By Abhijeet Kumar , 10+ years of mentoring IAS aspirants.
If you are preparing for the 71st BPSC Mains 2025-26, solving the previous 10 years’ History questions from GS Paper-1 is one of the highest-ROI activities. BPSC repeatedly asks from a fixed pool of themes — Patna Kalam, Santhal Revolt, Champaran Satyagraha, Pala Art, Mauryan Art, and tribal movements of Bihar.
Below is the complete year-wise and topic-wise list of all Modern History & Indian Culture questions asked in BPSC Mains from 2015 to 2024 (64th to 70th BPSC).
1. Art & Culture Questions (Most Repeated Section)
- 70th BPSC 2024 – Examine the origins, artistic features and cultural significance of Patna Kalam. What factors led to its rise and decline? (38 marks)
- 70th BPSC 2024 – Discuss the features of Mauryan art and architecture and its relationship with Buddhism. (38 marks)
- 68th BPSC 2023 – Write short notes on Patna Kalam Painting / Bring out the main features of Patna Qalam painting (20 marks)
- 67th BPSC 2022 – Throw light on Mauryan Art and analyse its impact in Bihar. (38 marks)
- 65th BPSC 2020 – Discuss the features of Pala art and architecture and its relationship with Buddhism. (38 marks)
- 65th BPSC 2020 – Describe the salient features of Pala architecture and sculpture. (20 marks)
2. Freedom Struggle & Bihar’s Role
- 70th BPSC 2024 – Analyse the significance of Champaran Satyagraha in India’s freedom struggle and its impact on Gandhi’s leadership. (38 marks)
- 70th BPSC 2024 – What were the key causes and outcomes of the Champaran Satyagraha? (38 marks)
- 67th BPSC 2022 – What were the causes of the Revolt of 1857? What effect did it have on Bihar? (38 marks)
- 66th BPSC 2021 – Write a short note on Subhash Chandra Bose and INA. (20 marks)
- 64th BPSC 2018 – Trace the course of expansion of Western and technical education in Bihar (1857–1947). (38 marks)
3. Tribal & Peasant Movements
- 70th BPSC 2024 – What factors triggered the Santhal Rebellion? Discuss its major phases and outcomes. (38 marks)
- 65th BPSC 2020 – Briefly examine the tribal movements of Bihar with special reference to the Birsa movement. (38 marks)
- 63rd BPSC 2017 – Evaluate the causes and results of Santhal Revolt (1855-56) in Bihar. (38 marks)
- 63rd BPSC 2017 – Discuss the main causes of the Santhal Uprising. What were its consequences? (38 marks)
Key Trends for 71st BPSC Aspirants
- Patna Kalam & Pala Art → Asked 4 times in the last 8 years
- Champaran Satyagraha → Appeared twice in the 70th BPSC itself!
- Santhal Revolt → Evergreen favourite of BPSC
- Mauryan Art + Buddhism connection → Very high probability in 71st Mains
Start revising these topics with Bihar-specific angles — almost every question rewards extra marks for local examples (e.g., Kunwar Singh in 1857, Raj Kumar Shukla in Champaran, Siddhu-Kanhu in Santhal Revolt, etc.).
All the best for your BPSC Mains preparation!