11/20/2019 Detailed Strategy for Paper I – Medieval India – History Optional; – Tryst with Dholpur House

Tryst with Dholpur House

IAS – AIR 20, UPSC 2018

Detailed Strategy for Paper I –

Medieval India – History Optional;

ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2019OCTOBER 27, 2019 / BY CHITRA

MISHRA / IN HISTORY OPTIONAL, UPSC
Part II

In this part, the idea is to deconstruct Medieval India. For some of

the aspirant, this section can be strategically dealt by merely
handling Set -I – 5 compulsory 10 mark question and Set II- one
set of 3 question (20+20+10) or (15+15+20).

Broadly, the second part of Paper I can be broadly classified into the
following

Origin of Rajputs,
Delhi Sultanate(12th to 15th century) and finally
Mughal Empire( 16th-18th century)- both these phases must be
read in terms of administrative, social and cultural and
economic perspective, ending with rise of 18th century);
In addition, Marathas and 18th century Debate

Sources:

Selected chapters of Satish Chandra – Medieval India Vol I and

II (h ps://drive.google.com/open?id=1lcGea5--8-7uINn1-
G93j2Fbk9B7jRc-).
IGNOU BA material and selected Chapters of MA -(a ached
along with topics)
Website – h p://www.historydiscussion.net/
(h p://www.historydiscussion.net/) (Few references I referred
before exam). The main benefit of this website was it makes you
give in depth perspective on selected important topic in nutshell.
h ps://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-assessing-
aurangzeb/

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(h ps://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-
assessing-aurangzeb/)
h p://www.historydiscussion.net/history-of-india/mughal-
emperors/rajput-policy-of-the-mughal-emperors-indian-
history/6621 (h p://www.historydiscussion.net/history-of-
india/mughal-emperors/rajput-policy-of-the-mughal-emperors-
indian-history/6621)

1. h p://www.historydiscussion.net/history-of-india/mughal-
emperors/deccan-policy-of-the-mughal-emperors-indian-
history/6622 (h p://www.historydiscussion.net/history-of-
india/mughal-emperors/deccan-policy-of-the-mughal-emperors-
indian-history/6622)
2. h p://www.historydiscussion.net/history-of-india/mughal-
emperors/religious-policy-of-the-mughal-emperors-indian-
history/6620 (h p://www.historydiscussion.net/history-of-
india/mughal-emperors/religious-policy-of-the-mughal-
emperors-indian-history/6620)
3. h p://www.historydiscussion.net/history-of-india/mughal-
emperors/mughal-emperors-and-central-asia-indian-
history/6619 (h p://www.historydiscussion.net/history-of-
india/mughal-emperors/mughal-emperors-and-central-asia-
indian-history/6619)

Topics and Previous Paper Analysis:

Please have a look at selected few general questions – which

requires broad understanding of Medieval Indian development,
socio-cultural and politico-economic analysis. The essential idea to
list them upfront is to show the need to also read keeping broader
general themes in mind. It can be read from any source of your
choice.

What becomes crucial while handling such question is the art of

effective, structured and stratified presentation in limited time
frame and wordlimit.

Critically evaluate the educational development during

Sultanate period. 2013
Critically analyse the agricultural economy from 750 to 1200 CE.
2014
Evaluating the theory of kingship of the Sultanate, discuss the
deviations seen in the reigns of different Sultans. 2014
Why should the sixteenth century be regarded as the period of
Indian Renaissance? 2015

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Explain the ingredients of the transitory nature of the early

medieval India. 2016
Identify the broad contours of the Mughal foreign policy and
their impacts on the Mughal empire. 2016

Link – (h ps://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1DIZe68B-
VthKx1rDtWEge85uN95xZk4R)

Do you think that the economic measures introduced by the

Sultanate rulers were beneficial to the common people as well?
Illustrate with examples. 2016
What measures were initiated by the Sultans for the
consolidation of the Delhi Sultanate? Discuss. 2016
The 11th – 12th centuries C.E saw eventful progression in the
cultural history of India. Discuss 2017
Assess the condition of peasantry during 13th to 17th centuries
C.E. 2017
Critically analyze the changing nature of caste and gender
relations during the early medieval period. 2018

Analysis:

Such questions needs to be opted in the exam, only if you have

substantial content to divide the question into sub-sets.

For example, Measures that were initiated by the Sultans for the
consolidation of the Delhi Sultanate? Discuss. – This involve careful
picking up of crucial steps taken up – political conquest,
administrative, economic consolidation from the time of Balban-
Iltutmish, Khaljis and Tughlaqs and finally, the specific depiction
through a flowchart/map to improve the chances of scoring higher.

Polity: Major political developments in Northern India and the

Peninsula, origin and the rise of Rajputs

“The inferior cavalry of the Rajputs was not the only cause of
their defeat at the hands of Turko-Afghans and Mughal.”
Comment.
“The ba les of Tarain and Chandawar laid the foundations of
Turkish rule in India”. Elaborate. 2018

Arab conquest of Sind; Write a short essay on: “Historical

significance of the advent of the Arabs in India”

This topic requires basic clarity on

Origin of Rajputs – Link (h ps://drive.google.com/open?

id=1pG_8-YK0TAea77dAYuoosZ20Vfw0JjE2)

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Arrival of Turks- Reasons and Process of Conquest

(h ps://drive.google.com/open?
id=1EnhA2IKgtCDdabG0N4hOLMfNxCppTHCB);

In case of Early Medieval India, the following two sub-topics

become extremely important.

The Cholas: administration, village economy and society

How far can the village assemblies or communities under the

Cholas be really called democratic? 2009
Assess the contribution of the Cholas in the expansion of Indian
culture outside India. 2011
Evaluate the role of nadu and nagaram in the growth of
urbanisation under the Cholas. 2012
Evaluating various theories regarding the Chola State, throw
light on its village assemblies. 2014
Analyze the significance of the U aramerur inscriptions of the
Chola King Parantaka I. 2016

Link- Cholas (h ps://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1fuPoFDq-

5cFOJwJ5JpbnAkYBHh2m-1Hm)

Indian Feudalism; Agrarian economy and urban se lements;

Trade and commerce

To what extent ‘monetary anaemia’ afflicted the erstwhile

commercial economy during the early medieval period? 2010
Evaluate the socio-economic conditions from the Gupta period
to 1200 C.E. as gleaned
from the various types of grants or dana shasana. 2011
What kind of changes were visualized by historians on Indian
feudalism? Examine critically. 2012
Critically analyse the agricultural economy from 750 to 1200 CE.
2014
Do the evidences of land ownership at our disposal support the
theory of the prevalence of feudalism in early medieval India?
2015

Link 1 (h ps://drive.google.com/open?
id=1jzpuDj7XQxnk0qu9DHDQj11dm9VRnHFS)

Link 2 (h ps://drive.google.com/open?
id=1I8FqCj8CmI_Egz6Pgyho77CElqH4koaY)

Link 3
(h ps://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1g5hRc3lpQuRCEaDGf
wgHAMahPvxF8uJn)

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Cultural Traditions in India, 750- 1200

Philosophy: Skankaracharya and Vedanta, Ramanuja and

Vishishtadvaita, Madhva
and Brahma Mimansa

Write a short essay on: “The Vedanta of Sankaracharya” 2001

“The Advaita doctrine of Shankara cut at the very root of
Bhaktivada.” Do you agree? 2016

(ii) Religion: Forms and features of religion, Tamil devotional

cult, growth of Bhakti, Islam and its arrival in India, Sufism

Assess the contribution of the Acharyas in the development of

the ideological basis of Bhakti. 2012
Bhakti and mysticism of Lal Ded emerged as a social force in
Kashmir. Comment. 2013
“Sufis and medieval mystic saints failed to modify either the
religious ideas and practices or the outward structure of
Islamic/Hindu societies to any appreciable extent.” Comment
for/against. 2015
The 11th – 12th centuries C.E saw eventful progression in the
cultural history of India. Discuss 2017

It must be ensured that the essential terms in Sufi and Bhakti

movement, important contributors, are all consolidated to ensure,
depending on the question asked- the ability to improve your
presentation. ( A map can be drawn depicting the origin and
spread of Bhakti Movement across states with an arrow) – New
NCERT Map (h ps://drive.google.com/open?id=1yL5fZMW-
164mvy0dFYuTUMSro7rQULoO)

Literature: Literature in Sanskrit, growth of Tamil literature,

literature in the newly developing languages, Kalhan’s
Rajtarangini, Alberuni’s India

Assess Kalhana’s views on History. 2009

Evaluate Rajtarangini as a source of history. 2012
Evaluate the ‘Kitab al-Hind’ of Alberuni as a source of history
of India. 2014
Comment on the veracity of Alberuni’s account of the Indian
society. 2016
Do you consider the Rajatarangini of Kalhana to be a reliable
source of the political history of Kashmir? Why? 2017

This segment requires us to finalise the selected content, we

would memorise for handling 10 mark questions.

Art and Architecture: Temple architecture, sculpture, painting

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p p p g
How far do you agree with the view that temples in early
medieval period were catalysts in spreading education? 2010
Discuss the Caurapancashika and Jain styles of paintings. Can
the Caurapancashika style truly be called the precursor of pothi
format? 2012
Give a brief account of the early medieval temple architecture of
Kashmir. 2015
Why is Mamallapuram famous? 2015

Link (h ps://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1TAIPXSHtoavY3-
nZd9RKNAzWF9ItDvQA)

In this section, a empt should be to draw diagram wherever

possible. Even basic block representation. (Use of wood; shifts in the
use of material from earlier period)

The Thirteenth Century

(i) Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate: The Ghurian invasions –

factors behind Ghurian success – Economic, social and cultural
consequences
(ii) Foundation of Delhi Sultanate and early Turkish Sultans –
Consolidation: The rule of Iltutmish and Balban

Assess the contribution of Iltutmish for the expansion and

consolidation of the Delhi Sultanate. 2011
How did the Mongol invasions affect the Delhi Sultanate and
the north-western frontier policy of the Delhi Sultans? 2012
Analyze the steps taken by Razia Sultan to strengthen her
position as an independent ruler despite various obstacles. 2013
What measures did Balban adopt to combat the Mongol
menace? 2015
What measures were initiated by the Sultans for the
consolidation of the Delhi Sultanate? Discuss. 2016
Evaluate the contents of the Tabaqat-i-Nasiri as a source of
medieval history. 2016
Critically examine the ‘blood and iron’ policy of Balban. 2017
To what extent was the Caliphate the source and sanction to the
legal authority of the Sultans of Delhi? 2017

In this section, one must have a brief concise note of

Origin and emergence of Delhi Sultanate (Mahmud of

Ghazini, Ghori, Aibak and the struggle for consolidation)
More importantly, contributions of Iltutmish and Balban
Theory of Kingship in specific, creation of
departments/Diwan;
Early threat of Mongol Invasion

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Read IGNOU chapters for brief understanding of narrative and

for revision purpose, it is advisable to make a flow chart of major
steps on a single sheet.

The Fourteenth Century

(i) “The Khalji Revolution” – Alauddin Khalji: Conquests and

territorial expansion, agrarian and economic measures

Examine critically the agrarian and economic reforms of

Alauddin Khalji. How did it strengthen the Sultanate? 2011
Analyse the ordinances mentioned by Barani which Alauddin
Khalji promulgated for market control. 2014

Khalji’s Urban Revolution and his market reform

(h p://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/history/the-impact-of-the-
market-reforms-of-alauddin-khilji-on-contemporary-economy-and-
society/4479)s along with the administrative measures taken up
during his time becomes important(as it is then linked in
continuities with measures taken by Sher Shah Suri and
subsequently Akbar).

Muhammad Tughluq: Major projects, agrarian measures,

bureaucracy of Muhammad Tughluq

Write a short essay on: “The Token Currency System introduced

by Muhammad Tughluq.” 2004
Write a short essay on: “Muhammad Tughluq as an agrarian
innovator.” 2009
Do you agree that the schemes of Muhammad bin Tughluq were
correctly conceived, badly executed and disastrously
abandoned? Discuss 2017
“The policy of creating heterogeneous nobility by Muhammad
Tughluq started the process of disintegration of Delhi
Sultanate“. Explain 2018

Apart from tracing the legacy of MBT and its impact on decline of
Delhi Sultanate- we must also focus on his innovations be it in field
of agriculture as well as Architecture
(h p://www.historydiscussion.net/history-of-india/medieval-
age/contribution-of-tughlaq-rulers-to-architecture/6228)

Firuz Tughluq: Agrarian measures, achievements in civil

engineering and public works, decline of the Sultanate

Form an estimate of the personality of Firoz Shah Tughlaq with

special reference to his religious policy and public works. 2000

Foreign contacts and Ibn Ba uta’s account

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What is your assessment of Ibn Batutah’s Rehla as an important

source of Indian history? 2011
Discuss evidence on slavery provided by Ibn Batuta with special
reference to female slaves. 2018

For all the aforementioned topics – Link

(h ps://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1ZJlAx8dKMYks75L3a8
QffByw1FuUwW55)

Society, Culture and Economy in the Thirteenth and Fourteenth

Centuries

(i) Society: composition of rural society, ruling classes, town

dwellers, women,
religious classes, caste and slavery under the Sultanate

Analyse the social composition and the role of mobility under

the successors of Iltutmish. How did it affect the contemporary
politics? 2012

(ii) Culture: Persian literature, literature in the regional languages

of North India,
literature in the languages of South India, Sultanate architecture
and new
structural forms, painting, evolution of a composite culture

Give a critical assessment of the contributions of Amir

Khusarau and Barani to Indo – Persian Literature. 2009
Trace the technological and stylistic development in the
architecture of the Sultanate period. 2014
Describe the new architectural features added by successive
Sultans’ in the construction of Tombs in India. 2018
What was the role of Sufi Folk literature in the diffusion of Islam
in India in general and in Deccan in particular? 2018

(iii) Economy: Agricultural production, rise of urban economy and

non-agricultural
production, trade and commerce

Examine the increasing importance of maritime trade of India

during thirteenth to fifteenth centuries. 2010
Evaluate the conditions of industries in India from 1200 to 1500
CE. 2013
Evaluate critically the conditions of labour from 1200 to 1500 CE
on the basis of historical sources. 2013
Discuss in brief the land-revenue system and judicial
administration of the Delhi Sultanate. 2015

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Do you think that the economic measures introduced by the

Sultanate rulers were beneficial to the common people as well?
Illustrate with examples. 2016
Delineate non-agricultural production and urban economy in
the 13th and 14th centuries C.E. 2017
Discuss the advancement made in Textile Technology under the
Delhi Sultans. 2018

Link 1- Society and Culture

(h ps://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1CP4cf_3KEC66WeKw2
xCqM13OO4K4k_sL)

Link 2- Economy
(h ps://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1ScMx5PfDAHjmxBt2f
Wn_LHZKHOt6UO8X)

The Fifteenth and Early Sixteenth Century

Political Developments and Economy: – Rise of Provincial

Dynasties: Bengal, Kashmir (Zainul Abedin), Gujarat, Malwa,
Bahmanids

Assess the Lekhapaddhati as an important source for evaluating

the society and economy of the thirteenth century CE with
special reference to Gujarat. 2013
Discuss the state of society and economy of the Bahmani
kingdom as gleaned from
historical sources. 2013
Assess the contribution of Firoz Shah Bahamani and Mahmud
Gawan in the field of education. 2016
Evaluate Jonaraja’s account of the reign of Zain-ul-Abidin.
2016

Link -1
(h ps://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/13AYtJKbDBfcaXrLjnbzJ
hYXBc4u3fqei)

Link 2 (h ps://drive.google.com/open?
id=1UnoTTnoxPEV9OBh6cKSH0H_iO-qjouyM)– To be read along
with Vijayanagar Empire (a ached below)

II

The Vijayanagar Empire

On the basis of contemporary sources evaluate the system of

agriculture and irrigation of the Vijayanagara 2013

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To what extent is ‘Segmentary State’ model relevant for

defining the Vijayanagar State? Critically examine. 2014
Mention the salient features of the polity of Vijayanagara
Empire under Krishnadevaraya. 2015
Evaluate the accounts of foreign travellers about Vijayanagar
Empire. 2017
Do you agree that convergence of political vacuum and impact
of Islamicate culture and polity in peninsular India has much to
do with the growth of Vijayanagara kingdom? 2018

Link
(h ps://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1X8U28zLYF6ZubQRGy
V0W6gnbc2LYYMzZ)

The Fifteenth and early Sixteenth Century – Society and Culture

(i) Regional cultural specificities -Literary traditions – Provincial
architecture
(ii) Society, culture, literature and the arts in Vijayanagara Empire.

Make an estimate of Rana Kumbha as a patron of literature and

art. 2015

III

Mughal Empire, First phase: Babur and Humayun

Comment on the Turko-Mongol theory of sovereignty. To what

extent was it adopted by Babur and Humayun? 2010

Link (h ps://drive.google.com/open?
id=1Zjn3r1VeSmjDvyZ4Tb9LAfPsDaxD5yiS)

IV

The Sur Empire: Sher Shah’s administration

“Sher Shah combined in himself qualities of lion and fox.”

Portuguese Colonial enterprise

How was cartaz system used by the Portuguese to maintain their

control over the oceanic trade? 2014

Link (h ps://drive.google.com/open?
id=14ygO4rjUqLX08tiAFSsUo7LTPU4oyMei)

Link 2 (h ps://drive.google.com/open?
id=18NrqaEhnCEUdVw7N2a-nfD-FpQaCgqeE)

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Bhakti and Sufi

Assess the contribution of the Acharyas in the development of

the ideological basis of Bhakti. 2012
Discuss and evaluate critically various trends in the
historiography of Bhakti. 2013
Evaluate the Malfuzat texts sources of medieval history. 2013
Bhakti and mysticism of Lal Ded emerged as a social force in
Kashmir. Comment. 2013
Evaluate the contribution of Vaishnava saints to the growth of
medieval Bhakti literature. 2014
“Sufis and medieval mystic saints failed to modify either the
religious ideas and practices or the outward structure of
Islamic/Hindu societies to any appreciable extent.” Comment
for/against. 2015
“Tantrism, if not in practice, at last on conception level
challenged patriarchy.” Examine Tantrism specially keeping in
mind the above context. 2015
“Bhakti and Sufi movements served the same social purpose.”
Discuss 2017

Source:

Link 1 (h ps://drive.google.com/open?
id=1kkXa8ZXUtvqcqrVJQNwYeMb-XWo1h_n7)

Link 2 (h ps://drive.google.com/open?
id=1O3nhHbjagIAohi8T46pvCgF6ZX8DoPUw)

Akbar

(i) Conquests and consolidation of the Empire

Analyze how the political processes of state formation of Mewar,

from 10th-15th century CE was challenged in the 16th century
CE by the imperialist policy of Akbar. 2013

(ii) Establishment of Jagir and Mansab systems

Examine the Mansab and Jagir system by Akbar and its

subsequent failure in the 18th century. 2011
How was lqta system of the Sultans different from the Jagir
system under the Mughals? 2014

Source:

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Link 1 (h ps://drive.google.com/open?
id=1z_lRVaoRSkKhJdT1gw6Dkf_uj4rpasBI)

Link
(h ps://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1KJP_CpTcR21iyZ5Ojkrf
gZp-nPfMGQLs)

(iii) Rajput policy

Describe the Rajput policy of the Mughal emperors. Do you

agree with the view that the reversal of Akbar’s Rajput policy by
Aurangzeb was responsible for the disintegration of the Mughal
Empire?

Do you think that Akbar’s Rajput policy was conscious a empt

to incorporate the Indian ruling elite with Mughal Imperial
System? 2017

Source: Link (h ps://drive.google.com/open?id=1MSDRJF0NUYv-

lnSGcAOu1EStWZCQtG-i)

(iv) Evolution of religious and social outlook, theory of Sulh-i-kul

and religious policy

Write a short Essay on: “Implications of Akbar’s notion of Sulh-i-

kul.” 2009

“In medieval Indian history Akbar was unique for his religio-
political ideas and policies.” Analyse this statement. 2015
“Akbar wished to assert his strong belief in God, but his concept
of the way God is to be worshipped was independent of either
orthodox Islam or Hinduism”. Comment 2018

(v) Court patronage of art and technology

Give an estimate of Akbar as a promoter of technology. 2009

Mughal Empire in the Seventeenth Century

(i) Major administrative policies of Jahangir, Shahjahan and

Aurangzeb
(ii) The Empire and the Zamindars
(iii) Religious policies of Jahangir, Shahjahan and Aurangzeb
(iv) Nature of the Mughal State
(v) Late Seventeenth century crisis and the revolts
(vi) The Ahom Kingdom
(vii) Shivaji and the early Maratha Kingdom.

Analysis:

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This section deals with the second part of Mughal Empire – the
phase post Akbar. From this section, the key idea is to then,
approach this section through previous year papers.

One major topic is to study the reign of Aurangzeb at detailed

length and other being, topics such as foreign policy of Mughal,
Architecture during reign of Shah Jahan; Painting during the reign
of Jahangir. (these were asked in 2016 and 2018 respectively).

Changes in the composition of nobility from Akbar to

Aurangzeb.
Analyze the religious policy of the Mughal emperors from
Akbar to Aurangzeb. How did it affect the stability of the
Mughal Empire?
“Spanish ulcer ruined Napoleon Bonaparte, the Deccan ulcer
ruined Aurangzeb.”
In what ways were Aurangzeb’s Rajput and religious policies
different from those of his predecessors? What were the
consequences of the changes made by him? 2004
Write a short essay on: “Dara Shikoh” 2006

II

In this subsection, Irfan Habib’s Agrarian Crisis theory is one of

the main area of focus.

The causes of revolts with Jats, Marathas must be traced

alongside the analysis of agrarian structure of Mughal India in a
teleological manner.
Changes from the time of Akbar- (continuities if any from
Alauddin Khalji and Sher Shah Suri).
Also how was the crisis gradually, expanding from periphery to
core- its impact on state treasury;
Role of Aurangzeb’s Deccan campaign, impact on weakening the
central Mughal Empire and finally
the rise of regional autonomous states.

Late Seventeenth century crisis and the revolts

“The major cause of revolts against the Mughal Empire during

the la er half of the 17th century was economic, rather than
religious.” Discuss. 2009
On the basis of the accounts of Europeans bring out the agrarian
crisis of the 17th century CE India. 2013

The Ahom Kingdom

Give a brief account of resistance offered by Ahom State against

the Mughal rule. 2014

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g
Satish Chandra’s book – has a chapter on Ahom Kingdom. It in a
lucid manner deals with the topic;

III

Source: Satish Chandra’s chapter – a ached

(h ps://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1QoU0LmnHih31W5AF
QJl2VAVSTqwlc4Zo)

Link- 2
(h ps://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1tIvNSEPxZGDK0cBBOl
Gft8s_fpq5nFO-)

Rise of Marathas- It is one of the major last topics of Medieval

Indian History. The topic requires analysis in two major ways.

Political Narrative – Shivaji- Rise of institution of Peshwas–

The Confederacy (Bhosle, Gaikwad, Holkars, Scindia)
The economic changes and continuities, especially Chauth and
Sardeshmukhi.
The Third Ba le of Panipat, 1761 and eventual phases of Anglo-
Maratha war- factors that led to it.

Shivaji and the early Maratha Kingdom

How did Shivaji organize his administration and finances to

consolidate his power? 2010
Give social background to the rice of the Maratha movement
during the seventeenth century. 2012

Maratha ascendancy under the Peshwas

Compare the Peshwas’ bureaucratic management with that of

the Imperial Mughal
2015
How will you view the Maratha policy of expansion?
Delineate. 2017

The Maratha fiscal and financial system

Write a short answer on: “Chauth and Sardeshmukhi of the

Maratha rulers.”

Emergence of Afghan Power, Ba le of Panipat: 1761

Write a short essay on: “Consequences of the Third Ba le of

Panipat.” 2002
How was the Afghan nobility responsible for the decline of the
Afghan Empire? Discuss. 2012

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Is it true that the court intrigues and weak revenue system led to
the collapse of the Maratha empire? Comment 2016
“The Afghan invasions in the Eighteenth Century not only
signified the military irrelevance of the Mughal Empire but also
hastened its decline“. Explain. 2018

Source- Link
(h ps://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1QoU0LmnHih31W5AF
QJl2VAVSTqwlc4Zo)

The Eighteenth Century

(i) Factors for the decline of the Mughal Empire

(ii) The regional principalities: Nizam’s Deccan, Bengal, Awadh
(iii) Maratha ascendancy under the Peshwas
(iv) The Maratha fiscal and financial system
(v) Emergence of Afghan Power, Ba le of Panipat: 1761
(vi) State of politics, culture and economy on the eve of the British
conquest

Factors for the decline of the Mughal Empire

“The Ba le of Plassey that decided the fate of Bengal was won

by Clive through intrigues.” Explain. 2014
Do you think that the agrarian crisis of the 17th century led to
the disintegration of the Mughal empire? Discuss. 2016
Was it the weakening of the Mughal empire or the rise of
regional powers that led to the British conquest of India?
Discuss. 2016
“The political disintegration was responsible for the socio-
economic decline in India during the 18th century.” Comment;
2017

The regional principalities: Nizam’s Deccan, Bengal, Awadh

Discuss the causes of the rise and growth of regional kingdoms

with special reference to Deccan in the 18th century. 2011

Link- Eighteenth Century

(h ps://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1tIvNSEPxZGDK0cBBOl
Gft8s_fpq5nFO-)

As mentioned in case of Modern India, this section needs –

To understand period of 1707-1757 (Phase of decline of

Mughal Empire)
To also trace the trajectory of rise of East India Company,
factors, causes and consequences.
The manner of emergence of regional autonomous states.

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Also trace the Maratha’s in this period.

Economy and Society in the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries

(i) Population, agricultural production, craft production
(ii) Towns, commerce with Europe through Dutch, English and
French companies: a
trade revolution. Indian mercantile classes, banking, insurance
and credit
systems
(iii) Condition of peasants, condition of women

State the structure of medieval village society in Northern India.

What were the passive forms of resistance of the peasants in

the medieval period? 2012
Will it be correct to say that the rural economy in Mughal India
was relatively self-sufficient? 2015
“An important feature of agriculture in Mughal India has been
the large number of crops raised by the peasants”. Illustrate by
giving examples.
Discuss the working of Zamindari System under the Mughal
rulers. Also describe the role played by the Zamindars in the
agrarian economy of Mughal India. 2018

Towns, commerce with Europe through Dutch, English and

French companies: a trade revolution. Indian mercantile classes,
banking, insurance and credit systems

Critically evaluate various approaches to study medieval Indian

towns. 2010
Discuss the different types of Karkhanas in Mughal India. How
was the production organized in the different Karkhanas? 2010
Medieval Indian towns were merely as extension of villages.
Comment. 2012
Give a sketch of Indian trade with Europe during the Mughal
period. 2013
“India had been for hundreds of years the Lancashire of the
Eastern world.” Critically examine this view. 2014
Analyse the Mughal monetary system and examine their policy
of minting of coins. 2014

Source: Link
(h ps://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/10YKbOTNfakS9pUn0m
aiFGQ20U0epmJbw)

Culture in the Mughal Empire

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(i) Persian histories and other literature. Hindi and other religious
literature

Part A

Evolution of the Sikh community and the Khalsa Panth

Write a short essay on: “Evolution of the Khalsa Panth”

Comment. 2008
The religion of Sikhs was the main force of their unity.
Comment. 2017

Part B

How does Tuzuk-i-Babri testify that Babar had been a cultured

man? 2015

Discuss the literature wri en in Hindi in Mughal India. 2018

Mughal architecture

Explain the principal features of architecture during Akbar’s

rule. What changes were made in them by Shahjahan? – Such a
question requires careful-if possible, in the real exam time, a
tabular distinction of differences/changes as well as continuities.
“The art of building was carried to highest degree of perfection
under Shahjahan”. Illustrate by giving architectural details of
two of his most celebrated buildings. 2018

Mughal painting

Write a short essay on: “During the reign of Jahangir, Mughal

painting reached its zenith.”
Mughal paintings reflect the contemporary socio-political
conditions. – Discuss. 2011
Delineate the development of the Mughal painting during the
reign of Jahangir 2016
“Mughal paintings reflect social harmony in contemporary
society.” Discuss 2017

Science and technology

What was the Indian response to European Technology? 2010

Assess the development of Science and Technology in the
Mughal period. 2013

Comprehensive Link- Chapter wise

(h ps://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1qfPnfXd2SIkd0umrYLF
W QHT04K8Mf2).

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Concluding note:

The idea to analyse History Optional (Paper I and II) along with
Map Section- mainly was an a empt to reorient all its readers, the
effective layer by layer – understanding of

Best Sources, in the most simplified form- Chapter wise and

Questions- Topic wise;
Previous Year Paper analysis (while the main focus has been
post 2012, in Map it was from 1979 onwards)
Section wise analysis of key areas to prepare and focus topics.

On Presentation of Optional Paper:

In the end, no amount of strategy, sources will suffice or enable us

to guarantee a 300+ score, if it is not coupled by effective
presentation of the answer with prescribed word-limit. Instead,
even if some of you are planning to merely refer Baliyan Sir Class
notes photocopy from Karol Bagh or Mukherjee Nagar, trust me-
even that is good source.

However, what will ensure a 300+, is definitely the framework,

format, clarity, flowchart- Use India Map, Show major sites in
Neolithic – Chalcolithic – Harappa– wherever required); Even
extent of Mauryan Empire– for instance in 2018, the question of
Mauryan state can show the extent of expansion through a map; if
there is a question on Tomb architecture, or Stupa, try depicting it
by a basic picture- ensure your presentation fetches you that extra 2
marks in each question.

Finally, never get bogged down by the massive syllabus, multiple

sources (all the links, notes, summary chapters are indicative- you
are free to selectively read the areas as per the requirement,
preparation level, stage or time before the Main exam.

Please feel free to ask any doubt- my email id being

chitra159@hotmail.com (mailto:chitra159@hotmail.com).

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11/20/2019 Detailed Strategy for Paper I – Medieval India – History Optional; – Tryst with Dholpur House

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2 thoughts on “Detailed Strategy for

Paper I – Medieval India –
History Optional;”

1. naveen kumar
Thank you for all the efforts you have put in to compile all these
in spite of your busy schedule mam. Much appreciated and
much respect!

SEPTEMBER 24, 2019 AT 9:13 PM REPLY

2. Tilak

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11/20/2019 Detailed Strategy for Paper I – Medieval India – History Optional; – Tryst with Dholpur House

Thank you so much mam….i can’t tell you how much helpful it
is ….specially for selfstudy aspirants…. thanks a ton 😊😊

NOVEMBER 2, 2019 AT 12:04 PM REPLY

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