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History & Culture — UPSC Prelims MCQs

1,900+ practice questions across 23 chapters, including 618+ previous year questions— each with option-by-option explanations.

Chapters in History & Culture

  • Indus and Prehistory80 Qs
  • Vedic Age and Mahajanapadas80 Qs
  • Buddhism, Jainism and Heterodox Traditions80 Qs
  • Mauryas and Post-Mauryan India100 Qs
  • Guptas and Classical India80 Qs
  • South India and Sangam Age80 Qs
  • Ancient Art, Literature and Philosophy85 Qs
  • Early Medieval India65 Qs
  • Delhi Sultanate and Regional Kingdoms80 Qs
  • Mughal India80 Qs
  • Bhakti, Sufi and Sikh Traditions80 Qs
  • Medieval Art, Architecture and Literature80 Qs
  • Advent of Europeans and Company Rule80 Qs
  • Revolt of 185765 Qs
  • Socio-Religious Reform Movements80 Qs
  • Indian Nationalism (1885-1919)100 Qs
  • Gandhian Era (1919-1939)100 Qs
  • Late Freedom Struggle (1939-1947)80 Qs
  • Revolutionary, Tribal and Peasant Movements80 Qs
  • Transfer of Power and Post-Independence India65 Qs
  • Visual Arts, Architecture and Painting100 Qs
  • Music, Dance, Literature and Philosophy100 Qs
  • UNESCO, Heritage and Cultural Institutions80 Qs

Sample History & Culture questions

A preview of the kind of MCQs you'll practise — with the correct answer and explanation.

Q1History & Culture·Medieval Art, Architecture and Literature

The Deccan school of miniature painting was patronised by which of the following dynasties? 1. Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur 2. Qutb Shahi dynasty of Golconda 3. Nizam Shahi dynasty of Ahmadnagar Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  • A1 and 2 only
  • B2 only
  • C1 and 3 only
  • D1, 2 and 3Correct

Explanation

Correct. All three Deccan Sultanate dynasties were significant patrons of the Deccan school of painting. Each court developed its own sub-style: Ahmadnagar (earliest, with Persian influence), Bijapur (innovative and syncretic), and Golconda (rich and ornamental). The Deccan school is distinguished from the Mughal school by its use of richer colour, greater fantasy and a more decorative approach.

Q2History & Culture·Ancient Art, Literature and PhilosophyPYQ 2017

The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous and oft-illustrated paintings at

  • AAjantaCorrect
  • BBadami
  • CBagh
  • DEllora

Explanation

Correct. The celebrated Bodhisattva Padmapani mural is located in Cave 1 at Ajanta and is one of the most reproduced images of Indian art. It depicts Avalokiteshvara holding a lotus.

Q3History & Culture·Transfer of Power and Post-Independence India

Which princely state's ruler initially wished to remain independent but was forced to accede to India following a police action (Operation Polo) in September 1948?

  • AJunagadh
  • BKashmir
  • CHyderabadCorrect
  • DTravancore

Explanation

Correct. The Nizam of Hyderabad, Osman Ali Khan, wished to remain independent or accede to Pakistan. When negotiations failed and the Razakar movement under Qasim Razvi created internal disorder, India launched Operation Polo (also called a 'police action') on September 13, 1948, and Hyderabad was integrated into India.

Q4History & Culture·Late Freedom Struggle (1939-1947)PYQ 2017

In the context of Indian history, the principle of 'Dyarchy (Diarchy)' refers to:

  • ADivision of the central legislature into two houses
  • BIntroduction of double government, i.e., Central and State governments
  • CHaving two sets of rulers; one in London and another in Delhi
  • DDivision of the subjects delegated to the provinces into two categoriesCorrect

Explanation

Correct. Dyarchy, introduced by the Government of India Act, 1919, divided provincial subjects into 'reserved' subjects (under the Governor) and 'transferred' subjects (under Indian ministers responsible to the legislature). This dual system of governance is what dyarchy means.

Q5History & Culture·UNESCO, Heritage and Cultural InstitutionsPYQ 2009

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer. List I (Famous Person) — List II (Well-known for) A. Mandakini Amte — 1. Theatre direction B. Neelam Mansingh Chowdhry — 2. Social service and community leadership C. Romila Thapar — 3. Dance D. Vanashree Rao — 4. History writing

  • AA-2, B-1, C-4, D-3Correct
  • BA-2, B-4, C-1, D-3
  • CA-3, B-1, C-4, D-2
  • DA-3, B-4, C-1, D-2

Explanation

Correct. Mandakini Amte is known for social service and community leadership (2), Neelam Mansingh Chowdhry is an acclaimed theatre director from Punjab (1), Romila Thapar is one of India's foremost historians (4), and Vanashree Rao is a noted dancer (3).

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