UPSC Prelims History GK Questions — Most Repeated PYQs
Last updated: June 2026 · By GK Capsule Team
History carries significant weightage in UPSC Prelims (GS Paper 1) with 15–20 questions per year. Unlike SSC, UPSC History questions are more conceptual, covering ancient culture, medieval administration, and modern freedom struggle in depth.
📊 UPSC Prelims History Weightage: 15–20 questions per year · Ancient and Medieval History get equal focus · Art, architecture and culture are UPSC-specific high-yield areas
🔑 Most Important History Topics for UPSC Prelims
Ancient India — Vedic period, Buddhism, Jainism, Maurya, Gupta empires, Sangam literature
Medieval India — Sultanate administration, Mughal culture, Bhakti and Sufi movements, regional kingdoms
Modern India — 1857 revolt, peasant movements, constitutional developments, nationalist leaders
Art and Architecture — temple styles, cave paintings, sculpture traditions (very UPSC-specific)
Social and Religious Movements — 19th century reform movements, tribal uprisings
📝 Sample UPSC Prelims History PYQ Questions
Q1. The Chola rulers were known for their remarkable achievements in which field?
A) Cave ArchitectureB) Maritime Trade and Naval PowerC) Stupa ConstructionD) Miniature Painting
✅ Answer: B) Maritime Trade and Naval Power — The Chola Empire had a powerful navy and dominated trade across Southeast Asia. They controlled the sea routes to Sri Lanka, Maldives and further east.
Q2. Which among the following is the oldest Veda?
A) SamavedaB) YajurvedaC) RigvedaD) Atharvaveda
✅ Answer: C) Rigveda — The Rigveda is the oldest of the four Vedas, composed approximately between 1500–1200 BCE. It contains 1028 hymns dedicated to various deities.
Q3. The Permanent Settlement of 1793 was introduced by which Governor-General?
A) Warren HastingsB) Lord CornwallisC) Lord WellesleyD) Lord Dalhousie
✅ Answer: B) Lord Cornwallis — The Permanent Settlement (Zamindari System) was introduced by Lord Cornwallis in Bengal, Bihar and Orissa in 1793, fixing land revenue permanently.
Practice UPSC History PYQs Free
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UPSC History questions are more conceptual and analytical. While SSC focuses on facts (dates, battles, names), UPSC tests understanding of administrative systems, cultural impacts, and socioeconomic changes. UPSC also tests Art and Architecture heavily, which SSC rarely does.
Which history books are best for UPSC Prelims?
NCERT Class 6–12 History books are the foundation. For Modern History, Bipin Chandra's "India's Struggle for Independence" is essential. For Ancient and Medieval, RS Sharma and Satish Chandra are standard references. Supplement with daily PYQ practice on GK Capsule.
How many History questions come in UPSC Prelims?
UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 has approximately 15–20 History questions out of 100. Ancient, Medieval and Modern History each get roughly equal representation, with Art and Culture often integrated into these sections.