(SET-I)

Time Allowed: 3 Hours

Maximum Marks : 100

General Instructions :

(i) Answer all the questions.

(ii)Answer to each question carrying 5 marks should not exceed 125 words.

(iii)Answer to each question carrying 10 marks should not exceed 250 words.

(iv) Answer to each question carrying 15 marks should not exceed 350 words.

Q.1.

What were the two types of succession states in 18th century India? Explain with examples.

Ans.

There arose a new element in Mughal politics in the 18th century. This was the rise of the nobles in various states under the Mughals against the Mughal rule. These 'Succession States' almost created the situation of civil war in India. Nizam-ul-Mulk, Asaf Jah rose up in Hyderabad in 1724. Murshid Quli Khan of Bengal revolted against the Mughal dominance in 1717. Saudat Khan, Burhan-ul-Mulk controlled Awadh and virtually liberated it from the Mughals. Mysore under Haider Ali, Kerla under the leadership of the feudal chiefs and also the nieghbouring states around of Delhi threatened the Mughal empire. Thus the effect of these 'Succession States' helped in the virtual decline of the Mughal empire.

Q.2.

Explain the significance of the Charter act of 1833. In what way was its different from the Pitt's India Act of 1784.

Ans.

The significance of the Charter Act of 1833 can not be easily dismissed. By this act, the trade monopoly of the Company in India was ended and the trade with India was thrown open to all the British subjects, although trade in tea and trade with China were still exclusive to the Company. The Government and the revenues of India continued to be in the hands of the Company. The Company continued to appoint officials in India.

The Charter Act of 1833 was different from the Pitt's India Act of 1784. The Act of 1784 regulated in more strong manner the affairs of the company by the Government's power of supervision. This act was more or less a check on Company's affairs particularly a check on Company revenues/administration.

Q.3.

The British introduced the modern concept of rule of law in India. What did it mean? In what way was the previous system of law different from this? What were the main defects of the new system?

Ans.

The British laid the foundation of a new system of dispensing justice through a hierarchy of civil and criminal courts.Though given a start by Warren Hastings, the system was established by Cornwallis in 1793. In each district was established a Diwani Adalat, or Civil Court, preceded over by the District Judge who belonged to the Civil Service. Cornwallis thus separated the post of the Civil Judge and the Collector Appeal from the District Court lay first to four Provincial Courts of Civil. Appeal and then, finally to the Sadar Diwani Adalat. Below the District Court were Registrar's Courts, headed by Europeans and a number of subordinate courts headed by Indian Judges known as Munsifs and Amirs. To deal with criminal cases, Cornwallis divided the predency of Bengal into four divisions, in each of which a court of circuit preceded over by the civil servants was established. Below these courts came a large number of Indian magistrate to try petty cases.

Q.4.

Why was the Indian army reorganised after 1858? Mention the changes that were introduced?

Ans.

To prevent any other revolt, the British reorganised the Indian army after 1858. They did the following:-

Attempts were made to minimise the strength of the Indian soldiers. The proportions of the Indians in the army against the Europeans was reduced at two to one in Bengal and 5 to 2 in Bombay and Madras. The European troops were kept in key geographical and military positions. Artillery, tanks and armoured corps were put exclusively in European hands. The policy of divide and rule was adopted in army as well. The divisions were made on the basis of races and regions.

Much of the strength of the revolt of 1857 lay in Hindu-Muslim unity. Among the soldiers and the people as well as among the leaders there was complete cooperation as between Hindus and Muslims. All the rebels recognised

Bahadur Shah, a Muslim, as their Emperor. Also the first thoughts of the Hindu sepoys at Meerut was to much straight to Delhi. The Hindu and Muslim rebels and sepoys respected each other's sentiments, for example, wherever the revolt was successful orders were immediately issued banning Cow-slaughter out of respect for Hindu sentiments.

Explain the attitude of the British Government towards the Indian Press in the 19th century. Explain the main reason for such an attitude.

After the British introduced the printing press in India, the Indians realized the importance of the press in educating public opinion and in influencing governmental policies. Raja Ram Mohan Ray, Vidyasagar, Dadabhai Naoroji , Justice Ranade , B. G. Tilak, G. Subhramaniyam Iyer, Madan Mohan Malviya, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal played an important role in making these media a powerful force, a weapon to accelerate nationalist movement.

The British government soon recognised that if the restrictions are not imposed on the press, the Indians may make full use of the press to their advantage. The Vernacular Press Act was put into operation in 1878 and the freedom of the press was severely curtailed though the act was repealed in 1882.

Q.7.

Explain the main issues of the 19th century reform movement in Western India. Who were the pioneers of reform there? Mention any one organisation devoted to social reform in Western India and highlight its activities.

Ans.

Prarthna Samaj, Arya Samaj, Paramhans Mandali were the pioneer movements. These high-lighted the evils of Brahmanical orthodoxy, ignorance superstitious and preached for their eradication.

The Arya Samaj, founded in 1875 in Western India worked in Northern India, attacking the religious and social evils.The Arya Samaj undertook the task of reforming the Hindu religion in North India. It was formed by Swami Dayanand Saraswati. He believed that selfish and ignorant priests had perverted Hindu religion with the aid of the Purans which, he said, were full of false teachings. For his own inspiration Swami Dayanand went to the Vedas which he regarded as infallible, being the inspire words of the God and as he fount of all knowledge. He was opposed to idolatry, ritual and priesthood, and particularly to the privileged caste practices and popular Hinduism as preached by Brahmins. The Arya Samajists started a network of schools and colleges in the country to impart education on western lines. They worked actively to improve the conditions of women and to spread education among them.

Q.8.

Discuss the economic critique of imperialism by early nationalists.

The early Congressmen of the moderate period (1885-1905) viewed the British rule in India as a blessing. They thought that the Indian economic conditions can improve through the economic policies pursued by the British. Their view of the British economic policies were positive. They felt that India could seek development and economic reconstruction by governmental followed economic policies. Accordingly, they regarded the British rule in India, useful and for the welfare of the people of the India.

Q.9.

Mention the underlying principle behind 'Swadeshi' and 'Boycott'.

Ans.

The underlying principle behind 'Swadeshi' and 'Boycott' was to ban the sale and purchase of the foreign-made goods so to put the foreigners at loss. Its another principle was to build,through Swadeshi, the native economic and and make the country self-reliant.

The history of the National Movement from 1920 to 1947 is nothing but the history of the Mahatma Gandhi's struggle for the freedom movement. In 1920 Mahatma Gandhi started the Non-Cooperation Movement against the Rowlet Act and the Jallianwala Bagh Tragedy. The people showed a great interest in this movement. The people were asked not to give any cooperation to the government. So the government titles were refused, the government schools and colleges were boycotted. Government functions were ignored. The session of legislative assemblies were not attended. No person attended the court of Justice, foreign goods were burnt in a bonfire. When Gandhiji declared the independence could be attained with in a year then the movement gathered strong momentum. Gandhiji had the idea that the movement would be peaceful but in some parts of the country violent incidents took place. In Chauri-Chaura in Gorakhpur district in Uttar Pradesh a Congress procession was passing peacefully when the police interfered unnecessarily the people were agitated and out of excitement burnt the police station. The working committee of the Congress met at Bardoli on the 12th February and Gandhiji suspended the movement. All Congressmen were adviced to devote their time to constructive work. This decision of Gandhiji was greatly resented by the most of the leaders who were behind bars but Gandhiji knew his technique more than any of lieutenants. He stuck to his point. The last part of the drama in the first face of Gandhian non-violent non-cooperation programme was Gandhiji's arrest on 13th March. He was charged with disaffection against the government. Gandhiji was sentenced to six years imprisonment.

Civil Disobedience Movement: After the non-cooperation movement Gandhiji started his constructive programme for the popularization of the Charkha. The combating of untouch ability and the promotion of national education. The Simon Commission arrived in India early 1928 and published its report against people's opposition. As a result Gandhiji started a Civil Disobedience movement on 12 March, 1930, he went to Dandi and made salt in violation of the Salt laws. The government suppressed the movement, but it gave a new strength to the Freedom struggle.

Quit India Movement: On 8 August, 1941 Gandhiji launched a 'Quit India Movement' and forced the British to Quit India. Gandhiji and many nationalist leaders were arrested. However the people continued their struggle. At last the British declared that India would be given freedom. India got her freedom on 15th August, 1947.

It was no small contribution of Gandhiji in the service of Motherland.

Q.11.

State the main provisions of the Morley-Minto reforms. What was the real purpose behind the introduction?

Ans.

The following aspect of the Minto-Morley reforms communalism in India.

In the Central and Legislative Councils, the number of members was, no doubt, increased but it did not bring any change in the British rule. The elected members were of the privileged classes ( landlords and members of the chambers of commerce) who always sided with the Government.

Perhaps the greatest defect with these reforms was the introduction of the seperate electorates, which was a calculated move by the British Government to divide the people and check the tide of nationalism.

Q.12.

On the given outline map of India, mark and show the following five centres of the national movement.

(i) First session of the Congress; (ii) Place where Gandhiji, broke the Salt law; (iii) The village of indigo farmer's movement; (iv) Place where Mangal Pandey revolted in 1857; (v) City of the 1919 massacre.

Ans.

(i) Bombay, (ii) Dandi, (iii) Champaran, (iv) Barrackpore, (v) Amritsar

Q.13.

In terms of time span what is the difference between modern history and contemporary history.

Ans.

Contemporary history is recent history, history of our own times, in terms of time span, about the last 50-60 years history. Modern history is the history from where modern period has begun i.e. from 15th-16th century onward.

What was the February revolution? In what way did the First World War precipitate the February Revolution?

February revolution occurred in Russia in February 1917. The 1905 revolution did not put end to the troubles of the workers, peasants and the poor. Though the Duma existed, the Czar ruled ruthlessly. There broke out processions and strikes in the capital city (St. Petersburg). The Czar ordered suppression of the workers agitation. But the Duma took over the power : the Czar was abdicated. However, the provisional government led by the liberals did not solve the problems and it continued the World War I. The war however, precipitated the February revolution.

What were the major peace treaties after the First World War? Explain the main reasons for their failure during the inter-war period.

The major peace treaties after the First World War were: Treaty of Versailles (with Germany), Treaty of St. Germain (with Austrik) and Treaty with Turkey.

Explain with examples the growth of racialism in USA in the 1930s. What was the attitude of the US Communists to racialism.

or

What were the main provision of the New Economic Policy of 1921 in USSR?

The 1930s were difficult years for the Americans. The worst affected were the Black people in the USA. After serving in Europe, the 200000 soldiers were, on their return to USA, made victims of racial discrimination. They were thrown out of their jobs. They had no right to vote. Racial discrimination was spread throughout the country, with white terrorist gangs Ku Klux Klan. The Communist Party of the USA played an important role in opposing such discrimination. It organised workers to fight racial discrimination.

What were the main objectives of the Bandung Conference?

The objectives of the Bandung Conference were : strengthening the Afro-Asian Unity; developing common understanding on questions of independence of the nations under foreign rule; empowering the United Nations.

What was operation Sea Lion? Why was it indefinitely put off?

The 'Sea-Lion' operation was the name given to the German planned attack on Britain during the Second World War. This would mean controlling the English Channel if Britain was to be attacked, and for this control, the Germ,an armies were to make the British air force and navy ineffective. But the British resisted the bombing efforts of the Germans very bravely. In fact, the British inflicted more losses than the Germans did. As a result, the Germans had to put off indefinitely operation 'Sea-Lion'.

Discuss with examples the distructive features of the US foreign policy in the post-second world war period.

The containment of communism was the main objective of the U.S. foreign policy after the Second World War. The protection of her own interests and strengthening of the bloc under her leadership were other objectives. The U.S. policy in Latin America continued more or less as before. The U.S. either sent her troops or actively aided rebels to overthrow regimes there so to halt the influence of the leftists. In Cuba, the American policy demonstrated the anti communist stance.

The US support to many unpopular regimes created problems for the U.S.A.The U.S.A. was forced to overthrow the dictators of these unpopular regimes. This was what happened in the Philippines. Elsewhere, as in Iran took a step not to the liking of the people of the concerned country. There, in Iran, the Shah was abducted and the people of Iran wanted to be back in the country. The US took a position against those of the Iranians.

What is meant by 'communication imperialism?

The domination of exercised by the Western countries over mass-media is called 'communication imperialism'. Through it Western countries seek to impose their own interpretation of the world's events on the developing nations.

What was the role of the International Brigade in Spain?

An International Brigade in Spain was founded with over 40,000 volunteers. It fought against the fascist regime of General Franco in Spain. Thousands of them died on the Spanish soil.

Explain the meaning of Pop Art or Op Art?

Pop Art is America's significant contribution to the art of our times. It is anti-experimental, anti-nuance, anti-getting away, from the rectangle. Op Art was a reaction against Austrian Pop Act.

On the given outline map of Europe, mark and show two Axis and two Allied and one neutral country during the Second World War.

Clues:-

Axis Powers---Germany, Italy

Allied Powers---Great Britain, France

Neutral---Switzerland