In the History section of 2023 UPSC 12 Questions appeared and the examiner focused mainly on culture with an emphasis on religious philosophies, religious architecture, and literature.

There are a few questions on Political history and Economical history also.

The standard of questioning can be considered as moderate to tough, and the examiner expected a clear understanding of the subject rather than peripheral knowledge

Previous Year UPSC History Questions (PYQs) With Explanation 2023

Q1. “Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, but also of rocks, running water, and many other natural objects not looked on as living by other religious sects”.

The above statement reflects one of the core beliefs of which one of the following religious sects of ancient India? 

(a) Buddhism                                                             

(b) Jainism

(c) Shaivism                                                              

(d) Vaishnavism

Answer: b

Explanation: 

According to Jainism – “Universe is eternal and it functions through the interaction of living souls i.e. [Jivas/lives] and five categories of non-living entities [ajivas] which include akasa [ether], dharma [condition of movement], adharma [condition of rest], kala [time] and pudgala [matter].

 Jainism believes “Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, but also of rocks, running water, and many other natural objects not looked on as living by other religious sects”.

Q2. Which one of the following explains the practice of ‘Vattakirutal’ as mentioned in Sangam’s poems?

(a) Kings employing women bodyguards

(b) Learned persons assembling in and philosophical matters

(c) Young girls keeping watch over agricultural fields and driving away birds and animals

(d) A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death

Answer: d

Explanation:

In Sangam literature “Puram” poems praised the valour and generosity of kings where as “akam” poems speak of love between men and women.

Sangam’s poems are full of warrior ethic, the heroic death of the soldier was greatly valued and his spirit will live in paradise. The practice of Vattakirutal was one in which a defeated king committed ritual suicide by starving himself to death, accompanied by those who had been close to him during his lifetime.

Q3. With reference to ancient India, consider the following statements:

1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin.

2. Stupa was generally a repository of relics.

3. Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition.

How many of the above statements are correct? 

(a) Only one   

(b) Only two   

(c) All three   

(d) None

Answer: b 

Explanation:

The custom of erecting stupas as a form of memorial to the dead was pre-Buddhist, the stupa began as an earthen burial mound that was revered by the local population, and this cult of stupas was taken up by Buddhism. 

There is a reference in Mahaparinibbana suttanta where Buddha enjoins Ananda to erect at the crossing of four highways (chatummahapathe) a stupa over the remains of his body, after it had been burnt on the funeral pyre, in the same manner as stupa of a universal monarch. The custom of erecting this form of memorial was prevalent among the Jainas in the early times. It is the Buddhists, however, who especially selected and adapted it to their use, and gradually it acquired a special Budhhistic connotation and association as enshrining the relics [dhattu] of the Buddha or his chief disciples and as the symbol of Mahaparinirvana or the Great Decease of the Master.

Also, the Mahaparinibbana sutta suggested that the practice of erecting funerary mounds over the bodily remains of kings pre-dated Buddhism. However, there are no references to such a practice in Vedic literature.    

Hence statement 1 is incorrect.

The stupa represented many things in the Buddhist tradition. It stood for the axis mundi [the center of the universe]: it symbolizes the parinibbana of Buddhists: it was a repository of relics of Budhha and other monks.

Hence statement 2 is correct.

The relics enshrined in the stupa were of three kinds – sarira dhatu [corporeal relics], paribhogika dhatu [relics that had been in use], and niddesika dhatu [indicative, commemorative or referential relics]. 

Stupas were erected as an aspect of niddesika dhatu in places specially sacred in the life of Budhha.

The Stupa is the container of the relic and as symbolizing the master himself, a votive and devotional aspect is also latent in the stupa from the very beginning.

Hence statement 3 is correct.

Q4. In which of the following regions was Dhanyakataka, which flourished as a prominent Buddhist center under the Mahasanghikas located? 

(a) Andhra                                                  

(b) Gandhara

(c) Kalinga                                                  

(d) Magadha

Answer: a

Explanation:

The Andhras are mentioned in the Aitareya Brahmana and the inscriptions of Ashoka. Satavahans are identified with Andhras of Puranas. The term Andhra-Bhritya in Puranas indicates that the ancestors of Satavahanas were subordinates of Mauryans.

Satavahana empire covered modern Maharashtra, Telangana and Andra-Pradesh  Amravati/ancient Dhanyakataka [Dhannakada] was an important town and capital of later Satavahanas on the right bank of the Krishna river in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. A large Buddhist establishment was located here. The origins of the establishment are dated to the Mauryan period. 

Q5. Who among the following rulers of Vijayanagara Empire constructed a large dam across Tungabhadra River and a canal-cum-aqueduct several kilometers long from the river to the capital city?

(a) Devaraya I                                               

(b) Mallikarjuna

(c) Vira Vijaya                                               

(d) Virupaksha

Answer: a

Explanation:

The accounts of Domingo Paes who visited in 1520 and Fernao Nuniz who visited in 1535 are important sources in the reconstruction of the History of Vijayanagara. Based on these accounts Robert Sewell in 1900 wrote a book “A Forgotten Empire: Vijayanagar”

Nuniz states that  Devaraya I greatly improved the city of Vijayanagara, raising fresh walls and towers, increasing its extent, and building further lines of fortification, his great work was the construction of a huge dam in the Tungabhadra River and forming an aqueduct fifteen miles long from the river into the city. 

Q6. With reference to the Indian History, Alexander Rea, A.H. Longhurst, Robert Sewell, James Burgess, and Walter Elliot were associated with

(a) archaeological excavations

(b) establishment of English Press in Colonial India

(c) establishment of Churches in Princely States

(d) construction of railways in Colonial India

Answer: a

Explanation:

A.H.Longhurst, Walter Elliot, Alexander Rea, James Burgess, Robert Sewell, and many others conducted systematic and careful excavation conducted at Bhattiprolu, Ghantasala, Amravati, etc, and exposed relic caskets which created much curiosity among Indian scholars about various aspects of these valuable reliquaries. 

Q7. Who among the following rulers of medieval Gujrat surrendered Diu to the Portuguese? 

(a) Ahmad Shah                                     

(b) Mahmud Begarha

(c) Bahadur Shah                                   

(d) Muhammad Shah

Answer: c 

Explanation:

Expansion of Portuguese in India – Surat, Bassein, and Diu carried on flourishing trade with the Red Sea, these ports were under the control of Bahadur Shah who carved out a kingdom for himself in Gujarat. Portuguese tried thrice to capture Diu in 1519, 1521,1531 but failed. Sultan Bahadur of Gujarat, proud of his success in the Deccan and Malwa, brought on himself the wrath of Emperor Humayun. 

In 1535 Humanyun attacked the Bahadur Shah of Gujrat, a defense alliance was concluded by the Bahadur Shah, and the Portuguese who in reward were allowed to build a fortress at Diu.

Q8. With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar, and Muchiri were well Known as 

(a) Capital cities                                                        

(b) Ports

(c) Centers of iron-and-steel making                        

(d) Shrines of Jain Tirthankaras

Answer: b 

Explanation:

The first phase of Urbanism in south India can be dated to 300 B.C. to 300 A.D. The Tamil word Pattinam means port, and there is a description of Urban Centers in Sangam poetry. Historian Champakalakshmi has given an account of the urban centers of South India.  A few centers are:

Korkai was an important Pandyan Port, reputed for its pearls as described in Sangam Poems and Greek accounts. The Arthashastra also refers to the pearl fisheries of Pandyan country.

Kaverippumpattinam also known as Poompuhar, Puhar, or Pumpuhar was the premier Chola port. Classical accounts refer to this port as Khaberis or Camara.

Muchiri – the Muziris – was a prime port in the Chera kingdom. 

The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea  by an unknown author which  is an astonishing record of trade in the ancient world describes this port 

Vanji or Kuravur / Karur was the Capital of the Chera dynasty on the banks of river Amaravati a tributary of Kaveri, and was an important trade center. Jewel-making was an important craft.

Madurai capital of Pandyas, located on the banks of  River Vaigai , was a major craft center. Arthashastra mentions Madhurai as a center for fine cotton textiles. 

Uraiyur capital of early Cholas, fine textiles of Uraiyur were described in Tamil and Greaco-Roman texts.

Q9. With reference to ancient Indian History, consider the following pairs:

      Literary work                                      Author

1. Devichandragupta:                              Bilhana

2. Hammira-Mahakavya :                        Nayachandra Suri

3. Milinda-panha :                                    Nagarjuna

4. Nitivakyamrtia :                                    Somadeva Suri

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? 

(a) Only one                   

(b) Only two

(c) Only three                   

(d) All four

Answer: b

Explanation: 

Devichndraguptam (The Queen and ChandraGupta ) is a Sanskrit play written by Vishakdutta is the story of the rise of power of Chandra Gupta II, he is also the author of Mudrarakshasa (Ministers Signet Ring) which describes Chandragupta Maurya’s triumph over Nandas.

Vikaramankadevacarita is written by Bilahan – The book deals with the life and adventure of the great Calukya emperor Vikramaditya VI 

Hence the first pair is incorrectly matched.

Nayacandra Suri, a Jain monk has written Hammira-maha kavya – a poem that deals with the life of Hammira, the last of the dynasty Cahamana, who was defeated and killed by Alladin Khilji in 1301 along with the seizure of his capital Ranthambore / Ranasthambhapura.

Hence, the second pair is correctly matched 

Milandpanho is a Non-canonical Buddhist literature in Pali that consists of dialogue on various philosophical issues between Milinda or Indo greek King Menander and  the monk Nagasena 

Hence 3rd pair is incorrectly matched 

Nitivakyamrta is written by Jain author Somadeva Suri, who wrote it in Sanskrit in the 10th century A.D., he is also the author of Yashastilaka.  

Hence the fourth pair is correctly matched.  

Q10. Consider the following pairs:  Site Well known for

1. Besnagar:           Shaivite cave shrine

2. Bhaja:                  Buddhist  cave shrine

3. Sittanavasal:        Jain cave shrine

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? 

(a) Only one                                   

(b) Only two

(c) All three                                     

(d) None

Answer: b 

Explanation:

Besanagr pillar inscription of Helidorus is an important inscription of the Shungan period at the site of ancient Vidisha.

Helidorus, a Greek ambassador at the court of either the fifth Shungan king Kasiputta Bhagadara or Bhadraka or ninth king Bhagavata.

In this inscription, Helidorus describes himself as a Bhagavata i.e. Worshipper of god Vasudeva Krishna.

Hence 1st pair is incorrectly matched 

Rock-cut Buddhist monasteries in western ghats are located at sites such as Kondivte, Nadsur, Bhaja, Tulja, Pitalkhora, Kondane, Ajanta, Nasik, Bedsa, Junnar, Karle, Kanheri, Kuda, Mahad, Karadh and Shelarvadi. 

Early Cave architecture in India can be traced to Mauryans in the form of Lomas Rishi and Sudama caves in Barabar Hills. 

Hence 2nd pair is correctly matched 

Sittanavasal is the earliest example of a Jain cave painting of south India. The name Sittanvasal means the abode of the Siddhas [Jain saints who have won their spiritual freedom]

Udaygiri and Khandagiri [near the site of Sisupalgarh] in Odisha is one of the oldest groups of rock-cut Jain caves.

Hence 3rd pair is correctly matched.

Q11. Consider the following dynasties:

1. Hoysala

2. Gahadavala

3. Kakatiya

4. Yadava

How many of the above dynasties established their kingdoms in early eighth century AD? 

(a) Only one                                         

(b) Only two

(c) Only three                                        

(d) None

Answer- d

Explanation:

The dynasties mentioned above established themselves during the 11th and 12th centuries but not in the 8th century. Hence none of the above is correct. A brief description of the above dynasties is:

Gahadvalas of Kannauj: After Mohammad Ghazni’s attack in Kannauj in 1019 AD Gurjara Pratiharas got a death blow and with its last king Trilochanapala the imperial line of Pratiharas ended.

After Pratiharars, Kannauj was ruled by Rashtrakutas for 50 years. In the third quarter of the 11th century, Kannauj was invaded by Chalukyan king Someshvara I and Chola King Vira Rajendra. Mohammad Ghazni had an ally in Kannauj named Chandradeva of the Gahadvala clan (who took care of the sultan’s elephants) and carved a kingdom for himself with capital at Kannauj in 1090 A.D. Other Kings of the Gahadvala clan are:

At the Battle of Chandawar (1194 A.D.) Ghori defeated Jayachandra, this victory gave Ghori control of much of North India.

Hoysalas of Dvarsamudra: In the early 12th Century Hoysala chief Ballala I (1102-1108 AD) ruled over a small principality as feudatory of Chalukyas. The capital was Belur and Dvarsamudra (modern Halebid- Karnataka) was an alternative capital. 

Other important rulers:

Vira Ballala III (1292- 1342 AD)- He was defeated in 1310 by Malik Kafur and then by Mohammad Bin Tughlaq. He died fighting the Sultans of Madurai in 1342. He was succeeded by his son Harihara Raya who ruled for a short while and then Hoysalas disappeared from history.

Yadavas of Devagir: They were feudatories of Rashtrakutas and Western Chalukyas, they were contemporaries of Hoysalas.

Bhillama (1185-1193 A.D.) was the founder who made himself master of most parts of Deccan after defeating Western Chalukyas. He established his capital at Devagiri (modern Dulatabad- Maharastra). 

Other Kings were: 

Ramachandra- He was the last independent King of the dynasty, he was defeated by Allaudin Khilji in 1295 and by Malik Kafur in 1307, later he ruled as a vassal of Khilji.

Singhana II/ Sankara was son of Ramchandra. He was defeated by Malik Kafur in 1313 A.D. The last king was Harapala, the son-in-law of Ramchandra raised a revolt but was taken prisoner. Thus the Yadavas territory of Deccan became part of the Delhi Sultanate.

Kakatiyas of Warangal: Kakatiyas trace their descent to Karikala Chola, a sudra by caste belonging to Durjaya family. The earliest known king of this family was Beta I (1000-1052 A.D.), who carved a small kingdom for himself in the Nalgonda district of Telangana. 

Beta- I son Prola- I (1052-1076 A.D….) received Hanamkonda Warangal’s vishaya (province) for his services to his suzerain Kalyani Chalukyan King Someshvara-I (1042-1068 A.D.). Beta- I established capital at Anamkonda/ Hanamkonda.

Other important kings are:

Ganapati son of Mahadeva was the most powerful ruler of this family. He conquered the whole of Andhra and Kanchi in Tamil Nadu. He shifted the capital to Orungallu (Warangal). At its peak, Kakatiyas territory included present Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and part of Tamil Nadu. 

Rudramba (daughter of Ganapati) succeeded him. Marcopolo visited Motupalli an important Kakatiya port during her period and praised her administrative abilities. 

Rudramba was succeeded by her daughter’s son Prataprudra. He was defeated by Malik Kafur in 1309-1310 A.D. In 1323 A.D. Ulugh Khan (Mohammad Bin Tughlaq) defeated Prataprudra and took him as a prisoner, from then the Kakatiya kingdom formed part of the Delhi Sultanate.

Q12. By which one of the following Acts was the Governor General of Bengal designated as the Governor General of India? 

(a) The Regulating Act                     

(b) The Pitt’s India Act

(c) The Charter Act of 1793             

(d) The Charter Act of 1833

Answer: d

Explanation:

REGULATING ACT of 1773  

• Prior to the enactment of the Act the three governments of presidencies Bengal, Bombay, and Madaras, were separate and independent from each other even in matters of war and peace. The company was at inconvenienced because of their irregulated actions.
• In order to have a uniform policy, under The Regulating Act of 1773 Governor of Bengal was made the governor-general of the company in India and the governors of Madras and Bombay were subordinated to him. This provision laid the foundation of a Unitary type of government in British India.
• Governors in councils at Madras and Bombay were brought under Bengal’s control, particularly in foreign policy matters.
• The act made provision for the establishment of a council of four members to assist the Governor General. The Governor General was bound to accept the majority decision of the Council. He did not possess any overriding powers. Warren Hastings was the first Governor-General.
• The act provided for the establishment of the Supreme Court at Fort William Calcutta.

CHARTER ACT OF 1833 

• The 1833 Charter Act strengthened the hands of the central government over the presidencies. The designation of Governor General of Bengal was changed to Governor General of India.
• The Charter Act of 1813 deprived the company of its Indian trade monopoly except for trade in tea and trade with China, but the Charter Act of 1833 put an end to this remaining trade monopoly of the Company and divested it of all commercial functions.
• The Act vested in the Governor General full power and authority to control the civil and military administration of the presidential governments, and it is binding on the Governors of the presidencies to obey the instructions of the Governor General. 
• The Act further laid that the Governor General could suspend any provincial government when they failed to carry out his instructions.
• The Act also provided that no Indian subject of the Company would be debarred from holding any office under the Company because of his religion, descent, or color.

PITTS INDIA ACT 1784

• Setting up of a Board of Control: The Act empowered the crown to create a board of six commissioners for the affairs of India.
• The Board was to consist of the Secretary of State, Chancellor of the Exchequer, and four other members of the privy council, directors and proprietors of the company were made subordinate to the board.
• The Act empowered the board to superintend, direct, and control all acts, operations, and concerns that are in any way related to the civil, and military government, or revenues of British possessions in India.

CHARTER ACT OF 1793: 

• The Act provided that the members of the Board of Control and their staff were to be paid out of the Indian revenues.
• The Act also provided the Governor General and Governors power to override the majority decisions of their Councils in matters relating to the maintenance of law and order, internal security, and interests of the British possessions in India.

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