29 Jun
ANCIENT INDIA
Sources of History
1. Literary Sources:
Q. “Ancient Indians had no taste for historiography; their scholars cared more for religious, spiritual and philosophical Indian historiography is essentially an Islamic heritage.” Comment upon this statement with special reference to the contemporary writers and their works which help us in the reconstruction of history of the early medieval period of Indian history. [1996, 60m]
Q. How did early Indian historical tradition, as reflected in Itihasa-Purana, emerge? What are the distinctive features of this genre? [2018, 20 Marks]
Q. Write a short essay on: “Kalhan as a historian” [2003, 20m]
Q. Assess Kalhana’s views on History. [2009, 20m]
Q. Evaluate Rajtarangini as a source of history. [2012, 10m]
Q. Do you consider the Rajatarangini of Kalhana to be a reliable source of the political history of Kashmir? Why? [2017, 10 Marks]
Q. Kalhana’s Rajtarangini is the best example of history writing tradition in early India. Discuss. [2022, 15m]
Q. In what ways are the accounts of the Graeco Romans and the Chinese helpful in reconstructing the social history of India? How far is their information corroborated by other Contemporary sources? [2009, 60m]
Q. “While using the accounts of foreign writers, historians must distinguish between statements based on hearsay and those grounded in perceptive observations.” Elaborate with examples. [2014, 15m]
Q. 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. [2022. 15 Marks]
Q. Discuss the changing approaches to the study of early Indian history. [2006, 60m]
Q. “The current practice of categorization of ‘Early Modern India’ is based on a shift from the old imperialist periodization of ‘Muslim India’ – ‘British India’ to the more secularist one of ‘Medieval India’ – ‘Modern India’, which puts Indian history in a universalist chronological Structure.” Critically evaluate. [2012, 10m]
2. Archaeological Sources:
Q. “Reconstruction of Early Indian history is hardly possible without the help of inscriptions and coins.” Discuss. [2007, 60m]
Q. Art and culture are reflected to a far greater extent than political history in the epigraphic sources. Comment. [2017, 15 Marks]
Q. Do you agree that archaeological evidence often helps in the better understanding of literary sources? Comment. [2019, 15 Marks]
Pre-historic India
1. Neolithic Era:
Q. To what extent archaeological materials are useful in understanding the progress of Neolithic man in India? [2010, 30m]
Q. Delineate and account for the regional characteristics of the Neolithic period in India. [2016, 15 Marks]
Q. “The Neolithic Age represents a revolution due to significant changes that took place during this period.” Examine. [2023, 20 Marks]
2. Chalcolithic Cultures:
Q. In the absence of a written script Chalcolithic pottery gives us a fascinating insight into the culture and lifestyles of the people of those times. Comment critically. [2013, 15m]
Q. 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. [2017, 15 Marks]
3. Megalithic Cultures:
Q. Discuss the extent, settlement patterns and subsistence economy of the megalithic cultures. [2012, 30m]
Q. In what ways can the Megalithic culture be considered a foundational phase of the history of peninsular India? [2014, 15m]
Q. Will it be proper to consider the Megaliths to represent a single, homogenous or contemporaneous culture? What kind of material life and culture system is revealed in the megalithic cultures? [2021, 15 Marks]
Harappan Civilization
1. Origin of Harappa:
Q. Did the mastery over agriculture act as a leverage for the rise of Harappan towns and cities? Discuss. [2019, 15 Marks]
Q. 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. [2022, 20m]
2. Features/Characteristics of Harappa:
Settlements Features:
Q. Was India civilized before the advent of the Aryans? State briefly the extent and striking features of the earlier civilization, if any. [1982, 20m]
Q. The Indus-Saraswati cultural zone exhibited both homogeneity and diversity. Discuss. [2023, 15 Marks]
Settlement Ecology:
Q. Discuss the water management and its conservation planning in the Harappan (Indus-Saraswati) cities. [2013, 20m]
Q. Explain why the majority of the known Harappan settlements are located in the semi-arid areas with saline groundwater. [2016, 20 Marks]
Economy: Agriculture, Craft, Trade
Q. Do you think the Harappan civilization had a diversity of subsistence base? [2014, 15m]
Q. Discuss the trade, cultural contacts and the extents of the Indus Civilization within and outside India and describe in detail any one of the Indus sites within India. [1980, 60m]
Q. Write a short essay on: “External trade of the Harappans.” [1991, 20m]
Q. Discuss the pattern of trade during the Indus Valley civilization. How far did it affect the nature of contemporary settlements in the Indian sub-continent? [1994, 60m]
Society and Religion:
Q. Write a brief essay on: “The burial customs in the Indus Civilization.” [1993, 20m]
Q. Write a short essay on: “The Religion of the Indus Civilization.” [1996, 20m]
Q. Evaluate the significance of seals and sealings in the reconstruction of socio-economic and religious life of the Harappan people. [2012, 30m]
3. Decline of Harappa:
Causes of Decline:
Q. How do you account for the decline of the major cities of the Indus Valley Civilization? [1984, 20m]
Q. “The Indus civilization did not have an abrupt appearance.” Discuss the statement. How does the Indus civilization stand, in view of its geographical expansion and chronology, in relations to the Vedic civilization? [1990, 60m]
Q. The decline of Harappan civilization was caused by ecological degradation rather than external invasion. Discuss. [2015, 15m]
Q. “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”? [2018, 15 Marks]
Q. Do you agree that ecological factors influenced the flow and ebb of the Harappan Civilization? Comment. [2021, 15 Marks]
Decline and Features together (old type long questions)
Q. Give an appraisal of town planning of the Indus cities and evaluate the various reasons for their decline. [1979, 60m]
Q. Discuss salient features of the Indus Valley Civilization. Mention important places from where relics of civilization have been recovered so far. Examine causes of its decline. [1999, 60m]
Q. Analyze the elements of urban civilization in the Harappan Culture. What factors were responsible for its decline? [2002, 60m]
Decline and Survival:
Q. “On circumstantial evidence Indra stands convicted.” Explain, and discuss briefly different views about a sudden end of the Indus Valley civilization. How would you explain the presence of those elements in Indian culture and civilization which are found to have existed in the Indus Valley period? [1986, 60m]
Q. “The Indus Civilization had an abrupt end.” Discuss the statement and explain how the Indus Civilization could influence Indian culture in its later history. [1988, 60m]
Q. “The continuity of the Indus Civilization into later ages was not confined to the religious and spiritual fields alone.” Analyse the statement. [1997, 60m]
Vedic Era
1. Sources:
Literature:
Q. Write a short essay on: “Vedic literature” [1995, 20m]
Archaeology during 2000 BCE-500 CBE:
Q. Describe the distinguishing features of important archaeological cultures of the Indian subcontinent datable between c. 2000 B.C. and c. 500 B.C. [1995, 60m]
Q. Assess the pattern of settlement, economy, social organization and religion of India during 2000 to 500 BC from archaeological evidences. [2003, 60m]
Comparative:
Q. “Archaeology knows of no Aryans; only literature knows of Aryans.” Examine critically. [2015, 10m]
Q. 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. [2023, 15 Marks]
2. Features:
Q. Bring out the elements of change and continuity between the Early Vedic and Later Vedic Cultures. [1993, 60m]
Vedic Geography:
Q. Give an account of the geography of the Vedic texts and describe the social life during the Vedic times. [1979, 60m]
Q. Discuss the geographical area known to the Rig Vedic people. Were they familiar with the sea? [1985, 60m]
Vedic Polity:
Q. Write a short essay on: “Democratic elements in the political system of the early Vedic period.” [1986, 20m]
Economy and Society:
Q. Give a brief account of the social and economic conditions of the Later Vedic Aryans. [1998, 60m]
Vedic Society:
Q. Write a short essay on: “Position of women in the Rig Vedic society” [1988, 20m]
Q. Write a short essay on: “The formulation of social system in the later Vedic period.” [1990, 20m]
Q. Describe the social life of the later Vedic people. How was it different from the Rig Vedic life? [2004, 60m]
Q. Evaluate various views regarding human settlements as gleaned from the Vedic sources. [2013, 15m]
Q. In what way was the egalitarian character of the early Vedic society changed during the later Vedic period? [2016, 15 Marks]
Q. Examine how the transformation of the Varna system from the Rigvedic to the Later Vedic period affected the position of women. [2019, 15 Marks]
3. Vedic Religion:
Q. Discuss the political pattern and the major religious ideas and rituals of the Vedic age. [1980, 60m]
Q. Evaluate the various approaches to the understanding of Vedic religion. [2009, 30m]
Vedic Deities:
Q. What was the position of Varuna in the Vedic system of Gods? [1984, 20m]
Q. Write a brief essay on: “The Vedic Gods of the terrestrial region.” [1993, 20m]
Q. Evaluate the conceptual basis of the Vedic deities. [2011, 30m]
Q. Throw light on the nature of religion and classification of gods mentioned in the Rigveda. [2020, 20]
Vedic Rituals:
Q. Write a short essay on: “Vedic rituals” [1997, 20m]
Q. Examine the view that sacrifice was a ritual and a form of social exchange in Vedic India. [2010, 30m]
Upanishads:
Q. “The Upanishadic principles embody the epitome of the Vedic thought.” Discuss. [2014, 15m]
Q. Do you consider that the Upanishadic principles embody the high point of Vedic religious thought? Comment. [2021, 15 Marks]
4. Harappa-Vedic Continuity/Differences:
Sources:
Q. Literature doesn’t know Harappan people while archaeology doesnt identify Vedic people. Critically examine. [2018]
Q. There is no literary sources for the Harappan culture and no archaeological evidence for the Vedic period. Explain the phenomenon. [2019, 20 Marks]
Overall:
Q. Analyse the differences and similarities between Indus Valley and Vedic Cultures. [1992, 60m]
Q. Critically examine various views regarding the Vedic-Harappan relationship in light of the latest discoveries. [2017, 15 Marks]
Society and Religion:
Q. Examine the contribution of Vedic culture in the sphere of social institutions and religion. Was there any continuity between the Indus and the Vedic cultures in this respect? [1983, 60m]
Q. Compare the economic, social and religious life of the Indus Valley (Harappan) people with that of the early Vedic people and discuss the relative chronology of the Indus and the early Vedic cultures. [1987, 60m]
Q. Discuss briefly the development of religious ideas and rituals in the Vedic age. Do they show any parallelism with the religion of the Indus Civilization? [1989, 60m]
Post-Vedic Era
1. Sources:
Q. How far can the ancient Indian Sruti literature be used as historical sources? [2015, 15m]
2. Features:
Political features:
Magadhan Imperialism:
Q. Trace the rise of Magadhan imperialism up to the times of the Nandas with particular reference to its policy towards the non-monarchical state. Discuss the factors that contributed to its success. [1990, 60m]
Q. Analyse the causes of the success of the Magadhan imperialism upto the reign of Ashoka the Great. [2001, 60m]
Gana-Sanghas:
Q. Give an account of the republics in the pre-Maurya period. Discuss the factors which contributed to their decline. [1992, 60m]
Q. Give an account of gana-sanghas (non-monarchical state systems)? Why did they decline? [2018, 15 Marks]
Foreign Invasions:
Q. 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. [2020, 15 Marks]
Second Urbanization:
Q. Write a short essay on: “Social and economic conditions of North India during the Pre-Mauryan period (600-325 B.C.).” [1996, 20m]
Q. Examine the relationship among economic growth, urbanization and State formation from c. 7th century to 3rd century BCE. [2016, 15 Marks]
Q. Discuss the factors that played an important role in the process of urbanisation after the Later-Vedic period. [2020, 15 Marks]
Role of Iron:
Q. What role did iron play in changing their political and economic life? [1998, 60m]
Q. Evaluate the introduction of iron technology in the development of human history of ancient India. [2011, 20m]
3. Philosophy and Religion:
Emergence of Heterodox Sects:
Q. What were the causes of the origin of the heterodox sects in the sixth century BC? [1984, 20m]
Q. Write a short essay on: “The intellectual revolution in the Sixth Century B.C.” [1988, 20m]
Q. “The Sixth century B.C. was a period of religious and economic unrest in India.” Comment. [2003, 60m]
Q. How far is it correct to say that changes in the post-Vedic economy gave birth to new religious movements in India? [2015, 15m]
Q. Buddhism and Jainism were social movements under the umbrella of religion. Comment. [2017, 15 Marks]
Q. “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. [2021, 15 Marks]
Buddhism:
Relation with Upanishads:
Q. Discuss the social & economic factors for the rise of Buddhism. How far was it influenced by Upnisadic thought? [1987, 60m]
Q. The concept of Shramanic religions, with particular reference to Buddhism, had their roots in Upanisadic ideas. Discuss. [2018, 15 Marks]
Q. Though some of the ideas of Buddhism may have had their origin in Vedic-Upanishadic tradition, but it was an altogether new religion with its own specific principles and institutions. Comment. [2022, 15m]
Spread and Decline of Buddhism:
Q. Explain the social aspects of Buddhism and account for its decline in India. [2004, 60m]
Q. Write what you know of the rise and spread of Buddhism before the first century A.D. [2007, 60m]
Legacy of Buddhism:
Q. Buddha’s teachings to a large extent could be helpful in understanding and resolving the problems of today’s society. Analyse critically. [2014, 15m]
Jainism:
Q. Write a short essay on: “Essence of early Jainism” [1995, 20m]
Q. Assess the importance of Jain tenets and their relevance to humanity. [2011, 30m]
Mauryan Empire
1. Sources:
Megasthenes Indica:
Q. Determine the veracity of Megasthenes’ descriptions of Indian society and economy with the help of other contemporary evidences. [1994, 60m]
Ashokan Inscriptions:
Q. Write a short essay on: “Inscriptions of Ashoka” [1995, 20m]
Q. Examine sources of information for Mauryan dynasty. Throw light on the historical significance of Ashoka’s inscriptions. [1999, 60m]
Critical Comparison:
Q. Critically examine the sources for the study of Mauryan dynasty. How are they useful in understanding the Mauryan administration? [1980, 60m]
Q. Discuss critically the relative importance of the different source for the history of the Mauryan period. [1986, 60m]
Q. Discuss the comparative merit of the Arthasastra, the Indica and Ashokan Inscriptions as sources for the administration, socio-economic conditions and religious life in the Mauryan period. [1989, 60m]
2. Features:
Extent of Mauryan Empire:
Q. Examine the importance of Ashoka’s Rock Edit XIII for determining the extent of the Maurya Empire. Did Ashoka’s policies and reforms contribute to the fall of the empire? [1993, 60m] (first half)
Q. Determine the extent of the Mauryan empire. [2005, 60m]
Nature of State:
Q. Examine the nature of the Mauryan State. Bring out the features of their administrative system. [2002, 60m]
Q. Do you agree with the popular view that Mauryas established a unitary and highly centralized if not monolithic state system? [2018, 20 Marks]
Q. How would you characterize the nature of Mauryan state on the basis of Kautilya’s Arthashastra? [2021, 15 Marks]
Mauryan Administration:
Q. Examine the administrative system of the Mauryas and discuss briefly the causes of disintegration of the Mauryan Empire. [1984, 60m] (first half)
Q. Write a short essay on: “Mauryan municipal administration.” [1996, 20m]
Q. Write a short essay on: “The Maurya policy of regulating and controlling economic activities.” [1990, 20m]
Q. Examine the role of adhyaksha in the Mauryan administration. [2012, 30m]
Ashoka’s Dhamma:
Q. Bring out the elements of change and continuity in the domestic and foreign policies of Ashoka. [1981, 60m] (first half)
Q. Analyze Ashoka’s policy of Dhamma and account for its failure. [1983, 60m]
Q. Write a short essay on: “Contents of Asoka’s dhamma and reasons for Asoka’s keenness to propagate dhamma.” [1991, 20m]
Q. How did Ashoka contribute to the moral and administrative welfare of his people? [2000, 60m]
Q. “The concept of Ashoka’s Dhamma as found through his inscriptions had its roots in Vedic—Upanishadic literature.” Discuss. [2017, 15 Marks]
Q. Explain how Ashoka used religion as a tool of political aggrandizement. [2019, 15 Marks]
Q. Ashoka’s dhamma was propagated not just for moral upliftment and social harmony but also for the extensions of the state’s authority. Analyze the statement. [2022, 15m]
Q. Analyze the contours of imperial ideology as exhibited during the Mauryan period. [2023, 15 Marks]
Art and Culture:
Q. Write a short essay on: “Mauryan court art as an alien grafting” [1988, 20m]
Q. Write a brief essay on: “Similarities and differences between the Maurya columns and Achaemenian pillars.” [1993, 20m]
Mauryan Foreign Contact:
Q. Bring out the elements of change and continuity in the domestic and foreign policies of Ashoka. [1981, 60m] (second half)
Q. Delineate the nature and impact of India’s contact with Western Asia and the Mediterranean world during the Mauryan period. [2015, 15m]
3. Decline and Fall of Mauryan Empire:
Ashokan Dhamma:
Q. Discuss the nature of Ashoka’s Dhamma. Was it responsible for the downfall of his empire? [1979, 60m]
Q. Examine the importance of Ashoka’s Rock Edit XIII for determining the extent of the Maurya Empire. Did Ashoka’s policies and reforms contribute to the fall of the empire? [1993, 60m] (second half)
Q. Discuss different interpretations of historians about the nature of Asoka’s ‘Dhamma’. Did his principle of ‘Dhamma-vijaya’ render the Mauryan Empire militaristically weak? [2014, 20m]
Other Factors:
Q. Do you think that the economic factors were alone responsible for the disintegration of the Mauryan Empire? [1982, 20m]
Q. Examine the administrative system of the Mauryas and discuss briefly the causes of disintegration of the Mauryan Empire. [1984, 60m] (second half)
Post-Mauryan Era
1. Historiography of the Post-Mauryan Era:
Q. How justified are we in characterizing the post-Mauryan five centuries as the ‘Dark Period’ of Indian History? Give reasons in support of your answer. [2008, 60m]
Q. The period of Indian History from 3rd century B.C.E. to 5th century C.E. was the period of innovation and interaction. How will you react? [2017, 20 Marks]
2. Regional Polities:
Q. Evaluate the significant political features of the Post Mauryan Northern India. What are the main sources of it? [2020, 15 Marks]
Shunga Policy:
Q. The development of art and architecture during the Sunga period belies the belief that they were anti-Buddhist. Discuss. [2019, 15 Marks]
Kharavela of Kalinga:
Q. Discuss the military activities of Kharavela of Kalinga. Do you think that his reign is significant for military expeditions alone? [1993, 60m]
Kushana Cosmopolitanism and Silk Route:
Q. Write a short essay on “Indian participation in the silk trade through Central Asia.” [1990, 20m]
Q. Examine the significance of the deities depicted on coins of the Kushanas. [2010, 30m]
Q. How does numismatic evidence of the period reflect the political and economic outlook of the Kushanas and the Satavahanas? [2016, 15 Marks]
Q. What was the impact of trans-regional and trans-continental trade in the post-Mauryan period on social and cultural life of India? [2018, 20 Marks]
Q. The flourishing international trade during the Kushana period gave tremendous impetus to the development of art. Discuss. [2019, 15 Marks]
3. Religion and Culture:
Religious Development:
Q. “The centuries between c. 200 B.C. and c. A.D. 300 constitute a landmark in the socio-religious history of India.” Analyses the proposition. [1995, 60m]
Development of Art:
Q. Brief out the salient features of the religious development in the Post-Maurya period. How was contemporary art influenced by it? [1988, 60m]
Q. Analyze the significance of external influences and indigenous development on post Mauryan art. [2021, 20 Marks]
Q. Explain as to how the early Buddhist Stupa art, while using folk motifs and narratives and common cultural symbols, succeeded in transforming these themes for expounding the Buddhist ideals. [2013, 20m]
Shunga-Satavahana Art:
Q. Write a short essay on: “The architectural and artistic features of the great stupa at Sanchi” [1997, 20m]
Sculptural Styles:
Q. Write a short essay on: “Origins, chronology, characteristics and geographical spread of Gandhara art.” [1991, 20m]
Q. Furnish a critical and comparative account of various schools of art in the Post -Mauryan period (c. 200 B.C. – c. 300 A.D.) [1998, 60m]
Q. Review critically the evolution of different schools of art in the Indian subcontinent between the second century BCE and the third century CE and evaluate the socio-religious factors responsible for it. [2014, 20m]
Langauge and Literature:
Q. Write a brief essay on: “Buddhist writing in Sanskrit in the post-Maurya period.” [1993, 20m]
4. History of South India:
Aspects of Sangam Era:
Q. How do recent archaeological findings and Sangam literary texts enlighten us about the early state and society in South India? [2008, 60m]
Q. “Not only does ancient Tamil literature furnish an accurate picture of widely disparate classes; it also describes the social condition of Tamil country as it was.” Discuss. [2015, 10m]
Q. The accurate picture of the complex socio-cultural milieu of Peninsular India is presented in the early Sangam literature. Delineate. [2017, 15 Marks]
Q. Discuss the salient features of cultural traditions of South India as reflected in Sangam Literature. [2020, 20 Marks]
Q. How far the Sangam literature acts as a window into the social and cultural traditions of ancient South India? [2023, 20 Marks]
Indo-Roman Trade:
Q. How was overseas trade organized in South India up to 300 A.D.? Discuss this with special reference to Roman trade and point out its impact on Indian economy. [1984, 60m]
Q. Justify Pliny’s statement the Rome was being drained out of its gold by India during the first century of the Christian era. [2012, 30m]
Q. The discovery of monsoons by Hippalus gave a new direction to Indo-Roman trade during the Satavahana period. Comment. [2019, 15 Marks]
Gupta Era
1. Politico-Administrative Features:
Political Developments:
Rise of Guptas and Samudragupta:
Q. Describe the expansion of the Gupta Empire under Samudragupta with the help of the Allahabad pillar inscription. [1979, 60m]
Q. Describe the expansion of the Gupta Empire under Samudragupta. [2006, 30m]
Q. Write a short essay on: “The significance of the policy of matrimonial alliances for the expansion and consolidation of the Gupta Empire.” [1986, 20m]
Decline of Guptas:
Q. Write a short essay on: “Skandagupta’s war with the Hunas” [1997, 20m]
Q. Write a short essay on: “Factors that led to the rise and fall of the Gupta Empire.” [1996, 20m]
State and Administration:
Q. What are the salient features of the administrative system of the Guptas? [2005, 60m]
Q. Discuss the provincial and district administrative units of the Gupta Empire with the designations and functions of the officers. [2014, 15m]
Feudalism:
Q. Do you agree that the system of land grants from the Gupta Vakataka period was connected with the decentralisation of state in any way? [2019, 20 Marks]
2. Socio-Economic Features:
Sources:
Q. How far do the coins of the Gupta’s provide clues regarding trends in economy, polity, religion and arts? Discuss them in the light of corroborating evidence from archaeology and literature. [1981, 60m]
Q. Examine the information of Fa-Hien about the political, religious, social and economic conditions of India. Make a comparative study of his account with that of Yuan Chawang. [2003, 60m]
Economy:
Q. Discuss the conditions of economic life in the age of the Guptas. [1982, 60m]
Q. Write a short essay on “The economic prosperity in the Gupta period.” [1990, 20m]
Q. Give an account of the use of gold coins by commoners in the Gupta Period. [2009, 30m]
Q. The second urbanization gave rise to the organized corporate activities that reached their zenith during the Gupta period. Discuss. [2017, 20 Marks]
Q. The economic achievements of the Guptas were the culmination of a process which began during the Kushanas. Comment. [2022, 20m]
Society:
Q. Throw light on the condition of common man in the Gupta period. [2007, 60m]
Q. How did the Varnashrama Dharma manifest the increasing social complexities in the Gupta and post Gupta period arising from social and economic developments? [2021, 20 Marks]
Q. Evaluate the status of women in the Gupta period as compared to the pre-Gupta era. [2023, 15 Marks]
2. Religion and Culture
Puranic Religion
Q. In what ways does religion as reflected in the Vedic texts differ from the religion of the Gupta period? [1991, 60m]
Q. Evaluate the contribution of the Puranas in disseminating secular knowledge among the masses in ancient India. [2013, 15m]
Q. Puranas were the innovative genre of literature to popularise and revive Vedic religion. Elaborate with examples. [2020, 15 Marks]
Cultural Features:
Q. Examine the development of religion, literature and fine arts under the Guptas. [1980, 60m]
Q. “The Gupta period stands at the center of Indian history.” Discuss the development of arts and literature in that Gupta period in the light of this statement. [1985, 60m]
Q. Analyses the characteristics features of the Gupta art and compare them with those of the Mauryan art. [1992, 60m]
Q. Highlight the achievements of the Gupta period in the field of literature, science and technology. [1998, 60m]
Q. Discuss the experimentations with art and architecture during the Gupta-Vakataka period. [2018, 15 Marks]
Language and Literature:
Q. ‘Sanskrit literature of classical Gupta Age set standards for the early medieval India’. Evaluate the statement with representative examples. [2020, 15 Marks]
Post-Gupta Era (c 550-750 CE)
1. Post-Gupta North India:
Maukharis and Harshavardhana:
Q. Write a short essay on “The Maukharis paving the way for the glory of Harshavardhana” [1988, 20m]
Q. Who were the Maukharis? Discuss their political relations with the Later Guptas of Magadha. [2000, 60m]
Q. Harsha is described as ‘the lord of the whole of north India’. Determine the extent of his empire and discuss his political relations with Sasanka, Bhaskaravarman and Pulakesin II. [1985, 60m]
Historiography of Harsha:
Q. Critically examine the sources of information for the study of Harshavardhan and discuss his religious policy. [1984, 60m]
Q. “Harsha owes his greatness largely not to any real achievements but to formulate descriptions by two famous men.” Discuss. [1987, 60m]
Q. Discuss critically the role Harsha played in the history of his times. [1989, 60m]
Q. “Of all the events that had a singular being on the history of India, Harsha’s death in 647 A.D. is significant.” Why? Explain. [1996, 60m]
Q. “Harshvardhan was himself great, but he has been made greater by Ban and Yuan Chiang.” Critically examine the statement. [1999, 60m]
2. Post-Gupta Peninsular India:
Peninsular India v/s North India:
Q. In what ways would the period of the Pallavas of the Kanchi and that of the Chalukyas of Badami mark the beginning of a new historical phase in peninsular India? [1991, 60m]
Q. How far is it true to say that the strength and vigour of Indian history during c. A.D. 500-750 lay in the south of the Vindhyas? [1995, 60m]
Q. Analyse the vibrant cultural activities in peninsular India during 550-750 CE. Compare and contrast it with the situation in contemporary North India. [2012, 30m]
Chalukyas: Administration and Art
Q. Trace the origin and development of the political authority of the Chalukyas of Badami and discuss their contribution to religion and architecture. [1982, 60m] (first half)
Pallavas: Administration and Art
Q. Discuss critically the main aspects of polity and society under the Pallavas. [1981, 60m]
Q. Who were the Pallavas? Review briefly their contribution to art and administration [1983, 60m]
Q. Evaluate the importance of the contributions of the Pallavas in the history of the development of art and administration in South India. [1988, 60m]
Q. Assess the achievements of the Pallavas in administration and art. [1997, 60m]
Chalukya-Pallava Comparison
Q. Make a comparative study of the administrative system and development of art under the Pallavas of Kanchi and the Chalukyas of Vatapi. [1990, 60m]
Chalukya-Pallava Struggle:
Q. Trace briefly the history of the struggle between the Chalukyas and the Pailavas. Analyze its causes and bring out its importance. [1985, 60m]
Q. Give an account of the struggle for supremacy in South India between the Chalukyas of Badami and the Pallavas. [2000, 60m]
Q. Give an account of the rise of the Chalukyas of Vatapi and their struggle with other rulers. Write a note on their patronage of arts. [2004, 60m]
Themes in Early Indian History
1. Long-term Trends in Ancient Indian Economy:
Land:
Q. Discuss the types of lands and the science of agriculture mentioned in the literature and epigraphs of ancient India. [2011, 20m]
Q. Evaluate the ownership of land in ancient India on the basis of literary and epigraphic sources. [2013, 15m]
Q. Critically evaluate the theory and practise of land revenue system in ancient India. [2016, 20 Marks]
Guilds/Trade:
Q. Write a short essay on: “The role of guilds in the economic life of India from c. 200 B.C. to c. A.D. 300.” [1986, 20m]
Q. Examine the role of guilds in the economic life of ancient India. [1982, 20m]
Q. Trace the role of guilds and trade organizations in the development of early Indian economy. [2015, 15m]
Q. On the basis of contemporary sources assess the nature of banking and usury in ancient India. [2013, 15m]
Urbanization:
Q. Trace the development of urbanization from the third millennium B.C.E. to 6th century B.C.E. [2011, 60m]
2. Long-term Trends in Ancient Indian Society:
Condition of Women:
Q. Assess the status of women in India from c. 4th century BC to c. 6th century AD. [2005, 60m]
Q. What light do early inscriptions and literature throw on the status of women in politico socio-economic spheres? [2010, 60m]
Q. Social norms for women in the Dharmasastra and Arthasastra tradition were framed in accordance with the Varnashrama tradition. Evaluate critically. [2013, 20m]
Varna System:
Q. “The Varna concept may always have been largely a theoretical model and never an actual description of society.” Comment in the context of Ancient India. [2013, 15m]
Q. “The copious references to the preservation of Varnashrama system by the kings eulogized in inscriptions are mere reflection of the Smriti tradition.” Discuss. [2016, 15 Marks]
3. Education, Science and Technology in Ancient India:
Science and Technology:
Q. How far is it correct to say that the Indians of the ancient period indulged only metaphysical things and not in the development of pure sciences? [1982, 20m]
Q. Discuss the scientific and technological developments in ancient India. [1991, 60m]
Q. Trace the scientific and technological developments in India up to c. A.D. 750. [1994, 60m]
Q. Examine the proficiency of the ancient Indians in various crafts, science and mathematics. [2002, 60m]
Education:
Q. Write a short essay on: “Nalanda Mahavihara” [1997, 20m]
Q. Assess the educational system in early India and identify important educational institutions of the period. [2012, 30m]
4. Long-term Trends in Ancient Indian Art and Culture:
Q. Discuss the major stages in the evolution of architecture during the ancient period. [2006, 60m]
Q. “The changes in the field of art from the Kushana period to early medieval period are mere reflection of changing outlook.” Comment. [2016, 20 Marks]
5. SE Asia – Cultural Impact
Q. Discuss the ancient Indian contacts with South-East Asia with reference to causes, chronology and original home of the migrants. What was the impact of these contacts on the art of Kambuja and Java? [1980, 60m]
Q. Discuss the cultural impact of India of the South-East Asia during the ancient period. [1982, 60m]
Q. How did Indian culture spread in the South-east Asiatic countries during the Gupta Age? [1997, 60m]
Q. Assess the contribution of the Cholas in the expansion of Indian culture outside India. [2011, 30m]