History Optional : PYQs

Foundation of the Mauryan Empire, Chandragupta

1. Determine the extent of the Mauryan Empire. [2005, 60m]

Kautilya and Arthashastra, Indica

1. How would you characterize the nature of the Mauryan State on the basis of Kautilya’s Arthashastra? [2021,20 marks]

2. Social norms for women in the Dharmasastra and Arthasastra tradition were framed in accordance with the Varnashrama tradition. Evaluate critically. [2013, 20m]

Ashoka; Concept of Dharma; Religion; Spread of religion

1. Explain how Ashoka used religion as a tool of political aggrandizement. [2019, 15 Marks]

2. “The concept of Ashoka’sDhamma as found through his inscriptions had its roots in Vedic—Upanishadic literature.” Discuss. [2017, 15 Marks]

3. 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]

Polity, Administration

1. Do you agree with the popular view that Mauryas established a unitary and highly centralized if not monolithic state system? [2018, 20 Marks]

2. Examine the role of adhyaksha in the Mauryan administration. [2012, 30m]

3. Examine the nature of the Mauryan State. Bring out the features of their administrative system. [2002, 60m]

4. How did Ashoka contribute to the moral and administrative welfare of his people? [2000, 60m]

External contacts

1. Delineate the nature and impact of India’s contact with Western Asia and the Mediterranean world during the Mauryan period. [2015, 15m]

Sungas and Kanvas

1. The development of art and architecture during the Sunga period belies the belief that they were anti- Buddhist. Discuss. [2019, 15 Marks]

Polity

1. Evaluate the signifi cant political features of the Post Mauryan Northern India. What are the main sources of it? [2020, 15 marks]

2. 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

3. How justifi ed are we in characterizing the post-Mauryan fi ve centuries as the ‘Dark Period’ of Indian History? Give reasons in support of your answer. [2008, 60m]

Contact with outside world; growth of urban centres, economy, coinage

1. 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]

Development of religions, Mahayana, social conditions, art, architecture, culture, literature and science

1. Analyse the signifi cance of external influence and indigenous development on Post - Mauryan art. [2021,15 marks]

2. The flourishing international trade during the Kushana period gave tremendous impetus to the development of art. Discuss. [2019, 15 Marks]

3. “The changes in the fi eld of art from the Kushana period to early medieval period are mere reflection of changing outlook.” Comment. [2016, 20 Marks]

4. 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]

5. 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]

6. Examine the significance of the deities depicted on coins of the Kushanas. [2010, 30m]