History Questions & Answers for IAS Exam

UPSC exam is considered to be one of the toughest exams conducted in the country and the preparation for the same requires thorough preparation and deep knowledge of various subjects included in the IAS syllabus. History constitutes to be one of the most important subjects for both prelims and mains examination.

Aspirants looking for brief answers to clear their queries regarding the wide-ranging ancient, medieval and modern history questions have landed at the correct place. We, at BYJU’S, bring to you direct, brief and crisp answers to questions based on history topics for your IAS Exam preparation.

Given below is the list of questions and candidates can find their answers for a better and easy understanding of concepts, with a special focus on General Studies I paper for the mains examination.

The Gurjara Pratiharas declined due to dynastic strife. The final blow came in the form of a raid by Indra III of the Rashtrakutas that...
Harshavardhana’s empire began to disintegrate after his death with most of the provinces becoming independent. Some even fought with each other...
Kanauj’s strategic location in the Gangetic plains made it viable for commercial activities and thus valuable possession. In addition it was also...
Nagabhata II became the most powerful ruler of the Gurjara Pratiharas following the weakening of the Rashtrakutas. He would go on to establish a...
Ashoka’s history can be described as written in stone due to the fact that he left behind extensive historical records of his rule through his...
The Tripartite Struggle was a three-way struggle between the Pratihara Empire, the Pala Empire and the Rashtrakuta Empire. The Tripartite...
The main features of the Harsha Administration were as follows: He reduced the burden of taxation on the general populace King Harsha...
Thirukkural is regarded as the universal Veda because it has no relation with any caste, religion, language and worship method, thus making it...
The Kural literature is divided into the following three parts: Aram (virtue) - It deals with moral values of an individual and essentials of...
Although Thirukkural consists of 1,330 short couplets, it is considered a gnomic poem, perhaps the greatest of its kind in scope of execution and...
Vedagiri Mudaliar is credited with printing the Thirukkal with commentaries in 1850. Its revised version was printed in 1853. For further...
Tolkappiyam is an ancient extant Tamil grammar text considered to be the oldest surviving work of Tamil literature While the Thirukkal is a text...
Thriukkural says that one must always speak the truth and should in their mind know something is a lie, they must not speak on it. For further...
The Vellalas were an elite class of agricultural landlords who formed the aristocracy of the ancient Tamil order during the Sangam age. For...
Ashoka attacked Kalinga in order to further expand the Mauryan empire. Kalinga also had valuable ports which served as a gateway to trade with...
Ashoka ascended the Mauryan throne in the year 268 BC. He was the third Mauryan Emperor succeeding his father, Bindusara. For further reading...
The Ashoka Pillar consists of inscription and edicts issued through his rule. They are as follows Ahsoka's 7 Pillar edicts: Pillar Edict 1: It...
The Edicts of Ashoka helped in spreading the message of harmony, virtue and peace which encouraged the various cultures and religions of the...
Emperor Ashoka conquered Kalinga following a devastating war that led to untold losses in terms of life and property. The carnage was so much...
The rule of Ashoka is widely known through the rock edicts that he left behind, which in itself allowed his vision to reach the people in all...