Crack UPSC IAS Mains with confidence using History Optional IAS Mains Q&A 2016–2025. Featuring 10 years of topic-wise solved PYQs for Paper I & II, this book follows the latest UPSC syllabus and proven answer-writing approach. A must-have resource for smart preparation, rapid revision, and maximizing marks in History Optional.

About the book: History Optional IAS Mains Solved Papers

This book features 10 Years (2026-2025) topic-wise solved papers of History Optional of the IAS Mains Exam. With detailed solution strictly aligned to the UPSC syllabus, it helps aspirants master PYQs for Civil Services and State PSC examinations.

Q. What is the answer Writing Approach Adopted in this Book?

• We have put forth answers to each question as per the demand of the question.
• We have adopted an elaborate approach while writing these answers to arm you with relevant knowledge related to all aspects of a particular topic.
• In most of the answers, we have provided additional information, not necessarily adhering to the prescribed word limit but covering all dimensions to that question.
• This will enrich you with in-depth knowledge on that topic and help in writing better answers in future.

Q. How this book will help you in answer writing practice?

This book will assist you in answer writing practice in two ways –

1. First: use this book as a source of reference for the topics and write answers in your own unique way or alternatively.
2. Second: you may write previous years answers and compare them with the standard answer provided in this book.

Q. How is the Importance of History as an Optional?

• History is a popular and very important subject in the UPSC scheme of things because it is included in the IAS Prelims exam and in IAS Mains General Studies papers as well. So you can better use your time by simultaneously preparing for Optional and GS Papers.
• Topics in History will also be helpful in Essay papers. Optional subjects have become the deciding factor in getting and interview call.
• Through UPSC has introduced four GS papers to give a level playing field to all the dynamic and unpredictable questions of GS papers defeated the purpose and made Optional paper the magic wand.
• The toppers score also tells it loudly that optional subjects play a defining role in determining the selection of the candidates.

So, overall History Optional book is an ideal companion for you going to appear for the Mains examination. To help the aspirants to get acclaimed with the pattern and trend of the exam, this book is a valuable gift for you.

Book Contents: History Optional IAS Mains Solved Papers for UPSC & State PSCs Exam

The questions are segregated chapter-wise as follows:

History Optional IAS Mains Solved Papers - I

1. Map Section
2. Sources
3. Pre-history and Proto-history
4. Indus Valley Civilization
5. Megalithic Cultures
6. Aryans and Vedic Period
7. Period of Mahajanapadas
8. Mauryan Empire
9. Post – Mauryan Period (Indo-Greeks, Sakas, Kushan as, Western Kshatrapas)
10. Early State and Society in Eastern India, Deccan and South India
11. Guptas, Vakatakas and Vardhanas
12. Regional States during Gupta Era
13. Themes in Early Indian Cultural History
14. Early Medieval India, 750-1200
15. Cultural Traditions in India, 750-1200
16. The Thirteenth Century
17. The Fourteenth Century
18. Society, Culture and Economy in the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Centuries
19. The Fifteenth and Early Sixteenth Century – Political Development and Economy
20. The Fifteenth and early Sixteenth Century – Society and Culture
21. Akbar
22. Mughal Empire in the Seventeenth Century
23. Economy and Socity in the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries
24. Culture during Mughal Empire
25. The Eighteenth Century

History Optional IAS Mains Solved Papers - II

1. European Penetration into India
2. British Expansion in India
3. Early Structure of the British Raj
4. Economic Impact of British Colonial Rule
5. Social and Cultural Developments
6. Social and Religious Reform movements in Bengal and Other Areas
7. Indian Response to British Rule
8. Factors leading to the birth of Indian Nationalism
9. Rise of Gandhi
10. Constitutional Developments in the Colonial India (1958-1935)
11. Other strands in the National Movement
12. Politics of Separatism
13. Consolidation as a Nation
14. Caste and Ethnicity after 1947
15. Economic development and political change
16. Enlightenment and Modern Ideas
17. Origins of Modern Politics
18. Industrialization
19. Nation-State System
20. Imperialism and Colonialism
21. Revolution and Counter-Revolution
22. World Wars
23. The World after World War II
24. Liberation from Colonial Rule
25. Decolonization and Underdevelopment
26. Unification of Europe
27. Disintegration of Soviet Union and the Rise of the Unipolar World