IGNOU MHI 006 Important Questions with answers- IGNOU MHI-006 stands for Evolution of Social Structures in India through the Ages. It is a course offered as part of the Master of Arts (History) program at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).
Course Content
- Harappan urbanism and its characteristics
- The introduction of iron and its implications
- The concept of Indian feudalism
- The growth of Sufism in the Deccan
- The role of caste in Indian society
- The changing trends in the historiography of migration
- The changing role of women in the colonial period
- Section I covers ancient and medieval India.
- Section II covers modern India.
Exams and Assessments
- The course is assessed through a term-end examination and continuous evaluation.
- The term-end examination consists of essay-type questions and carries 100 marks.
- The continuous evaluation component includes assignments and quizzes.
- Continuous Assessment (30%): This includes assignments and tutor-marked assignments.
- Term-End Examination (70%): This is a written examination held at the end of the semester.
Course Details
- Title: Evolution of Social Structures in India Through the Ages
- Code: MHI-006
- Subject: History
- Degree: Master of Arts (History) (MAH)
- Credits: 8
- Language(s): English and Hindi
- Session(s): June 2022 – June 2011 (Currently active)
- Course Type: Optional
Course Description
IGNOU MHI 006 Important Questions with answers English Medium- This course explores the evolution of social structures in India across different historical periods. It delves into the formation, transformation, and dynamics of various social groups, examining their interactions and influences on broader historical developments. IGNOU MHI 006 Important Questions with answers
Course Structure
- Block 1: Introduction
- Block 2: Cultures in Transition
- Block 3: Early Historic Societies: 6th Century BCE – 4th Century CE
- Block 4: Early Medieval Societies
- Block 5: Medieval Society
- Block 6: Society on the Eve of Colonialism
- Block 7: Modern Society
- Block 8: Social Questions Under Colonialism
Q:1 Critically examine the introduction of iron and its implications.
IGNOU MHI 006 Important Questions with answers – Iron, once a rare and precious metal, revolutionized human history with its widespread adoption around 1200 BCE. Its unique properties – strength, abundance, and relative ease of extraction compared to bronze – sparked a cascade of changes across societies, leaving an indelible mark on everything from agriculture and warfare to art and social structures. But the story of iron isn’t a simple one of linear progress. Its arrival was met with both opportunities and challenges, demanding critical examination of its multifaceted impact.
Agricultural Revolution: Iron tools were sturdier and more efficient than their bronze counterparts. They enabled deeper plowing, cultivation of tougher soils, and increased agricultural yields. This led to population growth, surplus food production, and the formation of larger, more complex societies.
IGNOU MHI 006 Important Questions with answers – Technological Advancements: Iron’s versatility fueled innovation in diverse fields. From intricate surgical instruments to sophisticated weaponry, iron-age societies witnessed a surge in technological advancements.
Economic and Political Shifts: The abundance of iron democratized the means of production and warfare, making them less dependent on elites who controlled bronze resources. This shift in power dynamics reshaped economic and political landscapes, giving rise to new social orders.
The Double-Edged Sword:
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Environmental Consequences: Iron smelting required vast amounts of wood and charcoal, leading to deforestation and soil erosion. This raised concerns about long-term sustainability and environmental degradation.
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Escalating Warfare: Iron weapons were far more lethal than their predecessors, leading to more brutal and destructive conflicts. The increased militarization also fueled social inequalities and political instability.
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Social Upheaval: The disruption of traditional hierarchies and power structures caused by iron’s democratizing effect could lead to social unrest and conflict, particularly for groups whose positions were threatened by the changing landscape.
A Legacy of Transformation:
Despite its complexities, the introduction of iron remains a pivotal moment in human history. Its impact transcended the material realm, shaping cultural expressions, political ideologies, and the very fabric of human societies. By critically examining both its benefits and drawbacks, we gain a deeper understanding of the forces that drive innovation and the intricate interplay between technological advancements and their social consequences.
Q: 2 Write a note on the idea of Indian feudalism.
Q: 3 How was the cult of Vitthala patronised by the Yadavas? Elaborate in the light of the growth of Vitthala sect.
Q: 4 Discuss the role varna played during the Vedic times. Was it the sole identity available to men of this period?
Q: 5 What was the significance of pitr?
Q: 6 How was the relationships with the other kinsmen getting more complicated in this period?
Q: 7 Discuss the role of rituals in the Vedic texts
Q: 8 Discuss the implications of iron metallurgy in the development of urbanism and state structures.
Q: 9 The Units studied so far have indicated varied methods of disposal of the dead. What are the social implications for this diversity?
Q:10 Discuss the changes in material culture taking place around 6th century B.C.
Q: 11 What were the different trends of the thinking which emerged in the wake of the socio-religious ferment?
Q:12 What were the changes taking place in the society in the (6th B.C.).
Q: 13 Examine some aspects of spread of Buddhism in central and peninsular India.
Q: 14 Discuss some of the social factors which account for the spread of Buddhism in central and peninsular India.
Q: 15 How did the Rajput social structure move from political to social in the early medieval period?
Q: 16 Do you think if Ziegler had used the concept of political instead of patron-client framework his analysis would have been richer?
Q: 17 Examine the power and position of the landed elites in peninsular India.
Q: 18 Discuss different groups of political elites in peninsular India.
Q: 19 Analyse the changing social structure of peninsular India in the medieval period.
Q: 20 Discuss the different classes of Sufis in the Deccan region during the seventeenth century.
Q: 21 What was the socio-political role of the Sufis in the Deccan?