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2023
HISTORY
Full Marks: 100
Pass Marks: 30
Time: Three hours
The figures in the margin indicate full marks for the questions
1. Answer the following questions: (any twelve) 1x12=12
(i) Write the meaning of the word ‘Mohenjo-daro’.
ANSWER: “The Amount Of Dead”
(ii) Who was known as ‘Devanampriya’?
ANSWER: Ashoka known as ‘Devanampriya’ or piyadasi.
(iii) Who first deciphered Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts?
ANSWER: James Prinsep.
(iv) Who authored ‘Arthasastra’?
ANSWER: Chanakya or Kautilya.
(v) Who was the founder of the Varman dynasty?
ANSWER: Pushyavarman.
(vi) Who described painting as a ‘magical art’?
ANSWER: Abul Fazal.
(vii) Name one major composition of Shrimanta Shankardeva.
ANSWER: Kirtana-Ghosha.
(viii) What does the word ‘Harem’ mean?
ANSWER: A secluded house or part of a house allotted to women in some Muslim households.
(ix) Where was Guru Nanak born?
ANSWER: Guru Nanak was born in 1469 in Talvandi.
(x) What was Mahanavami Dibba?
ANSWER: Mahanavami Dibba is a beautiful stone platform located within the Royal Enclosure of Hampi.
(xi) Who was the last Mughal Emperor?
ANSWER: Bahadur Shah II.
(xii) Who introduced Doctrine of Lapse?
ANSWER: Lord Dalhousie.
(xiii) Who coined the name ‘Pakistan’?
ANSWER: Rahmat Ali.
(xiv) When was the Indian National Congress formed?
ANSWER: In 1885 A.D
(xv) Where was the first girls school opened in Assam?
ANSWER: Mrs. Brown established a girls' school in Sadia in 1838.
(xvi) Name the famous work of Ibn Battuta.
ANSWER: Rihla
2. Answer the following questions in brief: (any twelve) 2x12=24
(i) Write two causes of the downfall of the Harappan Civilization.
ANSWER: The two causes of the downfall of Harappan civilization :
1. Environmental Changes: Harappan civilization faced challenges like floods, affecting their agricultural practices.
2. Uncertain Factors: The decline could be attributed to various factors, including shifts in trade routes or ecological changes, rather than a specific Aryan invasion.
(ii) Who were the Prativedakas? Mention one duty of the Prativedakas.
ANSWER: They were Secret agents (spies). Collect secret information for the king.
(iii) Give two examples of right occupation.
ANSWER:
i. To study and teach Vedas.
ii. To perform sacrifices and receive gifts.
(iv) Name the four divisions of Kamrupa as mentioned in the Yogini Tantra.
ANSWER: Ratnapitha, Kamapitha, Bhadrapitha and Saumarpitha.
(v) Give two examples of Buranjis written in the Ahom period.
ANSWER: Chakarifeti Buranji, Satsoria Buranji.
(vi) Name two kinds of postal system in India.
ANSWER: Uluq and Dawa.
(vii) What were the two land revenue arrangements under the Mughals?
ANSWER: Zabt and Batai system.
(viii) Who discovered the ruins of Hampi and when?
ANSWER: Colin Mackanzie by 1800 AD.
(ix) Mention two sources used to reconstruct the history of Sufi tradition.
ANSWER: Books-Accounts of Sufism by Sarraj and Tabaqat by Sulami.
(x) Who were Lal-Bal-Pal?
ANSWER : Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilok and Bipin Chandra Pal
(xi) Name two novels based on India’s partition.
ANSWER: Train to Pakistan' by Khuswant Singh and 'The Great Partition' by Yasmin Khan.
(xii) Name two important crops grown in Awadh.
ANSWER: Cotton, Opium, Sugarcane.
(xiii) Write two limitations of oral sources.
ANSWER: a). Oral data do not comprise of concreteness as well as the chronology they yield which may not be very accurate.
b). Historians argue that the distinctiveness of personal experience makes generalization difficult.
(xiv) Name any two members of the drafting committee of the Indian Constitution.
ANSWER:
Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar
N. Gopalaswami.
(xv) Write two characteristics of the India Constitution.
ANSWER:
It lays down the fundamental political code, structure, procedures, powers, and duties of government institutions.
It sets out fundamental rights, directive principles, and the duties of citizens.
3. Answer the following questions: (any ten) 4x10=40
(i) Explain the pattern of domestic architecture of Mohenjo-daro.
ANSWER: The domestic architecture of Mohenjo-daro, an ancient Indus Valley Civilization city, exhibits distinct features:
1. Uniform Layout: Houses were organized in a grid pattern, with streets running in a north-south and east-west orientation. The city displayed a remarkably planned urban layout.
2. Standardized Room Sizes: Houses typically had standardized room sizes, suggesting a degree of urban planning and uniformity in construction. This could indicate a well-regulated building code or a communal approach to construction.
3. Multi-story Structures: Some houses featured multiple stories, showcasing an advanced understanding of construction techniques. This architectural innovation allowed for efficient use of limited space within the city.
4. Advanced Plumbing System: Mohenjo-daro had an elaborate water supply and drainage system. Each house had access to a private well and a sophisticated network of drains. This emphasis on sanitation indicates a high level of urban planning and hygiene awareness.
(ii) What were the different rules of marriage suggested by the ‘Dharmashastras’ and ‘Dharmasutras’ for the Indian Hindus?
ANSWER: The 'Dharmashastras' and 'Dharmasutras' outlined various rules for marriage among Indian Hindus. These ancient texts emphasized the importance of adherence to dharma, or righteous living. The rules encompassed aspects like caste, age, and social status. Endogamy, marrying within one's own caste, was a prevalent principle, maintaining social order. The concept of 'Vivaha' (marriage) involved rituals and ceremonies, with each text providing specific guidelines.
While the 'Dharmasutras' were more concise and focused on ethical and social duties, the 'Dharmashastras' delved deeper into religious and legal aspects of marriage. Consent of the bride and groom, ritualistic practices, and adherence to societal norms were integral. The caste system played a significant role, aiming to preserve social structure. Additionally, the texts delineated duties of spouses, emphasizing mutual respect and cooperation. These rules collectively aimed at fostering a harmonious and virtuous society based on the principles of dharma.
(iii) Write a note on the administrative system of the Mauryan Empire.
ANSWER: The Mauryan Empire, founded by Chandragupta Maurya in the 4th century BCE, boasted a well-organized administrative system. Chandragupta's chief minister, Chanakya, played a pivotal role in establishing a centralized government. The empire was divided into provinces, each governed by a viceroy who reported directly to the emperor. The administrative structure included officials responsible for finance, law, and military affairs. Ashoka, one of the notable Mauryan rulers, introduced the concept of Dhamma, promoting moral and ethical governance.
The capital, Pataliputra, was a hub of administrative activities. A sophisticated bureaucracy managed taxation, trade, and public welfare. The Mauryan rulers also invested in a spy network to ensure internal security. The economy flourished with efficient agricultural policies, facilitating revenue collection. The emperor's court was adorned with scholars, advisors, and diplomats. Despite the decline of the Mauryan Empire, its administrative model left a lasting impact on subsequent Indian dynasties, influencing governance structures for centuries to come.
(iv) Write a brief note on the Renaissance in Assam.
ANSWER: The Renaissance in Assam refers to a transformative period during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, marked by socio-cultural revitalization and intellectual awakening. Influenced by the broader Indian Renaissance, Assam experienced a resurgence in literature, arts, and education. Pioneering figures like Gunabhiram Barua, Anandaram Baruah, and Lakshminath Bezbaroa played pivotal roles in this revival. They championed the use of the Assamese language in literature and actively promoted education.
The period witnessed a shift from traditional to modern values, with an emphasis on rationality and social reform. Notably, the literary movement, known as the "Jonaki Era," flourished during this time, contributing to the development of Assamese literature. The Renaissance also fostered a sense of identity and pride among the Assamese people, laying the groundwork for cultural preservation and intellectual growth. This transformative era remains a crucial chapter in Assam's history, shaping its cultural landscape and fostering a renewed sense of intellectual vigor.
(v) Discuss about Mir Jumla’s invasion of Assam.
ANSWER: Mir Jumla, a Persian noble in the Mughal court, led a significant invasion of Assam in the mid-17th century. In 1662, at the behest of Aurangzeb, Mir Jumla undertook the military campaign to assert Mughal dominance in the region. The invasion was marked by fierce battles and strategic maneuvering. Mir Jumla faced challenges such as the difficult terrain, resistance from the Ahom Kingdom, and the region's harsh climate.
Despite initial successes, the campaign faced setbacks, with the Mughals struggling to fully control Assam. The invasion had lasting impacts on the region, as Mir Jumla's presence influenced Assam's political landscape. The Ahom rulers, though initially subdued, later regained control. Mir Jumla's invasion is a historical episode that reflects the complex dynamics of power struggles in the Indian subcontinent during the Mughal era, leaving a lasting imprint on the historical narrative of Assam.
(vi) Discuss the role of Maniram Dewan in the Revolt of 1857.
ANSWER: Maniram Dewan was an Assamese nobleman who played a significant role in the Revolt of 1857 in Assam. He was one of the first people to establish tea gardens in Assam and was initially a loyal associate of the British East India Company. However, he became disillusioned with the British policies and their oppressive dominance over the local people. He conspired with the exiled Ahom king Kandarpeswar Singha and other local leaders to overthrow the British rule and restore the Ahom monarchy. He also provided financial and logistical support to the rebels and helped them procure weapons and ammunition. He motivated the local population to join the revolt and resist the British forces. ¹²
Unfortunately, his plot was discovered by the British authorities and he was arrested along with his accomplice Piyali Barua. He was tried by a military court and sentenced to death by hanging. He was executed on February 26, 1858 at Jorhat Central Jail. His death was widely mourned by the people of Assam and inspired further resistance against the British. He is remembered as a martyr and a hero of the freedom struggle in Assam.
(vii) Give a brief description of the fortification and roads of Vijaynagar.
ANSWER: The fortification and roads of Vijaynagar were remarkable features of the medieval city that served as the capital of the Vijaynagar empire from the 14th to the 16th century. Here are some points to describe them:
- The city was surrounded by seven lines of forts that enclosed not only the urban core but also the agricultural land and forests. The outermost wall was built with wedge-shaped blocks of stone that fitted well without any mortar. The inner walls were made of earth and rubble.
- The fortification was designed to protect the city from sieges and invasions by enemies. The city had large granaries and an elaborate canal system that drew water from the Tungabhadra river to irrigate the fields and gardens within the fortified area.
- The roads linked different parts of the city and also led out of the city to other regions. The roads avoided rocky terrain and followed the natural contours of the valley. Many important roads started from temple gateways and were lined by bazaars and markets.
- The roads and fortifications reflected the wealth, power and prestige of the Vijaynagar empire. They also facilitated trade, commerce and pilgrimage within and outside the city. The city was admired by many foreign travelers who visited it and praised its beauty and grandeur.: Explain how the fortification and roads in the city of Vijayanagara were unique and impressive.
(viii) Write a note on Abul Fazal’s ‘Ain-i-Akbari’.
ANSWER: Abul Fazal’s ‘Ain-i-Akbari’ is a 16th-century document that records the administration of the Mughal Empire under Emperor Akbar. It is written in Persian by Abul Fazal, who was Akbar’s court historian and one of the nine jewels of his court.
The ‘Ain-i-Akbari’ is the third and final part of the larger work, the ‘Akbarnama’, which is a biography of Akbar and a history of his reign. The ‘Ain-i-Akbari’ is divided into five books, each dealing with a different aspect of Akbar’s empire.
The first book, called ‘Manzil-Abadi’, describes the imperial household and its maintenance, such as the royal harem, the treasury, the kitchen, the gardens, etc. The second book, called ‘Sipah-Abadi’, deals with the servants of the throne, the military and civil services, and the courtiers who had literary or musical talents. The third book, called ‘Mulk-Abadi’, deals with the imperial administration, such as the judicial and executive departments, the land revenue system, the calendar, the census, etc. The fourth book, called ‘Ilm-Abadi’, contains information on Hindu philosophy, science, social customs, and literature. The fifth book, called ‘Akbar-Abadi’, contains the sayings of Akbar and a brief account of his ancestry and life.
The ‘Ain-i-Akbari’ is a valuable source of information on the Mughal Empire and its culture, as it provides a detailed and comprehensive picture of Akbar’s policies, institutions, and achievements. It also reflects Abul Fazal’s admiration and loyalty to Akbar, as well as his own erudition and style. The ‘Ain-i-Akbari’ is considered a masterpiece of Persian literature and a monument of historical writing.
(ix) Discuss the major teachings of Kabir.
ANSWER: Kabir, a 15th-century Indian mystic poet, emphasized several key teachings that reflect his unique spiritual perspective. Firstly, he ardently rejected major religious traditions, advocating a universal and inclusive approach to spirituality that transcended the boundaries of Hinduism and Islam. His teachings encompassed a broader, more direct connection with the divine, emphasizing inner experience over external rituals.
Secondly, Kabir criticized all forms of external worship within both Brahmanical Hinduism and Islam. He urged followers to seek a personal, heartfelt connection with the divine rather than relying on elaborate ceremonies or prescribed rituals.
Additionally, Kabir vehemently opposed the priestly classes and the caste system, promoting the idea that spiritual realization was accessible to all, irrespective of social status. He advocated equality and rejected the notion that one's birth determined their spiritual worth. Kabir's teachings, encapsulated in his poetry, resonate with a timeless message of universal spirituality, emphasizing love, unity, and the pursuit of a direct connection with the divine beyond religious and societal constraints.
(x) Why did the Santhal rebel against British rule?
ANSWER: The Santhal Rebellion, also known as the Santal Hool, erupted in 1855-1856 among the Santhal tribe in British India. The rebellion stemmed from various socio-economic grievances faced by the Santhals. The British policies, including land revenue systems and oppressive working conditions, led to the displacement and exploitation of the Santhal community. The imposition of alien laws disrupted their traditional agrarian practices, causing discontent. Additionally, the British failed to recognize and respect the Santhal customary laws and land rights.
The introduction of moneylenders and revenue collectors further burdened the Santhals, pushing them towards destitution. The uprising was a desperate response to these injustices, as the Santhals sought to protect their way of life, land, and autonomy. The rebellion marked a significant resistance against the British, reflecting the broader discontent among various communities facing similar challenges during the colonial period in India.
(xi) Give a description of the architecture of Bombay.
ANSWER:
i. Mumbai's architecture is a mix of Gothic, Victorian, Art Deco, and Indo-Saracenic.
ii. Mumbai boasts the world's second-highest concentration of Art Deco structures buildings in the world.
iii. The neo-Gothic, often known as the new Gothic style, was resurrected in England around the mid-nineteenth century.
iv.Mumbai's architecture also reflects the city's historical evolution, with colonial influences evident in structures like the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that exemplifies Victorian Gothic Revival architecture.
(xii) Write an essay on the Quit India Movement.
ANSWER: The Quit India Movement, launched on August 8, 1942, marked a pivotal moment in India's struggle for independence from British colonial rule. Spearheaded by Mahatma Gandhi, this mass protest aimed at compelling the British to leave India immediately. The movement gained momentum as people from all walks of life united under the clarion call of "Quit India."
Gandhi's fiery "Do or Die" speech galvanized millions to participate in nonviolent civil disobedience. Protesters faced brutal repression, with the British responding with arrests, censorship, and violence. Despite the challenges, the movement showcased India's unity and determination for self-rule.
The Quit India Movement significantly influenced the political landscape, hastening India's journey towards independence. The British government, grappling with global war pressures, realized the untenability of continued colonial control. The momentum generated by the Quit India Movement laid the groundwork for future negotiations and eventually led to India's independence in 1947.
In conclusion, the Quit India Movement remains a watershed moment, symbolizing the collective will of the Indian people to free themselves from imperial shackles and shape their destiny.
(xiii) What was Gandhi-Irwin Pact? Write two terms of the Pact. 2+2=4
ANSWER: The Gandhi-Irwin Pact, signed on March 5, 1931, marked a crucial moment in India's struggle for independence. Two notable terms defined this agreement. Firstly, Mahatma Gandhi agreed to suspend the Civil Disobedience Movement, a nonviolent protest against British rule that involved non-cooperation and refusal to obey certain laws. This decision aimed at fostering a constructive dialogue with the British government. Secondly, as a reciprocal gesture, the British authorities, under Lord Irwin, committed to releasing political prisoners who had been detained during the protests. The pact was an attempt to find common ground between the Indian National Congress, led by Gandhi, and the British government, in pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the ongoing political tensions. Though the pact did not lead to immediate independence, it paved the way for further negotiations and discussions on the future of India.
(xiv) What were the problems with separate electorate?
ANSWER:
i. it would be extremely dangerous for them if they were segregated from the rest of the community.
ii. If kept aloof in an air-tight compartment where they would have to rely on others even for the air they breath.
iii. The minorities if they are returned by separate electorates can never have any effective voice.
iv. Gandhiji opposed the separate electorates as it will weaken the national unity.
4. Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions that follow: (any three) 6x3=18
(a) Prabhavati Gupta and the village Danguna.
This is what Prabhavati Gupta states in her inscription:
Prabhavati Gupta…commands the gramakutumbinas (house-holders/ peasants living in the village), Brahmanas and others living in the village of Danguna… “Be it known to you that on the twelfth (lunar day) of the bright (fortnight) of Karttika, we have, in order to increase our religious merit donated this village with the pouring out of water, to the Acharya (Teacher) Chanalasvamin… You should obey all (his) commands…
We confer on (him) the following exemptions typical of an Agrahara.. (this village is) not to be entered by soldiers and policemen; (it is) exempt from (the obligation to provide) grass, (animal) hides as seats, and charcoal (to touring royal officers): exempt from (the royal prerogative of) purchasing fermenting liquors and digging (salt); exempt from (the right to) mines and Khadira trees; exempt from (the obligation to supply) flowers and milk; (it is donated) together with (the right to) hidden treasures and deposits (and) together with major and minor taxes…”
(i) What was Agrahara? 1
ANSWER: Agrahara was a grant of land.
(ii) Who donated the village and to whom? 1+1=2
ANSWER: Prabhavati Gupta donted it to the Brahmanas.
(iii) What were the exemptions granted to the Agrahara Danguna? 3
ANSWER:
a) Exempted from paying land revenue and other dues to the king.
b) Brahmins got the right to collect revenue from the farmers.
c) Exmpted from purchasing fermenting liquors and digging.
(b) The Buddha (and other teachers) taught orally-through discussion and debate. Men and women (perhaps children as well) attended these discourses and discussed what they heard. After his death (c.fifth-fourth century BCE) his teachings were complied by his disciples at a council of “elders” or senior monks at Vaishali. These compilations were known as Tripitakas-literally, three baskets to hold different types of texts. They were first transmitted orally and then written and classified according to length as well as subject matter.
The Vinaya Pitaka included rules and regulations for those who joined the sangha or monastic order; the Buddha’s teachings were included in the Sutta Pitaka; and the Abhidhamma Pitaka dealt with philosophical matters. Each Pitaka comprised a number of individual texts. Later, commentaries were written on these texts by Buddhist scholars.
(i) What are Tripitakas? Name them. 2+1=3
ANSWER: Tripitakas-literally, three baskets to hold different types of texts. These are- Vinay Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka and Abhidhama Pitaka.
(ii) What do the three Pitakas deal with? 3
ANSWER: The three Pitakas deal with :-
a) Vinaya Pitaka included rules and regulations for those who joined the sangha or monastic order.
b ) The Buddha's teachings were included in the Sutta Pitaka;
c) Abhidharma Pitaka dealt with philosophical matters.
(c) Ibn Battuta’s account of Delhi:
The city of Delhi covers a wide area and has a large population… The rampart round the city without parallel.
The breadth of its wall is eleven cubits; and inside it are houses for night sentry and gate-keepers. Inside the ramparts, there are store-houses for storing edibles, magazines, ammunition, ballistas and siege machines. The grains that are stored (in these ramparts) can last for a long time, without rotting…In the interior of the rampart, horsemen as well as infantrymen move from one end of the city to another. The rampart is pierced through by windows which open on the side of the city, and it is through these windows that light enters inside. The lower part of the rampart is built of stone; the upper part of bricks. It has many towers close to one another. There are twenty eight gates of this city which are called darwaza, of these, the Budaun darwaza is the greatest; inside the Mandwi darwaza there is a grain market…It (the city of Delhi) has a fine cemetery in which graves have domes over them, and those that do not have a dome, have an arch, for sure. In the cemetery they sow flowers such as tuberose, jasmine, wild rose, etc; and flowers blossom there in all seasons.
(i) How many gates were there in the city of Delhi? Name the greatest gate. 1+1=2
ANSWER: Twenty eight gates. Budaun darwaza was the greatest.
(ii) Give a brief description of the ramparts of Delhi as described by Ibn Battuta. 2
ANSWER: The city is round without parallel. The breadth of its wall is eleven cubits; and inside it are houses for the night sentry and gate-keepers. Inside the ramparts, there are store-houses for storingedibles, magazines, ammunition, ballistas and siege machines.
(iii) How was the cemetery of Delhi? 2
ANSWER:
a) It has a fine cemetery in which graves have domes over them
b) In the cemetery they sow flowers such as tuberose, jasmine, wild rose, etc.; and flowers blossom there in all seasons.
(d) “I believe seperate electorates will be suicidal to the minorities.” During the debate on 27th August, 1947, Govind Ballabh Pant said, “I believe seperate electorates will be suicidal to the minorities and will do them tremendous harm. If they are isolated for ever, they can never convert themselves into a majority and feeling of frustration will cripple them even from the very beginning. What is it that you desire and what is our ultimate objective? Do the minorities always want to remain as minorities or do they ever expect to form an integral part of the great notion and as such to guide and control its destinies? If they do, can they ever achieve that aspiration and that ideal if they are isolated from the rest of the community? I think it would be extremely dangerous for them if they were segregated from the rest of the community and kept aloof in an air-tight compartment where they would have to rely on others even for the air they breath… The minorities if they are returned by separate electorates can never have any effective voice.”
(i) Why did Govind Ballabh Pant believe that separate electorates would be a suicidal step to the minorities?3
ANSWER: a) He believed separate electorates will be suicidal to the minorities and will do them tremendous harm.
b) If they are isolated forever.
c) They can never convert themselves into a majority and the feeling of frustration will cripple them even from the very beginning.
(ii) Why ,according to Pant, separate electorates would be dangerous for the minorities? 3
ANSWER: a) According to him it would be extremely dangerous for them if they were segregated from the rest of the community.
b) If kept aloof in an air-tight compartment where they would have to rely on others even for the air they breath.
c) The minorities if they are returned by separate electorates can never have any effective voice.
5. (i) Draw a map of India and plot three areas under the Mughals. 3+3=6
ANSWER:
Or
(ii) Draw a map of India and plot three places where the Revolt of 1857 held. 3+3=6
ANSWER:
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