(Paper) IAS Mains Paper (2007 ) : HISTORY - I

IAS Mains Paper (2007 )

HISTORY-I

Time Allowed: Three Hours
Maximum Marks: 300

INSTRUCTIONS : Candidates should attempt Question No.1 and 5 which are compulsory, and any three of the remaining questions selecting at least one question from each section.

Section 'A'

1. Mark any fifteen of the following places on the map supplied to you and write short descriptive notes on the places marked.   (4x15=60)
(i). Kot digi
(ii). Kalibangan
(iii). Ahicchatra
(iv). Bhimbaitka
(v). Kanauj
(vi). Siddapura
(vii). Udayagiri
(viii). Kaveripoompattinam
(ix). Tiruchirapalli
(x). Sisupalgarh
(xi). Anuradhapura
(xii). Hampi
(xiii). Srirangapatnam
(xiv). Puri
(xv). Kolhapur
(xvi). Haldighati
(xvii). Golconda
(xviii). Chittagong
(xix). Chitore
(xx). Calicut

2."Reconstruction of Early Indian history is hardly possible without the help of inscriptions and coins." Discuss.   (60)

3. Write what you know of the rise and spread of Buddhism before the first century A.D.   (60)

4. Throw light on the condition of common man in the Gupta period.   (60)

Section 'B'

5. Write short essays in not more than 200 words each on any three of the following:   (20x3=60)
(a) Alberuni on science in India
(b) The Bahamani Kingdom
(c) Mughal painting
(d) Chauth and Sardeshmukhi of the Maratha rulers

6. Show that the administrative system in India reached a very high level during the Chola period.  (60)

7."The tenets of Hindu and Muslim mystics were similar enough that the ground was ripe for syncretic movements involving adherents of both the religions." Elucidate.  (60)

8."Akbar built the Mughal Empire by enlisting the support of the Rajputs; Aurangzeb destroyed it by alienating the Rajputs." Discuss critically.  (60)