Ancient History forms an integral part of the General Studies Paper I in the UPSC Preliminary Examination. Analyzing ancient history questions in UPSC prelims reveals that the focus is on both factual recall and contextual understanding of early civilizations, dynasties, religious movements, and cultural developments. Topics include the Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic age, Mauryan and Gupta empires, Buddhist and Jain philosophies, and socio-cultural evolution in early India. Going through ancient Indian history PYQ shows that questions are often concept-based and sometimes linked to archaeological or literary sources. Solving ancient history UPSC prelims questions helps aspirants recognize important themes, frequently repeated areas, and the nature of historical reasoning required. Therefore, consistent revision and practice of ancient history previous year questions UPSC prelims is crucial for mastering this section and building a solid foundation in Indian history.
Saint Nimbarka was a contemporary of Akbar.
Saint Kabir was greatly influenced by Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: Nimbarka lived much earlier, and Kabir was not influenced by Sirhindi, who came after him.
Answer: (c) Jahangir
Explanation: Jahangir had a deep interest in portraiture and natural history paintings.
Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned idolatry.
Lingayats of Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the caste hierarchy.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation: Both Siddhas and Lingayats were known for their reformist views and rejection of rituals and social inequalities.
The Bhakti movement in India attempted to transcend the barriers of caste and creed.
The Bhakti saints emphasized on rituals and ceremonies.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation: Bhakti saints promoted devotion over rituals and sought to unite people across social divisions.
Answer: (a) Paragana – Sarkar – Suba
Explanation: Paragana was the smallest administrative unit, followed by Sarkar and then Suba (province).
Answer: (b) Kanishka
Explanation: Kanishka issued a variety of gold coins with Greek, Iranian, and Indian deities.
The revenue system during the reign of Akbar was known as Todarmal bandobast.
The Dahsala system was based on the average produce and prices of ten years.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation: Raja Todar Mal implemented the Dahsala system, a part of Akbar’s revenue reforms.
Answer: (a) Measurement of land
Explanation: These were ancient terms used for land measurement in revenue records.
Answer: (a) Harihara and Bukka
Explanation: They were the founders of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century.
Answer: (b) Unauthorized cesses collected in addition to land revenue
Explanation: Abwab were illegal exactions imposed by revenue collectors.
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