All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains History
2024 Paper II (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full,
with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.
8Questions
400Total marks
2024Year
Paper IIPaper
Topics covered
Colonial India social and political developments (1)British economic policies and 1857 revolt (1)Nationalism, regionalism and Maratha history (1)Swadeshi movement, trade unions and post-independence development (1)World history from Enlightenment to 1989 (1)Industrialization and rise of Fascism in Europe (1)World War II, European integration and apartheid (1)Cold War, neo-imperialism and Vietnamese independence (1)
A
Q1
50M150wCompulsorycritically examineColonial India social and political developments
Critically examine the following statements in about 150 words each:
(a) After the battle of Plassey, the mercenary became the Kingmaker. (10 marks)
(b) The values of utilitarianism prompted the Company administration to attempt reform of Indian society. (10 marks)
(c) In course of the 19th century, the agenda of social reform was gradually replaced by revivalism. (10 marks)
(d) The federal provisions of the Government of India Act of 1935 foundered on the rock of princely intransigence. (10 marks)
(e) The strength of the Pakistan programme was its vagueness. It meant everything to everyone. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित कथनों में से प्रत्येक का लगभग 150 शब्दों में समालोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए :
(a) प्लासी के युद्ध के बाद भाड़े के सैनिक राजा निर्माता बन गए । (10)
(b) उपयोगितावाद के मूल्यों ने कम्पनी प्रशासन को भारतीय समाज में सुधार के प्रयास के लिए प्रेरित किया । (10)
(c) 19वीं सदी के दौरान, सामाजिक सुधार की कार्यसूची (एजेंडे) को धीरे-धीरे पुनरुत्थानवाद द्वारा प्रतिस्थापित किया गया । (10)
(d) भारत सरकार अधिनियम 1935 के संघीय प्रावधान राजाओं के कठोर रूख से असफल हो गए । (10)
(e) पाकिस्तान योजना की ताकत उसका अस्पष्ट होना था । यह सब लोगों के लिए सब कुछ था । (10)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Context > Thesis > Evidence > Historiography. (a) critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment | (b) critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment | (c) critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment | (d) critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment | (e) critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment Full marks: Thesis-driven, cites specific sources/historians, nuanced critique of the statement
Define 'Kingmaker' in the context of the Nawabs of Bengal
Cite the Treaty of Allahabad (1765) and the grant of Diwani
Explain the separation of Diwani and Nizamat powers
Analyze the role of Robert Clive in the political maneuvering
Define Utilitarianism (greatest good for greatest number)
Link specific reforms (e.g., Sati Abolition) to Utilitarian logic
Mention key figures like Macaulay or Bentham
Critically assess if motives were purely philosophical or political
50Mcritically examineBritish economic policies and 1857 revolt
(a) The pace of commercialisation of agriculture increased as a result of British revenue policies in India. – Critically examine. (20 marks)
(b) Why was the Great Revolt of 1857 confined only to North India ? How did it change the character of British rule in the subcontinent ? Explain. (10+10=20 marks)
(c) Why did the demand for land reform never become an agenda in national politics after 1947 ? Elucidate. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) भारत में ब्रिटिश राजस्व नीतियों के फलस्वरूप कृषि वाणिज्यीकरण की गति में वृद्धि हुई । आलोचनात्मक विश्लेषण कीजिए । (20)
(b) 1857 का महान विद्रोह क्यों उत्तर भारत में ही सीमित रहा ? उपमहाद्वीप में ब्रिटिश शासन की प्रकृति में यह कैसे परिवर्तन लाया ? व्याख्या कीजिए । (10+10=20)
(c) 1947 के बाद भूमि सुधार की मांग राष्ट्रीय राजनीति में कभी एजेंडा क्यों नहीं बनी ? स्पष्ट कीजिए । (10)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Context > Thesis > Evidence > Historiography. (a) critically evaluate: positives > negatives/limits > conditions/safeguards > conclusion | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) account for: state the phenomenon > the causes in order of weight > conclusion Full marks: Analytical, cites specific acts/historians, addresses all sub-parts with nuance.
Link Permanent Settlement/Zamindari to cash-crop production
Analyze impact of railway expansion on export markets
Discuss the 'drain of wealth' and de-industrialization
Critique the 'benefit' argument of colonial modernization
Identify reasons for absence in South/West (e.g., no sepoys)
50McommentNationalism, regionalism and Maratha history
(a) Political extremism in colonial India often converged with cultural nationalism, but not always. – Comment. (20 marks)
(b) Regionalism in India after 1947 was occasioned by developmental imperatives as much as linguistic particularism. – Elucidate. (20 marks)
(c) Twenty years of peace secured by the treaty of Salbai proved very costly to the Marathas in strategic terms. – Elucidate. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) औपनिवेशिक भारत में राजनीतिक उग्रवाद अक्सर सांस्कृतिक राष्ट्रवाद में अभिमुख हो जाते थे, परन्तु हमेशा नहीं । टिप्पणी कीजिए । (20)
(b) 1947 के बाद भारत में क्षेत्रवाद जितना ही विकासात्मक अनिवार्यताओं से प्रेरित था उतना ही भाषाई विशिष्टतावाद से भी । स्पष्ट कीजिए । (20)
(c) सलबाई की संधि के फलस्वरूप बीस वर्षों की शांति मराठाओं के लिए रणनीति के परिप्रेक्ष्य से बहुत महँगी साबित हुई । स्पष्ट कीजिए । (10)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Context > Thesis > Evidence > Historiography. (a) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Demonstrates deep understanding of the historical context, provides specific examples, and offers a nuanced analysis.
Define the specific nature of political extremism (e.g., revolutionary or communal).
Identify the 'cultural nationalism' elements (e.g., Vedic revival, Swadeshi, language).
Provide evidence of convergence (e.g., Ghadar movement, early Congress).
Provide evidence of divergence (e.g., secular vs. religious political goals).
Define 'developmental imperatives' in the context of resource allocation.
Explain the role of linguistic reorganization (1956) in shaping regions.
Provide examples of regions driven by development (e.g., Punjab, Haryana).
Provide examples of regions driven by language (e.g., Telangana, Assam).
50Mcritically examineSwadeshi movement, trade unions and post-independence development
(a) The Swadeshi movement of 1905 anticipated many of the tactics that were later developed during the Gandhian mass movement. – Critically examine. (20 marks)
(b) The trade union movement joined forces with the mainstream of nationalist politics to strengthen each other in their struggle against colonial rule. – Comment. (20 marks)
(c) India's developmental strategy after independence was influenced by economic imperatives, not ideological considerations. – Comment. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) 1905 के स्वदेशी आंदोलन ने कई कार्यनीतियों का पूर्वानुमान कर लिया था जिन्हें बाद में गांधीवादी जन आंदोलन के दौरान विकसित किया गया । आलोचनात्मक विश्लेषण कीजिए । (20)
(b) औपनिवेशिक शासन के विरुद्ध अपने संघर्ष में एक दूसरे को मजबूत करने के लिए, ट्रेड यूनियन आंदोलन राष्ट्रवादी राजनीति की मुख्यधारा से जुड़ गया था । टिप्पणी कीजिए । (20)
(c) स्वतंत्रता के बाद भारत की विकासात्मक रणनीति आर्थिक अनिवार्यता से प्रभावित थी, न कि वैचारिक विचार से । टिप्पणी कीजिए । (10)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC History Paper 2 (Modern India). (a) critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment | (b) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (c) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close Full marks: Nuanced analysis with specific historical evidence and historiographical awareness.
Identify specific 1905 tactics (boycott, swadeshi, passive resistance).
Map these to specific Gandhian tactics (Satyagraha, constructive programme).
Analyze the continuity of 'mass' mobilization vs elite leadership.
Critically evaluate the limits of the 'anticipation' argument.
Explain the 'joining of forces' (e.g., 1929 Congress resolution).
Analyze how unions strengthened the nationalist struggle.
Analyze how nationalism strengthened the trade union movement.
Provide specific examples of joint action (e.g., 1929 strikes).
50M150wCompulsorycritically examineWorld history from Enlightenment to 1989
Critically examine the following statements in about 150 words each:
(a) The ideas raised by Enlightenment thinkers were profoundly unsettling and challenging to old regime society and political order. (10 marks)
(b) The American Civil War was a result of disparity of needs of industrial north and agrarian south. (10 marks)
(c) The unification of Germany was as much a product of coal and iron as it was of blood and iron. (10 marks)
(d) The new regime in China addressed the peasant question by instituting wholesale land redistribution, which was carried out swiftly and ruthlessly. (10 marks)
(e) The revolutions of 1989 did not simply destroy governments; they also ended an ideology. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित कथनों में से प्रत्येक का लगभग 150 शब्दों में समालोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए :
(a) प्रबोधन विचारकों द्वारा उठाये गये विचार पुरतन राज के समाज तथा राजनीतिक व्यवस्था के लिए बेहद अस्थिर करने वाले और चुनौतीपूर्ण थे । (10)
(b) अमरीकी गृह युद्ध औद्योगिक उत्तर तथा कृषीय दक्षिण की आवश्यकताओं की असमानता का परिणाम था । (10)
(c) जर्मनी का एकीकरण जितना कोयले और लोहे का उत्पाद था उतना ही रक्त और लोह का भी । (10)
(d) चीन के नये प्रशासन ने बड़े स्तर पर भूमि पुनर्वितरण की व्यवस्था करके कृषकों के प्रश्नों को संबोधित किया, जिसको तेजी से तथा बेरहमी से किया गया था। (10)
(e) 1989 की क्रांतियों ने केवल सरकारों को ही नष्ट नहीं किया; उन्होंने एक विचारधारा का भी अंत किया। (10)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Context > Thesis > Evidence > Historiography. (a) critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment | (b) critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment | (c) critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment | (d) critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment | (e) critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment Full marks: Argues a clear thesis, cites specific evidence, and engages with historiography.
Identify specific Enlightenment critiques of divine right/monarchy
Link specific ideas to specific political outcomes
Acknowledge the 'Old Regime' as a specific historical structure
Provide a balanced judgment on the 'unsettling' nature
Contrast the specific economic needs of North vs South
Address the 'disparity of needs' as a causal factor
Acknowledge the role of slavery as a central conflict
Provide a judgment on the sufficiency of the economic argument
50McommentIndustrialization and rise of Fascism in Europe
(a) The course of the English industrialization was too long drawn to be considered a revolution. Comment. (20 marks)
(b) The social and political landscape of Europe after the first world war was uniquely suited to the rise of Fascism. Discuss. (20 marks)
(c) The state was the most important factor in the industrialization of Russia. Comment. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) इंग्लैंड के औद्योगीकरण का गतिक्रम, क्रांति कहने के लिए, कुछ ज्यादा ही लंबी अवधि के लिए था। टिप्पणी कीजिए। (20)
(b) प्रथम विश्व युद्ध के बाद यूरोप का सामाजिक तथा राजनीतिक परिदृश्य फासीवाद के उदय के लिए विशिष्ट रूप से अनुकूल था। विवेचना कीजिए। (20)
(c) रूस के औद्योगीकरण में राज्य सबसे महत्वपूर्ण कारक था। टिप्पणी कीजिए। (10)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Context > Thesis > Evidence > Historiography. (a) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close Full marks: Argues a clear thesis, uses specific historical evidence, and engages with historiographical debates.
Define the 'long-drawn' period (1760s-1840s) vs. rapid change
Contrast with 'sudden' revolutions (French/American)
50MdiscussWorld War II, European integration and apartheid
(a) The second world war was a truly global conflict. Discuss. (20 marks)
(b) Trace the different stages of European economic integration. (20 marks)
(c) The nature of apartheid regime undermined South Africa's claim of being a democratic polity. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) द्वितीय विश्व युद्ध वास्तविक वैश्विक संघर्ष था। विवेचना कीजिए। (20)
(b) यूरोपीय आर्थिक एकीकरण के विभिन्न चरणों को रेखांकित कीजिए। (20)
(c) नस्ल-भेद शासन की प्रकृति ने दक्षिण अफ्रीका के लोकतांत्रिक राज्य होने के दावे को कमजोर कर दिया। (10)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Context > Thesis > Evidence > Historiography. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) trace: start point > the stages in sequence > end point > what changed | (c) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close Full marks: Thesis-driven, specific evidence, clear sequence, historiographical awareness.
Geographical spread: Europe, Pacific, North Africa, Asia
Economic dimension: total war mobilization and industrial capacity
Diplomatic dimension: formation of Allied and Axis blocs
Thesis: conflict was truly global, not just European
Start point: 1951 ECSC (Coal and Steel Community)
Stage: 1957 Treaty of Rome (EEC) and 1968 Customs Union
Stage: 1992 Single European Market (Maastricht Treaty)
End point: 1999 Euro currency and 2004 Eastern expansion
50MexplainCold War, neo-imperialism and Vietnamese independence
(a) The emergence of two power blocs not only symbolised two competing ideologies but also two alternative models of economic growth. Explain. (20 marks)
(b) To what extent underdevelopment in Latin America is caused by neo-imperialism? (20 marks)
(c) How did Ho Chi Minh emerge as the central figure in the Vietnamese independence movement? (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) दो पावर ब्लॉक का उद्भव न केवल प्रतिद्वंद्वी विचारधाराओं का प्रतीक था, परंतु दो वैकल्पिक आर्थिक विकास का प्रारूप भी था। व्याख्या कीजिए। (20)
(b) लैटिन अमेरिका का अल्प विकास किस हद तक नवसाम्राज्यवाद के कारण हुआ? (20)
(c) हो ची मिन्ह वियतनामी स्वतंत्रता आंदोलन के केंद्रीय व्यक्ति के रूप में कैसे उभरे? (10)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Context > Thesis > Evidence > Historiography. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (c) trace: start point > the stages in sequence > end point > what changed Full marks: Analytical depth with specific evidence and historiographical awareness.
Identify the two competing ideologies (Capitalism vs Socialism)
Detail the Western market-led growth model
Detail the Soviet planned economy model
Link the ideological split to the Cold War context
Define neo-imperialism in the Latin American context
Explain the dependency theory perspective
Provide evidence of economic exploitation or debt
Offer a balanced judgment on the extent of causality