UKPSC 2023 Paper History

Points to Remember: Economic impact on different classes (landlords, peasants, moneylenders). Social consequences of land ownership concentration. Political ramifications for Bengal’s autonomy. Long-term effects on agricultural practices and productivity. Introduction: The Permanent Settlement, implemented in Bengal in 1793 by Lord Cornwallis, aimed to establish a stable revenue system for the British East India Company. It … Read more What was the effect of implementing the Permanent Settlement System upon Bengal?

Points to Remember: Kautilya’s Arthashastra is a treatise on statecraft, economics, and military strategy. It details the organization and functioning of the Mauryan empire. It covers a wide range of topics, including administration, law, diplomacy, and warfare. Its relevance extends beyond the Mauryan period, offering insights into ancient Indian political thought. Introduction: Kautilya’s Arthashastra, a … Read more ‘Arthashastra of Kautilya is definitely related to the Maurya period, but what was its content?’

Points to Remember: Key Differences: Focus on the shifts in social structure, religious beliefs, political organization, and economic activities between the Rigvedic and Later Vedic periods. Chronological Framework: Maintain a clear understanding of the timeline (approximately 1500-1000 BCE for Rigveda and 1000-600 BCE for Later Vedic period). Source Material: Acknowledge the limitations of the sources … Read more Compare the Rigvedic and Later Vedic Period in short.

Points to Remember: Internal factors within Buddhism itself. External factors, including political and social changes. Gradual decline rather than sudden collapse. Regional variations in the decline of Buddhism. Introduction: Buddhism, originating in ancient India with Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), spread across Asia and beyond, profoundly impacting philosophy, art, and culture. While its influence remains significant, … Read more What were the causes of the downfall of Buddhism? Discuss.

Keywords: Humayun, Chausa, weakened position, control, circumstances. Required Approach: Primarily factual and analytical, with some elements of opinion regarding the possibility of regaining control. Points to Remember: Humayun’s defeat at Chausa. Loss of territory and resources. Internal rebellions and external threats. Humayun’s personality and leadership. The possibility of regaining control and the factors hindering it. … Read more Describe the circumstances that weakened Humayun’s position after Chausa. Was it possible to bring them under control?

Points to Remember: Gaura Devi’s role as a catalyst in the Chipko movement. The socio-cultural context of the movement. The significance of women’s participation in environmental activism. The lasting impact of the Chipko movement on environmental conservation. Introduction: The Chipko movement, meaning “to hug” in Hindi, was a non-violent environmental movement that originated in the … Read more Throw light upon Gaura Devi, the mother of the Chipko Movement.

Points to Remember: Immediate consequences: Political upheaval, administrative restructuring, initial economic challenges. Far-reaching consequences: Socio-economic development, environmental impact, inter-state relations, political stability. Balanced perspective: Acknowledging both positive and negative outcomes. Introduction: The movement for a separate state of Uttarakhand, fueled by decades of regional neglect and aspirations for self-governance, culminated in its formation on November … Read more What were the immediate and far-reaching consequences of the movement for a separate state of Uttarakhand?

Points to Remember: The Arab invasions of the Indian subcontinent primarily refer to the Umayyad Caliphate’s incursions in the 8th century CE, primarily focused on the Sindh region. The impact varied significantly across different regions and social strata. Pre-invasion India was characterized by diverse political entities, a complex social hierarchy, a vibrant economy, and a … Read more Describe the social, political, economic, and religious conditions of India at the time of the Arab invasion.

Points to Remember: Feroz Tughlaq’s reign (1351-1388 CE) saw significant military and administrative reforms. These reforms aimed to strengthen the Delhi Sultanate but had mixed results. A critical evaluation requires assessing both successes and failures, considering the historical context. Introduction: Feroz Shah Tughlaq, the successor to Muhammad bin Tughlaq, ruled the Delhi Sultanate for a … Read more Critically evaluate the military and administrative reforms of Feroz Tughlaq.

Points to Remember: Political ambitions: Expansionist policies and vying for control over resources and territories. Religious differences: Though not the primary cause, religious tensions played a role in exacerbating conflicts. Economic competition: Control over trade routes and resources fueled rivalry. Strategic locations: Competition for strategically important regions and forts. Internal conflicts: Internal power struggles within … Read more What were the main causes of conflict between the Vijayanagar and Bahmani Empires?