Explore a detailed analysis of Ancient Questions in UPSC Prelims 2025. Understand the number of questions, their difficulty level, and how to prepare effectively for this critical section.
theIAShub | 27 May, 2025 | 17548 | 0 |
Ancient History has remained a key area of focus in the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination. In 2025, the trend held firm. The paper featured several well-structured and concept-driven questions from the ancient history segment. These tested not only memory but also conceptual clarity and interpretative ability. This article offers a close analysis of the questions, the themes they covered, the difficulty level, and what aspirants need to know to prepare well.
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A review of candidate feedback and paper analysis reveals that between 4 to 6 questions were directly drawn from ancient history. This number reflects the consistent emphasis placed on the ancient period by UPSC in recent years. Some questions were stand-alone while others integrated with broader historical or cultural questions.
This makes it clear: candidates cannot afford to ignore ancient history in their preparation strategy. Whether the number varies slightly year to year, the section continues to hold weight.
Also Read: UPSC Prelims 2025 GS Answer Key
Following are the ancient history questions asked in the UPSC Prelims 2025.
Question: The irrigation device called ‘Araghatta’ was
(a) a water bag made of leather pulled over a pulley
(b) a large wheel with earthen pots tied to the outer ends of its spokes
(c) a larger earthen pot driven by bullocks
(d) a large water bucket pulled up by rope directly by hand
Question: Who among the following rulers in ancient India had assumed the titles ‘Mattavilasa’, ‘Vichitrachitta’ and ‘Gunabhara’?
(a) Mahendravarman I
(b) Simhavishnu
(c) Narasimhavarman I
(d) Simhavarman
Question: Fa-hien (Faxian), the Chinese pilgrim, travelled to India during the reign of
(a) Samudragupta
(b) Chandragupta II
(c) Kumaragupta I
(d) Skandagupta
Question: Who among the following led a successful military campaign against the kingdom of Srivijaya, the powerful maritime State, which ruled the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java, and the neighbouring islands?
(a) Amoghavarsha (Rashtrakuta)
(b) Prataparudra (Kakatiya)
(c) Rajendra I (Chola)
(d) Vishnuvardhana (Hoysala)
Question: With reference to ancient India (600–322 BC), consider the following pairs:
| Territorial region | River flowing in the region |
| I. Asmaka | : Godavari |
| II. Kamboja | : Vipas |
| III. Avanti | : Mahanadi |
| IV. Kosala | : Sarayu |
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All the four
Question: Ashokan inscriptions suggest that the ‘Pradeshika’, ‘Rajuka’ and ‘Yukta’ were important officers at the
(a) village-level administration
(b) district-level administration
(c) provincial administration
(d) level of the central administration
Question: The famous female figurine known as ‘Dancing Girl’, found at Mohenjo-daro, is made of
(a) carnelian
(b) clay
(c) bronze
(d) gold
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The questions of ancient history in UPSC Prelims can be grouped under several key themes:
| Category | Topics Covered | Key Insights |
| Political History | Mauryan, Gupta dynasties; timelines and dynastic succession | Understanding timelines and dynastic succession is crucial. |
| Art and Architecture | Features of ancient sculptures, cave architecture | Recognizing distinguishing characteristics of art and architecture is essential. |
| Society and Economy | Agrarian practices, political organization of ancient states | Each area is important; requires a mix of standard texts and supplementary sources for comprehensive study. |
Also Read: UPSC Prelims GS Question Paper 2025
The Ancient history UPSC Prelims difficulty level in 2025 ranged from moderate to slightly high. Some questions were direct and factual, but many required contextual understanding. For example, candidates needed to compare different periods or identify causes behind cultural shifts.
The options in multiple-choice questions were also close, making it harder to guess correctly. This reinforced the need for clarity and in-depth reading, not just surface-level preparation.
Ancient history preparation does not need to be overwhelming. A focused and consistent approach is key. Here’s a structured plan:
| Step | Action | Details | Purpose/Benefit |
| 1 | Start with NCERTs | Class 11 NCERT Ancient India – covers key events, concepts, and themes in simple language. | Builds a strong foundational understanding. |
| 2 | Use a Standard Reference Book | Books with compiled facts, concise insights, and UPSC-patterned practice questions. | Helps in last-minute revision and familiarization with exam trends. |
| 3 | Practice Previous Year Papers | Solve past UPSC question papers. | Identifies recurring themes, improves logical elimination skills, and understands question patterns. |
| 4 | Revise Timelines & Keywords | Maintain visual charts of important dates, reign periods, and note key terms with meanings. | Strengthens recall of chronological events and critical terminology. |
| 5 | Take Topic-Based Tests | Mock tests focused on art & architecture, religion, political history, etc. | Enhances speed, accuracy, and topic-wise confidence. |
| 6 | Use Mind Maps | Create visual summaries for dynasties, philosophies, and cultural developments. | Aids in memorizing large information volumes through structured visualization. |
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UPSC Prelims 2025 ancient history questions confirmed one thing: this section is here to stay. While the number may vary, the depth and importance remain constant. For serious aspirants, ancient history should not be treated as optional or secondary.
Ancient Indian History forms a crucial part of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination under the General Studies Paper I. Over the years, the UPSC has consistently asked questions from this section to test candidates’ understanding of India’s rich historical and cultural legacy.
Ancient History PYQs not only help in identifying important themes and frequently asked topics but also provide insight into the nature and depth of questions expected in the exam. A focused analysis of PYQs can significantly enhance a candidate’s preparation by highlighting areas like the Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic culture, religious movements, and early Indian empires.
| Year | Question | Options | Answer |
| 2024 | Which one of the following is a work attributed to playwright Bhasa? | (a) Kavyalankara (b) Natyashastra (c) Madhyama-vyayoga (d) Mahabhashya | (c) |
| 2024 | Sanghabhuti, an Indian Buddhist monk, was the author of a commentary on: | (a) Prajnaparamita Sutra (b) Visuddhimagga (c) Sarvastivada Vinaya (d) Lalitavistara | (c) |
| 2024 | Gautama Buddha was known by which of the following epithets? Nayaputta, Shakyamuni, Tathagata | (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) None | (c) |
| 2024 | Match the archaeological site and state: Chandraketugarh – Odisha, Inamgaon – Maharashtra, Mangadu – Kerala, Salihundam – Andhra Pradesh | (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 (c) 3 and 4 (d) 1 and 4 | (b) |
| 2024 | Consider statements: (1) There are no parables in Upanishads. (2) Upanishads were composed earlier than the Puranas. | (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 | (b) |
| Year | Question | Options | Answer |
| 2023 | Dhanyakataka, a Buddhist centre under Mahasanghikas, was located in: | (a) Andhra (b) Gandhara (c) Kalinga (d) Magadha | (a) |
| 2023 | Consider the statements on Stupas: (1) Buddhist in origin, (2) Repository of relics, (3) Votive structure | (a) One (b) Two (c) Three (d) None | (c) |
| 2023 | Korkai, Poompuhar, and Muchiri in ancient South India were known for: | (a) Capital cities (b) Ports (c) Iron and steel making (d) Jain shrines | (b) |
| 2023 | ‘Vattakirutal’ in Sangam poems refers to: | (a) Women bodyguards (b) Religious discussions (c) Watch over fields (d) Ritual suicide | (d) |
| 2023 | How many of the following dynasties were established in the early 8th century AD? Hoysala, Gahadavala, Kakatiya, Yadava | (a) One (b) Two (c) Three (d) None | (d) |
| 2023 | Literary Work – Author: Devichandragupta – Bilhana, Hammira-Mahakavya – Nayachandra Suri, Milinda-panha – Nagarjuna, Nitivakyamrita – Somadeva Suri | (a) One (b) Two (c) Three (d) All four | (b) |
| 2023 | Belief: Souls in animals, plants, rocks, water – Which sect? | (a) Buddhism (b) Jainism (c) Shaivism (d) Vaishnavism | (b) |
| 2023 | Vijayanagara ruler who built dam across Tungabhadra: | (a) Devaraya I (b) Mallikarjuna (c) Vira Vijaya (d) Virupaksha | (a) |
| 2023 | Site – Known for: Besnagar – Shaivite shrine, Bhaja – Buddhist cave, Sittanavasal – Jain cave | (a) One (b) Two (c) Three (d) None | (b) |
Note: More tables for previous years, theme-wise breakdown (e.g., Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic period, Buddhism/Jainism, Mauryan/Gupta periods) can be added for exhaustive preparation.
Over the past decade, UPSC has shown a consistent pattern of including 3–5 questions from Ancient Indian History in the Preliminary examination. The questions range from factual to analytical and often focus on:
The trend indicates a preference for questions with interdisciplinary relevance — history, religion, art and architecture, and literature — emphasizing conceptual clarity rather than rote memorization. Candidates are advised to supplement NCERTs with sources like Tamil Nadu board books, CCRT material, and previous year papers to grasp the evolving nature of questions.
Ancient History in the UPSC Prelims requires a strategic and well-organized approach. While the number of questions may appear limited (typically 3–5 each year), the topics covered are diverse and often interdisciplinary. This makes thorough preparation essential. The table below outlines actionable preparation tips to help aspirants confidently tackle Ancient History questions in the exam.
| Strategy | Details |
| Read NCERTs and Standard Textbooks | Focus on Class 6–12 NCERTs (especially Class 11 & 12), RS Sharma’s India’s Ancient Past, and Tamil Nadu Board books. |
| Analyze Previous Year Questions (PYQs) | Solve past 10 years’ Ancient History PYQs to understand frequently repeated themes and question framing. |
| Focus Areas | Prioritize important dynasties (Maurya, Gupta), religious movements (Buddhism, Jainism), and art & architecture. |
| Study Archaeological and Literary Sources | Familiarize yourself with major archaeological sites and classical texts such as Vedas, Upanishads, Natyashastra, etc. |
| Make and Revise Short Notes | Create quick revision notes on key facts, timelines, and concepts to regularly reinforce learning. |
The difficulty level ranged from moderate to high, with a mix of factual and concept-based questions requiring contextual understanding.
Key topics include political history, religion, philosophy, art, architecture, literature, and social structures.
Yes, ancient history is a vital part of the syllabus and carries consistent weight in the Prelims, making it essential for success.
Start with NCERTs, use standard reference books, solve previous year papers, and revise regularly with a topic-wise approach.
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