How should be our approach to History in UPSC Mains?

We recommend this formula:

1. Read, Write & Revise PYQs between 2013-2023

2. Check all PYQs from 2000-2013 (identify repeating themes)

3. Go through Old & New NCERT Questions at the back!

Now you might wonder - NCERT Exercises for UPSC Mains? Aren't those questions for School Students?

You'll be surprised to look at these questions which appeared in UPSC Mains - Check out our blog here!

First, we start with WHY UPSC has Art & Culture as a part of the syllabus.

We draw our ethos from the culture we have been a part of. A country as diverse as India has various facets of culture.

This cultural ethos can be understood through tangible elements like art, architecture, sculpture, paintings, & religious practices – all of these explain how society worked in those times.

Using the knowledge of Art & Culture, a civil servant can implement things that can uplift society.

Take the example of Madhubani paintings.

Madhubani Paintings is characterized by its vibrant colors and intricate patterns depicting scenes from mythology, nature, and daily life.

Historically, these paintings were done by women on the walls of their homes to mark special occasions like weddings or festivals.

In recent years, there has been a concerted effort to promote Madhubani painting as a means of economic empowerment for women in rural Bihar.

Read more!

In a small corner of a garden, there lived a group of fleas. They hopped & jumped around!

One day, Rajan caught them & placed them in a jar with a lid on it.

At first, the fleas didn't understand why they couldn't jump out.

But as days passed, the fleas stopped jumping. They learned to adjust to the limited space!

One morning, the lid was removed. They could jump as high as they wanted now!

But the fleas didn't jump very high at all.


Confused, one flea asked another, "Why aren't we jumping higher? We're free now!"

"We've trained ourselves to believe that we can only jump so high. Even though the lid is gone, our minds still hold us back. We've become used to our limitations."

As a UPSC Aspirant, there will always be days, where we think - this is all I can do!

But it is only when you challenge your ‘limitations’ to reach your full potential, you’ll work hard enough to make it to the final list.

Don't limit yourself. Don't think - not this time. Attempt your test series - you can do it!