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Medieval History Questions in UPSC Prelims 2024, Details and Themes!

PWOnlyIAS May 09, 2024 04:35 255 0

Medieval history questions in UPSC prelims have always been a tough nut to crack for UPSC aspirants. Here are some trends that will help you to prepare well!

Medieval History Questions in UPSC Prelims 2024, Details and Themes!

Medieval history questions in UPSC prelims have witnessed a revival in the last couple of years. A few years ago, questions from medieval history had almost reached the lowest levels. The increased focus on medieval history is a reality that candidates have to take into consideration.

Medieval history questions in UPSC prelims focus on topics such as Delhi Sultanate, Mughal empire, Bhakti movement, Vijayanagara Empire, etc. Candidates will have to study these topics in detail to attempt a maximum number of questions.

Candidates need to align their preparation with the latest question paper trends so that medieval history questions in UPSC prelims can be answered with higher accuracy.

Medieval History Questions in UPSC Prelims 2023

The number of medieval history questions in UPSC prelims has varied. In 2023, UPSC asked 3 questions from medieval history. Following are the questions asked in 2023 prelims:

Q1: Consider the following dynasties:

  1. Hoysala
  2. Gahadavala
  3. Kakatiya
  4. Yadava

How many of the above dynasties established their kingdoms in the early eighth century AD?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) Only three

d) None

Answer: (d)

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Q2: Who among the following rulers of medieval Gujarat surrendered Diu to the Portuguese?

(a) Ahmad Shah

(b) Mahmud Begarha

(c) Bahadur Shah

(d) Muhammad Shah

Answer: (c)

Q3: Who among the following rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire constructed a large dam across Tungabhadra River and a canal-cum-aqueduct several kilometers long from the river to the capital city?

a) Devaraya I

b) Mallikarjuna

c) Vira Vijaya

d) Virupaksha

Answer: (a)

Also Read: Medieval History Questions with Answers

Medieval History Questions in UPSC Prelims in the Last Few Years

The number of medieval history questions in UPSC prelims has largely remained stable. The detailed breakdown of number of questions asked each year is given below:

Year Medieval History Questions
2023 3
2022 4
2021 3
2020 0
2019 5
2018 1
2017 1

medieval history questions in UPSC prelims

Strategy for for Medieval History Questions in UPSC Prelims

Medieval history questions in UPSC prelims have gained prominence. Candidates will have to give additional focus to medieval history themes. Some of the tips for preparing medieval history are given below:

  • Read NCERT Books: The best books to prepare for medieval history are NCERTs. Candidates need not refer to advanced books.
  • Make Notes: Candidates have to make notes from NCERT books to revise during the final phase of preparation.
  • Revision: Candidates have to revise the concepts multiple times to ensure that they are able to answer correctly.
  • PYQ Analysis: By analyzing PYQs, candidates can get an idea about the themes that UPSC repeats regularly. This will help save precious time.
  • Attempt Test Series: Candidates can attempt sectional and full-length tests to gauge their preparation. This will help them understand if they are able to use their knowledge to solve questions correctly.
Also Read: UPSC Prelims Questions

Repeated Themes of Medieval History Questions in UPSC Prelims

UPSC may not repeat questions but it does repeat themes. Looking at medieval history questions in prelims, we can say that there are certain themes that UPSC considers vital and repeats regularly. The following table contains a list of important themes from medieval history.

Topics Significance
Delhi Sultanate 0-1 questions from rulers, social development, terms etc
Mughal Empire 0-1 question from culture, literature, society, etc.
Bhakti and Sufi Movement 0-1 question from famous saints
Travelers 0-1 question from foreign travelers
Terms Related to Cultural Traditions 0-1 questions 
Early Medieval India 0-1 questions from dynasties

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Sample  Medieval History Questions in UPSC Prelims

Some of the questions asked from popular themes of medieval history are given below:

Mughal Empire

Q) Consider the following:  (2015)

The arrival of Babur into India led to the:

  1. introduction of gunpowder in the subcontinent
  2. introduction of the arch and dome in the region’s architecture
  3. establishment of Timurid dynasty in the region

Select the correct answer using the codes given

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Delhi Sultanate

Q) With reference to Indian history, consider the following statements: (2022)

  1. The first Mongol invasion of India happened during the reign of Jalalud- din Khalji.
  2. During the reign of Ala-ud-din Khalji, one Mongol assault marched up to Delhi and besieged the city.
  3. Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq temporarily lost portions of the north-west of his kingdom to Mongols.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3

(d) 3 only

Vijayanagara Empire

Q. Regarding the taxation system of Krishna Deva Raya, the ruler of Vijayanagar, consider the following statements: (2016)

  1. The tax rate on land was fixed depending on the quality of the land. 
  2. Private owners of workshops paid an industry tax.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Travelers 

Q) Which one of the following foreign travelers elaborately discussed diamonds and diamond mines in India? (2018)

(a) Francois Bernier

(b) Jean-Baptiste Tavernier

(c) Jean de Thevenot

(d) Abbe Barthelemy Carre

Bhakti and Sufi Tradition

Q) Consider the following statements: (2019)

  1. Saint Nimbarka was a contemporary of Akbar.
  2. Saint Kabir was greatly influenced by Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Terms Related to Cultural Traditions

Q) With reference to Indian history, who of the following were known as “Kulah-Daran”? (2022)

(a) Arab merchants

(b) Qalandars

(c) Persian calligraphists

(d) Sayyids

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Early Medieval India

Q) Consider the following statements: (2021)

  1. It was during the reign of Iltutmish that Chengiz Khan reached the Indus in pursuit of the fugitive Khwarezm prince.
  2. It was during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughluq that Taimur occupied Multan and crossed the Indus.
  3. It was during the reign of Deva Raya II of the Vijayanagara Empire that Vasco da Gama reached the coast of Kerala.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2

(c) 3 only

(d) 2 and 3

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Must Read
NCERT Notes For UPSC UPSC Daily Current Affairs
UPSC Blogs UPSC Daily Editorials
Daily Current Affairs Quiz Daily Main Answer Writing
UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers UPSC Test Series 2024

 

Frequently Asked Questions

UPSC can ask anywhere between 5-10 questions from medieval history in UPSC prelims.

The difficulty level of medieval history questions range from moderate to difficult.

Candidates have to complete the medieval history syllabus within a maximum period of 15 days.

Yes. Majority of medieval history questions in UPSC prelims are asked directly from NCERT books.

UPSC does not repeat questions in prelims exam. Questions can be asked from the same theme.

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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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