History Previous Year Questions UPSC Mains (2024 – 2013)

The History questions in UPSC Mains are asked in GS Paper 1 which covers a wide range of topics, including history, art and culture, geography, and society. History is an important topic in this paper, and questions are often asked about Indian Ancient History, Medieval History, Modern India, world history, and post-independence India.

In this article, we have compiled all the history questions that were asked in the UPSC Mains exam from 2013 to 2024. This is a valuable resource for anyone who is preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Main Examination 2024.

History Previous Year Questions in UPSC Mains

Here is a collection of UPSC Mains History Previous Year Questions spanning from 2013 to 2024. These practice questions on History for UPSC Mains are instrumental in shaping your performance in General Studies Paper 1. Delve into last year’s UPSC Mains History Questions to acquire valuable insights into question patterns and enhance your preparation.

Ancient History PYQs UPSC Mains

Modern History Previous Year Questions UPSC Mains

2023

1. What was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach towards education and nationalism?
2. How did colonial rule affect the tribals in India and what was the tribal response to the colonial oppression?

2022

1. Why did the armies of the British East India Company – mostly composed of Indian Soldiers – win consistently against the more numerous and better-equipped armies of the then-Indian rulers? Give reasons.
2. Why was there a sudden spurt in famines in colonial India since the mid-eighteenth century? Give reasons.

2021

1. Trace the rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements with special reference to Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj.
2. Assess the main administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration process of Indian Princely States.

2020

1. Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long-term implications on a national movement.
2. Since the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and expanded its social base. Discuss.

2019

1. The Revolt of 1857 was the culmination of the recurrent big and small local rebellions that had occurred in the preceding hundred years of British rule.
2. Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian phase. Elaborate.

2018

Why was indentured labour taken by the British from India to other colonies? Have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there?

2017

1. Clarify how mid-eighteenth century India was beset with the specter of a fragmented polity.
2. Why did the ‘Moderates’ fail to carry conviction with the nation about their proclaimed ideology and political goals by the end of the nineteenth century?
3. The women’s questions arose in modern India as a part of the 19th-century social reform movement. What are the major issues and debates concerning women in that period?

2016

1. Explain how the Uprising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British policies towards colonial India.
2. Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase.
3. Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom.

2015

1. How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss.
2. It would have been difficult for the Constituent Assembly to complete its historic task of drafting the Constitution for Independent India in just three years but for the experience gained with the Government of India Act, 1935. Discuss.

2014

1. The third battle of Panipat was fought in 1761. Why were so many empire-shaking battles fought at Panipat?
2. Examine critically the various facets of economic policies of the British in India from the mid-eighteenth century till independence.
3. In what ways did the naval mutiny prove to be the last nail in the coffin of British colonial aspirations in India?

2013

1. Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian women became the torch bearer during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss.
2. Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements. Analyse their role in the Indian struggle for freedom.
3. In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern India. Elaborate.

Post Independence History PYQs in UPSC Mains

2019

Examine the linkages between the nineteenth century’s “Indian Renaissance” and the emergence of national identity.

2018

1. Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times.
2. Discuss whether the formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the economy of India.

2017

1. Highlight the importance of the new objectives that got added to the vision of Indian Independence since the twenties of the last century.
2. Distinguish between religiousness/religiosity and communalism in post-independent India giving one example of how the former has transformed into the latter in independent India.

2013

1. Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan and Gramdan movements initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave and their success.
2. Write a critical note on the evolution and significance of the slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan”.
3. Discuss the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to pre-and post-independent India.
4. Analyze the circumstances that led to Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights of the agreement.
5. Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play decisive roles in the emergence of Bangladesh.

World History Questions in UPSC Mains

How to Prepare History Previous Year Questions for UPSC Mains?

Preparing for history previous year question papers can be an effective way to enhance your understanding of historical topics and improve your exam readiness. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare using history mains previous year questions:

• Understand the Exam Pattern: Examine the question papers to understand the pattern and format of the questions. Take note of the types of questions asked, such as multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, essay questions, or map-based questions.
• Content Familiarity: Identify the historical periods, themes, and topics that are commonly tested in the exams. This includes ancient, mediaeval, and modern history. Ensure you have a good grasp of the historical events, key personalities, and significant developments in each period.
• Practice Regularly: Allocate a dedicated study session to work on previous year question papers regularly. Start with solving one paper at a time and gradually increase the frequency as you become more comfortable.
• Time Management: Set a time limit for each paper or section to simulate exam conditions. Practice pacing yourself to complete the paper within the allotted time.
• Answer Writing Practice: When solving mains questions, practice structuring your answers effectively. Develop a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion for your essays. Use relevant historical facts and evidence to support your arguments.
• Self-Assessment: After completing a paper, evaluate your answers objectively. Identify areas where you made mistakes or need improvement. Review your answers to map-based questions to ensure accuracy.
• Revision and Improvement: Focus on areas where you struggled or made errors during practice. Revise historical events, dates, and important personalities regularly. Keep a notebook or digital document to jot down important historical facts and concepts.
• Mock Tests: In addition to previous year papers, take full-length history mock tests to assess your overall preparation. Analyse your performance in mock tests and work on areas that need improvement.