W.B.C.S. EXAMINATION - 2014
Optional Paper
HISTORY PAPER — I
Time Allowed —3 Hours Full Marks-200
Group-A
Answer any three questions
1. Answer any three questions (word limit: 200-250 words) : 10 x 3
(a) Explain the terms— Iron Age and Megalithic Culture.
(b) Write a brief note on the extent of the Indus Civilization.
(c) Write a note on the Sabha and the Samiti.
(d) Write a short note on the extent of the Gupta Empire.
(e) What do you know about the various types of land-grants in ancient India.
(f) Write a short note on the Vedanta Philosophies.
2. Answer any two questions (word limit: 700-800 words): 20 x 2
(a) "All historical interpretations are ultimately based on evidence derived from the sources of history, conventionally divided into two categories—literary and archaeological" (Upender Singh). Explain.
(b) What are the general explanations regarding the transformations in vedic society ?
(c) What light do the Buddhist texts throw on the social condition of India around 6th century B.C.E. ?
(d) How have the historians assessed and explained the changes in society following the decline of the Gupta Empire.
3. Write an essay on any one of the following (word limit: 1500 words) : 40
(a) The stages of evolution of the state till the foundation of the Mauryan Empire.
(b) The Urban Society and trade guilds of South India in the Sangam age.
(c) Bengal under Hussian shahi rule.
Group-B
4. Answer any three questions (Word limit 200-250) 10 x 3
(a) Determine the significance of Mahmud of Ghazni's invasion.
(b) Assess the contributions of Minhaj-i-siraj Juzjani's as a historian.
(c) What do you know about the iqta system of the Delhi Sultanate.
(d) What were the essential features of Akbar's religious policy ?
(e) What were he consequences of the invasion of Mongols on the policies of Delhi Sultanate.
(f) Write a short Note on the Jagirdari system of Mughal period.
5. Answer any one questions (word limit: 700-800 words): 20
(a) Briefly discuss the Nature and Structure of the administration of Vijoynagar empire.
(b) Examine the features of Central Asian and Persian styles in Mughal architecture.
(c) Give a critical account of Maratha administration under Shivaji.
6. Write an essay on any one of the following (word limit: 1500 words) : 40
(a) The growth of British power in the eighteenth century.
(b) The crisis in the Mughal economy in eighteenth century.
(c) The main trends of reformist religious movement in India since the 15th Century.
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