History MCQs for Prelims – 3rd July 2025

Welcome to today’s curated set of MCQs from the History segments, specially aligned with the evolving trend of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination. These questions are not just a quiz, but a resource designed to familiarize you with the exact nature of questions asked in Prelims — where static concepts are tested through a current affairs lens.

Each question below is framed using recent developments in the news and backed by clear, concise explanations to help you link dynamic events with foundational knowledge.

Use this as a daily revision tool to refine your understanding, build context, and learn how UPSC frames conceptual questions from contemporary issues.

 Click Here to read the Current Affairs Total (CAT) Magazine for January 2025- April 2025.

 

Question 1. Consider the following statements about Xuanzang's (Hiuen Tsang) accounts:

Statement-1: Xuanzang, a Chinese Buddhist monk, travelled to India during Harshavardhana's reign and left detailed accounts of the political, social, and religious conditions of the time, including the decline of Buddhism in some regions.

Statement-2: Xuanzang's records suggest that Harshavardhana strictly prohibited the consumption of meat and alcohol throughout his empire, enforcing it rigorously through a network of spies.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

a. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

b. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

c. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

d. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Answer: c

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Xuanzang's writings are a crucial source of information for Harsha's period. He documented the decline of Buddhism, although it was still practiced.

Statement 2 is incorrect: While Xuanzang mentions Harsha's personal vegetarianism and his patronage of Buddhism, he does not suggest a complete ban on meat and alcohol consumption enforced throughout the kingdom. Historical records from the time do not support such an empire-wide prohibition on meat and alcohol consumption enforced by a spy network.

 

Question 2. Which of the following statements best describes the state of metallurgy during the Mauryan Empire?

a. Iron metallurgy was in its nascent stages, with tools and weapons primarily made of copper and bronze.

b. Advanced iron smelting techniques allowed for the production of high-quality steel, evident in the Ashokan pillars.

c. While iron was known and used, copper and bronze remained the dominant metals for tools, weaponry, and artistic purposes.

d. ​​​​​​​The Mauryans pioneered the use of aluminum alloys, leading to significant advancements in construction and craftsmanship.

Answer: c

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect: Iron technology was not in its nascent stage during the Mauryan period. Iron was used, although not as predominantly as copper and bronze.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: While the Ashokan pillars are testament to sophisticated metalworking, they are primarily made of wrought iron, not high-quality steel. The techniques for producing true steel were not yet prevalent.
• Statement 3 is correct: While iron was known and utilized, copper and bronze continued to be the more common metals for tools, weapons, and art during the Mauryan Empire.
• Statement 4 is incorrect: Aluminum technology was not available during the Mauryan period. The extraction of aluminum requires advanced techniques that were developed much later.

 

Question 3. Consider the following statements about the Vedas:

1. The Rigveda is the oldest Veda and consists primarily of hymns dedicated to various deities.
2. The Yajurveda is divided into the Krishna and Shukla branches, focusing on procedural details of rituals.
3. The Samaveda is a collection of melodies and chants, and it is the basis for Indian classical music.
4. The Atharvaveda contains spells and charms, and is considered the latest of the four Vedas.

How many of the Statements given above are correct?

a. Only one

b. Only two

c. Only three

d. All four

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Rigveda is the oldest of the four Vedas and contains hymns dedicated to various deities.

Statement 2 is correct: The Yajurveda, which is divided into the Krishna (black) and Shukla (white) branches, provides the liturgy (mantras) needed to perform the sacrifices.

Statement 3 is correct: The Samaveda consists of melodies and chants and has a significant influence on Indian classical music.

Statement 4 is correct: The Atharvaveda, which is considered to be the latest of the four Vedas, contains spells and charms alongside philosophical and speculative hymns.

 

Question 4. Consider the following statements about the Great Bath of Mohenjo-Daro:

1. It is considered one of the earliest public water tanks in the ancient world.

2. The Great Bath was likely used for religious purification rituals.

3. It was made entirely of wooden bricks.

How many of the Statements given above are correct?

a. Only one

b. Only two

c. All three

d. None

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Great Bath of Mohenjo-Daro is one of the earliest public water tanks in the ancient world, showcasing the advanced urban planning and water management system of the Indus Valley Civilization. Statement 2 is correct: Scholars widely believe that the Great Bath was used for religious purification rituals, indicating the significance of water in the civilization's spiritual practices.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The Great Bath was not made of wooden bricks; instead, it was built with burnt bricks, which were used extensively in the construction of Mohenjo-Daro's urban infrastructure.

 

Question 5. With reference to the Upanishads, consider the following statements:

1. They emphasize philosophical concepts over ritualistic practices.

2. ​​​​​​​The Brihadaranyaka and Chandogya Upanishads are among the oldest Upanishads.

3. ​​​​​​​The concept of Karma and Moksha first appears in the Upanishads.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a. 1 and 2 only

b. ​​​​​​​2 and 3 only

c. ​​​​​​​1 and 3 only

d. ​​​​​​​1, 2, and 3

Answer: d

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Upanishads focus on philosophical inquiry rather than rituals.

Statement 2 is correct: The Brihadaranyaka and Chandogya Upanishads, among the oldest, introduce ideas about the Atman (soul) and Brahman (universal consciousness).

Statement 3 is correct: Concepts like Karma (cause and effect) and Moksha (liberation) are developed in these texts, shaping later Hindu thought.