1. The Chola rulers were not only mighty conquerors, effi cient administrators but also builders of fi ne temples.” Comment. [2021, 15 marks]
2. “Doubtless it was not a free state; it was any rate a state” (K A N Sastri). Reflect upon the nature of local self-government institutions in the Chola country. [2018, 15 Marks]
3. How could the local self-government under the Cholas adjust with their centralized administration structure? [2015, 10m]
4. 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]
5. “The inferior cavalry of the Rajputs was not the only cause of their defeat at the hands of Turko- Afghans and Mughal.” Comment. [2001, 60m]
6. Did the triangular conflict between the Rashtrakutas, Gujara Pratiharas and Palas create a political vacuum in northern India which facilitated the invasions of Mahmud of Ghazni? [2001, 60m]
7. Give an account of the struggle for supremacy in South India between the Chalukyas of Badami and the Pallavas. [2000, 60m]
1. Describe the evolution and development of regional temple architecture of South India with special reference to Pallavas. [2020, 20 Marks]
2. Trace the origin and development of temple architecture in India with reference to regional styles and variations. [2017, 20 Marks]
3. How did the temples of South India, as fi nancial institutions, have deep impact on the social institutions of early medieval period? Critically examine. [2016, 15 Marks]
4. Kailasa Temple built at Ellora marks the culmination of rock-cut architecture in India. Elucidate. [2015, 15m]
5. 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]
6. Assess Ellora as a unique art centre of the different cultural streams. [2011, 20m]
7. Bring out the regional variations in the early South Indian Temple’s architectural styles. [2009, 60m]
1. Discuss the relationship between emergence of literature in vernacular language and formation of regional identities in early medieval India.[2021,15 marks]
2. Trace and identify the changing pattern of Tantrism in Ancient India with examples. [2020, 15 Marks]
3. Assess the educational system in early India and identify important educational institutions of the period. [2012, 30m]
1. “Utpanna dravide bhaktih, Karnatevriddhimagata I Sthita kinchit maharashtre gurjare jirnatamgata II”Padmapurana. Account for the emergence of bhakti in Dravidadesa. [2018, 15 Marks]
1. Discuss the major stages in the evolution of architecture during the ancient period. [2006, 60m]
1. 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 work) facilitate expansion in this period? [2021,15 m
2. Examine the profi ciency of the ancient Indians in various crafts, science and mathematics. [2002, 60m]
