Jammu University Non CBCS
History Previous Year Question Paper
1st Semester
HT-101
Jammu University NON CBCS History 1st Semester Previous Year Question Paper
Course Title: Ancient India (HT-101)
Maximum Marks: 100
External Exam: 80 | Internal Assessment: 20
Duration: 3 Hours
📘 Unit I – Early Vedic and Later Vedic Period
- Survey of literature – Vedas to Upanishads
- Social Life during Early & Later Vedic Ages
- Economic Life during the Vedic Period
- Religious Life in the Early and Later Vedic Age
Important Questions:
- Discuss the main features of the Vedic society.
- Compare the economic conditions of Early and Later Vedic periods.
- Write short notes on Vedic literature and Upanishadic philosophy.
📜 Unit II – Jainism and Buddhism
- Life and Teachings of Mahavira
- Development of Jainism after Mahavira
- Life and Teachings of Gautama Buddha
- Development of Buddhism: Four Buddhist Councils and the Mahayana Sect
Important Questions:
- Explain the causes behind the rise of Jainism and Buddhism.
- Write short notes on the Four Buddhist Councils.
- Describe the teachings of Mahavira and their social impact.
🏺 Unit III – Mauryan and Kushana Period
- Origin and Sources of the Mauryan Empire
- Administration of Mauryas
- Kalinga War and Ashoka’s policy of Dhamma Vijay
- Causes of the Downfall of Mauryas
- Pushyamitra Sunga
- Kushanas – Conquests and Cultural Contribution with reference to Kanishka
Important Questions:
- Critically examine the administration of Mauryas.
- Describe Ashoka’s Dhamma policy and its importance.
- Explain the contributions of Kanishka to Indian culture.
🕉️ Unit IV – Guptas and Harshavardhana
- Origin and Sources of Guptas
- Expansion under Samudragupta and Chandragupta II
- Causes of the Downfall of Guptas
- Administration of Harshavardhana
Important Questions:
- Write short notes on Samudragupta’s conquests.
- Discuss the causes of the downfall of the Gupta Empire.
- Describe the administration and achievements of Harshavardhana.
📚 Internal Assessment (20 Marks)
Students are assessed through assignments, class tests, and presentations based on the syllabus.
📖 Recommended Books
- Romila Thappar – Early India: From the Origins to A.D. 1300
- D.N. Jha – Ancient India in Historical Outline
- Majumdar – The Ancient India
- Deva Huti – Harsha: A Political Study
- A.L. Basham – Wonder That Was India
- Irfan Habib & V.K. Thakur – The Vedic Age
- Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan Series – The Classical Age
💡 Tips for Preparation
- Focus on comparative questions (Early vs Later Vedic, Jainism vs Buddhism).
- Practice map-based questions for Mauryan and Gupta empires.
- Revise the causes of decline for every dynasty – a frequent exam favorite.
- Prepare short notes on key rulers: Ashoka, Kanishka, and Harsha.