UPSC History PYQ 2025

medieval history

Who among the following led a successful military campaign against the kingdom of Srivijaya, the powerful maritime State, which ruled the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java and the neighbouring islands?

(a) Amoghavarsha (Rashtrakuta)

(b) Prataparudra (Kakatiya)

(d) Vishnuvardhana (Hoysala)

Correct Answer:

Explanation :

Rajendra I led a naval expedition (c. 1025 CE) against the Srivijaya empire.

The campaign targeted key maritime centres in Southeast Asia (Malay Peninsula and Sumatra), asserting Chola naval supremacy and securing Indian Ocean trade routes.

This expedition is a landmark example of India’s early overseas military and naval power.

Memory Trick:

“Chola ships crossed seas → Rajendra crushed Srivijaya.”

Ancient history

Ashokan inscriptions suggest that the ‘Pradeshika’, ‘Rajuka’ and ‘Yukta’ were important officers at the:

(a) village-level administration

(b) district-level administration

(d) level of the central administration

Correct Answer:

(b) district-level administration

Explanation :

Ashokan inscriptions indicate that Pradeshika, Rajuka and Yukta functioned at the district (Ahara/Janapada) level.

Their roles included:

Revenue assessment and collection (Yukta),

Judicial and administrative functions (Rajuka),

General supervision and inspection (Pradeshika).

They acted as key links between the provincial governors and local administration.

With reference to ancient India (600–322 BC), consider the following pairs:

Territorial Region — River flowing in the region

I. Asmaka : Godavari

II. Kamboja : Vipas

III. Avanti : Mahanadi

IV. Kosala : Sarayu

How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(d) All the four

Correct Answer:

(b) Only two

Explanation :

Asmaka – Godavari ✅

Asmaka (Assaka) was located in the Deccan, along the Godavari river.

Kosala – Sarayu ✅

Kosala was situated in the middle Gangetic plains, and the Sarayu river flowed through it (Ayodhya region).

👉 Thus, 2 pairs are correctly matched.

Fa-hien (Faxian), the Chinese pilgrim, travelled to India during the reign of

(a) Samudragupta

(b) Chandragupta II

(d) Skandagupta

Correct Answer:

(b) Chandragupta II

Explanation :

Fa-hien visited India in the early 5th century CE.

His travel coincided with the reign of Chandragupta II (also known as Vikramaditya).

Fa-hien’s accounts describe peaceful conditions, efficient administration, and Buddhist practices prevalent during Chandragupta II’s rule.

Who among the following rulers in ancient India had assumed the titles ‘Mattavilasa’, ‘Vichitrachitta’ and ‘Gunabhara’?

(a) Mahendravarman I

(b) Simhavishnu

(d) Simhavarman

Correct Answer:

(a) Mahendravarman I

Explanation

Mahendravarman I was a Pallava ruler known for his literary, artistic, and architectural achievements.

He assumed multiple birudas (titles) reflecting his talents:

Mattavilasa → Author of the Sanskrit farce (comedy play) Mattavilasa Prahasana

Vichitrachitta → “Man of curious/varied mind”, indicating artistic creativity

Gunabhara → “Repository of virtues”

These titles highlight his role as a scholar-king and patron of art and culture.

Mahendravarman I was a Pallava ruler who reigned from c. 600–630 AD.

He assumed several birudas (titles), notably Mattavilasa, Vichitrachitta, and Gunabhara, reflecting his artistic, intellectual, and moral qualities.

He was a pioneer of Pallava rock-cut architecture.

The Mandagappattu inscription praises him as Vichitrachitta, who built a temple for Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva without using bricks, timber, metal, or mortar—signifying rock-cut construction.

He built cave temples at Vallam, Mahendravadi, Dalavanur, Pallavaram, Mandagappattu, and Tiruchirappalli.

Mahendravarman I was also a scholar and artist:

Held the title Chitrakarapuli, indicating skill in painting.

Was proficient in music and an expert in playing the veena (Parivathini).

The music inscription at Kudumiyanmalai is ascribed to him, highlighting his contribution to early South Indian musicology.

👉 Key UPSC takeaway:

Mahendravarman I = Pallava rock-cut temples + scholar-artist king + Mandagappattu inscription + Mattavilasa Prahasanam.

The irrigation device called ‘Araghatta’ was

(a) a water bag made of leather pulled over a pulley

(b) a large wheel with earthen pots tied to the outer ends of its spokes

(d) a large water bucket pulled up by rope directly by hand

Correct Answer:

(b) a large wheel with earthen pots tied to the outer ends of its spokes

Explanation

Easy because directly from PYQ

UPSC - 2016

With reference to the

economic history of

medieval India, the term

"Araghatta" refers to

(a) bonded labour

(b) land grant made to

military officers

irrigation of land

(d) wasteland converted to

cultivated land

Araghatta refers to a wheel-based irrigation device, comparable to the Persian wheel.

It consists of a large rotating wheel with earthen pots attached around its rim/spokes.

As the wheel turns (often animal-driven), the pots lift water continuously and empty it into channels for irrigation.

Memory Trick:

“Araghatta = wheel with pots all around.”

Art and culture

Consider the following statements:

I. In the finals of the 45th Chess Olympiad held in 2024, Gukesh Dommaraju became the world's youngest winner after defeating the Russian player Jan Nepomniachtchi.

II. Abhimanyu Mishra, an American chess player, holds the record of becoming world's youngest ever Grandmaster.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) I only

(b) II only

(d) Neither I nor II

Correct Answer:

(b) II only

Explanation:

Statement I – Incorrect

The Chess Olympiad is a team tournament, not an individual “finals” event.

Gukesh Dommaraju did NOT defeat Jan Nepomniachtchi in a final of the Chess Olympiad.

Gukesh became the youngest-ever winner of the Candidates Tournament (2024), not the Chess Olympiad.

Therefore, Statement I is factually incorrect due to:

Wrong event (Olympiad vs Candidates),

Wrong format (no individual final),

Incorrect description of victory.

Statement II – Correct

Abhimanyu Mishra (USA) became the youngest Grandmaster in history in 2021, at the age of 12 years, 4 months, 25 days.

This record is globally recognised by FIDE.

Hence, Statement II is correct.

At the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad (2024), India won gold medals in both Open and Women’s categories, defeating Slovenia.

Therefore, Statement 1 (about an individual final at Olympiad) is incorrect, as the Olympiad is a team event, not an individual championship.

Historic milestone (World Chess Championship 2024):

D. Gukesh became the youngest World Chess Champion ever on 12 December 2024 at Sentosa, Singapore.

He defeated Ding Liren (China).

At 18 years, he broke the long-standing record of Garry Kasparov.

Youngest Grandmaster record:

Abhimanyu Mishra (USA) became the youngest chess Grandmaster in history on 4 July 2021.

Age: 12 years, 4 months, 25 days.

He achieved his third GM norm in Budapest and crossed the 2500 Elo rating.

Hence, Statement 2 is correct.

👉 Key UPSC takeaway:

Gukesh → youngest World Chess Champion (2024).

Abhimanyu Mishra → youngest Grandmaster (2021).

Chess Olympiad → team event, not individual finals.

The famous female figurine known as ‘Dancing Girl’, found at Mohenjo-daro, is made of

(a) carnelian

(b) clay

(d) gold

Correct Answer:

Explanation:

Option (a) Carnelian – Incorrect

Carnelian was used mainly for beads and ornaments, not for this figurine.

Option (b) Clay – Incorrect

Many Harappan figurines are terracotta, but the Dancing Girl is not clay-made.

Option (c) Bronze – Correct

The Dancing Girl is a bronze figurine, made using the lost-wax (cire perdue) technique.

This highlights the advanced metallurgical skills of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Option (d) Gold – Incorrect

Gold was used for ornaments, not for this figurine.

Dancing Girl of Mohenjo-daro

The Dancing Girl of Mohenjo-daro is one of the most iconic artefacts of the Indus Valley Civilization, dating to about 4,500 years ago.

It is a small bronze figurine (around 4 inches tall) discovered at Mohenjo-daro.

The figure depicts a confident female posture, with one hand on the hip and the other adorned with bangles, reflecting artistic sophistication.

It was made using the lost-wax (cire perdue) casting technique, showing advanced metallurgical knowledge of the Harappans.

👉 Key UPSC takeaway:

Dancing Girl = Bronze figurine + lost-wax casting + Harappan metallurgy.

Consider the following statements in respect of the first Kho Kho World Cup:

I. The event was held in Delhi, India.

II. Indian men beat Nepal with a score of 78–40 in the final to become the World Champion in men category.

III. Indian women beat Nepal with a score of 54–36 in the final to become the World Champion in women category.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) I only

(b) II and III only

(d) I, II and III

Correct Answer:

(a) I only

Explanation:

It was a difficult question.

Trick - Numbers are incorrect in difficult question.

Statement I – Correct

The first Kho Kho World Cup (2025) was held in New Delhi, India, at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.

Hence, Statement I is correct.

Statement II – Incorrect

Indian men did beat Nepal, but the correct score was 54–36, not 78–40.

Therefore, Statement II is incorrect due to the wrong scoreline.

Statement III – Incorrect

Indian women did beat Nepal, but the correct score was 78–40, not 54–36.

Hence, Statement III is also incorrect due to interchanged scores.

Conclusion:

Only Statement I is correct.

Who amongst the following are members of the Jury to select the recipient of ‘Gandhi Peace Prize’?

I. The President of India

II. The Prime Minister of India

III. The Chief Justice of India

IV. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) II and IV only

(b) I, II and III

(d) I and III only

Correct Answer:

Explanation:

Statement I – Incorrect

The President of India is NOT a member of the Gandhi Peace Prize jury.

Hence, Statement I is incorrect.

Statement II – Correct

The Prime Minister of India is a member and Chairperson of the jury.

Hence, Statement II is correct.

Statement III – Correct

The Chief Justice of India is a member of the jury.

Hence, Statement III is correct.

Statement IV – Correct

The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha is also a member of the jury.

Hence, Statement IV is correct.

Conclusion:

Members include Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India, and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha.

Therefore, the correct answer is II, III and

IV.

Gandhi Peace Prize

Gandhi Peace Prize was instituted by the Government of India in 1995.

It was started on the occasion of the 125th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

Purpose: To honour contributions reflecting Gandhian ideals such as peace, non-violence, social harmony and human dignity.

Eligibility:

Open to all persons and institutions, irrespective of nationality, race, language, caste, creed or gender.

Recent Award:

In 2023, the Gandhi Peace Prize for 2021 was awarded to Gita Press, Gorakhpur.

Jury Composition:

Prime Minister of India – Chairperson

Chief Justice of India

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha

Two eminent persons

The first Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, a music training school, was set up in 1901 by Vishnu Digambar Paluskar in:

(a) Delhi

(b) Gwalior

(d) Lahore

Correct Answer:

(d) Lahore

Explanation:

Option (d) Lahore – Correct

Vishnu Digambar Paluskar & Gandharva Mahavidyalaya

Vishnu Digambar Paluskar (1872–1931) was a renowned Hindustani classical musician and a key figure in democratising Indian classical music.

He sang the original version of the bhajan Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram.

He is credited with arranging Vande Mataram in the form widely sung today.

He founded the first Gandharva Mahavidyalaya on 5 May 1901 at Lahore.

Objective: Systematic training and popularisation of Indian classical music beyond royal courts and gharanas.

Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, New Delhi, was later established in 1939.

Purpose:

To popularise Indian classical music and dance, and

To perpetuate the legacy and ideals of Vishnu Digambar Paluskar, regarded as a great reviver of Hindustani classical music.

Modern history

Consider the following statements in respect of the Non-Cooperation Movement:

I. The Congress declared the attainment of ‘Swaraj’ by all legitimate and peaceful means to be its objective.

II. It was to be implemented in stages with civil disobedience and non-payment of taxes for the next stage only if ‘Swaraj’ did not come within a year and the Government resorted to repression.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) I only

(b) II only

(d) Neither I nor II

Correct Answer:

Explanation:

Statement I – Correct

During the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22), the Indian National Congress declared ‘Swaraj’ as its objective.

The means prescribed were legitimate and peaceful, strictly based on non-violence.

Statement II – Correct

The programme was designed to be implemented in stages.

The initial phase focused on non-cooperation (boycott of councils, courts, schools, foreign goods).

Civil disobedience and non-payment of taxes were to be adopted only if:

Swaraj was not achieved within one year, and

The Government resorted to repression.

Consider the following subjects with regard to Non-Cooperation Programme:

I. Boycott of law-courts and foreign cloth

II. Observance of strict non-violence

III. Retention of titles and honours without using them in public

IV. Establishment of Panchayats for settling disputes

How many of the above were parts of Non-Cooperation Programme?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(d) All the four

Correct Answer:

Explanation:

Statement I – Correct

The Non-Cooperation Programme included boycott of law courts and boycott of foreign cloth.

These were core methods to withdraw cooperation from colonial institutions.

Statement II – Correct

Strict non-violence was a fundamental condition of the programme.

Participation was contingent upon adherence to non-violent discipline.

Statement III – Incorrect

The programme called for surrender of titles and honours, not their retention.

Retaining titles (even without public use) contradicts the programme’s objective.

Statement IV – Correct

Establishment of Panchayats to settle disputes was encouraged as an alternative to colonial courts.

Conclusion:

Statements I, II, and IV are correct.

Three statements are part of the Non-Cooperation Programme.

“Sedition has become my religion” was the famous statement given by Gandhiji at the time of

(a) the Champaran Satyagraha

(b) publicly violating Salt Law at Dandi

(d) the launch of the Quit India Movement

Correct Answer:

(b) publicly violating Salt Law at Dandi

Explanation:

Option (a) the Champaran Satyagraha – Incorrect

During Champaran (1917), Gandhiji defied orders and asserted moral resistance.

However, the exact statement “Sedition has become my religion” is not associated with Champaran in standard texts.

Option (b) publicly violating Salt Law at Dandi – Correct

During the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930), after breaking the Salt Law at Dandi, Gandhiji made the statement:

“Sedition has become my religion.”

Context:

Open defiance of British law.

Acceptance of sedition as a moral duty under unjust colonial rule.

Clear linkage with Civil Disobedience and Salt Satyagraha.

Option (c) Second Round Table Conference – Incorrect

This was a constitutional negotiation forum.

No such militant moral declaration was made there.

Option (d) Quit India Movement – Incorrect

Quit India (1942) is associated with “Do or Die”, not this statement.

Who provided legal defence to the people arrested in the aftermath of Chauri Chaura incident?

(a) C. R. Das

(b) Madan Mohan Malaviya and Krishna Kant

(d) M. A. Jinnah

Correct Answer:

(b) Madan Mohan Malaviya and Krishna Kant

Explanation:

Option (a) C. R. Das – Incorrect

C. R. Das was a prominent nationalist and lawyer.

However, he did not provide legal defence in the Chauri Chaura case.

C. R. Das (Chittaranjan Das)

Top 3 Facts for UPSC

1️⃣ Founder of Swaraj Party (1923)

C. R. Das co-founded the Swaraj Party with Motilal Nehru.

Objective:

Enter legislative councils,

Obstruct colonial governance from within.

Context:

Formed after withdrawal of Non-Cooperation Movement (1922).

👉 UPSC often asks: Who favoured council entry after Non-Cooperation?

2️⃣ Mayor of Calcutta & Advocate of Indianisation

Served as Mayor of Calcutta (1924).

Resigned from legal practice and used personal wealth for the national movement.

Promoted:

Indianisation of administration,

National education,

Civil liberties.

👉 Shows his constructive + political role, not just agitational.

3️⃣ Prominent Lawyer & Defender of Nationalists

One of India’s most eminent lawyers.

Defended several nationalists in political cases.

Known for using law as a tool against colonial authority.

👉 UPSC uses him as a lawyer-nationalist archetype, alongside Motilal Nehru.

Option (b) Madan Mohan Malaviya and Krishna Kant – Correct

Madan Mohan Malaviya, a renowned lawyer and leader, took up the legal defence of those arrested after the Chauri Chaura incident (1922).

He was assisted by Krishna Kant, a lawyer.

They worked to appeal against the harsh death sentences awarded by the lower court.

Hence, this option is correct.

Option (c) Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew and Khwaja Hasan Nizami – Incorrect

Saifuddin Kitchlew and Khwaja Hasan Nizami were nationalist figures.

They were not involved in legal defence in this case.

Option (d) M. A. Jinnah – Incorrect

M. A. Jinnah was a leading lawyer.

He did not represent the accused of the Chauri Chaura incident.

Saifuddin Kitchlew

Top 3 Facts for UPSC

1️⃣ Leader of Rowlatt Satyagraha (1919)

Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew was a prominent nationalist leader in Punjab.

His arrest at Amritsar triggered widespread protests.

2️⃣ Immediate Link to Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

The arrest of Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr. Satyapal directly led to the public gathering on 13 April 1919, which culminated in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

3️⃣ Congress & Hindu-Muslim Unity Advocate

He worked within the Indian National Congress.

Strong supporter of composite nationalism and Hindu-Muslim unity.

Khwaja Hasan Nizami

Top 3 Facts for UPSC

1️⃣ Sufi Scholar and Urdu Writer

Khwaja Hasan Nizami was a well-known Sufi saint, scholar, and Urdu author.

Associated with Chishti Sufi tradition.

2️⃣ Advocate of Communal Harmony

He actively promoted Hindu-Muslim harmony during the freedom struggle.

Used religious and literary influence, not mass politics.

3️⃣ Not a Mass Political Leader (UPSC Trap)

He was not a frontline Congress or revolutionary leader.

UPSC often includes his name as a distractor in political-movement questions.

Muhammad Ali Jinnah

Top 3 Facts for UPSC

1️⃣ Founder of Pakistan

Muhammad Ali Jinnah was the founder of Pakistan and leader of the All-India Muslim League.

2️⃣ Early Career: Congress + Hindu-Muslim Unity

Initially a member of the Indian National Congress.

Called the “Ambassador of Hindu-Muslim Unity” in his early phase.

3️⃣ Shift to Two-Nation Theory

Later became the chief proponent of the Two-Nation Theory, leading to Partition (1947).

High-Yield UPSC Elimination Logic (Bonus)

Rowlatt / Jallianwala Bagh context → Saifuddin Kitchlew

Sufi / Urdu / communal harmony, not politics → Khwaja Hasan Nizami

Pakistan / Muslim League / Partition → Muhammad Ali Jinnah

Memory Trick

“Kitchlew → Jallianwala, Nizami → Sufi harmony, Jinnah → Pakistan.”

Subsequent to which one of the following events, Gandhiji, who consistently opposed untouchability and appealed for its eradication from all spheres, decided to include the upliftment of ‘Harijans’ in his political and social programme?

(a) The Poona Pact

(b) The Gandhi-Irwin Agreement (Delhi Pact)

(d) Promulgation of the Government of India Act, 1935

Correct Answer:

(a) The Poona Pact

Explanation:

Option (a) The Poona Pact – Correct

The Poona Pact (1932) was signed between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.

It followed Gandhi’s fast unto death against separate electorates for the Depressed Classes.

After the Poona Pact, Gandhiji made the upliftment of ‘Harijans’ (Depressed Classes) a central part of his political and social programme.

He:

Founded the Harijan Sevak Sangh,

Started the journal Harijan,

Intensified campaigns against untouchability.

Consider the following fruits:

I. Papaya

II. Pineapple

III. Guava

How many of the above were introduced in India by the Portuguese in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(d) None

Correct Answer:

Explanation:

It was an medium level question because UPSC has asked this topic in previous year.

Statement I: Papaya – Correct

Papaya is native to Central America.

It was introduced into India by the Portuguese during the 16th century through their colonial trade networks.

Statement II: Pineapple – Correct

Pineapple is native to South America.

The Portuguese introduced pineapple to India in the 16th century, especially along coastal regions.

Statement III: Guava – Correct

Guava is native to tropical America.

It was brought to India by the Portuguese in the 17th century and later became widely cultivated.

Conclusion:

All three fruits are New World crops.

All were introduced into India by the Portuguese during the 16th–17th centuries.

Who among the following was the founder of the ‘Self-Respect Movement’?

(a) ‘Periyar’ E. V. Ramaswamy Naicker

(b) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar

(d) Dinkarrao Javalkar

Correct Answer:

(a) ‘Periyar’ E. V. Ramaswamy Naicker

Explanation:

Option (a) – Correct

E. V. Ramaswamy Naicker, popularly known as Periyar, founded the Self-Respect Movement in 1925 in the Madras Presidency.

The movement aimed at:

Annihilation of caste,

Social equality,

Women’s rights,

Rationalism and opposition to Brahminical dominance.

Consider the following statements about Raja Ram Mohan Roy:

I. He possessed great love and respect for the traditional philosophical systems of the East.

II. He desired his countrymen to accept the rational and scientific approach and the principle of human dignity and social equality of all men and women.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) I only

(b) II only

(d) Neither I nor II

Correct Answer:

Explanation:

Statement I – Correct

Raja Ram Mohan Roy had deep respect for Eastern philosophical traditions, especially:

Upanishads

Vedanta

He argued that monotheism and rationality already existed within Indian philosophical systems.

He used Indian scriptures to reform society, not to reject them.

Statement II – Correct

Raja Ram Mohan Roy strongly advocated:

Rational and scientific thinking

Human dignity

Social equality of men and women

He opposed:

Sati

Caste rigidity

Gender discrimination

He supported modern education, including science and reason.

Conclusion:

Raja Ram Mohan Roy combined respect for Eastern philosophy with modern rationalism.

Hence, both statements are correct.

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