IAS Mains 2009: History Paper 1

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. Marks any fifteen of the following places on the map
supplied to you and write short descriptive notes on these
places marked by you. 4×15=60
i. Koldihwa
ii. Kuchai
iii. Utnar
iv. Patne
v. Semthan
vi. Bagasra
vii. Balatha
viii. Hallur
ix. Kandahar
x. Ter
xi. Uchh
xii. Gyaraspur
xiii. Uttaramerur
xiv. Lalkot
xv. Sittanavasal
xvi. Mansura
xvii. Jaunpur
xviii. Daojali Hading
xix. Machilipatnam
xx. Mahisadal

2. In what ways are the accounts of the Graeco Romans and
the Chinese helpful in reconstructing the social history of
India ? How far is their information corroborated by other
Contemporary sources. 60

3. a). Evaluate the various approaches to the understanding of
vedic religion. 30
b). Give an account of the use of gold coins by commoners
in the Gupta Period. 30

4. Bring out the regional variations in the early South Indian
Temple’s architectural styles. 60

SECTION B

5. Write short essays in not more than 200 words each on any
three of the following: 20×3=60

a). Applicability of the term ‘ Indian Feudalism’ to early
Medieval Society.
b). Muhammad Tughluq as an agrarian innovator.
c). Implications of Akbar’s notion of Sulh-i-kul.
d). Estimates of population of Mughal India.

6. a). How far can the village assemblies or communities
under the Cholas be really called democratic. 30
b). Assess Kalhana’s views on History. 30

7. a). Identify the main factors that sustained the expansion of
urban economy in the Delhi Sultanate. 30
b). Give an estimate of Akbar as a promoter of technology.30

8. a). Give a critical assessment of the contributions of Amir
Khusarau and Barani to Indo – Persian Literature. 30
b). The major cause of revolts against the Mughal Empire
during the latter half of the 17th century were economic ,
rather than religious.” Discuss. 30