UPSC Mains Topic-Wise Previous Year Questions – Modern Indian History

The UPSC Mains Topic-Wise Previous Year Questions on Modern Indian History provide a comprehensive examination of historical events, trends, and issues, offering candidates a nuanced understanding of this critical subject.

Revolt of 1857

1. What administrative changes were introduced in India after 1858? What were the objectives of these changes? (2001, 30Marks)
2. Explain how the uprising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British policies towards colonial India. (2016, 12%Marks)
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) (2019,10Marks)

Socio-Religious Reforms

1. Characterize the main features of the Indian Renaissance. (2006, 15Marks)
2. What was the character of socio-religious reforms in the 19th Century and how did they contribute pet to the national awakening in India? (250 words) tent (2007, Marks)
3. Write about the Gurudwara Reform Movement. (2009, 2Marks)
4. Sufis and medieval mystic saints failed to modify either the religious ideas and practices or the outward structure of Hindu/Muslim societies to any appreciable extent. Comment. (2014, 10Marks)
5. Examine the linkages between the nineteenth century’s ‘Indian Renaissance’ and the emergence of national identity. (150 words) (2019, 10Marks)
6. Trace the rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements with special reference to Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj. (150 words) (2021, 10 Marks)

Congress-Moderates & Extremists – Split (Surat) – Reunion (Lucknow)

1. Discuss the main objectives of the Indian national movement up to 1905. What were its basic weaknesses during this period? (2001, 30 Marks)
2. Bring out the ideological basis of the Moderate- Extremist divide in the Indian National Congress. (2003,15Marks)
3. What was the attitude of Indian Industrialists towards the Indian National Congress in the pre-Independence era? (2006,15Marks)
4. “Satan cannot enter till he finds a flaw…. A great ocean separates us educated few from the millions in our country.” Critically analyze in about 150 words. (2009, 15Marks)
5. Write about ‘Egmore Faction’ (2009, 2Marks)
6. To what extent did the role of the Moderates prepare a base for the wider freedom movement? Comment. (250 words) (2021,15Marks)

Rise of Revolutionary Terrorism

1. Trace the origin of the Swadeshi Movement. How did it involve the masses? (2000,30Marks)
2. How did the terrorist movement gather strength in countries other than India? (2000, 15Marks)
3. Write short note on ‘Divide at Impera’. (2002, 2marks)
4. What led to the partition of Bengal in 1905? (2004,15Marks)
5. Why did the ‘Moderates’ fail to carry conviction with the nation about their proclaimed ideology and political goals by the end of the nineteenth century? (150 words) (2017,10Marks)

Nationalism during World War I Ghadar Party & Home Rule League

1. Write a short note on Ghadar Party (2001,2Marks)
2. Trace the growth of the Indian Home Rule Movement in Britain. (2002,15Marks)
3. Write short note on “Benoy-Badal-Dinesh’ martyrdom (2011,5Marks)

MK Gandhi-South African Experiment, Rowlatt Satyagraha & Jalianwala Bagh Massacre

1. The mainstay of Mahatma Gandhi’s movements was the rural India. Elucidate. (2003, 15Marks)
2. Do you think Mahatma Gandhi’s support to the Khilafat Movement had diluted his secular credentials? Give your arguments based on the assessment of events. (150 words) (2007, 15Marks)
3. “The foreign power will be withdrawn but for me, real freedom will come only when we free ourselves of the dominance of Western education, western culture, and the Western way of living which have been ingrained in us.” Critically analyze in about 150 words. (2009,15Marks)
4. How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss. (2015,12%Marks)
5. Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase. (2016,12%Marks)
6. Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom. (2016,12%Marks)
7. Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate. (2015, 12%Marks)
8. Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times. (2018,10marks)
9. Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian phase. Elaborate (250 words) (2019,15Marks)
10. What was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach towards education and nationalism?(250 words) (2023,10Marks)

Jawaharlal Nehru

1. Was Jawaharlal Nehru justified in adopting the principle of non-alignment as the cornerstone of India’s foreign policy? (2000, 10Marks)
2. Regardless of distance in time, there were lots of similarities between Lord Curzon and Jawahar Lal Nehru. Discuss. (2006, 30Marks)

Non-cooperation Movement – Khilafat, Swarajists, and No-changers and growth of Revolutionary terrorism

1. Discuss the aims and objects of the Khilafat Movement. To what extent was it successful? (2001,15Marks)
2. Form a critical assessment of the Non-Cooperation Movement. (2004,30Marks)
3. The crisis of the colonial order between 1919 and 1939 was directly linked to the constitutional reforms, disillusionment, and militant anti-colonial struggles. Elucidate. (250 words) (2007, 30Marks)
4. Evaluate the contribution of revolutionary terrorism represented by Bhagat Singh to the cause of India’s struggle for independence. (150 words) (2007,15Marks)
5. “Non-Cooperation Movement gave new direction and energy to the National Movement.” Explain, (150 words) (2008,15Marks)
6. Write short note on Bharat Naujawan Sabha. (2011,5Marks)
7. Write a short note on the ‘Babbar Akali’ movement. (2011, 5Marks)

Civil Disobedience Movement-Round Table Conference, Gandhi-Irwin Pact, Karachi Congress, MacDonald Award & Poona Pact

1. Why did Gandhi launch the Salt Satyagraha in 1930 and with what results? (2001,15Marks)
2. Write a short note on Dandi March (2002,2Marks)
3. Write short note on Satyagraha (2002, 2Marks)
4. Bring out the constructive programs of Mahatma Gandhi during the Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement. (250 words) (2021,15Marks)

Proposals towards Independence – The August Offer/Cripps Mission/Raja Ji Formula/Desai Liaqat Formula/Wavell Plan/Cabinet Mission Plan/Dickie Bird Plan/Mountbatten Plan

1. What was the Mountbatten Plan? Discuss the reactions of Gandhi and Azad to the Plan. (00/1/16/30)
2. Why did Jinnah reject the C. R. Formula? (2002,30Marks)
3. Review the ‘Dickie Bird Plan’. (2002,15Marks)
4. Assess the role of British imperial power in complicating the process of transfer of power during the 1940s. (250 words) (2019,15Marks)

Quit India Movement-INA & RIN Mutiny

1. Evaluate the attitudes of different political parties towards the Quit India Movement. (2002,15Marks)
2. Evaluate Subhas Chandra Bose’s contribution to India’s freedom. (2005,15Marks)
3. Critically assess Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru’s views on Indian Nationalism. (2006,15Marks)
4. Trace the salient sequence of events in the popular revolt that took place in February 1946 in the then ‘Royal Indian Navy’ and bring out its significance in the freedom struggle. Do you agree with the view that the sailors who took part in this revolt were some of the unsung heroes of the freedom struggle? (2011,20Marks)
5. In what ways did the naval mutiny prove to be the last nail in the coffin of British colonial aspirations in India? (2014,10Marks)

Communalism/Partition of India

1. Why and how did the Congress come to accept the partition of the country? (2005,15Marks)

Acts During British Raj

1. “The reforms of 1909 introduced a cardinal problem and ground of controversy at every revision of the Indian electoral system.” Comment. (2003,30Marks)
2. Write about W. W. Hunter. (1993/1/3b/2)
3. “In the Montagu-Chelmsford Report, communal representation and reservations were not only retained but considerably extended.” Comment.. (1993,15Marks)
4. How did the Government of India Act, of 1935 mark a point of no return in the history of constitutional development in India? (2006,30Marks)
5. What are the salient features of the Government of India Acts of 1858 and 1909? (2007,15Marks)
6. Write about Ilbert Bill in 20 words. (2008,2Marks)
7. It would have been difficult for the Constituent Assembly to complete its historic task of drafting the Constitution for Independent India in just three years but for the experience gained with the Government of India Act, of 1935. Discuss. (2015,12%Marks)
8. Clarify how mid-eighteenth-century India was beset with the specter of a fragmented polity. (150 words) (2017,10Marks)

Movements: State people’s/Trade Union/ Peasant/Tribal/Against untouchability & caste system/Movement for the upliftment of women

1. How did the movement for the liberation of women receive a great stimulus from the rise and growth of the nationalist movement in India? (2001,15Marks)
2. Discuss the character of major tribal uprisings in British India in the nineteenth Century. (2003,15Marks)
3. Write about Vaikom Satyagraha. (2008,2Marks)
4. Write about Kiang Nongbah. (2009,2Marks)
5. Evaluate the influence of the three important women’s organizations of the early twentieth century in India on the country’s society and politics. To what extent do you think were the social objectives of these organizations constrained by their political objectives? (2011,20Marks)
6. “The Indian independence movement was a mass-based movement that encompassed various sections of society. It also underwent the process of constant ideological evolution.” Critically examine. (2012,5Marks)
7. Write about the significance of Patharughat in the Indian freedom struggle. (2012,2Marks)
8. Defying the barriers of age, gender, and religion, Indian women became the torchbearers during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss. (200 words) (2013,10Marks)
9. Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements. Analyze their role in the Indian struggle for freedom. (200 words) (2013,10Marks)
10. Critically discuss the objectives of the Bhoodan and Gramdan Movements initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave and their success. (200 words) (2013,10Marks)
11. Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss. (250 words) (2020,15Marks)
12. How did the colonial rule affect the tribals in India and what was the tribal response to the colonial oppression (250 words) (2023,15Marks

Civil Services/Judicial System/Local Self Govt/ Modern Education / Indian Press

1. Discuss the major regulations enacted by the British rulers to curb the freedom of the Press in India (2004,30Marks )
2. Discuss the main findings of the Hartog Committee (1929). (2004,15Marks)
3. What in your opinion were the positive steps taken by the British to modernise India? (2005,30Marks)
4. Write about Haileybury College (2009, 2Marks)
5. Write about Ijara System.no (2009,2Marks)
6. How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate your answer. (250 words) (2020, 15Marks)

Impact of British Rule on the Indian Economy

1. The emergence of new social classes in British India was the direct consequence of the establishment of a new social economy, a new state system, administrative machinery, and Western education.” Discuss in about 150 words. (2008,15Marks)
2. “British vision of India had no single coherent set of ideas. On the contrary, the ideas were shot through with contradictions and inconsistencies.” Discuss in about 150 words. (2008,15Marks)
3. “Many Englishmen honestly consider themselves the trustees for India and yet to what a condition they have reduced our country.” Critically analyze in about 150 words. (2009,15Marks)
4. Examine critically the various facets of economic policies of the British in India from the mid-eighteenth century till independence. (2014,10Marks)
5. Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to other colonies? Have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there? (2018,15Marks)

Viceroy/Governor General

1. “Dalhousie’s predecessors had acted on the general principles of avoiding annexations if these could be avoided. Dalhousie acted on the principles of annexation if lie could do so legitimately. His annexations were both of war and peace.” Analyse. (150 words) (2010,24Marks)
2. “In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern India.” Elaborate. (200 words) (2013,10Marks)
3. Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long-term implications on the national movement. (150 words) (2020,10Marks)

Post-Independence Consolidation and Reorganisation within the country

1. What was the Butler Committee Report? Discuss the reactions on the Report in India. (2002,30Marks)
2. Write a short note on the Chamber of Princes. (2002,2Marks)
3. Discuss the problems that impeded the integration of the princely states into the Indian Union. How were these problems tackled? (2003,30Marks)
4. Examine the policy of the Subordinate Union towards Princely States. Account for the shift from the policy of Subordinate Isolation. (2005,30Marks)
5. Write about Indian States Commission. (2008,2Marks)
6. Write a critical note on the evolution and significance of the slogan, Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’. (200 words) (2013,10Marks)
7. Analyze the circumstances that led to the Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights of the Agreement. (200 words) (2013,10Marks)
8. Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive role in the emergence of Bangladesh. (200 words) (2013,10Marks)
9. Has the formation of linguistic states strengthened the cause of Indian unity? (2016, 12Marks)
10. Discuss whether the formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the economy of India. (2018,15Marks)
11. Assess the main administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration process of Indian Princely States. (150 words) (2021,10Marks)
12. The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has been a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with examples. (250 words) (2022,15Marks)

Institutions/Commissions/Unions

1. Who established the Arya Samaj? What was its goal? want to (2000,15Marks)
2. Write a short note on Fort William College ( 2000,2Marks)
3. Write a short note on Prarthana Samaj (2001,2marks)
4. Write a short note on Satyashodhak Samaj (2001,2Marks)
5. Write a short note on Dharma Sabha (2002,2Marks)
6. Write a note on the Theosophical Society. (2004,15Marks)
7. Write about Calcutta Madrasa (2005, 2 Marks)
8. Write about Poona Sarvajanik Sabha. (2008,2Marks)
9. Write about the Indian States Commission. (2008,2Marks)
10. Write about Girni Kamgar Union in about 20 words (2009, 2Marks)

War/Movement/Revolt

1. Write about Darul-Uloom. (2005,2Marks)
2. Write about Bhakti. (in about 20 words) (2007,2Marks)
3. 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) (2017,15Marks)
4. Why did the armies of the British East India Company – mostly comprising of Indian soldiers – win consistently against the more numerous and better-equipped armies of the then Indian rulers? Give reasons. (150 words) (2022,10Marks)

Personalities

1. Write about Lakshmi Bai, Rani of Jhansi in about 20 words. (2008,2Marks)
2. Write about Lala Hardayal in 20 words. (2008,2Marks)
3. Write about Megasthenes in 20 words. (2008,2Marks)
4. Write about Allasani Peddana in 20 words. (2009, 2Marks)
5. Write about Taji Mideren. (2009,2Marks)
6. Write a brief note on the contributions of Latika Ghosh to the freedom struggle. (2010, 2Marks)
7. Write a brief note on Bhai Maharaj Singh as a freedom fighter. (2010, 2Marks)
8. Discuss the contributions of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to pre- and post-independent India. (200 words) (2013,10Marks)
9. The Bhakti movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss. (2018,15Marks)

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