UPSC History 2026

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…

(a) Analyze the role of terrain, climate and vegetation in shaping the settlement and movement of prehistoric communities in India. (15 marks) (b) “Harappan architecture reflects…

(a) “The Iranian and Macedonian invasions reshaped ancient India through administrative influence, political transformation and cultural interaction.” Review. (15 marks) (b) Evalu…

(a) “Hoysala temple architecture marks a distinctive and innovative phase in the evolution of South Indian art and architecture.” Illustrate with examples. (20 marks) (b) Analyze…

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each : (a) How far can the Qutub Complex at Mehrauli be considered as an ideal specimen for the study on the development of archi…

(a) Critically examine the theories on the origin of the Rajputs. How do the indigenous evidences contradict the European theorists? (20 marks) (b) Why did the abdication of power…

(a) From the Portuguese merchant Domingo Paes’ description of Krishnadeva-raya’s reign, assess the socio-economic and cultural uniqueness of the Vijayanagara Empire. (15 marks) (b…

(a) Analyze the influence of Persian traditions on the development of architecture and painting under the Mughals. To what extent did these art forms reflect a synthesis of Indian…

Critically examine the following statements in about 150 words each : (a) “Superior Maritime strength proved to be England's most powerful weapon in the struggle for colonial supr…

(a) Underline the various factors for decline of the Indian cottage industries during the nineteenth century. (20 marks) (b) Was the Moplah Rebellion in Malabar an expression of a…

(a) ‘Raja Rammohan Roy stands in history as the living bridge over which India marches from her unmeasured part to her incalculable future.’ Explain. (20 marks) (b) 'The Quit Indi…

(a) Why did the British Crown assume direct control over the Indian Government in 1858 ? Mention the new administrative arrangements. (20 marks) (b) 'Subhas Chandra Bose and the I…

Critically examine the following statements in about 150 words each : (a) "Immanuel Kant was an advocate of liberalism and nationalism." (10 marks) (b) "The rise of the Cordelier…

(a) The Vienna Settlement of 1815 was based on three principles, restoration, legitimacy and compensation. Elucidate. (20 marks) (b) The conquests of Napoleon were ephemeral but h…

(a) The Industrial Revolution in England accelerated the decline of traditional Indian handicrafts and cottage Industries. Critically examine the factors responsible for this decl…

(a) 'The Acerbo law played a crucial role in strengthening Mussolini's hold on power by undermining democratic institutions in Italy.' Examine. (20 marks) (b) The European Union s…