GS Mains History 2007

1. Answer anyone of the following questions (in about 250 words): 30

a. What was the character of social religious reforms in the 19th Century and how did they contribute to the national awakening in India?

b. The crisis of the colonial order during 1919 and 1939 was directly linked to the constitutional reforms, disillusionment and militant anti-colonial struggles. Elucidate.

2. Answer any two of the following questions (in about 150 words each): 15 × 2 = 30

a. What are the salient features of the Government of India Acts of 1858 and 1909?

b. Do you think Mahatma Gandhi’s support to Khilafat Movement had diluted his secular credentials? Give your argument based on the assessment of events.

c. Evaluate the contribution of revolutionary terrorism represented by Bhagat Singh to the cause of India’s Struggle of independence.

3. Write about the following (not 20 words each): 2 × 15 = 30

Age of Sangam Literature

Bhakti

Ashtadhyayi of Panini

Charvakas

Ajivikas

Gandhara Art

Mlechchas

Lingayats

Megasthenes

R C Dutt

Nagarjunakonda

Pastoralism

Rudramadevi

Sati

Ramanuja