Day: October 16, 2026

Q. “Harappan architecture reflects an integrated vision of environmental adaptation, technological rationality and urban aesthetics, going beyond functionality.” Examine the statement. [UPSC- 2026] Ans: The Harappan (Indus) Civilisation, in its mature phase (c. 2600–1900 BCE), built some of the world’s earliest planned cities, including Mohenjo-daro, Harappa, Dholavira, Lothal, Kalibangan, Rakhigarhi and Banawali. Their architecture was […]

Q. “Harappan architecture went beyond practical utility, embodying a harmonious synthesis of adaptation to the natural environment, technological ingenuity and aesthetic sensibility.” Examine. [15 Marks] Ans: The Harappan (Indus) Civilisation, in its mature phase (c. 2600–1900 BCE), built some of the world’s earliest planned cities, including Mohenjo-daro, Harappa, Dholavira, Lothal, Kalibangan, Rakhigarhi and Banawali. Their […]

Q. “Harappan architecture went beyond practical utility, embodying a harmonious synthesis of adaptation to the natural environment, technological ingenuity and aesthetic sensibility.” Examine. [15 Marks] NOTE: All those enrolled can send their answers for evaluation in PDF format after scanning (you can use any app) on selfstudyhistory@gmail.com Name your file as your name and day. […]

Q. “The Sufis created a climate in which people belonging to different sects and religions could live in peace and harmony.” Discuss. [UPSC- 2026] Ans: Sufism, the mystical tradition within Islam, reached India from the 11th century, beginning with figures such as Ali Hujwiri (Data Ganj Bakhsh) of Lahore, author of Kashf-ul-Mahjub. From the late […]

Q. Did new imperialism represent a continuation of old colonial practices or did it mark a fundamental shift in global power structure? Discuss critically. [UPSC- 2025] Ans: The term “new imperialism” refers to the rapid expansion of European, and later American and Japanese, colonial control between about 1870 and 1914, especially the Scramble for Africa […]

Q. “The seeds of domestic dissensions were thickly and deeply sown in the Maratha system under the Peshwas.” Critically examine. [UPSC- 2025] Ans: Under the Peshwas (1713–1818), the Marathas built the most extensive Indian power of the 18th century. Yet the system they created rested on divided authority: a nominal king, a hereditary Peshwa, and […]