Here is the complete set of Culture during Mughal Empire History Optional PYQs from UPSC Mains 1995–2026, taken from our topic-wise question bank. It is unit 23 of Paper 1, Section B – Medieval India, with 38 questions, the latest from 2026.
Culture during Mughal Empire – History Optional PYQs (1995–2026)
23.1] Persian histories and other literature
1. Evaluate the aim and impact of the translation of Sanskrit scriptures into Persian language during Mughal period. [2020/10m/150w/5d]
2. Examine the status of Sanskrit in Mughal India. [2019/10m/150w/5b]
3. How does Tuzuk-i-Babri testify that Babar had been a cultured man? [2015/10m/150w/5e]
4. Write a short note on: Provide a comparative analysis of the development of Arabic and Persian historiography. [2010/20m/200w/5a]
5. Write a short essay on: Dara Shukoh. [2006/20m/200w/5d]
6. Write a short essay on the development of literature during the Mughal period. [2006/60m/7]
7. Write a short essay on: Baburnama as a source of history. [2002/20m/200w/5b]
23.2] Hindi and religious literatures
1. Discuss the development of Hindi literature under Mughal patronage. How did the Bhakti and Sufi Movements influence it? [2025/20m/6c]
2. Discuss the literature written in Hindi in Mughal India. [2018/10m/150w/5e]
3. Write a short essay on the development of literature during the Mughal period. [2006/60m/7]
23.3] Mughal architecture
1. Analyze the influence of Persian traditions on the development of architecture and painting under the Mughals. To what extent did these art forms reflect a synthesis of Indian and Persian cultural elements? Discuss. [2026/15m/8a]
2. Mughal architecture was syncretic in character. Comment. [2023/20m/8a]
3. Examine the basic features of Mughal tomb architecture with special reference to the Taj Mahal. [2021/20m/6c]
4. The Mughals built like Titans and embellished like jewellers. Comment. [2019/15m/7c]
5. “The art of building was carried to highest degree of perfection under Shahjahan.” Illustrate by giving architectural details of two of his most celebrated buildings. [2018/15m/8b]
6. Explain the principal features of architecture during Akbar’s rule. What changes were made in them by Shahjahan? [2002/60m/8]
7. Write a short essay on: The zenith of Mughal architecture under Shahjehan. [2001/20m/200w/5c]
8. Trace the development of art and architecture under the Mughals and point out mingling of Hindu elements in them. [1998/60m/8]
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1. What European features were incorporated in the Mughal school of painting? Did it absolve the traditional Persian influences of the Mughal paintings? Evaluate. [2026/10m/150w/5c]
2. Analyze the influence of Persian traditions on the development of architecture and painting under the Mughals. To what extent did these art forms reflect a synthesis of Indian and Persian cultural elements? Discuss. [2026/15m/8a]
3. What features of European paintings were incorporated in the Mughal miniature painting? [2023/15m/6c]
4. Make an estimate of the development of paintings under Mughal rulers with special reference to colours, technique, themes and influences on them. [2020/15m/8b]
5. Examine the European impact on Mughal paintings. [2019/10m/150w/5e]
6. “Mughal paintings reflect social harmony in contemporary society.” Discuss. [2017/15m/8a]
7. Delineate the development of the Mughal painting during the reign of Jahangir. [2016/10m/5e]
8. Mughal paintings reflect the contemporary socio-political conditions. — Discuss. [2011/30m/7a]
9. Write a short essay on: Mughal painting. [2007/20m/200w/5c]
10. Write a short essay on: Mughal painting. [2005/20m/200w/5c]
11. Write a short essay on: During the reign of Jahangir Mughal painting reached its zenith. [2000/20m/200w/5c]
23.5] Provincial architecture and painting
1. Define the rise of distinct provincial architectural styles under the Mughal Empire in light of structural diversity, cultural interaction and the nature of provincial power dynamics. [2025/15m/8b]
2. Discuss the main features of Malwa school of painting with examples. [2024/10m/150w/5d]
3. The Rajput School of painting was Mughal in style and Rajput in its content. Comment. [2022/10m/150w/5d]
4. Discuss the Caurapancashika and Jain styles of paintings. Can the Caurapancashika style truly be called the precursor of pothi format? [2012/12m/150w/5d]
23.6] Classical music
1. The various Gharanas of Hindustani classical music were outcomes of patronage by regional princely courts, rather than central imperial ones. Discuss. [2022/15m/7b]
23.7] Science and technology
1. Gunpowder changed the character of warfare in India during the Mughal era. Elucidate. [2025/10m/150w/5e]
2. Assess the development of Science and Technology in the Mughal period. [2013/20m/8c]
3. What was Indian response to European Technology? [2010/30m/8a]
4. Write a short essay on: Savai Jai Singh, the astronomer. [2001/20m/200w/5d]
Summary of Culture during Mughal Empire PYQs (1995–2026)
| Total questions (1995–2026) | 38 (36 unique – a few questions are listed under more than one sub-topic) |
| Total marks asked | 712 (unique questions) |
| Questions in last 5 years (2022–2026) | 11 (10 unique) |
| Most recent year asked | 2026 |
| Sub-topics | 7 (23.1 to 23.7) |
The earliest question here dates from 1998 and the latest from 2026; UPSC has drawn on this unit in 23 of the 32 years. In the last five years (2022–2026), 11 questions were set from it.
Official Syllabus
23. Culture during Mughal Empire
- Persian histories and other literature.
- Hindi and religious literatures.
- Mughal architecture.
- Mughal painting.
- Provincial architecture and painting.
- Classical music.
- Science and technology.
Source: UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 notification.
Where this unit stands in Medieval India
Culture during Mughal Empire accounted for about 13% of the marks asked in Medieval India in 2022–2026, up from 10% over 2013–2026, ranking 2nd of the 12 units in the section by recent weightage.
How to use these PYQs
- Compare the questions with the official syllabus wording above – themes that recur across years deserve the deepest notes.
- Give priority to the recent questions (2013 onwards follow the present 250-mark paper pattern); use the pre-2013 questions to test your depth of content.
- Practise answers within the word limit shown in the question code (for example 150w or 250w) and under timed conditions, then revise them after a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many History Optional questions have been asked from Culture during Mughal Empire?
This collection lists 38 question entries from Culture during Mughal Empire (unit 23 of Paper 1) between 1998 and 2026, of which 36 are unique questions; the rest are listed under more than one sub-topic. They were asked in 23 of the 32 years and 11 came in 2022–2026.
When was Culture during Mughal Empire last asked in History Optional?
Most recently in 2026, with 2 questions (2026/15m/8a, 2026/10m/150w/5c). Before that, it was asked in 2025.
Where can I find all History Optional PYQs topic-wise?
All units of Paper 1 and Paper 2, the map question and the earlier-syllabus questions are linked from History Optional PYQs Topic-wise (1995–2026).
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Back to: History Optional PYQs Topic-wise (1995–2026) | Also see: History Optional year-wise question papers (1995–2026)
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