Contents
WBCS Main Optional Question Paper – 2023
PAPER – I (Time-3 Hours Full Marks-200)
GROUP-A
1. Answer any three questions: 10×3=30
(a) Give an account on the basic features of the Harappan Civilisation.
(b) How did social conditions change from the early-Vedic to later-Vedic times?
(c) Give an account of the cultural achievements of the Gupta era. Do you agree with the view that it was the Golden Age of Indian history?
(d) The tripartite contest between the Palas, the Rashtrakutas and the Pratiharas was essentially a struggle for the North Indian heartland.— Comment.
2. Answer any two questions: 20×2=40
(a) How do you account for the rise of heterodox, religious movements in the fifth century B.C.?
(b) What were the distinctive features of Mahayana Buddhism? How was it different from Hinayana Buddhism? 10+10
(c) What are Agrahara and Brahmadeya land grants? What role did they play in the history of early medieval times?
3. Answer any one question: 30×1=30
(a) Would you agree with the view that the Kushana Empire was Central Asian in its origin, but acquired many Indic features over the years?
(b) How do you account for the proliferation of castes in early medieval India, during the 7th to 12th centuries?
GROUP-B
4. Answer any three questions: 10×3=30
(a) Assess the role played by Balban in the Strengthening of central authority in the Delhi Sultanate.
(b) Give an account of Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq’s project for the transfer of capital. Would you say the Sultan was a visionary leader way ahead of his time?
(c) Write an essay on the role played by Sufism in the social life of medieval India.
(d) What were the salient features of the Mughal school of painting?
5. Answer any two questions: 20×2=40
(a) Give an account of the Market regulation policies of Alauddin Khilji. What impact did it have on the economy of the Sultanate? 15+5
(b) The Vijayanagar – Bahmani rivalry was shaped less by religious differences, and more by struggle for geopolitical dominance.— Comment. 20
(c) Write an essay on the economy of Mughal India. 20
6. Answer any one question: 30×1=30
(a) The struggle between the Crown and the nobility was the defining feature of the Delhi Sultanate in the 13th and 14th centuries. — Discuss. 30
(b) Trace the evolution of Mughal Deccan policy from Akbar to Aurangzeb. How did it contribute to the weakening of the Mughal Empire? 20+10
PAPER-II (Time-3 Hours Full Marks-200)
GROUP-A
Answer Question No.1 and any two from the rest.
- Answer any one:
(a) What was the Subsidiary Alliance? How did it contribute in the rise of the East India Company to political dominance in the Subcontinent? 20
(b) How did the British revenue settlements serve to change the nature of agrarian land-ownership in the Indian Countryside? 20
(c) Write an essay on the nature of the uprising of 1857. 20
2. Analyse the circumstances in which nationalism emerged as a major factor in the political life of India in the second half of the nineteenth century. 40
3. Assess the contribution of Gandhi in India’s freedom movement. 40
4. Write an essay on the integration of princely states into the Indian Union. 40
GROUP-B
Answer Question No.5 and any two from the rest.
5. Answer any one:
(a) Give an account of the administrative reforms of Napoleon. Is it fair to say that he only partially consolidated the gains from the French Revolution? 15+5
(b) German unification was the result as much of coal and iron as it was of blood and iron.—Comment. 20
(c) What were the factors that facilitated industrialisation in British economy in England during the eighteenth century. 20
6. Why did the Sarajevo killing in July 1914 result in the outbreak of the First World War? 40
7. Write an essay on the emergence of fascism as a political force in Europe during the inter-war era. 40
8. What caused the Cold War – ideological differences between the two superpowers, or conflict of interests between them? 40
WBCS Main Optional Question Paper – 2022
PAPER – I (Time-3 Hours Full Marks-200)
GROUP-A
- Answer any three questions: 10×3=30
(a) Critically examine the different features of Indus Valley Civilisation in the light of archaeological excavations.
(b) Discuss the different theories about the original home-land of the Aryans.
(c) What factors led to the origin and growth of Jainism and Buddhism (Protestant movements) during 6th century B.C.?
(d) “Chnadragupta Maurya was the first historical emperor of India.”— Evaluate his achievements.
2. Answer any two questions: 20×2=40
(a) Examine the importance of economic factors in the political expansion of the Kushanas.
(b) What were the different strategies adopted by Samudragupta during his triumphant march across different parts of India?
(c) Write a short note on Kaivartya rebellion in the history of Bengal.
(d) Discuss the central administrative organisation in the Chola kingdom with special reference to local self-government.
3. Write an essay on any one: 30×1=30
(a) Write an essay on the art and architecture in South India during the Pallava period.
(b) Discuss agricultural expansion in early medieval period with special reference to irrigation and ‘Agrahar’ (land grant) system.
(c) Describe how Sanskrit literature and other regional languages flourished during early medieval period.
GROUP-B
4. Answer any three questions: 10×3=30
(a) In what ways did the invasions of Mahmud of Ghazni differ from that of Muhammad Ghori? How would you account for the success of the Turks?
(b) Write a short note on Balban’s theory of Kingship.
(c) Critically analyse the market (Bazar) Control theory of Alauddin Khilji.
(d) Do you think the schemes of Muhammad-Bin-Tughlaq were “correctly conceived, badly executed and disastrously abandoned”?
5. Answer any two questions: 20×2=40
(a) How did Husain Shah bring about political stability in Bengal? What were its effects on the cultural life in medieval Bengal?
(b) Examine the salient features of Sher Shah’s administration. Was he really a precursor of Akbar in the field of administration?
(c) Do you think Akbar’s religious policy was eclectic in nature?
(d) What were the principal Sufi Silsilas in India during Sultanate period? Assess their impact on contemporary society.
6. Answer any one question: 30×1=30
(a) Write a note on the evolution of Mansabdari system from Akbar to Aurangzeb.
(b) Write an essay on Mughal architecture.
(c) Write a short note on Indian Ocean trade during 17th centuries.
PAPER-II (Time-3 Hours Full Marks-200)
GROUP-A
Answer Question No.1 and any two from the rest.
- Answer any one question:
(a) What was the significance of the acquisition of ‘Diwani’ (1765) by the English East India Company? What changes came about in the administration during this time? 10+10=20
(b) Write a note on the socio-economic impact of Railways in India. 20
(c) Can Rammohan Roy be called the pioneer of modern age? 20
2. Discuss the character of the peasant movements in the second half of the 19th century. 40
3. Write a note on Quit India Movement. 40
4. Discuss the salient features of Indian Constitution. 40
GROUP-B
Answer Question No.5 and any two from the rest.
5. Answer any one question: 20×1=20
(a) Would you agree that Napoleon was both the heir to and liquidator of the revolution?
(b) Why did Industrial Revolution first take place in England?
(c) Do you think that the Treaty of Versailles (1919) was a ‘dictated peace’?
6. Explain the rise of Nazism in Germany. How did it affect the European balance of power? 25+15=40
7. Assess the impact of the rise of communist China on international politics. 40
8. Explain the policy of Non-Alignment. Assess India’s contributions to the growth of non-aligned movement. 10+30=40
WBCS Main Optional Question Paper – 2021
PAPER – I (Time-3 Hours Full Marks-200)
GROUP-A
- Answer any three questions: 10×3=30
(a) Why are the foreign accounts of India useful for the writing of Indian History?
(b) Discuss the geographical extent and town planning of the Harappan civilisation.
(c) How far Asoka was responsible for the downfall of the Mauryan empire?
(d) Write a short note on Gandhara Art.
2. Answer any two questions: 20×2=40
(a) Write briefly about the expansion of the foreign trade in the reign of Satavahana.
(b) Review the cultural progress of the ancient India in the Gupta period.
(c) Write a short note on urbanization in Ancient India.
3. Answer any one question: 30×1=30
(a) Write an essay on origin and development of feudalism in Ancient India.
(b) Discuss briefly the condition of women in Ancient India from Vedic age to Gupta age.
GROUP-B
4. Answer any three questions: 10×3=30
(a) Write a short note on the land revenue system of Alauddin Khilji.
(b) Was the Delhi Sultanate a theocratic state?
(c) Discuss briefly the achievements of Mahmud Gawan as a maker of Bahmani kingdom.
(d) Discuss the main features of India’s commercial contacts with South-East Asia in early Medieval India.
5. Answer any two questions: 20×2=40
(a) Review the impact of Bhakti movement on Indian society.
(b) Critically discuss the economic condition of Vijayanagar empire.
(c) Discuss the major architectural achievements of the Sultanate period.
6. Answer any one question: 30×1=30
(a) Write an essay on the consolidation of the Mughal empire under Akbar.
(b) Make an overview upon the social life under the Mughals.
PAPER-II (Time-3 Hours Full Marks-200)
GROUP-A
Answer Question No.1 and any two from the rest.
- Answer any one question:
(a) Analyse the reasons the introduction of the Permanent Settlement in Bengal in the light of the debate amongst the scholars. 20
(b) Discuss the salient features of ‘Constructive Swadeshi’ in the context of Swadeshi movement in Bengal. 20
(c) Write an essay on the peasant uprisings in pre-1857 Bengal. 20
2. Do you subscribe to the view that the ‘safety valve’ theory for the foundation of the Indian National Congress was a myth? What was the reality behind it? 40
3. Explain how women’s organizations emerged in colonial India. Discuss the achievements of the All-India Women’s Conference with special reference to the child marriage reform issue. 40
4. Identify the basic features of India’s foreign policy in the Nehru-era. Examine India’s relations with her neighbours during this time. 40
GROUP-B
Answer Question No.5 and any two from the rest.
5. Answer any one:
(a) How would you estimate the Reign of Terror in revolutionary France? 20
(b) Why were France and Germany backward than England in the march of Industrial Revolution? 20
(c) In what ways did Mazzini contribute to the cause of Italian unification? 20
6. Account for the rise of New imperialism. What was its impact on Africa? 40
7. Examine the salient features of the policy of appeasement. To what extent was it responsible for the outbreak of the Second World War? 40
8. Explain the role of the United Nations as the peace maker in the world in the second half of the twentieth century with special reference to its role in the Congo and Korean crisis. 40
WBCS Main Optional Question Paper – 2020
PAPER – I (Time-3 Hours Full Marks-200)
GROUP-A
- Answer any three questions: 10×3=30
(a) Discuss the importance of Inscriptions in unearthing the history of Ancient India.
(b) How do you explain the rise of Magadha empire in the 6th century B.C.?
(c) How far Asoka was responsible for the decline of the Mauryan empire?
(d) What were the fundamental principles of Buddhism?
2. Answer any two questions: 20×2=40
(a) Write an essay on the urban life of the Indus Valley Civilisation.
(b) Give an overview on the cultural contributions of the Kushana dynasty.
(c) Write a short note on provincial administration in Gupta period.
(d) What do you know about the development of Sangam literature?
3. Write an essay on any one: 30×1=30
(a) Expansion of Indian culture in South-Asian countries in ancient times.
(b) Role of guilds in Ancient Indian trade.
(c) Position of women in Ancient Indian society.
GROUP-B
4. Answer any three questions: 10×3=30
(a) Do you think Iltutmish was the real founder of Delhi Sultanate?
(b) Discuss the importance of Khalji revolution.
(c) What do you know about Shivaji’s finance and revenue?
(d) How did the foreign travellers describe the Vijayanagar empire?
5. Answer any two questions: 20×2=40
(a) Explain the role of trade in the economy of the sultanate period.
(b) Discuss the Rajput policy of Akbar and its impact.
(c) Do you agree with the view that ‘ agrarian crisis ‘ was the main factor behind the downfall of the Mughal empire?
(d) Analyse the salient features of the Bhakti movement.
6. Write an essay on any one: 30×1=30
(a) The evolution of Iqta system during the Sultanate period.
(b) Development of science and technology under the Mughals.
(c) Social contributions of India in Eighteenth century.
PAPER-II (Time-3 Hours Full Marks-200)
GROUP-A
Answer Question No.1 and any two from the rest.
- Answer any one question:
(a) Analyse the historical backdrop to the battle of Plassey. What was its impact? 15+5=20
(b) Was the notion of de-industrialization during British rule a myth? 20
(c) What was the role of political associations in fostering political consciousness in India before the birth of Indian National Congress? 20
2. Analyse the origins and impact of the Permanent Settlement in Bengal. 20+20=40
3. Assess Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar’s contributions to Bengali society. 40
4. What led to Partition of India? 40
GROUP-B
Answer Question No.5 and any two from the rest.
5. Answer any one:
(a) Write a critical note on the American War of Independence (1776). 20
(b) Comment on the nature of industrialization in Russia. 20
(c) Assess the role of the UNO in the Korean War and Cuban Missile Crisis. 20
6. What led to the scramble for colonies in the second half of the nineteenth century? 40
7. How would you explain the origins of the Cold War? 40
8. Analyse the origins and growth of Apartheid in South Africa. How did it come to end? 30+10=40
WBCS Main Optional Question Paper – 2019
PAPER – I (Time-3 Hours Full Marks-200)
GROUP-A
- Answer any three questions: 10×3=30
(a) Examine the importance of archaeology for the re-construction of ancient Indian history.
(b) How would you explain the urban characteristics of the Harappan civilization?
(c) Bring out the elements of continuity and change between the early Vedic and the later Vedic cultures.
(d) Explain the growth of Indo-Roman trade in ancient India.
2. Answer any two questions: 20×2=40
(a) Analyse the transition from the formation of territorial states (Sixteen Mahajanapadas) to the rise of Magadhan imperialism.
(b) How did Asoka’s policies and reforms contribute to the fall of the Mauryan empire?
(c) Discuss the growth of temple architecture in South India.
(d) Write an essay on the caste system in ancient India.
3. Answer any one of the following question: 30
(a) Discuss the growth of science and technology in ancient India.
(b) Explain the causes of the downfall of the Gupta empire.
(c) Write an essay on the trade guilds in ancient India.
GROUP-B
4. Answer any three questions: 10×3=30
(a) Assess the cultural significance of the Bhakti movement.
(b) Account for the introduction of the market control regulations by Alauddin Khilji.
(c) Give an account of the Mughal-Afghan contest for supremacy in medieval India.
(d) How far was Akbar’s Rajput policy politically expedient?
5. Answer any two questions: 20×2=40
(a) Why did Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq occupy a special place in the history of medieval India?
(b) How did Bengal flourish under the rulers of the Illyas Shah dynasty?
(c) Assess critically the land revenue administration under the Mughals.
6. Write an Essay on any one of the following: 30
(a) The progress of Mughal architecture
(b) Debate on the theocratic nature of the Delhi Sultanate
(c) The 18th Century Debate
PAPER-II (Time-3 Hours Full Marks-200)
GROUP-A
Answer Question No.1 and any two from the rest.
- Answer any one question:
(a) Which factors would you attribute to the Anglo-French conflict in India? Why the French were defeated? 10+10=20
(b) Why was Western education introduced in India by the East India Company? What role did Bentinck and Macaulay play in it? 10+10=20
(c) Do you agree that the partition of India in 1947 could be avoided? 20
2. Critically discuss how the railways brought certain changes in the economy of British India. Did it lead to any structural change in the economy? 25+15=40
3. How would you explain the peasant and working class movements in India in the period between the two world wars? 40
4. What were the basic parameters of India’s foreign policy under Jawaharlal Nehru? What role did India play in the Korean war and the Congo Crisis? 20+10+10=40
GROUP-B
Answer Question No.5 and any two from the rest.
5. Answer any one question:
(a) Do you subscribe to the view that the French Revolution of 1789 was a bourgeois revolution? 20
(b) How would you explain the unification of Germany under Bismark? 20
(c) What was new in New Imperialism? Discuss its impact on Africa and Asia. 10+10=20
6. Why and where was the League of Nations formed?
Explain its success and failure. 20+10+10=40
7. Analyse the causes of the rise of Nationalist movements in Southeast Asia with special reference to Malay and Indonesia. 20+20=40
8. What do you understand by Cold War? Illustrate with examples the salient features of the Cold War till 1960. 10+30=40
WBCS Main Optional Question Paper – 2018
PAPER – I (Time-3 Hours Full Marks-200)
GROUP-A
- Answer any three questions: 10×3=30
(a) How valuable are literary sources for the reconstruction of ancient Indian history?
(b) Discuss the various theories regarding the decline of Harappan civilisation.
(c) To what extent was later Vedic society different from the early Vedic one?
(d) Would you consider the Gupta period a ‘Golden Age’?
2. Answer any two questions: 20×2=40
(a) Discuss the administrative system of the Mauryan empire.
(b) Discuss the position of Women in the Gupta empire.
(c) Discuss the system of local self-government under the Cholas.
(d) Discuss the significance of Arab conquest of Sind.
3. Write an Essay on any one of the following: 30
(a) The debate on Indian Feudalism.
(b) The development of art and literature under the Palas and Senas.
(c) Discuss the accounts of India presented in the Writings of foreign travellers such as Hiuen Tsang, Fa Hien, Alberuni, etc.
GROUP-B
4. Answer any three questions: 10×3=30
(a) Discuss Balban’s theory of kingship.
(b) Discuss the impact of the Sufi Movement on Indian society and culture.
(c) Examine the salient features of Akbar’s religious policy.
(d) Write a note on Mughal paintings.
5. Answer any two questions: 20×2=40
(a) Discuss the reforms of Firuz Tughlaq. How far was he responsible for the decline of the Delhi Sultanate?
(b) How would you explain the origin of the Bhakti Movement in medieval India?
(c) Discus the major features of the Mansabdari system of Akbar. What changes were introduced in the system under Akbar’s successors?
6. Write an Essay on any one of the following: 30
(a) The debate on the decline and disintegration of the Mughal empire.
(b) Economy and society in the Vijayanagar empire with reference to the accounts of foreign travellers.
PAPER-II (Time-3 Hours Full Marks-200)
GROUP-A
Answer Question No.1 and any two from the rest.
- Answer any one question:
(a) Write a note on Dual System of Administration of Bengal. How did it affect the political economy of early colonial Bengal? 20
(b) Define economic nationalism in colonial India with reference to a few concrete issues in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. 20
(c) Write a note on Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj and Ramakrishna Mission. 20
2. To what extent India’s first war of independence in 1857 was result of popular discontent against the British rule? How would you explain the failure of the movement? 40
3. Identify the factors responsible for growth of Indian National Congress in 1885. Discuss M.K. Gandhi’s nationalist movements within Congress. 40
4. Write a note on framing of Indian constitution after 1947 with special reference to the issue of integration of princely states. 40
GROUP-B
Answer Question No.5 and any two from the rest.
5. Answer any one question:
(a) Identify the causes behind French Revolution of 1789. 20
(b) Discuss nature and impact of Industrial revolution in England. 20
(c) Discuss the rise of fascism in inter war Italy. 20
6. Write a note on the making of Russian revolution leading to foundation of a socialist
state. 40
7. Identify the causes and consequences of Second World War. 40
8. What were the causes behind disintegration of Soviet Union? How collapse of Soviet Union brought political changes in Eastern Europe. 40