WBCS Exam Optional History Question Paper:2019

HISTORY PAPER - I

Time Allowed - 3 Hours                                                                                                           Full Marks : 200

If the questions attempted are in excess of the prescribed number, only the questions attempted first up to the prescribed number shall be valued and the remaining ones ignored.

Answers may be given either in English or in Bengali but all answer must be in one and the same language

GROUP-A 

1. Answer any three questions :             10x3=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 :              20x2=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 :           10x3=30

(a) Assess the cultural significance of the Bhakti movement.

(b) Account for the introduction of the market control regulation 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 :        20x2=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 IIlyas Shahi 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 Delhi Sultanate

(c) The 18th Century Debate