[Topic wise IAS Ancient Indian History Question Bank (1979-2015)]: (9) Early State and Society in Eastern India, Deccan and South India

Early State and Society in Eastern India, Deccan and South India: Kharavela, The Satavahanas, Tamil States of the Sangam Age; Administration, economy, land grants, coinage, trade guilds and urban centres; Buddhist centres; Sangam literature and culture; Art and architecture.
………………………………..

1. Examine the role of guilds in the economic life of ancient India. [1982, 20m]

2. How was overseas trade organized in South India up to 300 A.D.? Discuss this with special reference to Roman trade and point out its impact on Indian economy. [1984, 60m]

3. Write a short essay on: “The role of guilds in the economic life of India from c. 200 B.C. to c. A.D. 300.” [1986, 20m]

4. Discuss the military activities of Kharavela of Kalinga. Do you think that his reign is significant for military expeditions alone? [1993, 60m]

5. Explain the social aspects of Buddhism and account for its decline in India. [2004, 60m]

6. How do recent archaeological findings and Sangam literary texts enlighten us about the early state and society in South India? [2008, 60m]

7. Assess the role of guilds and trade organizations in the development of early Indian economy. [2010, 30m]

8. Justify  Pliny’s  statement  the  Rome  was  being  drained  out  of  its  gold  by  India  during  the first century of the Christian era. [2012, 30m]

9.  “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. [2015, 10m]

10. Trace the role of guilds and trade organizations in the development of early Indian economy. [2015, 15m]