Indian History


For a number of reasons, history is important in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE). First of all, it gives candidates a comprehensive grasp of the social, political, economic, and cultural development of India. This thorough understanding is essential for negotiating the ever-changing complexity of modern India and creating well-informed policy judgements. The origins of our contemporary institutions, social structures, and problems may be better understood by researching the legacy of ancient empires, mediaeval governments, and the independence struggle. By examining these historical links, candidates may get a greater understanding of current challenges, identify trends, and predict possible outcomes of policy decisions.

Studying history enhances critical thinking abilities, crucial for UPSC application. It allows aspirants to examine complex situations, analyze facts, and analyze historical characters, enabling effective problem-solving and public administration success. This knowledge not only provides valuable information but also mental skills.

Timeline  Event
Before Common Era
9000 BCE Early Neolithic Period
7000 to 3300 BCE Mehrgarh Culture
3000 to 1500 BCE Indus Valley Civilization, Early Harappan Phase, Mature Harappan Phase, Late Harappan Phase
1400 BCE Complete disappearance of Harappan towns
1500 to 1000 BCE Early Vedic age, also known as the Rigveda age
1000 BCE Iron age of India
1000 to 500 BCE Later Vedic Age
600 BCE Emergence of 16 Mahajanapadas
563 BCE Birth of Gautama Buddha (Founder of Buddhism)
540 BCE Birth of Vardhamana Mahavira (Founder of Jainism)
516 BCE Penetration of Iranian ruler, Darius into Northwest India
326 BCE Invasion of India by Alexander of Macedonia (Battle of Hydaspes)
322 BCE Establishment of the Mauryan dynasty
273 to 232 BCE Reign of Ashoka
265 BCE Beginning of Kalinga war
261 BCE End of the Kalinga war
250 BCE The Third Buddist Council was held
200 BCE Beginning of Central Asian contacts and invasion of Bactrian Greeks
184 BCE The decline of the Mauryan Empire
100 BCE Establishment of Satavahana Dynasty in Deccan
78 BCE Shaka era was started by the Kushan ruler, Kanishka
57 BCE Beginning of the Vikram era
Timeline  Event
Common Era
78 CE Gautamiputra Satakarni becomes Satavahana ruler
240 CE Establishment of the Gupta Empire by Sri Gupta
319 CE Beginning of the Gupta era by Chandragupta I
319 to 334 CE Reign of Chandragupta I
335 to 380 CE Reign of Samudragupta
380 to 412 CE Reign of Chandragupta II
450 CE Hunas invasion and end of Gupta Empire
606 to 647 CE Period of King Harshavardhana
973 to 1190 CE Reign of Chalukyas of Kalyani
753 CE Establishment of the Rashtrakuta dynasty by Danti Durga
760 to 1142 CE Reign of Palas in Eastern India
788 CE Birth of Adi Sankaracharya
985 to 1014 CE Reign of Rajaraja Chola
1014 to 1044 CE Reign of Rajendra Chola
1000 to 1027 CE Invasion of India by Mahmud of Ghazni
1191 CE First Battle of Tarain (Mohammad Ghori defeated by Prithviraj III)
1192 CE Second Battle of Tarain (Prithviraj III defeated by Mohammad Ghori)
1192 to 1206 CE Ganga-Jamuna doab and its surrounding was under Turkish rule
1206 CE Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate by Qutbuddin Aibak
1210 CE Death of Qutbuddin Aibak
1210 to 1236 CE Reign of Iltutmish
1236 to 1240 CE Reign of Raziya
1265 to 1287 CE Reign of Balban
1290 CE Establishment of the Khalji dynasty by Jalaluddin Khalji
1290 to 1296 CE Reign of Jalaluddin Khalji
1296 to 1316 CE Reign of Alauddin Khalji
1320 CE Establishment of the Tughlaq dynasty by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
1320 to 1325 CE Reign of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
1325 to 1351 CE Reign of Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq
1327 CE Transfer of capital from Delhi to Daulatabad (by Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq)
1333 CE Arrival of Ibn Batuta to India
1351 to 1388 CE Reign of Firuz Tughlaq
1394 to 1412 CE Reign of Nasiruddin Mahmud
1398 CE Invasion of Delhi by Timur
1412 CE The Reign of the Tughlaq dynasty came to an end
1414 to 1451 CE Reign of the Sayyid dynasty
1451 CE Establishment of the Lodi dynasty
1451 to 1489 CE Reign of Bahlul Lodhi
1489 to 1517 CE Reign of Sikandar Lodhi
1517 to 1526 CE Reign of Ibrahim Lodhi
1526 CE First Battle of Panipat
1336 CE Establishment of the Vijayanagara Empire by Harihara and Bukka
1377 to 1404 Reign of Harihara II
1404 to 1422 CE Reign of Deva Raya I
1425 to 1446 CE Reign of Deva Raya II
1509 CE Tuluva dynasty was founded by Krishna Deva Raya
1509 to 1530 CE Reign of Krishnadeva Raya
1565 CE Battle of Talikota or Battle of Rakshasa-Tangadi. Marked the decline of the Vijayanagara empire
1346 CE Establishment of Bahmani Kingdom
1327 to 1358 CE Reign of Ala-ud-din Hasan Bahman Shah
1397 to 1422 CE Reign of Firuz Shah Bahmani
1419 CE Defeat of Firuz Shah Bahmani by Deva Raya I
1498 CE Arrival of Vasco da Gama at Calicut
1510 CE The Portuguese Governor, Alfonso Albuquerque captured Goa from the ruler of Bijapur.
1526 CE First Battle of Panipat (Defeat of Ibrahim Lodi by Babur)
1526 CE Establishment of the Mughal Empire by Babur
1527 CE Battle of Khanwa
1530 CE Accession of Humayun to the throne
1539 CE Defeat of Humayun by Sher Khan at Chausa
1540 CE Battle of Kanauj between Sher Khan and Mughals
1540 CE Establishment of Sur Empire by Sher Shah
1555 CE Humayun recaptured the throne by defeating Sikandur Suri in the Battle of Sirhind.
1556 CE Accession of Akbar to the throne
1556 CE Second Battle of Panipat
1556 – 1605 CE Reign of Akbar
1564 CE Abolition of the Jizyah system by Akbar
1565 CE Battle of Talikota and end of Vijayanagar empire
1575 CE Ibadat Khana (Hall of Prayer) was constructed in Fatehpur Sikri
1576 CE Battle of Haldighati (Defeat of Maharana Pratap by Akbar)
1581 CE Promulgation of Din-i-Ilahi by Akbar
1605 to 1627 CE Reign of Jahangir
1628 to 1658 CE Reign of Shah Jahan
1658 to 1707 CE Coronation of Aurangzeb
1679 CE Jizyah system was reintroduced by Aurangzeb
1707 CE Death of Aurangzeb
1709 to 1712 CE Reign of Bahadur Shah I
1712 to 1713 CE Reign of Jahandar Shah
1713 to 1719 CE Reign of Farrukhsiyar
1719 to 1748 CE Reign of Muhammad Shah
1738 to 1739 CE Persian emperor, Nadir Shah invaded India
1739 CE Battle of Karnal (Mughals were defeated by Nadir Shah)
1740 to 1748 CE First Carnatic War
1748 to 1754 CE Reign of Ahmad Shah
1754 to 1758 CE Reign of Alamgir II
1757 CE Battle of Plassey
1758 to 1759 CE Reign of Shahjehan II
1759 to 1806 CE Reign of Shah Alam II
1760 CE Battle of Wandiwash
1761 CE Third Battle of Panipat
1764 CE Battle of Buxar
1765 CE Diwani rights of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa were granted to the British East India Company by Shah Alam II
1765 to 1772 CE Dual Government in Bengal
1767 to 1769 CE First Anglo-Mysore war
1770 CE Great Bengal Famine
1772 CE Warren Hastings was appointed as Governor of Bengal
1772 CE Abolition of dual government in Bengal
1773 CE The Regulating Act of 1773 was passed
1775 to 1782 CE First Anglo-Maratha war
1776 CE Treaty of Purandhar
1780 to 1784 CE Second Anglo-Mysore war
1782 CE Treaty of Salbai
1784 CE Pitt’s India Act was passed
1786 to 1793 CE Lord Cornwallis served as the Governor-General
1790 to 1792 CE Third Anglo-Mysore War and Treaty of Srirangapatnam (1792)
1793 CE The Charter Act of 1793 was passed
1793 to 1798 CE Sir John Shore served as the Governor-General
1798 CE Lord Wellesley was appointed as Governor-General
1798 CE Introduction of Subsidiary Alliance 
1799 CE Fourth Anglo-Mysore war
1802 CE Treaty of Bassein
1803 to 1805 CE Second Anglo-Maratha war
1806 to 1837 CE Reign of Akbar II
1807 to 1813 CE Lord Minto served as the Governor-General
1813 CE The Charter Act of 1813 was passed
1813 to 1823 CE Lord Warren Hastings served as the Governor-General
1817 to 1819 CE Third Anglo-Maratha war
1823 to 1828 CE Lord Amherst served as the Governor-General
1828 CE Brahmo Sabha was founded by Raja Rammohan Roy
1828 to 1835 CE Lord William Bentinck served as the Governor-General
1833 CE The Charter Act of 1833 was passed
1836 to 1842 CE Lord Auckland served as the Governor-General
1837 to 1857 CE Reign of Bahadur Shah II and the end of the Mughal empire
1842 to 1844 CE Lord Ellenborough served as the Governor-General
1844 to 1848 CE Lord Hardinge served as the Governor-General
1845 to 1846 CE First Anglo-Sikh War
1848 to 1849 CE Second Anglo-Sikh War
1848 to 1856 CE Lord Dalhousie served as the Governor-General
1853 CE The Charter Act of 1853 was passed
1854 CE Charles Wood’s despatch on Education
1856 to 1858 CE Lord Canning served as the Governor-General
1857 CE Revolt of 1857
1858 CE Lord Canning was appointed as the Viceroy
1861 CE Indian Council Act of 1861 was passed
1861 CE Indian Civil Service Act of 1861 was passed
1862 to 1863 CE Lord Elgin served as Viceroy
1864 to 1869 CE Sir John Lawrence served as Viceroy
1866 CE East India Association was formed by Dadabhai Naoroji
1867 CE Poona Sarvajanik Sabha was founded by M.G.Ranade
1869 to 1872 CE Lord Mayo served as Viceroy
1875 CE Arya Samaj founded by Swami Dayananda
1876 CE Indian National Association was formed by Surendranath Banerjea and Ananda Mohan Bose
1878 CE The Vernacular Press Act was passed
1880 to 1884 CE Lord Ripon served as Viceroy
1883 to 1884 CE Ilbert Bill Controversy
1884 to 1888 CE Lord Dufferin served as Viceroy
1885 CE The first session of the Indian National Congress
1888 to 1893 CE Lord Lansdowne served as Viceroy
1892 CE Indian Councils Act of 1892 was passed
1893 to 1899 CE Lord Elgin II served as Viceroy
1899 to 1905 CE Lord Curzon served as Viceroy
1905 CE Partition of Bengal
1905 to 1910 CE Lord Minto II served as Viceroy
1906 CE Swaraj was declared the goal of the Congress by Dadabhai Naoroji
1906 CE Formation of the Muslim League
1907 CE Surat Split of the Congress
1907 CE Seditious meeting act was passed
1908 CE Indian Newspapers Act was passed
1909 CE Morley-Minto Reforms
1909 CE Indian Councils Act of 1909 was passed
1910 CE Indian Press Act was passed
1910 to 1916 CE Lord Hardinge II served as Viceroy
1911 CE Annulment of Bengal Partition of 1905
1914 to 1919 CE First World War
1914 CE The arrival of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi in India
1916 to 1921 CE Lord Chelmsford served as Viceroy
1916 CE Home Rule League was set up by Tilak and Annie Besant
1916 CE Lucknow pact between Congress and Muslim League
1916 CE Readmission of Extremists into Congress at Lucknow session of Congress
1917 CE August declaration was made by Edwin Samuel Montagu
1917 CE Champaran Satyagraha
1918 CE Ahmedabad Mill Strike
1918 CE Kheda Satyagraha
1919 CE Montagu-Chelmsford Reform was introduced
1919 CE Government of India Act of 1919 was passed
1919 CE Rowlatt Act was passed
1919 CE Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
1920 CE Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movement
1920 to 1930 CE Several revolutionary movements took place
1921 to 1926 CE Lord Reading served as Viceroy
1922 CE Chauri Chaura incident
1926 to 1931 CE Lord Irwin served as Viceroy
1927 CE All India Women’s Conference was founded by Margaret Cousins
1927 CE Appointment of Simon Commission
1928 CE Nehru Report was put forth
1929 CE Jinnah’s Fourteen points were proposed
1930 CE Gandhiji’s Dandi Marchand Civil Disobedience Movement
1930 to 1931 CE First-round Table Conference
1931 CE Second Round Table Conference
1931 CE Gandhi-Irwin Pact
1931 to 1936 CE Lord Wellingdon served as Viceroy
1932 CE Third Round Table Conference
1932 CE Announcement of communal award
1932 CE Poona Pact was signed
1935 CE Government of India Act of 1935 was passed
1936 to 1944 CE Lord Linlithgow served as Viceroy
1939 to 1945 CE Second World War
1940 CE August Offer was announced
1942 CE Cripps Mission headed by Sir Stafford Cripps was sent to India
1943 CE The Bengal Famine
1944 to 1947 CE Lord Wavell served as Viceroy
1945 CE Wavell Plan
1946 CE Cabinet Mission was sent to India
Timeline  Event
After Independence
Year Events
1947 Independence of India
1947 Integration of princely states
1947 Jawaharlal Nehru is appointed as the first Prime Minister of Independent India
1948 The assassination of Mahatma Gandhi
1948 India-Pakistan war on Kashmir
1949 Indian Constituent Assembly adopts new constitution
1950 India becomes a Republic and constitution of India comes into force
1951 First amendment. Important Amendments of Indian Constitution
1951 First five-year plan
1952 First general election of India
1952 Panchayati Raj
1954 Indo-Chinese Panchsheel Treaty
1955 The Imperial Bank of India transformed into the State Bank of India.
1958 Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act
1961 Indian troops annexed the Portuguese territories of Goa, Daman, and Diu.
1962 The Sino- Indian war breaks out which ends in a decisive victory for China
1965 India-Pakistan war breaks out.
1965 Hindi becomes the official language of India.
1966 Tashkent conference
1969 Nationalization of Banks
1971 India-Pakistan war and the liberation of Bangladesh
1971 Simla Agreement Signed on July 2nd
1973 Establishment of 1st International Telephone Exchange in India
1974 First nuclear test at Pokhran.
1975 State of emergency
1975 Aryabhatta, India’s first satellite was launched
1975 20 point program
1984 Bhopal gas tragedy
1988 Establishment of Securities Exchange Board of India
1991 Economic reforms
1991 Devaluation
1999 Kargil war
2000 Creation of new states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Uttranchal.
2002 Gujarat riots
2004 The tsunami caused massive devastation around the Southern and Eastern coasts of India.
2006 The US and India signed a nuclear agreement.
2008 Moon mission-Chandrayaan-1 launched on October 22.
2013 Mars Orbiter Mission
2016 India becomes a member of MTCR.
2017 Implementation of Goods and Services Tax
2019 The scrapping of Article 370 and 35A, granted special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
2020 On March 25, the Indian government declared a complete lockdown of the nation due to an increase in Covid-19 cases.
2021 Authorisation of two COVID-19 vaccines, Covaxin and Covershield, in emergency situations.
2021 January 6th: Attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of former President Donald Trump in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

Ongoing: COVID-19 pandemic continues, with the emergence of new variants and a global focus on vaccine distribution.

July 23rd: The 2020 Summer Olympics are held in Tokyo, Japan, postponed from 2020 due to the pandemic.

August 15th: The Taliban captures Kabul, Afghanistan, marking the end of the 20-year U.S. war in the country.
2022 February 24th: Russia launches a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, sparking a major international conflict.

May 16th: The first flight of a commercial reusable spacecraft occurs as SpaceX's Starship successfully completes a test flight.


UPSC Preliminary: Entire Indian History syllabus:
PYQ Year-Wise Analysis

This section provides an analytical view of the frequency of the number of Questions asked from each division of the Indian History Syllabus


Fig.1.1.Entire History: PYQ - Year-Wise Analysis



UPSC Preliminary History Topics to Cover for 2024

The General Studies History Syllabus for the IAS Prelims Exam includes questions on

1. Ancient History





Ancient India has weaved a beautiful tapestry over millennia. The advanced Indus Valley Civilization (2600-1900 BCE), which flourished in towns like Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, was founded by early immigrants. After came the Vedic communities. Heavy critisism against it, paved the way giving birth to Buddhism, Jainism and the like. Vast lands were consolidated by strong empires like the Mauryas (322-185 BCE) and Guptas (320-550 CE), who promoted literature, art, and science. Along the Silk Road, trade flourished, and maritime kingdoms such as the Cholas and Pallavas rose to prominence in South India. Ancient India absorbed and adapted from conquerors like Alexander to cultural cross-pollination, producing a legacy that continues to influence the subcontinent's dynamic personality.


Here the Focus area in Ancient History:

Previous Year Ancient Indian History Question Year-Wise


1] In which one of the following regions was Dhanyakataka, which flourished as a prominent Buddhist center under the Mahasanghikas, located? [2023]
1] மகாசங்கீகர்களின் கீழ் ஒரு முக்கிய பௌத்த மையமாக தழைத்தோங்கிய தன்யகடகா பின்வரும் பகுதிகளில் எந்தப் பகுதியில் அமைந்துள்ளது? [2023]

(a) Andhra/ஆந்திரா
(b) Gandhara/காந்தாரம்
(c) Kalinga/கலிங்கம்
(d) Magadha/மகத

Correct Answer: Andhra (a)/ஆந்திரா

2] With reference to ancient India, consider the following statements: [2023]
2] பண்டைய இந்தியாவைப் பற்றி, பின்வரும் அறிக்கைகளைக் கவனியுங்கள்: [2023]

1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin./1. ஸ்தூபியின் கருத்து பௌத்த தோற்றம் கொண்டது.
2. Stupa was generally a repository of relics. /2. ஸ்தூபி பொதுவாக நினைவுச்சின்னங்களின் களஞ்சியமாக இருந்தது.
3. Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition./3. ஸ்தூபம் பௌத்த மரபில் ஒரு வாக்கு மற்றும் நினைவுக் கட்டமைப்பாக இருந்தது.

How many of the statements given above are correct?/மேலே கொடுக்கப்பட்டுள்ள எத்தனை அறிக்கைகள் சரியானவை?
(a) Only one/ஒன்று மட்டுமே
(b) Only two/இரண்டு மட்டும்
(c) All three/மூன்றும்
(d) None/இல்லை

Correct Answer: Only Two (b)/இரண்டு மட்டும்

3] With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar, and Muchiri were well known as: [2023]
3] பண்டைய தென்னிந்தியாவைப் பொறுத்தவரை, கொற்கை, பூம்புகார் மற்றும் முச்சிரி ஆகியவை நன்கு அறியப்பட்டவை: [2023]

(a) Capital cities/தலை நகரங்கள்
(b) Ports/துறைமுகங்கள்
(c) Centres of iron- and- steel making/இரும்பு மற்றும் எஃகு தயாரிக்கும் மையங்கள்
(d) Shrines of Jain Tirthankaras/சமண தீர்த்தங்கரர்களின் ஆலயங்கள்

Correct Answer: Ports (b) /துறைமுகங்கள்

4] Which one of the following explains the practice of 'Vattakirutal' as mentioned in the Sangam poems? [2023]
4] சங்கக் கவிதைகளில் குறிப்பிடப்பட்டுள்ள 'வட்டகிருதல்' நடைமுறையை பின்வருவனவற்றில் எது விளக்குகிறது? [2023]

(a) Kings employing women bodyguards/அரசர்கள் பெண் பாதுகாவலர்களை பணியமர்த்துகின்றனர்
(b) Learned persons assembling in royal courts to discuss religious and philosophical matters./மத மற்றும் தத்துவ விஷயங்களைப் பற்றி விவாதிக்க அரச நீதிமன்றங்களில் கூடிய கற்றறிந்த நபர்கள்.
(c) Young girls keeping watch over agricultural fields and driving away birds and animals./இளம் பெண்கள் விவசாய வயல்களைக் கண்காணித்து பறவைகள் மற்றும் விலங்குகளை விரட்டுகிறார்கள்.
(d) A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death./ஒரு போரில் தோற்கடிக்கப்பட்ட ஒரு மன்னன் பட்டினியால் தற்கொலை செய்துகொண்டான்.

Correct Answer: (d) A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death./ஒரு போரில் தோற்கடிக்கப்பட்ட ஒரு மன்னன் பட்டினியால் தற்கொலை செய்துகொண்டான்.

5] Consider the following dynasties: [2023]
5] பின்வரும் வம்சங்களைக் கவனியுங்கள்: [2023]

1. Hoysala/ஹொய்சலா
2. Gahadavala/கஹடவல
3. Kakatiya/காகடியா
4. Yadava/யாதவ

How many of the above dynasties established their kingdoms in early eighth century AD?/கி.பி எட்டாம் நூற்றாண்டின் தொடக்கத்தில் மேற்கூறிய எத்தனை வம்சங்கள் தங்கள் ராஜ்ஜியங்களை நிறுவின?
(a) Only one/ஒன்று மட்டுமே
(b) Only two/இரண்டு மட்டும்
(c) Only three/மூன்று மட்டுமே
(d) None/இல்லை

Correct Answer: (d) None/இல்லை

6] With reference to ancient Indian History, consider the following pairs: [2023]
6] பண்டைய இந்திய வரலாற்றைக் கொண்டு, பின்வரும் ஜோடிகளைக் கவனியுங்கள்: [2023]
Literary work : Author /Literary work : Author/இலக்கியப் பணி : ஆசிரியர் /இலக்கியப் பணி : ஆசிரியர்


1. Devichandragupta : Bilhana/1. தேவிசந்திரகுப்தா : பில்ஹானா
2. Hammira-Mahakavya : Nayachandra Suri/2. ஹம்மிரா-மஹாகாவ்யா : நயச்சந்திர சூரி
3. Milinda-panha : Nagarjuna/3. மிலிந்தா-பன்ஹா : நாகார்ஜுனா
4. Nitivakyamrita : Somadeva Suri/4. நிதிவாக்யாமிருதம் : சோமதேவ சூரி

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?/மேலே உள்ள எத்தனை ஜோடிகள் சரியாகப் பொருந்துகின்றன?
(a) Only one /ஒன்று மட்டுமே
(b) Only two /இரண்டு மட்டும்
(c) Only three /மூன்று மட்டுமே
(d) All four/நான்கும்

Correct Answer: (b) Only two /இரண்டு மட்டும்

7] “Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, but also of rocks, running water and many other natural objects not looked on as living by other religious sects.” [2023]
7] "ஆன்மாக்கள் விலங்குகள் மற்றும் தாவர உயிரினங்களின் சொத்து மட்டுமல்ல, பாறைகள், ஓடும் நீர் மற்றும் பிற மதப் பிரிவுகளால் வாழ்வதாகக் கருதப்படாத பல இயற்கைப் பொருட்களும் கூட." [2023]

The above statement reflects one of the core beliefs of which one of the following religious sects of ancient India? /மேற்கூறிய கூற்று, பண்டைய இந்தியாவின் எந்த மதப் பிரிவுகளில் ஒன்றின் அடிப்படை நம்பிக்கைகளில் ஒன்றைப் பிரதிபலிக்கிறது?
(a) Buddhism/பௌத்தம்
(b) Jainism /சமணம்
(c) Shaivism/சைவம்
(d) Vaishnavism/வைஷ்ணவம்

Correct Answer: (b) Jainism/சமணம்

8] With reference to the Indian History, Alexander Rea, A.H. Longhurst, Robert Sewell, James Burgess and Walter Elliot were associated with? [2023]
8] இந்திய வரலாற்றைக் குறிப்பிட்டு, அலெக்சாண்டர் ரியா, ஏ.ஹெச். லாங்ஹர்ஸ்ட், ராபர்ட் செவெல், ஜேம்ஸ் பர்கெஸ் மற்றும் வால்டர் எலியட் ஆகியோருடன் தொடர்புடையவர்கள்? [2023]

(a) Archaeological excavations /தொல்லியல் அகழ்வாராய்ச்சிகள்
(b) Establishment of English Press in Colonial India/காலனித்துவ இந்தியாவில் ஆங்கில அச்சகத்தை நிறுவுதல்
(c) Establishment of Churches in Princely States/சமஸ்தானங்களில் தேவாலயங்களை நிறுவுதல்
(d) Construction of railways in Colonial India /காலனித்துவ இந்தியாவில் ரயில்வே கட்டுமானம்

Correct Answer: (a) Archaeological excavations /தொல்லியல் அகழ்வாராய்ச்சிகள்

9] Consider the following pairs: [2023]
9] பின்வரும் ஜோடிகளைக் கவனியுங்கள்: [2023]

Site : Well known for /தளம்: நன்கு அறியப்பட்ட
1. Besnagar : Shaivite cave shrine /பெஸ்நகர்: ஷைவ குகை கோவில்
2. Bhaja : Buddhist cave shrine/பாஜா: புத்த குகை கோவில்
3. Sittanavasal : Jain cave shrine/சித்தன்னவாசல் : ஜெயின் குகைக்கோயில்

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?/மேலே உள்ள எத்தனை ஜோடிகள் சரியாகப் பொருந்துகின்றன?
(a) Only one/ஒன்று மட்டுமே
(b) Only two/இரண்டு மட்டும்
(c) Only three/மூன்று மட்டுமே
(d) None/இல்லை

Correct Answer: (b) Only two /இரண்டு மட்டும்


1] Consider the following pairs: [2022]
1] பின்வரும் ஜோடிகளைக் கவனியுங்கள்: [2022]

Site of Ashoka's major rock edicts Location /அசோகரின் முக்கிய பாறை ஆணைகள் அமைந்துள்ள இடம்

1. Dhauli : Odisha/தௌலி: ஒடிசா
2. Erragudi : Andhra Pradesh/எர்ரகுடி: ஆந்திரப் பிரதேசம்
3. Jaugada : Madhya Pradesh /ஜௌகடா: மத்திய பிரதேசம்
4. Kalsi : Karnataka/கல்சி: கர்நாடகா

How many pairs given above are correctly matched?/மேலே கொடுக்கப்பட்டுள்ள எத்தனை ஜோடிகள் சரியாகப் பொருந்துகின்றன?
(a) Only one pair /ஒரே ஒரு ஜோடி
(b) Only two pairs /இரண்டு ஜோடிகள் மட்டுமே
(c) Only three pairs/மூன்று ஜோடிகள் மட்டுமே
(d) All four pairs/நான்கு ஜோடிகளும்

Correct Answer: (b) Only two pairs/இரண்டு ஜோடிகள் மட்டுமே

2] The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple at Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple? [2022]
2] வெராவல் சோம்நாத் கோயிலுக்கு அருகில் புதிய சர்க்யூட் ஹவுஸை பிரதமர் சமீபத்தில் திறந்து வைத்தார். சோம்நாத் கோவில் தொடர்பாக பின்வரும் கூற்றுகளில் எது சரியானது? [2022]

1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines. /சோம்நாத் கோயில் ஜோதிர்லிங்கத் தலங்களில் ஒன்றாகும்.
2. A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni./சோம்நாத் கோவிலின் விளக்கம் அல்-பிருனியால் வழங்கப்பட்டது.
3. Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan./சோமநாதர் கோவிலின் பிரான் பிரதிஷ்டை (இன்றைய கோவிலின் நிறுவல்) ஜனாதிபதி எஸ். ராதாகிருஷ்ணனால் செய்யப்பட்டது.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:/கீழே கொடுக்கப்பட்டுள்ள குறியீட்டைப் பயன்படுத்தி சரியான பதிலைத் தேர்ந்தெடுக்கவும்:
(a) 1 and 2 only/1 மற்றும் 2 மட்டுமே
(b) 2 and 3 only/2 மற்றும் 3 மட்டுமே
(c) 1 and 3 only./1 மற்றும் 3 மட்டுமே
(d) 1, 2 and 3 /1, 2 மற்றும் 3

Correct Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only /1 மற்றும் 2 மட்டுமே

3] Which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct? [2022]
3] பண்டைய தென்னிந்தியாவில் சங்க இலக்கியம் பற்றிய பின்வரும் கூற்றுகளில் எது சரியானது? [2022]

(a) Sangam poems are devoid of any reference to material culture / ​​சங்கக் கவிதைகள் பொருள் பண்பாடு பற்றிய எந்தக் குறிப்பும் அற்றவை
(b) The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets/வர்ணத்தின் சமூக வகைப்பாடு சங்கப் புலவர்களுக்குத் தெரிந்திருந்தது
(c) Sangam poems have no references to warrior ethic/சங்கக் கவிதைகளில் போர்வீரர் நெறிமுறை பற்றிய குறிப்புகள் இல்லை
(d) Sangam literature refers to magical forces as irrational/சங்க இலக்கியம் மந்திர சக்திகளை பகுத்தறிவற்றது என்று குறிப்பிடுகிறது

Correct Answer: (b) The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets /வர்ணத்தின் சமூக வகைப்பாடு சங்கப் புலவர்களுக்குத் தெரிந்திருந்தது

4] The world's second tallest statue in sitting pose of Ramanuja was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India at Hyderabad recently. Which one of the following statements correctly represents the, teachings of Ramanuja? [2022]
4] ராமானுஜரின் அமர்ந்த நிலையில் உள்ள உலகின் இரண்டாவது மிக உயரமான சிலை, சமீபத்தில் ஹைதராபாத்தில் இந்தியப் பிரதமரால் திறந்து வைக்கப்பட்டது. பின்வரும் கூற்றுகளில் எது ராமானுஜரின் போதனைகளை சரியாக பிரதிபலிக்கிறது? [2022]

(a) The best means of salvation was devotion/முக்திக்கான சிறந்த வழி பக்தி
(b) Vedas are eternal, self-existent and wholly authoritative/வேதங்கள் நித்தியமானவை, தன்னிச்சையானவை மற்றும் முழு அதிகாரம் கொண்டவை
(c) Logical arguments were essential means for the highest bliss /உயர்ந்த பேரின்பத்திற்கு தர்க்க வாதங்கள் இன்றியமையாத வழிமுறைகளாக இருந்தன
(d) Salvation was to be obtained through meditation/தியானத்தின் மூலம் முக்தி பெற வேண்டும்

Correct Answer: (a) The best means of salvation was devotion/முக்திக்கான சிறந்த வழி பக்தி

5] With reference to Indian history, consider the following texts: [2022]
5] இந்திய வரலாற்றைக் கொண்டு, பின்வரும் நூல்களைக் கவனியுங்கள்: [2022]

1. Nettipakarana /நெட்டிபகரண
2. Parishishtaparvan /பின்னிணைப்பு பர்வன்
3. Avadanashataka/அவதனஷதக
4. Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana/த்ரிஷஷ்டிலக்ஷண மஹாபுரான்

Which of the above are Jaina texts?/மேற்கூறியவற்றில் ஜைன நூல்கள் எவை?
(a) 1, 2 and 3/1, 2 மற்றும் 3
(b) 2 and 4 only/2 மற்றும் 4 மட்டுமே
(c) 1, 3 and 4/1, 3 மற்றும் 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4 /2, 3 மற்றும் 4

Correct Answer: (b) 2 and 4 only /2 மற்றும் 4 மட்டுமே

6] With reference to Indian history, consider the following pairs: [2022]
6] இந்திய வரலாற்றைக் கொண்டு, பின்வரும் ஜோடிகளைக் கவனியுங்கள்: [2022]

Historical person Known as/என அறியப்படும் வரலாற்று நபர்
Aryadeva Jaina Scholar/ஆர்யதேவ் ஜைன அறிஞர்
Dignaga Buddhist Scholar /திக்னகா பௌத்த அறிஞர்
Nathamuni Vaishnava scholar /நாதமுனி வைணவ அறிஞர்

How many pairs given above are correctly matched? /மேலே கொடுக்கப்பட்டுள்ள எத்தனை ஜோடிகள் சரியாகப் பொருந்துகின்றன?
(a) None of the pairs/ஜோடிகள் எதுவும் இல்லை
(b) Only one pair /ஒரே ஒரு ஜோடி
(c) Only two pairs/இரண்டு ஜோடிகள் மட்டுமே
(d) All three pairs/மூன்று ஜோடிகளும்

Correct Answer: (c) Only two pairs/இரண்டு ஜோடிகள் மட்டுமே


1] With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following statements is/are correct? [2021]
1] பண்டைய இந்தியாவின் வரலாற்றைக் குறிப்பிடுகையில், பின்வரும் கூற்றுகளில் எது சரியானது/சரியானது? [2021]

1. Mitakshara was the civil law for upper castes and Dayabhaga was the civil law for lower castes. /மிடாக்ஷரா என்பது உயர் சாதியினருக்கான சிவில் சட்டமாகவும், தயாபக கீழ் சாதியினருக்கான சிவில் சட்டமாகவும் இருந்தது.
2. In the Mitakshara system, the sons can claim right to the property during the lifetime of the father, whereas in the Dayabhaga system, it is only after the death of the father that the sons can claim right to the property./மிடாக்ஷர முறையில், மகன்கள் தந்தையின் வாழ்நாளில் சொத்துக்கு உரிமை கோரலாம், அதே சமயம் தயாபக அமைப்பில், தந்தை இறந்த பிறகுதான் மகன்கள் சொத்துக்கு உரிமை கோர முடியும்.
3. The Mitakshara system deals with the matters related to the property held by male members only of a family, whereas the Dayabhaga system deals with the matters related to the property held by both male and female members of a family. /மிடாக்ஷரா அமைப்பு ஒரு குடும்பத்தின் ஆண் உறுப்பினர்கள் மட்டுமே வைத்திருக்கும் சொத்து தொடர்பான விஷயங்களைக் கையாளுகிறது, அதேசமயம் தயாபக அமைப்பு ஒரு குடும்பத்தின் ஆண் மற்றும் பெண் உறுப்பினர்கள் வைத்திருக்கும் சொத்து தொடர்பான விஷயங்களைக் கையாள்கிறது.

Select the correct answer using the code given below./கீழே கொடுக்கப்பட்டுள்ள குறியீட்டைப் பயன்படுத்தி சரியான பதிலைத் தேர்ந்தெடுக்கவும்.
(a) 1 and 2/1 மற்றும் 2
(b) 2 only/2 மட்டுமே
(c) 1 and 3/1 மற்றும் 3
(d) 3 only/3 மட்டுமே
Correct Answer: (b) 2 only /2 மட்டுமே

2] Consider the following pairs: [2021]
2] பின்வரும் ஜோடிகளைக் கவனியுங்கள்: [2021]

Historical Place Well-known for /வரலாற்றுப் புகழ் பெற்ற இடம்
1. Burzahom Rock-cut shrines /Burzahom பாறை வெட்டப்பட்ட ஆலயங்கள்
2. Chandraketugarh Terracotta art/சந்திரகேதுகர் டெரகோட்டா கலை
3. Ganeshwar Copper artefacts/கணேஷ்வர் செப்பு கலைப்பொருட்கள்

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?/மேலே கொடுக்கப்பட்டுள்ள ஜோடிகளில் எது சரியாகப் பொருந்துகிறது?
(a) 1 only/1 மட்டுமே
(b) 1 and 2 /1 மற்றும் 2
(c) 3 only /3 மட்டுமே
(d) 2 and 3/2 மற்றும் 3
Correct Answer: (d) 2 and 3 /2 மற்றும் 3

3] Which one of the following statements is correct? [2021]
3] பின்வரும் கூற்றுகளில் எது சரியானது? [2021]

(a) Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of the Waghora river/அஜந்தா குகைகள் வகோரா நதியின் பள்ளத்தாக்கில் அமைந்துள்ளது
(b) Sanchi Stupa lies in the gorge of the Chambal river/சாஞ்சி ஸ்தூபி சம்பல் ஆற்றின் பள்ளத்தாக்கில் அமைந்துள்ளது
(c) Pandu-Lena Cave Shrines lie in the gorge of the Narmada river/நர்மதை நதியின் பள்ளத்தாக்கில் பாண்டு-லேனா குகை ஆலயங்கள் உள்ளன
(d) Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge of the Godavari river /அமராவதி ஸ்தூபி கோதாவரி ஆற்றின் பள்ளத்தாக்கில் அமைந்துள்ளது

Correct Answer: (a) Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of the Waghora river /அஜந்தா குகைகள் வகோரா நதியின் பள்ளத்தாக்கில் அமைந்துள்ளது

4] With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements: [2021]
4] மொரேனாவுக்கு அருகில் அமைந்துள்ள சௌசத் யோகினி கோயிலைப் பற்றி, பின்வரும் அறிக்கைகளைக் கவனியுங்கள்: [2021]

(1) It is a circular temple built during the reign of Kachchhapaghata Dynasty./இது கச்சபகதா வம்சத்தின் ஆட்சியின் போது கட்டப்பட்ட வட்ட வடிவ கோவில்.
(2) It is the only circular temple built in India./இந்தியாவில் கட்டப்பட்ட ஒரே வட்ட வடிவ கோவில் இதுவாகும்.
(3) It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region./இது இப்பகுதியில் வைணவ வழிபாட்டை ஊக்குவிக்கும் வகையில் இருந்தது.
(4) Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the inspiration behind the Indian Parliament building./அதன் வடிவமைப்பு இந்திய பாராளுமன்ற கட்டிடத்தின் உத்வேகம் என்று ஒரு பிரபலமான நம்பிக்கைக்கு வழிவகுத்தது.

Which of the statements given above are correct? /மேலே கொடுக்கப்பட்ட கூற்றுகளில் எது சரியானது?
(a) 1 only /1 மட்டுமே
(b) 2 and 3 only/2 மற்றும் 3 மட்டுமே
(c) 1 and 4 /1 மற்றும் 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4 /2, 3 மற்றும் 4
Correct Answer: (c) 1 and 4/1 மற்றும் 4

5] Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs? [2021]
5] பின்வரும் பழங்கால நகரங்களில் ஒன்று, தொடர்ச்சியான அணைகளைக் கட்டி, இணைக்கப்பட்ட நீர்த்தேக்கங்களில் தண்ணீரைச் சேர்ப்பதன் மூலம் நீர் சேகரிப்பு மற்றும் நிர்வாகத்தின் விரிவான அமைப்புக்கு நன்கு அறியப்பட்ட நகரம் எது? [2021]

(a) Dholavira /தோலாவிரா
(b) Kalibangan /காளிபங்கன்
(c) Rakhigarhi/ராகிகர்ஹி
(d) Ropar /ரோபார்
Correct Answer: (a) Dholavira /தோலாவிரா

6] With reference to the history of ancient India Bhavabhuti Hastimalla and Kshemeshvara were famous: [2021]
6] பண்டைய இந்தியாவின் வரலாற்றைக் குறிப்பிடும் வகையில் பவபூதி ஹஸ்திமல்ல மற்றும் க்ஷேமேஸ்வரர் புகழ்பெற்றவர்கள்: [2021]
(a) Jain monks/சமண துறவிகள்
(b) Playwrights/நாடக ஆசிரியர்கள்
(c) Temple architects/கோவில் கட்டிடக் கலைஞர்கள்
(d) Philosophers/தத்துவவாதிகள்

Correct Answer: (b) Playwrights /தத்துவவாதிகள்


1] With reference to the scholars/litterateurs of ancient India, consider the following statements: [2020]
1] பண்டைய இந்தியாவின் அறிஞர்கள்/இலக்கியர்களைப் பற்றிய குறிப்புடன், பின்வரும் அறிக்கைகளைக் கவனியுங்கள்: [2020]

1. Panini is associated with Pushyamitra /பாணினி புஷ்யமித்திரனுடன் தொடர்புடையவர்
2. Amarasimha is associated with Harshavardhana /அமரசிம்மர் ஹர்ஷவர்தனுடன் தொடர்புடையவர்
3. Kalidasa is associated with Chandra Gupta-II/காளிதாசன் சந்திர குப்தா-II உடன் தொடர்புடையவர்

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? /மேலே கொடுக்கப்பட்ட கூற்றுகளில் எது சரியானது/சரியானது?
(a) 1 and 2 only /1 மற்றும் 2 மட்டுமே
(b) 2 and 3 only/2 மற்றும் 3 மட்டுமே
(c) 3 only/3 மட்டுமே
(d) 1, 2 and 3 /1, 2 மற்றும் 3

Correct Answer: (c) 3 only /3 மட்டுமே

2] With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term 'paramitas? [2020]
2] இந்தியாவின் பண்பாட்டு வரலாற்றைக் குறிப்பிடுகையில், பின்வருவனவற்றில் எது 'பரமிதாஸ்' என்ற சொல்லின் சரியான விளக்கம்? [2020]

(a) The earliest Dharmashastra texts written in aphoristic (sutra) style/பழமையான (சூத்திர) பாணியில் எழுதப்பட்ட ஆரம்பகால தர்மசாஸ்திர நூல்கள்
(b) Philosophical schools that did not accept the authority of Vedas /வேதங்களின் அதிகாரத்தை ஏற்காத தத்துவப் பள்ளிகள்
(c) Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path/பூரணத்துவம் போதிசத்வா பாதைக்கு வழிவகுத்தது
(d) Powerful merchant guilds of early medieval South India/ஆரம்பகால இடைக்கால தென்னிந்தியாவின் சக்திவாய்ந்த வணிகக் குழுக்கள்

Correct Answer: (c) Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path/பூரணத்துவம் போதிசத்வா பாதைக்கு வழிவகுத்தது

3] With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: [2020]
3] இந்தியாவின் மத வரலாற்றைக் குறிப்பிடுகையில், பின்வரும் அறிக்கைகளைக் கவனியுங்கள்: [2020]

1. Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism/ஸ்தவிரவாதிகள் மகாயான பௌத்தத்தை சேர்ந்தவர்கள்
2. Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism/லோகோத்தரவாதின் பிரிவு என்பது பௌத்தத்தின் மகாசங்கிகா பிரிவின் ஒரு பிரிவாகும்
3. The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered Mahayana Buddhism/மகாசங்கீகர்களால் புத்தரை தெய்வமாக்கியது மகாயான பௌத்தத்தை வளர்த்தது
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?/மேலே கொடுக்கப்பட்ட கூற்றுகளில் எது சரியானது/சரியானது?

(a) 1 and 2 only/1 மற்றும் 2 மட்டுமே
(b) 2 and 3 only /2 மற்றும் 3 மட்டுமே
(c) 3 only /3 மட்டுமே
(d) 1, 2 and 3 /1, 2 மற்றும் 3

Correct Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only /2 மற்றும் 3 மட்டுமே

4] With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following pairs: [2020]
4] இந்தியாவின் கலாச்சார வரலாற்றைக் குறிப்பிடுகையில், பின்வரும் ஜோடிகளைக் கவனியுங்கள்: [2020]

1. Parivrajaka — Renunciant and Wanderer/பரிவ்ராஜகா - துறந்தவர் மற்றும் அலைந்து திரிபவர்
2. Shramana — Priest with a high status/ஷ்ரமண - உயர் அந்தஸ்து கொண்ட பூசாரி
3. Upasaka — Lay follower of Buddhism /உபாசகர் - பௌத்தத்தைப் பின்பற்றுபவர்
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? /மேலே கொடுக்கப்பட்டுள்ள ஜோடிகளில் எது சரியாகப் பொருந்துகிறது?

(a) 1 and 2 only/1 மற்றும் 2 மட்டுமே
(b) 1 and 3 only /1 மற்றும் 3 மட்டுமே
(c) 2 and 3 only/2 மற்றும் 3 மட்டுமே
(d) 1, 2 and 3/1, 2 மற்றும் 3

Correct Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only/1 மற்றும் 3 மட்டுமே


1] Consider the following: [2019]
1] பின்வருவனவற்றைக் கவனியுங்கள்: [2019]

(1) Deification of the Buddha/புத்தரை தெய்வமாக்குதல்
(2) Treading the path of Bodhisattvas/போதிசத்துவர்களின் பாதையை மிதிப்பது
(3) Image worship and rituals/பட வழிபாடு மற்றும் சடங்குகள்

Which of the above is/are the feature/ features of Mahayana Buddhism?/மேற்கூறியவற்றில் மகாயான பௌத்தத்தின் அம்சம்/ அம்சங்கள் எது?
(a) 1 only/1 மட்டுமே
(b) 1 and 2 only/1 மற்றும் 2 மட்டுமே
(c) 2 and 3 only/2 மற்றும் 3 மட்டுமே
(d) 1, 2 and 3 /1, 2 மற்றும் 3

Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3/1, 2 மற்றும் 3

2] In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is 'Ranyo Ashoka' (King Ashoka) mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka? [2019]
2] அசோகரின் கல் உருவப்படத்துடன் 'ரண்யோ அசோகா' (அசோகா மன்னன்) குறிப்பிடப்பட்டுள்ள எந்தப் புடைப்புச் சிற்பக் கல்வெட்டு? [2019]

(a) Kanganahalli /கங்கனஹள்ளி
(b) Sanchi /சாஞ்சி
(c) Shahbazagrhi /ஷாபஜாகிரி
(d) Sohgaura /சோகௌரா

Correct Answer: (a) Kanganahalli//கங்கனஹள்ளி

3] Which one of the following is not a Harappan site? [2019]
3] பின்வருவனவற்றில் எது ஹரப்பான் தளம் அல்ல? [2019]
(a) Chanhudaro/சன்ஹுதாரோ
(b) Kot Diji/கோட் டிஜி
(c) Sohgaura /சோகௌரா
(d) Desalpur/தேசல்பூர்

Correct Answer: (c) Sohgaura./சோகௌரா



2. Medieval Indian History





Medieval Indian history spans roughly from the 8th to the 18th century, characterized by a dynamic interplay of political, cultural, and economic developments. This era witnessed the rise and fall of various kingdoms and empires across the Indian subcontinent. The early medieval period saw the establishment of the Chola, Chalukya, and Rashtrakuta dynasties, known for their architectural marvels and vibrant trade networks.

The Delhi Sultanate emerged in the 13th century, marking the advent of Islamic rule in India. Under the Khilji, Tughlaq, and Lodhi dynasties, Delhi became a center of political power. This period also witnessed the first wave of Indo-Islamic architecture, with structures like the Qutub Minar.

In the 16th century, the Mughal Empire, led by Babur, laid the foundations for a rich cultural amalgamation. Akbar the Great's reign is often regarded as a zenith, fostering art, literature, and religious tolerance. However, the later years saw the decline of the Mughal authority, with the emergence of regional powers like the Marathas and the Sikhs.

The medieval period in India was also marked by significant cultural achievements, including the development of regional languages, literature, and the synthesis of Hindu and Islamic artistic traditions. Economic activities thrived, propelled by trade routes connecting India to the Middle East and Southeast Asia. This period laid the groundwork for the diverse and intricate tapestry of India's cultural heritage.


Here the Focus area in Medieval Indian History

Previous Year Medieval Indian History Question Year-Wise


1. Who among the following rulers of Vijayanagara Empire constructed a large dam across Tungabhadra River and a canal-cum-aqueduct several kilometers long from the river to the capital city?[2023]

(a) Devaraya I
(b) Mallikarjuna
(c) Vira Vijaya
(d) Virupaksha

Correct Answer: (a) Devaraya I

2. Who among the following rulers of medieval Gujarat surrendered Diu to Portuguese?[2023]

(a) Ahmad Shah
(b) Mahmud Begarha
(c) Bahadur Shah
(d) Muhammad Shah
Correct Answer: (c) Bahadur Shah


1] Consider the following pairs: [2022]

Site of Ashoka's major rock edicts Location

1. Dhauli : Odisha
2. Erragudi : Andhra Pradesh
3. Jaugada : Madhya Pradesh
4. Kalsi : Karnataka

How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) Only one pair
(b) Only two pairs
(c) Only three pairs
(d) All four pairs

Correct Answer: (b) Only two pairs

2] The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple at Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple? [2022]

1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines.
2. A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni.
3. Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

3] Which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct? [2022]

(a) Sangam poems are devoid of any reference to material culture
(b) The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets
(c) Sangam poems have no references to warrior ethic
(d) Sangam literature refers to magical forces as irrational

Correct Answer: (b) The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets

4] The world's second tallest statue in sitting pose of Ramanuja was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India at Hyderabad recently. Which one of the following statements correctly represents the, teachings of Ramanuja? [2022]

(a) The best means of salvation was devotion
(b) Vedas are eternal, self-existent and wholly authoritative
(c) Logical arguments were essential means for the highest bliss
(d) Salvation was to be obtained through meditation

Correct Answer: (a) The best means of salvation was devotion

5] With reference to Indian history, consider the following texts: [2022]

1. Nettipakarana
2. Parishishtaparvan
3. Avadanashataka
4. Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana

Which of the above are Jaina texts?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer: (b) 2 and 4 only

6] With reference to Indian history, consider the following pairs: [2022]

Historical person Known as
Aryadeva Jaina Scholar
Dignaga Buddhist Scholar
Nathamuni Vaishnava scholar

How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) None of the pairs
(b) Only one pair
(c) Only two pairs
(d) All three pairs

Correct Answer: (c) Only two pairs


1] With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following statements is/are correct? [2021]

1. Mitakshara was the civil law for upper castes and Dayabhaga was the civil law for lower castes.
2. In the Mitakshara system, the sons can claim right to the property during the lifetime of the father, whereas in the Dayabhaga system, it is only after the death of the father that the sons can claim right to the property.
3. The Mitakshara system deals with the matters related to the property held by male members only of a family, whereas the Dayabhaga system deals with the matters related to the property held by both male and female members of a family.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 3 only
Correct Answer: (b) 2 only

2] Consider the following pairs: [2021]

Historical Place Well-known for
1. Burzahom Rock-cut shrines
2. Chandraketugarh Terracotta art
3. Ganeshwar Copper artefacts

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 3 only
(d) 2 and 3
Correct Answer: (d) 2 and 3

3] Which one of the following statements is correct? [2021]

(a) Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of the Waghora river
(b) Sanchi Stupa lies in the gorge of the Chambal river
(c) Pandu-Lena Cave Shrines lie in the gorge of the Narmada river
(d) Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge of the Godavari river

Correct Answer: (a) Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of the Waghora river

4] With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements: [2021]

(1) It is a circular temple built during the reign of Kachchhapaghata Dynasty.
(2) It is the only circular temple built in India.
(3) It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region.
(4) Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the inspiration behind the Indian Parliament building.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4
Correct Answer: (c) 1 and 4

5] Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs? [2021]

(a) Dholavira
(b) Kalibangan
(c) Rakhigarhi
(d) Ropar
Correct Answer: (a) Dholavira

6] With reference to the history of ancient India Bhavabhuti Hastimalla and Kshemeshvara were famous: [2021]

(a) Jain monks
(b) Playwrights
(c) Temple architects
(d) Philosophers

Correct Answer: (b) Playwrights


1] With reference to the scholars/litterateurs of ancient India, consider the following statements: [2020]

1. Panini is associated with Pushyamitra
2. Amarasimha is associated with Harshavardhana
3. Kalidasa is associated with Chandra Gupta-II

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (c) 3 only

2] With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term 'paramitas? [2020]

(a) The earliest Dharmashastra texts written in aphoristic (sutra) style
(b) Philosophical schools that did not accept the authority of Vedas
(c) Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path
(d) Powerful merchant guilds of early medieval South India

Correct Answer: (c) Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path

3] With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: [2020]

1. Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism
2. Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism
3. The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered Mahayana Buddhism
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

4] With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following pairs: [2020]

1. Parivrajaka — Renunciant and Wanderer
2. Shramana — Priest with a high status
3. Upasaka — Lay follower of Buddhism
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only


1] Consider the following: [2019]

(1) Deification of the Buddha
(2) Treading the path of Bodhisattvas
(3) Image worship and rituals

Which of the above is/are the feature/ features of Mahayana Buddhism?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

2] In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is 'Ranyo Ashoka' (King Ashoka) mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka? [2019]

(a) Kanganahalli
(b) Sanchi
(c) Shahbazagrhi
(d) Sohgaura

Correct Answer: (a) Kanganahalli

3] Which one of the following is not a Harappan site? [2019]

(a) Chanhudaro
(b) Kot Diji
(c) Sohgaura
(d) Desalpur

Correct Answer: (c) Sohgaura.



3. Modern History





Modern Indian history encompasses the period from the mid-18th century to the present day, marked by significant socio-political transformations and the struggle for independence from British colonial rule. The British East India Company's influence grew in the 18th century, leading to the Battle of Plassey in 1757, which paved the way for British control over large parts of India. The 19th century witnessed the impact of social reform movements, such as those led by Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Swami Vivekananda, advocating for religious and social change.

The Indian National Congress, founded in 1885, played a pivotal role in the independence movement, with leaders like Mahatma Gandhi adopting nonviolent resistance against British rule. The Salt March (1930) and Quit India Movement (1942) were key milestones in this struggle. World War II significantly influenced India's path to independence, and in 1947, India gained freedom, accompanied by the partition that led to the creation of Pakistan.

Post-independence, India faced challenges of nation-building, economic development, and social integration. The decades that followed saw economic reforms, technological advancements, and political changes. Modern Indian history reflects a rich tapestry of diverse cultures, political movements, and economic shifts, shaping the nation into a prominent player on the global stage.


Here are the Focus areas in Modern Indian History



Consolidation and Reorganization of India (1947 - 1964)
Foreign Policy of India
Economic Development and Planning

Social Changes in India

Cultural Development

Emergence of a New India



Modern Indian History PYQ Year-Wise


1] By which one of the following Acts was the Governor General of Bengal designated as the Governor General of India? [2023]
(a) The Regulating Act
(b) The Pitt's India Act
(c) The Charter Act of 1793
(d) The Charter Act of 1833

Correct Answer: (d) The Charter Act of 1833

1] In the Government of India Act 1919, the functions of Provincial Government were divided into “Reserved” and “Transferred” subjects. Which of the following Were treated as “Reserved” subjects? [2022]

1. Administration of Justice
2. Local Self-Government
3. Land Revenue
4. Police
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 1, 2 and 4
Correct Answer Ans: (c) 1, 3 and 4

2] With reference to the proposals of Cripps Mission, consider the following statements: [2022]

1. The Constituent Assembly would have members nominated by the Provincial Assemblies as well as the Princely States.
2. Any Province, which is not prepared to accept the new Constitution would have the right to sign a separate agreement with Britain regarding its future status.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer (c) Both 1 and 2

1] With reference to Indian history, which of the following statements is/are correct? [2021]

(1) The Nizamat of Arcot emerged out of Hyderabad State
(2) The Mysore Kingdom emerged out of Vijayanagara Empire
(3) Rohilkhand Kingdom was formed out of the territories occupied by Ahmad Shah Durrani

Select the correct answer using the code given below
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 3 only

Correct Answer: (b) 2 only

2] Consider the following statements: [2021]

(1) The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919 recommended granting voting rights to all the women above the age of 21.
(2) The Government of India Act of 1935 gave women reserved seats in legislature.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer Ans: (b) 2 only

3] With reference to 8th August, 1942 in Indian history, which one of the following statements is correct? [2021]

(a) The Quit India Resolution was adopted by the AICC
(b) The Viceroy's Executive Council was expanded to include more Indians
(c) The Congress ministries resigned in seven provinces
(d) Cripps proposed an Indian Union with full Dominion Status once the Second World War was over

Correct Answer (a) The Quit India Resolution was adopted by the AICC

4] In the context of Colonial India, Shah Nawaz Khan, Prem Kumar Sehgal and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillion are remembered as: [2021]

(a) Leaders of Swadeshi and Boycott Movement
(b) Members of the Interim Government in 1946
(c) Members of the Drafting Committee in the Constituent Assembly
(d) Officers of the Indian National Army

Correct Answer (d) Officers of the Indian National Army

1] Which of the following statements correctly explains the impact of the Industrial Revolution on India during the first half of the nineteenth century? [2020]

(a) Indian handicrafts were ruined
(b) Machines were introduced in the Indian textile industry in large numbers
(c) Railways lines were laid in many parts of the country
(d) Heavy duties were imposed on the imports of British manufactures

Correct Answer: (a) Indian handicrafts were ruined

2] In the context of Indian history, the Rakhmabai case of 1884 revolved around: [2020]

1. Women's right to gain education
2. Age of consent
3. Restitution of conjugal rights

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

3] Indigo cultivation in India declined by the beginning of the 20th century because of: [2020]

(a) Peasant resistance to the oppressive conduct of planters
(b) Its unprofitability in the world market because of new inventions
(c) National leaders opposition to the cultivation if indigo
(d) Government control over the planters
Correct Answer: (b) Its unprofitability in the world market because of new inventions

4] With reference to the history of India, “Ulgulan” or the Great Tumult is the description of which of the following events? [2020]

(a) The Revolt of 1857
(b) The Mappila Rebellion of 1921
(c) The Indigo Revolt of 1859-60
(d) Birsa Munda's Revolt of 1899-1900
Correct Answer: (d) Birsa Munda's Revolt of 1899-1900

1] With reference to the British colonial rule in India, consider the following statements: [2019]

1. Mahatma Gandhi was instrumental in the abolition of the system of ‘indentured labour’
2. In Lord Chelmsford’s ‘War Conference’, Mahatma Gandhi did not support the resolution on recruiting Indians for World War.
3. Consequent upon the breaking of Salt Law by Indian people, the Indian National Congress was declared illegal by the colonial rulers.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer (b) 1 and 3 only


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