History Questions in UPSC Prelims 2025: Ancient, Medieval, Modern & Art and Culture

History Questions in UPSC Prelims 2025 formed a significant portion of General Studies Paper I and tested candidates across Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian History along with Art and Culture. The paper reflected UPSC’s continued emphasis on conceptual understanding rather than simple factual recall. Questions were largely statement-based and required analytical thinking and elimination skills. 

Modern History had the highest weightage, followed by Ancient History, while Medieval History had limited but important representation. Several questions linked static historical themes with contemporary relevance, highlighting the need for integrated preparation. Overall, the history section rewarded aspirants who had a strong NCERT foundation, clarity of concepts, and regular practice of previous year questions.

History Questions Asked in UPSC Prelims 2025

History Questions Asked in UPSC Prelims 2025 covered a wide range of topics from Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian History along with Art and Culture. 

Below, we have provided the questions asked in the examination along with their answers and brief explanations to help aspirants understand the concepts tested and improve their preparation strategy.

1. Consider the following statements about Raja Ram Mohan Roy:

I. He possessed great love and respect for the traditional philosophical systems of the East.
II. He desired his countrymen to accept the rational and scientific approach and the principle of human dignity and social equality of all men and women.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) Both I and II
(d) Neither I nor II

Answer: (c) Both I and II

Explanation: Raja Ram Mohan Roy respected Indian philosophical traditions while also promoting rationalism, scientific thinking, and social equality through reforms like abolition of Sati and advocacy of modern education.

2. Consider the following subjects with regard to Non-Cooperation Programme:

I. Boycott of law-courts and foreign cloth
II. Observance of strict non-violence
III. Retention of titles and honours without using them in public
IV. Establishment of Panchayats for settling disputes
How many of the above were parts of the Non-Cooperation Programme?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All the four

Answer: (c) Only three

Explanation:
I, II and IV were part of the programme. The Non-Cooperation Movement asked people to surrender titles and honours, not retain them. Hence statement III is incorrect.

3. Consider the following statements in respect of the Non-Cooperation Movement:

I. The Congress declared the attainment of ‘Swaraj’ by all legitimate and peaceful means to be its objective.
II. It was to be implemented in stages with civil disobedience and non-payment of taxes for the next stage only if ‘Swaraj’ did not come within a year and the Government resorted to repression.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) Both I and II
(d) Neither I nor II

Answer: (c) Both I and II

Explanation: The Congress aimed at Swaraj through peaceful means and planned the movement in stages, with civil disobedience and tax refusal as the next step if needed.

4. “Sedition has become my religion” was the famous statement given by Gandhiji at the time of

(a) the Champaran Satyagraha
(b) publicly violating Salt Law at Dandi
(c) attending the Second Round Table Conference in London
(d) the launch of the Quit India Movement

Answer: (b) publicly violating Salt Law at Dandi

Explanation: Gandhiji used this expression while justifying civil disobedience against unjust laws during the Salt Satyagraha.

5. Who provided legal defence to the people arrested in the aftermath of Chauri Chaura incident?

(a) C. R. Das
(b) Madan Mohan Malaviya and Krishna Kant
(c) Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew and Khwaja Hasan Nizami
(d) M. A. Jinnah

Answer: (a) C. R. Das

Explanation: C. R. Das appeared as the defence lawyer for the accused involved in the Chauri Chaura incident.

6. Subsequent to which one of the following events, Gandhiji, who consistently opposed untouchability and appealed for its eradication from all spheres, decided to include the upliftment of ‘Harijans’ in his political and social programme?

(a) The Poona Pact
(b) The Gandhi-Irwin (Delhi Pact) Agreement
(c) Arrest of Congress leadership at the time of the Quit India Movement
(d) Promulgation of the Government of India Act, 1935

Answer: (a) The Poona Pact

Explanation: After the Poona Pact (1932), Gandhiji intensified his efforts for the upliftment of Harijans and made it part of his political programme.

7. Who among the following was the founder of the ‘Self-Respect Movement’?

(a) Periyar E. V. Ramaswamy Naicker
(b) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
(c) Bhaskarrao Jadhav
(d) Dinkarrao Javalkar

Answer: (a) Periyar E. V. Ramaswamy Naicker

Explanation: The Self-Respect Movement was started by Periyar to oppose caste discrimination and promote social equality in Tamil society.

8. The first Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, a music training school, was set up in 1901 by Vishnu Digambar Paluskar in

(a) Delhi
(b) Gwalior
(c) Ujjain
(d) Lahore

Answer: (d) Lahore

Explanation: Vishnu Digambar Paluskar established the first Gandharva Mahavidyalaya at Lahore to promote Indian classical music education.

How Many History Questions in UPSC Prelims 2025?

A total of 17 questions were asked from History in UPSC Prelims 2025.

Section-wise distribution:

• Ancient History – 6 questions

• Medieval History – 2 questions

• Modern History – 9 questions

Modern History Questions UPSC Prelims 2025

Modern History dominated the paper with questions mainly from:

• Non-Cooperation Movement

• Civil Disobedience Movement

• Quit India Movement

• Social reform movements

• National leaders and institutions

Ancient History Questions UPSC Prelims 2025

Ancient History questions focused on:

• Dynasties and administration

• Buddhism and Jainism

• Art and architecture

• Social and economic life

Medieval History Questions UPSC Prelims 2025

Medieval History questions were fewer but covered:

• Delhi Sultanate

• Mughal administration

• Architecture

• Political systems

Art and Culture Questions UPSC Prelims 2025

Art and Culture was integrated with history through questions on:

• Cultural institutions

• Music and architecture

• Reform movements

• Traditional education systems