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UPSC CSE Prelims 2019 — History Questions with Answers

All 13 History previous-year questions from UPSC CSE Prelims 2019, each with the correct answer and a full explanation. Practise them as a free, timed mock test with instant scoring.

1. Q1.Gupta Period

   With reference to forced labour (Vishti) in India during the Gupta period, which one of the following statements is correct?

   • a)International Monetary Fund
   • b)United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
   • c)World Economic Forum
   • d)World Bank

   Explanation: During the Gupta period Vishti was treated as a tax-like source of revenue for the State, so the first statement is the correct one.

2. Q2.Ancient India

   With reference to the difference between the culture of Rigvedic Aryans and Indus Valley people, which of the following statements is/are correct?

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

   Explanation: Rigvedic Aryans used armour and the horse, while the Indus people show no clear evidence of either; the iron claim in statement 2 is wrong, so only statements 1 and 3 are correct.

3. Q3.Mauryan Period

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

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

   Explanation: The relief sculpture at Kanganahalli carries the label 'Ranyo Ashoka' alongside a portrait of Ashoka, making it the correct site.

4. Q4.Buddhism

   With reference to Indian history, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world?

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

   Explanation: Maitreya is regarded in Buddhist tradition as the future Buddha who is yet to appear to save the world.

5. Q5.Indus Valley Civilization

   Which one of the following is not a Harappan site?

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

   Explanation: Sohgaura, in Uttar Pradesh, is associated with a Mauryan copper-plate inscription and is not a Harappan site, unlike the other three.

6. Q6.Ancient India

   With reference to the history of ancient India, Bhavabhuti, Hastimalla and Kshemeshvara were famous?

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

   Explanation: Bhavabhuti, Hastimalla and Kshemeshvara are all known as playwrights of ancient India.

7. Q7.Medieval India

   With reference to Indian history, which of the following is/are the essential element/elements of the feudal system?

   • a)To cause artificial rain in some regions
   • b)To reduce the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones
   • c)To reduce the adverse effects of solar winds on Earth
   • d)To reduce global warming

   Explanation: Feudalism is marked by land-based administration and lord-vassal relationships, but it involves weak central authority, so only statements 2 and 3 are essential elements (key answer D).

8. Q8.Gupta Period

   With reference to the period of Gupta dynasty in ancient India, the towns Ghantasala, Kadura and Chaul were well known as?

   • a)Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
   • b)Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Silent Valley National Park
   • c)Kaundinya, Gundla Brahmeswaram and Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Mukurthi National Park
   • d)Kawal and Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve

   Explanation: Ghantasala, Kadura and Chaul were known as ports that handled foreign maritime trade during the Gupta period.

9. Q9.Delhi Sultanate

   Consider the following statements about the administration of the Delhi Sultanate and identify the correct one(s):

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

   Explanation: Only the first statement is correct: the Amil was the revenue collection in-charge; the Iqta system was not indigenous and the Mir Bakshi office belongs to the Mughal era (key answer C).

10. Q10.Modern India

    By which one of the following Acts was the Governor General of Bengal designated as the Governor General of India?

    • a)1 and 3 only
    • b)2, 3 and 4 only
    • c)2 and 4 only
    • d)1, 2, 3 and 4

    Explanation: The Charter Act of 1833 redesignated the Governor General of Bengal as the Governor General of India.

11. Q11.Modern India

    In the federation established by The Government of India Act of 1935, residuary powers were given to the?

    • a)Federal Legislature
    • b)Governor General
    • c)Provincial Legislature
    • d)Provincial Governors

    Explanation: Under the 1935 Act, the residuary powers were vested in the Governor General.

12. Q12.Freedom Struggle

    With reference to the British colonial rule in India, consider the statements about Gandhi:

    • a)Article 19
    • b)Article 21
    • c)Article 25
    • d)Article 29

    Explanation: Gandhi played a key role in abolishing indentured labour but did support the recruitment resolution at the War Conference, so only the first statement is correct (key answer D maps to the intended option).

13. Q13.Mughal Empire

    With reference to Mughal India, what is/are the difference/differences between Jagirdar and Zamindar?

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

    Explanation: Jagirdars held assignments granted by imperial authority while Zamindars arose from local conditions and held hereditary revenue rights, so the second distinction is correct (key answer C maps to the intended option).