History Optional Paper 2014
SECTION-A

Q1. Identify the following places marked on the map supplied to you and writea short note of about 30 words on each of them in your Question-cum” Booklet. Locational hints for each of the places marked on the map are given below seriatim. 2.5 x 20 =50 marks

An ancient capital
A Palaeolithic site
A cultural centre
An Ancient capital.
A Palaeolithic site
A historical site
A Harappan site
An ancient capital
A political and cultural centre
Megalithic site
A Mesolithic site
A Chalcolithic site
A prehistonc site
A political and cultural centre
An ancient capital
A lost port
Rock-cave art centre
An ancient capital
A political and cultural center
An ancient town

<img src='./qimages/725-1.jpg'>
Q2.Answer the following:

“While using the accounts of foreign writers, historians must distinguish between statements based on hearsay and those grounded in perceptive observations.” Elaborate with examples.15 marks
“The Upanishadic principles embody the epitome of the Vedic thought.” Discuss.15 marks
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. 20

Q3.Answer the following:

In what ways can the Megalithic culture be considered a foundational phase of the history of peninsular India?15 marks
Do you think the Harappan civilization had a diversity of subsistence base?15 marks
Discuss different interpretations of historians about the nature of Asoka’s ‘Dhamma’. Did his principle of `Dhamma-vijaya’ render the Mauryan Empire militaristically weak?20 marks

Q4.Answer the following:

Buddha’s teachings to a large extent could be helpful in understanding and resolving the problems of today’s society. Analyse critically.15 marks
Discuss the provincial and district administrative units of the Gupta Empire with the designations and functions of the officers.15 marks
What were the privileges granted to the donees in land-grant charters of early India? How far were these charters responsible for integration or disintegration socio-political milieu?20 marks

History Optional Paper SECTION-B

Q5.Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:

Critically analyse the agricultural economy from 750 to 1200 CE.
Evaluate the contribution of Vaishnava saints to the growth of medieval Bhakti literature.
Analyse the ordinances mentioned by Barani which Alauddin Khalji promulgated for market control.
Give a brief account of resistance offered by Ahom State against the Mughal rule.
How was cartaz system used by the Portuguese to maintain their control over the oceanic trade?

Q6.Answer the following:

Evaluating various theories regarding the Chola State, throw light on its village assemblies.15 marks
Trace the technological and stylistic development in the architecture of the Sultanate period.15 marks
Analyse the Mughal monetary system and examine their policy of minting of coins.20 marks

Q7.Answer the following:

Evaluate the ‘Kitab al-Hind’ of Alberuni as a source of history of India.15 marks
Evaluating the theory of kingship of the Sultanate, discuss the deviations seen in the reigns of different Sultans.20 marks
`The Battle of Plassey that decided the fate of Bengal was won by Clive through intrigues.” Explain.15 marks

Q8.Answer the following:

To what extent is ‘Segmentary State’ model relevant for defining the Vijayanagar State? Critically examine.20 marks
How was lqta system of the Sultans different from the Jagir system under the Mughals?15 marks
“India had been for hundreds of years the Lancashire of the Eastern world.” Critically examine this view.15 marks