IAS Mains History 2005
Paper II
Section-A

Comment on any three of the following statements in about 200 words each: 20 × 3 60

‘Upon the whole, then, I conclude that the treaty of Bassein was wise, just and a politic measure.’

‘Whatever might have been its original character, it (Rebellion of 1857) soon became a symbol of challenge to the mighty British power in India’

‘The impact of government on the people meant essentially the impact of government on the village.’

‘The national democratic awakening of the Indian people found expression also in the religious sphere.’

Examine the essential principles of the Subsidiary Alliance system. How far did it contribute in making the British Company the supreme sovereign authority in India? 60

Trace the development of the famine policy of the British in India 1876 and 1921. Did it provide relief to the people? 60

Analyse the factors responsible for the Civil Disobedience movement (1930 31). How far were its aims realised in the Government of India Act of 1935? 60

Section B

Comment on any three of the following statements in about 200 words each: 20 × 3 60

‘Though reform was inevitable, the Act (1832) by which it was accomplished was open to grave criticism.’

‘The writings of the philosophers had a tremendous influence on the minds of the people and created a revolutionary awakening in their minds and formed the intellectual creed of the French Revolution.’

‘They have stopped me from making Italy by diplomacy from the North, I will make it by revolution from the South.’

‘The Russian Revolution (1917) was an economic explosion hastened by the stupidities of the autocratic Government’

What were the factors that worked in the drafting of the American Constitution? Do you agree with Beard's view of the constitution being an Economic Document? 60

Discuss the circumstances leading to the Chinese Revolution of 1949 and analyse its significance. 60

Critically examine the various dimensions and phases of the cold war between 1947 and 1962.60