SECTION A [MODERN INDIA]

Q.1 Critically examine the following statements in about 150 words each : 10×5=50

(a) The introduction of Western education transformed India in unforeseen ways. [10 Marks]

(b) Tipu Sultan had little success in setting forth a course of change significantly different from the general experience of 18th century crisis of Indian politics and society where public life tended over and over to become a system of plundering. [10 Marks]

(c) The Vernacular Press Act of 1878 was designed for better control of the vernacular press and to empower the government with more effective means of punishing and repressing seditious writings. [10 Marks]

(d) The rise of Communist Movement in India in the 1920s lent a militant and revolutionary content to the Trade Union Movement. [10 Marks]

(e) In the first decade of the 20th century, the atmosphere was ripe for the emergence of revolutionary groups to fill up the vacant space in the political map of the country. [10 Marks]

Q.2

(a) India has been the world leader in the field of hand spun and hand woven yarn and cloth for many centuries. Many nationalist and Marxist critiques considered that the British dominion deliberately shattered the traditional and world famous handicrafts of India. Comment. [20 Marks]

(b) What were the various ways in which nationalism manifested itself in India during colonial rule? [20 Marks]

(c) The East India Company had thought that they had found an ideal puppet in Mir Kasim. Mir Kasim, however, belied the expectation of the company. Examine critically. [10 Marks]

Q.3

(a) How did the English utilitarian thinking impact India in the British era? [20 Marks]

(b) The same Gandhiji who withdrew the Non-Cooperation Movement on the issue of violence at Chauri-Chaura, refused to condemn people’s violence during the Quit India Movement. Do you think that he was losing faith in the efficacy of non-violence and was willing to deviate from this path? Elucidate. [20 Marks]

(c) While individually the Marathas were clever and brave, they lacked the corporate spirit so essential for national independence. Discuss with reasons. [10 Marks]

Q.4

(a) Discuss the major constitutional developments in India after 1858 and their impact on society and polity. [20 Marks]

(b) Discuss the changing nature of Dalit assertion in India in the twentieth century. [20 Marks]

(c) How were the Princely States integrated in the Indian Union after the partition? What role did Sardar Patel play in it? [10 Marks]

Note: All Questions are from our study materials.