IGNOU MHI 008: History of Ecology and Environment in India MHI-008 is a course offered by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) under the Master of Arts (History) program. It explores the intricate relationship between humans and the environment throughout Indian history.
Course Details
- Code: MHI-008
- Title: History of Ecology and Environment: India
- Subject: History
- Degree: Master of Arts (History)
- Credits: 4
- Language: English and Hindi
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s Degree
Course Description
- Early societies and their relationship with the environment.
- Development of agriculture and its impact on ecosystems.
- Environmental practices in ancient and medieval India.
- Colonialism and its ecological consequences.
- Modern environmental concerns and conservation efforts.
Q1.Describe the features of nature-human interface during Palaeolithic and Mesolithic Cultures.
IGNOU MHI 008 Important Questions with answers – The nature-human interface during the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic cultures was marked by a close and direct relationship between humans and their natural environment. These periods, which spanned from around 2.6 million years ago to about 10,000 BCE, were characterized by the development of early human societies
Palaeolithic Era
- Nomadic Lifestyle: Humans during the Palaeolithic era were predominantly nomadic, moving from one location to another in search of food sources. This lifestyle was closely tied to the seasonal availability of resources.
- Stone Tools: The primary tools used during the Palaeolithic era were made of stone, bone, and wood. These tools were essential for hunting, gathering, and crafting various items needed for survival.
- Hunter-Gatherer Societies: Palaeolithic humans were primarily hunter-gatherers, relying on the natural environment for food. They hunted wild animals, gathered edible plants, and utilized natural resources for shelter and clothing. IGNOU MHI 008 Important Questions with answers
- Cave Art: Evidence of early symbolic expression and communication is found in the form of cave paintings. These artworks often depicted scenes from daily life, animals, and possibly religious or spiritual beliefs.
- Fire Control: Humans in the Palaeolithic era mastered the use of fire, which played a crucial role in cooking, providing warmth, and protection against predators. IGNOU MHI 008 Important Questions with answers
Mesolithic Era
- Transition to Sedentary Life: During the Mesolithic era, there was a gradual shift towards a more sedentary lifestyle. While still primarily dependent on hunting and gathering, some communities began to establish semi-permanent settlements.
- Microliths and Advanced Tools: Mesolithic tool technology saw the development of microliths—small, finely crafted stone tools. These tools were often used for hunting and processing smaller game.
- Increased Resource Exploitation: As human populations grew, there was an increased focus on exploiting diverse resources. Fishing became more important, and the use of watercraft for travel and fishing likely expanded. IGNOU MHI 008 Important Questions with answers
- Artistic Expressions: Artistic expressions continued with the creation of pottery and more advanced forms of art. However, the focus on artistic representations shifted from the cave paintings of the Palaeolithic to portable art forms. IGNOU MHI 008 Important Questions with answers
- Domestication of Plants and Animals: In some regions, there is evidence of the early stages of plant and animal domestication, suggesting a transition towards agriculture. This marked a significant step towards a more settled way of life. IGNOU MHI 008 Important Questions with answers
Overall, during both the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic eras, the nature-human interface was characterized by a direct dependence on the environment for survival, with humans adapting their lifestyles to the resources available in their surroundings. The development of tools, artistic expression, and the gradual transition to more settled communities were key features of this interface during these prehistoric periods.
Q2.How does the surface configuration of the east coastal lowland differ from that of the west coastal lowland?
Q3.Examine in detail the nature of evidence pertaining to hunting-gathering communities.
Q4 .Discuss the factors giving rise to pastoralism in early history.
Q5. Discuss the relationship between the behaviour of rivers in the Indus region and the growth of agriculture
Q6.What do you understand by the adage ‘the black cotton soil ploughs itself
Q7.Write a note on the historical patterns of energy consumption.
Q8. Write an essay on the changing perception of forest in history.
Q9. Explain the creation and characteristics of Srsti as exposed in Indian philosophy.
Q10.How did industrialism shape the colonial perception of environment?
Q11. The post-colonial forest policy was a blemish-free continuation of the colonial policy.
Q12. Write an essay on the forest resources and their management in Colonial India.
Q13 . What do you understand by Biodiversity?
Q14. .Discuss the characteristics of Gandhi’s non-industrial model of development.
Q15. Discuss briefly the nature of writings on environmental history in the colonial period.
Q16. Examine the characteristic features of the literature on environment focusing on the pre-colonial period.
Q17. Trace the northern boundary of India and name the passes, which connect India with Tibet along with their location.
Q18. Name the major physiographic divisions of India and give an account of the surface features of the Himalayas. Describe the main surface features and drainage of (i) the Plains of Northern India and (ii) the Indian Plateau.
Q19. How does the surface configuration of the east coastal lowland differ
from that of the west coastal lowland?
Q20. Describe the vegetation of India with special reference to the forest.