2018
HISTORY PAPER - I
Time Allowed - 3 Hours Full Marks : 200
If the questions attempted are in excess of the prescribed number, only the questions attempted first up to the prescribed number shall be valued and the remaining ones ignored.
Answers may be given either in English or in Bengali or in Nepali but all answer must be in one and the same language
GROUP-A
1. Answer any three Questions :- 10x3
a) How valuable are literary sources for reconstruction of ancient Indian history ?
b) Discuss the various theories regarding the decline of Harappan civilization .
c) To what extent was later Vedic society different from the early vedic one ?
d) Would you consider the Gupta period a 'Golden Age' ?
2. Answer any two Questions :- 20x2
a) Discuss the administrative system of the Mauryan empire.
b) Discuss the position of women in the Gupta empire.
c) Discuss the system of local self-government under the Cholas.
d) Discuss the significance of Arab conquest of Sind.
3. Write an essay on any one of the following :- 30
a) The debate on Indian Feudalism.
b) The development of art and literature under the Palas and Senas.
c) Discuss the accounts of India presented in the writings of foreign travellers such as Huen Tsang, Fa Hien, Alberuni etc.
GROUP-B
4. Answer any three Questions :- 10x3
a) Discuss Balban's theory of kingship.
b) Discuss the impact of the Sufi Movement on Indian society and culture.
c) Examine the salient features of Akbar's religious policy.
d) Write a notes on Mughal paintings.
5. Answer any two Questions :- 20x2
a) Discuss the reforms of Firuz Tughlaq. How far was he responsible for the decline of the Delhi Sultanate ?
b) How would you explain the origin of the Bhakti Movement in medieval India ?
c) Discuss the major features of the Mansabdari system of Akbar. What changes were introduced in the system under Akbar's successors ?
6. Write an essay on any one of the following :- 30
a) The debate on the decline and disintegration of the Mughal empire.
b) Economy and society in the Vijaynagar empire with reference to the accounts of foreign travellers.
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