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) 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 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 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।
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.
A political map of India titled 'INDIA—POLITICAL' with a scale of 1:20,500,000. The map displays state boundaries and is overlaid with 20 numbered locations marked by circles containing Roman numerals (i) through (xx). The locations are distributed across the subcontinent: (i) in central-eastern India, (ii) in western India, (iii) in central India, (iv) in northwestern India, (v) in eastern India, (vi) in central India, (vii) in western India, (viii) in southern India, (ix) in northern India, (x) in central India, (xi) in the far north, (xii) in the northeast of the peninsula, (xiii) in western India, (xiv) in eastern India, (xv) in the far south, (xvi) in southern India, (xvii) in southern India, (xviii) in western India, (xix) in the northeast, and (xx) in the northeast. The Tropic of Cancer is marked as a dashed line across the middle of the map. Latitude and longitude lines are marked on the borders.
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.
(i) Gudahandi (Kalahandi district, Odisha)
A prehistoric site in the hills of Kalahandi, western Odisha. Its rock shelters bear red paintings, mostly geometric designs with some animal figures. It is evidence of hunter-gatherer occupation of the forested uplands of Odisha.
(ii) Ratnagiri–Sindhudurg petroglyphs (Konkan coast, Maharashtra)
Hundreds of petroglyphs are carved on the laterite plateaus (sadas) of coastal Konkan, for example at Barsu near Rajapur. They depict animals, birds and large human figures. They are rare open-air prehistoric art, now on UNESCO's Tentative List.
(iii) Barudih (Singhbhum, Jharkhand)
A Neolithic settlement on the Chotanagpur plateau. Excavation yielded polished stone celts, ring-stones and handmade pottery. It is important for the eastern Neolithic tradition of early farming in the hilly tracts of Jharkhand and Odisha.
(iv) Rakhigarhi (Hisar district, Haryana)
One of the largest Harappan settlements, spread over several mounds. It shows Early to Mature Harappan phases, with planned streets, drains, bead-making and cemeteries. DNA studies of skeletons from here have fuelled debate on Harappan ancestry.
(v) Moghalmari (Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal)
A large brick Buddhist monastery of about the 6th–7th century CE. It has stucco decoration and sculptures. It shows that Buddhism flourished in the Dandabhukti region near the port of Tamralipta.
(vi) Navdatoli (opposite Maheshwar, on the Narmada, Madhya Pradesh)
The marker lies in western Malwa, south of the Tropic, and most probably denotes Navdatoli (Kayatha, near Ujjain, is the other Malwa candidate). Navdatoli is a type-site of the Chalcolithic Malwa culture, excavated by H. D. Sankalia. Finds include painted black-on-red Malwa ware, copper tools, microliths, and round and rectangular huts. Remains of wheat and pulses show well-developed village farming.
(vii) Jodhpura (Jaipur district, Rajasthan)
A site on the Sabi (Sahibi) river belonging to the Ganeshwar–Jodhpura copper-using culture of north-eastern Rajasthan. It yielded Ochre Coloured Pottery with copper objects. It shows early copper working in the Khetri copper belt, partly contemporary with the Harappans.
(viii) Kumittipathi (Coimbatore) / Mallapadi (Krishnagiri), Tamil Nadu
The marker lies in the Kongu uplands, a belt of Iron Age cairns and dolmens. Kumittipathi, near Coimbatore, has rock paintings of processions and riders in this megalithic landscape. Mallapadi (Krishnagiri), often cited, has white kaolin paintings of horse-riders over Neolithic and megalithic Black-and-Red Ware levels.
(ix) Shravasti (Uttar Pradesh)
The capital of the Kosala mahajanapada under Prasenajit. The Buddha spent many rainy seasons here at the Jetavana monastery, donated by Anathapindika. Buddhist tradition places the "Twin Miracle" here, and it is a major pilgrimage centre.
(x) Hathnora (Sehore district, Madhya Pradesh)
In 1982 Arun Sonakia found a fossil hominid skull cap here. Known as "Narmada Man", it is assigned to archaic Homo (erectus/archaic sapiens). It is the most important hominid fossil of the subcontinent and is associated with Acheulian tools.
(xi) Kalsi (Dehradun district, Uttarakhand)
Near the Yamuna–Tons confluence, a quartz boulder at Kalsi bears all fourteen of Ashoka's Major Rock Edicts. An engraved elephant on it carries the label "gajatame". It marks the northern reach of Mauryan authority in the Himalayan foothills.
(xii) Dantapuram (Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh)
Identified with Dantapura, the ancient capital of Kalinga, near the Vamsadhara and the coast. Excavations have revealed an early historic settlement, and its access to the nearby port of Kalingapatnam linked it to coastal and overseas trade. Tradition connects it with the Buddha's tooth relic taken to Sri Lanka.
(xiii) Nashik (Maharashtra)
Inscriptions of Gautamiputra Satakarni in the Pandavleni caves record grants of land to Buddhist monks with immunities: no entry by royal officers, no digging for salt, and freedom from royal dues. They are among the earliest land grants carrying fiscal exemptions.
(xiv) Tala (Bilaspur district, Chhattisgarh)
Site of the Devrani and Jethani temples, two Shiva temples named after sisters-in-law, dating to about the 6th century CE. They are known for their ornate door-frames and a colossal composite "Rudra-Shiva" image. (Some keys suggest the Mama–Bhanja temple at Barsur, but the marker lies in the Bilaspur area, which fits Tala.)
(xv) Kudumiyanmalai (Pudukkottai district, Tamil Nadu)
The rock face beside the Sikhanathasvami temple bears a famous music inscription of about the 7th century, generally attributed to the Pallava period. It records musical notations (svaras) for stringed instruments and is a unique record of early Indian music. Nearby Sittanavasal, with its Pallava–Pandya paintings and Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions, is the other site cited for this hint.
(xvi) Raichur / Maski (Raichur district, Karnataka)
The marker lies on the Karnataka–Telangana border in the Raichur doab. Raichur fort carries inscriptions in several languages: a Kakatiya-period record of its construction (1294) in the regional script, and later Persian and Arabic inscriptions of the Bahmani and Adil Shahi rulers. Maski, in the same district and cited in most keys, has Ashoka's Minor Rock Edict (found 1915), the first to name him "Devanampiya Asoka".
(xvii) Pattadakal (Bagalkot district, Karnataka)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Chalukyas of Badami (7th–8th century) on the Malaprabha. It has Dravida temples (Virupaksha, Sangamesvara), Nagara temples (Galaganatha, Kashivishvanatha) and a mixed-style temple (Papanatha). Queen Lokamahadevi built the Virupaksha temple to commemorate Vikramaditya II's victory over the Pallavas.
(xviii) Palitana (Bhavnagar district, Gujarat)
The Shatrunjaya hill at Palitana, sacred to Rishabhanatha (Adinatha), carries several hundred Jain temples. They were built and rebuilt from about the 11th century onwards. It is among the holiest pilgrimage centres of the Svetambara Jains.
(xix) Dah Parbatiya (near Tezpur, Assam)
The earliest temple remains in Assam. A stone door-frame of about the 5th–6th century, carved with Ganga and Yamuna in the Gupta idiom, belonged to a Shiva shrine, and a later brick Shiva temple was built over the ruins. It reflects Gupta influence in Kamarupa.
(xx) Vangchhia (Champhai district, Mizoram)
A megalithic site near the Myanmar border, also called Kawtchhuah Ropui. It has numerous menhirs carved with human, animal (mithun) and weapon motifs. It is the most important megalithic complex of Mizoram and has been investigated by the ASI.
%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Cpolygon%20points%3D%22153.9%2C134.2%20153.5%2C141.4%20144.1%2C139.5%20147.8%2C155.0%20160.6%2C163.9%20178.7%2C173.7%20170.4%2C180.1%20165.4%2C193.2%20178.0%2C198.5%20190.2%2C205.4%20207.2%2C213.3%20225.1%2C215.1%20232.6%2C222.2%20242.6%2C223.6%20258.3%2C226.9%20269.1%2C226.6%20270.6%2C221.1%20268.9%2C212.1%20269.9%2C206.1%20277.8%2C203.1%20278.9%2C214.2%20279.2%2C217.0%20291.0%2C222.3%20299.2%2C220.1%20310.2%2C221.1%20320.8%2C220.7%20321.8%2C212.0%20316.5%2C207.6%20327.0%2C205.8%20338.8%2C195.4%20353.8%2C186.4%20364.7%2C189.9%20374.0%2C184.0%20380.1%2C192.7%20375.7%2C198.6%20389.7%2C200.7%20390.7%2C206.0%20386.2%2C208.6%20387.2%2C217.2%20377.9%2C214.7%20361.1%2C224.4%20361.5%2C232.4%20354.3%2C244.2%20353.6%2C251.0%20347.8%2C262.6%20337.7%2C259.4%20337.2%2C273.9%20334.2%2C278.7%20335.6%2C284.7%20329.2%2C288.0%20322.3%2C265.7%20318.7%2C265.8%20316.6%2C274.8%20309.5%2C267.5%20313.5%2C259.5%20319.3%2C258.7%20325.3%2C246.8%20317.8%2C244.4%20305.7%2C244.6%20293.3%2C242.7%20292.2%2C232.9%20286.0%2C232.2%20275.7%2C226.2%20271.1%2C235.7%20280.5%2C243.1%20272.3%2C248.4%20269.4%2C253.5%20277.5%2C257.2%20275.2%2C265.7%20279.7%2C276.3%20281.8%2C287.8%20279.9%2C292.9%20271.1%2C292.8%20255.0%2C295.7%20255.8%2C306.2%20248.8%2C314.5%20230.1%2C324.0%20215.5%2C340.5%20205.7%2C349.4%20192.7%2C358.6%20192.7%2C365.0%20186.2%2C368.5%20174.5%2C373.5%20168.4%2C374.2%20164.5%2C385.0%20167.2%2C403.2%20167.9%2C414.9%20162.4%2C428.2%20162.4%2C452.1%20155.6%2C452.7%20149.7%2C463.4%20153.7%2C468.1%20141.8%2C472.0%20137.4%2C481.6%20132.2%2C485.6%20119.9%2C472.5%20113.8%2C452.9%20108.8%2C438.7%20104.3%2C432.1%2097.4%2C418.6%2094.1%2C401.0%2091.9%2C392.2%2080.0%2C373.0%2074.6%2C345.8%2070.8%2C327.8%2070.8%2C310.8%2068.3%2C297.6%2049.3%2C306.0%2040.2%2C304.4%2023.2%2C287.3%2029.4%2C282.3%2025.6%2C276.8%2010.3%2C264.8%2019.0%2C255.5%2047.6%2C255.5%2045.0%2C243.5%2037.7%2C236.3%2036.2%2C225.5%2027.7%2C219.2%2042.1%2C204.5%2057.2%2C205.6%2070.8%2C190.9%2079.0%2C176.6%2091.6%2C162.5%2091.4%2C152.5%20102.5%2C144.4%2092.0%2C137.5%2087.5%2C128.0%2082.8%2C115.7%2089.2%2C109.6%2084.8%2C97.7%2086.1%2C83.6%2093.9%2C77.3%20110.8%2C80.8%20125.2%2C97.7%20139.5%2C99.1%20156.4%2C101.9%20168.1%2C113.1%20159.0%2C131.4%22%20fill%3D%22%23f3f4f6%22%20stroke%3D%22%23374151%22%20stroke-width%3D%221.2%22%20stroke-linejoin%3D%22round%22%2F%3E%0A%3Cellipse%20cx%3D%22332.1%22%20cy%3D%22420.6%22%20rx%3D%223%22%20ry%3D%2214%22%20fill%3D%22%23f3f4f6%22%20stroke%3D%22%23374151%22%20stroke-width%3D%221%22%2F%3E%0A%3Cellipse%20cx%3D%22330.8%22%20cy%3D%22443.0%22%20rx%3D%222%22%20ry%3D%226%22%20fill%3D%22%23f3f4f6%22%20stroke%3D%22%23374151%22%20stroke-width%3D%221%22%2F%3E%0A%3Cellipse%20cx%3D%22341.2%22%20cy%3D%22482.3%22%20rx%3D%222%22%20ry%3D%227%22%20fill%3D%22%23f3f4f6%22%20stroke%3D%22%23374151%22%20stroke-width%3D%221%22%2F%3E%0A%3Cellipse%20cx%3D%22343.8%22%20cy%3D%22497.8%22%20rx%3D%222%22%20ry%3D%224%22%20fill%3D%22%23f3f4f6%22%20stroke%3D%22%23374151%22%20stroke-width%3D%221%22%2F%3E%0A%3Ccircle%20cx%3D%2269.2%22%20cy%3D%22437.4%22%20r%3D%221.6%22%20fill%3D%22%23374151%22%2F%3E%0A%3Ccircle%20cx%3D%2271.8%22%20cy%3D%22445.8%22%20r%3D%221.6%22%20fill%3D%22%23374151%22%2F%3E%0A%3Ccircle%20cx%3D%2273.1%22%20cy%3D%22455.7%22%20r%3D%221.6%22%20fill%3D%22%23374151%22%2F%3E%0A%3Ccircle%20cx%3D%2264.0%22%20cy%3D%22480.9%22%20r%3D%221.6%22%20fill%3D%22%23374151%22%2F%3E%0A%3Ccircle%20cx%3D%22202%22%20cy%3D%22321%22%20r%3D%223.5%22%20fill%3D%22%23b03030%22%2F%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22208%22%20y%3D%22317%22%20class%3D%22s%20b%22%20style%3D%22fill%3A%23b03030%22%3Ei%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ccircle%20cx%3D%2280%22%20cy%3D%22363%22%20r%3D%223.5%22%20fill%3D%22%23b03030%22%2F%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%2274%22%20y%3D%22367%22%20class%3D%22s%20b%20e%22%20style%3D%22fill%3A%23b03030%22%3Eii%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ccircle%20cx%3D%22248%22%20cy%3D%22280%22%20r%3D%223.5%22%20fill%3D%22%23b03030%22%2F%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22242%22%20y%3D%22274%22%20class%3D%22s%20b%20e%22%20style%3D%22fill%3A%23b03030%22%3Eiii%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ccircle%20cx%3D%22113%22%20cy%3D%22186%22%20r%3D%223.5%22%20fill%3D%22%23b03030%22%2F%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22107%22%20y%3D%22190%22%20class%3D%22s%20b%20e%22%20style%3D%22fill%3A%23b03030%22%3Eiv%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ccircle%20cx%3D%22261%22%20cy%3D%22287%22%20r%3D%223.5%22%20fill%3D%22%23b03030%22%2F%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22267%22%20y%3D%22297%22%20class%3D%22s%20b%22%20style%3D%22fill%3A%23b03030%22%3Ev%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ccircle%20cx%3D%22107%22%20cy%3D%22286%22%20r%3D%223.5%22%20fill%3D%22%23b03030%22%2F%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22101%22%20y%3D%22290%22%20class%3D%22s%20b%20e%22%20style%3D%22fill%3A%23b03030%22%3Evi%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ccircle%20cx%3D%22115%22%20cy%3D%22210%22%20r%3D%223.5%22%20fill%3D%22%23b03030%22%2F%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22121%22%20y%3D%22214%22%20class%3D%22s%20b%22%20style%3D%22fill%3A%23b03030%22%3Evii%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ccircle%20cx%3D%22125%22%20cy%3D%22444%22%20r%3D%223.5%22%20fill%3D%22%23b03030%22%2F%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22119%22%20y%3D%22448%22%20class%3D%22s%20b%20e%22%20style%3D%22fill%3A%23b03030%22%3Eviii%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ccircle%20cx%3D%22190%22%20cy%3D%22211%22%20r%3D%223.5%22%20fill%3D%22%23b03030%22%2F%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22196%22%20y%3D%22215%22%20class%3D%22s%20b%22%20style%3D%22fill%3A%23b03030%22%3Eix%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ccircle%20cx%3D%22137%22%20cy%3D%22276%22%20r%3D%223.5%22%20fill%3D%22%23b03030%22%2F%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22143%22%20y%3D%22280%22%20class%3D%22s%20b%22%20style%3D%22fill%3A%23b03030%22%3Ex%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ccircle%20cx%3D%22136%22%20cy%3D%22169%22%20r%3D%223.5%22%20fill%3D%22%23b03030%22%2F%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22142%22%20y%3D%22167%22%20class%3D%22s%20b%22%20style%3D%22fill%3A%23b03030%22%3Exi%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ccircle%20cx%3D%22215%22%20cy%3D%22339%22%20r%3D%223.5%22%20fill%3D%22%23b03030%22%2F%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22221%22%20y%3D%22347%22%20class%3D%22s%20b%22%20style%3D%22fill%3A%23b03030%22%3Exii%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ccircle%20cx%3D%2283%22%20cy%3D%22317%22%20r%3D%223.5%22%20fill%3D%22%23b03030%22%2F%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%2277%22%20y%3D%22321%22%20class%3D%22s%20b%20e%22%20style%3D%22fill%3A%23b03030%22%3Exiii%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ccircle%20cx%3D%22190%22%20cy%3D%22290%22%20r%3D%223.5%22%20fill%3D%22%23b03030%22%2F%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22196%22%20y%3D%22294%22%20class%3D%22s%20b%22%20style%3D%22fill%3A%23b03030%22%3Exiv%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ccircle%20cx%3D%22147%22%20cy%3D%22451%22%20r%3D%223.5%22%20fill%3D%22%23b03030%22%2F%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22153%22%20y%3D%22457%22%20class%3D%22s%20b%22%20style%3D%22fill%3A%23b03030%22%3Exv%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ccircle%20cx%3D%22130%22%20cy%3D%22370%22%20r%3D%223.5%22%20fill%3D%22%23b03030%22%2F%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22136%22%20y%3D%22374%22%20class%3D%22s%20b%22%20style%3D%22fill%3A%23b03030%22%3Exvi%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ccircle%20cx%3D%22110%22%20cy%3D%22374%22%20r%3D%223.5%22%20fill%3D%22%23b03030%22%2F%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22104%22%20y%3D%22378%22%20class%3D%22s%20b%20e%22%20style%3D%22fill%3A%23b03030%22%3Exvii%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ccircle%20cx%3D%2257%22%20cy%3D%22296%22%20r%3D%223.5%22%20fill%3D%22%23b03030%22%2F%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%2251%22%20y%3D%22300%22%20class%3D%22s%20b%20e%22%20style%3D%22fill%3A%23b03030%22%3Exviii%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ccircle%20cx%3D%22331%22%20cy%3D%22224%22%20r%3D%223.5%22%20fill%3D%22%23b03030%22%2F%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22327%22%20y%3D%22216%22%20class%3D%22s%20b%20e%22%20style%3D%22fill%3A%23b03030%22%3Exix%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ccircle%20cx%3D%22337%22%20cy%3D%22272%22%20r%3D%223.5%22%20fill%3D%22%23b03030%22%2F%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22343%22%20y%3D%22280%22%20class%3D%22s%20b%22%20style%3D%22fill%3A%23b03030%22%3Exx%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22418%22%20y%3D%2262%22%20class%3D%22s%22%3E(i)%20Gudahandi%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22418%22%20y%3D%2286%22%20class%3D%22s%22%3E(ii)%20Konkan%20petroglyphs%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22418%22%20y%3D%22110%22%20class%3D%22s%22%3E(iii)%20Barudih%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22418%22%20y%3D%22134%22%20class%3D%22s%22%3E(iv)%20Rakhigarhi%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22418%22%20y%3D%22158%22%20class%3D%22s%22%3E(v)%20Moghalmari%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22418%22%20y%3D%22182%22%20class%3D%22s%22%3E(vi)%20Navdatoli%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22418%22%20y%3D%22206%22%20class%3D%22s%22%3E(vii)%20Jodhpura%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22418%22%20y%3D%22230%22%20class%3D%22s%22%3E(viii)%20Kumittipathi%20%2F%20Mallapadi%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22418%22%20y%3D%22254%22%20class%3D%22s%22%3E(ix)%20Shravasti%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22418%22%20y%3D%22278%22%20class%3D%22s%22%3E(x)%20Hathnora%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22418%22%20y%3D%22302%22%20class%3D%22s%22%3E(xi)%20Kalsi%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22418%22%20y%3D%22326%22%20class%3D%22s%22%3E(xii)%20Dantapuram%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22418%22%20y%3D%22350%22%20class%3D%22s%22%3E(xiii)%20Nashik%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22418%22%20y%3D%22374%22%20class%3D%22s%22%3E(xiv)%20Tala%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22418%22%20y%3D%22398%22%20class%3D%22s%22%3E(xv)%20Kudumiyanmalai%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22418%22%20y%3D%22422%22%20class%3D%22s%22%3E(xvi)%20Raichur%20%2F%20Maski%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22418%22%20y%3D%22446%22%20class%3D%22s%22%3E(xvii)%20Pattadakal%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22418%22%20y%3D%22470%22%20class%3D%22s%22%3E(xviii)%20Palitana%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22418%22%20y%3D%22494%22%20class%3D%22s%22%3E(xix)%20Dah%20Parbatiya%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22418%22%20y%3D%22518%22%20class%3D%22s%22%3E(xx)%20Vangchhia%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3Ctext%20x%3D%22320%22%20y%3D%22548%22%20class%3D%22s%20c%22%3Edots%20are%20approximate%3B%20positions%20follow%20the%20identifications%20in%20the%20answer%3C%2Ftext%3E%0A%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
How this answer will be evaluated
Framework: UPSC History Map Identification
What earns full marks: Accurate identification, correct period/dynasty, and one specific point of significance for each site
Evaluation rubric
Each sub-part is marked on its own, against the marks and word limit printed on the paper.
- (i) (i) Prehistoric site: identify and write about 30 words · 30 words
write short notes— define → 3-4 key features → one example → one-line significance
Must cover
- Identification: Gudahandi (Kalahandi, Odisha)
- Significance: rock shelters with red geometric and animal paintings; hunter-gatherer occupation
- Location consistent with the marker
Loses marks
- Identification contradicting the marker
- Exceeding ~30 words
Earns more
- Period/dynasty and excavator or key find
Extra mark
- Correctly marked on map
- (ii) (ii) Area of petroglyphs: identify and write about 30 words · 30 words
write short notes— define → 3-4 key features → one example → one-line significance
Must cover
- Identification: Ratnagiri–Sindhudurg Konkan petroglyphs (Maharashtra)
- Significance: laterite-plateau carvings of animals and humans; UNESCO Tentative List
- Location consistent with the marker
Loses marks
- Identification contradicting the marker
- Exceeding ~30 words
Earns more
- Period/dynasty and excavator or key find
Extra mark
- Correctly marked on map
- (iii) (iii) Neolithic site: identify and write about 30 words · 30 words
write short notes— define → 3-4 key features → one example → one-line significance
Must cover
- Identification: Barudih (Singhbhum, Jharkhand)
- Significance: polished celts, ring-stones, handmade pottery; eastern Neolithic
- Location consistent with the marker
Loses marks
- Identification contradicting the marker
- Exceeding ~30 words
Earns more
- Period/dynasty and excavator or key find
Extra mark
- Correctly marked on map
- (iv) (iv) Harappan site: identify and write about 30 words · 30 words
write short notes— define → 3-4 key features → one example → one-line significance
Must cover
- Identification: Rakhigarhi (Hisar, Haryana)
- Significance: one of the largest Harappan sites; Early to Mature phases; cemetery and aDNA study
- Location consistent with the marker
Loses marks
- Identification contradicting the marker
- Exceeding ~30 words
Earns more
- Period/dynasty and excavator or key find
Extra mark
- Correctly marked on map
- (v) (v) Buddhist monastery: identify and write about 30 words · 30 words
write short notes— define → 3-4 key features → one example → one-line significance
Must cover
- Identification: Moghalmari (Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal)
- Significance: large brick vihara of c. 6th–7th century with stucco; near Tamralipta
- Location consistent with the marker
Loses marks
- Identification contradicting the marker
- Exceeding ~30 words
Earns more
- Period/dynasty and excavator or key find
Extra mark
- Correctly marked on map
- (vi) (vi) Chalcolithic site: identify and write about 30 words · 30 words
write short notes— define → 3-4 key features → one example → one-line significance
Must cover
- Identification: Navdatoli (Narmada, MP) / Kayatha
- Significance: Malwa culture type-site; painted Malwa ware, copper, crops
- Location consistent with the marker
Loses marks
- Identification contradicting the marker
- Exceeding ~30 words
Earns more
- Period/dynasty and excavator or key find
Extra mark
- Correctly marked on map
- (vii) (vii) Neo-Chalcolithic site: identify and write about 30 words · 30 words
write short notes— define → 3-4 key features → one example → one-line significance
Must cover
- Identification: Jodhpura (Jaipur, Rajasthan)
- Significance: Ganeshwar–Jodhpura copper culture; OCP; Khetri copper
- Location consistent with the marker
Loses marks
- Identification contradicting the marker
- Exceeding ~30 words
Earns more
- Period/dynasty and excavator or key find
Extra mark
- Correctly marked on map
- (viii) (viii) Megalithic site with rock art: identify and write about 30 words · 30 words
write short notes— define → 3-4 key features → one example → one-line significance
Must cover
- Identification: Kumittipathi (Coimbatore) / Mallapadi (Krishnagiri), Tamil Nadu
- Significance: Iron Age rock paintings in a megalithic landscape
- Location consistent with the marker
Loses marks
- Identification contradicting the marker
- Exceeding ~30 words
Earns more
- Period/dynasty and excavator or key find
Extra mark
- Correctly marked on map
- (ix) (ix) Mahajanapada capital linked to Buddha's miracle: identify and write about 30 words · 30 words
write short notes— define → 3-4 key features → one example → one-line significance
Must cover
- Identification: Shravasti (Uttar Pradesh)
- Significance: Kosala capital; Jetavana; Twin Miracle
- Location consistent with the marker
Loses marks
- Identification contradicting the marker
- Exceeding ~30 words
Earns more
- Period/dynasty and excavator or key find
Extra mark
- Correctly marked on map
- (x) (x) Hominid fossil find site: identify and write about 30 words · 30 words
write short notes— define → 3-4 key features → one example → one-line significance
Must cover
- Identification: Hathnora (Sehore, MP)
- Significance: Narmada Man skull cap (Sonakia, 1982); archaic Homo; Acheulian
- Location consistent with the marker
Loses marks
- Identification contradicting the marker
- Exceeding ~30 words
Earns more
- Period/dynasty and excavator or key find
Extra mark
- Correctly marked on map
- (xi) (xi) Major rock edict of Ashoka: identify and write about 30 words · 30 words
write short notes— define → 3-4 key features → one example → one-line significance
Must cover
- Identification: Kalsi (Dehradun, Uttarakhand)
- Significance: all 14 Major Rock Edicts; elephant 'gajatame'
- Location consistent with the marker
Loses marks
- Identification contradicting the marker
- Exceeding ~30 words
Earns more
- Period/dynasty and excavator or key find
Extra mark
- Correctly marked on map
- (xii) (xii) Ancient trade centre: identify and write about 30 words · 30 words
write short notes— define → 3-4 key features → one example → one-line significance
Must cover
- Identification: Dantapuram (Srikakulam, AP)
- Significance: Kalinga capital Dantapura; link to Kalingapatnam port; tooth relic tradition
- Location consistent with the marker
Loses marks
- Identification contradicting the marker
- Exceeding ~30 words
Earns more
- Period/dynasty and excavator or key find
Extra mark
- Correctly marked on map
- (xiii) (xiii) Land grant with tax exemptions: identify and write about 30 words · 30 words
write short notes— define → 3-4 key features → one example → one-line significance
Must cover
- Identification: Nashik (Maharashtra)
- Significance: Satavahana (Gautamiputra) cave inscriptions granting land with immunities
- Location consistent with the marker
Loses marks
- Identification contradicting the marker
- Exceeding ~30 words
Earns more
- Period/dynasty and excavator or key find
Extra mark
- Correctly marked on map
- (xiv) (xiv) Shiva temples named after family relationships: identify and write about 30 words · 30 words
write short notes— define → 3-4 key features → one example → one-line significance
Must cover
- Identification: Tala (Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh); alternative Barsur
- Significance: Devrani–Jethani temples, c. 6th century; Rudra-Shiva image
- Location consistent with the marker
Loses marks
- Identification contradicting the marker
- Exceeding ~30 words
Earns more
- Period/dynasty and excavator or key find
Extra mark
- Correctly marked on map
- (xv) (xv) Place of art-related inscription: identify and write about 30 words · 30 words
write short notes— define → 3-4 key features → one example → one-line significance
Must cover
- Identification: Kudumiyanmalai / Sittanavasal (Pudukkottai, TN)
- Significance: Pallava-period music inscription with svara notation
- Location consistent with the marker
Loses marks
- Identification contradicting the marker
- Exceeding ~30 words
Earns more
- Period/dynasty and excavator or key find
Extra mark
- Correctly marked on map
- (xvi) (xvi) Place of inscription of three languages: identify and write about 30 words · 30 words
write short notes— define → 3-4 key features → one example → one-line significance
Must cover
- Identification: Raichur / Maski (Raichur district, Karnataka)
- Significance: Raichur fort multi-lingual inscriptions (Kakatiya, Persian, Arabic); Maski Ashokan edict naming Asoka
- Location consistent with the marker
Loses marks
- Identification contradicting the marker
- Exceeding ~30 words
Earns more
- Period/dynasty and excavator or key find
Extra mark
- Correctly marked on map
- (xvii) (xvii) Temple site with three styles: identify and write about 30 words · 30 words
write short notes— define → 3-4 key features → one example → one-line significance
Must cover
- Identification: Pattadakal (Bagalkot, Karnataka)
- Significance: Chalukyan Nagara, Dravida and mixed temples; UNESCO
- Location consistent with the marker
Loses marks
- Identification contradicting the marker
- Exceeding ~30 words
Earns more
- Period/dynasty and excavator or key find
Extra mark
- Correctly marked on map
- (xviii) (xviii) Jain pilgrimage site: identify and write about 30 words · 30 words
write short notes— define → 3-4 key features → one example → one-line significance
Must cover
- Identification: Palitana (Bhavnagar, Gujarat)
- Significance: Shatrunjaya hill temples to Adinatha; Svetambara tirtha
- Location consistent with the marker
Loses marks
- Identification contradicting the marker
- Exceeding ~30 words
Earns more
- Period/dynasty and excavator or key find
Extra mark
- Correctly marked on map
- (xix) (xix) Shiva temple of Gupta period: identify and write about 30 words · 30 words
write short notes— define → 3-4 key features → one example → one-line significance
Must cover
- Identification: Dah Parbatiya (Tezpur, Assam)
- Significance: Gupta-style door-frame with Ganga–Yamuna, c. 5th–6th century
- Location consistent with the marker
Loses marks
- Identification contradicting the marker
- Exceeding ~30 words
Earns more
- Period/dynasty and excavator or key find
Extra mark
- Correctly marked on map
- (xx) (xx) Megalithic monumental site: identify and write about 30 words · 30 words
write short notes— define → 3-4 key features → one example → one-line significance
Must cover
- Identification: Vangchhia (Champhai, Mizoram)
- Significance: carved menhirs with human, mithun and weapon motifs; ASI work
- Location consistent with the marker
Loses marks
- Identification contradicting the marker
- Exceeding ~30 words
Earns more
- Period/dynasty and excavator or key find
Extra mark
- Correctly marked on map
What "Write short notes" is asking you to do
Five or six self-contained answers, marked separately, typically 10 marks and about 150 words each. Each note must carry its own definition, its two or three defining features and a line on why it matters; a common introduction or conclusion across the notes earns nothing.
Structure that answers it
Per note: one-line definition or identification → two or three features, mechanisms or named examples → one line of significance or Indian application
Where marks are lost
Writing the first two notes at essay length and rationing the rest. Each note is marked on its own, so marks surrendered on a compressed or unattempted note cannot be won back by the long ones.
Practice this exact question
Write your answer and it is marked point by point against the model answer above — what you covered, what you missed, what you got wrong.
Evaluate my answer →More from History 2024 Paper I
- Q1 Identify the following places marked on the map supplied to you and write a short note of…
- Q2 (a) Harappan art contributes to our understanding of their aesthetic sensibilities in add…
- Q3 (a) Symbiotic relationships between Buddhist establishments, traders, artisan guilds, and…
- Q4 (a) Highlight the contributions of Aryabhatta, Varahamihira and Brahmagupta in the fields…