Unit 1: Sources, Archaeology & Historiography
2006-07: Assess the role of archaeology in reconstructing cultural history and identify main sources.
2015-16: Major literary sources of early Indian history; contribution of Kalhan as a historian.
2016-17: Non-literary sources and the value of Alberuni's accounts.
2017-18: Value of foreign travellers' accounts.
2018-19: Classification of literary sources and Dharmashastras; significance of Kalhan.
2019-20: Non-literary sources and the Rajtarangini.
2022-23: Debate on the Indian historical sense and available sources.
2023-24: 19th-century scholarship (European and Indian) and archaeological evidence.
Unit 2: Indus Valley Civilisation
2015-16: Specific features of Indus Civilization and causes of its decline.
2017-18: Religious faith of the Indus people.
2018-19: Location of IVC sites and unique features.
2019-20: Tree worship in Indus Valley.
2020-21: Antiquity of Indian civilization pushed to 3000 BC via Mohenjo-daro.
2021-22: The Great Bath and Dravidian culture.
2023-24: Seals as a source for the religious world view.
Unit 3 & 4: Vedic Period, Mahajanapadas & Rise of Heterodox Sects
2006-07: Relationship between Buddhism and urbanisation in the Ganga Plain.
2015-16: Teachings of Mahavir.
2016-17: Non-monarchical communities; message of Lord Buddha; Mahayan and Hinayan.
2017-18: Social/religious features of Later Vedic civilization; teachings of Buddha.
2020-21: Vedanga and the 16 Mahajanapadas during Alexander's invasion.
2022-23: Alexander's invasion (V. Smith's view); Buddhism as a revolt against Hinduism; 7th century BC polity.
2023-24: Gender relationships in early Aryan society; 600 BC cities; contrasts between Buddhism and Jainism.
Unit 5: The Mauryan Empire
2006-07: Impact of Kalinga War; Ashoka's non-violence and Mauryan decline.
2015-16: Nature of the Mauryan State; significance of Kalinga War.
2017-18: Brief note on Ashoka's inscriptions.
2018-19: Welfare State concept and Mauryan administration.
2019-20: Chandragupta-Chanakya strategy against Nandas.
2023-24: Extent of empire based on Rock and Pillar Edicts.
Unit 7: Gupta Empire, Vakatakas & Vardhanas
2015-16: Gupta Period literature, science, and technology; Prayag Prashasti.
2016-17: Impact of Huna invasion.
2017-18: Significance of the Gupta Age.
2018-19: Policy of "Greater India" and Ajanta/Ellora art.
2019-20: Allahabad Pillar Inscription details.
2020-21: Gupta sculpture and development of art.
2021-22: Harshavardhan and Hiuen Tsang.
2022-23: Land grants and semi-feudalism; Ramgupta in Devi Chandraguptam.
Unit 8 - 11: Medieval India (Sultanate, Mughals, Marathas & Odisha)
Thematic - Bhakti Movement: Socio-religious factors (2006); Shankaracharya's Vedanta (2016); Ramanuja (2023).
Thematic - Marathas: Rise of Shivaji (2015, 2022); Hindvi Swaraj (2020); administration (2018).
Thematic - Odisha: Cult of Jagannath (2015, 2019, 2023); Hathigumpha Inscription and Kharavela (2016, 2017, 2019, 2023); Suryavamshi Gajapatis (2020, 2022).
Thematic - Delhi Sultanate: Alauddin Khilji's economic regulations (2006, 2017); Theory of Kingship (2006); Muhammad bin Tughluq (2017).
Thematic - Mughals: Akbar's Rajput policy and Religious policy (2006, 2017); Mansabdari and Jagirdari (2006); Dara Shikoh (2015, 2019).
Tags:
Optional