UPSC Mains question bank

GS1 · History · 15 marks

“It was like a hungry man, expecting bread, being offered stones”. Examine the given statement in light of the Rowlatt Act imposed by the British government in 1919, along with its impact.

GS1 · History · 10 marks

Examine the contribution of Ambedkar in awakening Dalit consciousness.

GS1 · History · 15 marks

The western policy of appeasement of the fascist powers caused the Second World War. Examine.

GS1 · History · 15 marks

The linguistic reorganization of states resulted in rationalizing the political map of India without seriously weakening its unity. Examine.

GS1 · History · 10 marks

What were the prominent changes made in the administration of India after the Revolt of 1857, especially in the fields of the provincial administration, local bodies and public services?

GS1 · History · 15 marks

Highlight the socio-political conditions of the Sangam period with special mention of three literary assemblies.

GS1 · History · 15 marks

As a ruling colonial power, Britain's strategy of dividing its colonised countries on the basis of religious or ethnic grounds at the time of decolonisation has only led to wars and misery, instead of peace. Comment.

GS1 · History · 15 marks

What was the idea behind “privy purse” and its abolition? Do you think the concept of the privy purse was justified in a democratic nation committed to socio-economic justice and equality?

GS1 · History · 15 marks

“It was a firm belief of Gandhiji that in the peaceful struggle of Swaraj, the women of India can outdistance men by a mile.” Comment.

GS1 · History · 15 marks

What do you understand by neo-colonialism? Do you agree that international institutions have promoted neocolonialism in the garb of promoting growth, stability and peace?

GS1 · History · 15 marks

What were the key objectives of the Self Respect Movement? Critically evaluate the success of this movement.

GS1 · History · 15 marks

What were the major consequences of the disintegration of the Soviet Union for countries like India?

GS1 · History · 15 marks

Chinese pilgrims played a key role in the exchanges between ancient India and ancient China. Comment.

GS1 · History · 15 marks

Examine the background and the objectives that were laid in the Cripps Mission Plan, 1942 and the reasons for its failure.

GS1 · History · 10 marks

Examine how Indus Valley civilisation was distinct from the other civilisations that flourished during that period.

GS1 · History · 10 marks

Examine the early challenges that India faced as a newly independent country and world’s largest democracy.

GS1 · History · 15 marks

Discuss the system of Apartheid in South Africa which came to an end in 1994. Mention the role played by India in bringing apartheid to an end in South Africa.

GS1 · History · 15 marks

Many of the Bhakti saints were rebels who chose to defy the currents of their time through their writings. Comment.

GS1 · History · 15 marks

In place of colonialism as the main instrument of imperialism we have today neo-colonialism. Comment

GS1 · History · 15 marks

The Cold War was a state of geopolitical tension after World War II between powers in the Eastern Bloc (the Soviet Union and its satellite states) and powers in the Western Bloc (the United States, its NATO allies and others). Comment.

GS1 · History · 15 marks

Examine the major differences between peasant movements of the 19 th and 20 th century and their impact on society.

GS1 · History · 15 marks

Indian National Congress acted as a safety valve for the British government. Critically examine.

GS1 · History · 10 marks

What was the significance of Champaran movement in India’s journey of freedom struggle?

GS1 · History · 10 marks

Salt satyagraha was more than just a symbolic act of breaking the salt law, that shook an empire. Examine

GS1 · History · 15 marks

Examine how Gandhiji’s earlier experience in South Africa shaped the freedom movements in India, transcending through moderate phase to Gandhian phase.