2012

HISTORY – GENERAL

First Paper

Full Marks – 100

Candidates are required to give their answers in their own words as far as practicable

[Other than 1+1+1 – 09 – B.A General Candidates]

The figures in the margin indicate full marks

Group – A

1.  Answer the following questions given below : [2x10]

(a)  What are the archaeological sources of ancient India?

(b)  Which metals were used by the people of Indus Valley Civilization?

(c)  Who were the ‘Dharma Mahamatras’?

(d)  Who was the greatest ruler of the Kushanas?

(e)  What is the significance of the Allahabad Prasasti?

(f)  Who was Raziya? Why was she killed?

(g)  Name the Delhi Sultan who led the first expedition to the Deccan?

(h)  Name two important saints of the Sufi Movement.

(i)  Who was the founder of the Bahmani kingdom in the Deccan?

(j)  What do you mean by ‘Kabuliyat’ and ‘Patta’?

Group – B

2.  Answer any four questions : [5x4]

(a)  Write a note on Harappan town planning.

(b)  Discuss the concept of Varna in the Vedic Period.

(c)  Write the impact of Kalinga War on Asoka’s life.

(d)  Analyse the difference in Samudra Gupta’s imperial policy between North and South India.

(e)  Write a note on the local self-government of the Cholas.

(f)  Can Iltutmish be called the real founder of the Delhi Sultanate?

(g)  What was the position of women in the social life of ancient and early medieval India?

(h)  What was the significance of the battles of Khanua and Ghagra?

Group – C

Answer any three questions [20x3]

3.  Assess the importance of literary sources in reconstructing the history of ancient India.

4.  What were the causes of the rise of Magadhan imperialism in the 6th Century B.C.

5.  Discuss the tripartite struggle among the Palas, the Rashtrakutas and the Gurjara-Pratiharas in North India in early medieval age.

6.  Give an account of the trade in ancient India from 200 B.C to 320 A.D.

7.  Give an account of the scientific development in ancient and early medieval India.

8.  Discuss the evolution of the Iqta System during the Sultanate Period.

9.  Discuss the social, political and cultural achievements of the rule of Iliyas Shahi dynasty in the history of Bengal.

10.  Describe the Mughal-Afghan contest for supremacy in North India between 1526 and 1556.