Q1 50M 30w Compulsory write short notes Ancient Indian historical sites identification
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) Prehistoric site, (ii) Area of petroglyphs, (iii) Neolithic site, (iv) Harappan site, (v) Buddhist monastery, (vi) Chalcolithic site, (vii) Neo-Chalcolithic site, (viii) Megalithic site with rock art, (ix) One of the Mahajanapadas' capital and associated with Buddha's miracle, (x) Hominid fossil find site, (xi) Major rock edict of Ashoka, (xii) Ancient trade centre, (xiii) Stone inscription recording land grants with tax exemptions, (xiv) Shiva temples named after family relationships, (xv) Place of art-related inscription, (xvi) Place of inscription of three languages, (xvii) Temple site where three styles of temple architecture are found, (xviii) Jain pilgrimage site, (xix) Shiva temple of Gupta period, (xx) Megalithic monumental site.
हिंदी में 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 संक्षिप्त टिप्पणी लिखिए। मानचित्र पर अंकित प्रत्येक स्थान के लिए स्थान-निर्धारण संकेत क्रमानुसार नीचे दिए गए हैं: (i) प्रागैतिहासिक स्थल, (ii) शैलोक्षीण का क्षेत्र, (iii) नवपाषाणकालीन स्थल, (iv) हड़प्पाकालीन स्थल, (v) बौद्ध विहार, (vi) ताम्रपाषाणकालीन स्थल, (vii) नवपाषाण और ताम्रपाषाणकालीन स्थल, (viii) महापाषाणकालीन शैलचित्रयुक्त स्थल, (ix) महाजनपदीय राजधानी व बुद्ध चमत्कार से सम्बद्ध, (x) प्राचीन मानव जीवाश्म प्राप्त स्थल, (xi) अशोक का मुख्य शिलालेख, (xii) प्राचीन व्यापारिक केन्द्र, (xiii) करमुक्त भूमि अनुदान को दर्ज करने वाला शिलालेख, (xiv) पारिवारिक रिश्तों के नामकरणवाला शिवमंदिर समूह, (xv) कला-सम्बद्ध अभिलेख स्थल, (xvi) तीन भाषाओं का अभिलेख स्थल, (xvii) मंदिर स्थापत्य की तीनों शैलियों के उदाहरण मिलनेवाला मंदिर स्थल, (xviii) जैन तीर्थस्थान, (xix) गुप्तकालीन शिवमंदिर, (xx) महापाषाणीय स्मारक क्षेत्र।
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC History Map Identification. (i) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (ii) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (iii) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (iv) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (v) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (vi) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (vii) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (viii) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (ix) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (x) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (xi) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (xii) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (xiii) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (xiv) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (xv) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (xvi) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (xvii) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (xviii) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (xix) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (xx) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance Full marks: Accurate identification, correct period/dynasty, and one specific point of significance for each site
- Identification: Gudahandi (Kalahandi, Odisha)
- Significance: rock shelters with red geometric and animal paintings; hunter-gatherer occupation
- Location consistent with the marker
- Identification: Ratnagiri–Sindhudurg Konkan petroglyphs (Maharashtra)
- Significance: laterite-plateau carvings of animals and humans; UNESCO Tentative List
- Location consistent with the marker
- Identification: Barudih (Singhbhum, Jharkhand)
- Significance: polished celts, ring-stones, handmade pottery; eastern Neolithic
- Location consistent with the marker
- Identification: Rakhigarhi (Hisar, Haryana)
- Significance: one of the largest Harappan sites; Early to Mature phases; cemetery and aDNA study
- Location consistent with the marker
- Identification: Moghalmari (Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal)
- Significance: large brick vihara of c. 6th–7th century with stucco; near Tamralipta
- Location consistent with the marker
- Identification: Navdatoli (Narmada, MP) / Kayatha
- Significance: Malwa culture type-site; painted Malwa ware, copper, crops
- Location consistent with the marker
- Identification: Jodhpura (Jaipur, Rajasthan)
- Significance: Ganeshwar–Jodhpura copper culture; OCP; Khetri copper
- Location consistent with the marker
- Identification: Kumittipathi (Coimbatore) / Mallapadi (Krishnagiri), Tamil Nadu
- Significance: Iron Age rock paintings in a megalithic landscape
- Location consistent with the marker
- Identification: Shravasti (Uttar Pradesh)
- Significance: Kosala capital; Jetavana; Twin Miracle
- Location consistent with the marker
- Identification: Hathnora (Sehore, MP)
- Significance: Narmada Man skull cap (Sonakia, 1982); archaic Homo; Acheulian
- Location consistent with the marker
- Identification: Kalsi (Dehradun, Uttarakhand)
- Significance: all 14 Major Rock Edicts; elephant 'gajatame'
- Location consistent with the marker
- Identification: Dantapuram (Srikakulam, AP)
- Significance: Kalinga capital Dantapura; link to Kalingapatnam port; tooth relic tradition
- Location consistent with the marker
- Identification: Nashik (Maharashtra)
- Significance: Satavahana (Gautamiputra) cave inscriptions granting land with immunities
- Location consistent with the marker
- Identification: Tala (Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh); alternative Barsur
- Significance: Devrani–Jethani temples, c. 6th century; Rudra-Shiva image
- Location consistent with the marker
- Identification: Kudumiyanmalai / Sittanavasal (Pudukkottai, TN)
- Significance: Pallava-period music inscription with svara notation
- Location consistent with the marker
- Identification: Raichur / Maski (Raichur district, Karnataka)
- Significance: Raichur fort inscriptions in Kannada, Persian, Arabic; Maski Ashokan edict naming Asoka
- Location consistent with the marker
- Identification: Pattadakal (Bagalkot, Karnataka)
- Significance: Chalukyan Nagara, Dravida and mixed temples; UNESCO
- Location consistent with the marker
- Identification: Palitana (Bhavnagar, Gujarat)
- Significance: Shatrunjaya hill temples to Adinatha; Svetambara tirtha
- Location consistent with the marker
- Identification: Dah Parbatiya (Tezpur, Assam)
- Significance: Gupta-style door-frame with Ganga–Yamuna, c. 5th–6th century
- Location consistent with the marker
- Identification: Vangchhia (Champhai, Mizoram)
- Significance: carved menhirs with human, mithun and weapon motifs; ASI work
- Location consistent with the marker
Q2 50M comment Harappan art, Megalithic burial practices, Western Kshatrapas
(a) Harappan art contributes to our understanding of their aesthetic sensibilities in addition to spiritual and ritualistic life. Comment. (20 marks) (b) Discuss different types of Megalithic burial practices in India. How far does the archaeological evidence from it help us to know the religious beliefs and cultural practices? (15 marks) (c) Western Kshatrapas are known for their socio-economic contribution, particularly in trade, agriculture and urbanization. Examine the statement. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) हड़प्पा कला आध्यात्मिक और अनुष्ठानिक जीवन के साथ-साथ उनकी सौंदर्य-संबंधी संवेदनाओं को भी समझने में योगदान करती है। टिप्पणी कीजिए। (20 अंक) (b) भारत में विभिन्न प्रकार की महापाषाणिक शवाधान प्रथाओं पर चर्चा कीजिए। इससे प्राप्त पुरातात्विक साक्ष्य हमें धार्मिक मान्यताओं और सांस्कृतिक प्रथाओं को जानने में कितनी मदद करते हैं? (15 अंक) (c) पश्चिमी क्षत्रप अपने सामाजिक-आर्थिक योगदान के लिए जाने जाते हैं, विशेषकर व्यापार, कृषि एवं नगरीकरण में। कथन का परीक्षण कीजिए। (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC History Paper 1. (a) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Comprehensive, analytical, and well-supported with specific evidence and historiographical context.
- Art forms: seals, bronze dancing girl, stone sculptures (priest-king, Harappa torso), terracottas, beads, pottery
- Aesthetic qualities: naturalism, proportion, craftsmanship, standardisation
- Ritual/spiritual readings: Pashupati seal, female figurines, fire altars (Kalibangan, Lothal), Great Bath, linga/yoni-like objects, unicorn and cult stand
- Balanced interpretation: limits of reading religion without deciphered script; absence of temples
- Types: dolmens, cists (port-holed), cairn circles, menhirs, sarcophagi, urn burials, rock-cut chambers, umbrella/hood stones
- Distribution and chronology (Iron Age, c. 1200–300 BCE) with sites (Brahmagiri, Junapani, Adichanallur, Kerala rock-cut caves, NE living traditions)
- Evidence: grave goods (iron, BRW, horse equipment), secondary burial, belief in afterlife, ancestor cult, social ranking, collective labour
- Limits: variation defies a single culture; beliefs inferred indirectly; continuity among Khasi, Munda, Gond
- Rulers and extent: Kardamaka line (Chashtana, Rudradaman), Kshaharata (Nahapana); Gujarat, Malwa, parts of Maharashtra and Rajasthan
- Trade: Barygaza/Bharuch and Ujjain in Indo-Roman trade (Periplus); dated silver coinage
- Agriculture: Junagadh inscription — Sudarshana lake repaired by Suvishakha without forced labour; irrigation
- Urbanisation and finance: Ujjain, Bharuch; Ushavadata's Nasik/Karle grants, guild deposits; regional limits and Gupta conquest
Q3 50M examine Buddhism in Mauryan period, State and taxation in Vedic period
(a) Symbiotic relationships between Buddhist establishments, traders, artisan guilds, and royal support led to a close proximity of religion, economy and polity in the Mauryan and post-Mauryan periods. Examine the statement. (20 marks) (b) Discuss the role of Buddhism in shaping the socio-religious landscape of the Mauryan Empire. (15 marks) (c) Discuss the evolution of State institution and taxation system from Rigvedic period to later Vedic period. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) बौद्ध प्रतिष्ठानों, व्यापारियों व शिल्पकार श्रेणी के बीच सहजीवी संबंधों व राजाश्रय के कारण मौर्य एवं उत्तर-मौर्य काल में धर्म, अर्थव्यवस्था एवं राजनीति में निकटता पैदा हुई। कथन का परीक्षण कीजिए। (20 अंक) (b) मौर्य साम्राज्य के सामाजिक-धार्मिक परिदृश्य को आकार देने में बौद्ध धर्म की भूमिका पर चर्चा कीजिए। (15 अंक) (c) ऋग्वैदिक काल से उत्तरवैदिक काल के बीच राज्य संस्था और करप्रणाली के उद्विकासक्रम की चर्चा कीजिए। (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Context > Thesis > Evidence > Historiography. (a) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Thesis-driven, cites specific sources, names historians, deep analysis of linkages.
- Monasteries on trade routes (Uttarapatha, Dakshinapatha, Western Deccan passes) as rest-houses, storehouses and credit links; akshaya-nivi with guilds
- Donor inscriptions at Sanchi, Bharhut, Karle, Nasik, Amaravati showing merchants, guilds, gahapatis, yavanas
- Royal patronage: Ashoka, Satavahanas (Nasik grants), Kshatrapa Ushavadata, Kushanas (Kanishka), with legitimation motives
- Qualification: much patronage was non-royal; Brahmanical and other sects also patronised; regional variation
- Ashoka's conversion after Kalinga and dhamma policy; distinction between dhamma and Buddhism
- Social effects: ethical emphasis, critique of sacrifice, sangha's inclusiveness, use of Prakrit
- Institutions: Third Council tradition, missions, stupas, pillars, Rummindei tax relief
- Limits: non-sectarian dhamma (RE XII, PE VII), gahapati base, Brahmanical continuity
- Rigvedic: tribal polity, rajan as war leader, sabha, samiti, vidatha, gana; bali as voluntary tribute; no standing army
- Later Vedic: territorial janapadas, stronger hereditary kingship, rajasuya/ashvamedha/vajapeya, ratnins
- Emerging officials: purohita, senani, gramani, samgrahitri, bhagadugha; decline of assemblies
- Taxation: bali becomes obligatory; bhaga collected by bhagadugha; vaishyas as tax-payers
Q4 50M highlight Ancient Indian science, Pallava-Chalukya conflicts, Agraharas
(a) Highlight the contributions of Aryabhatta, Varahamihira and Brahmagupta in the fields of Astronomy and Mathematics. (20 marks) (b) Examine the course of Pallava-Chalukya conflicts between sixth and eighth century CE. (15 marks) (c) Examine the role played by the Agraharas in the promotion of education in the early medieval India. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) खगोल विज्ञान और गणित के क्षेत्र में आर्यभट्ट, वराहमिहिर और ब्रह्मगुप्त के योगदानों पर प्रकाश डालिए। (20 अंक) (b) छठी और आठवीं शताब्दी ई० सं० के बीच पल्लव-चालुक्य संघर्ष-क्रम का परीक्षण कीजिए। (15 अंक) (c) आरंभिक मध्ययुगीन भारत में शिक्षा के प्रचार-प्रसार में अग्रहारों की भूमिका का परीक्षण कीजिए। (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Context > Thesis > Evidence > Historiography. (a) highlight: name the salient points > one line of substance each > close | (b) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (c) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Thesis-driven, specific evidence, historiographical awareness, clear reasoning.
- Aryabhata (Aryabhatiya, 499 CE): place value, π ≈ 3.1416, sine table, kuttaka, Earth's rotation, eclipse explanation
- Varahamihira: Panchasiddhantika (five siddhantas incl. Greek-derived), Brihatsamhita, Brihajjataka
- Brahmagupta: Brahmasphutasiddhanta (628) and Khandakhadyaka (665) — zero and negative number rules, cyclic quadrilateral formula, varga-prakriti, interpolation
- Significance and transmission (Arabic translations, influence on later Indian mathematics)
- Causes: Krishna–Tungabhadra doab, Vengi, prestige
- Pulakeshin II vs Mahendravarman I (Pullalur, Aihole inscription 634); Narasimhavarman I takes Vatapi (642)
- Later phases: Vikramaditya I takes Kanchi and loses at Peruvalanallur to Parameshvaravarman I; Vikramaditya II's occupation of Kanchi (Kailasanatha inscription) and Virupaksha temple
- Outcome: mutual exhaustion, Rashtrakuta rise (Dantidurga, 753), cultural competition
- Nature of agraharas/brahmadeyas and land-grant expansion
- Educational role: Vedic, grammar, philosophy, astronomy; ghatikas and mathas; Salotgi, Ennayiram, Tribhuvani, Kanchi ghatika (Talagunda inscription)
- Social limits: Brahmin-centred, Sanskrit medium, exclusion of lower orders
- Historiographical debate: feudal legitimation (R.S. Sharma) vs integrative role (B.D. Chattopadhyaya); parallel Buddhist, Jain and craft learning