (c) “The varna concept may always have
(xiii) A Chalcolithic site 2.5 been largely a theoretical model and never
an actual description of society.” Comment
(xiv) A Chalcolithic Site 2.5
in the context of Ancient India. 15
(xv) A site of Budhist Monastery. 2.5
4. (a) Evaluate the contribution of the Puranas
(xvi) Painted Grey Ware site. 2.5
is disseminating secular knowledge among
(xvii) Site related to a famous Indian masses in ancient India. 15

(b) Evaluate the ownership of land in 8. (a) Analyze how the political process of
ancient India on the basis of literacy and state formation of Mewar from 10th – 15th
epigraphic sources. 15 century CE was challenged in the 16th
(c) Explain as to how the early Budhist century CE by the imperialist policy of
Stupa art, while using folk motifs and Akbar. 15
narratives and common cultural symbols, (b) Assess the Lekhapadhati as an important
succeeded in transforming these themes for source for evaluating the society and
expounding the Budhist ideals. 20 economy of the thirteenth century CE with
Section-B special reference to Gujarat. 15
5. Write short notes in not more than 150 words (c) Assess the development of Science and
on each of the following: - 10 × 5 = 50 Technology in the Mughal period. 20
(a) Evaluate the Malfuzat texts as sources INDIAN HISTORY II—2013
of medieval history.10 Section-A
(b) Discuss the state of society and 1. Critically examine the following statements
economy of the Bahmani kingdom as in about 150 words each: 10 × 5 = 50
gleaned from historical sources. 10
(a) “Duplex made a cardinal blunder in
(c) Give a sketch of Indian trade with looking for the key of India in Madras:
Europe during the Mughal period. 10 Clive sought and found it in Bengal.”
(d) Analyze the steps taken by Razia (b) Swami Vivekananda opined that “We
Sultan to strengthen her position as an should give our ancient spirituality
independent ruler despite the various and culture and get in return Western
obstacles. 10 Science, technology, methods of raising
(e) Bhakti and mysticism of Lal Deb the standard of life, business integrity
emerged as a social force in Kashmir. and technique of collective effort.”
Comment 10 (c) “Ryotwari falls into three stages – early,
6. (a) Evaluate the conditions of industries in middle and late, and the only
India from 1200 — 1500 CE. 20 description common to all is that it is
(b) On the basis of contemporary sources mode of settlement with small farmers,
evaluate the system of agriculture and so small, indeed, that their average
irrigation of the Vijaynagar kingdom. 15 holding is, on recent figures, only about
6.5 acres.”
(c) Critically evaluate the educational
(d) “Many of us who worked for the
development during the Sultanate period.
Congress programme lived in a kind of
15
intoxication during the year 1921. We
7. (a) On the basis of the accounts of Europeans were full the excitement and optimism.
bring out the agrarian crisis on the 17th We had a sense of freedom and a pride
century CE India. 20 in that freedom.”
(b) Evaluate critically the conditions of (e) “Gandhi’s body is in jail but his soul
labour 1200-1500 CE on the basis of in with you, India’s prestige is in your
historical sources. 15 hands, you must not use any violence
(c) Discuss and evaluate critically various under any circumstances. You will be
trends in the historiography of Bhakti. 15 beaten but you must not resist; you must

What you will Get (?)
 General Studies (Paper – I, II, III & IV) Online 100 % Reading Material of the
Syllabus (Which can be saved easily)
 Slides (For Giving Summary of Each Topics)
 Categorized Unit and Sub-Unit Wise Question Papers of General Studies
 Current General Studies Magazine (Indispensable Magazine for General Studies)
 Daily Answer Writing Challenge for IAS Mains Contemporary Issues
 It is full of tips on areas of emphasis, caution while reading and writing , how to
write the answer (?) .
 Model Test Question Paper for General Studies - I, II, III and IV for Mains Exam
2015
 Online and Telephonic interaction with the course director, and continuous
evaluation through a regular online writing session in every chapter and topic.
http://iasexamportal.com/civilservices/courses/ias-mains-gs-combo
not raise a hand to ward off blows.” rationalizing the political map of India
2. (a) “Weaving”, says R. C. Dutt, “was the without seriously weakening its unity. If
national industry of the people spinning was anything, its result has been functional, in
the pursuit of millions of women.” Indian as much at it removed what had been a major
textiles went to England and other parts of source of discord, and created homogeneous
Europe, to China and Japan and Burma and political units which could be administered
Arabia and Persia and parts of Africa. through a medium that the vast majority of
Elucidate. 25 the population understood. Indeed, it can
be said with the benefit of hindsight that
(b) “The first point to note is the continuing language, rather than being a force for
importance of religion and philosophy as division, has proved a commenting and
vital ingredients in the modern Indian integrating influence.” Examine. 25
Renaissance. Indeed, there is as much reason
for regarding it as a reformation as there is Section-B
for treating it as a Renaissance.” Critically 5. Critically examine the following statements
examine. 25 in about 150 words each: 10 × 5 = 50
3. (a) “At the dawn of the twentieth century (a) “For Kant, Enlightenment is mankind’s
Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India, was full final coming of age, the emancipation
of hostility towards the Indian Congress and of the human consciousness from an
he confidentially reported to the Secretary immature state of ignorance and error.”
of State in November 1900: My own belief is (b) “Six hundred thousand men had died.
that the Congress is tottering to its fall, and The union was preserved, the slaves
one of my greatest ambitions while in India freed. A nation ‘conceived in liberty and
is to assist it to a peaceful demise.” Examine. dedicated to the proposition that all
25 men are created equal’ had survived its
(b) “Thought the Act of 1919 was superseded most terrible ordeal.”
by that of 1935, the preamble to the former (c) “Colonialism not only deprives a
was not repealed – the preservation of the society of its freedom and its wealth,
smile of the Cheshire cat after its but of its very character, leaving its
disappearance, and the latter said nothing people intellectually and morally
about Dominion Status:” Elucidate. 25 disoriented.”
4. (a) “Notwithstanding the quest for (d) “If the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution in
modernity and the antagonism that guided Russia (that resulted in the creation of
Nehru’s attitude towards the inequalities the Union of Soviet Republics or Soviet
inherent in the social structure in rural India, Union) inaugurated an international
the Congress Party did not carry out a competition for the hearts and minds
concerted campaign against discrimination of people all over the globe the Chinese
based on caste. Nehru’s own perception was Revolution raised the stakes of the
the industrial growth was bound to break struggle.”
the stranglehold of this feudal remnant. (e) “Decolonization has finished. It
This, however, did not happen in India”. definitely belongs to the past. Yet
Examine. 25 somehow it has refused to become
history.”
(b) “The reorganization resulted in


6. (a) “In spite of the careful framing of the (b) “By the 1980s the Communist system of
Character, the role of UNO as peacekeeper the Soviet Union was incapable of
and international mediator has been maintaining the country’s role as
somewhat lackluster and muted and that Superpower.” Elucidate. 25
continues to be so even after the end of Cold 8. (a) “The European Union is the new sick
War.” Elucidate. 25 man of Europe”. Critically evaluate. 25
(b) “Change in Britain came comparatively (b) “There must be an end to white monopoly
peacefully through democratic process in the on political power, and a fundamental
first half of the nineteenth century and a restructuring of our political and economic
model of a functioning democracy through systems to ensure that the inequalities of
ballot box was successfully put in place.” apartheid and addressed and our society
Elaborate. 25 thoroughly democratized.” Discuss 25
7. (a) “New imperialism was a nationalistic,
not an economic phenomena.” Critically
examine. 25

History Uncategorized Question Paper – 2014
PAPER–I statements based on hearsay and those

1. Identify the following places marked on the grounded in perceptive observations.”
map supplied to you and write a short note Elaborate with examples.
of about 30 words on each of them in your (b) “The Upanishadic principles embody the
Question-cum Answer Booklet. Locational epitome of the Vedic thought Discuss.
hints for each of the places marked on the (c) Review critically the evolution of different
map are given below seriatim : schools of art in the Indian subcontinent
(i) An ancient capital between the second century BCE and the
(ii) A Palaeolithic site third century CE, and evaluate the socio-
(iii) A cultural centre religious factors responsible for it.
(iv) An ancient capital 3. (a) In what ways can the Megalithic culture
(v) A Palaeolithic site be considered a foundational phase of the
(vi) A historical site history of peninsular India ?
(vii) A Harappan site (b) Do you think the Harappan civilization
(viii) An ancient capital had a diversity of subsistence base ?
(ix) A political and cultural centre (c) Discuss different interpretations of
(x) A Megalithic site historians about the nature of Ashok’s
‘Dhamma’. Did his principle of ‘Dhamma-
(xi) A Mesolithic site
vijaya’ render the Mauryan Empire
(xii) A Chalcolictic site militaristically weak?
(xiii) A prehistoric site
4. (a) Buddha’s teachings to a large extent
(xiv) A political and cultural centre could be helpful in understanding and
(xv) An ancient resolving the problem of today’s society.
(xvi) A lost port Analyse critically.
(xvii) Rock-cave art centre (b) Discuss the provincial and district
(xviii) An ancient capital administrative units of the Gupta Empire
(xix) A political and cultural centre with the designations and functions of the
(xx) An ancient town officers.
2. (a) “While using the accounts of foreign (c) What were the privileges granted to the
writers, historians must distinguish between donees in land – grant charters of early


India? How far were these charters (c) “India had been for hundreds of years
responsible for integration or disintegration the Lancashire of the Eastern world.”
of socio-political milieu? Critically examine this view.
5. Answer the following question in about 150 PAPER–II
words each : 1. (a) “Plassey did not complete the British
(a) Critically analyse the agricultural conquest of India. Had the English been
economy from 750 to 1200 CE. convincingly defeated in any subsequent
(b) Evaluate the contribution of Vaishnava battle in India, then (the battle of) Plassey
saints to the growth of medieval Bhakti would have remained as a minor episode in
literature. the history of India.”
(c) Analyse the ordinances mentioned by (b) “Montague-Chelmsford reform
Barani which Alauddin Khalji proposals introduced ‘dyarchy’ but blurred
promulgated for market control. the lines of responsibility.”
(d) Give a brief account of resistance (c) “The military, feudal and traditional
offered by Ahom State against the overtones of the Revolt of 1857 were
Mughal rule. overshadowed by its nationalist or proto-
(e) How was Cartaz system used by the nationalist character.”
Portuguese to maintain their control
(d) “The ‘safely-valve thesis’ does not
over the oceanic trade?
adequately explain the birth of the Indian
6. (a) Evaluating various theories regarding the National Congress in 1885.”
Chola State, throw light on its village
(e) “M.K. Gandhi made a gross mistake in
assemblies.
championing the Khilafat cause an extra-
(b) Trace the technological and stylistic territorial issue which cut at the very roots
development in the architecture of the of Indian nationality.”
Sultanate period.
2. (a) “The Dual System of Government was a
(c) Analyse the Mughal monetary system complete failure from the outset. In the first
and examine their policy of minting of coins. place, the abuse of the private trade reached
7. (a) Evaluate the ‘Kitab al-Hind’ of Alberuni a greater height than over. In the second
as a source of history of India. place, the demands of the Company for the
increase led to gross oppression of the
(b) Evaluating the theory of kingship of the
peasantry.”
Sultanate, discuss the deviations seen in the
reigns of different Sultans. (b) “………….instead of rejecting the plan
(Cabinet Mission Plan), they (the Congress
(C) “The Battle of Plassey that decided the
Leadership) resorted to a half-baked
fate of Bengal was won by Clive through
legalistic stratagem to reserve their position
intrigues.” Explain.
on its long-term arrangements and accepted
8. (a) To what extent is ‘Sagmentary State its short-term provisions.” Critically
model relevant for defining the Vijayanagar examine.
State? Critically examine.
(c) “Dalit Movements for empowerment in
(b) How are Iqta system of the Sultans independent India have essentially been for
different from the Jagir system under the carving out political space through electoral
Mughals? politics.” “iscuss.
3. (a) “Politics remained for the bulk of the (e) “The Russo-Japanese War helped in the
Moderates very much a part-time affair. The rise of japan as great power.”
Congress was not a political party, but an 6. (a) “American Revolution seems to have
annual three-day show………” Elucidate. come with remarkable suddenness. A roster
(b) “The Anti-Partition Agitation (1909) had of talented leaders emerged during 1763 to
an economic character in Bengal unlike the 1775 to make it happen.” Elucidate.
Extremist Agitation in Maharashtra which (b) “If we were to define our conception of
had a religious character.” Examine. the States, our answer would be that the
(c) “Sardar Patel accomplished a silent State is the banker of the poor. The
revolution by ensuring the absorption and government would finance and supervise
assimilation of a multitude of principalities the purchase of productive equipments and
without shedding even a drop of blood.” the formation of social workshops.” In light
Elucidate. of the above statements of Louis Blanc, throw
4. (a) “Though Sri Ramakrishna became the light on the Pre-Marxist Socialist Thought
prophet of neo-Hinduism, he never claimed in Europe.
to have founded any new religion.” (c) To what extent did the expansion of
Elaborate. European Powers in the late 19th century
(b) “Why did the British finally quit India help in the modernization of Africa?
on 15th August. 1947? The Imperialist 7. (a) “The Declaration of Rights was the death-
answer is that independence was simply the warrant of the system of privilege, and so of
fulfulment of Britain’s self-appointed the ancient regime………..Yet in the history
mission to assist the Indian people to self- of ideas it belonged rather to the past than to
government.” Examine. the future.” Examine.
(c) To what extent did the Freedom (b) Critical examine the socio-cultural and
Movement in India influence the Liberation economic impact of migration in Europe and
Movement in Africa? Asia in the 18th and 19th centuries.
5. (a) “Rousseau strove to reconcile the liberty (c) Discuss the circumstances leading the
of the individual and the institution of Suez, Crisis of 1956 and examine its
Government through a new vision of the repercussions on global politics.
Contract-Theory of Government.” 8. (a) “Europe was eclipsed through European
(b) “The commercial and industrial interests folly due to the two world wars.” Elucidate.
created a veritable hothouse atmosphere in (b) “The language of narrow nationalism
Europe for the establishment of colonies.” held at. Frankfurt destroyed the German
(c) “Enlightened despots (Europe) were not Revolution; as the fatal idea of
necessarily politically liberal.” aggrandizement of the House of Savoy.
(d) “…………….the passing of the ‘Reform Destroyed the Italian Revolution.” Discuss.
Act’ marked the real beginning of modern (c) Discuss the nature of American overseas
party organization in England……… In a expansion in Asia and explain the
real sense, the present political system of consequences.
England dates from 1832.”

Online Course for Civil Services Preliminary Examination
 Online Coaching for CSAT Paper - 1 (GS)
http://iasexamportal.com/civilservices/courses/ias-pre/csat-paper-1
 Online Coaching for CSAT Paper - 2 (CSAT)

 ( – 1)
http://iasexamportal.com/civilservices/courses/ias-pre/csat-paper-1-hindi
 (CSAT) ( - 2)
http://iasexamportal.com/civilservices/courses/ias-pre/csat-paper-2-hindi
Online Course for Civil Services Mains Examination

 General Studies Mains (NEW PATTERN - Paper 2,3,4,5)
http://iasexamportal.com/civilservices/courses/ias-mains-gs
 Public Administration for Mains

http://iasexamportal.com/civilservices/courses/ias-mains-pub-ad
Online Course for One Day Examination

 Online Coaching for SSC CGL (Tier-1) Exam
http://sscportal.in/community/courses/ssc-cgl-tier-1
 SSC Online Coaching

http://sscportal.in/community/courses/ssc-cgl-tier-1-hindi
For Full Information about Online Coaching Click below Link:

http://iasexamportal.com/civilservices/courses
Online Coaching for IAS PRE General Studies
What candidate will get:
1. All the relevant and required materials of subjects mention in the GS syllabus like:
 100% IAS Exam Syllabus Covered with MCQs.

 History of India and Indian National Movement.
 Indian and World Geography - Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World.
 Indian Polity and Governance - Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights
Issues, etc.
 Economic and Social Development -Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics,
Social Sector initiatives, etc.
 General issues on Environmental Ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change - that do not require
subject specialisation
 General Science.
 Current Affairs.
2. Home assignment: where Multiple Choice Questions of the learned chapters will be
given for selfevaluation.
3. Important current affairs materials for civil services preliminary examination will be
provided
4. Online Tests will be conducted after the end of each subject.
5. At the end of your course, five comprehensive test will be conducted to evaluate your
performance.
Click Here to Join IAS (Pre.) Online Coaching:


10 Year Papers History Optional PDF

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

10 Year Papers History Optional PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Important Books for IAS Mains Exam:

History (Main) Topic Wise Paper 1

HISTORY (MAIN) PAPER I—2002 8. Explain the principal features of architecture

Study Kit in Hard Copy for IAS Mains Exam:

Study Kit in Hard Copy for IAS Mains Exam:

History (Main) Topic Wise Paper 3

Study Kit in Hard Copy for IAS Mains Exam:

Study Kit in Hard Copy for IAS Mains Exam:

History (Main) Topic Wise Paper 5

Study Kit in Hard Copy for IAS Mains Exam:

History (Main) Topic Wise Paper 7

HISTORY (MAIN) PAPER I—2007 destroyed it by alienating the Rajputs.”

Study Kit in Hard Copy for IAS Mains Exam:

History (Main) Topic Wise Paper 9

Study Kit in Hard Copy for IAS Mains Exam:

Study Kit in Hard Copy for IAS Mains Exam:

History (Main) Topic Wise Paper 11

Study Kit in Hard Copy for IAS Mains Exam:

 IAS (Pre) GS Paper 2

Study Kit for Mains Examinations:

 English Grammar & Comprehension

Study Kit for UPSC Other Examinations:

 SSC Combined Graduate Level Examination (Tier - II)

 SSC Combined Higher Secondary Level (10+2) Examination

 IBPS Specialist Officer Study Kit

 IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) Study Kit

 IBPS Clerk Study Kit

For Full Information about Study Kits Click below Link:

Study Kit in Hard Copy for IAS Mains Exam:

History (Main) Topic Wise Paper 13

Study Kit in Hard Copy for IAS Mains Exam:

Study Kit in Hard Copy for IAS Mains Exam:

History (Main) Topic Wise Paper 15

Study Kit in Hard Copy for IAS Mains Exam:

Study Kit in Hard Copy for IAS Mains Exam:

History (Main) Topic Wise Paper 17

Study Kit in Hard Copy for IAS Mains Exam:

History Uncategorized Question Paper – 2013

INDIAN HISTORY I—2013 Philosopher. 2.5

History (Main) Topic Wise Paper 19

Study Kit in Hard Copy for IAS Mains Exam:

Study Kit in Hard Copy for IAS Mains Exam:

History (Main) Topic Wise Paper 21

Study Kit in Hard Copy for IAS Mains Exam:

History Uncategorized Question Paper – 2014

PAPER–I statements based on hearsay and those

Study Kit in Hard Copy for IAS Mains Exam:

History (Main) Topic Wise Paper 23

Study Kit in Hard Copy for IAS Mains Exam:

 Online Coaching for CSAT Paper - 2 (CSAT)

Online Course for Civil Services Mains Examination

 Public Administration for Mains

Online Course for One Day Examination

 SSC Online Coaching

For Full Information about Online Coaching Click below Link:

 100% IAS Exam Syllabus Covered with MCQs.

4. Online Tests will be conducted after the end of each subject.

Click Here to Join IAS (Pre.) Online Coaching:

You might also like