In the UPSC Civil Services Examination, History is a subject with a vast syllabus, yet it plays a decisive role in both Prelims and Mains. Every year, millions of aspirants delve into its depths, but success is reserved for those who master the art of ‘what to read’ versus ‘what to leave.’
To simplify this challenge for you, we have prepared an expert-curated list of the 20 most important and probable questions for UPSC 2025, based on intensive research and analysis of previous years’ papers. These questions are not merely fact-based; they are designed to test your analytical and critical thinking. Let’s begin this journey of knowledge.
Ancient Indian History
This section is crucial for understanding the roots of Indian civilization. Questions based on art, culture, religion, and systems of governance are frequently asked from this part.
Q1: How was the urban planning of the Indus Valley Civilization superior to its contemporary civilizations? Critically examine the major theories behind its decline.
Answer: The urban planning of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) was remarkably advanced.
- Grid-Pattern Layout: Roads intersected at right angles, dividing the city into large rectangular blocks.
- Advanced Drainage System: Every house had a private bathroom and was connected to a sophisticated, covered drainage system, showcasing a high degree of civic hygiene.
- Bipartite Division: Cities were typically divided into a raised ‘Citadel’ for administrative buildings and a ‘Lower Town’ for common residences.
- Standardized Bricks: The use of burnt bricks of a standardized ratio (4:2:1) distinguished it from Mesopotamia and Egypt, which primarily used sun-dried bricks.
Theories of Decline: There is no single cause for its decline. The ‘Aryan Invasion Theory’ (Mortimer Wheeler) is now largely discredited. Multi-causal factors like climate change, the drying up of the Sarasvati river, recurrent floods, and a decline in trade are more accepted, pointing towards a gradual collapse rather than a sudden one.
Q2: What was the concept of Ashoka’s ‘Dhamma’? To what extent was it successful in holding his empire together?
Answer: Ashoka’s ‘Dhamma’ was not a religion but a moral code of conduct. Its objective was to establish harmony and unity within the vast and diverse Mauryan empire.
Key elements of Dhamma: Respect for elders, kindness to slaves and servants, non-violence (ahimsa), and religious tolerance.
Evaluation of Success: In the short term, Dhamma helped bring peace and stability after the Kalinga War. However, in the long term, it could not prevent the disintegration of the empire, which was caused by weak successors, an over-centralized administration, and financial pressures. Dhamma was a powerful unifying force, but not a permanent solution to political fragmentation.
Q3: Why is the Gupta period often called the ‘Golden Age’ of ancient India? Critically evaluate this claim.
Answer: The Gupta period is called a ‘Golden Age’ due to remarkable achievements in:
- Art and Architecture: Development of Nagara style temples (e.g., Dashavatara temple at Deogarh), and the masterpieces of Ajanta paintings.
- Literature: The era of Kalidasa, who wrote classics like ‘Abhijnanashakuntalam’. Puranas and Smritis were given their final form.
- Science and Technology: Aryabhata introduced the concept of zero and theorized that the Earth revolves around the Sun. Varahamihira made significant contributions to astronomy. The Iron Pillar of Delhi is a marvel of metallurgy.
Critical Evaluation: The ‘Golden Age’ concept was largely confined to the upper classes and urban centers. This period also saw the rise of feudalism, a decline in the status of women (child marriage, Sati), and a hardening of the caste system. Therefore, while it was a “Classical Age,” it was not necessarily a “Golden Age” for all.
Medieval Indian History
This period witnessed significant political, social, and cultural transformations in India, with the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire at its core.
Q4: What were the objectives behind Alauddin Khilji’s market reforms? How successful were they in impacting the contemporary economy?
Answer: The primary objective of Alauddin Khilji’s market reforms was to maintain a large standing army at a low cost to counter Mongol invasions.
Key Reforms:
- Price Control: Fixed the prices of all essential commodities, including grains, cloth, horses, and slaves.
- Supply Chain Management: Appointed a market superintendent (‘Shahna-i-Mandi’) and established state-owned granaries.
- Strict Enforcement: Implemented severe punishments for cheating and overcharging.
Impact: The reforms were successful in controlling prices in Delhi and its vicinity, making life affordable for soldiers. However, their impact was localized and had a negative effect on peasants who were forced to sell their produce at fixed rates. The system collapsed with Khilji’s death.
Q5: How did the Bhakti and Sufi movements influence Indian society and culture? Why do they remain relevant today?
Answer: The Bhakti and Sufi movements profoundly impacted Indian society:
- Social Impact: They challenged the caste system and ritualism, promoting social equality. Saints like Kabir and Nanak preached in the language of the common people.
- Cultural Impact: They spurred the growth of regional languages (Hindi, Punjabi) and devotional music. They laid the foundation for Hindu-Muslim cultural syncretism (Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb).
Modern Relevance: In today’s environment of communal tensions and social discrimination, their message of tolerance, love, and humanity is more relevant than ever.
Q6: What were the main features of the Mughal Mansabdari system? How did it become a cause for the decline of the Mughal Empire?
Answer: The Mansabdari system, introduced by Akbar, was the backbone of Mughal administration.
Features:
- Dual Ranks (Zat and Sawar): ‘Zat’ determined a mansabdar’s personal status and salary, while ‘Sawar’ indicated the number of cavalrymen he was required to maintain.
- Payment: Salaries were paid either in cash or as assignments of land revenue (Jagirs).
- Non-Hereditary: The post was not hereditary; upon a mansabdar’s death, his jagir reverted to the state.
Cause of Decline: Under Aurangzeb, the number of mansabdars swelled, but the land available for jagirs (paibaqi) was limited. This led to the ‘Jagirdari Crisis,’ where mansabdars began to extract maximum revenue from their jagirs, leading to peasant exploitation and an agrarian crisis, which was a major factor in the empire’s downfall.
Modern Indian History
This is the most crucial section for the UPSC exam. A deep understanding of events from the Revolt of 1857 to India’s independence and beyond is essential.
Q7: Analyze the main reasons for the failure of the Revolt of 1857. Is it appropriate to call it India’s ‘First War of Independence’?
Answer: Reasons for Failure:
- Limited Territorial Spread: The revolt was mainly confined to North and Central India.
- Lack of Central Leadership: Rebels lacked a unified and capable central leadership.
- Resource Disparity: The British had superior weapons, communication (telegraph), and organization.
- Lack of Support: Major princely states and the educated middle class did not support the revolt.
‘First War of Independence’?: V.D. Savarkar termed it so. The title is appropriate because it was the first large-scale uprising where different sections of society participated with the common aim of overthrowing foreign rule. Though it failed, it laid the foundation for Indian nationalism.
Q8: Evaluate the policies and contributions of the Moderates during the early phase of the Indian National Congress (1885-1905).
Answer: The policies of the Moderates were based on the ‘3 Ps’ – Prayer, Petition, and Protest. They believed in British justice and sought constitutional reforms.
Contributions:
- Economic Critique: Dadabhai Naoroji (Drain of Wealth theory) and R.C. Dutt exposed the exploitative economic nature of British rule.
- Political Awakening: They created political consciousness among Indians and provided a common platform for nationalist activities.
- Administrative Reforms: Their demands led to the Indian Councils Act of 1892, which increased Indian participation in legislative councils.
Evaluation: Although their achievements were limited, they prepared a solid foundation for the future nationalist movement by exposing the true nature of British imperialism.
Q9: How did the arrival of Mahatma Gandhi fundamentally change the course of the Indian freedom struggle?
Answer: Gandhiji’s arrival in 1915 transformed the freedom struggle into a mass movement.
- Use of Satyagraha: He introduced new tools like Satyagraha, Non-Cooperation, and Civil Disobedience.
- Mass Participation: He connected the movement with the masses, including peasants, workers, and women.
- Moral High Ground: By basing the struggle on the principles of Truth (Satya) and Non-violence (Ahimsa), he gave it a strong moral foundation and global appeal.
In essence, Gandhi converted the Congress from an elite organization into a mass-based party and took the struggle from the cities to the villages.
Q10: What were the ideological differences between Subhas Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi, and yet why did they hold each other in high regard?
Answer: Ideological Differences:
- Means: Gandhi was an advocate of absolute non-violence, whereas Bose believed that freedom could be achieved by any means necessary, including armed struggle.
- Strategy: Bose wanted an immediate and aggressive movement for complete independence, while Gandhi believed in a phased struggle (Struggle-Truce-Struggle).
- International Support: Bose was willing to seek help from the Axis powers (Germany, Japan) during WWII, which Gandhi found morally unacceptable.
Mutual Respect: Despite their differences, their ultimate goal was the same: India’s freedom. Bose famously called Gandhi the ‘Father of the Nation’, while Gandhi referred to Bose as the ‘Patriot of Patriots’. They disagreed on the means, not the end.
Q11: “The Muslim League and Jinnah were not solely responsible for the partition of India; the policies of the British and the Congress also played a role.” Comment.
Answer: This statement is accurate. The partition was a complex event with multiple contributing factors:
- British Policies: The ‘Divide and Rule’ policy, starting with the introduction of separate electorates in 1909, sowed the seeds of communalism.
- Muslim League & Jinnah: Jinnah’s ‘Two-Nation Theory’ and the call for ‘Direct Action Day’ in 1946 made partition almost inevitable.
- Role of the Congress: Some strategic decisions, like not forming a coalition government with the League in the United Provinces in 1937, widened the communal rift. Ultimately, faced with widespread riots and the prospect of a weak central government, the Congress accepted partition as a tragic necessity.
Q12: Describe the role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in the integration of princely states into India after independence.
Answer: Sardar Patel, along with V.P. Menon, accomplished the monumental task of integrating over 560 princely states.
- Diplomacy (The Carrot): He appealed to the patriotism of the princes and offered them privy purses and privileges to accede to India voluntarily.
- Pressure (The Stick): He used firm pressure on reluctant states.
- Key Cases:
- Junagadh: Integrated through a plebiscite.
- Hyderabad: Integrated through police action (‘Operation Polo’).
- Kashmir: Acceded to India after its ruler signed the Instrument of Accession following an invasion by Pakistani tribesmen.
Patel’s foresight, determination, and pragmatism, which earned him the title ‘Iron Man of India’, shaped the political map of modern India.
Q13: How did the Dalit movement influence Indian society and the national movement? Highlight the contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Answer: The Dalit movement brought the issues of social equality, the abolition of untouchability, and political rights to the forefront of the national discourse. Dr. Ambedkar’s Contribution: He organized the Dalits (Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha), demanded separate electorates (leading to the Poona Pact, 1932), and, most importantly, as the architect of the Indian Constitution, he enshrined legal safeguards like Article 17 (Abolition of Untouchability) and reservations.
Q14: How has the nature of peasant movements in India changed over time, from the colonial period to post-independence?
Answer: Colonial Period: Movements were primarily against zamindars, moneylenders, and exploitative British revenue policies (e.g., Indigo Revolt, Deccan Riots). Post-Independence (Early): They focused on land reforms and tenancy rights (e.g., Tebhaga movement). Modern Era: Movements have become more organized and policy-focused, centered around issues like Minimum Support Price (MSP), farm loan waivers, and opposition to agricultural policies.
Q15: Discuss the significance and limitations of the Swadeshi Movement of 1905.
Answer: Significance: It was the first movement to use ‘Boycott’ and ‘Swadeshi’ as political tools on a large scale. It promoted self-reliance, led to the establishment of national education institutions and indigenous industries, and encouraged the participation of students and women. Limitations: It remained largely confined to urban areas of Bengal and failed to attract the Muslim peasantry on a large scale, which widened the communal divide.
Q16: What were the differences between the proposals of the Cripps Mission (1942) and the Cabinet Mission (1946)? Why did they fail?
Answer: Cripps Mission: It offered ‘Dominion Status’ after the war and the right to frame a constitution, but also gave provinces the option to secede, which was rejected by the Congress. Cabinet Mission: It proposed a federal structure with a weak center and provinces grouped into three sections within an undivided India. It directly rejected the demand for Pakistan. Both failed due to the lack of consensus among the Congress, the Muslim League, and the British.
World History
Questions from World History are primarily asked in the Mains examination. It is important to understand the impact of these global events on India.
Q17: Why did the Industrial Revolution first occur in England? What was its impact on India?
Answer: Reasons for starting in England: Availability of resources like coal and iron, political stability, availability of capital from trade, and a vast colonial empire that provided raw materials and markets.
Impact on India (Negative):
- De-industrialization: Cheap, machine-made textiles from Britain destroyed India’s traditional handicraft industries.
- Commercialization of Agriculture: India was converted into a supplier of raw materials (like cotton and indigo), leading to food shortages.
- Drain of Wealth: India’s wealth flowed to England, leading to the impoverishment of the country.
Q18: How did World War I and World War II accelerate the Indian independence movement?
Answer: The World Wars strengthened Indian nationalism by weakening Britain militarily and economically. The principle of ‘self-determination’ propagated by the Allies gave moral weight to India’s demand for freedom. The economic burden of the wars on India increased anti-British sentiment. After WWII, international pressure from the USA and USSR also compelled Britain to grant independence.
Q19: How did the ideals of the American and French Revolutions (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity) influence the makers of the Indian Constitution?
Answer: These revolutions had a profound impact. The American Revolution inspired the inclusion of a ‘Bill of Rights’, which is reflected in the ‘Fundamental Rights’ in Part III of our Constitution. The slogan of the French Revolution—’Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity’—was adopted directly into the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, forming its core philosophy.
Q20: What was the impact of the end of the Cold War and the disintegration of the USSR on India’s foreign policy?
Answer: The collapse of the USSR meant India lost a key strategic ally, forcing a major realignment in its foreign policy. Impact: (1) India improved its relations with the USA and the West. (2) The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) became less relevant. (3) India adopted the ‘Look East Policy’ and initiated economic liberalization (LPG Reforms, 1991) to integrate with the global economy.
Expert Tip: When studying History, merely memorizing events is not enough. Focus on the ‘why’, ‘how’, and ‘consequences’ of each event. In your answers, adopt a balanced perspective and support your arguments with factual evidence.
Conclusion and The Way Forward
These 20 questions are just a glimpse into the analytical approach that UPSC expects for the History paper. Use them as a model for your preparation. For every topic you read, ask yourself what kind of analytical question could be framed from it.
Practice answer writing regularly and steer your preparation in the right direction.
Wishing you the very best for UPSC 2025!