Day: October 24, 2017

Buddhist Sites (i) Sanchi In Raisen district, MP. Buddhist Stupa: Originally commissioned by Ashoka. A hemispherical brick structure built over the relics of the Buddha. Pillar edict (polished sandstone) of Ashoka erected. Sunga period: Expanded with stone slabs. Enclosed by a stone balustrade with four toranas. Satavahana period: The gateways and the balustrade were improved […]

Critically examine the views of Balban, Ala-ud-din Khalji and the Tughluq on the nature of Kingship under the Delhi Sultanate. ©selfstudyhistory.com Ans: Balban: The assumption of the throne by Balban at Delhi (1266) marks the beginning of an era of strong, centralized government. Balban sought to increase the prestige and power of the monarchy, and to […]

Trace the technological and stylistic development in the architecture of the Sultanate period.  ©selfstudyhistory.com Ans: The advent of the Turkish rule in India marked the beginning of a new expression in art. The style of architecture that evolved during this time is called Indo-Islamic. The most important source ‘for the study of architecture is the surviving […]

Write a short essay on: “Portuguese control of the Indian Ocean and its impact.” ©selfstudyhistory.com Right from the time Portuguese arrived at Calicut, they had demanded that other merchants, Indian as well as foreign, should be ousted and a complete monopoly over trade be granted to them. Portuguese ships equipped with arms and ammunition threatened other […]

Do you agree with the view that Muhammad Tughluq was ‘transcendent failure’? Why did he fail to achieve the ideals he had set for himself? OR Write a short essay on: “Experiments of Muhammad Tughluq”.  ©selfstudyhistory.com Ans: Muhammad bin Tughlaq was keen to tone up the administration, and bring about uniformity in its functioning. Towards […]

Bring out the significance of the reign of Sher Shah in the history of India? ©selfstudyhistory.com Ans: Sher Shah ruled over a large part of northern India between 15-40-1545 CE. He came into power by successfully exploiting the opportunity and defeating Humayun at Chausa in 1539 and at Qannauj in 1540. Though he ruled only for […]

What motivated Akbar to enunciate Din-i-Ilahi? How far did he succeed in spreading it? ©selfstudyhistory.com Ans: Din-i-Ilahi: A syncretic creed derived from different religions like Islam, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, and Christianity. A simple, monotheistic cult, tolerant in outlook, it centred on Akbar as a prophet. Abul Fazl does not use the word Din-i-Ilahi but Tauhid-i-Uahi or Divine […]