by Vajiram & Ravi
03-01-2025
04:21 AM
Ancient History Previous Year Questions for UPSC Prelims and Mains play an important role in the Civil Services Examination as it helps the aspirants test their knowledge about the Ancient History Subject. The Ancient History UPSC Questions cover a wide range of topics like Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic and Post Vedic Period, Mauryan and Post Mauryan Era, Gupta Dynasty and various other kingdoms and dynasties that have helped in shaping the course of Indian Ancient History.
Every year, atleast 5 to 6 questions are asked from the Ancient History of India in the UPSC Preliminary Examination. Practising the Ancient History Previous Year Questions can help you understand the exam pattern, types of questions asked, and the level of difficulty. This insight can guide your preparation strategy and help you focus on the most relevant topics. By analysing previous year UPSC Ancient History questions, you can identify which topics within ancient history are frequently asked. This enables you to prioritise your study efforts and concentrate on the areas that have a higher likelihood of being questioned.
Download PDF: Ancient History PYQs PDF
Q1: Regarding the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a.) 1 only
(b.) 2 only
(c.) Both 1 and 2
(d.) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c)
Q2: Which of the following characterises/ characterises the people of Indus Civilization?
Select the correct statement/ statements using the codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None of the statements given above is correct
Answer: (b)
Q3: The “dharma” and “rita” depict a central idea of ancient Vedic civilization of India, In this context, consider the following statements: (2011)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a.) 1 only
(b.) 2 only
(c.) Both 1 and 2
(d.) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c)
Q4: The religion of early Vedic Aryans was primarily of
(a) Bhakti
(b) image worship and Yajnas
(c) worship of nature and Yajnas
(d) worship of nature and Bhakti
Answer: (c)
Q5: Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy?
Answer: (c)
Q6: The national motto of India, ‘Satyameva Jayate’ inscribed below the Emblem of India is taken from
Answer: (d)
Q7: Chaitra 1 of the national calendar based on the Saka Era corresponds to which one of the following dates of the Gregorian calendar in a normal year of 365 days?
Answer: (a)
Q8: The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by(2011)
(a.) Universal Law
(b.) Universal Truth
(c.) Universal Faith
(d.) Universal Soul
Answer: (a)
Q9: With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following was/were common to both Buddhism and Jainism?
Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Q10: Lord Buddha’s image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called ‘Bhumisparsha Mudra’. It symbolises
(a) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to watch over Mara and to prevent Mara from disturbing his meditation
(b) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Mara
(c) Buddha’s reminder to his followers that they all arise from the Earth and finally dissolve into the Earth, and thus this life is transitory
(d) Both the statements (a) and (b) are correct in this context
Answer: (b)
Q11: Which of the following statements is/are applicable to Jain doctrine?
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
Q12: Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two?
(a) Vihara is a place of worship, while Chaitya is the dwelling place of the monks
(b) Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks
(c) Chaitya is the stupa at the far end of the cave, while Vihara is the hall axial to it
(d) There is no material difference between the two
Answer: (b)
Q13: Which one of the following describes best the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism?
(a) The extinction of the flame of desire
(b) The complete annihilation of self
(c) A state of bliss and rest
(d) A mental stage beyond all comprehension
Answer: (c)
Q14: Which of the following Kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha?
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Answer: (d)
Q15: Political Organisation, economy, social organisation, Development of Science- major contributors, during the ancient times.
With reference to the guilds (Shreni) of ancient India that played a very important role in the country’s economy, which of the following statements is /are correct?
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
Q16: With reference to the scientific progress of ancient India, which of the statements given below are correct?
Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (c)
Q17: The Chinese traveller Yuan Chwang (Hiuen Tsang) who visited India recorded the general conditions and culture of India at that time. In this context, which of the following statements is/are correct?
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Ancient history is a significant part of the UPSC History syllabus, but the questions asked in the Mains exam are selective and require a deep understanding of the subject. Here is a list of Ancient History Previous Year Questions for UPSC Mains Examination:
Ancient History Previous Year Questions can be found on the Official Website of UPSC. You can also get access to Ancient History Previous Year Questions for Prelims and Mains from the given article above.
Preparing for Ancient History questions in UPSC Mains necessitates a strategic approach. Begin with an in-depth study of authoritative textbooks and reference materials to establish a solid foundation. Achieve conceptual clarity by delving into significant events, civilizations, and cultural nuances, all while grasping the historical context. Cultivate an analytical mindset, connecting historical occurrences with broader societal, economic, and political trends.
There are at least 5-6 questions asked every year in UPSC Prelims from the Ancient History Section and at least 2-3 questions are asked every year for UPSC Mains.
Yes, Ancient History is asked every year in UPSC Mains in the GS Paper-1.
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