Ancient History forms an integral part of the General Studies Paper I in the UPSC Preliminary Examination. Analyzing ancient history questions in UPSC prelims reveals that the focus is on both factual recall and contextual understanding of early civilizations, dynasties, religious movements, and cultural developments. Topics include the Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic age, Mauryan and Gupta empires, Buddhist and Jain philosophies, and socio-cultural evolution in early India. Going through ancient Indian history PYQ shows that questions are often concept-based and sometimes linked to archaeological or literary sources. Solving ancient history UPSC prelims questions helps aspirants recognize important themes, frequently repeated areas, and the nature of historical reasoning required. Therefore, consistent revision and practice of ancient history previous year questions UPSC prelims is crucial for mastering this section and building a solid foundation in Indian history.

Download Free UPSC Ancient History Previous Year Question Papers with Answers PDF!

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Q1.

With reference to the Sangam literature, consider the following pairs:

Literature

Theme

 1. Tolkappiyam

Grammer

 2. Thirukkural

An epic

 3. Silappadikaram

Philosophy

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
Q2.

Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2014)

1. The first woman President of the Indian National Congress was Sarojini Naidu.

2. The first Muslim President of the Indian National Congress was Badruddin Tyabji.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3.

Arrange the following in the chronological order of ruling starting with the earliest:

1. Simon Commission

2. Khilafat movement

3. Jalianwala Bagh

4. Special session of Congress at Nagpur
Q4.The Ilbert Bill controversy was related to;
Q5.

Who convinced the Viceroy of India about not obstructing the formation of INC?

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Ancient History Previous Year Questions in UPSC Prelims

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

(a) It was considered a source of income for the State, a sort of tax paid by the people

(b) It was totally absent in the Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar regions of the Gupta Empire

(c) The forced labourer was entitled to weekly wages

(d) The eldest son of the labourer was sent as the forced labourer

Ans: (a) It was considered a source of income for the State, a sort of tax paid by the people

Explanation: Vishti was a form of unpaid labour imposed by the state, treated as a tax.

2. With reference to ancient Indian history, consider the following pairs:

Historical place — Well-known for Burzahom — Rock-cut shrines Chandraketugarh — Terracotta art Ganeshwar — Copper artefacts Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 3 only

Ans: (c) 2 and 3 only

Explanation: Burzahom is known for pit dwellings, not rock-cut shrines.

3. The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous and oft-illustrated paintings at:

(a) Ajanta

(b) Badami

(c) Bagh

(d) Ellora

Ans: (a) Ajanta

Explanation: This iconic painting is part of the Ajanta cave murals.

4. In the context of ancient Indian society, which one of the following terms does not belong to the category of the other three?

(a) Kula

(b) Vamsa

(c) Gotra

(d) Kosa

Ans: (d) Kosa

Explanation: Kula, Vamsa, and Gotra are related to lineage; Kosa refers to treasury.

5. The ‘Mrichchhakatika’ was written by:

(a) Ashvaghosha

(b) Bhasa

(c) Kalidasa

(d) Shudraka

Ans: (d) Shudraka

Explanation: It is a 10-act Sanskrit play dealing with love and social themes.

6. With reference to ancient Indian history, consider the following statements: The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin. Stupa was generally a repository of relics. 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

Ans: (b) Only two

Explanation: Stupa predates Buddhism; statements 2 and 3 are correct.

7. Which of the following characterizes the people of the Indus Civilization?

(a) They built large temples

(b) They knew the use of iron

(c) They domesticated horses

(d) They knew the use of weights and measures

Ans: (d) They knew the use of weights and measures

Explanation: Standardized weights and measures are a hallmark of Harappan civilization.

8. In the context of ancient Indian philosophical schools, which one is the correct sequence in ascending chronological order?

(a) Samkhya – Yoga – Nyaya – Vedanta

(b) Nyaya – Vedanta – Samkhya – Yoga

(c) Samkhya – Nyaya – Yoga – Vedanta

(d) Nyaya – Samkhya – Yoga – Vedanta

Ans: (a) Samkhya – Yoga – Nyaya – Vedanta

Explanation: Samkhya is among the earliest; Vedanta was systematized later.

9. The ‘Tripitaka’ was written in:

(a) Pali

(b) Prakrit

(c) Sanskrit

(d) Tamil

Ans: (a) Pali

Explanation: Tripitaka, the Buddhist scriptures, were compiled in Pali.

10. In the context of ancient India, the term 'Upasaka' refers to:

(a) A person who renounced worldly life

(b) A lay follower of Buddhism

(c) A member of the Buddhist monastic order

(d) A teacher of Buddhist philosophy

Ans: (b) A lay follower of Buddhism

Explanation: Upasakas were non-monastic Buddhist followers who observed moral precepts.

Relevant UPSC Articles 

Gupta Empire

Gandhara Art

Tirthankaras

Indus Valley Civilization UPSC

Vedic Age

Jainism
More Articles for IAS Preparation

Ancient History PYQ UPSC Prelims FAQs

What type of ancient history MCQ are asked in UPSC prelims?

Ancient history MCQ UPSC includes topics like Indus Valley, agrahaarika UPSC, Linga Raja age, and religious texts, frequently seen in ancient history UPSC prelims questions every year.

Where can I download ancient Indian history questions and answers PDF for UPSC?

Ancient Indian history questions and answers PDF covers ancient history prelims questions, ancient India MCQ, Rajasthani painting, and Cambay meaning in Hindi—useful for UPSC prelims history questions revision.

Are ancient history previous year questions UPSC useful for practice?

Yes, ancient history previous year questions UPSC help with pattern analysis. Questions on forced labour meaning in Hindi and Karnatik references are common in UPSC ancient history questions.

How are ancient history MCQs UPSC framed for prelims?

Ancient history MCQs UPSC are fact-based and conceptual, covering monarchies meaning in Tamil, Puthukkuli shawls The Hindu, and Rajasthani paintings on canvas from art and culture previous year questions UPSC prelims.

How many ancient history UPSC prelims questions appear each year?

UPSC prelims ancient history questions range from 5–7 yearly, often including agrahaarika UPSC, ancient temples like the Sun Temple in Bangalore, and polity or religious MCQs.

What are the important sources for history questions for UPSC?

Important sources include NCERTs, Indian history MCQ book, ancient history MCQ, and ancient Indian history PYQs, all essential for solving history UPSC questions and improving accuracy.

How can ancient history MCQ UPSC help in preparation?

Practicing ancient history MCQ UPSC from ancient history previous year questions UPSC builds conceptual clarity on topics like Linga Raja age, agrahaarika, and ancient Indian society.

Do ancient history questions in UPSC prelims cover culture?

Yes, ancient history questions in UPSC prelims include cultural elements like Rajasthani painting, Karnatik dance forms, and Sun Temple in Bangalore, often covered under art and culture previous year questions UPSC prelims.

Which topics are crucial in ancient history for UPSC prelims questions?

Timeline ancient history of India, agrahaarika UPSC, Mauryan polity, ancient India MCQ topics, and Cambay meaning in Hindi are frequently seen in ancient history UPSC prelims questions.
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