Are you an aspiring civil servant with a passion for history? If so, then you’re likely familiar with the significance of choosing the right optional subject in the UPSC Mains examination. One such option that has piqued the interest of many ambitious candidates is “Early State and Society in Eastern India, Deccan, and South India.” In this blog series, we’re going to delve into the wealth of previous year questions from the UPSC Mains examinations spanning the years 2013 to 2023, specifically focusing on this intriguing history optional subject. Whether you’re just getting started with your UPSC preparation or looking to enhance your knowledge, this exploration of historical contexts, societal structures, and the evolution of early states in these regions will be a valuable resource.
The rich tapestry of Eastern India, the Deccan, and South India has been a crucible of ancient civilizations, and understanding their historical intricacies is paramount for success in the UPSC Mains examination. By dissecting the previous year questions, we’ll not only unravel the historical events and societal dynamics that shaped these regions but also provide you with insights into the kind of questions you may encounter in your own UPSC journey. This blog series is designed to be a comprehensive guide, helping you grasp the nuances of this optional subject and equipping you with the knowledge you need to excel in the examination. So, let’s embark on this intellectual journey and unearth the hidden treasures of Eastern India, the Deccan, and South India, as we prepare for the UPSC Mains and the world of civil service.
Early State and Society in Eastern India, Deccan and South India History – Previous Year Questions (UPSC CSE Mains History Optional)
Kharavela, The Satavahanas, Tamil States of the Sangam Age; Administration, Economy, land grants, coinage, trade guilds and urban centres; Buddhist centres; Sangam literature and culture; Art and architecture.
1. Discuss the military activities of Kharavela of Kalinga. Do you think that his reign is significant for military expeditions alone? (1993)
2. How do recent archaeological findings and Sangam literary texts enlighten us about the early state and society in South India? (2008)
3. “Not only does ancient Tamil literature furnish an accurate picture of widely disparate classes, it also describes the social condition of Tamil country as it was.” Discuss. (2015)
4. The accurate picture of the complex sociocultural milieu of Peninsular India is presented in the early Sangam literature. Delineate. (2017)
5. The discovery of monsoons by Hippalus gave a new direction to Indo-Roman trade during the Satavahana period. Comment. (2019)
6. Discuss the salient features of cultural traditions of South India as reflected in Sangam Literature. (2020)
FAQs on Early State and Society in Eastern India, Deccan and South India
Q: What were some of the earliest civilizations in India and the world?
A: Explore the fascinating history of early civilizations, including the Indus Valley Civilization in India and iconic world civilizations like Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Chinese dynasties.
Q: How did religion and culture evolve during early medieval India?
A: Explore the synthesis of various religious and cultural elements, including the growth of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and the influence of Islam in the Indian subcontinent during the early medieval era.
Q: When did early humans first appear in India?
A: Investigate the archaeological evidence that sheds light on the presence of Homo erectus and other early hominids in the Indian subcontinent.
Q: What tools and technology did early humans in India use for survival?
A: Learn about the stone tools, hunting methods, and other innovations that allowed early humans to adapt and thrive in the diverse environments of ancient India.
Q: What was the first state in ancient India?
A: Discover the significance of the Magadha kingdom, under the rule of Bimbisara, as one of the earliest and most influential states in ancient India.
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