Day: August 22, 2017

“The Upanishadic principles embody the epitome of the Vedic thought.” Discuss. ©selfstudyhistory.com Ans: The Vedas taught worship of the god of nature, such as the sun, wind, sky, fire, Usha. The Upanishads emphasized that behind the façade of these many gods, there is but one supreme god. In fact, the concept of one universal god was […]

Discuss the water management and its conservation planning in the Harappan (Indus-Saraswati) cities. ©selfstudyhistory.com Ans: Water management and its conservation planning in the Harappan cities: (1) An efficient and well-planned drainage system is a notable feature of Harappan settlements. The main drains were covered by corbelled arches made of brick or stone slabs. (2) The drains […]

Write a short essay on: “The burial customs in the Indus Civilization.” ©selfstudyhistory.com Ans: Harappan cemeteries have been located at sites such as Harappa, Kalibangan, Lothal, Rakhigarhi, Surkotada etc. The most common method of burial was to place the body of the deceased in an extended position, with the head towards the north, in a simple pit […]

“The continuity of the Indus Civilization into later ages was not confined to the religious and spiritual fields alone.” Analyse the statement. ©selfstudyhistory.com Ans: The culture and traditions of the Indus valley Civilisation have been preserved without a breakdown to the present day and it includes all walks of life not just the religious and spiritual […]

Write a short essay on: “The Religion of the Indus Civilization.” ©selfstudyhistory.com Ans: Features of the religion of the Indus Valley people 1) The worship of female goddesses associated with fertility has long been held as one of the major features of Harappan religion. For instance, a seal showing a nude women, head downwards, with her […]

How far can the ancient Indian Sruti literature be used as historical sources? ©selfstudyhistory.com Ans: “Sruti” literally means ‘that which has been heard’. In the Hindu tradition, the Vedas have the status of sruti. Problems in using the Vedas as historical sources: Vedic texts comprise a religious literature, and references to possible historical events are a […]

On the basis of contemporary sources assess the nature of banking and usury in ancient India. ©selfstudyhistory.com Ans: Originally, usury meant interest of any kind. It is also considered as excessive or abusive interest rates. The nature of banking and usury in ancient India: Early Vedic and Later-Vedic Period (1500 BC – 600 BC) The earliest […]

Assess Ellora as a unique art centre of the different cultural streams. ©selfstudyhistory.com Ans: Ellora Caves are 34 monasteries and temples, dug side by side in the wall of a high basalt cliff, with its uninterrupted sequence of monuments dating from A.D. 600 to 1000, brings the civilization of ancient India to life. Not only […]

Assess the educational system in early India and identify important educational institutions of the period. ©selfstudyhistory.com Ans: Aims of education In ancient India, education was a matter of individual concern. The aim of education was the development of pupil’s overall personality. With this view of education as a process of one’s inner growth and self-fulfillment, […]

Write a short essay on: “Historical significance of the advent of the Arabs in India.” ©selfstudyhistory.com Ans: The Arab invaded India by conquering Sindh in 712-14. The compaign was led by Muhammad bin Qasim. He landed at Debal near the mouth of the Indus river and advanced upto Multan. After overthrowing local ruler Dahir, Arab […]