Write about the Gupta Art and Architecture

The new attitude of caution and conservation can be detected in almost every sphere of British activity in India after revolt of 1857.

Themes in early Indian cultural history: languages and texts; major stages in the evolution of art and architecture; major philosphical thinkers and schools; ideas in science & Technology and mathematics.

1. Make a review of the growth of Science and Technology.

Life & Teachings of Mahavira and Buddha. Contemporary society. Early phase of state formation and urbanization

1. Salient Features of Buddhism.

2. Will you regard Buddhism and Jainism as product of a society more open minded than ours ? Illustrate your answer citing examples from the preceding and succeeding stages of society in ancient india.

3. Is there a relationship between rise of Buddhism and emergence of cities in the Ganga Plain ? Trace the growth of urbanization in its early phase.

4. Discuss the main teachings of Buddhism and give an account of the growth and spread of Buddhism after Gautama Buddha.

5. What are the significant teachings of Mahavir ? How are they important.

6. What do you know about the non-monarchical communities of Northern India at the time of Buddha.

7. Analyze the message of Lord Buddha and the two sects of Mahayaan and Hinayaan.

8. Narrate the main teachings of Buddha.

9. Give details of Ajanta, Ellora, Amaravati and Nagarjun Kund.

Post-Mauryan period in India: Political and administrative history,. Society, economy, culture and religion. Tamilaham and its society: the Sangam texts

1. Give a critical estimate of Kaniska.

2. Write an essay on Sangam Literature and throw light on the cultural achievements of Sangam Age.

3. Assess the contribution of Sungas in the field of politics, society, religion, literature and art.

4. How does the Sangam Literature help us to understand the Sangam Age and special features.

Evolution of society and culture: evidence of Vedic texts (Samhitas to Sutras)

 1. Discuss about the major religious ideas and rituals in the Vedic Age.

Themes in early Indian cultural history: languages and texts; major stages in the evolution of art and architecture; major philosphical thinkers and schools; ideas in science & Technology and mathematics

1. Gandhara Art.

2. Compare the contrast between the Mathura and Gandhara schools of Art.

Patterns of settlement, economy, social organization and religion in India (c. 2000 to 500 B.C.)

1. Republics in north India in the 6th Century B.C.

Sources of Early Indian History

1. Classify the literary sources of understanding early Indian History. 20 marks (2018)

2. What kind of social, cultural, economic, political life is depicted in the Dharmashastras of India? 20 marks. (2018)

3. Ascertain the value of the accounts of foreign travellers in constructing ancient Indian History. 20 marks (2017)

4. Throw light on the non-literary sources of early Indian History. 20 marks (2016)

5. Throw light on major literary sources of early Indian History. 20 marks (2015)

6. Classify the Vedic Literature. 20 marks (2011)

6. Which are the main sources of ancient indian history? Assess the role of archaeology in reconstructing the cultural history of India. 60 marks (2009)

7. Dates are not very attractive things. But without dates , will not history become an impassable distance of facts? Can you analyze how dates and facts are synthesized in ancient Indian History. 20 marks. (2008)

8. Make a review of the growth of science and technology in ancient technology. 20 marks

India in the Gupta and post-Gupta periods (to c. 750): Political history of India; Samanta system and changes in political structure; economy; social structure; culture; religion.

 1. Throw lights on the achievements of Gupta Dynasty with special reference to its policy of establishing a Greater India.

2. Evaluate the significance of the Gupta Age.

3. Trace the growth of literature, science and technology during Gupta Period.

4. How do you define the feudalism in Gupta Period ? Evaluate Gupta's political structure in the light of Feudalism in Gupta Age.

5. The reign of Chandragupta 11 was a high water mark of the Gupta Empire. Explain.

6. Review the important features of administrative systems of the Guptas.

7. Development of Science during the Gupta Age.

8. Evaluate the cultural contributions of the Gupta Age.

9. Discuss the architectural achievements of Pallavas.

10. The Gupta Art and Architecture.

11. Achievements of Pulakesin II.

12. Discuss the achievements of Harshavardhana.

13. Write a descriptive note on the inscription 'Prayag Prasasti'.

14. Throw light on the circumstances at the time of Huna/Hun invasion over India and its impact for history of India.

The Mauryan empire, Ashoka’s inscriptions, His dhamma, Nature of the Mauryan state (PYQs)

1. Do you think that Mauryan State was a welfare state ?Assess the nature of the Mauryan Administration in the light of the above. (60 marks)

2. Give a brief note on Ashoka's inscriptions. (20 marks)

3. How will you evaluate the nature of Mauryan State? (6o marks)

4. Analyze the significance of Kalinga War. (20 marks)

5. Mark Ashoka's pillar edicts on the map and write their names also. (20 marks)

6. Discuss the impact of kalinga War on Ashoka. Do you think that his policy of non violence was responsible for the decline of Mauryan Empire. (40 marks)

7. Critically analyze the causes of the Kalinga War.

8. Review the important features of the administrative system of the Mauryas. (60 marks)

9. Ashoka's religious policy. (20 marks)

10. Ashoka's place in history. (20 marks)

11. Examine critically the causes of the downfall of the Mauryan Empire.

12. Rise and growth of Magadhan Imperialism.

OPSC History Optional Syllabus (Paper - 2)

Section-A

1. Establishment of British rule in India: Factors behind British success against Indian powers-Mysore, Maratha Confederacy and the Punjab as major powers in resistance; Policy of Subsidiary Alliance and Doctrine of Lapse.
2. Colonial Economy : Drain of wealth and “deindustrialisation”, Fiscal pressures and revenue settlements (Zamindari, Ryotwari and Mahalwari settlements); Structure of the British Raj up to 1857 (including the Acts of 1773 and 1784 and administrative organisation).
3. Resistance to Colonial rule: Causes, nature and impact of the Revolt of 1857; Reorganization of the Raj: 1858 and after.
4. Socio-cultural impact of colonial rule: Official social reform measures (1828-57); Orientalist-Anglicist controversy; coming of English education and the press; Christian missionary activities;Bengal Renaissance; Social and religious reform movements in Bengal and other areas; Women as focus of social reform.
5. Economy 1858-1914: Railways; Commercialisation of Indian agriculture; Growth of landless labourers and rural indebtedness; Famines; India as market for British industry; Customs removal, exchange and countervailing excise; Limited growth of modern industry.
6. Early Indian Nationalism: Social background; Formation of national associations; Peasant and tribal uprising during the early nationalist era; Foundation of the Indian National Congress; The Moderate phase of the Congress; Growth of Extremism; The Indian Council Act of 1909; Home Rule Movement; The Government of India Act of 1919.
7. Inter-War economy of India: Industries and problem of Protection; Agricultural distress; the Great Depression; Ottawa agreements and Discriminatory Protection; the growth of trade unions; The Kisan Movement; The economic programme of the Congress; Karachi resolution, 1931.
8. Nationalism under Gandhi’s leadership: Gandhi’s career, thought and methods of mass mobilisation; Rowlatt Satyagraha, Khilafat, Non Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, 1940 Satyagraha and Quit India Movement; States’ People’s Movement.
9. Other strands of the National Movement:
a) Revolutionary movements since 1905; (b) Constitutional politics; Swarajists, Liberals, Responsive Cooperation; (c) Ideas of Jawharlal Nehru, (d) The Left (Socialists and Communists); (e) Subhas Chandra Bose and the Indian National Army; (f) Communal strands: Muslim League and Hindu Mahasabha; (g) Women in the National Movement.
10. Towards Freedom: The Act of 1935; Congress Ministries, 1937-1939; The Pakistan Movement; Post-1945 upsurge (RIN Mutiny, Telengana uprising); Constitutional negotiations and the Transfer of Power, 15 August 1947.
11. First phase of Independence (1947-64): Facing the consequences of Partition; Gandhiji’s murder; economic dislocation; Integration of States; The democratic constitution, 1950; Agrarian reforms; Building an industrial welfare state; Planning and industrialisation; Foreign policy of Non-alignment; Relations with neighbors.
12. Odisha under Colonial rule and after: British Conquest of Odisha- Khurda Rebellion (1817)-Kandha Rebellions under Dora Bisoyee and Chakra Bisoyee-Resistance Movement under Surendra Sai-Odia Movement-Nationalist Movement-Merger of States.

Section-B

13. Enlightenment and Modern ideas
1. Renaissance Background
2. Major Ideas of Enlightenment: Kant, Rousseau
3. Spread of Enlightenment outside Europe
4. Rise of socialist ideas (to Marx)
14. Origins of Modern Politics
1. European States System
2. American Revolution and the Constitution.
3. French revolution and aftermath, 1789-1815.
4. British Democratic Politics, 1815-1850; Parliamentary Reformers, Free Traders, chartists.
15. Industriatization
1. English Industrial Revolution: Causes and Impact on Society
2. Industrialization in other countries: USA, Germany, Russia, Japan
3. Socialist Industrialization: Soviet and Chinese.

16. Nation-State System
1. Rise of Nationalism in 19th century
2. Nationalism : state-building in Germany and Italy
3. Disintegration of Empires through the emergence of nationalities.
17. Imperialism and Colonialism
1. Colonial System (Exploitation of New World, Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, Tribute from Asian Conquests
2. Types of Empire: of settlement and non-settlement: Latin America, South Africa, Indonesia, Australia.
3. Imperialism and Free Trade: The New Imperialism
18. Revolution and Counter-Revolution
1. 19th Century European revolutions
2. The Russian Revolution of 1917-1921
3. Fascist Counter-Revolution, Italy and Germany.
4. The Chinese Revolution of 1949
19. World Wars
1. 1st and 2nd World Wars as Total Wars: Societal Implications
2. World War I : Causes and Consequences
3. World War II : Political Consequence
20. Cold War
1. Emergence of Two Blocs
2. Integration of West Europe and US Strategy; Communist East Europe
3. Emergence of Third World and Non-Alignment
4. UN and Dispute Resolution
21. Colonial Liberation
1. Latin America-Bolivia
2. Arab World-Egypt
3. Africa-Apartheid to Democracy
4. South-East Asia-Vietnam
22. Decolonization and Underdevelopment
1. Decolonization: Break up of colonial Empires: British, French, Dutch
2. Factors constraining Development : Latin America, Africa
23. Unification of Europe
1. Post-War Foundations : NATO and European Community
2. Consolidation and Expansion of European Community/European Union.
24. Soviet Disintegration and the Unipolar World
1. Factors in the collapse of Soviet communism and the Soviet Union, 1985-1991
2. Political Changes in East Europe 1989-1992
3. End of the Cold War and US Ascendancy in the World
4. Globalization

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OPSC History Optional Syllabus (Paper - 1)

1. Sources of early Indian history.
2. Early pastoral and agricultural communities.
3. The Indus Civilization: its origins, nature and decline.
4. Patterns of settlement, economy, social organization and religion in India (c. 2000 to 500 B.C.) .
5. Evolution of society and culture: evidence of Vedic texts (Samhitas to Sutras).
6. Life & Teachings of Mahavira and Buddha. Contemporary society. Early phase of state formation and urbanization.
7. Rise of Magadha; the Mauryan empire. Ashoka’s inscriptions; his dhamma. Nature of the Mauryan state.
8. Post-Mauryan period in India: Political and administrative history,. Society, economy, culture and religion. Tamilaham and its society: the Sangam texts.
9. India in the Gupta and post-Gupta periods (to c. 750): Political history of India; Samanta system and changes in political structure; economy; social structure; culture; religion.
10. Themes in early Indian cultural history: languages and texts; major stages in the evolution of art and architecture; major philosphical thinkers and schools; ideas in science & Technology and mathematics.
11. Kalinga War; Kharavela-achievements.
12. Political History of Odisha (c.4th Century AD – 7th Centry AD).

Section-B

13. India, 750-1200 : Polity, society and economy. Major dynasties and political structures in North India. Agrarian structures. Feudalism in India. Rise of Rajputs. The Imperial Cholas and their contemporaries in South India. Villagle communities in the South. Conditions of women. Commerce-mercantile groups and guilds; towns. Problem of coinage. Arab conquest of Sind; the Ghaznavide empire.
14. India, 750-1200: Culture, Literature, Kalhana as a historian. Styles of temple architecture; sculpture; Religious thought and institutions: Sankaracharya’s Vedanta. Ramanuja. Growth of Bhakti, Advent of Islam in India; Sufism. Indian science. Alberuni and his study of Indian science and civilization.15. The 13th Century: The Ghorian invasions. Factors behind Ghorian success, Economic, social and cultural consequences; Foundation of Delhi Sultanate. The “Slave” Dynasty. IItutmish; Balban; Early Sultanate architecture.
16. The 14th Century: Alauddin Khalji’s conquests, agrarian and economic measures; Muhammad Tughluq’s major “projects”; Firuz Tughluq’s concessions and public works; Decline of the Sultante; Foreign contacts: Ibn Battuta.
17. Economy Society and Culture in the 13th and 14th centuries: Caste and slavery under Sultanate, Technological changes, Sultanate architecture, Persian literature: Amir Khusrau, Historiography; Zia-ud—din Barani. Evolution of a composite culture, Sufism in North India, Lingayats, Bhakti schools in the south.
18. The 15th and early16th Century (Political History): Rise of Provincial Dynasties: Bengal, Kashmir (Zainul Abedin), Gujarat, Malwa, Bahmanids, The Vijayanagra Empire. Lodis. Mughal Empire, First phase : Babur, Humayun. The Sur Empire : Sher Shah’s administration. The Portuguese colonial enterprise.
19. The 15th and early 16th Century (society, economy and culture): Regional cultures and literatures, provincial architectural styles. Society, culture, literature and the arts in Vijayanagara Empire. Monotheistic movements: Kabir and Nanak. Bhakti Movements: Chaitanya, Sufism in its pantheistic phase.
20. Akbar: His conquests and consolidation of empire. Establishment of jagir and mansab systems. His Rajput policy. Evolution of religious and social outlook. Theory of Sulh-i-kul and religious policy. Abul Fazl, thinker and historian. Court patronage of art and technology.
21. Mughal empire during 17th & 18th Centuries: Major policies (administrative and religious) of Jahangir, Shahjahan and Aurangzeb. The Empire and the Zamindars. Nature of the Mughal state. Late 17th Century crisis: Revolts. Shivaji and the early Maratha kingdom; Decline of Mughals . Maratha ascendancy under the Peshwas.
22. Economy and Society, 16th and 17th Centuries: Population. Agricultural and craft production. Towns; Trade and Commerce with Europe through Dutch, English and French companies; Indian mercantile classes. Banking, insurance and credit systems. Conditions of peasants, famines. Condition of Women.
23. Culture during Mughal Empire: Persian literature (including historical works). Hindi and religious literatures. Mughal architecture. Mughal Painting. Provincial schools of architecture and painting. Classical music. Science and technology. Sawai Jai Singh as astronomer. Mystic eclecticism : Dara Shukoh. Vaishnav Bhakti. Maharastra Dharma. Evolution of the Sikh community (Khalsa).
24. Medieval Odisha : The Bhaumakaras and the Somavamsis; The Imperial Gangas and Suryavamsi Gajapatis; Cult of Jagannatha.

OPSC History Optional PYQ from Indus Valley Civilization, Early pastoral and agricultural communities.

1. Discuss the characteristics of Indus Valley Civilization?    60 marks

2. Causes of decline of the Indus Valley Civilization.          20 marks

3. Similarities between Indus Civilization and Vedic Culture.  

4. Write a brief note on Harappan Culture.

5. What do you know about Painted Greyware Culture? 

6. Indicate the specific features of the Indus Civilization and the causes of its decline.

7. Figure out the details about the pastoral communities and their role during early period of Indian History.

8. Throw light on the religious faith of the people of Indus Civilization.

9. Locate the sites of Indus Valley Civilization and discuss its unique features. 

 Discuss the salient features of the Govt. of India Act, 1858 ?

The Revolt Of 1857 gave a severe jolt to the British administration in India and compelled it to reorganise its structure. This act is coterminous with Queen Victoria’s declaration, 1858. The British prime Minister, Palmerstone had introduced a Bill in 1858 in the parliament for the transfer of Government of India to The crown. However, before this bill was to be passed, Palmerstone was forced to resign on another issue. Later Lord Stanley introduced another bill which was originally titled as “An Act for the Better Government of India” and it was passed on August 2, 1858. This act provided that India was to be governed directly and in the name of the crown.

Following changes were made:

1. Transferred powers from the East India Company to the Crown. The Company’s territories in India were to be vested in the Queen. India was to be governed in the Queen’s name.

2. All the property of the East India Company was transferred to the Crown. The Crown also assumed the responsibilities of the Company as they related to treaties, contracts, and so forth

3. A member of British Parliament was made secretary of state of India to exercise powers on behalf of the Crown and was responsible to the British Parliament.

4. The Crown was empowered to appoint a Governor-General and the Governors of the Presidencies.

5. Provision for the creation of an Indian Civil Service under the control of the Secretary of State.

6. The Governor General for India was provided with an Executive Council, whose decision he was empowered to override.

The Act ushered in a new period of Indian history, bringing about the end of Company rule in India. The era of the new British Raj would last until Partition of India in August 1947, at which time all of the territory of the Raj was granted dominion status within the Dominion of Pakistan and the Union of India.