You know that the nature of UPSC main exam is subjective and demands in depth understanding of general issues pertaining geography, society, history, Indian art, culture and heritage. It doesn’t need mere information but methods and strategies for presentation to score better. Unless you understand question properly in terms of exact demand, it could be too difficult to answer it within stipulated time. Hence, here, I’m going to provide Questions analysis of history and culture UPSC.
Key components of General Studies (Paper-1) Paper: Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society.
Step by step Questions analysis of history and culture
Indian and world history
History is divided in ancient, medieval, and modern history based on time period. Till 8th century, it is called ancient, till 18th century, it is termed medieval, and after 18th modern history begins.
Ancient, medieval and modern history is part of GS Paper I. But, it should be noted that only modern history is included as part of world history. Now, let’s begin analysis of trend and Pattern analysis of GS Paper I 2024.
Indian Ancient history: art and culture questions
Q.1 Underline the changes in the field of society and economy from the Rig Vedic to the later Vedic period. (150 words, 10 Marks)
Steps to analyse:
a) Key component of content (subject matter) — socioe-economic transformation from Rig Vedic to Later Vedic period.
b) Asked aspect of question–Evolutionary changes from Rig to later Vedic period
c) Demand and levels of difficulty–Basic level difficulty. Candidates should answer what and how much.
d) Subject matter: Just remember and write the changes that differentiate later vedic period from Rig vedic.
d) Given marks:10, words limit: 150,
Q.2 Estimate the contribution of Pallavas of Kanchi for the development of art and literature of South India. (150 words, 10 Marks)
Steps to analyse:
a) Key component of content (subject matter) — Development of art and literature during Pallavas and its role in the evolution of South Indian culture.
b) Asked aspect of question–Role and contribution
c) Demand and levels of difficulty– Question demands prediction on the basis of known information. Question has application level difficulty.
d) Subject matter: First you have to know what were the development of art and literature during Pallavas period. Carefully sum up major developments. And make predictable statement regarding role and contribution in shaping south Indian art and literature. “Answer what and how” as well as explain how.
e) Given marks: Words limit:150 words, 10 Marks.
Q.3 What were the events that led to the Quit India Movement? Point out its results. (150 words, 10 Marks) Modern History
Steps to analyse:
a) Key component of content (subject matter) — background necessitating factors and outcomes of quit India movement.
b) Asked aspect of question– Role of causal factors of quit India movement and final outcome
c) Demand and levels of difficulty– two types of difficulties. First part has Application level difficulty. You have to explain how the causal factors resulted in the emergence of quit India movement. And in the second part, you need to just outline or states outcomes or results of quit India movement.
d) Subject matter: You need to focus on all the series of sequence of events that cultivated ground for the emergence of quit India movement. Further, you have to know the list of final results.
e) Given marks: Words limit:150 words, 10 Marks).
Medieval history questions on art and literature
Q.4 “Though the great Cholas are no more yet their name is still remembered with great pride because of their highest achievements in the domain of art and architecture”. Comment. (150 words, 10 Marks) Modern History
Steps to analyse:
a) Key component of content (subject matter) — Major achievements of arts and literature during chola dynasty.
b) Asked aspect of question– major role and importance of the development of art and literature.
c) Demand and levels of difficulty– higher level difficulty. Question demands evaluation and judgement of achievement of chola dynasty. Compare and contrast with others and make final judgement in the form of comment that should be based on relevant fact. There should not be any personal bias. There is no place for opinion bases on beliefs.
d) Subject matter: All the major developments of art and literature during chola dynasty. Specifically, that are still relevant and part of social life.
e) Given marks: Words limit:50 words, 10 Marks).
Modern world history questions
Q.5 How far was the Industrial Revolution in England responsible for the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India? (150 words, 10 Marks) Modern History
Steps to analyse:
a) Key component of content (subject matter) — Industrial revolution and degree of impacts on Indian cottage industry.
b) Asked aspect of question– negative role of industrial revolution.
c) Demand and levels of difficulty– There are two level of difficulties. First part demands analysis of industrial revolution and its outcomes. And second part demands application in the form of negative role in damaging Indian cottage industry in the light of facts.
d) Subject matter: outcomes of industrial revolution and impacts on Indian cottage industry.
e) Given marks: Words limit: 50 words, 10 Marks).
Q.6 How far is it correct to say that the First World War was fought essentially for the preservation of balance of power? (150 words, 10 Marks) World History
Steps to analyse:
a) Key component of content (subject matter) — Relationship between First World War and global power equations.
b) Asked aspect of question– role of global power equations in the result of deadly first world war.
c) Demand and levels of difficulty– higher level difficulty. Careful judgements based on factual data. Prove how maneuvering to preserve balance of power resulted in first world war. If not, then provide counter arguments in the light of facts.
d) Subject matter: power equations during early 20th century. Race for market share, cutthroat competition for imperialism. Emergence of power centers.
e) Given marks: Words limit: 50 words, 10 Marks).
These are all the questions asked in the UPSC GS question paper I 2024. All are based on art, literature, and Indian and world history. This is my sincere effort to make it more easier for fresh aspirants. I hope my work on Questions analysis of history and culture UPSC will serve your purpose.