History Optional : PYQs

Expansions of Aryans in India

1. Evaluate various views regarding human settlements as gleaned from the Vedic sources. [2013, 15m]

Vedic Period: Religious and philosophic literature

1. Do you consider that the Upanishadic principles embody the high point of Vedic religious thought? Comment. [2021,15 marks]

2. Puranas were the innovative genre of literature to popularize and revive Vedic religion. Elaborate with examples. [2020, 15 marks]

3. Throw light on the nature of religion and classification of gods mentioned in the Rigveda. [2020, 20 marks]

4. “The Upanishadic principles embody the epitome of the Vedic thought.” Discuss. [2014, 15m]

5. Evaluate the conceptual basis of the Vedic deities. [2011, 30m]

6. Evaluate the various approaches to the understanding of Vedic religion. [2009, 30m]

Transformation from Rig Vedic period to the later Vedic period Evolution of Monarchy and Varna system

1. Examine how the transformation of the Varna system from the Rigvedic to the Later- Vedic period affected the position of women. [2019, 15 Marks]

2. In what way was the egalitarian character of the early Vedic society changed during the later Vedic period? [2016, 15 Marks]

3. “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]

4. Describe the social life of the later Vedic people. How was it different from the Rig Vedic life? [2004, 60m]

Political, social and economic life

1. “Archaeology knows of no Aryans; only literature knows of Aryans.” Examine critically. [2015, 10m]

2. Examine the view that sacrifice was a ritual and a form of social exchange in Vedic India. [2010, 30m]

Formation of States (Mahajanapada) : Republics and monarchies

1. Give an account of gana-sanghas (non-monarchical state systems)? Why did they decline? [2018, 15 Marks]

2. Examine the relationship among economic growth, urbanization and State formation from c. 7th century to 3rd century BCE. [2016, 15 Marks]

3. Give an account of the republics in the pre-Maurya period. Discuss the factors which contributed to their decline. [1992, 60m]

Rise of urban centres ,Trade routes, Economic growth and Introduction of coinage

1. Discuss the factor that played an important role in the process of urbanization after the Later- Vedic period. [2020, 15 marks]

2. Trace the role of guilds and trade organizations in the development of early Indian economy. [2015, 15m]

3. Evaluate the introduction of iron technology in the development of human history of ancient India. [2011, 20m]

4. Assess the role of guilds and trade organizations in the development of early Indian economy. [2010, 30m]

Spread of Jainism and Buddhism

1. “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. [2021,20 marks]

2. The concept of Shramanic religions, with particular reference to Buddhism, had their roots in Upanisadic ideas. Discuss. [2018, 15 Marks]

3. Buddhism and Jainism were social movements under the umbrella of religion. Comment. [2017, 15 Marks]

4. How far is it correct to say that changes in the post-Vedic economy gave birth to new religious movements in India? [2015, 15m]

5. Buddha’s teachings to a large extent could be helpful in understanding and resolving the problems of today’s society. Analyse critically. [2014, 15m]

6. Assess the importance of Jain tenets and their relevance to humanity. [2011, 30m]

7. Write what you know of the rise and spread of Buddhism before the first century A.D. [2007, 60m]

8. “The Sixth century B.C. was a period of religious and economic unrest in India.” Comment. [2003, 60m]

Rise of Magadha and Nandas

1. Analyse the causes of the success of the Magadhan imperialism upto the reign of Ashoka the Great. [2001, 60m]

Iranian and Macedonian invasions and their impact

1. A number of scholars considered as ‘ The Great’ , although long term impacts of Alexander’s invasion on India needs to be re-evaluated. Comment. [2020, 15 marks]