UPSC Prelims PYQs (Subject Wise)
- Art & Culture
- Ancient History
- Medieval History
- Modern History
- Polity
- Economy
- Geography
- Environment
- Science & Tech
2025 Prelims PYQs
1] The famous female figurine known as ‘Dancing Girl’, found at Mohenjo-daro, is made of: [2025/A-72]
a) Carnelian
b) Clay
c) Bronze
d) Gold
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Ans: c) Bronze
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2024 Prelims PYQs
1] Which one of the following was the latest inclusion in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO? [2024]
a) Chhau dance
b) Durga puja
c) Garba dance
d) Kumbh mela
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Ans: c) Garba dance
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2] Consider the following properties included in the World Heritage List released by UNESCO: [2024]
1. Shantiniketan
2. Rani-ki-Vav
3. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas
4. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya
How many of the above properties were included in 2023?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) Only three
d) All four
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Ans: b) Only two
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2021 Prelims PYQs
1] With reference to India, the terms ‘Halbi Ho’ and ‘Kui’ pertain to [2021]
a) Dance forms of Northwest India
b) Musical instruments
c) Pre-historic cave paintings
d) Tribal languages
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Ans: d) Tribal languages
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2] Consider the following statements in respect of Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards: [2021]
1) Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are titles under the Article 18(1) of the Constitution of India.
2) Padma Awards, which were instituted in the year 1954, were suspended only once.
3) The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of five in a particular year.
Which of the above statements are not correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
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Ans: d) 1, 2 and 3
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3] Consider the following statements: [2021]
1) 21st February is declared to be the International Mother Language Day by UNICEF.
2) The demand that Bangla has to be one of the national languages was raised in the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
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Ans: b) 2 only
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4] Consider the following pairs: [2021]
| Historical Place | Well-known for |
| 1. Burzahom | Rock-cut shrines |
| 2. Chandraketugarh | Terracotta art |
| 3. Ganeshwar | Copper artefacts |
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2
c) 3 only
d) 2 and 3
Show Answer
Ans: d) 2 and 3
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2018 Prelims PYQs
1] Consider the following pairs: [2018]
| Tradition | State |
| 1. Chapchar Kut Festival | Mizoram |
| 2. Khongjom Parba ballad | Manipur |
| 3. Thang-Ta dance | Sikkim |
Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2
c) 1 and 3
d) 2 and 3
Show Answer
Ans: b) 1 and 2
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2] The well-known painting “Bani Thani” belongs to the: [2018]
a) Bundi School
b) Jaipur School
c) Kangra School
d) Kishangarh School
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Ans: d) Kishangarh School
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3] With reference to cultural history of India, consider the following statements: [2018]
1. Most of the Tyagaraja Kritis are devotional songs in praise of Lord Krishna.
2. Tyagaraja created several new ragas
3. Annamacharya and Tyagaraja are contemporaries.
4. Annamacharya kirtanas are devotional songs in praise of Lord Venketshwara.
Which of the statement is given above are correct?
a) 1 and 3 only
b) 2 and 4 only
c) 1, 2, and 3
d) 2, 3 and 4
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Ans: b) 2 and 4 only
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4] Consider the following pairs: [2018]
| Craft | Heritage of |
| 1. Puthukkuli Shawls | Tamil Nadu |
| 2. Sujni Embroidery | Maharashtra |
| 3. Uppada Jamdani Saris | Karnataka |
Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2
c) 3 only
d) 2 and 3
Show Answer
Ans: a) 1 only
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2017 Prelims PYQs
1] With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statements: [2017]
1. It is a song and dance performance
2. Cymbals are the only musical instruments used in the performance
3. It is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1, 2 and 3
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1 only
Show Answer
Ans: b) 1 and 3 only
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2] Consider the following pairs: [2017]
| Traditions | Communities |
| 1. Chaliha Sahib Festival | Sindhis |
| 2. Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra | Gonds |
| 3. Wari-Warkari | Santhals |
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
a) 1 only
b) 2 &3 only
c) 1 & 3 only
d) None of the above
Show Answer
Ans: a) 1 only
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2015 Prelims PYQs
1] Kalamkari painting refers to: [2015]
a) A hand-painted cotton textile in South India
b) A handmade drawing on bamboo handicrafts in North-East India
c) A block-painted woollen cloth in Western Himalayan region of India
d) A hand-painted decorative silk cloth in North-Western India
Show Answer
Ans: a) A hand-painted cotton textile in South India
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2014 Prelims PYQs
1] With reference to the famous Sattriya dance, consider the following statements: [2014]
1. Sattriya is a combination of music, dance and drama
2. It is a centuries-old living tradition of Vaishnavites of Assam
3. It is based on classical Ragas and Talas of devotional songs composed by Tulsidas, Kabir and Mirabai.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
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Ans: b) 1 and 2 only
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2] With reference to India’s culture and tradition, what is ‘Kalaripayattu’? [2014]
a) It is an ancient Bhakti cult of Shaivism still prevalent in some parts of South India
b) It is an ancient style bronze and brasswork still found in southern part of Coromandel area
c) It is an ancient form of dance-drama and a living tradition in the northern part of Malabar
d) It is an ancient martial art and a living tradition in some parts of South India
Show Answer
Ans: d) It is an ancient martial art and a living tradition in some parts of South India
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3] Consider the following pairs: [2014]
| 1. Garba | Gujarat |
| 2. Mohiniattam | Odisha |
| 3. Yakshagana | Karnataka |
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Ans: c) 1 and 3 only
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4] Consider the following towns of India: [2014]
1. Bhadrachalam
2. Chanderi
3. Kancheepuram
4. Karnal
Which of the above are famous for the production of traditional sarees/fabric?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1, 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Ans: b) 2 and 3 only
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5] Every year, a month-long ecologically important campaign/festival is held during which certain communities/tribes plant samplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which of the following are such communities/tribes? [2014]
a) Bhutia and Lepcha
b) Gond and Korku
c) Irula and Toda
d) Sahariya and Agariya
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Ans: b) Gond and Korku
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6] With reference to the ‘Changpa’ community of India, consider the following statements: [2014]
1. They live mainly in the State of Uttarakhand
2. They rear the Pashmina goats that yield a fine wool
3. They are kept in the category of Scheduled Tribes
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Ans: b) 2 and 3 only
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7] Chaitra 1 of the national calendar based on the Saka Era corresponds to which one of the following dates of the Gregorian calendar in a normal year of 365 days? [2014]
a) 22nd March (or 21st March)
b) 15th May (or 16th May)
c) 21st March (or 30th March)
d) 21st April (or 20th April)
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Ans: a) 22nd March (or 21st March)
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8] A community of people called Manganiyars is well-known for their: [2014]
a) Martial arts in North-East India
b) Musical tradition in North-West India
c) Classical vocal music in South India|
d) Pictra dura tradition in Central India.
Show Answer
b) Musical tradition in North-West India
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9] With reference to the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following statements: [2014]
1. It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
2. It strives to conserve nature through action-based research, education and public awareness.
3. It organizes and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 3 only
b) 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Ans: c) 2 and 3 only
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10] Consider the following languages: [2014]
1. Gujarati
2. Kannada
3. Telugu
Which of the above has/have been declared as ‘Classical Language/Languages’ by the Government? [2014]
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Ans: c) 2 and 3 only
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11] With reference to the cultural history of India, the term ‘Panchayatan’ refers to: [2014]
a) An assembly of village elders
b) A religious sect
c) A style of temple construction
d) An administrative functionary
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Ans: c) A style of temple construction
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12] The national motto of India, ‘Satyameva Jayate’ inscribed below the Emblem of India is taken from: [2014]
a) Katha Upanishad
b) Chandogra Upanishad
c) Aitareya Upanishad
d) Mundaka Upanishad
Show Answer
Ans: d) Mundaka Upanishad
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2013 Prelims PYQs
1] In the context of cultural history of India, a pose in dance and dramatics called ‘Tribhanga’ has been a favourite of Indian artists from ancient times till today. Which one of the following statements best describes this pose? [2013]
a) One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck
b) Racial expressions, hand gestures and make-up are combined to symbolize certain epic or historic characters
c) Movements of body, face and hands are used to express oneself or to tell a story
d) A little smile, slightly curved waist and certain hand gestures are emphasized to express the feelings of love or eroticism
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Ans: a) One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck
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2] Consider the following pairs: [2013]
| Tribes: | State |
| 1. Limbo (Limbu): | Sikkim |
| 2. Karbi: | Himachal Pradesh |
| 3. Dongaria Kondh: | Odisha |
| 4. Bonda: | Tamil Nadu |
Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?
a) 1 and 3 only
b) 2 and 4 only
c) 1, 3 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Ans: a) 1 and 3 only
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2012 Prelims PYQs
1] With reference to Dhrupad, one of the major traditions of India that has been kept alive for centuries, which of the following statements are correct? [2012]
1. Dhrupad originated and developed in the Rajput Kingdom period.
2. Dhrupad is primarily a devotional and spiritual music.
3. Dhrupad Alap uses Sanskrit syllables from Mantras
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
a) 1 & 2 Only b) 2 & 3 Only
c) 1,2 & 3 Only d) None is correct
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Ans: b) 2 & 3 Only
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2] How do you distinguish between Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dances? [2012]
1. Dancers occasionally speaking dialogues is found in Kuchipudi dance but not in Bharatanatyam.
2. Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edges is a feature of Bharatanatyam but Kuchipudi dance does not have such a form of movements.
Which of the statements given above is/are Correct?
a) Only 1 b) Only 2
c) Both 1 & 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2
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Ans: a) Only 1
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3] With reference to the scientific progress of ancient India, which of the statements given below are correct? [2012]
1. Different kinds of specialised surgical instruments were in common use by the 1st century AD.
2. Transplant of internal organs in the human body had begun by the beginning of 3rd century AD.
3. The concept of sine of an angle was known in 5th century AD.
4. The concept of cyclic quadrilaterals was known in the 7th century AD.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 and 2 only b) 3 and 4 only
c) 1,3 & 4 only d) 1,2,3,4
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Ans: c) 1,3 & 4 only
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2011 Prelims PYQs
2023 Prelims PYQs
1] With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar, and Muchiri were well known as: [2023]
a) Capital cities
b) Ports
c) Centres of iron- and- steel making
d) Shrines of Jain Tirthankaras
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Ans: b) Ports
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2] Consider the following dynasties: [2023]
1. Hoysala 2. Gahadavala
3. Kakatiya 4. Yadava
How many of the above dynasties established their kingdoms in early eighth century AD?
a) Only one b) Only two
c) Only three d) None
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Ans: d) None
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2021 Prelims PYQs
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2020 Prelims PYQs
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2019 Prelims PYQs
1] Which one of the following is not a Harappan site? [2019]
a) Chanhudaro b) Kot Diji
c) Sohgaura d) Desalpur
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Ans: c) Sohgaura
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2017 Prelims PYQs
1] With reference to the difference between the culture of Rigvedic Aryans and Indus Valley people, which of the following statements is/are correct? [2017]
1. Rigvedic Aryans used the coat of mail and helmet in warfare whereas the people of Indus Valley Civilization did not leave any evidence of using them.
2. Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and copper whereas Indus Valley people knew only copper and iron.
3. Rigvedic Aryans had domesticated the horse whereas there is no evidence of Indus Valley people having been aware of this animal.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a) 1 only b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3
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Ans: c) 1 and 3 only
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2013 Prelims PYQs
1] Which of the following characterizes/ characterizes the people of Indus civilization? [2013]
1. They possessed great palaces and temples.
2. They worshipped both male and female deities.
3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare.
Select the correct statement/ statements using the codes given below.
a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 only
c) 1, 2, and 3 d) None is correct
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Ans: b) 2 only
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2012 Prelims PYQs
1] The religion of early Vedic Aryans was primarily of: [2012]
a) Bhakti
b) Image Worship and Yajnas
c) Worship of Nature and Yajnas
d) Worship of Nature and Bhakti
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Ans: c) Worship of Nature and Yajnas
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2011 Prelims PYQs
1] Regarding the Indus Valley civilization , consider the following statements? [2011]
1. It was predominantly a secular civilization and the religious element, though present, did not dominate the scene.
2. During this period, cotton was used for manufacturing textiles in India.
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
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Ans: c) Both 1 and 2
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2] The “dharma” and “Rita” depict a central Idea of ancient Vedic civilization of India. In this context, consider the following statements: [2011]
1. Dharma was a conception of obligations and of the discharge of one’s duties to oneself and to others.
2. Rita was the fundamental moral law governing the functioning of the universe and all it contained.
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.
Show Answer
Ans: c) Both 1 and 2
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2001 Prelims PYQs
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2024 Prelims PYQs
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