The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) Civil Services Examination is often considered one of the most challenging competitive exams in India. Aspirants who dream of becoming civil servants need to navigate through a rigorous selection process that includes a series of examinations, one of which is the mains. In the mains examination, candidates have the option to choose an optional subject, and for history enthusiasts, the “History Optional” is a popular choice. In this blog series, we’ll dive into the world of UPSC mains preparation and explore the previous year questions from the History Optional subject, focusing on a specific historical period. In this installment, we’ll journey through the post-Mauryan period, spanning from 2013 to 2023, to provide a comprehensive overview of the questions asked and the knowledge you need to excel in this segment of the UPSC mains examination. Whether you’re a UPSC aspirant or simply interested in Indian history, this series will offer valuable insights into the complexities and nuances of the History Optional subject.
The post-Mauryan period in Indian history is a fascinating era marked by political transitions, cultural developments, and significant historical events. It encompasses the rise and fall of various empires, the spread of Buddhism, and the emergence of important dynasties. Understanding this period is crucial not only for UPSC aspirants but also for anyone seeking to gain a deeper insight into the rich tapestry of Indian history. By examining the previous year questions from 2013 to 2023, we aim to shed light on the key topics, themes, and nuances of this period, making it easier for history enthusiasts to explore and appreciate this important chapter in India’s past. So, whether you’re a history aficionado or a dedicated UPSC aspirant, fasten your seatbelts as we embark on a journey through the history of the post-Mauryan period, unraveling the mysteries and challenges that lie within the UPSC mains examination.
Post-Mauryan Period History – Previous Year Questions (UPSC CSE Mains History Optional)
Post – Mauryan Period (Indo-Greeks, Sakas. Kushanas, Western Kshatrapas): Contact with outside world; growth of urban centres, economy, coinage, development of religions, Mahayana, social conditions, art, architecture, culture, literature and science.
1. Write short essay of not more than 200 words on; The role of guilds in the economic life of India from c. 200 B. C.to c. A. D. 300. (1986)
2. Bring out the salient features of the religious developments in the Post-Maurya period. How was contemporary art influenced by it? (1988)
3. Write short essay of not more than 200 words on: Indian participation in the silk trade through Central Asia. (1990)
4. Write brief essay on Origins, chronology, characteristics and geographical spread of Gandhara art. (1991)
5. Write brief essay on Buddhist writing in Sanskrit in the post – Maurya period. (1993)
6. “The centuries between c. 200 B.C. and c. A.D. 300 constitute a landmark in the socioreligious history of India.” Analyse the proposition. (1995)
7. Furnish a critical and comparative account of various schools of art in the Post Mauryan period (c. 200 B.C.-c. 300 A.D.) (1998)
8. How justified are we in characterizing the post-Mauryan five centuries as the “Dark Period” of Indian History? Give reasons in support of your answer. (2008)
9. Examine the significance of the deities depicted on the coins of the Kushanas. (2010)
10. Justify Pliny’s statement that Rome was being drained out of its gold by India during the first century of the Christian era. (2012)
11. Review critically the evolution of different schools of art in the Indian subcontinent between the second century BCE and the third century CE, and evaluate the socioreligious factors responsible for it. (2014)
12. How does the numismatic evidence of the period reflect the political and economic outlook of the Kushanas and the Satavahanas? (2016)
13. The period of Indian History from 3rd century B.C.E. to 5th century C.E. was the period of innovation and interaction. How will you react? (2017)
14. What was the impact of trans-regional and trans-continental trade in the post Mauryan period on social and cultural life of India? (2018)
15. “The development of art and architecture during the Sunga period belies the belief that they were anti-Buddhist.” Discuss. (2019)
16. The flourishing international trade during the Kushana period gave tremendous impetus to the development of art.Discuss. (2019)
17. Evaluate the significant political features of the Post Mauryan Northern India. What are the main sources of it? (2020)
18. Analyze the significance of external influences and indigenous development on post Mauryan art. (2021)
FAQs on Post-Mauryan Period
Q: After the Mauryan Empire, who ruled India?
A: The post-Mauryan period saw a series of empires and dynasties ruling different regions of India. The Shunga dynasty followed the Mauryan Empire, and subsequently, the Satavahana, Kushan, Gupta, and other regional dynasties played significant roles in governing various parts of the subcontinent.
Q: What does the term “post-Mauryan period” mean?
A: The post-Mauryan period, in Indian history, refers to the era immediately following the decline of the Mauryan Empire, roughly from the 2nd century BCE to the 3rd century CE. It is marked by the political fragmentation of the Indian subcontinent, with the emergence of new empires and dynasties.
Q: Were there any foreign invasions during the post-Mauryan period?
A: Yes, the post-Mauryan period witnessed several foreign invasions. Notably, the invasion of the Indo-Greeks and the Scythians had a significant impact on the northern regions of India. These foreign powers established their own kingdoms and influenced the cultural and political landscape during this time.
Q: How did the post-Mauryan period contribute to India’s cultural and artistic heritage?
A: The post-Mauryan period was a time of flourishing art and culture. It saw the development of various art forms, including the creation of the famous Mathura and Gandhara schools of art. Buddhism and Hinduism also evolved and thrived, leading to the construction of magnificent stupas, monasteries, and temples.
Q: What were the major political and social changes in India during the post-Mauryan period?
A: The post-Mauryan period was marked by political decentralization, with various regions coming under the rule of different dynasties. Socially, the period witnessed the rise of new classes and communities. The decline of Buddhism and the resurgence of Hinduism as a dominant religious and cultural force were also notable changes during this time.
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