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Name the major earthquake-prone areas of the world and give details of the Circum-Pacific Belt. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Define biosphere and discuss the extent and importance of the biosphere in the earth’s environment. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Give an idea of the distribution and ecological characteristics of the tropical rain forest and explain the causes of its rapid degradation. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Discuss how India would achieve self-reliance as well as national development in the context of the globalized world. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Physical geography has a close relationship with Asia’s population distribution. Discuss some examples where such a relation does not hold good. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Critically evaluate the depiction of partition horror of India in 1947 in any contemporary Indian Novel. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Evaluate the contribution of Dr. Bhabendra Nath Saikia towards film- making in Assam. (Answer in 150 words) 10
With the dangers of global climate change becoming a reality, it is now time to replace the discourse of economic growth with that of conservation of nature. Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. (Answer in 150words) 10
Elements of dissent and protest were inherent in the preaching of the various Bhakti saints in medieval India. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Is there a difference between urban poor women and their rural counterparts? Elucidate your views with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Discuss the major factors contributing towards the selection of location for a manufacturing industry and explain with examples the role of market in this regard. (Answer in 250 words) 15
What are the challenges of urbanization in North-East India? Do you think the idea of satellite township can address these challenges? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words) 15
“North-East India is well-equipped to deal with the consequences of a mega earthquake. ” Analyze the statement with special reference to Assam. (Answer in 250 words) 15
What are the two broad categories of socio-religious reform movements in colonial India? How far the western impact contributed to the growth and development of the socio-religious reform movements? (Answer in 250 words) 15
“Although India has achieved substantial economic growth in recent times, its biggest challenge today is to bridge the widening of gap between the rich and the poor.” Analyze this statement and suggest measures to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words) 15
What do you mean by feminization of poverty? What steps have been taken in recent times to address the issue? (Answer in 250 words) 15
What do you mean by soil ecosystem? What are its components? Describe the functions of soil ecosystem. (Answer in 250 words) 15
Indian classical music has played a significant role in preserving cultural heritage and strengthening national integrity. Critically analyze with suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words) 15
Evaluate the major policies of the government of independent India relating to the integration of the tribals in the process of consolidation of India as a nation. (Answer in 250 words) 15
Evaluate the religious and historical importance of the Puranas in India. (Answer in 250 words) 15
Important Historical Monuments of India – GK Notes for APSC, ADRE & other Assam Govt job exams
Monuments of India portray tradition and diverse cultural brilliance. They are spread across the length and breadth of the country. Historical monuments act as authentic shielding pillars of remarkable artistic mastery. India is rich in civilisation, heritage establishments, royal abodes, and sanctuaries.
Some of the most famous monuments of India include the Red Fort, Konark Sun Temple, Taj Mahal, Golconda Fort, Gateway of India, Golden Temple, India Gate, Ellora and Ajanta Caves, Group of Monuments at Mamallapuram, Qutab Minar, etc.
Monuments are structures or buildings well-known for their culture and architectural legacy. They are long-lasting and popular emblems of Indian history as they depict political and historical information about them.
Monuments of India
Built by
Year/Century
Place
Agra Fort
Akbar
1573 AD
Agra (UP)
Agra city
Sikandar Lodi
–
Aram Bagh
Babur
1528 AD
Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daula
Noor Jahan
1628 AD
Jama Masjid
Shah Jahan
1648 AD
Shish Mahal
Shahjahan
1632 AD
Taj Mahal
Shahjahan
1653 AD
Fatehpur Sikri
Jodha Bai Palace
Birbal Palace
Panch Mahal
Buland Darwaza
Akbar
16th century
Akbar’s Tomb
Akbar and his son Jahangir
1613 AD
Sikandra, Agra (UP)
Deewan-E- Khas
Shahjahan
–
Agra Fort, Agra (UP)
Moti Masjid
Shahjahan
1635 AD
Anand Bhawan
Motilal Nehru
1930 AD
Allahabad, (UP)
Bada Imambara
Asaf-ud-daula
1785 AD
Lucknow (UP)
Chhota Imambara
Muhammad Ali Shah
–
Jantar Mantar
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II
1724-1738 AD
Mathura (UP)
Jantar Mantar
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II
1724-1739 AD
Varanasi (UP)
Rock cut temple
Mahendravarman-I
8th century
Mamallapuram (Tamil Nadu)
Shore temple
Narasimhavarman-II
8th century
Kailasanathar Temple
Narasimhavarman-II
685-705 AD
Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu)
Airavatesvara Temple
Rajaraja I
12th century
Darasuram (Tamil Nadu)
Brihadeshwara Temple
Rajaraja Chola I
1010 AD
Tanjore (Tamil Nadu)
Gangaikondacholapuram
Rajendra I
12th century
Gangaikonda cholapuram (Tamil Nadu)
Saint George Fort
East India Company
1644 AD
Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
Meenakshi Temple
–
–
Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Adhai Din Ka Jhopra
Qutubuddin Aibak
1192 AD
Ajmer (Rajasthan)
Dargah Ajmer Sharif
Sultan Shyasuddin
–
Hawa Mahal
Maharaja Pratap Singh
1799 AD
Jaipur (Rajasthan)
Nahargarh Fort
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II
1734 AD
Jaigarh Fort
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II
1726 AD
Vijaya Stambha
Maharana Kumbha
1448 AD
Chittorgarh (Rajasthan)
Dilwara Jain Temple
Vimal Shah
1582 AD
Mount Abu (Rajasthan)
Bharatpur Fort
Raja Surajmal Singh
19th century
Bharatpur (Rajasthan)
Amber Fort
Man Singh I
1592 AD
Jaipur (Rajasthan)
Jantar Mantar
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II
1724-1736 AD
Mehrangarh Fort
Rao Jodha
1460 AD
Jodhpur (Rajasthan)
Jantar Mantar
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II
1724-1737 AD
Ujjain (MP)
Khajuraho Temples
Chandelas
950-1050 AD
MP
Char Minar
Quli Qutub Shah
1591 AD
Hyderabad (Telangana)
Macca Masjid
Quli Qutub Shah
1694 AD
Golconda Fort
Qutub Shahi rulers
16th century
Shri Venkateswara Temple
–
–
Andhra Pradesh
Ajanta Caves
Gupta rulers
4-10th century
Aurangabad (Maharashtra)
Bibi Ka Maqbara
Aurangzeb
1661 AD
Ellora Caves
Rashtrakuta rulers
6-10th century
Maharashtra
Elephanta Caves
Rashtrakuta rulers
5-9 century
Mumbai (Maharashtra)
Gateway of India
British Govt.
20th century
Vikramasila Monastery
Dharma Pala
8th century
Bihar
Nalanda University
Kumargupta I
–
Shershah’s Tomb
Shershah’s son
1545 AD
Sasaram (Bihar)
Purana Qila
Shershah Suri
16th century
Delhi
Safdar Jung Tomb
Shuja-ud-Daula
1754 AD
Qutub Minar
Qutubuddin Aibak
1193 AD
Alai Darwaza
Alauddin Khiliji
1311 AD
Hauz Khas
Alauddin Khilji
–
Ferozshah Kotla
Ferozshan Tughlaq
–
Khirki Masjid
Ghyasuddin Tughlaq
1354 AD
Humayun’s Tomb
Empress Bega Begum
1533 AD
Jama Masjid
Shahjahan
1656 AD
Red Fort
Shahjahan
1639 AD
Moti Masjid
Aurangzeb
1660 AD
Delhi Fort, Delhi
Jantar Mantar
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II
1724-1735 AD
New Delhi
India Gate
Edwin Lutyens (Architect)
–
Lal Bagh
Hyder Ali
1760 AD
Bengaluru (Karnataka)
Gol Gumbaz (largest dome in India)
Muhammad Adil Shah
1656 AD
Bijapur, Karnataka
Hampi Monuments
–
–
Karnataka
Swarna Mandir (Golden Temple)
Guru Ram Das with the fifth, Guru Arjan
1577 AD
Amritsar (Punjab)
Shantiniketan
Rabindra Nath Tagore
19th century
West Bengal
Victoria Memorial
British Govt.
1921 AD
Kolkata (West Bengal)
Sun Temple
Narsimhadeva I
1250 AD
Konark (Odisha)
Jagannath Temple
Anantvarman Ganga
1161 AD
Puri (Odisha)
Shalimar Garden
Jahangir
1619 AD
Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir)
Sabarmati Ashram
Mahatma Gandhi
Gujarat
Ahmadabad
Ajanta- Ellora Caves
Gupta rulers
Maharashtra
Aurangabad
Ajmer Sharif Dargah
Sultan Shyasuddin
Rajasthan
Ajmer
Jodhpur Fort
Rao Jodha
Jodhpur
Belur Math
Swami Vivekananda
West Bengal
Kolkata
Victoria Memorial
British Govt.
Kolkata
State
Monument
Place
Built by
Bihar
Golghar
Patna
British Govt.
Pathar Ki Masjid
Patna
Pervez Shah
Sher Shah’s Tomb
Sasaram
Mir Muhammad Aliwal Khan
Vishnupad Temple
Gaya
Rani Ahilyabai
Delhi
Feroz Shah Kotla
Delhi
Ferozshan Tughlaq
Hauz Khas
Delhi
Alauddin Khilji
Humayun Tomb
Delhi
Empress Bega Begum
Jama Masjid
Delhi
Shahjahan
Jantar-Mantar
Delhi
Sawai Jai Singh
Lakshmi Narayan Temple
Delhi
Birla Family
Moti Masjid
Delhi
Aurangzeb
President House
Delhi
British Govt.
Qutub Minar
Delhi
Qutubuddin Aibak
Red Fort
Delhi
Shahjahan
Safdarjung Tomb
Delhi
Shuja-ud-daula
Gujarat
Sabarmati Ashram
Ahmadabad
Mahatma Gandhi
Nishat Garden
Srinagar
Asaf Ali
Shalimar Garden
Srinagar
Jahangir
Karnataka
Gol Gumbaz
Bijapur
Yaqut of Dabul
Maharashtra
Ajanta- Ellora Caves
Aurangabad
Gupta rulers
Bibi Ka Maqbara
Aurangabad
Aurangzeb
Elephanta Cave
Mumbai
Rashtrakuta rulers
Gateway Of India
Mumbai
British Govt.
Kanheri Fort
Mumbai
Buddhists
Odisha
Jagannath Temple
Puri
Anantavarman Ganga
Sun Temple
Konark
Narasimhadeva I
Punjab
Golden Temple
Amritsar
Guru Ramdas
Bharatpur Fort
Bharatpur
Raja Surajmal Singh
Dilwara Jain Temple
Mount Abu
Siddharaja
Hawa Mahal
Jaipur
Maharaja Pratap Singh
Jaigarh Fort
Jaipur
Sawai Jai Singh
Jodhpur Fort
Jodhpur
Rao Jodha
Nahargarh Fort
Jaipur
Sawai Jai Singh
Vijaya Stambha
Chittorgarh
Maharana Kumbha
Tamil Nadu
Saint George Fort
Chennai
East India Company
Telangana
Char- Minar
Hyderabad
Quli Qutub Shah
Makka Masjid
Hyderabad
Quli Qutub Shah
UP
Agra Fort
Agra
Akbar
Anand Bhawan
Allahabad
Motilal Nehru
Deewan-E- Khas
Agra Fort
Shahjahan
Fatehpur Sikri
Agra
Akbar
Moti Masjid
Agra
Shahjahan
Shish Mahal
Agra
Shahjahan
Taj Mahal
Agra
Shahjahan
West Bengal
Shantiniketan
West Bengal
Rabindranath Tagore
Victoria Memorial
Kolkata
British Govt.
The important monuments of India are designed and nurtured by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). To conclude, UP has the highest number of monuments (741), whereas Manipur has the lowest (1).
Important Monuments in Assam & North-East India states
Burmese Invasion of Assam – Late Ahom Period History
The Burmese invasion in Assam is a significant event in Assam’s history. There were three Burmese invasions of Assam between 1817 and 1826, during which time the Kingdom of Assam came under the control of Burma from 1821 to 1825.
Main Causes of Burmese Invasion of Assam
During the 18th century, the Burmese kings started their territorial expansion on a large-scale. The Burmese king Alaungpaya invaded Manipur and Cachar,which were close to the border of Burma.
The Burmese king Bodawpaya also followed the policy of territorial expansion and steadily expanded his realm westward. The Burmese wanted to use Assam as their central military base against the Britishers. In 1784, Bodawpaya attacked and annexed the kingdom of Arakan thus extending the Burmese empire in the entire Bay of Bengal region from Margui Island to Chattagram port.
Frequent internal revolts and conspiracies weakened the power of the Ahom kingdom and its rulers. The Burmese King Bodawpaya offered to help Badan Chandra Borphukan in a battle at Ghiladhari 1817 to defeat Purnanada Burhagohain’s forces and defeated them. Purnananda died of grief on losing the battle. The Burmese army again defeated the Ahoms at Kathalbari and occupied Jorhat. This has strengthened Burmese hold on Assam.
The Burmese became a major political power of the North-east region. The Burmese came into direct contact with Assam. The boundary line of Burma came in a closer proximity to that of the British power, leading to several clashes in the later years.
Major consequences of Burmese Invasion of Assam
Downfall of Ahom empire: The path of the downfall of six hundred years old Ahom rule was set with the Burmese invasion.
Ahom king became a protected king of Burma: Since the Burmese came to help the Ahom king Chandrakanta Singha,remained under the tutelage of the King of Burma.
Political upheavals: The invasion of Assam by the Burmese brought about political and administrative instability in Assam. The weakening of the monarchy led King Chandrakanta Singha to flee to British territory in Bengal. A later king Purandhar Singha also had to follow suit. Thus internal conflicts weakened the military,and the high nobles and officials failed to protect the country.
Affected economy and social balance: The Burmese occupied Assam had adverse effects on the economy as production declined and traders were compelled to wind up their business. Many Assamese customs, ways and beliefs affected their contact with the foreigners. The Burmese invasion created a group of nobles called Duwaniyas, who started exploiting the masses. This created a lot of social upheavals forcing people to run away from their villages into the hills and valleys. All these affected Assamese society considerably.
Led to the first Anglo-Burmese war: The occupation of Assam by the Burmese forces posed a threat to the British power. The Burmese had already conquered Arakan,Manipur,Cachar and the conquest of Assam made them a major political power that challenged British supremacy. British efforts to stop the Burmese from advancing further led to the first Anglo-Burmese War of 1824-1826.
Treaty of Yandaboo: The Anglo-Burmese wars ended with the signing of the famous treaty of Yandaboo,whereby the Burmese were asked to vacate Assam. The treaty allowed the British to occupy Assam.
End of Ahom independence: The occupation of Assam by the Burmese in 1819 marked the end of Ahom independence. Initially, it was occupied by the Burmese and later by the British.
The Burmese invasion of 1819 is a turning point in the history of Assam.
Important Inscriptions of Kamarupa region of Ancient and Medieval Assam
The Kamarupa inscriptions are a number of 5th-century to early 13th-century rock, copper plate and clay seal inscriptions associated with the rulers and their subordinates of the Kamarupa region.
Most common language of these inscriptions is Sanskrit. But there appear systematic Prakriticisms that indicate an underlying colloquial Indo-Aryan language, called Kamarupi Prakrit.
The earliest of these inscriptions, the Umachal and Nagajari-Khanikargaon rock inscriptions, belong to the 5th century and written in a script which was nearly identical to the eastern variety of the Gupta script.
There is a steady evolution in the script over the centuries, and last of the scripts, for example the Kanai-boroxiboa inscription using Kamarupi, a proto-Assamese script. The script continues development as the Medieval Assamese script from the 13th to the 19th century and emerges as the modern Assamese script.
Conflicts & Battles between Ahom Kingdom and Mughal Empire
Ahom–Mughal conflicts started with the first Mughal attack on the Ahom kingdom in Battle of Samdhara in 1616 till the final Battle of Itakhuli in 1682. It ended with the Ahom influence extended to the Manas river which remained the western boundary of the kingdom till Assam came under British Administration in 1826.
Battle of Samdhara was the first battle fought between Mughals and the Ahoms in 1616.
Battle of Alaboi was a battle fought between the Ahom Kingdom and the Mughal Empire around 5 August 1669. The result was a Mughal victory, but Ram Singh I’s next move to open negotiations for peace. The Assamese also were tired of war, and hostilities were suspended for a time. Soon after the battle of Alaboi, Chakradhwaj Singha died in 1669. He was succeeded by his brother Udayaditya Singha.
Battle of Saraighat was a naval battle fought in 1671 between the Mughal Empire (led by the Kachwaha raja, Ram Singh I), and the Ahom Kingdom (led by Lachit Borphukan) on the Brahmaputra river at Saraighat, now in Guwahati, Assam, India. Although weaker, the Ahom Army defeated the Mughal Army by massive army, clever diplomatic negotiations to buy time, guerrilla tactics, psychological warfare, military intelligence and by exploiting the sole weakness of the Mughal forces—its navy. The Battle of Saraighat was the last battle in the last major attempt by the Mughals to extend their empire into Assam.
Battle of Itakhuli was fought in 1682 between the Ahom Kingdom and the Mughal Empire. The Ahoms pushed back Mughal control to the west of the Manas river. The main battle was fought at a garrison island on the Brahmaputra, in which the Mughal fauzdar, Mansur Khan, was defeated and the remnant of the Mughal forces pursued to the Manas river. With this win, the Ahoms recovered Sarkar Kamrup from the Mughals.
Q8. When was Assam detached from Bengal presidency and was made a separate Chief Commisionership?(Assam related Qs)
1870
1872
1874
1876
Correct Option: (C) 1874
In 1874, the Assam region was separated from the Bengal Presidency, Sylhet was added to it and its status was upgraded to a Chief Commissioner’s Province, also known as the ‘North-East Frontier‘ non-regulation province. The capital was at Shillong. Assamese, which had been replaced by Bengali as the official language in 1837, was reinstated alongside Bengali.
The new Commissionership included the four districts of Assam proper Nagaon, Darrang, Sibsagar and Lakhimpur), Khasi-Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills, Naga Hills, Goalpara, (Kamrup and Sylhet-Cachar of Bengal comprising about 54,100 sq miles. The people of Sylhet, Goalpara, Kamrup and the Hills protested the inclusion in Assam.
Q15. Which freedom fighter earned the sobriquet ‘the Nightingale of India’?
Annie Besant
Pushpalata Das
Sarojini Naidu
Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit
Correct Option: (C) Sarojini Naidu
Topic to focus: Modern India – Important Personalities
Q73. During 1540 and 1587, King Naranarayana ruled over undivided Koch kingdom of Kamata and subsequently subjugated the entire Brahmaputra valley including the Ahom, Kachari, Tripura, Manipur kingdoms. What was the real name of King Naranarayana?(Assam related Qs)
Nara Singh
Sukladhvaj
Malla Deb
Parikshit
Correct Option: (C) Malladev
Malladev ascended the throne in 1540, in the same year that his father had died, and acquired the title Narayan, which was to become the dynastic title of his succeeding kings. He issued coins, and his seal was made. He appointed his step-brother Chilarai (then known as Sukladhwaj) the yuvaraj and the commander-in-chief of the military.
Topic to focus: Koch rule in Assam
Q74. The founder of Ahom kingdom, Chaolung Sukapha ruled Assam from 1228 to 1268. After his death, who succeeded him? (Assam related Qs)
Suteupha
Subinpha
Sukhangphaa
Sutupha
Correct Option: (A) Suteuphaa
Topic to focus: Ahom Kingdom & its rulers
Q75. As a great patron of Shakta Hinduism, an Ahom king built Umananda Temple on Peacock Island of Guwahati around 1694 AD. Who was he? (Assam related Qs)
Siva Singha
Rudra Singha
Gadadhar Singha
Rajeswar SIngha
Correct Option: (C) Gadadhar Singha
Umananda Temple is a Shiva temple located at the Peacock Island in the middle of river Brahmaputra. It was built by the Ahom King Gadadhar Singha (1681–1696), who was a devout Shaivaite.
Topic to focus: Historical Architecture & Temples of Assam
Q76. King Siva Singha entrusted Krishnaram Bhattacharya, a Shakta priest from Nawadwip in West Bengal, to manage the Kamakhya Temple. How do we popularly know him? (Assam related Qs)
Kamrupiya Gosain
Kamakhya Gosain
Parbatiya Gosain
Nawadwipor Gosain
Correct Option: (C) Parbatiya Gosain
Topic to focus: Ahom Kingdom & its rulers
Q77. Chao Suhungmung was the first Ahom king to adopt a Hindu title, indicating a move towards inclusive polity. Which Hindu name did he take? (Assam related Qs)
Swarganarayana
Durlavnarayana
Udyaditya Singha
Jayadhwaj Singha
Correct Option: (A) Swarganarayana
Suhungmung was the first Ahom king to adopt a Hindu title, Swarganarayana, indicating a move towards an inclusive polity; and Ahom kings came to be known as the Swargadeo which is the Assamese translation of Ahom word Chao-Pha. He is also called the Dihingia Raja, because he made Bakata on the Dihing River his capital.[2] Suhungmung was the last progenitor Ahom king (all subsequent kings were his descendants).
Topic to focus: Ahom Kingdom & its rulers
Q79. Who was the ruler of Kashmir at the time of India’s independence?
Farooq Abdullah
Sheikh Abdullah
Karan Singh
Hari Singh
Correct Option: (D) Hari Singh
Topic to focus: Rulers in Modern India
Q80. The brave Assamese lady warrior Mula Gabharu died fighting against (Assam related Qs)
Mir Jumla
Det Chung
Turbak Khan
Mirza Nathan
Correct Option: (C) Turbak Khan
Topic to focus: Islamic invasion of Assam
Q81. Who was the first Assamese to fight the British? (Assam related Qs)
Kushal Konwar
Piyoli Phukan
Maniram Dewan
Gomdhar Konwar
Correct Option: (D) Gomdhar Konwar
In 1828, Gomdhar Konwar, a prince of the Ahom royal family, his colleague Dhanjay Borgohain and their followers rose in revolt against the British occupation of Assam.
By end of 1828 the process extension of British dominion into Assam was completed. With the assumption of the political power by the officers of the East India Company, the ruling Ahom monarchy lost not only their political authority but social privileges too. The feudal structure of the society began to crumble as new measures were adopted by the colonial rulers to strip the nobility of their rights and privileges. Supporters of monarchy began the organize themselves the restore the old Ahom monarchy and oust the British.
Gomdhar was formally enthroned near Jorhat according to Ahom rites, and arms and ammunitions were collected. But before he could make much headway a counter offensive was made by the British led by Lieutenant Rutherford. The rebels lost and Gomdhar fled to the Naga Hills. But, soon he and his associates were arrested by the British. Gomdhar was found guilty of “illegally assuming the Insignia of Royalty” and was sentenced to seven years of imprisonment in banishment and was deported to an unknown location to die in ignominy.
Topic to focus: Freedom Fighters of Assam
Q88. The ‘English Education Act’ made English language the medium of instruction in India as per decision of William Bentinck, and funds were allocated to the British East India Company to spend on education and literature in India. When was the Act passed?
1835
1838
1840
1842
Correct Option: (A) 1835
The English Education Act 1835 was a legislative Act of the Council of India, gave effect to a decision in 1835 by Lord William Bentinck, then Governor-General of the British East India Company, to reallocate funds it was required by the British Parliament to spend on education and literature in India.
Topic to focus: British Rule & Important Legislations/Acts
Q89. While Rabindranath Tagore conferred the title ‘Mahatma’ upon Gandhi, who conferred the title of ‘Half-Naked Fakir’ on Gandhi?
Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Sir Winston Churchill
President Roosevelt
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose
Correct Option: (B) Winston Churchill
Former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill once called Mahatma Gandhi “a seditious Middle Temple lawyer, now posing as a fakir… striding half-naked up the steps of the Viceregal Palace.” Churchill was unhappy at Gandhi’s participation at the Second Round Table Conference in London in 1931. Churchill even suggested Gandhi should be allowed to die if he goes on hunger strike.
Topic to focus: Mahatma Gandhi & India’s Freedom Struggle
Q90. Who authored the famous book, Indica?
Alexander Cunnigham
Fahien
Megasthenes
Pliny
Correct Option: (C) Megasthenes
Indica is an account of Mauryan India by the Greek writer Megasthenes. The original work is now lost, but its fragments have survived in later Greek and Latin works. The earliest of these works are those by Diodorus Siculus, Strabo (Geographica), Pliny, and Arrian (Indica).
Topic to focus: Ancient Indian Literature
Q91. Aruna Asaf Ali was one of the prominent organisers of the underground activities during the
Civil Disobedience Movement
Quit India Movement
Swadeshi Movement
Temple Entry Movement
Correct Option: (B) Quit India Movement. (Repeated Qs from 2016)
Aruna Asaf Ali was an Indian educator, political activist, and publisher. An active participant in the Indian independence movement, she is widely remembered for hoisting the Indian National flag at the Gowalia Tank maidan, Bombay during the Quit India Movement in 1942. Post-independence, she remained active in politics, becoming Delhi’s first Mayor.
Q92. Identify the national leader and efficient administrator who played an extraordinary role in the integration of Indian states.
Chakravarti Rajagopalachari
Jawaharlal Nehru
Rajendra Prasad
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Correct Option: (D) Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel
Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel served as the first Deputy Prime Minister of India. He was an Indian barrister, and a senior leader of the Indian National Congress who played a leading role in the country’s struggle for independence and guided its integration into a united, independent nation. He was one of the conservative members of the Indian National Congress. He acted as Home Minister during the political integration of India and the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947.
Q1. Critically examine the following statements in about 150 words each: 10×5=50
(a) “It was Afonso de Albuquerque who laid the real foundation of Portuguese power in India.” (b) The Partition of Bengal (1905) caused a tremendous political agitation which stirred national feelings in India to its very depths.”
(c) The boycott of the Simon Commission provided a great opportunity for the restoration of amity between the different communities and political parties.”
(d) “It is high time that the safety valve theory… was confined to the care of the Mahatmas from whom perhaps it originated!”
(e) “There is ample evidence to show that many individual communists were swayed by the patriotic emotions of the day and actively participated in the Quit India Movement.”
Q2. (a) What do you mean by the term ‘commercialization’ of agriculture? What impact did it have upon the economy of India? 10+10=20
(b) Discuss the development of railways in colonial India. 15
(c) Discuss the causes leading to the Santhal Hul Revolution of 1855. 15
Q3. (a) Make a critical assessment on different stages of the growth of modern education in India during the colonial administration. 20
(b) Critically analyze the role of the Asiatic Society of Bengal towards understanding India’s cultural and traditional part. 15
(c) The Montague-Chelmsford Act ‘made a clear division of the functions of the Central and Provincial Governments’. Comment. 15
Q4. (a) To what extent has the Policy of Reservation been successful in ameliorating the problems of backward castes and tribes in Independent India? 20
(b) Examine the growth and activities of the Muslim League. 15
(c) Discuss the nature and impact of the Revolt of 1857. 15
Section – B
Q5. Critically examine the following statements in about 150 words each : 10×5=50
(a) By 1830 England had all the prerequisites for the rapid growth of large-scale factory production.”
(b) “The Third German Empire was essentially a Nazi dictatorship.”
(c) “The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggle.”
(d) “Neither poverty nor disease but work itself which casts the blackest shadow over the years of the Industrial Revolution.”
(e) “The Second World War was essentially a war of revenge initiated by Germany.”
Q6. (a) What were the major causes of the French Revolution of 1789? 20
(b) Globalization had both positive as well as negative impact upon the society. Comment. 15
(c) Analyze the main demands of the Chartists in England. 15
Q7. (a) Describe how imperialism and colonization led to the Partition of Africa. 20
(b) Alliances and counter-alliances ultimately led to the outbreak of World War 1. Explain. 15
(c) What were the results of the Chinese Revolution of 1949? 15
Q8. (a) Discuss the circumstances leading to the American Revolution. 20
(b) What were the circumstances that contributed to the Cold War rivalry after 1945? 15
(c) The emergence of the Dr. Ho Chi Minh in the North Vietnam and the withdrawal of France from the South East Asia led to the American involvement in the region. Explain. 15
Q1. Identify the following places marked on the map supplied to you and write a short note of about 50 words on the historical importance of each of them. Locational hints for each of the places marked on the map are given below seriatim : 50
(A) Capital of the Dimasa kingdom
(B) A place of Satras and tribal culture
(C) Capital of the Ahom kingdom
(D) Easternmost important limit of Mughal incursion
(E) Popularly known as ‘Gupta Kashi’
(F) A place of ancient temple ruins and mythology
(G) Site of a famous battle with the Mughals
(H) A place of pilgrimage and religious syncretism
(I) Archaeological site with Hindu, Jain and Buddhist remains
(J) Last capital of an important kingdom
Q2. (a) Examine the importance of numismatics in the reconstruction of the history of early India with special reference to Gupta Coins. 20
(b) Examine the importance of Arthashastra in understanding Mauryan polity. 15
(c) Discuss the significance of painted grey ware’ culture to understand the cultural mosaic of North India in the first millennium BC. 15
Q3. (a) Analyze the archaeological evidence regarding the extent of megalithic cultures in Eastern and Northeastern India. 20
(b) Explain the social implications of Buddha’s teachings in the context of the social structure of North India in the 6th and 5th C BC. 15
(c) Critically examine the hypothesis that there was a subcontinental urban decay during C 300-600 CE. 15
Q4. (a) Examine the relationship between the land grant system and emergence of feudalism under the Guptas and Vakatakas. 20
(b) The period C 300-600 CE is often described as the ‘classical age of Sanskrit literature. Examine the development of Sanskrit literature during this period. 15
(c) Trace the development of temple architecture in early medieval South India. 15
Section – B
Q5. (a) Explain the salient features of the State under the Delhi Sultanate with reference to Fakhr-i-Mudabbir and Ziya Barani’s texts. 10
(b) Examine the impact of West Asian and Central Asian traditions in the development of administrative structures and institutions in the early. period of the Sultanate rule in Northern India. 15
(c) What light does Kitab-ul-Hind throw on Indian society? 15
(d) What were the significant changes introduced by Mahmud Gawan in the Bahmani kingdom? 10
Q6. (a) Discuss the various aspects of price-control measures of Alauddin Khalji. 15
(b) Analyze the administrative reforms undertaken during the reign of Pratap Singha (1603-41 CE). 15
(c) Critically analyze the different categories of cultivators in the medieval period. 20
Q7. (a) Examine the socio-economic roots of popular monotheistic movements represented by Kabir and Nanak. 20
(b) Examine the contexts and the impact of the revolts by the Jats, Satnamis and the Sikhs at the time of Aurangzeb. 15
(c) “The ‘Jagirdari crisis’ had both an administrative and a social basis.” Explain the statement in the context of the decline of the Mughals. 15
Q8. (a) Discuss the social context of the emergence of women Bhakts (saints) in medieval Indian society during the Bhakti Movement. 20
(b Discuss the Mughal school of painting. 15
(c) Examine the impact of the role of the foreign trading companies in the Mughal period. 15
British East India Company, established as a trading company in 1600, transformed into a ruling body in 1765. Only after the Battle of Buxar, the company got the Diwani of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa regions and gradually, it started interfering in Indian affairs. The period from 1765-72 saw duality in the system of government where the Company had the authority but no responsibility. The company was collecting excessive revenue and this led to oppression of peasantry. There was rampant corruption among employees of the company. The British government decided to regulate the British East India Company with a gradual increase in laws. The company rule ended in 1858 in the aftermath of the Revolt of 1857. Since then, the British Parliament took over the responsibility of administering India.
Important Acts introduced by British India Govt between 1773 and 1858
Regulating Act, 1773
First step taken by the British government to control and regulate the affairs of East India Company. It recognized for the first time, the political and administrative functions of the company and laid the foundation of central administration in India.
Through this act, for the first time, the British cabinet was given the right to exercise control over Indian affairs.
This act permitted the company to retain its territorial possessions in India but sought to regulate the activities and functioning of the company.
The Act changed the post of Governor of Bengal to “Governor-General of Bengal”. Warren Hastings was made the first Governor-General of Bengal.
The administration in Bengal was to be carried out by the governor-general and a Governor-Executive General’s Council consisting of 4 members was established.
Centralizing administration started from this act. It made the governors of Madras and Mumbai presidencies subordinate to the Governor-General of Bengal.
A Supreme Court of judicature was to be established in Bengal along with appellate jurisdictions where all subjects could seek redressal. It comprised one chief justice and three other judges. In 1774, the Supreme Court was created as the Apex Court in Calcutta.
It barred the servants of the company from engaging in private trade and accepting bribes. Court of directors of EIC were required to report on revenue, civil and military affairs in India.
Amending Act of 1781
The act was primarily passed to rectify the defects associated with the regulating act.
Jurisdiction of the Supreme court was restricted just to Calcutta.
Civil servants working in their official capacity, revenue collectors, judicial officers were exempted from the jurisdiction of the court.
Under the Regulating Act, the Governor General in Council was empowered to issue rules, ordinances and regulations but they were to be registered in the Supreme Court.
The key provision of this Act was to demarcate the relations between the Supreme Court and the Governor-General in Council. It was the first attempt in India towards separation of the executive from the judiciary by defining the respective areas of jurisdiction.
Pitt’s India Act, 1784
It established the dual system of control by the British government and the East India Company. The Company became a subordinate department of the State and its territories in India were termed ‘British possessions’.
British government was given the supreme control over Company’s affairs and its administration in India
The Court of Directors was in charge of the company’s economic activities, while the Board of Control was in charge of the company’s political concerns.
A Board of Control was formed to exercise control over the Company’s civil, military and revenue affairs.
The council of governor-general was reduced to three members including the commander-in-chief. In 1786, Lord Cornwallis was granted the power of both the governor-general and the commander-in-chief.
In Madras and Bombay, Governor’s Councils were constituted.
Charter Act, 1813
Napoleonic wars and the miseries it caused prompted the English traders to pressurize the government to end the monopoly in trade that EIC enjoyed. This demand was particularly in view of loss of trade due to the Continental System of Napoleon Bonaparte who sought to cripple England commercially.
It edded Company’s Monopoly, the Company was deprived of its commercial monopoly and ‘the undoubted sovereignty of the Crown’ over the possessions of the East India Company was laid down.
British merchants were allowed to trade in India under a strict licensing system under the Charter Act of 1813. But, the company was allowed to enjoy the monopoly of trade with China and trade in tea and opium.
The Crown’s control over British colonies in India was asserted by this Act.
A sum of Rs.1,00,000 annually was provided for the revival of literature, encouragement of learned Indian natives and promotion of scientific knowledge among the Indians. This was the first step towards acceptance of the principle of State responsibility for education.
The company’s rule was extended to another 20 years.
The act permitted Christian missionaries to propagate English and preach their religion.
Charter Act, 1833
The lease of 20 years provided to the Company (under Charter Act, 1813) for the possession of territories and the revenue collection was further extended. However, the Company’s monopoly over trade with China and in tea ended.
EIC’s commercial activities were ended, and it was converted into an administrative body.
All restrictions on European immigration and the acquisition of property in India were lifted which paved the way for the wholesale European colonisation of India.
The post name of Governor-General of Bengal was converted into “Governor-General of India”. He was given the power to superintend, control and direct all civil and military affairs of the Company. It deprived the governor of Bombay and Madras to make laws. All law making powers now vested with the Governor-General of India. All revenues were raised under his authority and he had complete control over the expenditure too.
William Bentinck became the first Governor-General of India.
A Law Commission was established under this act for the consolidation and codification of Indian Laws. Lord Macaulay was the first chairman of this commission
Lord Macaulay was the first to be appointed as the fourth ordinary member to the Governor-General’s Council for India who was to be a legal expert in the making of laws.
Charter Act, 1853
The Company’s patronage over the services was dissolved and the Civil services were now thrown open to a competitive examination.
Local representation was introduced in the legislative wing which came to be known as the Indian Legislative Council. However, promulgation of a law required the assent of the governor-general who could veto any Bill of the legislative council.
It provided for the separation of executive and legislative functions of the Governor-General’s legislative Council.
The Act provided for the appointment of a separate governor for the Bengal Presidency.
The Macaulay Committee on Civil Service was appointed in 1854.
Government of India Act, 1858
This Act was a resultant of the 1857 Revolt, which had exposed the Company’s limitations in administering under a complex situation.
It ended the Company Rule. The dual system introduced by the Pitt’s India Act came to an end and India was to be governed by and in the name of the Crown through a secretary of state and a council of 15.
The title of Governor-general of India was replaced with the Viceroy, he was appointed directly by the British government. The first Viceroy of India was Lord Canning.
Lord Cornwallis (Governor-General, 1786-93) was the first to bring into existence and organise the civil services. He abolished the District Fauzdari Courts and established circuit courts at Calcutta, Dacca, Murshidabad and Patna. Under the Cornwallis Code:
There was a separation of revenue and justice administration.
European subjects were also brought under jurisdiction.
Government officials were answerable to the civil courts for actions done in their official capacity.
The principle of sovereignty of law was established.
William Bentinck (Governor-General, 1828-1833) abolished the four Circuit Courts and transferred their functions to the Collectors.
He established a Sadar Diwani Adalat and a Sadar Nizamat Adalat at Allahabad for the convenience of the people of Upper Provinces.
The English language replaced Persian as the official language of courts.
A Civil Procedure Code (1859), an Indian Penal Code (1860) and a Criminal Procedure Code (1861) were prepared as a result of the codification of laws.
Allan Octavian Hume, Dadabhai Naoroji and Dinshaw Edulji Wacha. Indian National Congress was founded on 28 December 1885.
Year
Location
President
Importance
1885
Bombay
W C Bonnerjee
1st session attended by 72 delegates
1886
Calcutta
Dadabhai Naoroji
National Congress and National Conference
1887
Madras
Syed Badruddin Tyabji
1888
Allahabad
George Yule
First English president
1889
Bombay
Sir William Wedderburn
–
1890
Calcutta
Feroz Shah Mehta
–
1891
Nagpur
P. Ananda Charlu
–
1892
Allahabad
W C Bonnerjee
–
1893
Lahore
Dadabhai Naoroji
–
1894
Madras
Alfred Webb
–
1895
Poona
Surendranath Banerjee
–
1896
Calcutta
Rahimtullah M. Sayani
National song ‘Vande Mataram’ sung for the first time
1897
Amravati
C. Sankaran Nair
–
1898
Madras
Ananda Mohan Bose
–
1899
Lucknow
Romesh Chandra Dutt
–
1900
Lahore
N G Chandavarkar
–
1901
Calcutta
Dinshaw E. Wacha
–
1902
Ahmedabad
Surendranath Banerjee
–
1903
Madras
Lal Mohan Ghosh
–
1904
Bombay
Sir Henry Cotton
–
1905
Benares
Gopal Krishna Gokhale
1906
Calcutta
Dadabhai Naoroji
The word ‘Swaraj’ was mentioned for the first time
1907
Surat
Rash Behari Ghosh
Party splits into extremists and moderates
1908
Madras
Rash Behari Ghosh
1909
Lahore
Madan Mohan Malaviya
Indian Councils Act, 1909
1910
Allahabad
Sir William Wedderburn
–
1911
Calcutta
Bishan Narayan Dhar
‘Jana Gana Mana’ sung for the first time
1912
Bankipore (Patna)
Raghunath Narasinha Mudholkar
–
1913
Karachi
Syed Mohammed
–
1914
Madras
Bhupendra Nath Basu
–
1915
Bombay
Satyendra Prasanna Sinha
–
1916
Lucknow
Ambica Charan Mazumdar
Lucknow Pact – joint session with the Muslim League
1917
Calcutta
Annie Besant
First woman president of the INC
1918
Bombay And Delhi
Syed Hasan Imam (Bombay) And Madan Mohan Malaviya (Delhi)
Two sessions were held. First in Bombay in August/September Second in Delhi in December
1919
Amritsar
Motilal Nehru
1920
Nagpur
C Vijayaraghavachariar
–
1921
Ahmedabad
Hakim Ajmal Khan (acting President For C R Das)
–
1922
Gaya
C R Das
–
1923
Kakinada
Maulana Mohammad Ali,
–
1924
Belgaum
M K Gandhi
–
1925
Kanpur
Sarojini Naidu
First Indian woman president
1926
Guwahati
S Srinivasa Iyengar
–
1927
Madras
M A Ansari
–
1928
Calcutta
Motilal Nehru
All India Youth Congress formed
1929
Lahore
Jawaharlal Nehru
Resolution for ‘Poorna Swaraj.’ Civil Disobedience movement for complete independence to be launched, 26 January to be observed as ‘Independence Day’.
1930
No Session
–
–
1931
Karachi
Vallabhbhai Patel
Resolution on fundamental rights and national economic progress. Gandhi-Irwin pact endorsed. Gandhi nominated to represent INC in the second round table conference
1932
Delhi
Amrit Ranchhorddas Seth
–
1933
Calcutta
Malaviya Was Elected But Mrs Nellie Sengupta Presided
–
1934
Bombay
Rajendra Prasad
–
1936
Lucknow
Jawaharlal Nehru
–
1936
Faizpur
Jawaharlal Nehru
First rural session/first session to be held in a village
1938
Haripura
Subhas Chandra Bose
National Planning Committee set up under Nehru
1939
Tripuri
Subhas Chandra Bose
Bose was elected but had to resign since Gandhi supported Pattabhi Sitaramayya. Rajendra Prasad was appointed
