WBCS Optional Question Paper on History [Paper I] - 2012

Answer any three questions. 1. 'The nineteenth century in India is a period of social and cultural renaissance ? Discuss. 2. Was there a popular upsurge in India after the Second World War ? What was its impact on the transfer of power ? 3. Assess the importance of literary sources for reconstructing the history of ancient India. 4. Account for the decline and downfall of the Gupta Empire. 5. Analyse the historical back ground and principal features of the Bhakti movement. 6. How did the Rajput policy of the Mughal Emperors evolve till the end of Aurangzeb's reign ?