Indian Heritage and Culture PYQ | UPSC GS I

2026

1. · Paper Q1 · 2026 · 10 marks · Solution

Analyze the importance of Ashokan inscriptions for reconstructing Mauryan history.

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2. · Paper Q11 · 2026 · 15 marks · Solution

Vijayanagara architecture exemplifies the amalgamation of past traditions with contemporary practices. Elucidate with examples.

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2025

3. · Paper Q1 · 2025 · 10 marks · Solution

Discuss the salient features of the Harappan architecture.

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4. · Paper Q2 · 2025 · 10 marks · Solution

Examine the main aspects of Akbar's religious syncretism.

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5. · Paper Q3 · 2025 · 10 marks · Solution

'The sculptors filled the Chandella artform with resilient vigor and breadth of life.' Elucidate.

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6. · Paper Q8 · 2025 · 10 marks · Solution

How does smart city in India, address the issues of urban poverty and distributive justice?

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7. · Paper Q10 · 2025 · 10 marks · Solution

Do you think that globalization results in only an aggressive consumer culture? Justify your answer.

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8. · Paper Q11 · 2025 · 15 marks · Solution

Mahatma Jotirao Phule's writings and efforts of social reforms touched issues of almost all subaltern classes. Discuss.

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9. · Paper Q15 · 2025 · 15 marks · Solution

How can Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drones be effectively used along with GIS and RS techniques in locational and areal planning?

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2024

10. · Paper Q1 · 2024 · 10 marks · Solution

Underline the changes in the field of economy and society from Rig Vedic to later Vedic period.

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11. · Paper Q2 · 2024 · 10 marks · Solution

Estimate the contribution of Pallavas of Kanchi for the development of Art and literature of South India.

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12. · Paper Q11 · 2024 · 15 marks · Solution

"Though the great Cholas are no more, yet their name is still remembered with great pride because of their highest achievements in the domain of art and architecture." Comment.

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2023

13. · Paper Q11 · 2023 · 15 marks · Solution

What are the main features of Vedic society and religion? Do you think some of the features are still prevailing in Indian society?

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2022

14. · Paper Q1 · 2022 · 10 marks · Solution

How will you explain the medieval Indian temple sculptures represent the social life of those days?

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15. · Paper Q5 · 2022 · 10 marks · Solution

Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India Meteorological department.

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16. · Paper Q9 · 2022 · 10 marks · Solution

How is the growth of Tier 2 cities related to the rise of a new middle class with an emphasis on the culture of consumption?

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17. · Paper Q12 · 2022 · 15 marks · Solution

Discuss the main contributions of Gupta period and Chola period to Indian heritage and culture.

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18. · Paper Q13 · 2022 · 15 marks · Solution

Discuss the significance of the lion and bull figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture.

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2021

19. · Paper Q1 · 2021 · 10 marks · Solution

Evaluate the nature of the Bhakti Literature and its contribution to Indian culture.

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20. · Paper Q15 · 2021 · 15 marks · Solution

How do the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain.

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2020

21. · Paper Q1 · 2020 · 10 marks · Solution

The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss.

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22. · Paper Q2 · 2020 · 10 marks · Solution

Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate.

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23. · Paper Q11 · 2020 · 15 marks · Solution

Indian Philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss.

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24. · Paper Q15 · 2020 · 15 marks · Solution

Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures.

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2019

25. · Paper Q1 · 2019 · 10 marks · Solution

Highlight the Central Asian and Greco Bactrian elements in the Gandhara art.

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26. · Paper Q8 · 2019 · 10 marks · Solution

What makes the Indian society unique in sustaining its culture? Discuss.

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2018

27. · Paper Q1 · 2018 · 10 marks · Solution

Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Comment.

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28. · Paper Q11 · 2018 · 15 marks · Solution

The Bhakti movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss.

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29. · Paper Q15 · 2018 · 15 marks · Solution

Defining blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India.

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2017

30. · Paper Q1 · 2017 · 10 marks · Solution

How do you justify the view that the level of excellence of the Gupta numismatic art is not at all noticeable in later times?

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31. · Paper Q5 · 2017 · 10 marks · Solution

How does the Juno Mission of NASA help to understand the origin and evolution of the Earth?

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32. · Paper Q11 · 2017 · 15 marks · Solution

The spirit of tolerance and love is not only an interesting feature of Indian society from very early times, but it is also playing an important part at the present. Elaborate. (250 words).

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33. · Paper Q12 · 2017 · 15 marks · Solution

Examine how the decline of traditional artisanal industry in colonial India crippled the rural economy. (250 words).

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34. · Paper Q15 · 2017 · 15 marks · Solution

Petroleum refineries are not necessarily located nearer to crude oil producing areas, particularly in many of the developing countries. Explain its implications. (250 words).

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35. · Paper Q18 · 2017 · 15 marks · Solution

The women's questions arose in modern India as a part of the 19th century social reform movement. What are the major issues and debates concerning women in that period? (250 words).

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2016

36. · Paper Q1 · 2016 · 12 marks · Solution

Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives, successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate.

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37. · Paper Q2 · 2016 · 12 marks · Solution

Krishnadeva Raya, the king of Vijayanagar, was not only an accomplished scholar himself but was a also a great patron of learning and literature. Discuss.

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38. · Paper Q11 · 2016 · 12 marks · Solution

With a brief background of quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of the 'Smart City Programme."

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2015

39. · Paper Q1 · 2015 · 12 marks · Solution

The ancient civilization in Indian sub continent differed from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece in that its culture and traditions have been preserved without breakdown to the present day. Comment.

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40. · Paper Q2 · 2015 · 12 marks · Solution

Mesolithic rock cut architecture of India not only reflects the cultural life of the times but also a fine aesthetic sense comparable to modern painting. Critically evaluate this comment.

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41. · Paper Q19 · 2015 · 12 marks · Solution

Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart villages. Discuss this statement in the backdrop of rural urban integration.

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