History

Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram is a historic city and UNESCO World Heritage site in Tamil Nadu, India. During the reign of the Pallava dynasty, between the 3rd century CE and 7th century CE, it became an important centre of art, architecture and literature. Art & Architectural Masterpieces Cave Temples The Adi Varaha Perumal Cave Temple is … Read more DMPQ: Mahabalipuram Architecture.

Thanjavur paintings basically signify paintings created using a style and technique, which originated in Thanjavur during the maratha period in the 16th century. A typical Thanjavur painting would consist of one main figure, a deity, with a well-rounded body & almond shaped eyes. This figure would be housed in an enclosure created by means of … Read more DMPQ- Thanjavur paintings.

The concept of the whip was inherited from colonial British rule. It is used in parliamentary parlance often for floor management by political parties in the legislature. A whip is a written order that political party issue to its members for being present for an important vote, or that they vote only in a particular … Read more DMPQ: Write a short note on the office of whip.

None of the Indian powers rose to claim the heritage of the Grand Mughals for they were strong enough to destroy the Empire but not strong enough to unite it or to create anything new in its place. They could not create a new social order which could stand up to the new enemy from … Read more DMPQ: What were the consequences of decline of the Mughal empire?

Amaravati School represents the evolution of uniquely beautiful regional art style based on a thriving commercial and imperial system. The Amravati Stupas began about the time of Christ but the perfection of form and proportion seen in the middle phase of Amaravati as well as some of the themes continued to influence art at Nagarjuankonda … Read more DMPQ-Write short note on the Amravati school of art.

The 1971 India-Pakistan and the Shimla Agreement of July 2, 1972 are some of the most important events of the 20th century history of the Indian subcontinent.The 1971 war culminated in the capture of 93,000 Pakistani prisoners and a unilateral declaration of a cease fire by India after our ground forces had made minor incursions … Read more DMPQ-Do you think concerning issues of Kashmir could have been resolved as early in 1971?

While Gandhi and Ambedkar hold similar standpoints on the relation between religious orderings of the world and shapes of social existence, they sharply diverge, on certain occasions, regarding the question of what the crucial terms ‘caste’ and var?a refer to, so that they often seem to be talking past each other. Gandhi sought to cut … Read more DMPQ-The ways chosen by mahatma Gandhi and Dr Ambedkar were different for empowering the Scheduled class and lower strata of society. Comment

Salient features are as follows: Holistic involvement of all stakeholders like women, Harijan, Industralist, young and old ones. Movements were truly Mass movement. Non violence and satyagraha were two biggest element of Indian freedom struggle. Movement were well planned and their stated objective was made clear to the people and British authority. Minimum casualty and … Read more DMPQ- What are the salient features of the Indian freedom struggle guided by Gandhi.?

The 1931 Poona Pact shaped India’s Dalit political representation, and its implications are felt even in today’s parliamentary elections. At the heart of it lay a fundamental difference in their points of view. While Gandhi saw untouchability as a social issue, Ambedkar understood caste as a political one. The Gandhi Ambedkar conflict was over how … Read more DMPQ- Poona pact had a huge impact on the post independent political phase of India. Comment

  Indo-Islamic architecture begins with the Ghurid occupation of India at the close of the 12 century A.D. The Muslims having inherited a wealth of varied designs from Sassanian and Byzantine empires and being naturally endowed with good taste for buildings, never failed to adapt to their own requirements the indigenous architecture of almost every … Read more DMPQ- Indian native elements when mingled with the Persian elements led to emergence of new elements. Comment on the statement with special reference to Indo- Islamic architecture.

Sardar Patel, the architect and unifier of modern India, was not only a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi but also his ardent follower. Patel was a selfless leader, who placed the country’s interests above everything else and shaped India’s destiny with single-minded devotion. Sardar Patel was not only an organizer par excellence but also turned … Read more DMPQ- Write a short note on the contribution of Sardar Patel in Indian Freedom struggle.

Cornwallis’s greatest achievement in India was the reorganization of the land taxation, known as the Permanent Settlement of 1793. Agricultural land in Bengal was cultivated by a large number of small farmers, who paid rent to a group of zamindars (landowners). Under the Mughals, the government had collected taxes from the zamindars. The East India … Read more DMPQ-Discuss the reforms brought by Lord Cornwallis.

Jyoti rao phule is considered as one of the major reformer of 19th century. His contribution towards women education, eradication of caste system, raising voice against the social evils like untouchability  etc. is unparalleled in the Modern history. Jyotirao established the first girls’ school in August 1848. Later he also opted two more school for … Read more DMPQ-Comment on the contribution of Jyoti rao phule towards Indian society.

  Ahmadiya Movement: This movement was founded by MirzaGhulam Ahmed in 1889. It was based on liberal principles. It described itself as the standard bearer of Mohamedan Renaissance, and based itself, like BrahmoSamaj, on the principle of Universal religion of all humanity, opposing jihad. The movement spread western liberal education among the Indian Muslims. However, … Read more DMPQ-Write short note on the following: 1) Ahmadiya movement 2) Wahabi movement

The Indian National Army (INA) was an armed force formed by Indian nationalists in 1942 in Southeast Asia during World War II. Its aim was to secure Indian independence from British rule. It formed an alliance with Imperial Japan in the latter’s campaign in the Southeast Asian theatre of WWII. The army was first formed … Read more DMPQ-Discuss the contribution of Indian National army in Indian freedom struggle.

  Folk dance Classical dance Definition Folk dancing is a simple dance form meant for group performance created for a reason like harvest of food. Folk dancing is a simple dance form meant for group performance created for a reason like harvest of food. Dance form It is a recent movement that values the traditional … Read more DMPQ-What are the major differences between classical dance and folk dance.

The Indian Independence Act, which was based on the Mountbatten plan of June 3, was passed by the British parliament on July 5, 1947 and received royal assent or approval on July 18, 1947. Salient Features of India Independence Act, 1947 are: The partition of the Indian state and the creation of Pakistan was to … Read more DMPQ- Write down the salient features of India Independence act.

Features of Mughal Paintings: The Mughal pictures were small in size, and hence are known as ‘miniature paintings’. Though the Mughal art absorbed the Indian atmosphere, it neither represented the Indian emotions, nor the scenes from the daily life of the Indian. Hence, Mughal painting remained confined to the Mughal court and did not reach … Read more DMPQ- The paintings during the Jahangir reached zenith. Comment on the features of Mughal paintings.

A battle was fought in Bhima Koregaon, a district in Pune with a strong historical Dalit connection, between the Peshwa forces and the British on January 1, 1818. The British army, which comprised mainly of Dalit soldiers, fought the upper caste-dominated Peshwa army. The British troops defeated the Peshwa army. The victory was seen as a … Read more DMPQ- Why Bhima Koregaon is seen as a Dalit symbol? Comment on its historical importance and its relevance in present time.

Differences Difference regarding conception Moksha: According to Buddhism, a man attains Moksha when he ends all the desires and can attain it while living in the world. But, according to Jainism, Moksha is freedom from miseries and can be attained only after death. Means of attainment of Moksha: According to Buddhist Sangha is proper for … Read more DMPQ- Jainism and Buddhism originated during same time but they have some differences. Enumerate the difference between them.

The need for the formation of an all-India political organization had become an objective necessity. The pre-congress organizations were limited in scope and objectives. It was only the establishment of congress that gave new momentum to the Nationalist movement. The reasons for the Formation of INC are: All the associations are headed by elites and … Read more DMPQ- What were the reasons for the formation of Indian National Congress?

During 14th – 16th centuries, Bhakti movements were a very dominant socio-cultural force in India. It touched upon every dimension of human life and affected contemporary thoughts very deeply. Leaders like Ramananda, Kabir, Guru Nanak, Ravi Das, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, etc were associated with this movement. Core principles of Bhakti movement Personal God: The cardinal principle … Read more DMPQ- Bhakti movement had different manifestation. But some of the core principles were common to all. Comment on the basics principles of Bhakti movement.

Akbar the Great, ruler of most of South Asia in the 16th and early 17th century, rejected bigotry and made unprecedented moves to help non-Muslims feel at peace in his Mughal empire. In reflecting more closely upon his character and conduct, we can see how Akbar’s actions are antithetical to current discrimination and violence against … Read more DMPQ- Discuss the Philosophy behind the principle of Din-i-ilahi that embodied akbar administration.

Lord William Bentinck will always be remembered for the work done by him to improve the social order of the Indian society. He tried to bring various reforms which were the social evils. The work done by him is as under: Abolition of sati:  He promulgated his Regulation XVII on 4 December 1829 prohibiting the … Read more DMPQ- Administration of Lord William benetick will be remembered for the work done to improve the social order. Comment

Formation of Indian National Congress aims and objectives ? Nation building: The first and foremost major objectives of INC were to promote the nation-building process in India. It was to create a national identity of being an Indian among the people and to promote National Unity. This was important because colonial administrators did not consider … Read more DMPQ- What were the aims of Indian National Congress during its initial years.

K Gokhale was instrumental Indian in bringing about Morley-Minto Reforms, which marked the beginning of constitutional reforms in India. He was an advocate of liberalism, reason free of passion and the importance of education in enriching minds. Gokhale’s idea of free and compulsory education was proposed through his Elementary Education Bill in 1910, and this … Read more DMPQ- Gopal Krishna Gokhale was the pioneer of Indian National Movement. He was the political guru of M K Gandhi. Elaborate upon the contribution of Gopal Krishna Gokhale.

The Non-cooperation movement was perhaps the biggest event in the history of India’s struggle for independence since the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. The movement was launched as a protest against the Rowlatt Act, the Jallianwallah Bagh Massacre and the Khilafat movement. It was pitched in under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National … Read more DMPQ- . Enumerate the features of the Non cooperation Movement.

He was the Pioneer social reformer of 19th century. He introduced various reforms which rusted the Indian society for long. The evils of past were haunting modernisation past and has kept virtually half of the population at the mercy of other half. The kind of reforms brought by him introduce humane elements of modern society. … Read more DMPQ- Why Raja Ram Mohan Roy was called the Father of Modern India.

The Champaran Satyagraha was the combination of an elements of extra-constitutional struggle as well as the employment of moral force against an adversary, an exemplar of the rule of law; and the use of compromise as a gambit. It marked as the first India’s Civil Disobedience movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi to protest against the … Read more DMPQ- Throw light on the significance of the Champaran satyagraha in the Indian National freedom struggle.

Modern education in India is given by British Government. They were the first who gave institutionalisation to Modern education. They through their policies brought secular and modern elements to the education  system. The chronological development of Education during the British Period in India is discussed below: Charter Act of 1813: The British Parliament added a … Read more DMPQ- The development of modern education can be attributed to British government. Comment

The Indian handicrafts that had made the country famous, collapsed under the colonial rule. There was a sudden and quick collapse of the urban handicrafts which had for centuries made India’s name a byword in the markets of the entire civilised world. During the first half of 18th century, India was the biggest manufacturing nation … Read more DMPQ- What were the major reasons for the decline of traditional Indian handicrafts Industries after reaching zenith in Mughal era?

In the annals of history of India, there were so many empires with large administration such as Mauryans, Guptas, etc. Unlike them Cholas had a well-organized administration with an element of self-government at local level which can be seen reminiscent of current local self-administration. The most important feature of the Chola administration was the local … Read more DMPQ- Comment on the village administration of chola empire.

The last decade of 19th century and the early years of the 20th century saw the rise of the group of young nationalists who were increasingly getting critical to the methods and ideology of early nationalists. Reasons for the emergence Discovering true nature of British policies: The early nationalists, journalists and writers through their writings … Read more DMPQ- What were the reasons for the rise in militant nationalism?

Gandhiji returned to India in January 1915 after gaining experience in South Africa with his agitational/ protest methods. After coming to India, he decided to travel India and not to take any position on any political matter for at least one year. In 1917 Gandhiji was requested to look into the problems of the farmers … Read more DMPQ: What was the significance of Champaran Movement.

Hoysala architecture is the Hindu temple architecture which got developed in the region of Karnataka near Mysore. It developed in the period from 1050-1300 A.D with the prominent seats being Belur, Halebid and Sringeri. Salient features of Hoysala Architecture Multiple shrines of different deities were built around a central pillared hall. Stellate plan: These shrines are … Read more DMPQ: Write a short note on Hoysala architecture.

Buddhism and Jainism were two major sect developed in 6th century BCE and over the period of time they got sanction from both kings and followers. The dissent against the status quo was the main result of birth of these two religion. The causes are as follows:                Social cause: Caste system became rigid and it … Read more DMPQ: Buddhism and Jainism were the result of the dissent against the existing religion. Comment.

The vast expanse of land in the southern Deccan comprised the kingdom of Vijayanagar from 1336-1650 A.D approximately. The famous kingdom was ruled by a series of able monarchs who were great patrons of art, architecture and letters. Magnificent structures were erected during the heydays of the empire, famous among them like Hampi monuments find … Read more DMPQ-The patrons of art and architecture during Vijayanagar Empire were the inheritors of the rich traditions of the Cholas, Pallavas and the Hoysalas. Elucidate

The objective was the extension of the upliftment of the landless class, especially the Harijans. Example in action, of the principle of distribution of wealth and not concentration of wealth in a few hands (39b and 39c) The unique feature of the VINODA BHAVE initiative was not being based on a legislation or involvement of … Read more DMPQ- Critically evaluate the main objectives, nature and outcome of the Bhoodan and Gramdan movements.

The temple building activity further gained momentum during the Vijayanagar rule. The chief characteristics of the Vijayanagara architecture were the construction of tall Raya Gopurams or gateways and the Kalyanamandapam with carved pillars in the temple premises. The sculptures on the pillars were carved with distinctive features. The horse was the most common animal found … Read more DMPQ-Examine the growth of temple architecture under the Vijayanagar rule.

The greatest of the Vijayanagar rulers, Krishna Deva Raya belonged to the Tuluva dynasty. He possessed great military ability. His imposing personality was accompanied by high intellectual quality. His first task was to check the invading Bahmani forces. The Muslim armies were decisively defeated in the battle of Diwani by Krishna Deva Raya. He invaded … Read more DMPQ-) Estimate the achievements of Krishna Deva Raya.

Two Nation Theory’s phenomenon basically sprigged up with the advent of Islam in the Sub-Continent. The sense was very unique about Pakistan’s creation that it was generally based on ideological commitments in the light of Islam. The basic concept behind Two Nation Theory was Muslims and Hindus was two separate nations from every expects, So … Read more DMPQ-“The two-nation theory, which we had used in the fight for Pakistan, had created not only bad blood against the Muslims of the minority provinces, but also an ideological wedge between them and the Hindus of India.” Discuss the statement and explain two nation theory importance?

India had commercial and cultural relations with her neighbours since an early time. Resulting from this, was on the one hand the introduction of foreign elements into the art and culture of India and on the other the extension of Indian religious ideas and art motifs to foreign countries. India’s Cultural contribution to Central Asia … Read more DMPQ- Given an account of the India’s Cultural contribution to South East Asia and Central Asia?

Chief features of Chola architecture are: (i) Dravidian feature initiated by the Pallavas acquired the classical forms and features under the Cholas such as gopurams, mandapams and  Vimanas. (ii) In the beginning, gopuram features was subdued and vimana features dominated but in the later stages, gopurams overshadowed the Vimanas. (iii) In the beginning, Vimanas were … Read more DMPQ- Write down the salient features of Chola architecture.

LW Bentinck is associated with various reforms. He was one of the few Governor generals who tried to bring various reforms in Indian society and the administration. Social reforms initiated by him got a set back after 1857 revolution. The various reforms brought by him are as follows: Associated with a great many social reforms … Read more DMPQ- Lord William Bentinck was the first governor general of India. He introduced various reforms. Discuss the reforms brought by him.

He was a true liberal of Gladstonian Era with a strong belief in the virtues of peace, laissez faire, and self government. He took some steps towards liberalizing the administration in India. His aim was to give popular and political education to the Indians. He formulated the local self government and laid the foundations of … Read more DMPQ- Lord Ripon was liberal in his attitude and made some remarkable changes in the administrative system of India. Comment

Various repressive measures undertaken by the British authority in India led to the growth of suspicion and hatred towards the British. During the time of Lord Lytton, the Viceroy, certain repressive laws like Vernacular Press Act and Arms Act of 1878 were passed to suppress the Indian mass. By the Vernacular Press Act of 1878 … Read more DMPQ- During the tenure of Lord Lytton as viceroy, a lot of regressive policies were passed which raised the discontent among Indians. Do you agree with the statement.

Vikramashila was one of the two most important centres of learning in India during the Pala Empire, along with Nalanda. Vikramashila was established by King Dharmapala (783 to 820) in response to a supposed decline in the quality of scholarship at Nalanda. Atisha, the renowned pandita, is sometimes listed as a notable abbot. It was … Read more DMPQ- Evaluate the importance of Vikramshila as an educational hub in Ancient India.

Firuz Shah Tughlaq was the successor of Mohammed Bin Tughlaq. Firuz Shah was a caring ruler unlike Mohammed bin Tughlaq. He made sure that people in his kingdom were happy and heard out their problems patiently. However, he was not militarily strong and could not sustain any sort of external attacks or aggression. Firuz Shah … Read more DMPQ- Write an essay on the rule of Firuz Shah Tughlaq.

Wajid Ali Shah, the eldest son of Amjad Ali Shah, became the king of Awadh in 1847. Wajid Ali Shah was himself a great theatre genius and had set up a Pari Khana for training artists. He was also a great patron of artists, singers and musicians. He lived in an atmosphere of gaiety and … Read more DMPQ- Critically evaluate the rule of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah -The last nawab of Awadh.

Lord Wellesley adopted the policy of Subsidiary Alliance to keep the Indian rulers under control and to further strengthen the British Empire in India. He opened a college to train the Company’s servants in Calcutta and is known as the Father of Civil Services in India. Lord Wellesley founded the Fort William College in Calcutta, … Read more DMPQ- Analyse the effects of Subsidiary Alliance on the political history of India and Maratha empire in Particular.