Indian History Previous Questions

2022

1. Examine the survival and continuity of Harappan culture in the present times.
2. Examine the socio-religious life and administration of early India with respect to the
writings of Chinese travellers such as Fa-Hien, Huien-Tsang and ITsang.
3. Examine the manner in which the Chola village administration had contributed to the
growth of village autonomy as indicated by the Uttaramerur/Uttaramallur inscriptions.
4. Explain Alauddin Khilji's market regulations and discuss their impact.
5. Discuss the features of Mughal architecture and examine the influence of Hindu
elements on Mughal architecture.
6. The state that was created by Shivaji was not only egalitarian in conception but also a
welfare state in nature. Examine.
7. Explain the land revenue systems that were introduced by the British. Assess the impact
of these revenue systems on the Indian economy.
8. Assess the socio-religious reform movements in the Muslim community during the 19th
century. Discuss the contributions made by Sayyid Ahmad Khan towards the upliftment
of the Muslim community.
9. Explain the factors that led to the peasant movement in India and examine its impact
on the national movement in India.
10. Has communalism indirectly helped the British to perpetuate their control over India ?
Examine the indicative traits of the Communalists and assess their impact on India's
modern history.

2020

1. Critically explain the salient features of urban planning of Harappan Civilization.

2. Critically explain the causes of the emergence of Buddhism in ancient India.
3. Draw an outline of society under the Eastern Chalukyas.
4. Vividly examine the impact of Bhakti Movement during medieval India.
5. Critically evaluate the central administration under Akbar.
6. Draw an outline of the rise of Maratha Empire with special reference to Shivaji’s
contribution.
7. Critically explain the role of Subsidiary Alliance system in the rise and expansion of
British Raj in India.
8. Delineate the contribution of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar with special reference to the
conditions of untouchables and labourers in colonial India?
9. Examine the recommendations of the Cabinet Mission plan.
10. Critically evaluate the impact of Quit India Movement of 1942.

2017

1. Explain in what respects the Harappan civilization differed from that of the later Vedic
civilization.
 2. What do you know about Sangam age ? How does Sangam age literature help us in
knowing the political and cultural life of that age ?
3. Analyse the cultural contribution of Cholas and explain their contribution for the
cultural expansion in South East Asia.
4. Explain Sufism and discuss its main principles, important orders and their influence on
the Indian society.
5. State the reasons for the rise of Chhatrapati Shivaji and also describe the administrative,
military and land revenue systems of his empire.
6. Describe the impact of the Revolt of 1857 on British Rule in India. What were the major
changes in the British policies and rule after the revolt ?
7. Describe the impact of the teachings of Swami Vivekananda in arousing nationalistic
feeling and the spirit of service in Indians.
8. Describe the contribution of Narayana Guru in social awakening and the result of his
teachings on society.
9. Discuss the contribution of the Revolutionary Nationalists to the Freedom Movement
and their impact on the British Rule.
10. “Gandhi was a politician among saints and a saint among politicians.” Discuss.

2016

1. Compare Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism. Why did Buddhism become popular and
decline subsequently?
2. What are the important features of major schools of art that flourished during post
Mauryan period?
3. Describe major contributions of Great Moghals to Indian Architecture.
4. What is the cultural contribution of Vijaynagar Empire?
5. "The period between 1885-1905 is the period of moderates in Indian freedom struggle"
In light of the above statement, describe the contribution of early nationalists
(moderates) in organizing the national movement?
6. Describe the nature and significance of revolt of 1857? Explain whether it can be
termed as "First War of Independence"?
7. Comment on the effectiveness of the methods employed by Mahatma Gandhi to
mobilize masses?
8. We must hold fast to constitutional methods for achieving our social and economical
objectives". Briefly explain the significance of this statement of Dr B. R. Ambedkar
with reference to his achievements. Also explain its relevance in the present to protect
democracy?
9. Comment on the contribution of peasant movements in freedom struggle.
10. Analyze the role of communalism in the partition of the country.

2012

1. Give a detailed account of Harappans' town planning and evaluate the various reasons
for its decline.
 2. Describe the similarities and differences of Buddhism and Ashoka's. 'Dhamma'. Discuss
the impact of both on ancient Indian Society.
3. What are the medieval Indian Temple construction styles ? Discuss with suitable
examples.
4. Examine the factors behind the rise of Shivaji. Do you feel that he was a nationalist
leader ? Support.
5. Discuss about the various stages of British colonialism and its impact on Indian Society.
6. What was the impact of the First and Second World Wars on the Indian National
Movement ? Explain.
7. Explain the main features of the religious and social reform movements and evaluate
their role in the making of Modern India.
8. How far have the oppressed caste movements and their leaders helped the downtrodden
people for their upliftment?
9. Estimate the role of women, in the National Movement. Do you consider that their
participation was an indication for the women empowerment in those days?
10. What was the role of Socialists and the influence of Socialistic ideas on the Pre and
Post-Independence India ?

2008

1. Bring out the salient features of Indus Valley and Vedic Civilization in Comparative
perspective.
2. Examine the factors responsible for raise and growth of Jainism and Buddism
3. Discuss the impact of Islam on Indian Culture with special reference to Bhakti
Movement
4. Assess the contribution of Mughals to Indian Art and Architecture with examples.
5. Critically examine the economic, political and administrative reforms introduced by the
British in Modern India.
6. Trace the evolution of Indian Nationalism with reference to the three phases of Freedom
Struggle between the years 1885-1947.
7. Describe the rise and growth of socio religious reform movements in Modern India
with special reference to Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Jyothiba Phule and Narayan Guru.
8. Compare and contrast the views of Mahatma Gandhi and B. R Ambedkar with regard
to the abolition of untouchability and Harijan upliftment.
9. Account for the rise and growth of peasant and working class movements and their
contribution in anti-feudal and anti-colonial struggles.
10. Trace the course of events leading to the partition of India in 1947.

Andhra History Mains Questions

2022

1. Discuss the socio-religious conditions during the Satavahana period with special
reference to prominence bestowed on women.
 2. Explain the re-structuring of the socio-religious life of the Eastern Chalukyas with
reference to the impact caused by immigrations, caste mobility and social awakening
3. Examine the socio-religious and cultural life of the Vijayanagara kingdom with respect
to the writings of foreign travellers such as Nicolo Conti, Abdur Razzak, Duarte
Barbosa and Domingo Paes
4. Examine the socio-cultural and religious conditions of the Reddi kingdoms with
specific reference to the development of Telugu literature.
5. Write a short note on the following :
a. Gumjada Apparao's contribution to social reform through the medium of
literature.
b. Gidugu Ramamurthy's pioneering efforts to strengthen the Vyavaharika Bhasha
movement.
6. Write a short note on the following East India Company officials and their contributions
(i) Sir Thomas Munro (ii) Sir Arthur Cotton (iii) Charles Phillip Brown
7. Examine the role of Alluri Sitarama Raju as the leader of Rampa Rebellion
8. The evolution of Telugu Dalit literature has led an ideological narrative against caste
discrimination, and for a just and equal society with focus on self-respect and dignity.
In this connection, examine the contributions made by the Dalit Poets.
9. Explain the inconsistencies of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act 20L4 that had
adversely affected the residuary state of Andhra Pradesh with regards to apportionment
of assets and liabilities.
10. Examine the principles envisaged under Schedule Eleven of the Andhra Pradesh
Reorganization Act 2014, with reference to the functioning of the river management
boards.

2020

1. Discuss salient features of the Agrarian system under the Satavahanas.

2. Write a note on art and architecture under the Pallavas.
3. Write a brief note on the architecture during the period of Vijayanagar Empire.
4. “The foundation of Vijayanagara Empire coincided in point of time with the outburst
of a momentous literary movement in South India." Discuss it.
5. Write a brief account of library movement in Andhra Pradesh.
6. Critically evaluate the contribution of Kandukari Veeresalingam in the light of social
reform movement in Andhra Pradesh.
7. Critically explain the circumstances which led to the formation of Justice Party.
8. C. explain the circumstances which led to the formation of Andhra Pradesh in 1950s.
9. Discuss the revenue and infrastructural challenges for new Andhra Pradesh after
bifurcation in 2014.
10. Discuss the impact of bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh (2014) on trade and commerce.

2017

1. Trace the origin and expansion of the Satavahana power and describe their contribution
to religion and literature.
 2. Explain the political significance of Vengi Chalukyas and describe their role in moulding
the culture of the Andhras.
3. Critically analyse the growth of Telugu language and literature between 1000 AD and
1500 AD.
4. Describe the characteristics of Vijayanagara architecture.
5. State the influence of Brahma Samaj Movement on the social reformers of Andhra and
highlight how that ideology is reflected in their writings.
6. Assess the role of Western education and contribution of Christian Missionaries in the
socio-cultural awakening in Andhra.
7. Critically examine the objectives and results of the movement of Tripuraneni
Ramaswamy Chowdary.
8. Describe the reasons and state the important events that led to the formation of Andhra
Pradesh State in 1956.
9. Evaluate the seriousness of the problems in reorganisation of Andhra Pradesh with
reference to the financial position of the State of Andhra Pradesh immediately after
reorganisation.
10. Explain the problems encountered till now in bifurcation of assets of institutions
mentioned in Schedule IX and Schedule X of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act,
2014.

2016

1. Briefly describe political fortunes and cultural contribution of Ikshvakus?

2. Describe the contribution of Easter Chalukyas to literature, art and architecture.
3. Comment on the contribution of Qutubshahis to Telugu language and literature
4. Write about poet Mola, her work and style.
5. Comment on the contribution of literary works of Gurram Jashuva in social reform.
6. Illustrate the salient features of literary works of Dr Boyi Bhimanna
7. Describe the contribution of Andhra Mahasabha in socio cultural development.
8. Describe Vandemataram movement and its impact on freedom struggle in Andhra
Pradesh?
9. Trace the reasons for success and subsequent failure of Telangana people's armed
struggle.
10. Who are Razakars and what was their role in resisting integration of Hyderabad State
in the Indian union?

2012

1. Explain the social structure during the Satavahana period and also discuss the
contributions of Satavahanas to the society.
2. Give an account of the socio-cultural and religious conditions of the people after-the
down fall of the Satavahana dynasty.
3. Describe the Kakatiya style of architecture and discuss how the agriculture and irrigation
system was developed during that period.
 4. Evaluate the development of Telugu Language and Literature between A.D. 1000 and
A.D. 1565, with special reference to women poets.
5. Discuss about the role of the Andhras during different phases of National Movement.
6. Examine the growth and development of Communist ideology and literary contributions
of the great poet Sri-Sri and others in Andhra.
7. Write an essay on the life of rural people and agrarian conditions under the Asaf Jahi's
rule.
8. Explain the reasons for the socio-cultural awakening and Dalit Movements in Telangana.
9. Analyse the fundamental base for Telangana Peoples Armed Struggle and the historical
significance of the movement.
10. Critically examine the situations that led to integration of Hyderabad State into the
Indian Union and later formation of Andhra Pradesh.

2008

1. Discuss the socio economic and religious conditions during the period of the
Satavahanas.
2. Write an essay on growth of Buddhism in Ancient Andhra and salient features of
Buddhist Art and Architecture with examples.
3. Discuss the Socio Economic conditions in Andhra during the Medieval period with
special reference to the Kakatiyas.
4. Discuss the contribution of Qutubshahis to the Telugu language and literature
5. Trace the Origin and growth of Adi Andhra Movement in Modern Andhra Desa and
Examine the role of Gurram Jashuva and Boyi Bhemanna in the growth of Dalit
consciousness.
6. Critically examine the role of Socialists and Communists in the Freedom Movements
in Andhra between 1935-1947
7. Bring out the significance of socio cultural awakening in Telangana with special
reference to Adi Hindu and Andhra Mahasabha movements.
8. Critically examine the role of Hyderabad State Congress in the Freedom movement of
Nizam State.
9. Assess the role of Communists in Telangana People armed struggle.
10. Trace the course of events leading to the formation of Andhra Pradesh.