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Trend Analysis of Ancient History 

Ancient History forms an important part of the Civil Services Examination. The weightage of questions asked in Prelims are generally 4-5. 

Broad topics which are covered in Ancient History are as follows:

1. Prehistoric: Sources of History. Trends, Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic Ages 

2. Harappan: Extent, Archaeological findings 

3. Vedic Age: Society. Religion. Literature, Vedic terms

4. Mahajanapadas 

5.Religious Reforms:

a.Buddha - Life and Teachings. Buddhist Literature

b.Jainism - Early Tirthankars and Symbols, Life & Teachings of Mahavir.

6. Mauryan Age - Sources, Mauryan Administration, Ashoka - Dhamma and his inscriptions.

7. Post Mauryan - Dynasties and Kings, Art and Sculpture, Developments in Buddhism, Trade and Commerce.

8. Guptas - Sources, Society, Development of Culture, Art, Science, Literature, Religion Brahmanism, Fahien's Accounts, Economy.

9. Post Guptas - Dynasties, capitals and kings, Harsha - religion and administration Hiuen Tsang

10. Sangam Age - Literature

According to the trend, the questions related to Ancient History asked in the UPSC IAS Prelims examination are from moderate to tough in their difficulty level. 

Ancient history is an important portion of prelims paper which can't be ignored. 

Ancient history trend analysis

If we analyse the previous year questions, certain sub-sections are frequently asked in the paper such as - Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic and Later Vedic Society, administrative aspects of different empires, etc.