USEFUL TOOLS

Getting the right information in the less possible time is highly desired and wished by all of us.


Writing and revision can be more effective if you know that there is assistance at hand which can help you to improve the contents and counter check the facts as being presented by you.


The above mentioned needs and which is my aim of developing my blogs for my own study as well as for my students in my college where I teach, I feel like sharing the following two resources. I have been using one of the resource for correcting my answer to GS papers of 2005 and used it to give more details on the questions which I will soon post on this blog.


The Fist Resource:
It is a new search engine which I have found different from other search engines. No doubt, my preferred search engine is still Google and second in preference is Yahoo which seems to have improved in last six to seven months.

The search Engine is Brain Boost.

The Seconde Resource:
The second important is a web site which can be used as a source. My source is actually CIA world Fact books. There are many questions on foreign countries in recent GS paper. I was in the process of collecting material when Siddharta Tripathi identified my mistakes. Hence, it required immediate attention and counter confirmation. I depended on this every source which I have mentioned. However, the web site which I am now suggesting claims to use three different sources. I have placed an article on my other blog about it. However, I give links to both these things below.

A. The Web Site: the open link is as follows: www.theodora.com/wfb

B. My article: Resource on Facts No.1



An Apology:
I am not able to post regularly because of disruptive and erratic electric supply. One really wonders that what will happen if our country does not improve the infrastructure. One should not rue the brain drain if such a scenario continue. One should not blame those who leave the country. I feel amused when I find sensex crossing 7000 on BSE and 2150 on NSE and claims of having 6.7 GDP this time.

New addition:
www.sumirhindimain.blogspot.com

However, it has nothing to with competitive examinations. It is on trial basis. The aim is to use Hindi language as a means of communication in this media. If you are not able to read it then kindly place a comment in comment box. I will be using Hindi language extensively for communicating with my students. The next language which I will practice in the meantime is Punjabi. I am ready with the Fonts and now I am practicing its type and improving my spellings and vocabulary.

First Master Archive 2005

It is a detailed list of postings as they appear in chronological order. No classification has been done. Open each link on separate browser and maintain this page. It will be updated as new posting will appear on this blog.


1

M. A. I Punjab History>>>

Contains merely a last year university paper. An incomplete posting.
Dated February 25, 2005
2

UGC Website>>>

Contains a link to UGC web site. Dated 26/2/2005
3

Was Middle Ages a Dark Age>>>

A reference to an article already published at educationforum.ipbhost.com. Basically a reference to a previous article placed on other web site. Also an idea for a term paper for the students. Dated 26/2/2005
4

Colonization in United States of America>>>

A reference to an article already published at educationforum.ipbhost.com. Basically a reference to a previous article placed on other web site. Also an idea for a term paper for the students. Dated 27/02/2005
5

Question Bank based on Last Years Question Papers, History of USA>>>

A bank based on university annual question papers of Punjab University Chandigarh Syllabus. It is categorized as per the contents of the topics of the syllabi of 2004. Dated 3/04/2005
6

History of Punjab for M. A. II>>>

A reference and link to another blog reviewviewanalysis.com wherein an analysis under the heading Reviewer’s Reading is being carried on for the book "A short History of Akalis by J. S. Garewal. Dated March 9, 2005
7

Term Papers>>>

A suggestion for term papers with two suggestions and forward links. Dated March 9, 2005
8

Model Test Paper, April 2005>>>

A suggested model of question Paper. A Guess work for the students of History of USA. Dated March 14, 2005
9

Internal Assessment of M. A. I Student of Arya College for session ending March 2005>>>

A matter concerned with the student of 2004/2005 session. Another blog contains such issues and no further such posts appear on it. Dated April 11, 2005
10

State in Medieval India>>>

An annual paper of Punjab University for M. A. I session 2004/2005. Dated 26/04/2005
11

China and Japan>>>

An annual Paper of Punjab University session 2004/2005. Dated May 6, 2004
12

Social and Cultural History of India>>>

An annual Paper of Punjab University. Dated 07/05/2005
13

History of USA Annual Paper>>>

An annual paper of history of USA of Punjab University session 2004/2005. It contains comments on the paper. Dated 09/05/2005
14

An Essay on Origin of America>>>

A personal essay on the origin of America. It is basically part of the notes which have been prepared earlier. A section has been plucked out of the notes and presented here as an essay. The same essay has been placed on sumir-histoy.blogspot.com with a different heading. It is a good article for term paper. Dated June 13, 2005
15

First Master Archive 2005>>>

Detailed list of postings as they appear in chronological order. Dated June 14, 2005.
16

USEFUL TOOLS>>>

A General essay on one search engine and two other website which can be used for getting further information.
17

Sufism and Bhaktism in India>>>

A good essay on the main features of Bhaktism in India. It has reference to another blog which contains details on Sufism in India in the corresponding period.

An Essay on Origin of America : A Comment

The story of birth of America starts with the discovery of America by Columbus.

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Check the related news item here.

It is difficult to sermonize that Columbus ever knew that what actually he was doing. The discovery of American continent, the coming of Columbus to the American continent were all the result of some other forces, thoughts and game plans. In that game plan, no where it was imagined that a country by the name of America was to be built. The game plans were different. It was the desire to find a route to the East India. The need and force were the desire to acquire the products of East which were needed by Europe. Some other forces impeded the route, the traditional route. The European world had fought those forces in the name of religion. But the motivation factor behind the urge to find the route was economical. It was the urge of the people to earn profit and fulfill the mundane needs which was prompting them to find the route to East. It is difficult to discern anywhere that even Columbus had such a plan as establishing habitable areas on the way. His plan was only to find the route to the east so that he might become useful in getting the importance because he knew the route. He was trying for this even before Vasco could have set off to find the route to India by encircling Africa.

I believe that even Columbus was not a serious player. He was a mariner. His job was to sail the ships. He was without a job. He was seeking a job and he was telling people that there could be a route by moving towards west. He was seeking opportunity. It was while exploiting that opportunity that he found the American continents. What Spain was getting out of it? It was just a matter of chance that they came across some civilizations on the continent which could be overpowered and it was the greed of the European world which was satisfied there. Where was the need to find colonies on American continents? If there was no need to find the colonies in America, then the very creation of the world of America seems to be the result as a byproduct of the meaningless human endeavours which had brought fruits.

Now let us take up some concepts and facts which came up before habitation on American land was founded. Nowhere, the idea of America was there.

Concept of North West Passage:

North West Passage is sea route which joins Pacific Ocean with Atlantic Ocean passing through north of Alaska. This route was first tried by John Cabot in 1490s sea expedition while making efforts to find route to China and India. It was John Franklin who was able to trace the route to some distance between 1845 and 1854 but disappeared before reaching China. It was Roald Amunsden, Norwegian who joined a Belgian expedition, who traversed the real North West passage in 1903-1906. Finally in 1969, US Oil Tanker, Manhattan successfully used this passage. The main problem of using this passage is the ice boulders and failure of the compass to work being on the pole.

Hudson:

River Hudson is named after the English navigator Henry Hudson (1565-1611). It was Giovanni da Verrazano, an Italian sailor and pirate from a place near Florence, who was the first European to enter New York Bay. He was employed by Francis I of France of Valois dynasty to find a route to China and claim new lands for France. However the river was first explored by Henry Hudson in 1607 after whom this river the Bay were named. He explored it for English Muscovy Company on the ship of the company named Hopewell. The target of this exploration was to find North East Passage through Arctic Ocean to Far East. When after two attempts, Hudson failed to discover the route to Far East, the English Muscovy Company withdrew its support to Hudson’s expeditions. On that, Hudson turned to Dutch East India Company which provided him the required finance. It was his third voyage in 1609 which was carried on the Ship Half Moon employed under the Dutch East India Company. On this basis of his exploration, the Dutch were able to colonies the Hudson Valley in seventeenth century.
In 1613 Adriaen Block came to the river for the Dutch company and camped at the present place of Manhattan city of New York. In 1624, The Dutch West India Company established the Colony of New Netherlands. New Amsterdam was established by the Dutch people as a trading port on the south end of Manhattan in 1625. In 1664, this colony was surrendered to English but soon regained. Finally, by the treaty of Westminster, the Dutch ceded this colony to the English.

Delaware:

It was Henry Hudson who had explored the Delaware River in 1609. In 1610 Samuel Argall entered the Delaware Bay and named the area after the governor of Virginia Lord De La Warr. In 1638, a group of Swedes established the first settlement called Fort Christina. Now the city of Wilmington stands there. This settlement was a joint venture of Dutch and Swedish people. It was promoted by King of Sweden Gustav II Adolph, when he had become interested in colonization. The Dutch people who had joined the venture, were the members of a defunct Dutch West India Company. The settlement was called New Sweden. As it fell near to New Netherlands which was the settlement of Dutch people on present day Manhattan, the governor Peter Stuyvesant occupied New Sweden in 1655. In 1664, England brought it under its control and kept it under New York. This area was settlement of Native Americans who called themselves as Leni-Lenape. The literal meaning of Leni-:Lenape is Original People. They belonged to Algonquian linguistic group. They were highly respected by the associated Native Americans of the surrounding areas and called them grandfather.

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Shopping is an Entertainment. Enjoy HERE

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PU Chandigarh, Annual Paper 2005, M. A. I, The USA

Paper – III & IV, Opt. (i)
The USA 1860 – 1973

Time: Three Hours
Maximum marks: 100
Note: (1) Attempt four questions, selecting one question from each unit.
(2) All questions carry equal marks.

Unit I

I. Do you agree with the view that values and institutions of the American people limited the nature and scope of various approaches to Reconstruction?
II. Describe salient features of the growth of Big Business in USA between 1875-1900.

Unite II

I. Critically compare Roosevelt’s New Nationalism with Wilson’s New Freedom as nationalistic formulae to the contemporary problem.
II. Discuss the evolution and strategy of American Imperialism after the Spanish American war to the 1930s.

Unit III

I. Account for the rise and fall of the Populist movement during 1890s.
II. How did Hoover Roosevelt respond to the crisis created by Great Depression? Explain.

Unit IV

I. Account for the reasons for the US participation in World War II.
II. Trace origin and development of the American Cold war policies.



General Observation:

First of on comparing the question paper as it has appeared with the Model paper given elsewhere, it can be concluded that nearly 80% paper can be guessed. There is not big deal in guessing the questions which can be asked in the final paper. The structure of the syllabus is such that it does not permit any leverage to the paper setter to come up with more probing question.

Secondly, the present re-structuring has improved the standard of syllabus by dividing it into four sections. It forces the candidates to learn all the periods of USA history. But there is so much freedom that any student can be selective and get better result.

Thirdly, Punjab University Pundits frame their syllabus in such a manner that they virtually write the down the questions. Earlier, all the ten topics were virtually ten questions. Similar type of pattern is observed at undergraduate level. However, the paper setters try to make it more useful by referring to quotations and various debates. However, that does not serve the purpose. The students tends to seek such notes in which they try to identify that what answer has to be written for a particular discussion. They prepare straightforward answers. They want to know only this much that whether they have to write the Johnson Plan or Congress Plan. In case of civil war questions, their queries are whether they have to write the causes or the effects or the nature. They are least concerned about the tone and content of the question.

One of the biggest problem is the language. The paper comes in English language. But the students write their answers in Punjabi or Hindi. The books which are available in market in those languages are not up to the mark. In one of the book in Punjabi language, the writer has even translated the Carpet beggars as Carpet Beggars. He has written Bore Wale Bhikhari. Another Punjabi writer has declared to the top his ability that North states were industrially very advance in 1860 and South States were utterly poor because they were having agricultural economy. God save the students!!!


Hence, this problem of language and material available for study should be tackled by the Board of Studies. The Board of Studies should also try to ban such books or atleast send some warnings to the publishers. They should also apprise the teachers in the affiliated colleges through personal letters about such shortcomings in the source material. The University writes to the teachers of affiliated colleges only when they do not find paper checkers. The university should change this attitude. The teachers at affiliated colleges always look towards them for guidance and help. The department of history should become alive to this aspect. If the Chairperson of Department of history of Punjab university happens to reach this blog or learn about this contents then he may kindly consider it this a major problem and bring it to the agenda of their next meeting. I am readily available for giving my views and some solutions also.

PU Chandigarh, April 2005 MA II Paper III

M. A. Part – II (History)
(As per Syllabus – 2004)
Paper III & IV Opt. (iv): Social and Cultural History of India up to C – 1200 A. D.

Time Allowed: Three Hours
Maximum Marks: 100
Note attempt questions from all parts.

Part A
(Corresponding to Section – A of the Syllabus)
Note: Attempt any two of the following questions. Each question carries 20 marks.

I. Discuss the various forms of marriage in the paerod of your study.

II. Write a note on slavery in ancient India.

III. Examine the importance of Shridhana in Hindu Law.

IV. Throw light on Vikramasila as a center of higher education in ancient India.

V. "The Rigvedic Aryans saw the divine vision in natural elements". Elucidate.

Part B
(Corresponding to Section – B of the Syllabus)
Note: Attempt any two of the following questions. Each question carries 20 marks.

VI. Show your acquaintance with the spread of Jainism.

VII. Give an account f the development of Vaisnavism up to 6th century A. D.

VIII. Throw light on the themes of Ajanta painting.

IX. Examine the main features of the Gandhara school of sculptures.

X. "The Sun temple of Kanark represents the grandest achievements of the Eastern School of architecture". Elucidate.

Part C
(Regarding explanation of concepts/terms from among those listed in the syllabus).
Note: Define/explain any four of the following concepts/terms in about 80 to 100 words. Each definition/explanation carries 5 marks.

XI i) Niyoga
ii) Nirvana
iii) Anuloma-Pratiloma
iv) Triratna
v) Purushartha
vi) Avatara
vii) Yakshi

China and Japan April 2005 PU Chandigarh

M. A. Part – I
Paper - III & IV, Opt. (ii)
China and Japan 1800-1965
Time allowed: Three Hours
Maximum marks: 100
Note: (i) Attempt four questions, selecting one question from each unit.
(ii) All questions carry equal marks.

Unit – I
I. Discuss the causes and consequences of the first opium war. 15, 10
II. Explain the causes and nature of the Boxer movement. Why did it fail? 10, 10, 5

Unit – II
III. Discuss the three principles of Sun Yat Sen. Also asses his contribution the Chinese revolution of 1911. 15, 10
IV. Discuss the major land reforms and agricultrual development in China from 1948 to 1965. 13, 12

Unit – III
V. Discuss the polity and economy of Japan in the early 19th century. 15, 10
VI. Discuss the causes and consequences of the Russo-Japanese war (1804-5). 15, 10

Unit – IV
VII. Discuss critically the Japanese role in the first world war. 20
VIII. Write a critical note on the Manchurian crisis. 20

M. A. I History Annual Paper April 2005

University: Punjab University Chandigarh
Paper II, Opt. (ii) : The State in Medieval India
Total Marks: 100
Time Allowed: 3 hrs.

Note: (i) Attempt four questions, selecting one from each unit.
(ii) All questions carry equal marks.

Unit I

I. Examine the nature of state under the Sultans of Delhi.
II. Discuss Alauddin Khalji’s agrarian reforms.

Unit II

III. What do you understand about Iqta system? Explain.
IV. Critically examine Afghan theory of kingship.

Unit III

V. Examine the nature of Mughal state.
VI. Critically examine Afghan theory of kingship.

Unit IV

VII. Discuss the land revenue system of the Mughals.
VIII. Discuss the theories of modern historians of medieval Indian history for the Decline of Mughal empire.

General Comment: Pending


Look at the following link HERE for some additional observations on this paper.

Internal Assessment of M. A. I: 2004-2005 Arya College Ludhiana

Paper III/IV: History of USA 1860-1973 Option (i)
For the Students of Arya College Ludhiana
Session: 2004-2005

Following are the marks out 20 as per the instructions of the HOD, Shri S. C. Sood.

Special Note: The marks obtained by each roll number is based on the one test conducted by Sumir Sharma. The Second Test was arranged by the college without the knowledge of Sumir Sharma but the Question paper was submitted by Sumir Sharma.

The snap tests and discussions and the third test were never held. The collective marks were added as per the oral instructions of Shri S. C. Sood who had claimed that it was so desired by the Principal.
Also, the roll numbers which do not appear here were omitted as per the adivce of S. C. Sood, who claimed that it was so desired by the Principal.

Utmost care has been taken while compiling them. If there is any clarification required, kindly place the query in the comment below or email me. The email address in "My Profile" on your right hand side.

The marks appears in the following order:
Roll no : Marks out of 20:
6002: 8
6003: 10
6004: 10
6005: 03 ?? Did not come to the class even once!!

6007: 11
6008: 9
6009: 14
6010: 13
6011: 13
6012: 10
6013: 08
6015: 09
6016: 14
6017: 09
6019: 10
6020: 10
6021: 10
6022: 13
6023: 11
6024: 12
6026: 15
6027: 10
6028: 10
6029: 12
6030: 12
6031: 10
6032: 8
6033: 8
6034: 4 ?? Did not come to the class even once!!
6035: 9
6036: 9
6037: 12
6038: 12
6039: 15
6040: 13
6041: 10
6042: 13
6043: 11
6044: 10
6045: 11
6046: 14
6047: 12
6048: 13
6049: 14
6050: 08
6051: 10
6052: 9
6053: 14
6054: 13
6055: 14
6056: 12
6057: 15
6060:15
6062: 10
6063: 09
6064: 14
6066: 11
6067: 14
6068: 11
6069: 8?? Did not come to the class even once!!
6070: 12
6071: 12
6072: 11
6073: 13
6074: 15
6075: 15
6076: 15
6077: 10
6078: 14
6079: 11
6081: 12
6082: 09
6083: 15
6084: 13
6085: 03?? Did not come to the class even once!!
6086: 13
6087: 11
6088: 11
6089: 11
6090: 9
6091: 9
6092: 3?? Did not come to the class even once!!
6093: 13
6094: 7?? Did not come to the class even once!!
6095: 7
6096: 10
6097: 09
6098: 11
6100: 10
6101: 13
6102: 10
6104: 11
6105: 09
6106: 11
6107: 12
6108: 12
6109: 01?? Did not come to the class even once!!
6110: zero?? Did not come to the class even once!!
6111: 01?? Did not come to the class even once!!
6112: 04?? Did not come to the class even once!!
6113: 04?? Did not come to the class even once!!
6114: zero?? Did not come to the class even once!!
6115: 01?? Did not come to the class even once!!
6116: 02?? Did not come to the class even once!!
6117: 02?? Did not come to the class even once!!
6118:08
6119: 05?? Did not come to the class even once!!
6120: 01?? Did not come to the class even once!!
6122: 10
6123: 11
6124: 13
6126: 02?? Did not come to the class even once!!
6127: 1?? Did not come to the class even once!!
6128: 10
6129:12
6130: 13
6131: 13
6132: 02?? Did not come to the class even once!!
6133: 09
6134: zero ?? Did not come to the class even once!!
6135: 09
6136: 10
6137: 03
6139: 10
6140: zero?? Did not come to the class even once!!
6141:09
6142: 08
6143: 11
6145: 01?? Did not come to the class even once!!
6146: zero?? Did not come to the class even once!!
6148: 08
6150: 11
6151:07
6152:11
6153: 10 Never Reported but recorded in the S C Sood Register.

Oral instructions were given to delete the record of the following roll no among whom some them were quite regular to the class and even took examination.
6001, 06, 14, 18, 25, 58, 59, 61, 65, 80, 99, 103, 121, 125, 138, 144, 147 and 149.

I did not get any Term Paper written from the students and each was given 12 as per the advice of the HOD. I had submitted to use this new feature of University instruction in a positive manner. I had even submitted a Plan in the beginning of the session. However, the way it was conducted, made the mockery of the whole system. Therefore, I refused to be a part of this Farce. A very good practice had been sabotaged. Alas!

The session had started with the biggest farce. It was reported that nearly 158 students were admitted. There was only one section for 158 students. Even up to the month of September 2004, two more students continued to visit the lectures without enrollment. They claimed that the Principal had assured them of getting approval for the their admission.

When it was pointed out that it was humanly not possible to conduct lectures for 158 students in one class and that no room was big enough to accommodate even 80 students, it was advised to adopt practical approach. It was suggested that all the students would never come to the class. Hence, it would not be difficult to conduct the classes. Then it was learnt that some students were given admission with the understanding that they would never come to the class and get their roll nos. in the end.

It was also suggested that it would be a service on part of the faculty towards the college and the retiring colleagues as such a strength of students would help the management to pay the gratuity to three retiring teachers.
There were many students who were serious and interested in attending lectures but when they came to the class, they were turned out after reminding them that they were given admission with above mentioned understanding.
In the end, the return of 134 students was submitted to the university. They were all shown having attended complete quota of lectures.

A very good practice had been sabotaged. Alas! My pain increases when I find that similar practice has been very nicely implemented in foreign universities. The Punjab University has introduced a very good practice but I feel so helpless that I am unable to get it implemented in the right spirit. May in the next session, they situation would change for better.

For further break of the marks, the formula adopted and related queries, kindly place your query in the "comment" below.

Certified and Authenticated by:
Sumir Sharma,
Senior Lecturer, Department of Post Graduate Studies in History.
Arya College, Ludhiana.

Model Test Paper, April 2005, U.S.A.

M. A. I. History:
Paper III Option (i) The U. S. A. 1860 – 1973
Time: 3 Hrs. M.M. 100

Instructions:
The paper is divided into four Units.
Attempt four questions in all. Select one question from each Unit.
Each question carries 25 marks.

Unit I

Discuss in detail the issue of Slavery as the cause of the Civil War.
What were the problems of Reconstruction in 1864? What was the Johnson Plan and what were the objections against it?

Unit II

Discuss the circumstances leading to the Spanish-American War of 1898.
Discuss the salient features of the rise of American imperialism in 1890’s.

Unit III

Write in brief the main features of the Progressive Movement.
Discuss critically the New Deal Legislation.

Unit IV

Discuss the role of America in Second World War.
Write the main features of the Cold war and the American policy during this period upto 1960?

Term Papers: M. A. I Session ending 2006

There are some good Ideas for the term papers. Click on the headings (links) below:

The World of Mild Orientalism

Black Hole in Calcutta

I hope that some M. A. I year students would find the resources useful and readymade term papers with all the sources mentioned provided their teachers do not come to learn about them before they submit it. (blink)

M. A. II: History of Punjab

A review is being carried out at the blog Review Views and Anlaysis on the book of J. S. Garewal titled The Akalis, A short history. It is being carried out as per the perception of the reviewer which he calls as Reviewer’s Reading. In it, each chapter will be analysised, and major theme would be brought out in conclusion. A summary will also be attempted at appropriate places. All such sections and write up may be helpful for the students to prepare their own notes, learn about the contents of the book and also help in understanding the contents of book which could help them in writing their own notes with the help of their own copy if they have one.

The contents of the review is carried out in such a manner that the students may be able to write answers for the questions on the post independent period.

Also check out the following link by clicking here.

Keep in touch. You may soon find a review on Guru Nanak in History, The Sikhs of Punjab, Punjab under the Sultans and other relevant essays.

You may not get it before your papers but it could be useful otherwise. The students of M. A. I may also give attention.

Question Bank based on Last Years Question Papers, M. A. I, History of U.S.A.

A General Note: The year 2005 has been re-framed. However, the overall subject contents remains the same. It is restructuring and not a new syllabus.
Find below a question bank against major topics of History of U.S.A., Paper III, M. A. I. of Punjab University, Chandigarh. It is a set of questions which had been asked during previous years since April 1995. They are the questions which may reappear again. Rather, it should be stated that the following questions would again come this year also.

Civil War: Growth of Sectionalism: Secession and war: diplomacy of the war; result of the Civil War.
Briefly discuss the origin and progress of the Civil War.
Discuss the institution of slavery as a cause of the Civil War. April 97
Discuss critically the background of the Civil War. October 97
"My paramount object is to save the Union, and is not either to save or destroy slavery … (Lincoln)" Explain the context of secession. April 98
Discuss critically the results of Civil War. October 98
Discuss the causes and the course of the Civil War. April 99
Discuss critically the results of the Civil War in U. S. A. September 99
Evaluate critically the results of the American Civil War. April 00
Evaluate Lincoln administration’s policies towards Slavery and Negroes from 1861 to the 13th amendment. To What extent is it justified to say that Lincoln was the "Great Emancipator"? September 00
What were the causes that led to the America Civil War? April 01
Discuss the foreign Policy of Union and Confederacy during the Civil War. September 01


Reconstruction of the South: Problems of Reconstruction; Presidential Reconstruction; Congressional Reconstruction.
What were the main problems of Reconstruction? How was the new relationship between the "slaves" and whites built in the reconstruction era?
Discuss the policies of Reconstruction pursued by Andrew Johnson and Grant. April 96
How the Congressional Reconstruction proved to be a blessing in disguise? April 97
Write a critical note on the Congressional Reconstruction. October 97
Discuss the Presidential Reconstruction. Why was it not liked by the Congress Radicals? April 98
Analyse the problems of Reconstruction under Johnson and Grant. October 98
Critically evaluate the Ordeal of Reconstruction. April 99
Discuss the problems of Reconstruction of the South. September 99
Discuss the working of Congressional reconstruction of the South American. April 00
What was the impact of Civil War on the economies of north and South? Discuss. September 00
Critically evaluate competing approaches to Reconstruction. September 00
Was Congressional Reconstruction a blessing in disguise? Examine. April 01
Critically evaluate competing approaches to Reconstruction. September 01

Advanced Industrialization and Urbanization: Communication and technology; Big Business, 1875 – 1900; growth of cities.
Describe the foundations and growth of the American industry in the year 1875-1900 with special emphasis on rail-road industry.
What do you understand by Big Business? Discuss with reference to Trust and Monopolies? April 97
Discuss the causes and consequences of the Industrial Transmutation in the United States of America. October 97
Discuss the Rail Road Revolution and its contribution to the industrialization of the United States. April 98
Write a critical note on the urbanization and industrialization in USA from 1875 to 1900. October 98
"The rail roads are not run for the benefit of the dear public." Analyse the above statement. April 99
Write a critical note on Industrial Transmutation and Big Business from 1857-1900. September 99
Examine the rise of New Industries and Big Business in America. April 00
Discuss in detail the industrial development in U. S. A. from 1875 – 1900. April 01

Emergence as a World Power: War with Spain; Causes and Results; Decision for imperialism.
The Spanish-American War of 1898 was the end of the American isolationism. Briefly describe the impact of this war on America’s rise to the world power.
Discuss the circumstances leading to the Spanish-American War of 1898. Did it mark the beginning of American expansionism? April 96
Discuss the factor responsible for the rise of imperialism in the United States. April 97
Discuss critically the results of the Spanish American War 1898. October 97
Explain the outbreak of Spanish American War. Why is it called splendid little war? April 98
Discuss critically the causes and results of the U. S. Spanish War. October 98
Discuss the causes and result of U. S. Spanish War. September 99
What role did Spanish American War play in America’s expansionist policy? April 00
Why was Spanish-American War called a splendid little war? Critically examine its causes and the outcome. April 01


Populist and progressive Movements: Leaders and achievements 1890 – 1917.
Was Progressivism an urban, middle class response to social change?
What do you understand from the Populist Movement? What were its main achievements? April 96
Discuss critically the achievements of the Progressive movement? April 96
Discuss the contribution of President Taft in furthering the progressive Movement and show how he has not been given due credit for his role? April 97
What do you understand by the Progressive Movement? What were its main achievement? October 97
Discuss the rise of Populism and its achievements. April 98
Discuss the achievements of the Progressive movement. October 98
Elaborate the achievement of the Progressive Movement. September 99
"No Southern movement ever gave rise to a more colorful press than did Populism." Discuss Populist movement in the light of above remark. April 00
Discuss rise and growth of Progressive Movement. September 00
Critically evaluate the achievements of Progressive Movement. April 01
Account for the growth of Populist movement and its demoralization after the election of 1896. September 01
Discuss nature and growth of progressivism under New Nationalism and New Freedom. September 01


Overseas Expansion: The Caribbean and the Pacific: 1896 – 1915. Or The Rise of Imperialism (as per the New Syllabus)
"When I say I believe in the a Square Deal I do not mean to give every man the best hand." Discuss Theodore Roosevelt’s policy in the light of above remark. April 99
Critically examine the American entanglement in the Korean War. April 99
Account for the growth of American Imperialism in 1890s. September 00
Discuss the salient features of the rise of American imperialism in 1890’s. September 01


World Involvement: Un-neutral neutrality; the USA at the World War I; the Treaty and the League.
Why did America enter World War I? Describe the impact of the war on the US Congress.
What factors were responsible for the entry of the United States into the World War First? Discuss. April 96
Was the United States neutral in thought and action during the years 1914-1917? April 97
Why did the United States enter the First World War? April 98
Discuss the causes of the U. S. entry into the First World War. October 98
Discuss the circumstances leading to the entry of United States into First World War. April 99
Discuss the role of the U. S. A in the Paris Peace Settlement. September 99
Discuss the circumstances leading to the entry of United States into First World War. April 00
Evaluate American foreign policy under Woodrow Wilson. September 00
Critically evaluate Wilson’s moral diplomacy in war and peace. September 01


The Onset of Great Depression: Causes and Impact; the Hoover Programme.
Critically examine the causes for the Great Depression and describe its impact.
Discuss the causes of Great Depression. April 97
Discuss the causes of the Great Depression the United States of America. October 97
"The Great Depression was the baffling perplexity of America during the 1930’s." comment. April 99
Discuss the causes of the Great Depression in the United States. September 99
Critically examine Hoover administration and crisis of American capitalism. April 00
What was the impact of the World War I on the United States of America? April 01
What were the reasons that President Hoover failed to control Depression? April 01
Describe the causes of the Great Depression and its impact on American polity, economy and society. September 01


The New Deal: New Deal Legislation; foreign policy during the New Deal period.
How did the New Deal legislation affect the American society?
Discuss critically the New Deal Policy of Franklin Roosevelt. April 96
Discuss President Franklin d. Roosevelt’s "Good Neighbour" Policy. April 97
Write a critical note on the New Deal Legislation. October 97
Discuss the nature and principal objectives of the New Deal. April 98
Discuss critically the New Deal Legislation. October 98
Analyse the three Rs (Relief, Recovery and Reform) of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s programme. April 99
Write a critical note on the New Deal Legislation. September 99
How did New Deal contribute towards the expansion of Progressive ideology? April 00
In what ways did the New Nationalism and New Freedom Programs attempt to deal with the problem of concentrated power in American business and industry? Discuss. September 00
Discuss the role of President D. Roosevelt with special reference to his New Deal Policy. April 01
The New Deal neither cured the Depression nor rescued the nation from suffering but communicated human concern and promoted "People’s Capitalism". September 01



The Second World War: Issue of neutrality; the USA at war, planning a New World order.
Critically examine American strategy and diplomacy in the Second World War. April 96
Discuss the foreign policy of U. S. A. between the two World Wars. October 97
Explain American strategy and direction of the Second World War. April 98
Why did U. S. A join the Second World War? Analyse the causes. October 98
Discuss the role of America in Second World War. April 99
What was the impact of the World War II on American people? April 00
Give reasons for American participation the Second World War. September 00
Analyse the strategy of America in World War II. April 01
Account for reasons for American entrance in the Second World War. September 01



A balance of terror: Cold War: Origins; diplomacy of Cold War; containment of communism; Détente.
Was Atomic bomb dropped on Japan to merely subdue them or to demonstrate the continuing suspicion of post-War Soviet behavior? Discuss with special reference to the origins of the Cold War between US and Soviet Union.
Discuss the US foreign Policy during the Kennedy years. April 1995
Discuss critically the nature of the Cold War between the US and the Soviet Union. April 96
Explain Truman Doctrine and how it contained Communism. April 97
Discuss the nature of the Cold War and the American attempt to contain communism. October 97
What was containment policy? Discuss with reference to President Truman’s role. April 98
Analyse the origins and diplomacy of the Cold War. October 98
Examine the phase of Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. April 99
Discuss critically the Origins and Diplomacy of the Cold War. September 99
Trace the origin and development of American cold War policies and explain "containment" in theory and practice. September 00
Discuss the relationship between United States and Soviet Union during the period of Cold War. April 01
Discuss origin and development of American Cold War policies explaining containment in theory and practice. September 01



Dilemma of Entanglement: Movements for Social Justice: The Feminist Movement; Temperance; Suffrage; Civil Rights.
Explain the American dilemma of entanglement in the Korean War. April 96
Discuss American involvement in Vietnam in the context of President Linden B. Johnson’s "It is the right ting to do." April 97
Explain the American dilemma of entanglement in the Vietnam War. October 97
How was the Civil Rights Act of 1964 a far reaching law on racial equality? April 98
Write a critical note on the Civil Rights movements in the U. S. A. during the period of your study. October 98
Write a critical note on the Feminist Movement in the U. S. A. September 99
Discuss the social trends in America from the period of Depression to Prosperity. April 00
Describe the growth of Civil Rights Movement since the Second World War with a focus on the leadership of Martin Luther King. September 00

Colonization in United States of America

Though the syllabus of History of USA, paper III of M. A. I begins with the Civil War but understanding of the colonization of America is very useful in understanding the Sectional Conflict in America.

A use full link is available if you click here. Give attention to the explanation given by Raymond Blair and Andy Walker. They have given a good description of the social, religious and economic backgrounds of the various colonies which were at the heart of the sectional conflict that caused the civil war.

Was Middle Ages a Dark Age: Any Idea

Find a good material on Middle Ages and related debate which has been based on the recent trends in the study of the European History and Modern World History.

Was Middle Ages in Europe A Dark Age!, European History/Renaissance

It has special importance for the students who have opted for the Modern World and World History. In India, most the available books refers to Middle Ages as Dark ages. However, in examinations there are many questions which refers to intellectual achievements before the Renaissance period. It confuses some candidates and on the other hand also force you to misunderstand the questions which are being asked.

This debate can also be useful for the M. A. Political Science student. Just look into, think over the issues raised and see how. It is especially useful for the student of the Political Thought paper.

UGC Web Site

It is important for the postgraduate student to remain abreast with the financial aids by UGC for undertaking research. It is also useful for Eligibility Test information is usually available before it comes in Print Media or in colleges.
The web site of UGC is useful and should be visited regularly.

1995 MA I Punjab History: An Important Observation

Part A Note Attempt any two of the following questions.
Write what you know about the views of J. S. Garewal on the politics of Punjab during the 15th and early 16th century.
Gokal Chand Narang writes that the whole system of Guru Nanak stands distinguished from other reform movements by two important peculiarities: its non-sectarian character and its reconciliation with secular. Discus.
Explain the bearing of the reing of the Mughal Emepror Akbar n the development of Sikh Panth.
Comment on the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahdur and its impact.
Write what you know about the instituion of the Khalsa nad its legacy.
Part B Note Attempt any two of the following questions.
Discuss Muzafar Alam’s approach to the process of decline of the Mughal power in Punjab.
What was the mission of Banda Bhadur. Explain his expliotrtsd and theeri signficiance.
Trace the rise of the Misls in the Punjab and account for the success of the Sikhs.
What light does G. S. Nayyar;s Sikh Polity throw on the nature of the two significant instituions of the 18th century namely the Dla Khalas a and Gurmata.
Comment n the economiy of the late 18th Century punhjab.