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History 2022 Paper I 50 marks 30 words Compulsory Identify

Paper I — Q1

Identify the following places marked on the map supplied to you and write a short note of about 30 words on each of them in your…

Identify the following places marked on the map supplied to you and write a short note of about 30 words on each of them in your Question-cum-Answer Booklet. Locational hints for each of the places marked on the map are given below seriatim: (i) Palaeolithic site, (ii) Mesolithic site with burials, (iii) Neolithic pit-dwelling, (iv) Early village settlement, (v) Neolithic site, (vi) Neolithic-Chalcolithic site, (vii) Harappan UNESCO site, (viii) Megalithic burial site, (ix) Place of Second Sangam, (x) Earliest Satavahana capital, (xi) Place of inscribed statue of Ashoka, (xii) First Gupta hoard of coins, (xiii) Hoard of metal sculptures, (xiv) Ancient port, (xv) Oldest Jesuit church, (xvi) Centre of Gandhara art, (xvii) Buddhist monastery, (xviii) Place of earliest Vishnu temple, (xix) Shiva and Buddhist temple complex, (xx) Earliest Chaitya Griha.

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

आपको दिए गए मानचित्र पर अंकित निम्नलिखित स्थानों की पहचान कीजिए एवं अपनी प्रश्न-सह-उत्तर पुस्तिका में उनमें से प्रत्येक पर लगभग 30 शब्दों की संक्षिप्ट टिप्पणी लिखिए। मानचित्र पर अंकित प्रत्येक स्थान के लिए स्थान-निर्धारण संकेत क्रमानुसार नीचे दिए गए हैं: (i) पुरापाषाणकालीन स्थल, (ii) शवाधान-युक्त मध्यपाषाणकालीन स्थल, (iii) नवपाषाणकालीन गर्तीवास, (iv) प्रारंभिक ग्रामीण बस्ती, (v) नवपाषाणकालीन स्थल, (vi) नवपाषाणकालीन-ताम्रपाषाणकालीन स्थल, (vii) हड़प्पन युनेस्को स्थल, (viii) महापाषाणकालीन शवाधान स्थल, (ix) द्वितीय संगम का स्थल, (x) प्रारम्भिक सातवाहन राजधानी, (xi) अशोक का अभिलिखित प्रतिमा स्थल, (xii) प्रथम गुप्तकालीन मुद्रा-निधि, (xiii) धात्विक प्रतिमा-निधि, (xiv) प्राचीन बन्दरगाह, (xv) प्राचीनतम जेजुइट चर्च, (xvi) गान्धार कला-केंद्र, (xvii) बौद्ध विहार, (xviii) प्रारम्भिक विष्णु मन्दिर स्थल, (xix) शैव एवं बौद्ध मन्दिर संकुल, (xx) प्रारम्भिक चैत्य गृह।

Q1 of the 2022 UPSC Mains History Paper I, as printed
The question as printed in the 2022 History paper
Evaluate your answer to this question → See all 2022 History questions

The figure this question refers to, in words

The question paper is a scan and the diagram did not survive as text. This is the figure as read from the original page — every component, value and label — so the question can be worked from the text below.

Outline political map of the Indian subcontinent (scale 1:20,500,000) with 20 marked points: (i) central Rajasthan, (ii) south of the Ganga near Allahabad-Pratapgarh, (iii) Kashmir valley, (iv) Balochistan, (v) Kerala, (vi) Saran in north Bihar, (vii) Kutch, (viii) Raichur doab, (ix) southern tip of Tamil Nadu, (x) lower Krishna in Andhra, (xi) Bhima valley in north Karnataka, (xii) Kolkata, (xiii) south Bihar, (xiv) Narmada mouth in Gujarat, (xv) Goa, (xvi) eastern Afghanistan near the Khyber, (xvii) north-west Bangladesh, (xviii) Bundelkhand in south-west UP, (xix) Chhattisgarh plain, (xx) Sahyadri near Lonavala.

Model answer

Drafted with AI by UPSC Answer Check against this question's marking rubric, to the 30-word length. UPSC does not publish answers for Mains — this is one way to score well, not an official key. How we build rubrics and answers.

Diagram: Twenty sites of the 2022 map question

(i) Didwana Located in Nagaur district, Rajasthan, Didwana is a significant Palaeolithic site. Excavations here revealed Acheulian hand axes and cleavers, indicating early human habitation in the Thar region. It provides crucial evidence of the Middle Palaeolithic transition.

(ii) Sarai Nahar Rai Situated in Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, this Mesolithic site is renowned for its human burials. The discovery of skeletons with ochre and bone tools highlights early funerary practices. It marks the shift from hunting to a more settled existence in the Ganga plain.

(iii) Burzahom Located in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, Burzahom is a classic Neolithic site. It is famous for its pit-dwellings and dog burials. The site features polished stone tools and evidence of early cultivation of wheat, barley and lentil, marking a significant shift to agriculture.

(iv) Mehrgarh Located in the Kachi district of Balochistan, Mehrgarh is the earliest village settlement in the Indian subcontinent. It represents the transition from a hunter-gatherer to an agricultural society. Excavations revealed early wheat, barley, and domesticated animals.

(v) Edakkal Located in Wayanad, Kerala, Edakkal is a Neolithic site characterized by rock shelters. It features petroglyphs depicting human figures and animals. The site provides rare evidence of early human artistic expression and ritualistic practices in South India.

(vi) Chirand Located in Saran, Bihar, Chirand is a Neolithic-Chalcolithic site. It is significant for its bone tools and early evidence of rice cultivation. The site shows a clear transition from stone to metal usage in the Ganga valley.

(vii) Dholavira Located in Kutch, Gujarat, Dholavira is a Harappan city inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021. It is famous for its sophisticated water management system and a large signboard. The site demonstrates the urban planning and trade networks of the Indus Valley.

(viii) Maski Located in Raichur, Karnataka, Maski is a Megalithic burial site. It is historically significant because its Ashokan edict mentions the name "Ashoka". The site features stone circles and cists, indicating early iron-age funerary traditions.

(ix) Kapatapuram Located in Tamil Nadu, Kapatapuram is the legendary site of the Second Sangam. It is associated with the Pandya dynasty and the flourishing of early Tamil literature. This site represents a significant cultural and literary center of the ancient period.

(x) Dhanyakataka (Amaravati) Located in Andhra Pradesh, Dhanyakataka was the earliest capital of the Satavahana dynasty. It was a major center for Buddhist art and the construction of the great stupa. The site reflects the cultural and political importance of the Satavahanas.

(xi) Kanaganahalli Located in the Bhima river area of Karnataka, Kanaganahalli is the site of an inscribed statue of Ashoka. This discovery is significant as it provides a rare visual representation of the Mauryan emperor. The inscription confirms the identity of the figure.

(xii) Kalighat Located in Kolkata, West Bengal, Kalighat yielded the first Gupta hoard of gold coins, found in 1783. This discovery provides crucial evidence of the economic prosperity and trade networks during the Gupta period. The coins are significant for numismatic history.

(xiii) Kurkihar Located in Gaya, Bihar, Kurkihar is famous for a hoard of over two hundred metal sculptures found in 1930. These artifacts, primarily from the Pala period, showcase the high level of artistic skill in bronze casting. The hoard is a vital resource for understanding medieval Indian art.

(xiv) Bhrigukachchha Located on the Narmada river, Bhrigukachchha was an ancient port. It served as a crucial hub for Indo-Roman trade, connecting the western coast to the interior. The site is mentioned in classical texts like the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea.

(xv) Basilica of Bom Jesus Located in Old Goa, this is the oldest Jesuit church in India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and houses the remains of St. Francis Xavier. The church is a masterpiece of Indo-Portuguese architecture and a significant pilgrimage site.

(xvi) Hadda Located near Jalalabad in eastern Afghanistan, close to the Khyber Pass, Hadda was a major centre of Gandhara art. Its monasteries yielded thousands of stucco and clay sculptures (2nd to 5th century) showing the fusion of Hellenistic and Indian traditions.

(xvii) Somapura Mahavihara (Paharpur) Located in Naogaon district of north-west Bangladesh, Somapura was built by the Pala king Dharmapala in the late 8th century. Its cruciform terraced shrine influenced Southeast Asian temples, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1985).

(xviii) Deogarh Located in Lalitpur district, Uttar Pradesh, Deogarh is the site of the earliest Vishnu temple. The Dashavatara temple here is a masterpiece of Gupta architecture. It is significant for its intricate stone carvings and early representation of the ten avatars of Vishnu.

(xix) Sirpur Located in Chhattisgarh, Sirpur is a complex of Shiva and Buddhist temples. It was a major centre of the Panduvamshi kings of Dakshina Kosala, with the brick Lakshmana temple and several Buddhist viharas. The site features a mix of religious structures, indicating a period of religious coexistence and artistic development.

(xx) Bhaja Located in Lonavala, Maharashtra, Bhaja is the site of the earliest Chaitya Griha. This rock-cut hall is a masterpiece of early Hinayana Buddhist architecture. It features a stupa and wood-imitating horseshoe arches with no Buddha images, representing early aniconic worship.

How this answer will be evaluated

Framework: UPSC History Paper 1 Map Identification

What earns full marks: All 20 sites correctly identified with accurate 30-word notes.

Evaluation rubric

Each sub-part is marked on its own, against the marks and word limit printed on the paper.

  1. (i) Identify Palaeolithic site and write a 30-word note. 2.5 marks · 30 words

    map— locate accurately → label → one line on why it matters

    Must cover

    • Identification consistent with locational hint
    • Period or culture named
    • One specific point of significance

    Loses marks

    • Bare name with no note
    • Note ignores the locational hint

    Earns more

    • Mentions specific excavation or discovery
    • References associated tool type

    Extra mark

    • Names the specific excavator
  2. (ii) Identify Mesolithic site with burials and write a 30-word note. 2.5 marks · 30 words

    map— locate accurately → label → one line on why it matters

    Must cover

    • Identification consistent with locational hint
    • Period or culture named
    • One specific point of significance

    Loses marks

    • Bare name with no note
    • Note ignores the locational hint

    Earns more

    • Mentions specific excavation or discovery
    • References associated tool type

    Extra mark

    • Names the specific excavator
  3. (iii) Identify Neolithic pit-dwelling and write a 30-word note. 2.5 marks · 30 words

    map— locate accurately → label → one line on why it matters

    Must cover

    • Identification consistent with locational hint
    • Period or culture named
    • One specific point of significance

    Loses marks

    • Bare name with no note
    • Note ignores the locational hint

    Earns more

    • Mentions specific excavation or discovery
    • References associated tool type

    Extra mark

    • Names the specific excavator
  4. (iv) Identify Early village settlement and write a 30-word note. 2.5 marks · 30 words

    map— locate accurately → label → one line on why it matters

    Must cover

    • Identification consistent with locational hint
    • Period or culture named
    • One specific point of significance

    Loses marks

    • Bare name with no note
    • Note ignores the locational hint

    Earns more

    • Mentions specific excavation or discovery
    • References associated tool type

    Extra mark

    • Names the specific excavator
  5. (v) Identify Neolithic site and write a 30-word note. 2.5 marks · 30 words

    map— locate accurately → label → one line on why it matters

    Must cover

    • Identification consistent with locational hint
    • Period or culture named
    • One specific point of significance

    Loses marks

    • Bare name with no note
    • Note ignores the locational hint

    Earns more

    • Mentions specific excavation or discovery
    • References associated tool type

    Extra mark

    • Names the specific excavator
  6. (vi) Identify Neolithic-Chalcolithic site and write a 30-word note. 2.5 marks · 30 words

    map— locate accurately → label → one line on why it matters

    Must cover

    • Identification consistent with locational hint
    • Period or culture named
    • One specific point of significance

    Loses marks

    • Bare name with no note
    • Note ignores the locational hint

    Earns more

    • Mentions specific excavation or discovery
    • References associated tool type

    Extra mark

    • Names the specific excavator
  7. (vii) Identify Harappan UNESCO site and write a 30-word note. 2.5 marks · 30 words

    map— locate accurately → label → one line on why it matters

    Must cover

    • Identification consistent with locational hint
    • Period or culture named
    • One specific point of significance

    Loses marks

    • Bare name with no note
    • Note ignores the locational hint

    Earns more

    • Mentions specific excavation or discovery
    • References associated tool type

    Extra mark

    • Names the specific excavator
  8. (viii) Identify Megalithic burial site and write a 30-word note. 2.5 marks · 30 words

    map— locate accurately → label → one line on why it matters

    Must cover

    • Identification consistent with locational hint
    • Period or culture named
    • One specific point of significance

    Loses marks

    • Bare name with no note
    • Note ignores the locational hint

    Earns more

    • Mentions specific excavation or discovery
    • References associated tool type

    Extra mark

    • Names the specific excavator
  9. (ix) Identify Place of Second Sangam and write a 30-word note. 2.5 marks · 30 words

    map— locate accurately → label → one line on why it matters

    Must cover

    • Identification consistent with locational hint
    • Period or culture named
    • One specific point of significance

    Loses marks

    • Bare name with no note
    • Note ignores the locational hint

    Earns more

    • Mentions specific excavation or discovery
    • References associated tool type

    Extra mark

    • Names the specific excavator
  10. (x) Identify Earliest Satavahana capital and write a 30-word note. 2.5 marks · 30 words

    map— locate accurately → label → one line on why it matters

    Must cover

    • Identification consistent with locational hint
    • Period or culture named
    • One specific point of significance

    Loses marks

    • Bare name with no note
    • Note ignores the locational hint

    Earns more

    • Mentions specific excavation or discovery
    • References associated tool type

    Extra mark

    • Names the specific excavator
  11. (xi) Identify Place of inscribed statue of Ashoka and write a 30-word note. 2.5 marks · 30 words

    map— locate accurately → label → one line on why it matters

    Must cover

    • Identification consistent with locational hint
    • Period or culture named
    • One specific point of significance

    Loses marks

    • Bare name with no note
    • Note ignores the locational hint

    Earns more

    • Mentions specific excavation or discovery
    • References associated tool type

    Extra mark

    • Names the specific excavator
  12. (xii) Identify First Gupta hoard of coins and write a 30-word note. 2.5 marks · 30 words

    map— locate accurately → label → one line on why it matters

    Must cover

    • Identification consistent with locational hint
    • Period or culture named
    • One specific point of significance

    Loses marks

    • Bare name with no note
    • Note ignores the locational hint

    Earns more

    • Mentions specific excavation or discovery
    • References associated tool type

    Extra mark

    • Names the specific excavator
  13. (xiii) Identify Hoard of metal sculptures and write a 30-word note. 2.5 marks · 30 words

    map— locate accurately → label → one line on why it matters

    Must cover

    • Identification consistent with locational hint
    • Period or culture named
    • One specific point of significance

    Loses marks

    • Bare name with no note
    • Note ignores the locational hint

    Earns more

    • Mentions specific excavation or discovery
    • References associated tool type

    Extra mark

    • Names the specific excavator
  14. (xiv) Identify Ancient port and write a 30-word note. 2.5 marks · 30 words

    map— locate accurately → label → one line on why it matters

    Must cover

    • Identification consistent with locational hint
    • Period or culture named
    • One specific point of significance

    Loses marks

    • Bare name with no note
    • Note ignores the locational hint

    Earns more

    • Mentions specific excavation or discovery
    • References associated tool type

    Extra mark

    • Names the specific excavator
  15. (xv) Identify Oldest Jesuit church and write a 30-word note. 2.5 marks · 30 words

    map— locate accurately → label → one line on why it matters

    Must cover

    • Identification consistent with locational hint
    • Period or culture named
    • One specific point of significance

    Loses marks

    • Bare name with no note
    • Note ignores the locational hint

    Earns more

    • Mentions specific excavation or discovery
    • References associated tool type

    Extra mark

    • Names the specific excavator
  16. (xvi) Identify Centre of Gandhara art and write a 30-word note. 2.5 marks · 30 words

    map— locate accurately → label → one line on why it matters

    Must cover

    • Identification consistent with locational hint
    • Period or culture named
    • One specific point of significance

    Loses marks

    • Bare name with no note
    • Note ignores the locational hint

    Earns more

    • Mentions specific excavation or discovery
    • References associated tool type

    Extra mark

    • Names the specific excavator
  17. (xvii) Identify Buddhist monastery and write a 30-word note. 2.5 marks · 30 words

    map— locate accurately → label → one line on why it matters

    Must cover

    • Identification consistent with locational hint
    • Period or culture named
    • One specific point of significance

    Loses marks

    • Bare name with no note
    • Note ignores the locational hint

    Earns more

    • Mentions specific excavation or discovery
    • References associated tool type

    Extra mark

    • Names the specific excavator
  18. (xviii) Identify Place of earliest Vishnu temple and write a 30-word note. 2.5 marks · 30 words

    map— locate accurately → label → one line on why it matters

    Must cover

    • Identification consistent with locational hint
    • Period or culture named
    • One specific point of significance

    Loses marks

    • Bare name with no note
    • Note ignores the locational hint

    Earns more

    • Mentions specific excavation or discovery
    • References associated tool type

    Extra mark

    • Names the specific excavator
  19. (xix) Identify Shiva and Buddhist temple complex and write a 30-word note. 2.5 marks · 30 words

    map— locate accurately → label → one line on why it matters

    Must cover

    • Identification consistent with locational hint
    • Period or culture named
    • One specific point of significance

    Loses marks

    • Bare name with no note
    • Note ignores the locational hint

    Earns more

    • Mentions specific excavation or discovery
    • References associated tool type

    Extra mark

    • Names the specific excavator
  20. (xx) Identify Earliest Chaitya Griha and write a 30-word note. 2.5 marks · 30 words

    map— locate accurately → label → one line on why it matters

    Must cover

    • Identification consistent with locational hint
    • Period or culture named
    • One specific point of significance

    Loses marks

    • Bare name with no note
    • Note ignores the locational hint

    Earns more

    • Mentions specific excavation or discovery
    • References associated tool type

    Extra mark

    • Names the specific excavator
What "Identify" is asking you to do

Pick out the particular instances that satisfy the question's test and name them precisely, with just enough against each to show it qualifies. A wrong pick earns nothing however well written, so the selection itself is the exercise.

Structure that answers it

The test an instance has to meet → instance named → the single line showing it meets the test → the same for each further instance

Where marks are lost

Describing the instances at length while never establishing why each one belongs in the set.

All UPSC directive words, compared →

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