When it comes to one of the most prestigious and challenging competitive exams in the world, the UPSC Civil Services Examination, every aspirant knows that meticulous preparation is the key to success. Among the various optional subjects available, history has always been a favorite for those who are passionate about unraveling the mysteries of the past. In this blog series, we embark on a journey through time, exploring the Fifteenth and Early Sixteenth Century – Political Developments and Economy, by delving into the UPSC Mains Previous Year Questions from 2013 to 2023. This series aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the historical events, economic changes, and political developments that shaped this crucial period, shedding light on the thought-provoking questions posed by UPSC over the last decade.
As we navigate through these questions and their corresponding answers, we will unravel the intricacies of the political landscape and economic transitions that transpired during the Fifteenth and Early Sixteenth Century. We will explore the empires, rulers, trade routes, and societal changes that left an indelible mark on this era, shedding light on how these historical aspects continue to influence the world today. Whether you’re an aspirant preparing for the UPSC examination or a history enthusiast keen on delving into this captivating era, this blog series will offer valuable insights and historical context, helping you appreciate the significance of this period in the grand tapestry of human history. So, join us as we embark on this intellectual journey to decode the past and prepare for the future, one historical question at a time.
The Fifteenth and Early Sixteenth Century – Political Developments and Economy History – Previous Year Questions (UPSC CSE Mains History Optional)
Political Developments and Economy: Rise of Provincial Dynasties: Bengal, Kashmir (Zalnul Abedln). Gujarat, Malwa, Bahmanids; The VIJayanagra Empire; Lodis; Mughal Empire, First phase: Babur and Humayun; The Sur Empire: Sher Shah’s administration; Portuguese Colonial enterprise; Bhaktl and Sufi Movements.
1. Bring out the significance of the reign of Sher Shah in the history of India. (1986)
2. Write short essay of not more than 200 words: The empire – builder in North India of the sixteenth century. (1989)
3. Write brief essay on Portuguese control of the Indian Ocean and its impact. (1992)
4. Make a comparative review of the agrarian reforms of Alau-ud-Din Khalji and Sher Shah Suri. (1995)
5. Write brief essay-Sher Shah combined in himself qualities of lion and fox. (1999)
6. Write brief essay on Hemu Vikramaditya. (2001)
7. Write brief essay: The Bahmani kingdom. (2005)
8. Write brief essay: The Bahamani Kingdom. (2007)
9. Write short essay on Significance of the arrival of the Portuguese in India. (2008)
10. Comment on the Turco – Mongol theory of sovereignty. To what extent was it adopted by Babur and Humayun? (2010)
11. Discuss the state of society and economy of the Bahmani kingdom as gleaned from historical sources. (2013)
12. On the basis of contemporary sources evaluate the system of agriculture and irrigation of the Vijayanagar kingdom. (2013)
13. How was cartaz system used by the Portuguese to maintain their control over the oceanic trade? (150 words) (2014)
14. To what extent is‘Segmentary State’ model relevant for defining the Vijayanagar State? Critically examine. (2014)
15. Mention the salient features of the polity of Vijayanagara Empire under Krishnadevaraya. (2015)
16. Evaluate Jonaraja’s account of the reign of Zain-ul-Abidin. (2016)
17. Assess the contribution of Firoz Shah Bahamani and Mahmud Gawan in the field of education. (2016)
18. Do you agree that convergence of political vacuum and impact of Islamicate culture and polity in peninsular India has much to do with the growth of Vijayanagara kingdom? (2018)
19. Assess the rule of Zainul Abedin in Kashmir. (2019)
20. Describe in detail about the foreign travellers accounts which gave information of Vijayanagar kingdom, (in 150 words) (2020)
21. Amuktamalyada dwells much upon the relationship of fort, Brahmanas and dispersed tribal groups. Comment. (2020)
22. Describe village polity and economy of medieval Deccan. (2020)
23. Evaluate the contribution of Sher Shah towards trade and commerce, administration and agricultural reforms. (2020)
22. Examine the causes of Babur’s success against Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat. (in about 150 words) (2021)
23. Give your assessment of Bahlul Lodi’s relation with his nobility. (2021)
Bhakti & Sufi Movements
1. Discuss briefly the causes that contributed to the religious movements of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Analyse their approach to the realities of contemporary life. (1985)
2. Write short answer of not more than 200 words: Significance of the Bhakti Movement. (1987)
3. Write brief essay: The Sufi Movement & its role in promoting communal harmony. (2000)
4. Evaluate the impact of the Sufi and Bhakti Movements on vernacular languages & life and thought of the common people. (2001)
5. Write brief essay on Sufi Movements. (2003)
6. What impact did Kabir and Nanak leave on Indian Society and Culture? (2003)
7. Discuss the growth of the Nirguna School of Bhakti Movement emphasising the contribution of Kabir and Nanak to it. (2004)
8. Write brief essay on Chaitanyadeva and Vaishnavism. (2005)
9. “The tenets of Hindu and Muslim mystics were similar enough that the ground was ripe for syncretic movements involving adherents of both religions.” Elucidate. (2005)
10. Write brief essay on Sufism in North India. (2006)
11. “The tenets of Hindu and Muslim mystics were similar enough that the ground was ripe for syncretic movements involving adherents of both the religions. Elucidate. (2007)
12. Discuss and evaluate critically various trends in the historiography of bhakti. (2013)
13. “Tantrism, if not in practice, at least on conceptual level challenged patriarchy.” Examine Tantrism specially keeping in mind the above context. (2015)
14. “Bhakti and Sufi movements served the same social purpose.” Discuss. (2017)
15. What was the role of Sufi Folk literature in the diffusion of Islam in India in general and in Deccan in particular. (2018)
16. Sufi and Bhakti thoughts ennobled Indian psyche amidst the vagaries of time. Elucidate. (2019)
17. The mission of Kabir was to preach a religion of love which would unite all castes and creeds. Explain. (2020)
FAQs on The Fifteenth and Early Sixteenth Century – Political Developments and Economy
1: What are some key explorations that defined the 16th century as an age of great exploration?
Answer: The 16th century witnessed iconic explorations such as Christopher Columbus’s voyages to the Americas, Vasco da Gama’s journey to India, Ferdinand Magellan’s circumnavigation of the globe, and Hernán Cortés’s conquest of the Aztec Empire.
2: How did the age of great exploration in the 16th century impact global trade and commerce?
Answer: The explorations of the 16th century opened up new trade routes, such as the maritime route to Asia and the transatlantic route to the Americas, greatly expanding global trade networks and sparking the Age of Exploration.
3: Were there any notable explorations in the early 15th century that laid the groundwork for the 16th-century explorations?
Answer: Yes, one of the significant early 15th-century explorations was the journey of Zheng He, a Chinese explorer who undertook several maritime expeditions, contributing to global exploration and trade.
4: How did the explorations of the 16th century impact the exchange of ideas and cultures between the Old World and the New World?
Answer: The 16th-century explorations facilitated the Columbian Exchange, which led to the exchange of plants, animals, technologies, and cultures between the Old World (Europe) and the New World (the Americas), forever altering both regions.
5: What were the motivations behind the explorations of the 16th century, and how did they reflect the spirit of the age?
Answer: The motivations behind these explorations varied, including the quest for wealth, religious expansion, curiosity, and competition among European powers. Collectively, they embodied the adventurous and pioneering spirit of the Renaissance era.
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