There were 16 Questions from History in 2022, out of which
- 2 questions were from Ancient India,
- 5 question were from Medieval India,
- 5 questions were asked from Modern India and
- 4 questions were asked from Art & Culture.
Overall, the level of the questions was Moderate to Tough.
Previous Year UPSC History Questions (PYQs) With Explanation 2022
Q1. 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? [Modern India]
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
Answers: c
Explanation:
The Act of 1919 set up a bicameral legislature of the Centre in place of the Imperial Council consisting of One House .
The Act provided for two lists of subjects: Central list and Provincial list .
The Central subjects – Defence, Foreign and Political Relation, Public Debt , Tariffs and Customs, Posts,and Telegraphs, Patents and Copyright, Currency and Coinage, Communication, Commerce and Shipping , Civil and Criminal Law and Procedure, Major Ports, etc.
The Provincial subjects – Local Self-Government, Public Health and Sanitation
And Medical Administration, Education Public Works, Water Supplies and Irrigation, Land Revenue Administration, Famine Relief, Agriculture, Forests, Co-operative societies, Law and order ,etc.
The principle underlying the division was the matter in regard to which uniformity in legislation was necessary or desirable for the whole of India or in more than one province should be regarded as central , while others in which only a particular province was interested , should be regarded as provincial.
The Act of 1919 introduced dyarchy in the provinces.Under this system, the subjects to be dealt with by the Provincial Government were divided into two parts: Transferred and Reserved subjects.
The Reserved subjects were administered by the Governor with the help of the Executive Council and The Transferred subjects were dealt with by the Governor with the help of his ministers.
While the members of the Executive Council were nominated by the Governor, the ministers were chosen by the Governor from the members of the Legislature.
Reserved Subjects:- Administration of justice, police, irrigation and canals, Drainage and Embankments, Water Shortage and Water Power, Land Revenue Administration, Land Improvements and Agriculture loans, Famine relief, Control of Newspapers, Books and Printing press, Prisons and Reformatories, Borrowing money on credit of the province, Forest expect in Bombay and Burma, Factory inspections, Settlement of Labour disputes, Industrial insurance and Housing.
Transferred subject:– Local self-government including matters relating to Municipal Corporations and District Boards, Public health, Sanitation, and medical administration, including Hospital and Asylum and provision for medical education. Education of Indians with some exceptions, public work, including Roads, bridges and municipal tramways, but excluding irrigation, Agriculture and Fisheries, Co-operative Societies, Excise, Forest in Bombay and Burma only, Development of industries, Including Industrial Research and technical education.
Hence, option c is correct.
Q2. In medieval India, the term “Fanam” refers to: [Medieval India]
(a) Clothing
(b) Coins
(c) Ornaments
(d) Weapons
Answer: b
Explanation:
According to the description of Abdul Razzaq, the units of currency that were in circulation in the Vijayanagara Empire during the time of his visit were as follows:
Gold coins
- Varaha
- Partab – 1/2 of Varaha
- Fanam – 1/10 of Partab
Silver coins
- Tar-1/6 of Fanam
Copper coins
- Djitel -1/3 of Tar
Among all the currencies fanom was the most popular
Hence, option b is correct.
Q3. Consider the following freedom fighters: [Modern India]
1. Barindra Kumar Ghosh
2. Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee
3. Rash Behari Bose
Who of the above was/were actively associated with the Ghadar Party?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 3 only
Answer: d
Explanation:
After the outbreak of the first World War in 1914 Ghadar Revolutionaries based in North America attempted violent Over throw of British rule.
About Ghadar
Hindi Association was setup in Portland (USA) in 1913,
Its First meeting was attended by Bhai Parmanand, Sohan Singh Bhakna, and Harnam Singh, and Lala Har Dayal. At the meeting Har Dayal said “ The root cause of Indian Poverty and degradation is British rule and it must be overthrown , not by Petitions but by Armed revolt”;
The idea of Har Dayal was accepted , a Weekly Ghadar( Revolt) was started and setup headquarters called Yugantar Ashram in San Francisco.
Ghadar militants began an extensive propaganda visiting mills and farms where most of Punjabis Immigrant labours worked in U.S.
The Ghadar Party was determined to wage war against the british in India and with that object in view decided to send arms and men to India to start a revolt with the help of soldiers and local revolutionaries.
Several thousand men volunteered to go back to India , Millions of dollars were collected for that purpose.
The Ghadarites contacted Indian soldiers in the Far East, South -East Asia and all over India and persuaded many regiments to revolt .
21 February 1915 was fixed for an all- India revolt and vigorous preparations were made for that purpose, Rash Behari Bose, Sachindra Sanyal, Ganesh Pingale and Baghi Kartar Singh prepared a master plan for that purpose.
The all- India revolt failed because one Kirpal Singh passed on all the secret plans to the Government.
Prominent leaders like Baghi Kartar Singh, Bhai Parmanand, Ganesh Pingale , Jagat singh and Harnam singh were also tried for conspiracy to Over throw the British Government.
Hence, option d is correct.
Q4. With reference to the proposals of Cripps Mission, consider the following statements: [Modern India]
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
Answer: b
Explanation:
To secure Indians Cooperation in the World War II , the British Government sent to India in March 1942 a mission headed by a Cabinet minister Stafford Cripps, the draft declaration of British Goverenment was brought to India by Stafford Cripps
The Declaration promised India
- Dominion Status
- a constitution-making body after the War whose members would be elected by the provincial assemblies and nominated by the rulers in case of the Princely states.
- The Pakistan demand was accommodated by the provision that any province which was not prepared to accept the new constitution would have the right to sign a separate agreement with Britain regarding its future status.
Q5. With reference to Indian history, consider the following texts: [Art & Culture]
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
Answer: b
Explanation:
Buddhist canonical literature Canonical texts are the books which laydown basic tenets and principles of religion , these include 9 or 12 Angas and 3 Pitikas
Buddhist non-canonical literature in Pali
Milindapanha– dialogue on philosophical issues between Indo-Greek King Milinda/Menander and Buddhist monk Nagasena.
Nettigandha, or Nettipakarana ( The book of guidance ), it is a connected account of the teaching of Buddha.
Nidanakatha that is an introduction to jataka stories.
Srilankan chronicles are dipavamsa and mahavamsa
Sanskrit Buddhist texts:
Buddhacharita by Asvaghosa
Avadanashataka and Divyavadana have stories connected with the Buddha and the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka
Ashtasahasrika –Prajnaparamita , Saddharma –Pundarika offer accounts of the various Buddhas, Boddhisatvas and Mahayana doctrines
Jain literature:
The sacred book of Jains are collectively called Siddhantra or Agama.
Jain puranas are called charitas
Adipurana is about life of first tirthankaras Rishabnatha.
Harivamsapurana – jain version or stories of kaurav & pandavas(Mahabharata)
Trishaktilakshana Mahapurana – stories of various Jain saints kings heroes written by Jinasena and Gunabadra has life stories of Jain Saints , Kings & Heroes . Few sections covers life cycle rituals , interpretation of dreams , town planning , duties of warrior and how a king should rule
Parishishtaparvan by Hemachandra gives a list of early Jain teachers and some details about political history .
Hence, option b is correct.
Q6. With reference to Indian history, consider the following pairs: [Art & Culture]
Historical person Known as
1. Aryadeva : Jaina scholar
2. Dignaga : Buddhist scholar
3. Nathamui : 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
Answer: c
Explanation:
Mahayana thinkers –Nagarjuna , Vasubandhu , Asanga , Aryadeva , Buddhapalita , Dignana .
Nathamuni is an Alvar saint / Vaishnava saint, He collected Alvar hymns into a Canon known as the ‘’ Nalayira Divya Prabandham ‘’.
Hence, option c is correct.
Q7. With reference to Indian history, consider the following statements: [Medieval India]
1. The first Mongol Invasion of India happened during the reign of Jalal-ud-din Khalji.
2. During the reign of Ala-ud-din Khalji, one Mongol assault marched up to Delhi and besieged the city.
3. Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq temporarily lost portions of the north-west of his kingdom to Mongols.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 3 only
Answer: b
Explanation:
The first Mongol invasion of India took place in the reign of Illtutmish. In 1221, the Mongols appeared on the banks of the Indus under the command of their formidable leader, Changiz Khan [1162-1227].
Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
In 1303 A.D., the Mongols attacked India under the leadership of Targhi. They were 100,000 strong and marched to Delhi and seized it. Ala-ud-din was away to Chittor, and when he came back, he had to encamp himself in the Fort of Siri.
Hence, statement 2 is correct.
The change of capital from Delhi to Daulatabad and the neglect of the defence of the North-Western frontier by Muhammad Tughluq encouraged the Mongols to attack the country.
In 1328-29, Tarmashirin Khan, the Chaghatai chief of Transoxiana, invaded India. He ravaged the country from Multan and Lahore to the outskirts of Delhi. According to Yahiya-bin-Ahmad and Badauni, Muhammad Tughlaq defeated the Mongols and drove them out of the country.
Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
Q8. With reference to Indian history, who of the following were known as “Kulah-Daran”? [Medieval India]
(a) Arab merchants
(b) Qalandars
(c) Persian calligraphists
(d) Sayyids
Answers: d
Explanation:
The Sayyids [1414-1451]
Khizr Khan(1414-1421) was founder of sayyad dynasty.
- The Sayyids claimed descent from the Prophet through his daughter Fatima.
- They commanded special requests in Muslim Society. Even Timur protected the lives of Sayyids during his invasion of India, although his policy was one of general slaughter.
- The Sayyids put on an a pointed cap [Kulah], and they are called Kulah-Daran
Hence, option d is correct.
Q9. With reference to Indian history, consider the following statements: [Modern India]
1. The Dutch established their factories/warehouses on the East Coast on lands granted to them by the Gajapati rulers.
2. Alfonso de Albuquerque captured Goa from the Bijapur Sultanate.
3. The English East India Company established a factory at Madras on a plot of land leased from a representative of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: b
Explanation:
- Dutch factories in east coast & Pulicat were established during the time of Vijayanagara king of the Aravidu dynasty Venkata III.
Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
- The conquest of Goa from the Bijapur Sultanate was Albuquerque’s first achievement [February 1610], but the Adil Shah quickly recaptured the city under his second expedition.
Hence, statement 2 is correct.
- During the reign of Venkata III, the Vijayanagara king of the Aravidu dynasty, East India Company was permitted to construct a factory at Fort St. George, Madras, known as Chennapatnam.
Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Q10. According to Kautilya’s Arthashastra, which of the following are correct?
[Ancient India]
1. A person could be a slave as a result of a judicial punishment.
2. If a female slave bore her master a son, she was legally free.
3. If a son born to a female slave was fathered by her master, the son was entitled to the legal status of the master’s son.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answers: b
Explanation:
- The Arthashastra, has a very detailed discussion of dasa (slaves) and ahitakas (those pledged to creditors when contracting a debt)
- In Arthashastra there is a reference to slaves in the service of private individuals as well as the state.
- There is reference to the manumission of slaves on payment of a sum of Money in Arthashastra
- Kautiulya also states that if a dasi bore her master a son, she was released from enslavement, and the child was considered the father’s legitimate son.
- Ashokas’s rock edict 9 mentions courteous behaviour towards dasa and bhatakas (bhritakas , i.e. servants) as part of dhamma.
Hence, statements 2 and 3 are correct.
Q11. Consider the following pairs: [Art & Culture]
Site of Ashoka’s major Location in the State of
rock edicts
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
Answer: b
Explanation:
Set of 14 Major rock edicts (or portions thereof) occur at
1. Kandahar [ Afghanistan ]
2. Shahbazgarhi { Pakistan ]
3. Mansehra [ Pakistan ]
4. Kalsi [ Dehradun district, Uttarakhand ]
5. Girnar [ Junagadh district, Gujarat ]
6. Bombay-Sopara [ Maharashtra ]
7. Dhauli [ Puri district, Orissa ]
8. Jaugada [ Ganjam district , Orissa ]
9. Erragudi [ Kurnool district, Karnataka]
10. Sannati [ Gulbarga district, Karnataka]
Hence, 1st and 2nd pairs are correctly matched.
Q12. Consider the following pairs: [Ancient India]
King Dynasty
1. Nannuka : Chandela
2. Jayashakti : Paramara
3. Nagabhata II : Gurjara-Pratihara
4. Bhoja : Rashtrakuta
How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) Only one pair
(b) Only two pairs
(c) Only three pairs
(d) All four pairs
Answer: b
Explanation:
The Chandellas of Bundelkhand
Originally The Chandellas were vassals of the Pratiharas of Kanauj
- Founder –Nannuka.
- They rose into prominence in the 9th century A.D, and established a kingdom, later known as Jejakabhukti, in the bundelkhand region. The capital of this kingdom was Kharjjuravahaka/Khajuraho.
- The Chandellas were involved in conflicts with Pratiharas of Kanauj , as well as with the Palas and Kalachuris.
- The Chandella kingdom expanded under kings such as Jayashakti , Vijayashakti and Harsha.
Harsha helped the Pratihara ruler Mahipala recover his throne after it was captured by the Rashtrakutas Indra III in about 914 CE.
- Dhanga (954 AD), the first independent Chandella king, took the title of maharajadhiraja. Several of the Khajuraho temples were built during his reign.
Hence, 1st pair is correctly matched.
Paramaras of Malwa
- The capital of the main branch of the Paramaras was Dhara (identified with modern Dhar, MP).
- Upendra alias Krishnaraja, the founder of the Paramara dynasty, was originally the governor of Malwa under the Rashtrakutas.
- Upendra have been made ruler of the Deccan by Rashtrakuta king Govinda III
- The important Parmara kings were- Vairasimha II, Siyaka II (also known as Harsha) and Munja (also known as Utpala or Vakpatiraja).
- Munja was an accomplished military leader, poet, and patron of art and literature. He was finally defeated by the Chalukya ruler Taila II.
Hence, 2nd pair is incorrectly matched.
The Rashtrakutas
- The Rashtrakutas were originally feudatories of the Chalukyas.
- They assumed an independent status under Dantidurga,733 CE.
- The Rashtrakutas empire expanded during the reigns of Dantidurga’s successors, especially under Krishna I, Govind III, and Amoghavarsha.
- The magnificent Kailashanatha temple at Ellora was built during the reign of the Rashtrakuta king Krishna I.
- Amoghavarsha (814-878) built a new capital city of Manyakheta (identified with modern Malkhed).
- Indra III -The Rashtrakuta king Indra III captured Kanauj under Mahipala of Gurjara Pratihara
- Towards the end of the 10th century, the Paramaras sacked Manyakheta and this event signalled the decline of the Rashtrakuta dynasty.
Hence, 3rd pair is correctly matched.
Gurjara Pratiharas
Gurjara Pratiharas rose in North India on the ruins of Gupta empire, The dynasty was founded by Harichandra in area around Jodhpur.
Nagabhata I
- The Gurjara Pratihara came to prominence in the second quarter of the 8th century, when Nagabhata I offered successful resistance to the Arabs, his line soon became the powerful Pratihara family, eclipsing the Jodhpur branch.
- Nagabhata’s control extended over parts of Malwa, Rajputana, and Gujarat.
- Later Gurjara-Pratihara kings, including Nagabhata II, moved into the Kanauj region.
Bhoja
- The best known Gurjara-Pratihara King was Bhoja, grandson of Nagabhata II. He ascended the throne in or before 836 CE, his earliest inscription – The Barah copper plate of this date was issued from the skandhavara (royal camp of victory) at Mahodaya.
- The Gurjara-Pratiharas subsequently suffered several defeats. In the early 10th century, during the time of Mahipala, the Rashtrakuta Indra III completely devastated the city of Kannauj, there was
- another Rashtrakuta attack under king Krishna 963 CE who defeated Gurjara-Pratiharas
The expansion of the Gurjara-Pratihara kingdom involved constant conflicts with other contemporary powers such as the Palas and Rashtrakutas.
Tripartite struggle for empire between the Palas, the Gurjaras, and the Rashtrakutas was the most important factor in the political history of India.
Hence, 4th pair is incorrectly matched.
Q13. Which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct? [Art & Culture]
(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 reference to warrior ethics.
(d) Sangam literature refers to magical forces as irrational.
Answer: b
Explanation:
- Sangam poems contain several incidental references to material culture, often as part of the poem setting or in similes and allusions.
These are references to farming [ rice and barley are mentioned], battle rearing, and fishing. There are also several references to iron. Kuruntokai refers to iron-tipped arrows.
Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
- The social classification of varna was known to Sangam poets. There is mention of Arashar [kings], Vaishiyar [traders], and Velalar [farmers]
Hence, statement 2 is correct.
- Sangam poems are pervaded with warrior ethics. The goals of the hero of the Puram poems were pukal [glory fame] and a heroic death was greatly valued and his spirit will live in paradise.
- In Sangam literature, “Puram” poems praised the valour and generosity of kings, whereas “akam” poems speak of love between men and women.
Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
- Sangam literature reflects a belief in sacred or magical forces called ananku that were supposed to inhabit various objects.
Hence, statement 4 is incorrect.
Q14. “Yogavasistha” was translated into Persian by Nizamuddin Panipati during the reign of: [Medieval India]
(a) Akbar
(b) Humayun
(c) Shahjahan
(d) Aurangzeb
Answer: a
Explanation:
The Yogavasishtha is an appendix to the Ramayana It is possible that Abul Fazl had this text in mind when he referred to “the many unique points of wisdom” in connection with the Ramayana.
The manuscripts exist of a translation by Nizam Panipati, prepared with the help of two pundits and dedicated to Prince Salim. It must, therefore, have been prepared before 1605 and must be received at Akbar Court.
Hence, option a is correct.
Q15. 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? [Medieval India]
(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.
Answer: a
Explanation:
RAMANUJA
- Ramanuja [1017-1137] consolidated and systematically expounded the philosophy of southern Vaisnavism known as Visistadvaita.
- According to him, ‘the way to moksha lies through karma, gyan and bhakti. When bhakti matures and becomes complete, the soul has a vision of god’.Thus, he propagated the cult of devotion to God and preached that salvation lies only in this.
Hence, option a is correct.
Q.16:- The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple at Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple? [Modern India]
1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrine
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 only
Answer: a
Explanation:
- The Somnath temple located in Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Saurashtra on the western coast of Gujarat, is believed to be the first among the twelve jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva.
- The site of Somnath has been a pilgrimage site from ancient times on account of being a Triveni sangam (the confluence of three rivers — Kapila, Hiran and Sarasvati.
- Reconstructed several times in the past after repeated destruction by several Muslim invaders and Portuguese the present temple was reconstructed in Chalukya style of Hindu temple architecture and completed in May 1951.
- The ancient temple’s timeline can be traced from 649 BC but is believed to be older than that. The present form was reconstructed in 1951. The reconstruction was completed by Vallabhbhai Patel. The first President of India, Rajendra Prasda ,performed the Pran-Pratishtha Ceremony of the Jyotirlinga on May 11, 1951 in the Garbh – Gruh of the Somnath Temple which was being reconstructed at that time.
- A description of the temple by Al-Biruni, an Arab traveller, was so glowing that it prompted a visit in 1024 by a most unwelcome tourist – the legendary looter Mahmud of Ghazni from Afghanistan.