UPSC Mains Answer Writing Day – 1 : Ancient India

Q1. “The transition from the Rigvedic to the Later Vedic period was marked by significant changes in economy, polity and social organisation.” Examine.

Marks: 15 Marks
Word Limit: ~250 Words

Q2. “The Harappan civilization evolved gradually from early Neolithic villages rather than appearing suddenly.” Discuss this continuity using archaeological evidence.

Marks: 15 Marks
Word Limit: ~250 Words

Q3. “The sixth century BCE marks the second urbanisation in Indian history, with the rise of the Mahajanapadas.” Discuss the political and economic factors behind this transformation.

Marks: 10 Marks
Word Limit: ~150 Words

Q4. “Kautilya’s Arthashastra and the Ashokan inscriptions together reveal a sophisticated theory and practice of statecraft under the Mauryas.” Discuss.

Marks: 10 Marks
Word Limit: ~150 Words

Q5. “The emergence of Buddhism and Jainism in the sixth century BCE was as much a response to socio-economic transformation as a religious development.” Comment.

Marks: 15 Marks
Word Limit: ~250 Words

Q6. “The Gupta period is often described as a ‘Classical Age’ of Indian civilisation.” Examine the achievements that justify this characterisation and the limitations of the framework.

Marks: 10 Marks
Word Limit: ~150 Words

Q7. “The Sangam corpus offers a unique window into early South Indian society, polity and trade networks.” Discuss in the light of recent archaeological findings at Keeladi and Adichanallur.

Marks: 15 Marks
Word Limit: ~250 Words

Instructions:

• Write answers within the prescribed word limit.
• Focus on structure: Introduction, Body, and Conclusion.
• Use relevant maps, diagrams, flowcharts, and archaeological evidence wherever applicable.
• Incorporate historiographical perspectives and recent findings to enrich answers.