FEB

Analysis of History optional syllabus, topic wise questions (updated

upto 2014 mains)
Ancient India : History for Main Examination
PAPER - I
1. Sources:
Archaeological sources:
Assess the pattern of settlement, economy, social organization and religion of India during C2000 to
500 BC from archaeological evidences. (60) (2003)
Evaluate various views regarding human settlements is gleaned from the Vedic sources
(15)(2013)
Exploration, excavation, epigraphy, numismatics, monuments
“Reconstruction of Early Indian history is hardly possible without the help of inscriptions and coins.”
Discuss (60) (2007)
Literary sources:
Indigenous: Primary and secondary; poetry, scientific literature,
literature,
Discuss the types of lands and science of agriculture mentioned in the literature and epigraphs of
ancient India. (20) (2011)
literature in regional languages, religious literature.
Foreign accounts: Greek, Chinese and Arab writers.
In what ways are the accounts of the Greeco Romans and the Chinese helpful in
reconstructing the social history of India ? How far is their information corroborated by other
Contemporary sources. (60) (2009)
“While using the accounts of foreign writers, historians must distinguish between statements based on
hearsay and those grounded in perceptive observations.” Elaborate with examples. (15) (2014)

2. Pre-history and Proto-history:

Geographical factors; hunting and gathering (paleolithic and mesolithic);
Beginning of agriculture (neolithic and chalcolithic).
In the absence of a written script, Chalcolithic pottery gives us a fascinating insight into
the culture and lifestyle of the people of those times. Comment critically (15)(2013)

To what extent archaeological materials are useful in understanding the progress of Neolithic man
in India?(30)(2010)

3. Indus Valley Civilization:

Origin, date, extent, characteristics, decline, survival and significance, art and architecture.
Analyze the elements of urban civilization in the Harappan Culture. What factors were responsible
for its decline? (60) (2002)
Evaluate the significance of seals and sealings in the reconstruction of socio-economic and
religious life of the Harappan people. (30) (2012)
Discuss the water management and its conservation planning in the harappan (Indus-
Saraswati) cities (20)(2013)
Do you think the Harappan civilization had a diversity of subsistence base?(15)(2014)
4. Megalithic Cultures:
Distribution of pastoral and farming cultures outside the Indus,
Discuss the distribution and significance of farming cultures outside the Indus system (60)(2008)
Development of community life, Settlements,
Discuss the extent, settlement patterns and subsistence economy of the megalithic cultures. (30)(2012)
In what ways can the Megalithic culture be considered a foundational phase of the history of
peninsular India?(15)(2014)
Development of agriculture, Crafts, Pottery, and
Iron industry.
Evaluate the introduction of iron technology in the development of human history of ancient India. (20)
(2011)
5. Aryans and Vedic Period:
Expansions of Aryans in India.
Vedic Period: Religious and philosophic literature;
Evaluate the various approaches to the understanding of vedic religion. (30)(2009)
Evaluate the conceptual basis of the Vedic deities. (30) (2011)
“The Upanishadic principles embody the epitome of the Vedic thought.” Discuss. (15)(2014)
Transformation from Rig Vedic period to the later Vedic period; Political, social and economical life;
Describe the social life of the later Vedic people. How was it different from the Rig-Vedic life? (60)
(2004)
Significance of the Vedic Age;
Examine the view that sacrifice was a ritual and a form of Social exchange in Vedic India.(30)(2010)
Evolution of Monarchy and Varna system.
The verna concept may always have been largely a theoretical model and never an actual description
of society. Comment in context of ancient India (15)(2013)
6. Period of Mahajanapadas:
Formation of States (Mahajanapada) : Republics and monarchies;
Rise of urban centres;
Trace the development of urbanization from the third millennium B.C.E. to 6th century B.C.E. (60)
(2011)
Trade routes;
Economic growth; Introduction of coinage;
“The Sixth century B.C. was a period of religious and economic unrest in India”. Comment. (60)
(2003)
Spread of Jainism and Buddhism;
Write what you know of the rise and spread of Buddhism before the first century A.D. (60) (2007)
Buddha’s teachings to a large extent could be helpful in understanding and resolving the problems of
today’s society. Analyse critically. (15) (2014)
Rise of Magadha and Nandas.
Analyse the causes of the success of the Magadhan imperialism upto the reign of Ashoka the Great.
(60) (2001)
Iranian and Macedonian invasions and their impact.
7. Mauryan Empire:
Foundation of the Mauryan Empire, Chandragupta,
Kautilya and Arthashastra;
Examine the role of adhyaksha in the Mauryan administration. (30)(2012)
Ashoka; Concept of Dharma; Edicts;
Discuss different interpretations of historians about the nature of Asoka’s ‘Dhamma’. Did his
principle of `Dhamma-vijaya’ render the Mauryan Empire militaristically weak? (20) (2014)

Polity, Administration;
Determine the extent of the Mauryan Empire. (60) (2005)
 Examine the nature of the Mauryan State. Bring out the features of their administrative system. (60)
(2002)
Economy; Art, Architecture and sculpture; External contacts;
Religion; Spread of religion; Literature.
Explain the social aspects of Buddhism and account for its decline in India. (60) (2004)
Disintegration of the empire; Sungas and Kanvas.
8. Post - Mauryan Period (Indo-Greeks, Sakas, Kushanas, Western Kshatrapas):
Contact with outside world; growth of urban centres,
economy,
Justify Pliny's statement the Rome was being drained out of its gold by India during the first century of the
Christian era. (30) (2012)
coinage,
Examine the significance of the Deities depicted on coins of the Kushanas. (30) (2010)
development of religions, Mahayana,
social conditions, art, architecture, culture, literature and science.
How justified are we in characterizing the post Mauryan five centuries as the “Dark – Period” of Indian
History? Give reasons in support of your answers. (60) (2008)
Explain as to how the early Buddhist stupa art, while using motifs and narratives
and common cultural symbols, succeeded in transforming these themes for expounding
Buddhist ideas (20)(2013)
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. (20) (2014)
9. Early State and Society in Eastern India, Deccan and South India:
Kharavela, The Satavahanas,
Tamil States of the Sangam Age; Administration, economy, land grants, coinage,
trade guilds and urban centres;
Assess the role of guilds and trade organizations in the development of early Indian
economy.(30)(2010)
Buddhist centres; Sangam literature and culture; Art and architecture.
How do recent Archaeological findings and Sangam literary texts, enlightened us about the early state and
society in South India. (60) (2008)
10. Guptas, Vakatakas and Vardhanas:
Polity and administration,
Describe the expansion of the Gupta empire under Samudragupta (60) (2006)
What are the salient features of the administrative system of the Guptas? (60) (2005)
Discuss the provincial and district administrative units of the Gupta Empire with the designations and
functions of the officers.(15)(2014)
Economic conditions,
On the basis of contemporary sources, assess the nature of banking and usuary in
ancient India (15)(2013)
Coinage of the Guptas,
Give an account of the use of gold coins by commoners in the Gupta Period. (30)(2009)
Land grants, Decline of urban centres,
Evaluate the ownership of land in ancient India on the basis of literary and epigraphic sources
(15)(2013)
What were the privileges granted to the donees in land-grant charters of early India? How far were
these charters responsible for integration or disintegration socio-political milieu? (20)(2014)
Indian feudalism, Caste system,
Throw light on the condition of common man in the Gupta period (60) (2007)
Assess the status of women in India from c.4th century BC to AD 6th century. (60) (2005)
 Position of women,

What light do early inscriptions and literature throw on the status of women in politico-socio-
economic spheres? (60) (2010)
Social norms for women in the Dharmasastra and Arthasashtra tradition where framed in
accordance with the Varnashrama tradition. Evaluate critically (20)(2013)
Education and educational institutions; Nalanda, Vikramshila and Vallabhi,
Examine the information of Fahien about the political, religious, social and economic condition
of India. Make a comparative study of his account with that of Yuan Chwang. (60) (2003)
Assess the educational system in early India and identify important educational institutions of the
period. (30)(2012)
Literature, scientific literature, art and architecture.
Evaluate the contribution of Puranas in disseminating secular knowledge among the masses in
ancient India(15)(2013)
11. Regional States during Gupta Era:
The Kadambas, Pallavas,
Chalukyas of Badami;
Give an account of the rise of the Chalukyas of Vatapi and their struggle with other rulers. write a
note on their patronage of arts. (60) (2004)
Polity and Administration, Trade guilds, Literature; growth of Vaishnava and Saiva religions.
Tamil Bhakti movement, Shankaracharya; Vedanta; Institutions of temple and temple architecture;
Palas, Senas, Rashtrakutas,
Did the triangular conflict between the Rashtrakutas, Gurjara Pratiharas and Palas create a political
vacuum in northern India which facilitated the invasions of Mahmud of Ghazni? (60) (2001)
Paramaras, Polity and administration; Cultural aspects.
Arab conquest of Sind; Alberuni,
The Chalukyas of Kalyana, Cholas, Hoysalas, Pandyas; Polity and Administration; local Government;
Growth of art and architecture, religious sects,
Institution of temple and Mathas, Agraharas, education and literature, economy and society.
Analyse the vibrant cultural activities in peninsular India during 550-750 CE. Compare and
contrast it with the situation in contemporary North India. (30) (2012)
12. Themes in Early Indian Cultural History:
Languages and texts,
major stages in the evolution of art and architecture,
Discuss the major stages in the evolution of architecture during the ancient period. (60)(2006)
Bring out the regional variations in the early South Indian Temple’s architectural styles.(60)(2009)
Assess Ellora as a unique art centre of the different cultural streams. (20) (2011)

major philosophical thinkers and schools, ideas in Science and Mathematics.

Examine the proficiency of the ancient Indians in various crafts, science and mathematics. (60)
(2002)

Paper-I (Medieval India)

13. Early Medieval India, 750-1200:
- Polity: Major political developments in Northern India and the Peninsula, origin and the rise of
Rajputs
- The Cholas: administration,
Show that the administrative system in India reached a very high level during the Chola period (60)
(2007)
The Cholas are said to have established a strong and well orgainsed administration with an element
of self-government at the local level. Do you agree? Give reasons (60) (2004)
 How far can the village assemblies or communities under the Cholas be really called democratic.
(30)(2009)
Evaluating various theories regarding the Chola State, throw light on its village assemblies. (15)
(2014)
village economy and society
Evaluate the role of nadu and nagaram in the growth of urbanisation under the Cholas. (30) (2012)
- “Indian Feudalism”
Applicability of the term ‘Indian Feudalism’ to early Medieval Society. (20)(2009)
The Samanta system (20) (2005)
Evaluate the socio-economic conditions from the Gupta Period to 1200 C.E. as gleaned from the
various types of grants or dana shasana (60) (2011)
What kind of changes were visualised by historians on Indian feudalism? Examine critically. (30) (2012)
- Agrarian economy and urban settlements,
- Critically analyse the agricultural economy from 750 to 1200 CE. (10) (2014)
Trade and commerce
To what extent 'monetary anemia' afflicted the erstwhile commercial economy during the early
medieval period? (30)(2010)
- Society: the status of the Brahman and the new social order,
- Condition of women
- Indian science and technology
14. Cultural Traditions in India, 750-1200:
- Philosophy: Skankaracharya and Vedanta,
The Vedanta of Sankaracharya (20) (2001)
Ramanuja and Vishishtadvaita, Madhva and Brahma-Mimansa
- Religion: Forms and features of religion,
How far do you agree with the view that temples in early medieval period were catalysts in spreading
education? (30)(2010)
Assess the contribution of the Acharyas in the development of the ideological basis of bhakti (12)
(2012)
- Tamil devotional cult,
What are the manifestations of Tamil devotional cults? How do you account for their growth
between c. 750 to c. 1200 AD (60) (2008)
Growth of Bhakti,
Origin of the Bhakti Movement (20) (2002)
Islam and its arrival in India,
Sufism
Sufi Movements (20) (2003)
- Literature: Literature in Sanskrit, growth of Tamil literature, literature in the newly developing
languages,
Kalhan’s Rajtarangini,
Kalhan as a historian (20) (2003)
Assess Kalhana’s views on History. (30)(2009)
Evaluate Rajtarangini as a source of history. (12) (2012)

Alberuni’s India
Alberuni on science in India (20) (2007)
Attempt a critical essay of the Indian Science and Civilisation in the light of Al-beruni’s
writing. What merits and drawbacks, do you find in his account? (60) (2003)
Evaluate the ‘Kitab al-Hind’ of Alberuni as a source of history of India. (15) (2014)

- Art and Architecture: Temple architecture, sculpture, painting

 Assess the contribution of the Cholas in the expansion of Indian culture outside India. (30)
(2011)
15. The Thirteenth Century:
- Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate: The Ghurian invasions – factors behind Ghurian success
- Economic, social and cultural consequences
- Foundation of Delhi Sultanate and early Turkish Sultans
Analyze the steps taken Razia Sultan by to strengthen her position as an independent
ruler despite various obstacles (10)(2013)
- Consolidation: The rule of Iltutmish
Assess the contribution of Iltutmish for the expansion and consolidation of the Delhi Sultanate.
(20) (2011)
and Balban
The ‘Corps of Forty’ and its relations with the Sultans (20) (2004) (2008)
Discuss Balban’s concept of kingship. How was it modified by Alauddin Khalji? (60) (2002)
Evaluating the theory of kingship of the Sultanate, discuss the deviations seen in the reigns of different
Sultans. (20)(2014)
16. The Fourteenth Century:
- “The Khalji Revolution”
The Khilji Revolution (20) (2006)
Analyse the social composition and the role of nobility under the successors of Iltutmish. How did
itaffect the contemporary politics? (30) (2012)
- Alauddin Khalji: Conquests and territorial expansion,
How did the Mongol invasions affect the Delhi Sultanate and the north-western frontier policy of
the Delhi Sultans? (30) (2012)
- agrarian and economic measures
Assess the impact of the market reforms of Alauddin Khilji on contemporary economy and society
(60) (2001)
Examine critically the agrarian and economic reforms of Alauddin Khalji. How did it strengthen the
Sultanate? (20) (2011)
Analyse the ordinances mentioned by Barani which Alauddin Khalji promulgated for market control.
(10) (2014)
- Muhammad Tughluq: Major projects,
The Token Currency System introduced by Muhammad Tughluq (20) (2004)
Experiments of Mohammad Tughluq (20) (2003)
agrarian measures,
Muhammad Tughluq as an agrarian innovator.(20)(2009)
bureaucracy of Muhammad Tughluq
- Firuz Tughluq: Agrarian measures, achievements in civil engineering and public works, decline
of the Sultanate, foreign contacts and
Ibn Battuta’s account
What is your assessment of Ibn Batutah’s Rehla as an important source of Indian history. (20)
(2011)
17. Society, Culture and Economy in the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Centuries:
- Society: composition of rural society, ruling classes,
State the structure of medieval village society in Northern India. What were the passive forms of
resistance of the peasants in the medieval period? (30) (2012)
women, religious classes,
Bhakti movement,
Discuss and evaluate critically various types in the historiography of Bhakti (15)(2013)
caste and slavery under the Sultanate,
town dwellers
 Medieval Indian towns were merely as extension of villages. Comment (12) (2012)
Sufi movement
Sufism in North India (20) (2006)
Evaluate the Malfuzat texts sources of medieval history (10)(2013)
- Culture: Persian literature,
Give a critical assessment of the contributions of Amir Khusarau and Barani to Indo – Persian
Literature. (30)(2009)
Provide a comparative analysis of the development of Arabic and Persian historiography (20)(2010)
Critically evaluate the educational development during Sultanate period (15)(2013)
literature in the regional languages of North India, literature in the languages of South India,
Sultanate architecture and new structural forms,
Trace the technological and stylistic development in the architecture of the Sultanate period. (15)
(2014)
painting, evolution of a composite culture
- Economy: Agricultural production,
Evaluate critically the conditions of labour from 1200 to 1500 CE on the basis of historical sources
(15)(2013)
rise of urban economy and non-agricultural production,
Identify the main factors that sustained the expansion of urban economy in the Delhi Sultanate.
(30)(2009)
Evaluate the condition of industries in India from 1200 to 1500 CE (20)(2013)
Assess the Lekhapaddhati as an important source for evaluating the society and
economy of the 13th century CE with special reference to Gujarat (20)(2013)
trade and commerce
Examine the increasing importance of maritime trade of India during 13-15 centuries. (30)(2010)
18. The Fifteenth and Early Sixteenth Century – Political Developments and Economy:
- Rise of Provincial Dynasties: Bengal, Kashmir (Zainul Abedin), Gujarat, Malwa,
Bahmanis
The Bahamani Kingdom (20) (2005) (2007)
Discuss the state of society and economy of the Bahmani kingdom as gleaned from
historical sources (10)(2013)
- The Vijayanagra Empire,
On the basis of contemporary sources evaluate the system of agriculture and irrigation of
the Vijaynagar kingdom (15)(2013)
To what extent is ‘Segmentary State’ model relevant for defining the Vijayanagar State? Critically
examine. (20)(2014)
Lodis
How was the Afghan nobility responsible for the decline of the Afghan empires? Discuss. (30) (2012)
- Mughal Empire, First phase: Babur and Humayun
Hemu Vikramaditya (20) (2001)
Comment on the Turko-mongol theory of sovereignty. To what extent was it adopted by Babur and
Humayun? (30)(2010)

- The Sur Empire: Sher Shah’s administration

Bring out the main features of the administrative system under Delhi Sultanate during Turko-Afghan
period (60) (2006)
- Portuguese Colonial enterprise
Significance of arrival of Portuguese in India (20) (2008)
How was cartaz system used by the Portuguese to maintain their control over the oceanic trade? (10)
(2014)
- Bhakti and Sufi Movements
 “The tenets of Hindu and Muslim mystics were similar enough that the ground was ripe for syncretic
movements involving adherents of both the religious.” Elucidate. (60) (2007)
“The tenets of Hindu and Muslim mystics were similar enough that the ground was ripe for syncretic
movements involving adherents of both religions”. Elucidate (60) (2005)
Chaitanyadeva and Vaishnavism (20) (2005)
Discuss the growth of the Nirguna School of Bhakti Movement emphasizing the contribution of Kabir
and Nanak to it. (60) (2004)
What impact did Kabir and Nanak leave on Indian Society and Culture? (60) (2003)
Evaluate the impact of the Sufi and Bhakti Movements on vernacular languages and life and thought
of the common people (60) (2001)
Evaluate the contribution of Vaishnava saints to the growth of medieval Bhakti literature. (10)(2014)
19. The Fifteenth and early Sixteenth Century – Society and Culture:
- Regional cultural specificities
Bhakti and Mysticism of Lal Ded emerged as a social force in Kashmir. Comment (10)(2013)
- Literary traditions
Babarnama as a source of history (20) (2002)
- Provincial architecture
- Society, culture, literature and the arts in Vijayanagara Empire.
Discuss the social dynamics in the Vijayanagara Empire (20)(2010)
20. Akbar:
- Conquests and consolidation of the Empire
- Establishment of Jagir and Mansab systems
How was lqta system of the Sultans different from the Jagir system under the Mughals? (15) (2014)
Mansabdari System (20) (2002)
Examine the mansab and jagir system by Akbar and its subsequent failure in the 18th century. (30)
(2011)
- Rajput policy
“Akbar built the Mughal Empire by enlisting the support of the Rajputs, Aurangzeb destroyed it
by alienating the Rajputs.” Discuss critically. (60) (2007) (2003)
Analyse how the political processes of state information of Mewar, from 10th to 15th
century CE was challenged in the 16th century CE by imperialist policy of Akbar. (15)(2013)

- Evolution of religious and social outlook, theory of Sulh-i-kul and religious policy
Religious Tolerance of Akbar (20) (2006)
Was Din-i-Ilahi ‘a monument of Akbar’s folly’? (20) (2004)

Trace the evolution of the religious views of Akbar. Write a note on his policy of Sulh-i-
kul. (60) (2002)

Implications of Akbar’s notion of Sulh-i-kul. (20)(2009)

- Court patronage of art and technology
Give an estimate of Akbar as a promoter of technology. (30)(2009)
Assess the development of science and technology in the Mughal period (15)(2013)
21. Mughal Empire in the Seventeenth Century:
- Major administrative policies of Jahangir, Shahjahan and Aurangzeb
In what ways were Aurangzeb’s Rajput and religious policies different from those of his
predecessors? What were the consequences of the changes made by him? (60) (2004)
- The Empire and the Zamindars
- Religious policies of Jahangir, Shahjahan and Aurangzeb
Dara Shukoh (20) (2006)
- Nature of the Mughal State
 - Late Seventeenth century crisis and the revolts
On the basis of the accounts of Europeans being out agrarian crisis during the 17th
century India(20)(2013)
- The Ahom Kingdom
Ahom Kingdom (20) (2008)
Give a brief account of resistance offered by Ahom State against the Mughal rule. (10) (2014)
- Shivaji and the early Maratha Kingdom.

How did Shivaji organize his administration and finances to consolidate his power? (30)(2010)
Give social background to the rise of the Maratha movement during the seventeenth century.
(12)(2012)
22. Economy and Society in the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries:
- Population,
Estimates of population of Mughal India. (20)(2009)
agricultural production, craft production
Delineate the striking features of agriculture and crafts production during 16th and 17th centuries
in India. How did they impact the social fabric of the country? (60) (2008)
Discuss the different types of Karkhanas in Mughal India. How was the production organized in
the different Karkhanas? (20)(2010)
- Towns,
Critically evaluate various approaches to study medieval Indian towns (20) (2010)
commerce with Europe through Dutch, English and French companies : a trade revolution
Examine the factors which were responsible for opening and development of European trade
in India during the 16th and 17th centuries (60) (2006)
Give a scatch of Indian trade with Europe during Mughal period (10)(2013)
“India had been for hundreds of years the Lancashire of the Eastern world.” Critically examine this
view. (15)(2014)
- Indian mercantile classes, banking, insurance and credit systems
Give your opinion on the urban development in India during the Mughal times (60) (2005)
Analyse the Mughal monetary system and examine their policy of minting of coins. (20)(2014)
- Condition of peasants,
The major cause of revolts against the Mughal Empire during the latter half of the 17th century
were economic, rather than religious.” Discuss. (30)(2009)
condition of women
- Evolution of the Sikh community and the Khalsa Panth
Evolution of Khalsa Panth (20) (2008)
23. Culture in the Mughal Empire:
- Persian histories and other literature
- Hindi and other religious literature
Write a short essay on the development of literature during the Mughal period. (60) (2006)
- Mughal architecture
Explain the principal features of architecture during Akbar’s rule. What changes were made in them
by Shahjahan? (60) (2002)
The zenith of Mughal Architecture under Shahjehan (20) (2001)
- Mughal painting
Mughal painting (20) (2005) (2007)
Mughal painting reflect the contemporary socio-political conditions. – Discuss. (30) (2011)
- Provincial architecture and painting

Discuss the Cauraoancashika and Jain styles of paintings. Can the Cauraoancashika style truly
be called the precursor of pothi format? (12) (2012)
 - Classical music
- Science and technology
Savai Jai Singh, the astronomer (20) (2001)
What was the Indian response to European technology? (30)(2010)
24. The Eighteenth Century:
- Factors for the decline of the Mughal Empire
How would you like to characterize the eighteenth century in Indian history? (60) (2005)
- The regional principalities: Nizam’s Deccan, Bengal, Awadh
- Maratha ascendancy under the Peshwas
Were the Marathas restricted by their geopolitical limitations from becoming the paramount
power of India? (60) (2001)

- The Maratha fiscal and financial system

The system of the collection of Chauth and Sardeshmukhi by the Maratha rulers (20) (2004)
Chauth and Sardeshmukhi of the Maratha rulers (20) (2007) (2003)
- Emergence of Afghan Power, Battle of Panipat:1761
Consequences of the Third Battle of Panipat (20) (2002)
- State of politics, culture and economy on the eve of the British conquest
What are the distinguishing components of the debate on the 18th century? (60) (2008)

Discuss the causes of the rise and growth of regional kingdoms with special reference to the Deccan in
the 18thcentury. (30) (2011)

Paper-II (Modern India)

1. European Penetration into India:
The Early European Settlements; The Portuguese and the Dutch;
The English and the French East India Companies; Their struggle for supremacy; Carnatic
Wars;
“Neither Alexander the Great nor Napoleon could have won the empire of India by starting from
Pondichery as a base and contending with a power which held Bengal and the command of the
Sea”. (20) (2006)
Dupleix made a cardinal blunder in looking for the key to India in Madras: Clive sought and
found it in Bengal. (10) (2013)

"Compared to their English counterpart, the French 'East India Company enjoyed little
discretionary power and had to always look up to Paris for all major decisions. This partly
explains the failure of the French in India." (12) (2012)
Bengal -The conflict between the English and the Nawabs of Bengal; Siraj and the English;
The Battle of Plassey; Significance of Plassey.
`The Battle of Plassey that decided the fate of Bengal was won by Clive through intrigues.”
Explain. (15) (2014)
‘The verdict at Plassey was confirmed by the English victory at Buxar”. (20) (2002)
“Plassey did not complete the British conquest of India. Had the English been convincingly defeated in any
subsequent battle in India, then (the battle of) Plassey would have remained as a minor episode in the history
of India.” (10) (2014)
“The rise and expansion of British empire was an accident rather than the result of a deliberate
policy and design”. Critically examine this statement. (60) (2002)
2. British Expansion in India:
 Bengal – Mir Jafar and Mir Kasim; The Battle of Buxar;
Mysore;
Examine the circumstances which led to the Third Mysore War. Could Cornwallis have avoided
it? (60) (2006)
The Marathas; The three Anglo-Maratha Wars;
‘Upon the whole, then, I conclude that the treaty of Bassein was wise, just and a politic
measure’ (20)(2005)
‘The Treaty of Salbai (1782) was neither honourable to the English nor advantageous to their
interests’ (20) (2004)

The Punjab.
‘Dalhousie changed the map of India with speed and thoroughness no campaign could equal’ (20)
(2001)
"Punjab's fate after Ranjit Singh was foredoomed as the impulse of Neo-Victorian Imperialism was
bound to overwhelm it". Elucidate (20) (2010)

3. Early Structure of the British Raj:

The early administrative structure;
Examine the essential principles of the Subsidiary Alliance system. How far did it contribute in
making the British company the supreme sovereign authority in India? (60) (2005)

From diarchy to direct control;

“The Dual System of Government was a complete failure from the outset. In the first place, the abuse of the
private trade reached a greater height than ever. In the second place, the demands of the Company for the
increase led to gross oppression of the peasantry.” (20) (2014)

The Regulating Act (1773);

‘The object of the Act (Regulating) was good, but system that it established was imperfect’ (20)
(2004)
The Pitt’s India Act (1784);
The Charter Act (1833);
“The Charter Act of 1833 rung down the curtain on the Company’s trade and introduced a new
concept of Government of India.” Substantiate. (20) (2011)
The voice of free trade and the changing character of British colonial rule
"The forces of free trade and the British determination to create a political and administrative
environment conductive to trade and investment had shaped the British policy towards India in the
first half of the nineteenth century". - Elucidate. (30) (2012)
The English utilitarian and India.
Sprung from paternalism, the English utilitarian philosophy as introduced in India rejected its
human warmth between the rurals and the ruled. (20) (2008)
"The current practice of categorisation of 'Early Modern India' is based on a shift from the old
imperialist periodization of 'Muslim India' - 'British India' to the more secularist one of 'Medieval India'
- 'Modern India', which puts Indian history in a universalist chronological structure. (12) (2012)

4. Economic Impact of British Colonial Rule:

(a) Land revenue settlements in British India; The Permanent Settlement;

What role did economic ideas play in the early phase of the British rule in the shaping of
land tenure policy? (30)(2010)
Discuss the causes that led to the ‘economic drain’ in Bengal following the Battle of Plassey
(60) (2004)
 ‘Permanent Settlement disappointed many expectations and introduced there results that were
not anticipated’ (20) (2004)
‘Absentee landlordism was a consequential feature of Bengal’s Permanent land settlement.’
(20) (2003)
“Though the Permanent Settlement had serious defects, it gave tranquility to the countryside and
stability to the government”. (20)(2009)

Ryotwari Settlement;
Discuss the main features of the ‘Raiyatwari Settlement’ in South India. Did it satisfy the
aspirations of the peasantry? (60) (2001)
Ryotwari falls into three stages – early, middle and late, and the only description
common to all is that it is a mode of settlement with small farmers, so small, indeed, that their
average holding is, on recent figures, only about 6.5 acres. (10) (2013)

Mahalwari Settlement;
Economic impact of the revenue arrangements;
What was the impact of early British land policy on the ‘village communities’ of North India? (60)
(2003)
‘The impact of government on the people meant essentially the impact of government on the
village’ (20) (2005)
Examine the major factors shaping the British land-revenue policy in India. How it affected Indian
society? (60) (2007)
“The need for a unilateral transfer of funds to Britain was constant factor and, in fact,
progressively increased over time.” (20) (2011)

Commercialization of agriculture;
What do you mean by the commercialization of Indian agriculture? Discuss its results (60)
(2006)
To what extent did the process of commercialization of agriculture affect the rural scene
in India? (30)(2010)
Rise of landless agrarian labourers;
Impoverishment of the rural society.
“A self-sufficient village, based on agriculture carried on with the primitive plough and bullock-
power, and handicrafts by means of simple instruments, was a basic feature of Pre-British Indian
economy”. (20) (2006)
(b) Dislocation of traditional trade and commerce;
De-industrialisation; Decline of traditional crafts;
‘The British industrial policy in the nineteenth century ruined the Indian handicrafts’ (20) (2001)
“Weaving”, says R. C. Dutt, “was the national industry of the people and spinning was the
pursuit of millions of women.” Indian textiles went to England and other parts of Europe,
to China and Japan and Burma and Arabia and Persia and parts of Africa. Elucidate. (25)
(2013)

Drain of wealth;
Write a critique on the impact of drain theory of Dadabhai Naurauji in the growth of Economic
Nationalism (60) (2008)

Economic transformation of India;

"Plantations and mines, jute, banking, insurance, shipping and export-import concerns
in India were run through a system of interlocking managing agencies." (12) (2012)
 Railroad and communication network including telegraph and postal services;

"Railway development in India provides an interesting instance of private enterprise at public

risk". (20)(2010)

"The railways, instead of serving as the catalyst of an industrial revolution as in Western Europe
and the USA, acted in India as 'the catalyst of complete colonization'."- Examine.(30) (2012)

Famine and poverty in the rural interior;

Critically examine the impact of the Famine policy on rural India. Describe the official remedial
measures undertaken (60) (2008)
Trace the development of the famine policy of the British in India between 1876 and 1921. Did it
provide relief to the people? (60) (2005)
‘India underwent suffering and mortality in the wake of recurring famines’ in the later half of the
19th century (20) (2003)
“The recurring famines in the 19th century were the inevitable consequence of the British policy
and expose the real character of the paternal solicitude for the peasantry on the part of the British
administration”. Examine this statement critically. (60) (2002)
European business enterprise and its limitations.
5. Social and Cultural Developments:
The state of indigenous education, its dislocation;
The introduction of western education in India;
"The contact of the new Indian middle class with the West proved to be a catalyst. The social and
religious movements launched by Rammohan or Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar have to be understood
in this context." - Elucidate. (30) (2012)
Orientalist-Anglicist controversy
Orientalism produced a knowledge of the past to service the needs of the Colonial State.”
Elucidate. (20) (2011)
The rise of press, literature and public opinion;
The Vernacular Press in the 19th Century was both newspaper as well as views paper that
enlightened dormant masses. (20) (2008)
“The vernacular press in nineteenth century India served not just as newspaper but more
importantly as views-papers.” Comment (20) (2011)
The rise of modern vernacular literature; Progress of science; Christian missionary activities
in India.
Examine the impact of British rule on Indian Society in the 19th Century (60) (2004)
6. Social and Religious Reform movements in Bengal and Other Areas:
Ram Mohan Roy, The Brahmo Movement; Devendranath Tagore; Iswarchandra Vidyasagar;
The Young Bengal Movement;
“Young Bengal left little distinctive or permanent impression on the plane of religion and
philosophy.” (20) (2011)
Dayanada Saraswati;
“The Arya Samaj may quite logically be pronounced as the outcomes of conditions imported
into India by the west.” ( Lala Lajpat Rai) (20)(2009)
‘The national democratic awakening of the Indian people found expression also in the religious
sphere’ (20) (2005)
The social reform movements in India including Sati, widow remarriage, child marriage etc.;
“Of the evils which corroded Indian society in the nineteenth century were probably those
which stunted its womanhood.” (20) (2007)
The contribution of Indian renaissance to the growth of modern India;
Discuss the extent to which the Indian Renaissance movement contributed towards the rise of
national consciousness. (30)(2010)
 “The first point to note is the continuing importance of religion and philosophy as vital
ingredients in the modern Indian Renaissance. Indeed, there is as much reason for regarding it
as a reformation as there is for treating it as a Renaissance.” Critically examine. (25) (2013)

Swami Vivekananda opine that “we should give our ancient spirituality and culture and get in
return Western science, technology, methods of raising the standards of life, business integrity
and technique of collective effort.” (10) (2013)

“Though Sri Ramakrishna became the prophet of neo-Hinduism, he never claimed to have founded
any new religion.” Elaborate. (20) (2014)

Islamic revivalism – the Feraizi and Wahabi Movements.

7. Indian Response to British Rule:
Peasant movements and tribal uprisings in the 18th and 19th centuries including the Rangpur
Dhing (1783), the Kol Rebellion (1832), the Mopla Rebellion in Malabar (1841-1920), Indigo
Rebellion (1859-60), Deccan Uprising (1875) and the Munda Ulgulan (1899-1900);
the Santal Hul (1855),
"The Santhal hool began in July 1855. The core of the movement was economic, the basic
cause of the uprising was agrarian discontent." - Elucidate. (30) (2012)
‘The tribal and peasant rebellion laid the foundation of the revolt of 1857’ (20) (2001)
“Tribals revolted more often and far more violently than any other community including
peasants in India.” Elaborate. (30) (2011)
"The peasant movements of the second half of the nineteenth century lacked a positive
conception which would unite the people in a common struggle on a wide regional and all-India
plane and help develop long-term political developments." (12) (2012)

The Great Revolt of 1857 - Origin, character, causes of failure, the consequences

‘Whatever might have been its original character, it (Rebellion of 1857) soon became a
symbol of challenge to the mighty British power in India’ (20) (2005)
“The Revolt of 1857 seemed to call the very presence of the British into question. What it did
not do was reverse these changes.” (20) (2007)
“The annexation of Awadh shook the loyalty of the Sepoy’s , as it was for them an ultimate
proof of untrustworthiness of the British.”(20)(2009)
“In 1857, the rebel sepoys showed a remarkable centripetal tendency to congregate
at Delhi.” Do you agree? Substantiate. (30)(2011)
“The military, feudal and traditional overtones of the Revolt of 1857 were overshadowed by its
nationalist or proto-nationalist character.” (10) (2014)
"In terms of administrative structure, the government of India act of 1858, meant more
continuation than change." do you agree? Substantiate. (20)(2010)

The shift in the character of peasant uprisings in the post-1857 period; the peasant
movements of the 1920s and 1930s.
8. Factors leading to the birth of Indian Nationalism
Examine the economic and social factors which led to the rise of Indian nationalism in the second
half of the nineteenth century (60) (2001)

Politics of Association; The Foundation of the Indian National Congress;

“India broke her British fetters with Western Hammers”. (20) (2002)
The Safety-valve thesis relating to the birth of the Congress;
"the educated middle class in the 19th century often found the domain of reason to be
oppressive, as it implied the historical necessity of 'civilizing' colonial rule". (20)(2010)
 “The ‘safety-valve thesis’ does not adequately explain the birth of the Indian National Congress in
1885.” (10) (2014)

Programme and objectives of Early Congress;

the social composition of early Congress leadership;

“So long as the millions live in hunger and ignorance, I hold every man a traitor who, having
been educated at their expense pays not the least heed to them”. (20) (2006)

the Moderates and Extremists;

Trace the factors which led to a split in the Indian National Congress in 1907. What was its impact
on the course of the nationalist movement? (60) (2003)
“Politics remained for the bulk of the Moderates very much a part-time affair. The Congress was not a
political party, but an annual three-day show…” Elucidate. (20) (2014)

The Partition of Bengal (1905);

“At the dawn of the twentieth century Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India, was full of hostility
towards the Indian National Congress and he confidentially reported to the Secretary of State in
November 1900 : My own belief is that the Congress is tottering to its fall, and one of my
greatest ambitions while in India is to assist it to a peaceful demise.” Examine. (25) (2013)

The Swadeshi Movement in Bengal; the economic and political aspects of Swadeshi
Movement;
“The Anti-Partition Agitation (1909) had an economic character in Bengal unlike the Extremist Agitation
in Maharashtra which had a religious character.” Examine. (20) (2014)

The beginning of revolutionary extremism in India.

9. Rise of Gandhi; Character of Gandhian nationalism; Gandhi’s popular appeal;
“Gandhi restrained mass movements, yet he retained his popularity among the masses”. (20)
(2002)
Gandhi’s body is in jail but his soul is with you, India’s prestige is in your hands, you must
not use any violence under any circumstances. You will be beaten but you must not exist; you
must not raise a hand to ward off blows. (10) (2013)
Rowlatt Satyagraha;
the Khilafat Movement; the Non-cooperation Movement;
Explain the circumstances leading to the alliance between the Khilafat and Non-Cooperation
Movements. Was it a politically wise step on the part of the Congress? (60) (2007)
“M.K Gandhi made a gross mistake in championing the Khilafat cause, an extra-territorial issue
which cut at the very roots of Indian nationality.” (10) (2014)
‘Is moral law, the law of consciousness, higher than law of the state, which is oppressive?’
(Mahatma Gandhi – 1922) (20) (2008)
Many of us who work for the Congress program lived in a kind of intoxication during the
year 1921. We were full of excitement and optimism… We had a sense of freedom and pride in
that freedom (10) (2013)

National politics from the end of the Non-cooperation movement to the beginning of the Civil
Disobedience movement;
Analyse the factors responsible for the Civil Disobedience movement (1930-31). How far were
its aims realized in the Government of India Act of 1935? (60) (2005)
 the two phases of the Civil Disobedience Movement; Simon Commission; The Nehru
Report; the Round Table Conferences; Nationalism and the Peasant Movements; Nationalism
and Working class movements;
Women and Indian youth and students in Indian politics (1885-1947);
"The active participation of Aruna Asaf Ali in 1942 movement symbolized the role of women
in India's freedom struggle". (20)(2010)
the election of 1937 and the formation of ministries;
Cripps Mission;
‘In the summer of 1942 Gandhi was in a strange and uniquely militant mood’ (20) (2003)
the Quit India Movement;
‘The Quit India Movement was a spontaneous revolt of the people against British rule’ (20)
(2001)
the Wavell Plan;
The Cabinet Mission
‘We are therefore unable to advise to the British Government that the power which at present
resides in British hands should be handed over to two entirely separate sovereign States’ (20)
(2004)
“… instead of rejecting the plan (Cabinet Mission Plan), they (the Congress Leadership) resorted to a
half-baked legalistic stratagem to reserve their position on its long-term arrangements and accepted its short-
term provisions.” Critically examine. (20) (2014)

10. Constitutional Developments in the Colonial India between 1858 and 1935
“At Karachi in 1931, the Congress defined what Swaraj would mean for the masses.” (20) (2007)
“Montague-Chelmsford reform proposals introduced `dyarchy’, but blurred the lines of
responsibility.” (10) (2014)
“Though the Act of 1919 was superseded by that of 1935, the preamble to the former was
not repealed—the preservation of the smile of the Cheshire cat after its disappearance, and the
latter said nothing about Dominion Status.” Elucidate. (25) (2013)

11. Other strands of the National Movement:

The Revolutionaries: Bengal, the Punjab, Maharashtra, U.P, the Madras Presidency,
Outside India.

Describe the changing nature of revolutionary activities in India between 1905 to 1946 (60)
(2008)
Examine the causes of the rise and progress of revolutionary movements in India from 1905 to
1931 (60) (2003)

The Left; the Communist Party of India, other left parties.

The Left within the Congress: the Congress Socialist Party;

Discuss the nature of the leadership and programme of the Congress Socialist Party (60) (2002)
Account for the emergence of the left-wing, within the Congress. How far did it influence the
programme and Policy of the Congress? (60) (2006)
“The emergence of left-wing group in the Congress radicalized its social and economic agenda.”
(20) (2011)
Jawaharlal Nehru
“Notwithstanding the quest for modernity and the antagonism that guided Nehru’s
attitude towards the inequalities inherent in the social structure in rural India, the Congress Party
did not carry out a concerted campaign against discrimination based on caste. Nehru’s own
 perception was that industrial growth was bound to break the stranglehold of this feudal
remnant. This, however, did not happen in India.” Examine. (25) (2013)

Subhas Chandra Bose

“The ideology of Subhash Chandra Bose was a combination of nationalism, fascism and
communism”. (20) (2002)

12. Politics of Separatism;

“Please remember, in granting separate electorates we are sowing the dragons’s teeth and
harvest will be bitter.” (Morley) (20)(2009)

the Muslim League; the Hindu Mahasabha;

"The developments during 1937-39 greatly undermined the ability of the Indian National Congress to
push through the agenda of National Unity." Comment. (20) (2010)
Communalism and the politics of partition;
“I felt that if we did not accept partition, India would be split into many bits and would be completely
ruined”.(20) (2006)

Transfer of power; Independence.

“Why did the British finally quit India on 15th August 1947 ? The Imperialist answer is that
independence was simply the fulfilment of British self-appointed mission to assist the Indian people to self-
government.” Examine. (20) (2014)
To what extent did the Freedom Movement in influence the Liberation Movement in Africa ? (10)
(2014)

13. Consolidation as a Nation; India and her neighbours (1947-1964);

Nehru’s Foreign Policy
Jawaharlal Nehru was the architect of India’s policy of non-alignment. In the light of this
statement discuss India’s relations with the two ‘Power Blocks’ between 1947-1964 (60) (2001)
Analyse Indian foreign policy on Non-alignment between 1947 and 1964. (60) (2004)
Would you agree that India’s effort to pursue an independent foreign policy was a highlight of
post-1947 politics? (30)(2011)
"Nehru's policy of Non-Alignment came to symbolised the struggle of India and other newly
independent nations to retain and strengthen their independence from colonialism. (12) (2012)
The linguistic reorganisation of States
“The reorganization resulted in rationalizing the political map of India without seriously
weakening its unity. If anything, its result has been functional, in as much as it removed what
had been a major source of discord, and created homogeneous political units which could be
administered through a medium that the vast majority of the population understood. Indeed, it
can be said with the benefit of hindsight that language, rather than being a force
for division, has proved a cementing and integrating influence.” Examine (25) (2013)
Regionalism and regional inequality;
Integration of Princely States; Princes in electoral politics; the Question of National
Language.
“With great skill and masterful diplomacy and using both persuasion and pressure, Sardar
Vallabhbhai Patel succeeded in integrating the hundreds of princely states with the Indian Union.”
Discuss. (60) (2007)
“Sardar Patel accomplished a silent revolution by ensuring the absorption and assimilation of a multitude
principalities without shedding even a drop of blood.” Elucidate. (10) (2014)

14. Caste and Ethnicity after 1947;

Dalit movements
 In exercising its exclusive power the parliament additionally inacted the untouchability (offenses)
act in 1955. (20) (2008)
Discuss the factors that lead to the growth of Dalit consciousness and mention the major
movements aimed at their empowerment. (30)(2010)

“Dalit Movements for empowerment in independent India have essentially been for carving out
political space through electoral politics.” Discuss. (10) (2014)

Backward castes and tribes in post-colonial electoral politics;

"Nehru favored the policy of integrating the tribal people in Indian society, of making them as integral
part of the Indian nation even while maintaining their distinct identity and culture." -Elaborate with
special reference to Northeastern India. (30) (2012)

15. Economic development and political change;

Land reforms; the politics of planning and rural reconstruction;
Ecology and environmental policy in post – colonial India;
"The Chipko became famous as the first major environmental movement in post-colonial India and gave
to the understanding that environment issues are often women's issues because they suffer most
from its deterioration." - Explain. (30) (2012)

Progress of science

“Nehru’s ‘temple of Modern India’ consisted not only of steel and power plants, irrigation dams, but
included institutions of higher learning, particularly in the scientific field.” Elaborate. (30) (2011)

World History
16. Enlightenment and Modern ideas

(i) Major Ideas of Enlightenment:

‘The Enlightenment represented alternative approaches to modernity, alternative habits of
mind and heart, of consciousness and sensibility’. Discuss (60) (2008)
"The despotic rulers of Europe were influenced by the philosophy of Enlightenment and
begun to follow a benevolent policy towards their subjects." (12) (2012)
“Enlightened despots (Europe) were not necessarily politically liberal.” (10) (2014)
Kant, Rousseau
“For Kant, Enlightenment is mankind’s final coming of age, the emancipation
of the human consciousness from an immature state of ignorance and error.” (10)
(2013)
‘Rousseau’s political philosophy contains the seeds of Socialism, Absolutism and
Democracy.’ (20) (2004)
“The promptings of the heart are more to be trusted than the logic of the mind.” – Rousseau.
(20)(2011)
“Reusseau strove to reconcile the liberty of the individual and the institution of Government through a
new vision of the Contract-Theory of Government.” (10) (2014)
"..he (Voltaire ) was living in the Age of Enlightenment....The age itself was not enlightened."-
E.Kant. (20)(2010)
(ii) Spread of Enlightenment outside Europe

(iii) Rise of socialist ideas (up to Marx); spread of Marxian Socialism

France was more fertile than Britain in producing new socialist theories and movements;
though they bore less concrete results in France than in Britain. (20) (2008)
If we, were to define our conception of the State, our answer would be that the State is the banker of
the poor. The government would finance and supervise the purchase of productive equipments and the
formation of workshops.” In light of the above statement of Louis Blanc, throw light on the Pre-Marxist
Socialist Thought in Europe. (20) (2014)
‘Marxian Communism is primarily the offspring of German Hegelianism and
French Socialism’ (20) (2001)

17. Origins of Modern Politics

(i) European States System

(ii) American Revolution and the Constitution.

“No taxation without representation”. (20) (2006)
"The American Revolution was essentially as economic conflict between American capitalism as
British mercantilism." (12) (2012)
“American Revolution seems to have come with remarkable suddenness. A roster of talented leaders emerged
during 1763 to 1775 to make it happen.” Elucidate. (20)(2014)

What were the factors that worked in the drafting of the American Constitution? Do you agree with
Beard’s view of the constitution being an Economic Document? (60) (2005)
"How far is it correct to say that every feature of the American Constitution was ultimately of English
Origin? (20)(2010)

(iii) French revolution

“No event as encompassing as the French Revolution occurs in an intellectual vacuum.” (20) (2007)
‘The writings of the philosophers had a tremendous influence on the minds of the people and
created a revolutionary awakening in their minds and formed the intellectual creed of the French
Revolution’ (20) (2005)
"The connection between the philosophers' ideas and the outbreak of the French Revolution (1789)
is somewhat remote and indirect." (12) (2012)
‘If monarchical misrule ignited the French Revolution, lofty ideas both inspired and sustained
it”.(20) (2002)
‘The French Revolution attacked privileges and not property’ (20) (2003)
“The Declaration of Rights was the death-warrant of the system of privilege, and so of the ancient
regime … Yet in the history of ideas it belonged rather to the past than to the future.” Examine. (20) (2014)

and after math, 1789-1815.

How did Nepoleon Bonapart fuse the old France with the new ? (30) (2009)
How did Napoleon fuse the French of the ancient regime with the France of the post-revolutionary
era? (30) (2012)
‘Nepoleon was the child of the Revolution, but in many ways he reversed the aims and principles of
the movement from which he sprang…..’ (20) (2004)
‘The Napoleonic Empire was doomed because of its inherent and self-defeating contradictions’.
Elucidate. (60) (2001)
To what extent did Napoleans economic war with England become his undoing? (20)(2010)
 (iv) American Civil War with reference to Abraham Lincoln and the abolition of slavery.
“Six hundred thousand men had died. The Union was preserved, the slaves freed. A
nation ‘conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created
equal’ had survived its most terrible ordeal.” (10) (2013)

(v) British Democratic Politics, 1815-1850; Parliamentary Reformers, Free Traders.

‘Though reform was inevitable, the Act (1832) by which it was accomplished was open to grave
criticism’(20) (2005)
“Change in Britain came comparatively peacefully through democratic process in the first half
of the nineteenth century and a model of a functioning democracy through ballot box was
successfully put in place.” Elaborate. (25) (2013)
“… the passing of the ‘Reform Act’ marked the real beginning of modern party organisation in
England … In a real sense, the present political system of England dates from 1832.” (10) (2014)

Chartists
Review the background of the Chartist Movement. Despite its failure how had their demands been
met in the succeeding years.(60) (2004)
“The roots of Chartism are partly political and partly economic.” Elaborate. (20)(2011)

18. Industrialization

(i) English Industrial Revolution: Causes and Impact on Society

“Whoever says Industrial Revolution, says cotton.” Comment. (20)(2011)

(ii) Industrialization in other countries: USA, Germany, Russia, Japan

What was the extent of industrialization in western Europe by the end of the nineteenth century? (30)
(2009)
"The process of industrialisation in some other countries of Europe was different from that
in England." (12) (2012)

(iii) Industrialization and Globalization.

“The commercial and industrial interests created a veritable hothouse atmosphere in Europe for the
establishment of colonies.” (10)(2014)

19. Nation-State System

(i) Rise of Nationalism in 19th century

(ii) Nationalism : state-building in Germany and Italy
“The language of narrow nationalism held at Frankfurt destroyed the German Revolution; as the fatal
idea of aggrandisement of the House of Savoy destroyed the Italian Revolution.”Discuss. (20)(2014)
“Napoleon kindled the national sentiment, but German unity was achieved by Bismarck”.
Discuss (60) (2002)
‘Bismarck united Germany not by majority of votes and speeches but by a policy of “blood and iron”.’
In the light of this statements assess the contribution of Bismarck to the unification of Germany (60)
(2003)
‘Bismarck created a new Germany with the policy of ‘blood and iron’ (20) (2001)
Was German unification achieved more by 'coal and iron' than by 'blood and iron'? (30) (2012)
‘To Bismarck the conclusion of the Treaty of May 20,1882, was the culmination of this system.’(20)
(2004)
‘They have stopped me from making Italy by diplomacy from the North, I will make it by revolution
from the South’(20) (2005)

(iii) Disintegration of Empires in the face of the emergence of nationalities across the world.
“Colonies are like fruits which cling to the tree only till they ripen”. (20) (2006)
‘The decolonization led to the break-up of Empires’ (20) (2001)

20. Imperialism and Colonialism

. “Colonialism not only deprives a society of its freedom and its wealth, but of its
very character, leaving its people intellectually and morally disoriented.” (10) (2013)
(i) South and South-East Asia

Critically examine the Dutch colonial policy in Indonesia. (30)(2010)

(ii) Latin America and South Africa

Trace the various stages of European imperialism in Africa in the nineteenth century (60)
(2001)
“ In all the long annals of Imperialism, the partition of Africa is a remarkable freak.” (20)(2009)
What do you understand by imperialism? State briefly its unique features in the case
of Africa? (20)(2010)
To what extent did the expansion of European Powers in the late 19th century help in the
modernization of Africa? (10) (2014)

(iii) Australia

(iv) Imperialism and free trade: Rise of neo-imperialism.

“New imperialism was a nationalistic, not an economic phenomena.” (20) (2007), Critically
examine (25) (2013)
Discuss the emergence of neo-imperialism in the late nineteenth century. (30) (2009)

21. Revolution and Counter-Revolution :

(i) 19th Century European revolutions

Most of the European revolutions of 1848 were nationalist as well as popular insurgence
against foreign rule and repressive policy of Meternich (20) (2008)
(ii) The Russian Revolution of 1917-1921
Account for the overthrow of the Tsarist regime in Russia (30) (2009)
‘The Russian Revolution (1917) was an economic explosion hastened by the stupidities of the
autocratic Government’(20) (2005)
Examine the causes of the Russian Revolution of 1917 and indicate its significance in world history
(60) (2003)
"The impact of the French Revolution (1789) was initially confined the Europe, but, that of the Russia
Revolution (1917) was global." - Critically review. (30) (2012)

(iii) Fascist Counter-Revolution, Italy and Germany.

Discuss the main characteristics of Fascism. (60) (2007)
What were the weaknesses and difficulties of the Weimer Republic? How did Hitler succeed in
establishing his dictatorship? (60) (2004)
“A clever conqueror will always impose his demands on the conquered by installments”. (20) (2006)
 “Hitler did not really want a world War. His intention was only a short war with Poland.” ( A. J. P.
Taylar ) (20) (2009)

(iv) The Chinese Revolution of 1949

"all long marches begin with small steps". (20)(2010)
Critically analyze the causes and results of the Chinese Revolution of 1949 (60) (2006)
Discuss the circumstances leading to the Chinese Revolution of 1949 and analyze its significance
(60) (2005)
Examine the circumstances in China in the years 1945-49. What did the United States do to resolve
the conflict between the Nationalists and the Communists there? (60) (2002)
"The announcement of the creation of the Peoples' Republic of China on October1, 1959 by Mao
Zedong ended the civil war between the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the Nationalist Party
(KMT)." - Elaborate. (30) (2012)
“If the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution in Russia (that resulted in the creation of
the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics or Soviet Union) inaugurated an international
competition for the hearts and minds of people all over the globe, the Chinese
Revolution raised the stakes of that struggle.” (10) (2013)

22. World Wars

(i) 1st and 2nd World Wars as Total Wars: Societal Implications
“The War’s (First World War’s) most permanent contribution to the spirit of the post-War years was
disillusion.” (20) (2007)

(ii) World War I : Causes

"The eastern question has always been an international question". Elucidate (30)(2010)
“By 1914, the sick man of Europe was no longer just Turkey : it was Europe itself.” Explain.
(20)(2011)
"Any single explanation for the outbreak of the First World War likely to be too simple. An amalgam
of factors intellectual, social, economic as well as political and diplomatic contributed to this
horrifying conflict of monumental propositions." - Explain. (30) (2012)
“The Russo-Japanese War helped in the rise of Japan as a great power.” (10) (2014)

and Consequences
‘The most important single factor…..in the years following 1919 was the French demand for security’
(20) (2004)
“Treaty of Versailles contained the seeds of future conflict”. (20) (2006)
‘The roots of the rise of Fascism lay in Peace Treaties’ (20) (2003)
‘There was not only a difference of principles at Paris (Peace Conference) but a clash
of personalities’ (20) (2001)
“The peace of Versailles lacked moral validity from the start.” (20)(2011)

(iii) World War II : Causes and consequence

‘The Great Depression (1929-34) was attended by momentous consequences in the economic as
well as in the political sphere’ (20) (2002)
How did the policy of appeasement escalate the problem of Nazi aggrandizement? (30)(2011)
In the long run the Locarno Treaty (Dec 1925) was destructive both of the treaty of Versaille and of
the covenant.(20) (2008)
‘One of the most important consequences of the Second World War was ‘division of Europe’,
eastern and western’. (20) (2002)
 "Europe faced peace in 1945 politically disorganized and economically crippled." Elaborate.
(30)(2010)
“Europe was eclipsed through European folly due to the two world wars.” Elucidate. (20) (2014)

23. The World after World War II:

(i) Emergence of two power blocs

After World War II the strategy of the west, towards the Soviet Block crystallized as a policy of
containment. (20) (2008)
Critically examine the various dimensions and phases of the cold war between 1947 and 1962 (60)
(2005)

(i) Emergence of Third World and Non-Alignment

Explain the circumstances leading to the emergence of Third world and analyze its impact on world
affairs. (30)(2010)
Would you argue that the Non-Aligned Movement played a crucial role in promoting a climate of
peace? (30)(2011)

(iii) UNO and the global disputes

‘The Security Council is the heart of the United Nations’ (20) (2003)
Examine the peace keeping efforts of the United Nations Organization.(30)(2009)
“In spite of the careful framing of the Charter, the role of UNO as peacekeeper and international
mediator has been somewhat lacklustre and muted and that continues to be so even after the end of
Cold War.” Elucidate. (25) (2013)

24. Liberation from Colonial Rule:

(i) Latin America-Bolivar

(ii) Arab World-Egypt

Discuss the aims of the establishment of the Arab League and asses its role in safeguarding the
interests of the Arab nations (60) (2001)

“Arab nationalism and oil – these were the principal Factors in complicating the relations of
middle eastern countries with the outside world.” (20) (2009)

"The Arab nationalism had a peculiar character. It stood for nation independence for separate Arab
States as well as for the unity of all Arabs irrespective of their state boundaries." - Examine. (30)
(2012)
Discuss the circumstances leading to the Suez Crisis of 1956 and examine its repercussions on global
politics. (10) (2014)

(iii) Africa-Apartheid to Democracy

Give a brief account of the struggle against ‘Apartheid’ in South Africa (60) (2006)
“There must be an end to white monopoly on political power, and a fundamental restructuring
of our political and economic systems to ensure that the inequalities of apartheid are addressed and
our society thoroughly democratized.” Discuss. (25) (2013)
(ii) South-East Asia-Vietnam
Explain how American imperialism in Philippines differed with European imperialism
in Indonesia and Indo-China. (30)(2011)
Discuss the nature of American overseas expansion in Asia and explain the consequences. (10) (2014)
Why did Vietnam go through thirty years of war after the second world war? (30) (2009)

25. Decolonization and Underdevelopment

“ The capitalism which gave the European empires their apparent solidarity and
permanence also hastened their downfall.”(20)(2009)
Critically examine the socio-cultural and economic impact of migration in Europe and Asia in the
18th and 19th centuries. (20) (2014)

(i) Factors constraining Development : Latin America, Africa

“Decolonization has finished. It definitely belongs to the past. Yet somehow it has refused to become
history.” (10) (2013)

26. Unification of Europe

(i) Post War Foundations : NATO and European Community

“NATO in many ways symbolized the key role that the United States had come to play in Europe.”
(20) (2007)

‘The Brussels Treaty of 17 March 1948 paved the way for the formation of NATO’ (20) (2003)

(ii) Consolidation and Expansion of European Community

(iii) European Union.

“The European Union is the new sick man of Europe.” Critically evaluate. (25) (2013)

27. Disintegration of Soviet Union and the Rise of the Unipolar World:

(i) Factors leading to the collapse of Soviet communism and the Soviet Union, 1985-
1991

“By the 1980s, the Communist system of the Soviet Union was incapable of maintaining the
country’s role as a Superpower.” Explain this statement. (60) (2007), Elucidate (25) (2013)

Analyze the factors for the collapse of Soviet Communism and Soviet Union during 1985-1991 (60)
(2004)

Discuss the main factors leading to the collapse of the Soviet Union (60) (2002)
"The essence of Perestroika is for people to feel they are the country's master"- Gorbachev.
(20)(2010)

(ii) Political Changes in Eastern Europe 1989-2001

Asses the significance of the political development that took place in Eastern Europe during
1989-2001 (60) (2008)
 “The collapse of Berlin Wall in 1989 brought new ideas of co-operation in Europe.” (20)(2011)
Examine the challenges confronted by the proponents of European unity after the collapse of
Soviet Empire in Eastern Europe. (30)(2011)

(iii) End of the Cold War and US Ascendancy in the World as the lone superpower

Account for the factors that brought about the end of the cold war. (60) (2008)
Analyze the factors leading to the end of the Cold War and account for the U.S. ascendancy in the
world.(60)(2003)

"With the Cold War over and the Soviet Union gone, the face of international diplomacy has
undergone a metamorphosis.” (12) (2012)

Bhushan Deshmukh, 9987063403, bhushan2006@gmail.com

Posted 4th February 2014 by Bhushan
Labels: History Optional

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BHUSHAN's BLOGWORLDFebruary 12, 2014 at 4:38 AM

THANK YOU SIR for uploading this Syllabus-Question's tracker, its of immense help . - Bhushan Landge
(pune)
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OCT
25

International Relation Articles

Anushree Ghisad, Research Associate,

Vivekananda international foundation

Developments in Maldives: Challenges for India

With fears of confrontation between the supporters of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and former
President and human right activist Mohamed Nasheed sparking a wave of un

Maharashtra Times Articles by Bhushan Deshmukh History Part 2

११११ - ११ ११११११११

१११ १११११११ ११११११११११११ ११ ११११११११ १११ ११११११ ११११११११११११११११ १११११

११ ११११११११ ११११११११ ११११११ ११११ ११११. ११११ ११११११, १११ (११११), १११११११११ (११
११) ११ १११११११११११११ ११ ११११११११११११ ११११११ ११११ ११ १११११ ११ ११ ११११११११ १
११११ ११११.
Maharashtra Times Articles by Bhushan Deshmukh Economy Part 2
१११११११ १११११

११११११ १११११११११ ११११११११ ११११११ १११ १११११११ ११११११११११ ११११११११

११११११११ १११११११११ १११११ १११. '११११ १११, ११११ १११११' १११११११ ११११ १११११११
१११११ ११११ १११११ ११११११ १११११११ १११ १११११११ १११११ ११११.

११११११११ ११११ १११११११ (११. ११.

Maharashtra Times Articles by Bhushan Deshmukh History Part 1

MTimes Articles by Bhushan Deshmukh Economy part 1

Maharashtra Times Articles by Rohan Namjoshi

Maharashtra Times Articles by Bharat Khatal-Patil

Civil Service Posts Detils

NDA CDS Exams

JUN
12

ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS FOR UPSC CANDIDATES & SYLLABUS

NATIONALITY : For the Indian Administrative Service and the Indian Police Service, a candidate must be a citizen of
India.

AGE LIMITS :

a. A candidate must have attained the age of 21 years and must not have attained the age of 32 years on 1st August,
2013, i.e.

UPSC 2015 Topper AIR 361 Ansar Shaikh Interview Namshaikh Ansar
Ahamad Age: 21, first attempt Optional: political science Date: 7th apr, 2016.
Forenoon session, 2nd to go in. Board: Mr. PK Joshi (new, fresh board) Time
25-28 mins Medium: Hindi (I reached at Dholpur house at 11:40. The security
allow me to enter only at 1. I was very excited to see the place which I saw in
my dreams. It was the most precious day my life. It was 3 When came and
told me “ chaliye sir ab aapki baari hain, PK Joshi hain” i lost my calmness,
my heartbeats and body temperature suddenly increased. I was waiting for 20
mins outside the interview hall, every single minute was intolerable. I started
remembering my parents and well wishers, but I was very confident, happy
and pleasant ) and the game started like this- ME: may I come in sir? CP: yes
yes plz come in young man Me: good afternoon sir, good afternoon madam,
good afternoon to all you sirs. CP: Shaikh, plz take your seat. Me: thank you
sir.(smiling positively) CP: (appreciating): you are just 22 years old? Me: (With
a smile) no sir, I am just 21. CP: that’s really great. (other members nodding
positively) CP: ok, aapne BA kiya hain, BA toh kafi risky hota hain, usually log
engineering vagera karte hain. Accha To ye bataiyye kyo join karna chahte ho
civil services? Short me battaiyye, time cum hain. Me: (smiling, thinking in
mind: time cum hain?) ji sir. Mere life ke do incidences hain jinhone mujhe
Inspire kiya. 1) sir, humare society ke bahot sare evils hain jo maine apne
ghar me hi dekhe thhe. Maine humare ghar me domestic violence dekha tha,
child marriage dekha tha, dowry dekhi thi, Polygamy aur child labour bhi
dekha tha. Toh bachpan sehi mujhe in cheezo ke prati ghrina aur frustration
tha me inhe badalna chahta tha. 2) Fir jab me 10th standard me tha tab ek
breakthrough aur raasta mila. Hum BPL family thi isliye govt ne hume ghar
bananeke liye 30000 rs diye thhe. Lekin tahsil office ke officer ne mere pitaji
se 3000 bribe liya. Aur mere pitajine bhi de diye. Maine socha jab muzhe 2
rupaye ka pen lena ho to dus bar sochana padta hain aur abbu ne use 3000
rs aise hi dediye. Tab realize hua ki corruption ke sabse bade shikar hum
jaise garib sections ke log hote hain, then I decided ki agar is ko badlna hain
to zaroori hain ki hum jaise section ke student iss system me aaye aur system
aur society ko badle. CP: very good. (other members nodded positively) ohh
you listen to music. Which kind of music do u listen? Me: sir, I like bollywood
music, I listen song which are in tune of my mood. CP: ok. Which are your
favorite movies? Just tell me 2-3 names Me: sir, swades is my fav
movie.and… CP: What ? M3:(lady member) sir he said swades, wo shahrukh
khan waali. CP: ohh, and? ME: and.. Neerja, Aligarh etc. CP: you also like
travelling. Tell me where u travelled Me: sir, in Maharashtra I have travelled to
Ajanta, ellora caves, some hill stations like Matheran. Outside Maharashtra I
hv travelled to puri, Odisha and now Delhi. CP: kya dekha aapne Puri me?
Me: sir, maine Puri ka beach aur sun temple dekha. CP: aap jab Poona se
delhi aa rahe thhe to kya observe kiya aapne? Me: sir, maine observe kiya ki
poona se delhi ki or jaate wakt pollution kam hota gaya, badme UP cross
karne ke baad badh gaya(poor answer), in train I observed lack of sanitation. I
also met some interesting people from north east. (failed to talk about child
labor at stations) CP: ok. tell me the name of two NGOs from Pune and their
role. Me: sir, there is an NGO named Friends of Children. Wo Forbs marshall
iss company ki orse garib baccho ko education aur stationary provide karte
hain. And there is another NGO called Muslim Satyashodhak Mandal, with
whom I work, it works on 3 fronts. One, muslim religious reforms, two solving
women issues jaise easier talaq, polygamy aur uniform civil code laana. Third,
to de-radicalize muslim youth and mainstreaming them. CP: (passing to M1)
(m1 was also good but he was expressionless, in d entire interview he didn’t
smile. He asked me some factual and unexpected questions, this was the
worst point of my interview) M1: ok ansar, tell me what is poverty? Who gives
data on poverty? How is it calculated? Me : (in mind 3 questions wo bhi ek
saath!!) sir, poverty is Lack opportunities like health, education, better
standard of living. Sir, NSSO I.e gives data on it. It is calculated on the basis
of different standards like consumption, health, education, house rent etc.(I
was not confident while giving this answer, m1 was looking unhappy) M1: ok.
What is current number of poors? Me: (I hate data. My god, why this is
happening) sirrr..a.a.a sir according to the kelkar commetee bharat me..
Lagbhag 29% poverty hain.(it was C rangarajan, and not kelkar. I knew it but I
lost my confidence.) M1: ok ok.(he did not correct me, so sad.) tell me the
changes made in LPG subsidy transfer recently. Me: sir, govt decided to
rationalize subsidies, govt initially launched a campaign GIVE IT UP which
was voluntary, later they started PAHAL and recently govt ne 10 lakh se jyada
income waale logo ki LPG subsidies samapt ki hain. M1: hmm. Recently there
was a news related with repo, RBI etc. What was it? Me: (ye hui na baat) sir,
RBI ne kuch din pahle Repo rate 0.25%se kam kiya hain aur Reverse repo
rate 6% tak badha diya hain. M1: why? Me: sir, govt wanted to give boost to
the economy, govt also adhered to fiscal deficit target, and there is…….(I
wanted to say possibility of mansoon this year, but he interrupted me.) M1:
how it will give boost to economy? Me: sir, decreased repo rate means there
will be cheaper loans available in market. It will result in high investment,
production and employment generation, and the growth cycle will increase.
M1: ok (I was unable to satisfy him. passing to M2, a lady member with a very
positive look, she increased my confidence) M2: ansar, you talk about that
NGO which works on women issues. What exactly they do? Me: sirrr, ohhh I
am so sorry. Madam…(it was an effect of those Economy questions.) M2:
(with a very positive smile) no no fine. Its fine. Ho jaata hain. Please go
ahead. Me:(baapre bach gaye.) madam, hum basically mahilaon ka talaq
hone se rokte hain, unke husbands ke saath negotiations karte hain. Aur
polygamy aur easier talaq ko rokne ke liye workshops aur protests bhi karte
hain. M2: ok, good. Are there any other women related issues on which you
work? Me: madam, humara toh primary aim jo maine pahle bataya wahi hain,
aur jyada kuch nahi. M2: Ansar aap pahle SDM banoge fir DM (kaash aisa ho
jaye). Toh kya priorities hogi aapki? Kya mission hoga? Tell me like 1,2,3..
Me: madam, maine 4 mission decide kiye hain. Ek, Rural development jisme
especially development of rural infrastructure, better health care and
education. Do, women empowerment. Teen, maintaining Hindu muslim
religious harmony(she nodded positively here) and fourth, poor centric,
responsive, transparent governance. M2: but aap ye sab kaise karoge? It’s a
big job. Me: madam main do fronts par karunga. Ek, in sabhi cheejo ke liye
govt ne jo bhi laws, schemes aur policies layi hain unko efficiently implement
karoonga, kyo ki bahot bar aisi schemes grassroot tak pahochati hi nahi.
Second, main civil society, NGOs, social media, school children ke
maddhyam se logo ka attitude change karne ka prayas karunga. M2: but
maintaining religious between Hindus and Muslim is not that much easy. How
will you handle if there is a tension between two communities? Me: madam,
first of all I will find out the cause of conflict, then I will find who is legally right,
then I will request the leaders of both communities ki woh negotiation ke table
par aaye aur issue solve kare. Aur unfortunately aisa nahi hua to mujhe force
bhi use karna hoga. However, negotiations is the key. M2: you come from a
very poor background, so aapko koi scholarship mila tha. Me: madam, mujhe
7th tak scholarship mila, uske baad humne khud hi manage kiya. M2: kya
aapne minority waali scholarship nahin li? Me: ji nahi madam. M2: kyon? Me:
madam, har baar me form bharne me late ho jaata tha, aur apply karne ka
mann bhi nahin hota tha. M2: yes, aur uski amount bhi bahot kam hoti hain.
Me: ji mam M2: abhi uske liye kaise apply karte hain? Online? M4: yes yes it
is available online. Me: (nodded) M2: ok. (passing to M3, a Punjabi
gentleman, he too was cordial but expressionless, he was looking like an ex-
army man with big eyes and pagadi) M3: Ansar, there is one Gandhi and
another Sarhadd(frontier) Gandhi. Who was Sarhadd Gandhi? Me: sir, he was
a freedom fighter. Jo partition ke khilaf thhe, aur yadi partition ho to unka
region(forgot d name of region) bharat me rahe aisi unki icchha thi. Unhone
apne Red Shirts team (team?) ke saath milkar angrejo ke khilaf peaceful
struggle kiya. Aur unhe Bharat ratna bhi diya gaya hain.(when I said bharat
ratna, CP smiled very positively.) M3: you talked about de-radicalization, tell
me the causes and remedies of radicalization of muslim youth. Oh but before
tell me one thing, your marks in 10th was ordinary (76%) but in 12th you
jumped to 91% ! ye h kaise hua? M2(lady member to M2) sir, kya gear
change kiya hain aapne! Me: sir actually 10th mein mere maths, science ye
subjects thhe, jo mujhe bilkul pasand nahi thhe. Aur humare teacher bhi thik
se padhate nahin thhe. Maths ke teacher to guide se maths explain karte
thhe. Lekin 12th me mere scoring subjects thhe jaise Sanskrit jisme mujhe
100 out of 100 marks mile, aur vocal classical music jisme bhi accha score
hua. Aur teachers bhi acche thhe.(here I forgot to tell about my restless
hardwork hehehe) M3: accha to aapke scoring subjects thhe. Ab wo
radicalization wala jawaab de do. Me: ji sir. Actually sir radicalization ke bahot
sare reasons hain. Jaise social media se hone wala prachar, 2 main religions
ke fringe elements ki hate speeches, wahabist ideology ka hone wala vistar
aur socio-economic development ka abhaav. M3: and what are the remedies?
Me: sir, inke jo causes hain unpe kaam karna zaroori hain. Jaise fringe
elements ki hate speeches ko lagaam lagaana, muslim youth ki socio-
economic development ke upar dhyan dena, aur social media par regulations
lagaana aur counter-radicalization karna………(before I proceed further he
interrupted me ) M3: counter radicalization?? Me: I am sorry sir, I meant de-
radicalization. M3: no, no. I think you have used the right term, we must do
counter radicalization, you are right. Ok you talked about Wahabism? What is
it? Me: sir, ye ek sunni militant ideology hain, jo non-sunni logo ko convert ya
khatam karne me vishwas rakhti hain, it is based on violence.(forgot Islamic
state, Dar ul harv etc.) M3: kaha originate hui ye? Me: sir ye ideology Saudi
Arebia me originate hui. M3: and now they are suffering from it. Me: yes sir.
M3: there was a world sufi conference. What is the difference between Sufism
and wahabism Me: (yeh hui na baat) sir, wahabism is based on violence
whereas Sufism is based on love and peace. Wahabism is intolerant towards
non sunnis, whereas Sufism is accommodative. Wo koi dharam ya jaati nahi
manta, wo sirf insaaniyat janta hain. M3: ok. Are you a sunni or shia? Me:
(very very instantly) I am a muslim sir, an Indian muslim, baaki mujhe nahi
pataa.( Yeh answer game-changer hone waala hain for sure) (everyone
appreciated this answer, all of them smiled positively.lady member said
something about me with a big laugh..) M3: ohh, good. Maine to aise hi
poocha as you talked about wahabism, but good,very good. M3- passing to
the M4 (M4 was probably the oldest member in d panel. I noticed him
observing my body language in d entire interview, he was very cordial.) M4:
Ansar you studied in a Zilha parishad school, then you went to Badrinarayan
barwale college and later on you went to fergusson college. Tell me what did
you experienced in these institutions? Me: sir, humari school me toilet aur
drinking water ki badi kami thi. Lecture bhi thik se nahin hote thhe. Kuch
teachers toh books me dekh kar maths solve karte thhe. Lekin barwale
college me lectures bhi thik se hote thhe, infrastructure bhi accha tha. Lekin
jab me fergusson college me aaya to mujhe laga main phir se school me aa
gaya hu. Waha ke toilets clean nahin thhe, drinking water ka shortage thha.
Kuch prof. to books aur notes se padhke sika thhe. However, iss college ka
history bahot accha hain, I Really like my college. M4: haan, shayad ab
history par hi zinda hain wo. Tumhare fergusson college me bhi principal ko
lekar koi issue hua tha, kya tha wo? Me: sir, JNU incidence ke baat, ABVP ne
fergusson college me JNU ABVP prez ka students ke saath ek interactive
session plan kiya tha. Lekin unke paas college ki written permission nahin thi,
iss wajah se Fergusson ke kuch Ambedkarite students ne protest kiya. Dono
groups ke bich hooting hui. Kisine Bharat mata ki jai ke naare diye to kisine
Jai bhim ke. Unfortunately humare principal ne pressure me aakar police ko
letter likha ki humare campus me kuch logo ne Anti-national slogans diye hain
aur aap unke khilaf action le. Police aai, tension create hua. (lady member:
ohh) next day principal ne declared kiya ki wo letter ek typing mistake thhi. I
mean it is ridiculous! (when I said ridiculous, everyone started laughing.) M4:
and there was another incidence in FTII, what was the issue? Don’t you think
ki yeh sab fruitless protests hain? Kuch hasil nahin hota inse. Me: sir, hum ek
democratic country hain, isliye har kisiko apni demands rakhne ka, protest
karne ka adhikar hain. FTII ke students yeh chahte thhe ki FTII ka chairman
jis vyakti ko chuna gaya tha usse jyada meritorious ho, aur jaisa
NEWSPAPERS me aa raha tha ki ye saffronization ka prayas hain. Toh
mujhe lagta hain ki govt ko iss bare me sochana chahiye. however main yeh
bhi manta hu ki koi bhi protest peaceful hona chahiye, uski wajah se other
students ko problem nahi honi chahiye, classes disrupt nahi honi chahiye
kyon ki tax payers ka paisa iss par kharch hota hain. M4: aap koi sufi music
sunna pasand karte hain? Me: sir jyada nahin lekin kabhi kabhi atif aslam ki
aur nusrat fateh ali khan ji ke sufi songs sunn leta hun. (lady member smiled
positively on this answer.) M4: ok. (Passing again to CP) CP: ansar aap delhi
kab aaye? Me: sir, 28 feb ko. CP: oh, to itne din aap kaha rahen? Me: sir,
Mukherji nagar ke paas Zakat Foundation naam ki ek org hain jo poor,
minority students ko accommodation provide karti hain, main wahin thha.
(now the fun starts again) CP: ok, I too studied Sanskrit. tell me how did you
score 100 out of 100 in Sanskrit? Me: sir, humare yaha culture hain ki accha
score karo, scoring subjects padho, Ratta maro aur jeeto. Unfortunately maine
bhi bahot ratta mara tha(I said this in such funny tone that every member
started laughing.) CP: kya baat hain, Bhai humne bhi Ratta hi mara thha
hahaha (laughter everywhere, even I failed to control my laugh, I was
supposed to smile in such interview, but kya Kare) CP: so tell me do you
remember anything from Sanskrit? Tell me the What is the word for “GO” in
Sanskrit? Me: sir, Gaccha? CP: good, now tell me the Past, present and
future tence of Gaccha. Me: sirrr… I am sorry sir, I don’t remember. Lekin
mujhe Gaccha se ek word pata hain, Gacchami. Which means I go. (CP and
M4 talked something about Gachhami)… sir I also remember a shlok in
Sanskrit, agar aapki permission ho to kahu? CP: no. no…. ok ansar your
interview is over, wish you all the best for your future. Me: (instead of standing
up, I was just looking happily towards CP) M4: now Gacchami Gacchami…(u
may go) (this resulted into a big laughter,,hahahahah) Me: thank you. Have
nice day. (all were looking my way of going out.) When I came outside, I
wanted to dance. I said to myself, well done. The entire interview was like a
friendly discussion except that economy waala part. No Q from optional,
International relations, home state issues, no provocative issues, no difficult
questions(may be because of my age.) Strengths: Honesty, good level of
confidence, pleasant personality, eye to eye contact, good flow, Age factor,
my work with an NGO and progressive thoughts on radicalization n uniform
civil code. I established good relations with panel, My backward background
and hardwork. My sense of humour, And most importantly my answer to “are
u a shia or a sunni?” Weaknesses: Failed to satisfy m1 on economy(other
candidates experienced the same.) gave him 2 wrong answer(but I did not
bluff) I was smiling throughout the interview, even the lady member was
saying something about my smile to M4(it is difficult to say whether it was
positive or negative. I tried to reduce my smile in mocks but failed, personality
cant be changed in one month.) I called lady member as SIR, though she
didn’t mind and encourage me, it might affect my marks as it shown my
nervousness. Thanks to economy. There was constant hand
movements(though only for 2-3 answers) Opportunities: Well there is a scope
to be one of the youngest IAS officer I will probably score 185 to 210 out of
275. Threats: So many things depend on my score in mains. They might give
me less marks say, 150 or 160 , if they found me TOO YOUNG TO JOIN THE
SERVICE. Economy might cost me. So what’s next? Well I will carry on with
my studies, anything can happen Waiting for results which may be declared
between 15 to 20 May. Now flying to my village to have some f
UPSC 2015 Topper AIR 361 Ansar Shaikh

Name: shaikh Ansar Ahamad

Age: 21, first attempt

Optional: political science

Date: 7th apr, 2016. Forenoon session, 2nd to go in.

Board: Mr. PK Joshi (new, fresh board) Time 25-28 mins

Medium: Hindi

(I reached at Dholpur house at 11:40.

UPSC 2015 Mains optional paper Political Science

UPSC Optional papers 2015 (his, geo, pub, anthro, philosophy)

GS MAINS PAPERS 2015 & ESSAY

BOOK LIST of optionals in marathi

1
How to Choose an Optional Subject For UPSC Civil Services Mains

Botany Optional Strategy

Civil Engineering Optional Strategy

OCT
6

Geography Optional Strategy

Geography Optional Strategy

PAPER I

• Fundamentals of Geomagnetism.

• Recent view on mountain building.

Geology Optional strategy

Geology Optional strategy

Geology, a branch of Earth Sciences, has emerged as one of the safest and rewarding optional subject for the Civil
Services Mains examinations. Geology is one of the scoring subjects with prospective from the Competitive exams.

Physics Optional Strategy

Psychology optional Strategy

Economics Optional Strategy

Strategy for Chemistry optional

OCT
5

Strategy for Agriculture optional

Strategy for Agriculture

Paper I

Paper I basically focuses on farm practices and basic foundation of agriculture. Topics should be prepared in
adequate length. Expression should be simple, application oriented and should consist of flowcharts as and when it's
required.
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4. The composition of the boards (governing) of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) is said to be a
model in corporate governance. How far do you agree with the statement?
Introduction: –
Your introduction should define corporate governance in brief.

 Corporate governance refers to the accountability of the Board of Directors to all stakeholders
of the corporation i.e. shareholders, employees, suppliers, customers and society in general;
towards giving the corporation a fair, efficient and transparent administration.

(For understanding Purpose)

 The OECD principles define corporate governance as involving “a set of relationships between
a company’s management, its board, its shareholders, and other stakeholders. Corporate
governance also provides the structure through which the objectives of the company are set,
and the means of attaining those objectives and monitoring performance are determined. Good
corporate governance should provide proper incentives for the board and management to
pursue objectives that are in the interests of the company and its shareholders and should
facilitate effective monitoring. The presence of an effective corporate governance system,
within an individual company and across an economy as a whole, helps to provide a degree of
confidence that is necessary for the proper functioning of a market economy.”
 From a banking industry perspective, corporate governance involves the manner in which the
business and affairs of banks are governed by their boards of directors and senior management,
which affects how they function:
 Set corporate objectives;
 Operate the bank’s business on a day-to-day basis;
 Meet the obligation of accountability to their shareholders and take into account the interests
of other recognized stakeholders;
 Align corporate activities and behavior with the expectation that banks will operate in a safe
and sound manner, and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations; and
 Protect the interests of depositors.
 Also mention how recent scams like Satyam etc. lead to demand of corporate governance in
India.

Body:
Mention about composition of governing boards of Public Sector Banks.
Discuss how Board of Public Sector banks perform on the criteria’s to be a model in corporate
governance in India.

 The present composition of the boards of public sector banks (PSB) could theoretically be
termed as a model in corporate governance. The boards represent diversity (except on gender)
and multiple public interests. A typical PSB bank has three directors representing minority
(non-government) shareholders’ interests; three directors who are expected to represent
societal interests; a director each representing the union government, workmen, officers, and
 regulator (RBI). In addition, an independent chartered accountant is appointed as a director
and the person usually heads the audit committee. The bank also has three or four whole-time
directors including the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD).
 While the above composition looks good, there is still a huge problem. This problem is about
the process of identifying individuals to represent these diverse interests. The Nayak
committee rightly identifies it. It terms the boards as “non-independent” except for the
shareholder directors. The process of the election of even these so called “independent”
directors may also show that they are largely nominees of the government, albeit through a
different process. They are elected by shareholders excluding the government. The non-
government share-holding in many of the banks are substantially held by institutions indirectly
controlled by the government – insurance companies, financial institutions etc. These
institutions largely select the “independent” directors as well.
 However, distinguished the panel that will select the chairman, it is always possible for the
government to influence the chairman once he or she is appointed. The result would be to pit
a political appointee against the CEO who has to deliver results. Second, the chairman may
have his or her own agenda; this would render the CEO ineffective. It would have been better
to defer the separation of roles until PSB boards had begun to function effectively with
independent directors.

We thus have a situation where the public sector banks end up not having a semblance of good
corporate governance.
Conclusion:
Your conclusion should mention about the way forward in terms on corporate governance in
general and for Board of Public Sector banks in particular. Creation of Banks board bureau is a
significant step in right direction but it has its own limitation which should be overcome soon to
become implement the true form of corporate governance.

Best Answer1: vengeancee

Governing board of PSBs are claimed to be an example of good corporate governance when this
new concept has started to find ground, but has been far from reality especially in private
enterprises. Such claims can be said to be true as:
1) Regular auditing and transparency measures are adopted with rule-bound precautions.
2) Regular board meetings are held, and necessary information are divulged to public &
shareholders regularly.
3) Independent directors are regularly appointed, and provisions like their remuneration, timely
renewal & providing cooling-off period are maintained.
4) Post for CMD, CeO are regularly shuffled, before power concentration starts to take place.
However, certain problems are also exists:
1) No bifurcation of Chairman & Managing Director post has taken place in several banks despite
multiple recommendations by experts, & committees.
2) Political patronage still works in key appointment as they are generally mandated by Cabinet
Committee on Appointments (CCA) headed by PM.
3) Scams are not devoid of PSBs due to faulty governance procedures adopted, ex: Syndicate Bank
controversy in 2014
4) Lack of autonomy persists through Finance Ministry’s interference, and Government being their
major stakeholder.
Calling them model of corporate governance is rather difficult, and uncalled for. Corporate
Governance is still in process of evolving, and PSBs are not flawless despite being comparatively
satisfactory. Calling them a model to be followed by others in going down a slippery slope.