UPSC Mains History Optional PYQs, 2016-2026

Pad HATER Ae fer mes: Identify the following places marked on the map supplied to you and write a short note of about 30 words on each of them in your Question-cum-Answer Booklet. Locational hints for each of the places marked on the map are given below seriatim

Harappan site with radial town planning

Jain cave painting

Large Megalithic dolmen complexes

Ancient capital

Group of early medieval temples

Ancient capital

Terra-cotta ring wells

Ancient Buddhist site

Mesolithic site

Neolithic ash mound site

Site with evidence of monastery, Stupa and Shiva temple

Chalcolithic and early historic site with five occupational phases

Kilometers 100 0 100 200 300 400 500 Kilometers

Analyze the role of terrain, climate and vegetation in shaping the settlement and movement of prehistoric communities in India.

15 marks

"Harappan architecture reflects an integrated vision of environmental adaptation, technological rationality and urban aesthetics, going beyond functionality." Examine the statement.

15 marks

"Greek writers viewed India largely from a political perspective, Chinese travellers from a religious perspective, and Arab scholars from a scientific and cultural perspective." Comment.

20 marks

"The Iranian and Macedonian invasions reshaped ancient India through administrative influence, political transformation and cultural interaction." Review.

15 marks

Evaluate the political and socio-cultural changes occurred in North India after the decline of the Mauryan Empire under the Shunga and Kanva Dynasties.

15 marks

"Royal patronage and religious institutions significantly contributed to the development of Nalanda, Vikramashila and Vallabhi into prominent centres of learning." Elucidate.

Elucidate.

20 marks

fated eat 81" Preret SAME "Hoysala temple architecture marks a distinctive and innovative phase in the evolution of South Indian art and architecture." Illustrate with examples.

20 marks

Analyze the significance of the Vedic Age in shaping the social institutions, religious thoughts and intellectual traditions of ancient India.

15 marks

"The Satavahanas not only served as a vital link between Northern and Southern India in the Deccan region, but also strengthened the process of trade, urbanization and cultural integration." Review.

15 marks

How far can the Qutub Complex at Mehrauli be considered as an ideal specimen for the study on the development of architecture under the Delhi Sultanate? Analyze.

"The success of the Cholas as an imperial power rested not only on the administrative efficiency, but also on a well-organized army and a formidable navy." Evaluate.

What European features were incorporated in the Mughal school of painting? Did it absolve the traditional Persian influences of the Mughal paintings? Evaluate.

"The Sufis created a climate in which people belonging to different sects and religions could live in peace and harmony." Discuss.

"Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq's token currency scheme was aninnovative economic experiment in medieval India, but its failure exposed the limitations of State control over the medieval economy." Evaluate.

Critically examine the theories on the origin of the Rajputs. How do the indigenous evidences contradict the European theorists?

20 marks

Why did the abdication of power by Alauddin Alam Shah in favour of Bahlol Lodi not culminate in the establishment of the Lodi Dynasty? Elucidate.

15 marks

From the Portuguese merchant Domingo Paes' description of Krishnadeva- raya's reign, assess the socio-economic and cultural uniqueness of the Trace Empire.

ore Used-aaet frat & weal a cae Alar Trace the formulation of the Mughal imperial authority from Akbar to Aurangzeb. Focus on the influence of Persian ideas of kingship in the construction of Mughal royalty.

20 marks

"From Asia to Europe, from head to foot, everyone was clothed in Indian textiles." Qualify this statement with a critical account of India's foreign trade with special reference to textiles.

15 marks

SITE |. 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.

Would you consider eighteenth century in India an era of 'Dark Age', or a period of economic growth? Elucidate.

20 marks

What was the impact of the Third Battle of Panipat (1761) on the Maratha State? Analyze.

15 marks

"Superior Maritime strength proved to be England's most powerful weapon in the struggle for colonial supremacy, particularly in the Carnatic Wars."

10 marks

"No educated Indian has ever forgotten the lesson of Ilbert Bill."

10 marks

"Permanent settlement policy resulted in an unfair distribution of assessment, particularly when there was no survey."

10 marks

"The poverty of India was not a product of the Geography or of the lack of natural resources, it was mainly a product of the History of the last two centuries."

Alan Hume's ultimate aim in encouraging the foundation of the Indian National Congress was to provide a 'Safety Valve' for the release of growing Indian discontent.

10 marks

Underline the various factors for decline of the Indian cottage industries during the nineteenth century.

20 marks

Was the Moplah Rebellion in Malabar an expression of anti-landlord and anti-foreign discontent? Discuss.

20 marks

"In my belief, congress is to tottering to its fall and one of my great ambitions which in India is to assist it to a peaceful demise." Comment.

10 marks

Raja Rammohan Roy stands in history as the living bridge over which India marches from her unmeasured part to her incalculable future.' Explain.

20 marks

The Quit India Movement of 942 was a decisive phase in India's struggle for: independence, rooted in the circumstances of the second world war, colonial policies and the growing strength of Indian Nationalism.' Analyse.

20 marks

The Orientalist-Anglicist controversy of the century constituted a turning point in shaping colonial educational policy in India.' Examine.

10 marks

Why did the British Crown assume direct control over the Indian Government in 858? Mention the new administrative arrangements.

20 marks

Subhas Chandra Bose and the Indian National Army awakened an unprecedented sense of national consciousness among both the Indian armed forces and masses. Evaluate.

20 marks

How did the introduction of Community Development Programme and Panchayat Raj Programme promote welfare of rural India? Explain.

10 marks

"Immanuel Kant was an advocate of liberalism and nationalism."

10 marks

"The rise of the Cordelier Club in France was significant for the revolutionary body."

"The Meiji reign (I868-9!2) was an epoch making in the industrial history of Japan."

"Globalization tends to benefit the privileged sections of society and further marginalized those who are already disadvantaged."

The July Revolution of 830 marked a significant turning point in the advancement of liberalism and constitutionalism in France.' Analyse.

The Vienna Settlement of 85 was based on three principles, restoration, legitimacy and compensation. Elucidate.

20 marks

The conquests of Napoleon were ephemeral but his civilian work was built on granite. Explain.

20 marks

Review the features of the 'New Imperialism' in the context of the revival of colonialism in the nineteenth century.

10 marks

The Industrial Revolution in England accelerated the decline of traditional Indian handicrafts and cottage Industries. Critically examine the factors responsible for this decline and its impact on the Indian economy and society.

20 marks

Lenin was the brilliant strategist of the socialist revolution. Substantiate.

20 marks

The League of Nations failed to achieve its objectives of maintaining international peace and security.' Analyse the major factors responsible for its failure during the period 99-946.

10 marks

'The Acerbo law played a crucial role in.strengthening Mussolini's hold on power by undermining democratic institutions in Italy.' Examine.

20 marks

The European Union sought to create 'Europe without frontiers'. Elaborate.

20 marks

Discuss the core principles and significance of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.

10 marks

Identify the following places marked on the map supplied to you and write a short note of about 30 words on each of them in your Question-cum-Answer Booklet. Locational hints for each of the places marked on the map are given below seriatim

Jot, ii ape car Aaa

Mesolithic site (ii) eave fore eat Paleolithic site

Neolithic site with stone artefacts

Site of Indus Valley Civilization

Early Harappan site with a fire-pit

Mesolithic site

Mahajanapada of South India

Major Rock Edict of Asoka

Asokan Minor Rock Edict (xv) Water oats hex

An inscription mentioning Ashvamedha Sacrifice

Site of Post-Mauryan period burnt brick house

Terracotta craft centre of Post-Mauryan period

Important port of the Pallava period

"The Chalcolithic people were experts in microliths and were also skilful workers in stone." Elucidate.

15 marks

"The Harappans were not an artistic people." Comment.

15 marks

"The ideological challenge posed by Jainism and Buddhism was deeply rooted in the socio-economic transformations brought about by the expansion of agrarian settlements in eastern India." Explain.

20 marks

"The origin of the territorial republics has been traced to the reaction against the pattern of life that evolved in the later Vedic period."

How far did the Mauryans facilitate the diffusion of the material culture of the Gangetic plains? Explain.

15 marks

warfare fear 2 Examine the nature and impact of India's contacts with Central Asia during the 1° to 3 century CE. How did these interactions influence India's political, cultural and economic spheres?

20 marks

"The dynamics of social mobility in early medieval India were shaped by a complex interplay of caste hierarchies, religious legitimation, economic transformation and political patronage." Critically assess how these factors collectively reconfigured the structure of early medieval Indian society.

15 marks

Discuss the circumstances which led to the conflict between the Pallavas and the Chalukyas and mention how this rivalry shaped the power dynamics in South India.

15 marks

Critically evaluate the major stages in the development of art and literature in early medieval India and explain how these stages reflected the broader changes in society and patterns of patronage during the period.

20 marks

"Religious themes inspired a large section of literature in provincial languages in late medieval India." Comment.

10 marks

authority in the Delhi Sultanate." Elucidate.

10 marks

Critically assess the role of imperial Karkhanas in Mughal India. How did they reflect the ideological and functional imperatives of the Mughal State?

10 marks

"The principles of Sikhism represented a harmonious blend of Islamic and Indic religious beliefs and practices." Comment.

10 marks

Gunpowder changed the character of warfare in India during the Mughal era. Elucidate.

Discuss the structural features of Todar Mal's revenue system and evaluate its effectiveness in standardized land revenue assessment in India.

15 marks

Sultanate, rather a lament. Elucidate.

15 marks

weer & waited fear 2 Discuss the development of Hindi literature under Mughal patronage. How did the Bhakti and Sufi Movements influence it?

20 marks

Portuguese maritime power disrupted the character of trade in the Indian Ocean in the 16" century. Review.

15 marks

Akbar's Rajput policy was shaped by considerations of factional politics in the Mughal court. Discuss.

15 marks

Evaluate the impact of Mughal revenue administration on the agrarian structure of North India. To what extent did it bring continuity and change in the rural socio-economic fabric?

20 marks

"Aurangzeb's religious policy was a reflection of the changed political realities of the Mughal Empire." Elucidate.

15 marks

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.

15 marks

Critically examine the political, military and administrative factors that led to the transformation of the Maratha character in the 18* century. How did these changes influence its rise and eventual decline?

20 marks

"The Sikh monarchy was Napoleonic in the suddenness of its rise, the brilliancy of its success and the completeness of its overthrow."

"The seeds of domestic dissensions were thickly and deeply sown in the Maratha system under the Peshwas."

"Bhagat Singh and his comrades significantly expanded the meaning and scope of revolution, redefining it beyond mere political upheaval to include social and ideological transformation."

"The significant feature of the Indian Councils Act of 892 was the principle of election which it introduced, though the word 'election' was very carefully avoided in it."

"The colonial rule opened the Indian markets for British-manufactured goods and led to 'deindustrialization' or destruction of indigenous handicraft industries."

Do you agree that the idea of permanent fixation of land revenue of 793 in Bengal was highly influenced by the Physiocratic school of thinking? Discuss.

20 marks

"The tug of war between the two principles of freedom and control of the press made its influence felt on the colonial rulers' attitude to the press." Discuss.

20 marks

"The movement for linguistic States generated deep apprehensions among the nationalist elite. They feared it would lead to the Balkanization of India." Examine.

"During the Carnatic Wars, the French position, which at one time dazzled the Indian world by its political successes, was destined to end in humiliation and failure." Explain.

20 marks

Why has the 'safety valve theory' related to the foundation of the Indian National Congress been thoroughly discredited by recent researchers? Analyze. 20 "The 3 [ P.T.O.

"The emergence of Gandhi signified the Indianization of the national movement." Analyze with reference to his early movements between

"The tensions between cultural revivalism and modernization shaped the trajectory of the socio-religious reform movements in 19th century India." Discuss.

20 marks

In what ways did the tribal and peasant uprisings of the 97 century contribute to the rise and growth of nationalism in India? Examine.

20 marks

Discuss the major initiatives taken by the Government of India for the removal of caste injustice and inequality after 947.

"The French Revolution started and led to the victory in its first phase by the aristocracy."

"With the Reform Act of 832 began an activity in reconstructing legislation to which there had been no parallel in British history."

"The First World War did not produce just political consequences, it also had a deep impact on the ways of thinking."

"In the Soviet Union, as also in China, there was a strong belief that anti-imperial movements in the colonies would result in their moving into the socialist orbit."

"The pre-Marxian socialist thinkers envisioned socialist societies without fully considering the practical mechanisms for achieving or maintaining them."

"Nationalism in the 19th century was a driving force for both integration and disintegration." Illustrate with examples from Europe and other parts of the world.

20 marks

"The American Revolution was, in many respects, a manifestation of the Enlightenment in political, civil and ecclesiastical spheres." Explain. 20 [ PTO.

Did new imperialism represent a continuation of old colonial practices or did it mark a fundamental shift in global power structure? Discuss critically.

"By the time of 932 elections, Germany's ruling classes began to feel that the only way to escape from a deep economic crisis was to hand over political power to a totalitarian agency." Explain.

20 marks

Discuss critically the salient features of Mikhail Gorbachev's domestic reforms.

20 marks

"Anti-clericalism of the Enlightenment echoed the sentiments of the Renaissance and the Reformation. Yet it neither endorsed the paganism of the Renaissance nor did it share the faith of Reformation." Discuss.

Why did the non-communist Vietnamese leaders fail to provide successful leadership for Indo-China's anti-colonial struggle? Discuss.

20 marks

To what extent did the concept of free trade of European Economic Community contribute to the formation of European Union? Examine.

20 marks

Examine the impact of the links between scientific education and industrial expansion on German society in the early 20th century. 0 kkk 26BS—22 _——., - '..

Identify the following places marked on the map supplied to you and write a short note of about 30 words on each of them in your Question-cum-Answer Booklet. Locational hints for each of the places marked on the map are given below seriatim

Prehistoric site

Buddhist monastery

Megalithi¢ site with rock art

One of the Mahajanapadas' capital and associated with Buddha's miracle

Hominid fossil find site

Major rock edict of Ashoka

Stone inscription recording land grants with tax exemptions

Shiva temples named after family relationships

Place of art-related inscription (xvi) 7A ATS a Afters tat Place of inscription of three languages

Temple site where three styles of temple architecture are found (xviii) 3a cheer Jain pilgrimage site

Shiva temple of Gupta period

INDIA—POLITICAL

Harappan art contributes to our understanding of their aesthetic sensibilities in addition to spiritual and ritualistic life. Comment.

20 marks

Discuss different types of Megalithic burial practices in India. How far does the archaeological evidence from it help us to know the religious beliefs and cultural practices?

15 marks

Western Kshatrapas are known for their socio-economic contribution, particularly in trade, agriculture and urbanization. Examine the statement.

15 marks

Symbiotic relationships between Buddhist establishments, traders, artisan guilds, and royal support led to a close proximity of religion, economy and polity in the Mauryan and post-Mauryan periods. Examine the statement.

20 marks

Discuss the role of Buddhism in shaping the socio-religious landscape of the Mauryan Empire.

15 marks

Discuss the evolution of State institution and taxation system from Rigvedic period to later Vedic period.

15 marks

Highlight the contributions of Aryabhatta, Varahamihira and Brahmagupta in the fields of Astronomy and Mathematics.

20 marks

Examine the course of Pallava-Chalukya conflicts between sixth and

Examine the role played by the Agraharas in the promotion of education in the early medieval India.

Illustrate the main features of Vesara style temple architecture.

Evaluate the contribution of Qalandariyyah to medieval Indian culture.

Discuss the main features of Malwa school of painting with examples.

Highlight the features of Portuguese colonial enterprise.

Analyze the contributions of Acharya Triumvirate to Indian Vedanta.

20 marks

Compare and contrast the position of Hindu and Muslim women in 3th and 4th century India.

Examine the causes and consequences of peasants uprising during the reign of Aurangzeb.

15 marks

"Instead of bringing credit, the Ibadat Khana brought growing discredit to Akbar." Comment.

20 marks

How did the Maratha guerrilla warfare tactics contribute to their military successes against larger and more established armies?

15 marks

Examine the role of Asaf Jahi Dynasty in the political transformation of the State of Hyderabad.

15 marks

Discuss the contributions of Bahmani Sultans to the development of Evaluate architecture.

Evaluate the impact of the Third Battle of Panipat on the political economy of 8th century India.

Examine the process of urbanization caused by the establishment of European trading companies in India.

15 marks

After the battle of Plassey, the mercenary became the Kingmaker.

The values of utilitarianism prompted the Company administration to attempt reform of Indian society.

In course of the 9th century, the agenda of social reform was gradually replaced by revivalism.

The federal provisions of the Government of India Act of 935 foundered on the rock of princely intransigence.

10 marks

The strength of the Pakistan programme was its vagueness. It meant everything to everyone.

The pace of commercialisation of agriculture increased as a result of British revenue policies in India. — Critically examine.

20 marks

Why was the Great Revolt of 857 confined only to North India? How did it change the character of British rule in the subcontinent? Explain.

20 marks

Why did the demand for land reform never become an agenda in national politics after 947? Elucidate.

10 marks

Political extremism in colonial India often converged with cultural nationalism, but not always. - Comment.

20 marks

Regionalism in India after 947 was occasioned by developmental imperatives as much as linguistic particularism. — Elucidate.

20 marks

Twenty years of peace secured by the treaty of Salbai proved very costly to the Marathas in strategic terms. — Elucidate.

The Swadeshi movement of 905 anticipated many of the tactics that were later developed during the Gandhian mass movement. — Critically examine.

20 marks

The trade union movement joined forces with the mainstream of nationalist politics to strengthen each other in their struggle against colonial rule. - Comment.

20 marks

India's developmental strategy after independence was influenced by economic imperatives, not ideological considerations. - Comment.

The ideas raised by Enlightenment thinkers were profoundly unsettling and challenging to old regime society and political order.

The American Civil War was a result of disparity of needs of industrial north and agrarian south.

The unification of Germany was as much a product of coal and iron as it was of blood and iron.

The new regime in China addressed the peasant question by instituting wholesale land redistribution, which was carried out swiftly and ruthlessly.

The revolutions of 989 did not simply destroy governments; they also ended an ideology.

10 marks

The course of the English industrialization was too long drawn to be considered a revolution. Comment.

20 marks

The social and political landscape of Europe after the first world war was uniquely suited to the rise of Fascism. Discuss.

20 marks

The state was the most important factor in the industrialization of Russia. Comment.

The second world war was a truly global conflict. Discuss.

20 marks

Trace the different stages of European economic integration.

20 marks

The nature of apartheid regime undermined South Africa's claim of being a democratic polity.

10 marks

The emergence of two power blocs not only symbolised two competing ideologies but also two alternative models of economic growth. Explain.

20 marks

To what extent underdevelopment in Latin America is caused by neo-imperialism?,

20 marks

How did Ho Chi Minh emerge as the central figure in the Vietnamese independence movement?

Identify the following places marked on the map supplied to you and write a short note of about 30 words on each of them in your Question-cum-Answer Booklet. Locational hints for each of the places marked on the map are given below seriatim

Site of Mother and Child Terracotta Figure

Hoard of Gupta Coin (iv) areata stars tact Site of Botanical remains

Harappan site with mud-brick platform (vi) We em we Mauryan reservoir site

Capital of Maitraka dynasty (viii) *étaTS1 Dockyard

Stone axe factory

Minor rock inscription of Asoka

Mesolithic site

Iron smelting workshop

Temple site dedicated to Surya

Roman factory site

Site of Muvar Koil (Temple of Three)

Megalith stone site

DO NOT WRITE YOUR ROLL NO. ON THIS SHEET INDIA—POLITICAL

pet ca at nit 109 0,109 209 _409 609

"The Neolithic Age represents a revolution due to significant changes that took place during this period." Examine.

20 marks

The Indus-Saraswati cultural zone exhibited both homogeneity and diversity. Discuss.

15 marks

How do the comparative study of languages, archaeological sources and vast corpus of Vedic literature help to determine the Aryan problem in Indian history? Discuss.

15 marks

How far the Sangam literature acts as a window into the social and cultural traditions of ancient South India?

20 marks

Analyze the contours of imperial ideology as exhibited during the Mauryan period.

15 marks

Evaluate the status of women in the Gupta period as compared to the Analyze era.

Analyze the tenets, spread and impact of the Bhakti Movement.

20 marks

How far temple architecture under the Cholas became more refined and grandiose as compared to the early South Indian temple architecture style?

15 marks

Is it correct to say that the post-Gupta period was remarkable for the expansion of religious cults in India?

15 marks

Discuss the various proponents of Indian feudalism.

Examine the defects in Alberuni's assessment of the Indian society.

Discuss the importance of Sufic literature as an important source of history.

What factors do you attribute for the decline of the Delhi Sultanate?

The motive of Alauddin Khalji's agrarian policy was to curb the powers of the intermediaries. Examine the measures which he adopted to achieve his objective.

Discuss the role of Nur Jahan in the Mughal court politics during the reign of Jahangir.

20 marks

Why did Balban prefer 'consolidation' over 'expansion' of the Delhi Sultanate?

15 marks

What features of European paintings were incorporated in the Mughal miniature painting?

15 marks

The Marathas posed a significant threat to the integrity of the Mughal Empire. Discuss.

20 marks

SPITE "Haidar Ali was born to build an empire, and Tipu Sultan to lose one." Comment.

15 marks

Analyze the rise of the Sikhs under Ranjit Singh.

15 marks

Mughal architecture was syncretic in character. Comment.

20 marks

The economy of India was not stagnant in the eighteenth century. Discuss.

15 marks

Discuss the nature of the Mughal State under Akbar.

15 marks

Critically examine the following statements in about 150 words

"Colonialism had a twisted logic of its own for commercialization. It emerges on analysis to have been often an artificial and forced process."

10 marks

After 1857, "the peasants emerged as the main force in agrarian movements."

10 marks

"Awakened political consciousness of Indian masses, bound with dishonourable and cowardly insults of the British led to the movement of Non-Cooperation."

10 marks

When Gandhiji launched the Civil Disobedience Movement he was "desperately in search of an effective formula."

10 marks

"If abdication of British responsibility at the time of transfer of power was callous, the speed with which it was done made it worse."

10 marks

The Carnatic Wars, the Anglo-Mysore Wars and the Anglo-Maratha Wars had virtually eliminated the French from the contest of supremacy in South India. Discuss.

20 marks

While introducing the Indian Councils Bill of 1861, the British thought that the only Government suitable for India 'is a despotism controlled from home'. Comment.

20 marks

The root of the whole question behind the Indigo Revolt 'is the struggle to make the raiyats grow indigo plants without paying them the price of it'. Analyse.

Do you agree that 'the decline of traditional Indian artisan production was a fact, sad but inevitable'? Discuss.

20 marks

The historical significance of tribal and peasant uprisings in India 'lies in that they established strong and valuable traditions of resistance to British rule'. Discuss.

20 marks

To accomplish the aims of education, 'political propaganda and formation as well as propagation of nationalist ideology', the press became the chief instrument. Comment.

10 marks

The universalist perspective of socio-religious reform movements was not a 'purely philosophic concern; it strongly influenced the political and social outlook of the time'. Examine.

20 marks

The Congress Socialist Party agenda was not to cut off from the Congress, but 'intended to give the Congress and the national movement a socialist direction'. Analyse.

20 marks

How did the factionalised Dalit leadership in Hyderabad undergo a period of intense re-organization between 1948 and 1953?

10 marks

Critically examine the following statements in about 150 words

"The American War of Independence finally ended in 1783 when Britain acknowledged the independence of the United States of America."

10 marks

"The Chartist Movement not only fulfilled some of the demands of the middle class, but its ramifications were felt among the working class and the colonies as well."

10 marks

"The Revolutions of 1848 were shaped by the ideas of democracy and nationalism."

10 marks

"The British imperialism in South Africa from 1867 to 1902 was influenced to a large extent by the capitalist mining of diamonds."

10 marks

"The supremacy of USA after the end of Cold War had its challenges as well."

10 marks

The philosophers and thinkers may have laid the foundation of the French Revolution, but it was precipitated by social and economic reasons. Explain.

20 marks

Marxian socialism claims itself to be a scientific socialist theory capable of explaining the history of humankind. Discuss.

20 marks

Enlightenment was not confined to scientific revolution alone, but humanism and ideas of progress too were its inseparable constituents. Examine.

10 marks

The impact of industrial revolution on the middle class world view is reflected in the views of Adam Smith, Thomas Malthus and Jeremy Bentham. Comment.

20 marks

Discuss the different stages of the unification of Italy from 1848 to the occupation of Rome in 1870.

20 marks

The Treaty of Versailles contained in itself the seeds of the Second World War. Examine.

10 marks

"UNO was the necessity of the time when the World War II ended." Critically examine its achievements and shortcomings.

20 marks

The historical causes for the rise of anti-colonial movement in South-East Asia were cultural differences, spread of western education and the emergence of Communist ideas. Discuss.

20 marks

Arab nationalism was not only a cultural movement, but also an anti-colonial struggle. Comment.

10 marks

Identify the following places marked on the map supplied to you and write a short note of about 30 words on each of them in your Question-cum-Answer Booklet. Locational hints for each of the places marked on the map are given below seriatim

Mesolithic site with burials

Neolithic pit-dwelling

Early village settlement

SSA BAER TIA

Place of Second Sangam

Place of inscribed statue of Ashoka

First Gupta hoard of coins

Hoard of metal sculptures

Oldest Jesuit church

Buddhist monastery

Place of earliest Vishnu temple

Shiva and Buddhist temple complex

INDIA—POLITICAL

(xvi) -. i iii Y

The urban character of the Harappan Civilization was a result neither of any outside influence nor a sudden act but a gradual evolution of regional socio-economic factors. Comment.

20 marks

Foreign accounts as a source of ancient Indian history may have some advantages but also have a few shortcomings. Citing appropriate examples, examine the statement.

15 marks

Though some of the ideas of Buddhism may have had their origin in Vedic-Upanishadic traditions but it was an altogether new religion with its own specific principles and institutions. Discuss.

15 marks

The economic achievements of the Guptas were the culmination of a process which began during the Kushanas. Comment.

20 marks

harmony but also for the extension of the state's authority. Analyse the statement.

15 marks

With the help of representative examples, delineate the main differences between the Nagara and Dravida styles of temple architecture.

15 marks

Evaluate the importance of tripartite struggle for the domination over North India during the eighth and ninth centuries.

20 marks

Throw light on the chief characteristics of Tamil Bhakti Movement during the early medieval period.

15 marks

s Rajatarangini is the best example of history writing tradition in early India. Discuss.

15 marks

What were 'Brahmadeya' grants? How do you account for the large number of such grants in the early medieval period?

The establishment of large number of urban settlements in North India in the thirteenth century was principally owing to the deployment of Turkish garrisons across the lands. Comment.

Much of the political instability after the death of IItutmish was the doing of the Chahalgan. Elucidate.

The Rajput school of painting was Mughal in style and Rajput in its content. Comment.

Account for the rise of the Maratha power in the eighteenth century.

fer aires fora Aree The market regulations of Ala-ud-din Khilji were useful for the Sultan's military might but harmful for the economy of the Sultanate. Comment.

15 marks

Examine the nature of the Mansabdari system during the reign of Akbar.

15 marks

Chola maritime expansion was driven largely by concerns of overseas commerce. Elucidate.

20 marks

The Virashaiva Movement of Southern Deccan in the twelfth century was essentially an attempt at social reform. Discuss.

15 marks

The various Gharanas of Hindustani classical music were outcomes of patronage by regional princely courts, rather than central imperial ones. Discuss.

15 marks

The prolonged conflict between the Vijayanagara Kingdom and the Bahmani successor states was influenced less by cultural factors, and more by strategic and economic considerations. Comment.

20 marks

Trade and commerce in the Mughal Empire brought about the integration of the Indian subcontinent into a single market. Comment.

15 marks

Aurangzeb's Deccan policy was a major factor in Mughal decline. Discuss.

15 marks

The Vaishnava Bhakti tradition of the fifteenth century contributed to the flourishing of provincial literature. Discuss with appropriate examples.

20 marks

The Battle of Plassey (757) was a skirmish while the Battle of Buxar (764) was a real war'.

The Treaty of Amritsar ((809) was significant for its immediate as well as potential effects'.

10 marks

Famines were not just because of foodgrain scarcity, but were a direct result of colonial economic policies'.

Penetration of outsiders - called dikus by the Santhals - completely destroyed their familiar world, and forced them into action to take possession of their lost territory'.

10 marks

Within a limited scope the Indian Scientists could pursue original scientific research in colonial India'.

10 marks

Explain how the Permanent Settlement initiated a rule of property in Bengal and what were its consequences?

20 marks

Was the Western education a harbinger of cultural awakening or an instrument of colonial hegemony? Discuss.

20 marks

Can you explain how, after acquiring Diwani, the government of the East India Company functioned like 'an Indian ruler'?

10 marks

Do you think that the Indian National Movement was a 'multi class movement' which represented the anti-imperialist interests of all classes and strata? Give reasons in support of your answer.

20 marks

The British rule had differential impact on the Indian Society. Describe in what ways, the Indians responded to the Revolt of 857.

20 marks

Analyse how the revolutionaries taught people self confidence and widened the social base of the freedom movement.

10 marks

Discuss the policies and programmes of the early nationalists (moderates). To what extent they were able to fulfil the aspirations of the people?

20 marks

In the light of contentions over the McMahon Line, analyse the India-China relations in the 950s and 960s.

20 marks

How did the popular movements help us to understand the nature of environmental crisis in post-colonial India?

Rousseau kindled a hope which became the spirit of the Enlightenment'.

10 marks

The codification of French Law was perhaps the most enduring of Napoleon's achievements'.

Engels did much more than Marx himself to popularise the ideas of Marxism.

Roaring Twenties' in Europe and America had many positive points. It helped women to uplift themselves in the region.

The first Reformation Act (832) occupies a significant place in the constitutional development of Britain'.

Do you agree that the economic effects of the Industrial Revolution were to add enormously to wealth and capital on the one hand and to degrade the masses to permanent poverty as the other? Elucidate.

20 marks

Discuss how Fascism was a response to the post-war situation arising out of political instability, thwarted nationalist hopes and fears of the spread of communism?

20 marks

Do you feel that the Vietnamese fought the 20th century's longest and bloodiest war for their liberation and integration of their country? Analyse.

10 marks

Do you understand that the lack of statesmanship in London during the 760's and the 770's was, an important contributory factor in precipitating the American Revolution. Analyse.

20 marks

Discuss, how the policies adopted by Mikhail Gorbachev were responsible for the disintegration of the USSR?

20 marks

What happened to Malaya after it was liberated from Japanese occupation in 945? Discuss.

10 marks

Describe the launching of Non-Alignment Movement. Why the small nations wanted to remain aloof from the powerful nations?

20 marks

Why was the apartheid policy introduced in South Africa? What were its main features?

20 marks

How far did Latin American countries overcome centuries of subjugation and foreign intervention?

10 marks

Identify the following places marked on the map supplied to you and write a short note of about 30 words on each of them in your Question-cum-Answer Booklet. Locational hints for each of the places marked on the map are given below seriatim

Paleolithic site

Mesolithic site

Proto-historic and historic site

Jain monastic site

Paleolithic site

Political and cultural centre

Early historic site

Me (ix) (vii)

Do you agree that ecological factors influenced the flow and ebb of the Harappan Civilization? Comment.

Do you consider that the Upanishadic principles embody the high point of Vedic religious thought? Comment.

15 marks

Analyze the significance of external influences and indigenous development on post-Mauryan art.

15 marks

Will it be proper to consider the megaliths to represent a single, homogeneous or contemporaneous culture? What kind of material life and cultural system is revealed in the megalithic cultures?

15 marks

How would you characterize the nature of Mauryan state on the basis of Kautilya's Arthashastra?

How did the Varnashrama Dharma manifest the increasing social complexities in the Gupta and post-Gupta period arising from social and economic developments?

15 marks

"The political and economic needs of rulers, combined with economic and status needs of the merchant class, together provided the receptive cultural milieu in which Buddhism flourished." Comment.

20 marks

Large number of land grants in hitherto non-arable tracts invariably meant expansion of agriculture in early medieval India. How did the management of hydraulic resources (different types of irrigation works) facilitate expansion of agriculture in this period?

15 marks

wag at faa Afr Discuss the relationship between emergence of literature in vernacular languages and formation of regional identities in early medieval India.

15 marks

Discuss the different stages of Indian feudalism and analyze its impact on Indian political system.

Do you consider Sultan Iltutmish to be the real founder of the Delhi Sultanate? Discuss.

Identify the different categories of Persian literature which emerged during the Delhi Sultanate.

Examine the causes of Babur's success against Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat.

Discuss the attitude of Chishti saints towards the state. How were the Suhrawardi saints different in their attitude towards the government?

Discuss the transformation of Sikh community from a Nirguna Bhakti sect into a politico-military organization.

15 marks

Give your assessment of Bahlul Lodi's relation with his nobility.

15 marks

Examine the basic features of Mughal tomb architecture with special reference to the Taj Mahal.

Discuss the importance of Igta system. How did it help in centralization of administration of the Delhi Sultanate?

15 marks

Why is the reign of the Khaljis known as the 'Khalji Revolution'?

15 marks

The late seventeenth century Mughal India is considered to be a period of "The crisis. Discuss.

"The Chola rulers were not only mighty conquerors, efficient administrators but also builders of fine temples." Comment.

15 marks

Discuss with relevant illustrations the relations between Akbar and the Rajput states.

15 marks

How far is it justified to consider the states like Bengal, Awadh and Hyderabad as 'successor states' of the Mughal state?

20 marks

The introduction of Western education transformed India in unforeseen ways.

Sultan had little success in setting forth a course of change significantly different from the general experience of 8th century crisis of Indian politics and society where public life tended over and over to become a system of plundering.

20 marks

The Vernacular Press Act of 878 was designed for better control of the vernacular press and to empower the government with more effective means of punishing and repressing seditious writings.

20 marks

The rise of the Communist Movement in India in the 920s lent a militant and revolutionary content to the Trade Union Movement.

In the first decade of the 20th century, the atmosphere was ripe for the emergence of revolutionary groups to fill up the vacant space in the political map of the country.

India had been the world leader in the field of hand spun and hand woven yarn and cloth for many centuries. Many nationalist and Marxist critiques considered that the British dominion deliberately shattered the traditional and world famous handicrafts of India. Comment.

20 marks

What were the various ways in which nationalism manifested itself in India during colonial rule?

20 marks

The East India Company had thought that they had found an ideal puppet in Mir Kasim. Mir Kasim, however, belied the expectation of the company. Examine critically.

How did English utilitarian thinking impact India in the British era?

20 marks

The same Gandhiji who withdrew the Non-Cooperation Movement on the issue of violence at Chauri-Chaura, refused to condemn people's violence during the Quit India Movement. Do you think that he was losing his faith in the efficacy of non-violence and was willing to deviate from this path? Elucidate.

20 marks

While individually the Marathas were clever and brave, they lacked the corporate spirit so essential for national independence. Discuss with reasons.

Discuss the major constitutional developments in India after 858 and their impact on society and polity.

20 marks

Discuss the changing nature of Dalit assertion in India in the twentieth century.

20 marks

How were the Princely States integrated in the Indian Union after the partition? What role did Sardar Patel play in it?

There were many reasons why the industrial revolution first happened in England.

Napoleon's continental system may be reckoned as the greatest blunder and may be described as a "monument of misdirected energy".

The Chartist Movement failed to achieve its stated objectives, but succeeded in seeding the idea that a representative democracy should include all citizens.

During the Cold War, some important leaders of the Non-Aligned Movement wanted to keep the movement away from the military blocs.

The Arab countries looked up to Nasser as a leader who could withstand the pressure exerted by Western countries on Egypt to make peace with Israel.

What was "enlightened" about the Age of Enlightenment?

20 marks

What were the causes and consequences of the revolutionary upsurge of the 840s in Europe?

20 marks

The white-minority government of South Africa treated the natives very badly by denying them fundamental rights and made Apartheid as official policy. How were the people able to end Apartheid policy and establish a transitional rule?

The rise of nationalism across nations shattered the chains which held together the empires of modern Europe. Discuss.

20 marks

In the American civil war, the victory of the North had many consequences. Some of them were direct and obvious. However, its indirect effects on American development were perhaps even more important. Comment.

20 marks

Revolutions, whether in Russia (917) or in China (949), are a disastrous way of transforming a country. Comment.

Europe was at war with itself in the first half of the twentieth century with a long cease-fire. Comment.

20 marks

The impact of the end of the Cold War and the emergence of the US as the lone superpower has been both, good and bad. Discuss.

20 marks

Do you think that the United Nations Organisation has played a significant role in resolving international disputes and ensuring peace in the world?

wees wart & few ear dat oan Are fer qe é 1. Identify the following places marked on the map supplied to you and write a short note of about 30 words on each of them in your Question-cum-Answer Booklet. Locational hints for each of the places marked on the map are given below seriatim.

Fares ere (xi) Wt Usa AK Paleolithic site Ancient Capital City

Paleolithic Factory site -Place-of 'Shaiva Temple,

Neolithic site Temple complex

Early and Mature Harappan site An Inscriptional site Chalcolithic site Place of Jain Temple

Site of Coin and Seal Moulds Largest Buddhist Monastery

Ancient Administration Centre Ancient Temple Complex

van) a = Place of oldest Mosque. Ancient Political Headquarter

Ancient Temple site Shiva

DO NOT WRITE YOUR ROLL NO. ON THIS SHEET '!INDIA —POLITICAL

Puranas were the innovative genre of literature to popularise and revive Vedic religion. Elaborate with examples.

15 marks

Discuss the factors that played an important role in the process of urbanisation after the Later-Vedic period.

15 marks

Throw light on the nature of religion and classification of gods mentioned in the Rigveda.

Evaluate the significant political features of the Post Mauryan Northern India. What are the main sources of it?

15 marks

A number of scholars considered Alexander as 'The Great', although long term impacts of Alexander's invasion on India need to be re-evaluated. Comment.

15 marks

Discuss the salient features of cultural traditions of South India as reflected in Sangam Literature.

Sanskrit literature of classical Gupta Age set standards for the early medieval India'. Evaluate the statement with representative examples.

15 marks

Trace and identify the changing pattern of Tantrism in Ancient India with examples.

Sire Describe the evolution and development of regional temple architecture of South India with special reference to Pallavas.

20 marks

Critically evaluate the Muslim Nobility during the period of Tughlaq dynasty.

10 marks

Describe in detail about the foreign travellers' accounts which gave information of Vijayanagar kingdom.

10 marks

How did international trade support urbanisation in North India during the 3-4th century CE.

Evaluate the aim and impact of the translation of Sanskrit scriptures into Persian language during Mughal period.

10 marks

Examine the sources of the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji with special reference to Shivabharat and Sabhasad Bakhar.

Assess the causes of the defeat of Northern Indian States against the Turkish invasion.

15 marks

Amuktamalyada dwells much upon the relationship of fort, Brahmanas and dispersed tribal groups. Comment.

Elaborate upon the agrarian reforms of Alauddin Khilji.

20 marks

Describe village polity and economy of medieval Deccan.

Some new crafts production were introduced by the Turks. Comment.

15 marks

The mission of Kabir was to preach a religion of love which would unite all castes and creeds. Explain.

20 marks

Evaluate the contribution of Sher Shah towards trade and commerce, administration

Make an estimate of the development of paintings under Mughal rulers with special reference to colours, technique, themes and influences on them.

15 marks

Critically evaluate history of the Eighteenth century India with reference to culture and economy.

20 marks

Critically examine the following statementsin about 150 words

"Maharaja Ranjit Singh died in 1839. His death was the signal for an outburst of anarchy all over the Punjab."

10 marks

"In the initial stages, when Indian nationalism was immature, just sprouting, it found expression in many liberal religio-reform movements."

10 marks

"In the early twentieth century, there came into existence a number of, women's organisations, which operated more actively in the public arena and focused more directly on women's political and legal rights."

10 marks

"The Trade Union Movement in India not only supported the call for national struggle at critical junctures, but also impacted its course and character in several ways."

10 marks

"Based on his discussion with Indian leaders, as well as his own perception, Lord Mountbatten soon came to the conclusion that partition was the only practicable and feasible solution."

10 marks

"It was Dupleix who had first showed the way of intervening in disputes of the Indian rulers and thereby acquiring political control over vast territories — a technique which was later perfected by the English East India Company." Elaborate.

20 marks

For long, the Revolt of 1857, has been mistaken to be a mere mutiny of the Indian sepoys in the Bengal army. However, its causes need to be searched for not only in the dissatisfaction of the army, but in a long drawn process of fundamental social and economic change that upset the peasant communities. Discuss.

20 marks

Do you feel that the Santhal Hool (rebellion) 1855 — 56, was the most effective tribal movement in pre-1857 India?

10 marks

In its political behaviour the Indian National Congress in its early career was never a radical organisation, besides the founders of the Congress involved A.O. Hume in their project. Do these facts verify that the Congress was founded as a 'Safety valve'? Explain.

20 marks

Do you agree with the fact that the virtual failure of the Non-Cooperation Movement and the gloom that descended on the nationalist scene, created conditions for revolutionary activities? Discuss.

20 marks

Planning was seen as a powerful instrument that could be used to remove regional inequality. Examine.

10 marks

"In the divided and contestable space of Indian politics, Gandhiji could claim for himself a centrist position because he alienated neither and tactically combined the goal of the moderates with the means of the extremists." Discuss.

20 marks

"After Indian Independence India-China relations started on a high note, but during the course of the coming years India had to face a bitter e experience due to the Chinese aggression." Elaborate.

20 marks

"The Reorganisation of the States on the basis of language was a major aspect of national consolidation and integration." Comment.

10 marks

Critically examine the following statements in about 150 words

"The principles of Enlightenment were in some ways a continuation of the discoveries and theories of the Scientific Revolution."

10 marks

"The causes of the French Revolution of 1789 included both long term and structural factors, as well as more immediate events."

10 marks

"Industrial Revolution had far reaching social and political consequences with the advent of assembly line factories, urbanization and rise of the urban working class."

10 marks

"The multitude of newly independent countries came to be known as the 'Third World', belonging neither to the First World of capitalist democracies, nor the Communist Second World."

10 marks

"The British were slated to withdraw from Palestine in May 1948, and both sides prepared for that day. Violence between Arabs and Jews, already endemic, escalated."

10 marks

"Napoleon was not a revolutionary but he solidified many of the revolutionary changes of 1789 — 1791 and he himself supported most of the ideas and proposals of Enlightenment philosophers." Substantiate.

20 marks

"Lincoln's main thesis was that the Slavery issue had to be decided one way or the other and could no longer be evaded by compromise."; Comment in the light of his role in the American Civil War.

20 marks

"The 1848 revolutions frightened the crowned heads of Europe and caused several to abdicate. Those who remained were cognizant of the threats posed by liberalism, nationalism and socialism." Comment.

10 marks

"From Bismarck's 'Blood and Iron' speech and his forceful actions to achieve German unification, Bismarck came to be known as the Iron Chancellor." Critically examine.

20 marks

Do you agree with the statement that the Second World War was history's most destructive war? Elaborate.

20 marks

Discuss the circumstances leading to the French exit from Algeria in

How did Stalin build on Lenin's legacy of Bolshevik Revolution and introduce new elements of totalitarianism to transform USSR as a superpower?

20 marks

A new configuration of power emerged in world politics after the end of the cold war. Analyse how USA managed to become the sole superpower.

20 marks

Critically examine whether it was true that after a century of dependency on Europeans, Africans were ill prepared for the task of nation-building.

10 marks

Identify the following places marked on the map supplied to you and write a short note of about 30 words on each of them in your Question-cum-Answer Booklet., Locational hints for each of the places marked on the map are given below seriatim.

Brick temple site A Rock-cut cave site !

Early Harappan site Ancient capital city ae

Ancient seaport and trade centre Famous temple site

Stone age site Centre of School of art

Neolithic site Ancient inscriptional site

Archaeological site; Ancient education centre

Ancient capital Chalcolithic period site

Ancient inscriptions site Ancient petroglyphs site

INDIA oe WITH AFGHANISTAN, BANGLADESH, BHUTAN,: NEPAL, MYANMAR (BURMA), PAKISTAN AND SRI LANKA vara sam your Roll No.

Mo, -3% WFO E OF-$000 08 PRINTED AT WESTERN PRINTING GROUP OF SURVEY OF INDIA.

ES Do you agree that archaeological evidence often helps in the better understanding of literary sources? Comment.

15 marks

The development of art and architecture during the Sunga period belies the belief that they were anti-Buddhist. Discuss.

15 marks

Did the mastery over agriculture act as a leverage for the rise of Harappan towns and; cities? Discuss.

20 marks

The flourishing international trade during the Kushana period gave tremendous impetus to the development of art. Discuss.

15 marks

Examine how the transformation of the Varna system from the Rigvedic to the Later-Vedic period affected the position of women.

15 marks

evidence for the Vedic period. Explain the phenomenon.

20 marks

Explain how Ashoka used religion as a tool of political aggrandizement?

15 marks

Do you agree that the system of land grants from the Gupta-Vakataka period was connected with the decentralisation of state in any way?

20 marks

The discovery of monsoons by Hippalus gave a new direction to Indo-Roman trade during the Satavahana period. Comment.

15 marks

Discuss how Vijayanagar empire became the cultural capital of the south?

Examine the status of Sanskrit in Mughal India.

10 marks

Assess the rule of Zainul Abedin in Kashmir.

10 marks

The economic measures of Alauddin Khalji were aimed at greater political control. Discuss.

10 marks

Examine the European impact on Mughal paintings.

10 marks

Assess the statement that 'the philosophy of Shankaracharya revolutionised religious thoughts in India'. 20 6.(b) aaa aa A at A seen a Rem Afi Delineate the state of agriculture during the Sultanate period..

15 marks

Sufi and Bhakti thoughts ennobled Indian psyche amidst the vagaries of time. Elucidate.

The emergence of early capitalism in the Mughal period was primarily due to urbanisation and commercialisation. Comment.

Internal strife and conflict beset with personal ambitions was enough of an invitation for the Ghurids to invade India. Discuss.

15 marks

The Mughals built like Titans and embellished like jewellers. Comment.

15 marks

Critically analyse whether the success of the Mughals is to be credited to their

It was as much the court intrigues as also the defiance of the provincial powers that hastened the decline of the Mughals in the 18th century. Comment.

20 marks

Shivaji was not merely a military conqueror but also was an enlightened ruler. Discuss.

15 marks

"Tipu Sultan was trying to build in Mysore a strong centralised and militarised state, with ambitious territorial designs."

10 marks

"Not until independence, when economic development became a conscious and pursued policy, did the Railways begin to realize their potential for assisting in the transformation of the Indian economy."

10 marks

"Two important intellectual criteria which informed the reform movements were rationalism and religious universalism."

10 marks

"... the Kol Insurrection was mainly a war of the tribal inhabitants of Chotanagpur against the non-tribal settlers and service-holders."

10 marks

"The Cripps Mission was plagued throughout, and ultimately torpedoed."

10 marks

How far was the drain theory a focal point of nationalist critique of colonialism?

20 marks

Examine the forces at work for the introduction of western education in India. Analyse the thrust given to it by the Christian Missionaries.

20 marks

Do you subscribe to the view that the Anglo-French tussle in Carnatic demonstrated the internal decay of the provincial chieftains of South India?

10 marks

How would you explain the major trends of the Swadeshi Movement in Bengal?

20 marks

Is it justified to say that the Government of India Act of 1935 had all brakes, but no engine?

20 marks

How far was the widow remarriage movement effective in arousing social concern for Indian women?

10 marks

Why is the Quit India Movement characterised as a 'Spontaneous Revolution'? Did it accelerate the process of Indian independence?

20 marks

Assess the role of Subhas Chandra Bose in India's struggle for independence.

20 marks

How did the introduction of Community Development Programme and Panchayati Raj promote welfare of rural India?

10 marks

Critically examine the following statements in about 150 words

"The arguments of the free traders were a curious mixture of economic hard-headedness, social benevolence, cosmopolitan idealism and class prejudice."

10 marks

unprecedented, and in human history, entirely novel."

10 marks

"The ineffectiveness of the League of Nations to prevent or to check Japanese aggression against China was the first serious blow to its prestige as an agency for providing security."

10 marks

"Non-alignment came to symbolize the struggle of India and other newly independent nations to retain and strengthen their independence from colonialism and imperialism."

10 marks

How would you explain the nature of pre-Marxian Socialism?

10 marks

How did the policies of governments facilitate the process of How in Europe?

How was Italy transformed from 'a geographical expression' to a nation-state?

20 marks

How far did the Napoleonic preferential stance to help out the French economy result in embroiling France in continental conflicts?

10 marks

Which factors would you attribute to the British colonial intervention in Malaya in the 19' century? How did Malays react to British colonial rule?

20 marks

Explain why Latin America was beset with chronic political instability and endemic military conflicts throughout most of the 19* century.

20 marks

Do you agree with the view that the formation of NATO marked a revolution in American attitude to the world problems?

10 marks

Do you subscribe to the view that the Anglo-French tussle in Carnatic demonstrated the internal decay of the provincial chieftains of South India?

20 marks

Was Czechoslovakia served on a dish to Hitler at Munich? What were its implications?

20 marks

Analyse the role of Egypt after the Second World War in bringing about Arab unity.

10 marks

Identify the following places marked on the map supplied to you and write a short note of about 30 words on each of them in your Question-cum-Answer Booklet. Locational hints for each of the places marked on the map are given below

Cave paintings An ancient temple (iv) rosa era (xiv) Wardifeen wa grep they Paleolithic site Political and Cultural centre

Political and Cultural centre An ancient sea port

Vaishnava cultural site An ancient capital

Painted Grey Ware site A Jaina centre

Chaleolithic site An ancient capital

How did the early Indian historical tradition, as reflected in Itihasa-Purana, emerge? What are the distinctive features of this genre?

20 marks

"Archaeological evidence does not give direct access to the possible social and political dimensions of the decline of the Harappan civilization. What it does indicate very clearly is that the Harappan culture underwent a gradual process of de-urbanization"? Comment.

Eat aT 7 Give an account of gana-sanghas (non-monarchical state systems)? Why did they decline?

15 marks

Do you agree with the popular view that Mauryas established a unitary and highly centralized if not monolithic state system?

20 marks

The concept of Shramanic religions, with particular reference to Buddhism, had; their roots in Upanisadic ideas. Discuss.

15 marks

"Doubtless it was not a free state; it was any rate a state" (K AN Sastri). Reflect upon the nature of local self government institutions in the Chola country.

15 marks

What was the impact of trans-regional and trams-continental trade in the post Mauryan period on social and cultural life of India?

20 marks

Discuss the experimentations with art and architecture during the Gupta-Vakataka period,

15 marks

airfare "The battles of Tarain and Chandawar laid the foundations of Turkish rule in India". Elaborate.

10 marks

Discuss evidence on slavery provided by Ibn Batuta with special reference to Discuss slaves.

Discuss the advancement made in Textile Technology under the Delhi Sultans.

"Akbar wished to assert his strong belief in God, but his concept of the way God is to be worshipped was independent of either orthodox Islam or Hinduism". Comment.

10 marks

Discuss the literature written in Hindi in Mughal India.

10 marks

Critically analyze the changing nature of caste and gender relations during the early medieval period.

15 marks

"An important feature of agriculture in Mughal India has been the large number of crops raised by the peasants". Illustrate by giving examples.

15 marks

"The policy of creating heterogencous nobility by Muhammad Tughlug started the process of disintegration of Delhi Sultanate". Explain.

20 marks

Do you agree that convergence of political vacuum and impact of Islamicate culture and polity in peninsular India has much to do with the growth of Vijayanagara kingdom?

15 marks

Describe the new architectural features added by successive Sultans in the i construction of Tombs in India.

20 marks

after at? What was the role of Sufi Folk literature in the diffusion of Islam in India in general and in Deccan in particular.

15 marks

Discuss the working of Zamindari System under the Mughal rulers. Also describe the role played by the Zamindars in the agrarian economy of Mughal India.

20 marks

"The art of building was carried to highest degree of perfection under Shahjahan". Tlustrate by giving architectural details of two of his most celebrated buildings.

"The Afghan invasions in the Eighteenth Century not only signified the military irrelevance of the Mughal Empire but also hastened its decline", Explain.

15 marks

Critically examine the following statements in about 150 words

"The Battle of Plassey (]757) thus marked the beginning of political supremacy of the English East India Company in India."

"The passing of the land from the hands of the peasant proprietors into the hands of non-cultivating landlords brought about increasing polarization of classes in agrarian areas."

10 marks

"Faced with the challenge of the intrusion of colonial culture and ideology, an attempt to reinvigorate traditional institutions and to realize the potential of traditional culture developed during the nineteenth century."

10 marks

"An ideology of paternalistic benevolence, occasionally combined with talk of trusteeship and training towards self-government, thinly veiled the realities of a Raj uncompromising|ly white and despotic."

10 marks

"States' reorganization did not, of course, resolve all the problems relating to linguistic conflicts."

10 marks

Was the Moplah Rebellion in Malabar an expression of anti-landlord and anti-foreign discontent? Discuss.

20 marks

Analyse various trends in Dalit Movements in various parts of post-independent India.

20 marks

Could Dyarchy (1919) satisfy the national sentiments of the Indians?

Underline the growth of various forms of Socialist ideologies in the Indian National Movement between World Wars I and II.

20 marks

Trace the development of land reforms in India between 947 and early 960's.

What was the significance of Orientalist-Anglicist controversy in nineteenth century India? Analyse.

10 marks

Do you consider the suspension of Non-Cooperation Movement a "national calamity"?

20 marks

Critically examine the turns and twists in the politics of partition in

Can methods and policies of the moderates be referred to as 'political

Critically examine the following statements in about 150 words

"With the writings of Karl Marx, Socialism assumed the form of Scientific Socialism."

10 marks

"The American War of Independence transformed Europe as well as America,"

At the end of the Battle of Sedan (1870), "Europe lost a mistress and gained a master".

10 marks

"Until December 1941, the battlefield of the Second World War was exclusively European and Atlantic; thereafter it became also Asiatic and

Explain the major ideas of Enlightenment. Discuss the contribution of Rousseau in Enlightenment.

20 marks

Discuss how Japan industrialized after the Meiji Restoration. What were the consequences for its neighbours?

20 marks

Explain the features of Apartheid in South Africa.

10 marks

Examine the role of Bismarck in state building in Germany.

20 marks

Discuss the factors constraining development of Africa after decolonization.

20 marks

Outline the circumstances leading to adoption of Marshall Plan.

10 marks

In the Chinese Revolution of 1949, the elements of communism and nationalism were discernible. Explain the statement in the light of Mao's strategy which was different from that of Lenin.

20 marks

Discuss how far the United Nations has been successful in resolving global disputes from year 1946 to 1991.

20 marks

Review the policy of Glasnost adopted by Gorbachev.

Identify the following places marked on the map supplied to you and write a short note of about 30 words on each of them in your Question-cum-Answer Booklet. Locational hints for each of the places marked on the map are given below seriatim.

No. — 211 WPG E 08-1100008-48000'09 PRINTED AT WESTERN PRINTING GROUP OF SURVEY OF INDIA. The territorial waters of India extend into the sea to a distance of twelve nautical miles measured from the appropriate base line.

A Prehistoric cave-paintings' site

A Neolithic-Chalcolithic site

An Early Harappan site

An ancient capital city

A Painted grey ware site

A Neolithic site

A site of Ashokan inscriptions

An ancient port and trade centre

An ancient capital city

A Rock-cut cave site

An early fortified city

A Rock-cut temple site

An ancient temple site

An ancient capital city

An ancient temple site

An ancient capital city

Art and culture are reflected to a far greater extent than political history in the epigraphic sources. Comment.

15 marks

The second urbanization gave rise to the organized corporate activities that reached their zenith during the Gupta period. Discuss.

20 marks

The emergence of Non-Harappan Chalcolithic cultures in Central India and the Deccan mark a change not only in the subsistence pattern of people but an overall transition from pre to proto historic period. Critically analyze.

15 marks

Critically examine various views regarding the Vedic-Harappan relationship in light of the latest discoveries.

15 marks

"The concept of Ashoka's Dhamma as found through his inscriptions had its roots in Vedic-Upanishadic literature." Discuss.

15 marks

was the period of innovation and interaction. How will you react?

20 marks

Trace the origin and development of temple architecture in India with reference to regional styles and variations.

20 marks

Buddhism and Jainism were social movements under the umbrella of religion. Comment.

15 marks

The accurate picture of the complex socio-cultural milieu of Peninsular India is presented in the early Sangam literature. Delineate.

15 marks

The 11 — 12* centuries C.E. saw eventful progression in the cultural. history of India. Discuss.

10 marks

Evaluate the accounts of foreign travellers about the Vijayanagar Empire.

10 marks

Critically examine the 'blood and iron' policy of Balban.

10 marks

Do you consider the Rajatarangini of Kalhana to be a reliable source of the political history of Kashmir?

10 marks

The religion of the Sikhs was the main force of their unity. Comment.

10 marks

To what extent was the Caliphate the source and sanction to the legal authority of the Sultans of Delhi?

15 marks

"Bhakti and Sufi movements served the same social purpose." Discuss.

15 marks

Delineate non-agricultural production and urban economy in the 3tb and 4t centuries C.E.

Do you agree that the schemes of Muhammad bin Tughluq were correctly conceived, badly executed and disastrously abandoned? Discuss.

15 marks

Do you think that Akbar's Rajput policy was a conscious attempt to incorporate the Indian ruling elite with the Mughal Imperial System?

15 marks

"The political disintegration was responsible for the socio-economic decline in India during the 18" century." Comment.

20 marks

"Mughal paintings reflect social harmony in contemporary society." Discuss.

15 marks

Assess the condition of peasantry during 13" to 17" centuries C.E.

How will you view the Maratha policy of expansion? Delineate.

20 marks

"The Maratha polity disintegrated through internal stress."

"The chief value of Raja's (Raja Rammohan Roy) labours seems to lie in his fight against the forces of medievalism in India."

"The British railway construction policy in India benefitted British economy in the nineteenth century."

"The Arya Samaj may quite logically be pronounced as the outcome of conditions imported into India from the West."

Narayana Guru's was a major intervention in the social reform movement from a subaltern perspective."

Explain the factors responsible for the recurrence of famines in the nineteenth century. What remedial measures were adopted by the British Indian Government?

20 marks

Assess the role of press in arousing awareness on important social issues in the second half of the nineteenth century.

20 marks

Underline the major considerations of the British imperial power that led to the annexation of Punjab.

10 marks

Trace the origin of the Ghadar movement and discuss its impact on the revolutionaries in India.

20 marks

Explain why the efforts at finding solution to India's constitutional impasse failed during 1942-1946.

20 marks

Discuss the nature of peasant movements under the Kisan Sabhas during

Discuss how the Satyagrahas of Gandhi removed the spell of fear among Indians and thus knocked off an important pillar of imperialism.

20 marks

How far the developments in science and technology in post-Independence period put India on the path of modernity?

20 marks

Throw light on the nature of 'Instrument of Accession' and 'Standstill Agreement' signed by the Princely States with the Indian Union.

10 marks

"Kant's redefinition of reason and his rehabilitation of conscience marked a high point in the intellectual reaction against dominant rationalism of the Enlightenment."

"The spirit behind the great reforms of Napoleon's Consulate at home was the transference of the methods of Bonaparte the general to the task of Bonaparte the statesman."

"The roots of the Chartist movement in Great Britain were partly political and partly economic."

January, 1871 had been a day of triumph for the strength and pride of Germany and 28 June, 1919 was the day of chastisement."

"The collapse of Berlin Wall on 9 November, 1989 brought new meaning to the idea of cooperation in Europe."

Explain why England became the harbinger of Industrial Revolution. Also throw light on its social consequences.

20 marks

Why was the First World War termed as the first 'total' war in modern history?

20 marks

feat ST Discuss how agrarian crisis accompanied by severe industrial depression triggered the Revolutions of 1848.

10 marks

What determinant factors, along with diplomatic, shaped the process of German Unification?

20 marks

Examine the statement that "the danger of 'Bolshevism' dominated not only the history of the years immediately following the Russian Revolution of 1917 but the entire history of the world since that date".

20 marks

Explain why Bolivar's efforts failed to fructify in bringing about united stand of the Latin Americans.

10 marks

Examine the circumstances which led to the overthrow of democracy and the establishment of Fascist dictatorship in Italy.

20 marks

"By 1980s, the Communist System of Soviet Union was incapable of maintaining the country's role as a Superpower." Substantiate.

20 marks

Examine the nature of Dutch imperialism in Indonesia.

10 marks

Identify the following places marked on the map supplied to you and write a short note of about 30 words on each of them in your Question-cum-Answer Booklet. Locational hints for each of the places marked on the map are given below seriatim

A Mesolithic site

A Neolithic site

A Neolithic site

Neolithic site

A site known for Buddhist remains

A Neolithic site

E A rock-cut cave site

A late Harappan site

INDIA WITH AFGHANISTAN, BANGLADESH, BHUTAN, NEPAL,. MYANMAR (BURMA), PAKISTAN AND SRI LANKA

5 © xii XIV \s Lay hoe?

Delineate and account for the regional characteristics of the Neolithic period in India.

15 marks

Tart € Explain why the majority of the known Harappan settlements are located in the semi-arid areas with saline groundwater.

20 marks

In what way was the egalitarian character of the early Vedic society changed during the later of Jahangir.

Examine the relationship among economic growth, urbanization and State formation from c. 7th century led to 3rd century BCE.

How does the numismatic evidence of the period reflect the political and economic outlook of the Kushanas and the Satavahanas?

15 marks

"The changes in the field of art from the Kushana period to early medieval period are mere reflection of changing outlook." Comment.

20 marks

Critically evaluate the theory and practice of land revenue system in ancient India.

20 marks

"The copious references to the preservation of Varnashrama system by the kings eulogized in inscriptions are mere reflection of the Smriti tradition." Discuss.

15 marks

How did the temples of South India, as financial institutions, have deep impact on the social institutions of carly medicval period? Critically examine.

Evaluate the contents of the Tabaqat-i-Nasiri as a source of medieval history.

10 marks

Analyze the significance of the Uttaramerur inscriptions of the Chola King Parantaka I.

Comment on the veracity of Alberuni's account of the Indian society.

10 marks

Delineate the development of the Mughal painting during the reign of Jahangir.

10 marks

Explain the ingredients of the transitory nature of the early medieval India.

15 marks

What measures were initiated by the Sultans for the consolidation of the Delhi Sultanate? Discuss.

Identify the broad contours of the Mughal foreign policy and their impacts on the Mughal empire.

"The Advaita doctrine of Shankara cut at the very root of Bhaktivada." Do you agree?

15 marks

Do you think that the economic measures introduced by the Sultanate rulers were beneficial to the common people as well? Illustrate with examples.

20 marks

field of education.

Do you think that the agrarian crisis of the 17th century led to the: disintegration of the Mughal empire? Discuss.

20 marks

Was it the weakening of the Mughal empire or the rise of regional powers that led to the British conquest of India? Discuss.

15 marks

Is it true that the court intrigues and weak revenue system led to the collapse of the Maratha empire? Comment.

Comment on the French ambition of building a territorial empire in India.

After the Battle of Plassey, how did India transit from the medieval to the modern age?

Do you agree with the view that the growth of vernacular literature in the 9** and the 20 centuries paved the way for social reform and cultural revival in India?

"The Mutiny of 857 was much more than a Mutiny of Sepoys and much less than a National Rebellion." Comment.

Explain "Constructive Swadeshi" characterised by atmashakti (self-reliance), which propelled the Swadeshi Movement in Bengal.

How far is it correct to say that if Clive was the founder of the British Empire in India, Warren Hastings was its administrative organiser?

20 marks

"Peace hath her victories no less renowned than war." Examine this statement with reference to Lord William Bentinck.

20 marks

"India's_need_for_a_federal_system_was—more—an—imperative-than—a political choice." Do you agree?

Critically examine the causes responsible for the phenomenon called 'de-industrialisation' in India during the nineteenth century.

20 marks

How far is it correct to say that the ig century tribal uprisings are a part of subaltern nationalism?

20 marks

How did Dr. 8.8. Ambedkar try to seek a political solution to the problem of caste in India?

"The need to impose greater parliamentary control over the Company's affairs increased during the decades (773 — 853) after Plassey." Elucidate.

20 marks

What significant role did women play in the Indian National Movement?

Critically examine the nature and scope of environmental movements in Independent India.

"Karl Marx applied his critical intelligence to Wealth of Nations... Where Smith had seen only the sunlight, Marx saw only the shadows thrown upon the human scene by the unimpeded exercise of individual liberty..." Elucidate.

What is Metternich system? Assess its impact on Europe.

"League of Nations is a League of Notions." Comment.

Explain the main features of the US Federal Constitution.

What factors contributed to the emergence of a unipolar world?

Critically examine the statement that the French Revolution was not caused by the French philosophers but by the conditions of national life and by the mistakes of the government.

20 marks

"A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure permanently, half slave and half free." Explain Abraham Lincoln's perspective.

20 marks

Trace the significant role-played-by Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam's struggle for freedom.

How did Lenin achieve an abrupt transition from a Monarchical autocratic to a Socialist State?

20 marks

Do you agree with the view that the Treaty of Versailles was a bad compromise between a treaty based upon force and a treaty based on ideas?

20 marks

Trace the growth of British imperialism in South Africa from 800 to

Trace the growth of Arab nationalism after the First World War. How far was it a reaction to Oil imperialism?

20 marks

In what way did the political changes in Soviet Union influence the events in Eastern Europe during the closing decades of the 207 century?

20 marks

Outline the circumstances leading to Détente.