The UPSC Civil Services Examination is a rigorous test that aspirants diligently prepare for to secure a coveted position in the Indian bureaucracy. Among the various optional subjects, history has always held a special place, offering a fascinating journey through the annals of time. In this blog series, we embark on a remarkable odyssey through the past as we delve into the UPSC Mains History Optional Subject-Wise Previous Year Questions, focusing on the enigmatic Fourteenth Century. From the tumultuous rise of empires to the grandeur of cultural achievements, this period offers a rich tapestry of historical events that have shaped the subcontinent. With a span from 2013 to 2023, we will examine the questions asked by the UPSC over the past decade, shedding light on the crucial topics, trends, and insights that can aid history enthusiasts and civil service aspirants alike.
The Fourteenth Century is a pivotal era that witnessed the twilight of some empires and the dawn of others, setting the stage for a new chapter in the Indian subcontinent’s history. This blog series aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the questions posed by UPSC, dissecting the historical events, personalities, and ideologies that played a significant role during this period. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a UPSC aspirant, or simply curious about the intriguing past, our exploration of the Fourteenth Century through the UPSC lens will illuminate the narratives, turning points, and socio-political transformations that continue to reverberate in the present day. Join us on this educational journey as we step back in time, unravelling the complexities of the Fourteenth Century through the UPSC Mains History Optional Subject-Wise Previous Year Questions.
The Fourteenth Century History – Previous Year Questions (UPSC CSE Mains History Optional)
“The Khaljl Revolution”; Alauddln Khaljl: Conquests and territorial expansion, agrarian and economic measures; Muhammad Tughluq: Major projects, agrarian measures, bureaucracy of Muhammad Tughluq; Flruz Tughluq: Agrarian measures, achievements In civil engineering and public works, decline of the Sultanate, foreign contacts and Ibn Battuta’s account.
1. Examine the responsibility of Firoz Tughluq for the fall of his dynasty. Write short answer of not more than 200 words. (1985)
2. Critically examine the price control measures of Alauddin Khilji. What was the main objective behind them and how far was he able to put them into effect? (1987)
3. Was the state in the Sultanate period a theocracy? Discuss the new orientation of state policies and administrative principles under Muhammad bin Tughluq. (1988)
4. The significance of Alauddin Khilji economic regulations for his imperialism. Write short answer of not more than 200 words. (1989)
5. ‘Firuz Tugluq has been overshadowed by Muhammad Tughluq.’ In the light of this statement evaluate the significance of the policies and actions of Firuz Tughluq. (1990)
6. What,in your opinion, was the significance of the extensive military expeditions undertaken during the time of Alauddin Khalji ? Do you think his reign is considered significant in terms of such expeditions alone? (1991)
7. Muhammad Bin Tughlaq’s contradictory qualities were beyond the grasp knowledge and common sense. Evaluate the significance of his administrative measures and policies in the light of this statement. (1992)
8. Examine the significance of Alauddin Khalji’s administrative reforms. Was he really successful in implementing these measures? (1993)
9. Write brief essay on Ziauddin Barani as a historian. (1994)
10. Discuss the implications of Khilji with reference to administration and economic regulations on the State and people of India. (1997)
11. Write brief essay – Alauddin Khilji was a typical despot. (1999)
12. Form an estimate of the personality of Firoz Shah Tughlaq with special reference to his religious policy and public works. (2000)
13. Assess the impact of the market reforms of Alauddin Khilji on contemporary economy and society. (2001)
14. Discuss Balban’s concept of kingship. How was it modified by Alauddin Khalji? (2002)
15. Write brief essay: Experiments of Mohammad Tughluq. (2003)
16. Write brief essay: The Token Currency System introduced by Muhammad Tughlaq. (2004)
17. Write brief essay: The Khilji Revolution. (2006)
18. Bring out the main features of the administrative system under Delhi Sultanate during Turko-Afghan period. (2006)
19. Write short essay: Muhammad Tughluq as an agrarian innovator. (2009)
20.Examine critically the agrarian and economic reforms of Alauddin Khalji. How did it strengthen the Sultanate? (2011)
21. How did the Mongol invasions affect the Delhi Sultanate and the north – western frontier policy of the Delhi Sultans? (2012)
22. What is your assessment of Ibn Batutah’s Rehla as an important source of Indian history. (2013)
23. Analyse the ordinances mentioned by Barani which Alauddin Khalji promulgated for market control. (150 words) (2014)
24. Evaluating the theory of kingship of the Sultanate, discuss the deviations seen in the reigns of different Sultans. (2014)
25. What measures were initiated by the Sultans for the consolidation of Delhi Sultanate? Discuss (2016)
26. Do you think that the economic measures introduced by the Sultanate rulers beneficial to the common people as well? Illustrate with examples. (2016)
27. Do you agree that the schemes of Muhammad bin Tughluq were correctly conceived, badly executed and disastrously abandoned? Discuss. (2017)
28. To what extent was the Caliphate the source and sanction to the legal authority of the Sultans of Delhi? (2017)
29. “The policy of creating heterogeneous nobility by Muhammad Tughluq started the process of disintegration of Delhi Sultanate”. Explain (2018)
30. “The economic measures of Alauddin Khalji were aimed at greater political control. Discuss (2019)
31. Elaborate upon the agrarian reforms of Alauddin Khilji. (2020)
32. Why is the reign of the Khaljis known as the ‘Khalji Revolution’? (2021)
FAQs on The Fourteenth Century
Q: What was the Crisis of the Fourteenth Century, and what were its major causes?
A: The Crisis of the Fourteenth Century refers to a series of calamities that plagued Europe, including famines, economic hardships, and the Black Death. The major causes included climate change, overpopulation, and the collapse of the feudal system.
Q: How did the Black Death contribute to the Crisis of the Fourteenth Century?
A: The Black Death, a devastating bubonic plague, was one of the deadliest pandemics in human history and wiped out a significant portion of the population. It led to labor shortages, social unrest, and a decline in agricultural production, worsening the crisis.
Q: What was the 14th-century plague, and why is it significant in history?
A: The 14th-century plague, known as the Black Death, was a deadly bubonic plague pandemic that devastated Europe. It is significant for its massive death toll and profound impact on society.
Q: How did the Black Death spread, and what were its symptoms?
A: The Black Death spread through fleas that infested rats and was transmitted to humans through flea bites. Symptoms included high fever, swollen lymph nodes, and severe fatigue.
Q: What were the consequences of the Black Death on Europe’s population and society?
A: The Black Death led to a massive reduction in Europe’s population, causing labor shortages, increased wages for workers, and social upheaval. It also prompted changes in medical practices and public health measures.
Q: How did clothing styles differ for different social classes in the 14th century?
A: Clothing styles varied significantly based on social class. The wealthy often wore more elaborate, colorful, and tailored garments, while the lower classes wore simpler and more functional attire.
Q: Were there any notable fashion trends or innovations in 14th-century clothing?
A: Yes, the 14th century saw the emergence of trends like the houppelande, a loose-fitting outer garment, and the cotehardie, a tightly fitted gown. Tailoring and intricate embellishments also became more prominent.
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