This page lists 3 previous year UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination (General Studies Paper-I) questions on Ancient History in the UPSC 2019 Prelims. Choose an option to see the correct answer and the full explanation on the same page.
Showing 1–3 of 3 questions
UPSC 2019Ancient History · Harappan Civilization (Indus Valley)
Q1. Which one of the following is not a Harappan site?
Explanation
Sohgaura is located in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh on the banks of the Rapti River. The Sohgaura copper plate inscription, dating to the Mauryan period (possibly pre-Ashokan), was found here. The Sohgaura inscription belongs to the Mauryan era (not the Harappan civilization) and refers to famine relief measures, food grain storage, and granary management. It was written in Prakrit in the Brahmi script. Options (a), (b) and (d) are incorrect: Kot Diji, Desalpur and Chanhudaro are Harappan sites. Kotdiji means "Fort of the Daughter’’ and is located in Khairpur province, Pakistan. Here copper-bronze objects, bangles and arrowheads; etched carnelian and other beads and numerous terracotta human, bull, and bird effigy figurines were found. Desalpur, located in Gujarat, is a key Harappan site known for its well-planned settlement, including fire altars and beads, highlighting its role in trade and craft production. Chanhudaro is located on the bank of the Indus River in Sindh, Pakistan. Bead makers’ shops have been found here.
UPSC 2019Ancient History · History of Mauryan Age
Q2. In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is ‘Ranyo Ashoka’ (King Ashoka) mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka?
Explanation
Ashokan edicts and inscriptions, carved on pillars and rocks across the Indian subcontinent, convey Ashoka’s policies of Dhamma, promoting non-violence, religious tolerance, and moral conduct. The Kanaganahalli inscription located in Kanganahalli (in present-day Gulbarga, Karnataka), is a significant discovery. The inscription and relief depict Ashoka in the form of a portrait and a reference to his title, "Ranyo Ashoka," highlighting his role as a ruler.
UPSC 2019Ancient History · The History of the Gupta Period
Q3. With reference to forced labor (Vishti) in India during the Gupta period, which one of the following statements is correct?
Explanation
During the Gupta period, forced labor (vishti) became a source of income for the state and was also looked upon as a form of taxation on the subjects. Vishti was forced labor instead of taxes hence no weekly wages were entitled. Anyone from the family can be sent as a forced laborer, not particularly the eldest son of the family.
Additional insight:
The Gupta period was a time of significant economic and administrative development in ancient India, and taxes played a crucial role in the functioning of the state. The types of taxes during the Gupta period include Land Tax (Bhojabhaga or Bhaga), Trade and Market Taxes (Sulka), Water tax, Vishti, etc.
Exam tip:
For option B, "Totally absent" extreme phrase = red flag. False. For Option C, Logical contradiction: you can’t be both forced and regularly paid like a voluntary worker. False. For option D, Specificity = red flag, Sounds artificially constructed -- eldest son clause looks too precise for ancient systemic Vishti. Forced labor primogeniture rule. Hence likely false too.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2019
(c) Sohgaura
2
2019
(a) Kanganahalli
3
2019
(a) It was considered a source of income for the State, a sort of tax paid by the people.
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Ancient History?
This page covers 3 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Ancient History in the UPSC 2019 Prelims, asked between 1995 to 2024. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
How should I use previous year UPSC questions for Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Which years are covered for Ancient History?
Questions on Ancient History in the UPSC 2019 Prelims are available for 22 years, from 1995 to 2024. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
