''While using the accounts of foreign writers, historians must distinguish between
statements based on hearsay and those grounded in perceptive observations." Elaborate
with examples.
''The Upanishadic principles embody the epitome of the Vedic thought." Discuss.
Review critically the evolution of different schools of art in the Indian subcontinent
between the second century BCE and the third century CE, and evaluate the socio-religious
factors responsible for it.
In what ways can the Megalithic culture be considered a foundational phase of the history of
peninsular India?
Do you think the Harappan civilization had a diversity of subsistence base?
Discuss different interpretations of historians about the nature of Asoka's
• 'Dhamma'. Did his principle of 'Dhamma-vijaya' render the Mauryan Empire
militaristically weak?
Buddha's teachings to a large extent could be helpful in understanding and resolving the
problems of today's society. Analyse critically.
Discuss the provincial and district administrative units of the Gupta Empire with the
designations and functions of the officers.
What were the privileges granted to the donees in land-grant charters of early India? How far
were these charters responsible for integration or disintegration of socio-political milieu?
How far can the ancient Indian Sruti literature be used as historical
sources ?
The decline of Harappan civilization was caused by ecological
degradation rather than external invasion. Discuss.
“Archaeology knows of no Aryans; only literature knows of Aryans.”
Examine critically
How far is it correct to say that changes in the post-Vedic economy gave
birth to new religious movements in India ?
Delineate the nature and impact of India’s contact with Western Asia
and the Mediterranean world during the Mauryan period.
“Not only does ancient Tamil literature furnish an accurate picture of
widely disparate classes; it also describes the social condition of Tamil
country as it was.” Discuss.
How does the numismatic evidence of the period reflect the political and
economic outlook of the Kushanas and the Satavahanas?
"The changes in the field of art from the Kushana period to early medieval
period are mere reflection of changing outlook." Comment.
"The copious references to the preservation of Varnashrama system by the
kings eulogized in inscriptions are mere reflection of the Smriti tradition."
Discuss.
How did the temples of South India, as financial institutions, have deep impact
on the social institutions of early medieval pcriod'i' Critically examine.
"The concept of Ashoka's Dhamma as found through his inscriptions had its root in Vedic-
Upanishadic literature." Discuss.
The accurate picture of the complex socio-cultural milieu of Peninsular India is presented in
the early Sangam literature. Delineate.
~ Archaeological evidence does not give direct acces to the possible social and
Political dimensions of the decline of the Harappan civilization. What it does
indicate very clearly is that the Harappans culture underwent a gradual process of
de-urbanization”? Comment.
Give an account ,of gana-sanghas (non-monarchical State systems) ? Why did they decline?
Do you .agree with the· popular view that Mauryas established a unitary and highly
centralized if not monolithic state system?
The concept of Shramanic religions, with particular reference to Buddhism, had
their roots in Upanisadic ideas. Discuss.
~Doubtless it was not a free state; it was any rate a state'' (K.AN Sastri). Reflect
upon the nature of local self government institutions in the Chola country.
What was the impact of trans-regional and trans-continental trade in the: post
Mauryan period on social and cultural life of India ?
Puranas were the innovative genre of literature to popularise and revive Vedic
religion. Elaborate with examples.
Discuss the factors that played an important role in the process of urbanisation
after the Later-Vedic period.
Throw light on the nature of religion and classification of gods mentioned in the
Rigveda.
Evaluate the significant political features of the Post Mauryan Northern India. What
are the main sources of it ?
A number of scholars considered Alexander as 'The Great', although long term
impacts of Alexander's invasion on India need to be re-evaluated. Comment.
Discuss the salient features of cultural traditions of South India as reflected in
Sangam Literature.
'Sanskrit literature of classical Gupta Age ~et standards for the early medieval India'.
Evaluate the statement with representative examples.
Trace and identify the changing pattern of Tantrism in Ancient India with examples
Describe the evolution and development of regional temple architecture of South
India with special reference to Pallavas.
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