Discuss the Tandava dance as recorded in the early Indian inscriptions.

Points to Remember: Early Indian inscriptions as primary sources. Depiction of Tandava in sculptures and textual references. Shiva as the primary performer of Tandava. Different forms of Tandava and their symbolic meanings. Regional variations in Tandava depictions. Introduction: The Tandava dance, a powerful and dynamic form of Indian classical dance, holds a significant place in … Read more

Though not very useful from the point of view of a connected political history of South India,the Sangam literature portrays the social and economic conditions of its time with remarkable vividness. Comment.

Points to Remember: Sangam literature’s limited utility for connected political history of South India. Sangam literature’s exceptional portrayal of social and economic conditions. Contrasting the political vagueness with the social and economic detail. Examples of social and economic aspects depicted in Sangam literature. Introduction: Sangam literature, a corpus of Tamil poetry and prose dating roughly … Read more

Sufis and medieval mystic saints failed to modify either the religious ideas and practicesor the outward structure of Hindu / Muslim societies to any appreciable extent.Comment.

Points to Remember: The influence of Sufi and medieval mystic saints on Hindu and Muslim societies. Assessment of the extent of their impact on religious ideas, practices, and social structures. Consideration of both direct and indirect influences. Acknowledgment of limitations and counterarguments. Introduction: The question assesses the impact of Sufi and medieval mystic saints on … Read more

The third battle of Panipat was fought in 1761. Why were so many empire-shaking battles fought at Panipat?

Points to Remember: Strategic location of Panipat. Control over trade routes. Fertile land and resources. Access to water sources. Relatively flat terrain suitable for large armies. Introduction: The Third Battle of Panipat, fought in 1761, marked a pivotal moment in Indian history, resulting in the decline of the Maratha Empire and the rise of the … Read more

Taxila university was one of the oldest universities of the world with which were associated a number of renowned learned personalities of different disciplines. Its strategic location caused its fame to flourish, but unlike Nalanda, it is not considered as a university in the modern sense. Discuss.

Points to Remember: Taxila’s historical significance as a center of learning. Its geographical advantages and influence. Differences between Taxila and modern universities. Reasons for Taxila’s lack of recognition as a “university” in the modern sense. The enduring legacy of Taxila. Introduction: Taxila, located in present-day Pakistan, was a renowned center of learning from the 5th … Read more

Gandhara sculpture owed as much to the Romans as to the Greeks. Explain.

Points to Remember: Gandhara art’s syncretic nature. Influence of Greco-Roman art on Gandhara sculpture. Specific examples of Roman and Greek influences. The role of Buddhism in shaping Gandhara art. Introduction: Gandhara art, flourishing in the ancient region of Gandhara (present-day northwestern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan) from the 1st century BCE to the 5th century CE, … Read more

To what extent has the urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization provided inputs to the present-day urbanization? Discuss.

Points to Remember: The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) was a highly advanced urban civilization. IVC urban planning demonstrates sophisticated engineering and social organization. Many aspects of IVC urban planning are absent in modern urban planning. The cultural legacy of the IVC is less directly visible in modern urban contexts. Introduction: The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), … Read more

Mesolithic rock cut architecture of India not only reflects the cultural life of the times but also a fine aesthetic sense comparable to modern painting. Critically evaluate this comment.

Points to Remember: Mesolithic period in India (roughly 10,000 to 4,000 BCE) Rock-cut architecture: Focus on its characteristics, techniques, and distribution. Cultural reflection: Examine societal structures, beliefs, and practices as depicted in the art. Aesthetic sense: Analyze the artistic merit, skill, and creativity involved. Comparison to modern painting: Explore similarities and differences in artistic expression. … Read more

The ancient civilisation in Indian sub-continent differed from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece in that its culture and traditions have been preserved without a breakdown to present day. Comment.

Points to Remember: Continuity of Indian civilization. Comparison with Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and Greek civilizations. Factors contributing to the preservation of Indian culture and traditions. Challenges and disruptions faced by Indian civilization. A balanced perspective acknowledging both continuity and change. Introduction: The statement that ancient Indian civilization differs from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece in … Read more

Krishnadeva Raya, the king of Vijayanagar, was not only an accomplished scholar himself but was also a great patron of learning and literature. Discuss.

Points to Remember: Krishnadeva Raya’s scholarship and literary achievements. His patronage of various scholars and literary works. The flourishing of Telugu and Sanskrit literature during his reign. The establishment of educational institutions and libraries. The impact of his patronage on the cultural landscape of Vijayanagara. Introduction: Krishnadeva Raya (1509-1529 CE), the most celebrated ruler of … Read more