UPSC CSE mains PYQs  General Studies - l  , Modern History : 

Indian heritage and culture, history and geography of the world and society.

 

Modern History : 

Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues. The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country. 

Q.1) Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long-term implication on the national movement. [150 Words][10 Marks][2020] 

Q.2) Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss [250 words][15 Marks][2020] 

Q.3) The 1857 uprising was the culmination of the recurrent, big and small local rebellions that had occurred in the preceding hundred years of British rule. Elucidate. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019] 

Q.4) Examine the linkages between the nineteenth century’s ‘Indian Renaissance’ and the emergence of national identity. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019] 

Q.5) Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian phase. Elaborate. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2019] 

Q.6) Assess the role of British imperial power in complicating the process of transfer of power during the 1940s. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2019] 

Q.7) Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018] 

Q.8) Clarify how mid-eighteenth century India was beset with the spectre of a fragmented polity. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017] 

Q.9) Why did the ‘Moderates’ failed to carry conviction with the nation about their proclaimed ideology and political goals by the end of the nineteenth century? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017] 

Q.10) Examine how the decline of traditional artisanal industry in colonial India crippled the rural economy. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2017] 

Q.11) Highlight the importance of the new objectives that got added to the vision of Indian Independence since the twenties of the last century. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2017] 

Q.12) Explain how the upraising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British policies towards colonial India. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016] 

Q.13) Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016] 

Q.14) Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016] 

Q.15) How difficult would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015] 

Q.16) Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B R Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015] 

Q.17) Examine critically the various facets of economic policies of the British in India from mid-eighteenth century till independence. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]  

Q.18) In what ways did the naval mutiny prove to be the last nail in the coffin of British colonial aspirations in India? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014] 

Q.19) What were the major political, economic and social developments in the world which motivated the anti-colonial struggle in India? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014] 

Q.20) Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian women became the torch bearer during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013] 

Q.21) Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements. Analyze their role in the Indian struggle for freedom. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]

Q.22) In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern India. Elaborate. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]