University of Lucknow B.A. Semester V — Previous Year Question Papers

This page is being built subject-by-subject as the complete Previous Year Question (PYQ) paper bank for University of Lucknow B.A. (NEP) Semester V students. We are starting with Political Science, which is now fully available below with all four Semester V papers — Ancient Indian Political Thought (P09), Principles of Public Administration (P10X), Concepts of International Politics (P10Y), and Social Movements in India (P10Z) — each with 5 complete model sets (Set A to Set E) of 10 questions each, prepared by LUUPDATE for focused B.A. Semester V exam practice. More B.A. Semester V subjects, such as History, Economics, Sociology, Hindi, English and others, will be added to this same page in future updates, so please bookmark this page and check back regularly as new subjects are published.

Political Science

Political Science at B.A. Semester V (University of Lucknow, NEP syllabus) has one compulsory paper and one elective slot with three options. P09 – Ancient Indian Political Thought is the compulsory paper for every student. For the second paper slot, students choose one elective out of P10X – Principles of Public Administration, P10Y – Concepts of International Politics, and P10Z – Social Movements in India. Please check with your department or your admit card to confirm which elective you are enrolled in — all three electives are covered in full below so you can practice whichever one applies to you.

P09 – Ancient Indian Political Thought (Compulsory)

Ancient Indian Political Thought (Paper-I, P09) covers the Sources and Main Features of Ancient Indian Political Thought and Manu's ideas on Dharma, Kingship, Law and Social Order (Unit I); Bhishma (Shanti Parva), Shukra (Shukra Niti) and Kautilya (Arthashastra) — Theory of State, Saptanga Theory, Mandala Theory, Foreign Policy, Espionage and Taxation (Unit II); Institutions — the Indian concept of law (Dharma, Nyaya) and Judicial Administration in Ancient India (Unit III); and Local Administration — Paur (City Administration), Gram (Village Administration) and Durg (Fort/Capital Administration) (Unit IV). Time: 3 Hours, Maximum Marks: 75. Answer any five of the ten questions given below; all questions carry equal marks (15 each). The five sets below (Set A to Set E) give you full practice coverage across every unit of the syllabus.

Set A

Q1. Discuss the main sources of Ancient Indian Political Thought and examine the relative importance of the Dharmashastras, the epics, the Arthashastra literature and the Smritis in reconstructing the political ideas of ancient India. [15]

Q2. Examine the salient features of Ancient Indian Political Thought and show how the concepts of Dharma, Rajadharma and the organic theory of the state distinguish it from Western political thought. [15]

Q3. Examine the political ideas of Bhishma as expounded in the Shanti Parva of the Mahabharata, with special reference to his views on the origin and necessity of kingship. [15]

Q4. Discuss Bhishma's conception of Rajadharma as set out in the Shanti Parva and examine the duties and obligations that he prescribed for an ideal king. [15]

Q5. Examine Bhishma's views on the relationship between the king and Dharma, and discuss the extent to which he regarded the king as being bound by the moral law rather than standing above it. [15]

Q6. Discuss the ancient Indian concept of Dharma as the foundation of law and examine the extent to which it differed from the modern positivist conception of law as the command of a sovereign. [15]

Q7. Examine the relationship between Dharma and Nyaya in ancient Indian political thought and discuss how the two concepts together shaped the ancient Indian understanding of justice. [15]

Q8. Discuss the various sources of law recognised in ancient India, namely the Vedas (Shruti), the Smritis, custom (Achara) and royal edicts, and examine the relative authority accorded to each. [15]

Q9. Examine the system of local administration in ancient India and discuss the extent to which it combined centralised royal authority with a considerable degree of local autonomy. [15]

Q10. Discuss the organisation of city (Paur) administration in ancient India and examine the powers and functions of the Nagaraka and other officials responsible for urban governance. [15]

Set B

Q1. Discuss Manu's conception of Dharma and examine the extent to which he regarded it as the supreme regulator of individual conduct and of the state in ancient Indian society. [15]

Q2. Examine Manu's theory of the origin of kingship and discuss the divine and contractual elements present in his explanation of the institution of monarchy. [15]

Q3. Discuss Shukra's Niti Shastra as a treatise on statecraft and examine his views on the qualities, duties and training required of an ideal ruler. [15]

Q4. Examine Shukra's views on the organisation of the state and administration, with particular reference to his classification of ministers, officials and state functionaries. [15]

Q5. Discuss Shukra's ideas on military organisation, war and diplomacy as set out in the Shukra Niti, and assess his contribution to the ancient Indian science of statecraft. [15]

Q6. Examine the institution of the king as the fountainhead of justice in ancient India and discuss the extent to which royal authority in judicial matters was itself circumscribed by Dharma. [15]

Q7. Discuss the organisation of judicial administration in ancient India, with particular reference to the hierarchy of courts extending from the village and town courts to the king's court. [15]

Q8. Examine the composition and functions of the Sabha and the Parishad in the judicial administration of ancient India, and discuss their role in assisting the king in the dispensation of justice. [15]

Q9. Examine the arrangements for civic amenities, sanitation and public order in the towns of ancient India, and discuss the role of municipal officials in regulating trade, markets and the conduct of city life. [15]

Q10. Discuss the organisation of village (Gram) administration in ancient India and examine the position and functions of the Gramika or village headman in relation to the village assembly. [15]

Set C

Q1. Discuss Manu's views on the duties, powers and qualifications of the king, and examine how he sought to reconcile the king's absolute authority with the obligations imposed upon him by Dharma. [15]

Q2. Examine Manu's treatment of law and legal administration, and discuss the sources of law recognised by him, namely the Vedas, the Smritis, custom and the edicts of the king. [15]

Q3. Examine Kautilya's theory of the origin and nature of the state as expounded in the Arthashastra, and discuss the circumstances that, in his view, necessitated the institution of kingship. [15]

Q4. Discuss Kautilya's Saptanga theory of the state and examine the nature and interrelationship of the seven constituent elements (Prakritis) identified by him. [15]

Q5. Examine Kautilya's Mandala theory of foreign policy and discuss the circle of states, comprising the Vijigishu, Ari, Mitra and other categories, that he identified for the conduct of interstate relations. [15]

Q6. Discuss the qualifications and duties prescribed for judges (Pradvivaka) and assessors (Sabhya) in ancient Indian judicial administration, and examine the standards of impartiality expected of them. [15]

Q7. Examine the system of evidence and modes of proof recognised in ancient Indian judicial administration, including witnesses, documents and the various forms of ordeal (Divya). [15]

Q8. Discuss the classification of civil and criminal law (Vyavaharapada) in the Dharmashastras and examine the eighteen titles of law enumerated by Manu and other lawgivers. [15]

Q9. Examine the role of village assemblies and councils in ancient Indian rural administration and discuss the extent of self-governance enjoyed by villages in matters of local dispute settlement and resource management. [15]

Q10. Discuss the system of revenue collection and the maintenance of records at the village level in ancient India, and examine the relationship between village functionaries and the central administration. [15]

Set D

Q1. Discuss Manu's conception of the Varna system and examine the extent to which he regarded the fourfold division of society as essential to the maintenance of social order. [15]

Q2. Examine Manu's views on the Ashrama system and discuss how he sought to correlate the four stages of life with the duties of Dharma appropriate to each stage. [15]

Q3. Discuss Kautilya's Shadgunya doctrine of the six measures of foreign policy, namely Sandhi, Vigraha, Asana, Yana, Samshraya and Dvaidhibhava, and examine the circumstances appropriate to each. [15]

Q4. Examine Kautilya's views on the system of espionage in the Arthashastra and discuss the role assigned by him to spies in safeguarding the internal security and external interests of the state. [15]

Q5. Discuss Kautilya's principles of taxation as laid down in the Arthashastra and examine the extent to which they anticipated modern canons of sound public finance. [15]

Q6. Examine the ancient Indian theory of punishment (Danda) in relation to the administration of justice, and discuss the principles that guided the gradation of punishment according to the nature of the offence and the status of the offender. [15]

Q7. Discuss the concept of Vyavahara in ancient Indian jurisprudence and examine the procedure followed in ancient Indian courts from the filing of a plaint to the pronouncement of judgment. [15]

Q8. Examine the role of the Purohita and learned Brahmins as advisers on Dharma and Nyaya in the ancient Indian judicial system, and discuss their influence on the king's judicial decisions. [15]

Q9. Examine the importance attached to the fort (Durg) in ancient Indian political thought as the seat of administration and defence, and discuss Kautilya's views on the strategic classification of forts. [15]

Q10. Discuss the administrative and military functions of the Durg in ancient India and examine the arrangements made for its fortification, provisioning and defence in times of war. [15]

Set E

Q1. Discuss the Danda theory as expounded by Manu and examine the significance he attached to punishment as an instrument for the maintenance of social order and the prevention of Matsyanyaya. [15]

Q2. Critically examine Manu's contribution to Ancient Indian Political Thought and assess the relevance of his ideas on Dharma, kingship and social order for the political and social organisation of ancient India. [15]

Q3. Examine Kautilya's conception of the ideal king and the Rajarishi, and discuss the qualities of head and character that he considered essential for successful kingship. [15]

Q4. Discuss Kautilya's views on the duties and organisation of the council of ministers (Mantriparishad) and examine the importance he attached to counsel in the process of royal decision-making. [15]

Q5. Compare the political ideas of Kautilya and Shukra on the theory of the state and the conduct of statecraft, and examine the extent to which Shukra's Niti Shastra built upon the foundations laid by the Arthashastra. [15]

Q6. Discuss the concept of Rajadharma as the basis of judicial impartiality in ancient India, and examine the checks that Dharma placed upon the king to prevent arbitrary exercise of judicial power. [15]

Q7. Examine the distinction between civil wrongs and criminal offences in the ancient Indian concept of law, and discuss the remedies and modes of redress available for each under the Dharmashastra tradition. [15]

Q8. Discuss the contribution of the institution of Nyaya to the ancient Indian concept of law and examine how the pursuit of substantive justice was reconciled with adherence to procedural Dharma. [15]

Q9. Examine the interrelationship between Paur, Gram and Durg administration in the overall structure of ancient Indian local government, and discuss how each contributed to the stability of the state. [15]

Q10. Discuss the significance of local self-government institutions, comprising Paur, Gram and Durg administration, in ensuring efficient governance in ancient India, and examine their relevance as a model of decentralised administration. [15]

P10X – Principles of Public Administration (Elective)

Principles of Public Administration (Paper-IIa, P10X) covers the Meaning, Nature and Scope of Public Administration, Public and Private Administration, and the Role of Public Administration in the Modern State (Unit I); Bases of Organization — Principles of Organization, Hierarchy, Span of Control, Delegation of Authority, Centralization and Decentralization (Unit II); the Chief Executive, Line, Staff and Auxiliary Agencies, the Department, Public Corporations and Independent Regulatory Commissions (Unit III); and Personnel Administration — Recruitment, Training and Promotion, and Public Relations (Unit IV). Time: 3 Hours, Maximum Marks: 75. Answer any five of the ten questions given below; all questions carry equal marks (15 each).

Set A

Q1. Discuss the meaning, nature and scope of Public Administration, and examine the various approaches through which scholars have sought to define the discipline. [15]

Q2. Public Administration has evolved from a narrow instrument of governance into a discipline central to the functioning of the modern State. Discuss. [15]

Q3. Distinguish between Public Administration and Private Administration, bringing out the essential similarities and differences between the two. [15]

Q4. Discuss the meaning and significance of the Principles of Organization, and examine the extent to which these principles serve as reliable guides to administrative action. [15]

Q5. Explain the concept of Hierarchy as a principle of organization, and discuss its merits and demerits in the functioning of large administrative structures. [15]

Q6. Discuss the position, powers and functions of the Chief Executive in a modern administrative system, with special reference to the parliamentary form of government. [15]

Q7. Distinguish between Line Agencies, Staff Agencies and Auxiliary Agencies, and examine the distinctive functions performed by each in a modern administrative organization. [15]

Q8. Discuss the Department as a form of administrative organization, and examine its merits and demerits as a means of organizing governmental functions. [15]

Q9. Discuss the meaning, scope and significance of Personnel Administration in the functioning of a modern administrative system. [15]

Q10. Explain the meaning and importance of Recruitment as a function of Personnel Administration, and discuss the various methods through which recruitment to public services is carried out. [15]

Set B

Q1. Examine the changing scope of Public Administration in the context of the transition from the concept of the Police State to that of the Welfare State. [15]

Q2. Discuss the significance of Public Administration in the modern State, and examine why the study of Public Administration has assumed growing importance in contemporary times. [15]

Q3. Examine the view that Public Administration is both an art and a science, and discuss the arguments advanced for and against treating it as an independent discipline. [15]

Q4. Discuss the concept of Span of Control, and examine the various factors that determine the ideal number of subordinates a superior can effectively supervise. [15]

Q5. Explain the meaning and importance of Delegation of Authority in administrative organizations, and discuss the essential elements involved in the process of delegation. [15]

Q6. Distinguish between Centralization and Decentralization as principles of organization, and discuss the merits and demerits of each. [15]

Q7. Explain the meaning and characteristics of Public Corporations, and discuss why they are regarded as a suitable form of organization for commercial and industrial undertakings of the State. [15]

Q8. Examine the merits and demerits of Public Corporations as a form of administrative organization, and discuss the problem of ensuring accountability of such bodies. [15]

Q9. Discuss the merits and demerits of open competitive examinations as a method of recruitment to the civil services, and examine the alternative methods that may be adopted. [15]

Q10. Examine the significance of Training in Personnel Administration, and discuss the various methods of training employed for the development of civil servants. [15]

Set C

Q1. Discuss the relationship between Politics and Administration, and critically examine the Politics-Administration Dichotomy as propounded by Woodrow Wilson and Frank Goodnow. [15]

Q2. Explain the narrow and broad views regarding the scope of Public Administration, and discuss which view you consider more appropriate in the present context. [15]

Q3. Examine the factors that determine the degree of centralization or decentralization appropriate in a given administrative organization. [15]

Q4. Discuss the principle of Unity of Command as a basis of organization, and examine the difficulties that arise when this principle is violated in practice. [15]

Q5. Explain the concept of Coordination in administrative organization, and discuss the various techniques through which effective coordination may be achieved. [15]

Q6. Discuss the meaning, nature and functions of Independent Regulatory Commissions, and examine the reasons for their establishment in the modern administrative State. [15]

Q7. Examine the relationship between Line Agencies and Staff Agencies, and discuss the difficulties that often arise between the two in the day-to-day working of administration. [15]

Q8. Discuss the various forms of Public Enterprise, distinguishing between the Departmental Undertaking, the Public Corporation and the Government Company. [15]

Q9. Discuss the meaning and importance of Promotion as an element of Personnel Administration, and examine the principal methods on which promotion in public services is based. [15]

Q10. Distinguish between promotion based on seniority and promotion based on merit, and examine the arguments advanced in favour of each method. [15]

Set D

Q1. Discuss the role of Public Administration in the formulation and implementation of public policy in a modern welfare State. [15]

Q2. Examine the impact of liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation on the changing role and scope of Public Administration in developing countries such as India. [15]

Q3. Discuss the relationship between Hierarchy and Span of Control, and examine how the two principles influence the overall shape and efficiency of an organization. [15]

Q4. Examine the obstacles that commonly hinder effective Delegation of Authority in administrative organizations, and suggest measures to overcome them. [15]

Q5. Discuss the concept of Authority and Responsibility in administrative organizations, and examine the principle that authority and responsibility must always be commensurate. [15]

Q6. Examine the problem of ensuring administrative and financial accountability of Public Corporations to the legislature and to the public at large. [15]

Q7. Discuss the functions performed by Auxiliary Agencies in administrative organization, and examine their importance in supporting the work of Line Agencies. [15]

Q8. Discuss the meaning, objectives and significance of Public Relations in modern Public Administration. [15]

Q9. Examine the various methods and techniques employed by government departments to maintain effective Public Relations with the citizens. [15]

Q10. Discuss the problems and obstacles that hinder the establishment of effective Public Relations between the administration and the public in developing countries such as India. [15]

Set E

Q1. Discuss the evolution of Public Administration as an academic discipline, tracing its growth from the classical period to the present-day emphasis on New Public Management. [15]

Q2. Examine the growing importance of Public Administration in ensuring good governance, and discuss the challenges that confront modern administrative systems. [15]

Q3. Examine the arguments for and against Decentralization of administrative authority, with special reference to its application in developing countries such as India. [15]

Q4. Discuss the meaning of the Principle of Balance in organization, and examine how it operates alongside hierarchy, span of control and delegation in shaping administrative structures. [15]

Q5. Examine the position of the Chief Executive as the head of administration, and discuss the extent to which the Chief Executive is able to exercise effective control over the administrative machinery. [15]

Q6. Discuss the arguments for and against establishing Independent Regulatory Commissions outside the ordinary departmental structure of government. [15]

Q7. Examine the reasons that have led modern governments to prefer the Public Corporation form of organization over the traditional Departmental form for running commercial undertakings. [15]

Q8. Examine the relationship between Recruitment, Training and Promotion as interrelated functions of Personnel Administration, and discuss how each contributes to building an efficient civil service. [15]

Q9. Discuss the role of Public Service Commissions in the recruitment of personnel to public services, and examine their composition and functions. [15]

Q10. Examine the importance of in-service training and refresher courses in keeping civil servants abreast of the changing demands of modern administration. [15]

P10Y – Concepts of International Politics (Elective)

Concepts of International Politics (Paper-IIb, P10Y) covers the History and Evolution of International Politics, its Nature and Scope, and Theories — Idealist, Realist, Game, Decision Making and Systems Theory (Unit I); the State System, National Power, Balance of Power, Balance of Terror, Collective Security, Disarmament and Arms Control (Unit II); National Interest, Ideology, Propaganda, Diplomacy and Foreign Policy (Unit III); and Post World War II International Politics, the Rise and Fall of the Cold War, Decolonization, the Emergence of the Third World, and the Origin and Evolution of the Non-aligned Movement (Unit IV). Time: 3 Hours, Maximum Marks: 75. Answer any five of the ten questions given below; all questions carry equal marks (15 each).

Set A

Q1. Trace the history and evolution of the discipline of International Politics as a distinct branch of social science study, and discuss the major stages through which it has developed since the First World War. [15]

Q2. Discuss the nature and scope of International Politics, and examine the various approaches through which its subject matter may be studied. [15]

Q3. Explain the meaning and essential characteristics of the modern State System, and discuss the circumstances that led to its emergence and development. [15]

Q4. Explain the concept of National Power, and discuss the various elements that determine the power of a state in international politics. [15]

Q5. Discuss the elements of National Power in detail, distinguishing between its tangible elements, such as geography, population and natural resources, and its intangible elements, such as national morale and leadership. [15]

Q6. Explain the concept of National Interest, and discuss the various elements that constitute the national interest of a state. [15]

Q7. Examine the role that National Interest plays in the formulation and conduct of a state's foreign policy. [15]

Q8. Explain the meaning and significance of Ideology in international politics, and discuss how ideological differences have shaped relations among states in the modern era. [15]

Q9. Discuss the major changes that took place in the international political scenario in the aftermath of the Second World War. [15]

Q10. Trace the rise of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union, and discuss the principal factors responsible for its emergence. [15]

Set B

Q1. Explain the Idealist theory of International Politics, and critically examine the assumptions on which it is based and the criticisms levelled against it by later scholars. [15]

Q2. Explain the Realist theory of International Politics as propounded by Hans J. Morgenthau, and discuss its major assumptions, strengths and limitations. [15]

Q3. Explain the meaning and various forms of the Balance of Power, and discuss the techniques employed by states to maintain a balance of power. [15]

Q4. Critically examine the merits and demerits of the Balance of Power as a device for the maintenance of international peace and security. [15]

Q5. Explain the concept of Balance of Terror, and discuss how the development of nuclear weapons transformed the traditional balance of power into a balance of terror during the Cold War era. [15]

Q6. Discuss the meaning, techniques and objectives of Propaganda as an instrument of statecraft in international politics. [15]

Q7. Critically examine the role of Propaganda in the conduct of international politics, with reference to its use during periods of war and peace. [15]

Q8. Explain the meaning, nature and functions of Diplomacy, and discuss the qualities required of a successful diplomat. [15]

Q9. Discuss the various phases through which the Cold War passed, and examine the major events that marked the course of Cold War politics. [15]

Q10. Examine the circumstances and factors that led to the fall of the Cold War, and discuss its consequences for the international political system. [15]

Set C

Q1. Compare and contrast the Idealist and Realist approaches to the study of International Politics, bringing out the essential differences in their assumptions about human nature and state behaviour. [15]

Q2. Explain the Game Theory as applied to the study of International Politics, and discuss its usefulness and limitations in analysing conflict and cooperation among states. [15]

Q3. Explain the meaning and essential conditions of Collective Security, and examine the extent to which it has succeeded as an alternative to the balance of power. [15]

Q4. Discuss the working of the collective security system under the League of Nations and the United Nations, and examine the reasons for its limited success. [15]

Q5. Distinguish between Disarmament and Arms Control, and discuss the difficulties encountered in achieving general and complete disarmament among nations. [15]

Q6. Discuss the various methods and techniques of Diplomacy employed by states in the conduct of their international relations. [15]

Q7. Examine the changes that have taken place in the practice of Diplomacy in the contemporary era, with reference to the emergence of summit diplomacy and multilateral diplomacy. [15]

Q8. Explain the meaning and determinants of Foreign Policy, and discuss the various factors, both internal and external, that shape the foreign policy of a state. [15]

Q9. Explain the meaning and process of Decolonization, and discuss the factors that contributed to the disintegration of colonial empires after the Second World War. [15]

Q10. Discuss the impact of Decolonization on the international political system, with reference to the emergence of a large number of newly independent states in Asia and Africa. [15]

Set D

Q1. Discuss the Decision Making theory of International Politics, and examine the factors that influence the foreign policy decisions of a state. [15]

Q2. Explain the Systems theory of International Politics as developed by Morton Kaplan, and discuss the different types of international systems identified by him. [15]

Q3. Examine the contribution of the behavioural approach to the scientific study of International Politics, and discuss the reasons for the post-behavioural reaction against it. [15]

Q4. Examine the major efforts made at Disarmament and Arms Control since the Second World War, with reference to important treaties and agreements concluded in this regard. [15]

Q5. Discuss the relationship between the Balance of Power and Collective Security as alternative mechanisms for maintaining international peace, bringing out their essential differences. [15]

Q6. Discuss the relationship between National Interest and Foreign Policy, and examine how a state's foreign policy is designed to safeguard and promote its national interest. [15]

Q7. Examine the interrelationship between Diplomacy and Foreign Policy, bringing out how diplomacy serves as the principal instrument for the execution of a state's foreign policy. [15]

Q8. Explain the concept and emergence of the Third World, and discuss the common problems and aspirations shared by Third World countries. [15]

Q9. Discuss the role played by Third World countries in shaping the course of international politics during and after the Cold War era. [15]

Q10. Trace the origin and evolution of the Non-aligned Movement, and discuss the circumstances that led to its formation. [15]

Set E

Q1. Discuss the relationship between International Politics and International Relations, and examine whether International Politics can be regarded as an autonomous discipline of study. [15]

Q2. Critically examine the view that International Politics is essentially a struggle for power among nations, with reference to the Realist school of thought. [15]

Q3. Discuss the significance of theory building in the study of International Politics, and examine how Idealism, Realism, Game Theory, Decision Making theory and Systems theory each contribute to our understanding of state behaviour. [15]

Q4. Examine the role of National Power and the Balance of Power in shaping the conduct of states in international politics, with suitable illustrations. [15]

Q5. Discuss the concept of the State System in international politics and examine how the pursuit of National Power and the maintenance of a Balance of Power have influenced state behaviour within this system. [15]

Q6. Discuss the role of Ideology and Propaganda as instruments used by states to influence world public opinion and to further their foreign policy objectives. [15]

Q7. Critically examine the view that National Interest is the sole and permanent guide of a state's Foreign Policy, with suitable illustrations. [15]

Q8. Discuss the basic principles and objectives of the Non-aligned Movement, and examine the role played by India in its establishment and growth. [15]

Q9. Critically examine the relevance and achievements of the Non-aligned Movement in the post-Cold War international order. [15]

Q10. Examine the relationship between the end of the Cold War, the process of Decolonization and the emergence of the Third World, bringing out how these developments together transformed the character of post-war international politics. [15]

P10Z – Social Movements in India (Elective)

Social Movements in India (Paper-IIc, P10Z) covers the Development Process since Independence — State and Planning, Liberalization and Reforms (Unit I); Industrial Development Strategy and its Impact on the Social Structure — Mixed Economy, Privatization, and Impact on Organized and Unorganized Labor (Unit II); Agrarian Development Strategy and its Impact on the Social Structure — Land Reforms, Green Revolution, and Agrarian Crisis since the 1990s (Unit III); and Social Movements — Tribal, Peasant, Dalit and Women's Movements, and Civil Rights Movements (Unit IV). Time: 3 Hours, Maximum Marks: 75. Answer any five of the ten questions given below; all questions carry equal marks (15 each).

Set A

Q1. Discuss the role of the Indian state in shaping the development process since Independence, with special reference to the philosophy and institutional framework of centralized planning through the Planning Commission. [15]

Q2. Examine the objectives and achievements of the Nehruvian model of planned development, and assess the extent to which it succeeded in laying the foundations of a self-reliant Indian economy. [15]

Q3. Discuss the concept and rationale of the mixed economy model adopted by India after Independence, and examine the respective roles assigned to the public and private sectors under this model. [15]

Q4. Examine the Industrial Policy Resolutions of 1948 and 1956, and discuss how they shaped the framework of industrial development and the mixed economy in India. [15]

Q5. Critically evaluate the performance of the public sector in India's industrial development, and discuss the reasons that led to demands for its reform and privatization. [15]

Q6. Discuss the objectives and main components of land reforms undertaken in India after Independence, and examine the extent to which they succeeded in transforming the agrarian social structure. [15]

Q7. Critically evaluate the implementation of the abolition of zamindari and intermediary tenures in India, and discuss the social and political obstacles that limited its effectiveness. [15]

Q8. Discuss the meaning, characteristics and significance of social movements in India, and examine the theoretical perspectives used to analyze their origin and dynamics. [15]

Q9. Examine the nature and causes of tribal movements in India, with reference to issues of land alienation, displacement and the assertion of tribal identity. [15]

Q10. Discuss the Jharkhand movement as an example of a tribal movement in India, and examine its demands, trajectory and eventual outcome in the formation of a separate state. [15]

Set B

Q1. Critically evaluate the strategy of import-substituting industrialization pursued by the Indian state during the planning era, and discuss the structural constraints it sought to overcome. [15]

Q2. Analyze the political and economic circumstances that led to the balance of payments crisis of 1991, and discuss how this crisis paved the way for the New Economic Policy. [15]

Q3. Discuss the meaning, forms and rationale of privatization as pursued in India since the economic reforms of 1991, and examine its impact on the structure of Indian industry. [15]

Q4. Examine the impact of industrial development strategy on the social structure of India, with particular reference to the emergence of new social classes such as industrial capitalists and the working class. [15]

Q5. Discuss the impact of privatization and disinvestment policies on organized labor in India, with reference to job security, trade union bargaining power and working conditions. [15]

Q6. Examine the provisions and outcomes of tenancy reforms and land ceiling legislation in India, and discuss why these measures largely failed to achieve the goal of equitable land redistribution. [15]

Q7. Discuss the meaning, technological components and regional spread of the Green Revolution in India, and examine its impact on agricultural productivity and food security. [15]

Q8. Critically assess the Chipko movement as an environmental and tribal movement in India, and discuss its significance for the wider ecological movement. [15]

Q9. Examine the historical evolution of peasant movements in India from the colonial period to the post-Independence era, with reference to the Telangana and Naxalbari movements. [15]

Q10. Discuss the nature and demands of contemporary farmers' movements in India, with particular reference to the movement against the farm laws, and examine their significance for agrarian politics. [15]

Set C

Q1. Discuss the meaning and main components of Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization as adopted by India since 1991, and examine their impact on the role of the state in economic planning. [15]

Q2. Examine the shift from the Planning Commission to the NITI Aayog, and discuss how this institutional change reflects a broader transformation in the philosophy of development planning in India. [15]

Q3. Examine the condition of the unorganized labor sector in India's industrial economy, and discuss the challenges it faces in terms of wages, social security and legal protection. [15]

Q4. Critically assess the impact of economic liberalization and industrial restructuring on the trade union movement in India since the 1990s. [15]

Q5. Discuss the phenomenon of informalization of the workforce in India's industrial sector, and examine its social and economic consequences for organized and unorganized labor alike. [15]

Q6. Critically assess the social and economic consequences of the Green Revolution on the rural class structure, with particular reference to the differentiation among rich, middle and poor peasants. [15]

Q7. Examine the regional disparities generated by the Green Revolution in India, and discuss why some regions and social groups benefited disproportionately from this agricultural transformation. [15]

Q8. Examine the origin, ideology and impact of the Dalit movement in India, with special reference to the contribution of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar to Dalit consciousness and mobilization. [15]

Q9. Discuss the Bahujan Samaj movement in India and examine its role in the political mobilization of Dalits and other marginalized social groups. [15]

Q10. Examine the phases of the women's movement in India since Independence, and discuss the major issues it has raised, such as dowry, domestic violence and political representation. [15]

Set D

Q1. Critically assess the debate between state-led development and market-led development in the Indian context, drawing upon the experience of the pre-reform and post-reform periods. [15]

Q2. Discuss the concept of the 'developmental state' and examine how far the Indian state, since Independence, has conformed to this model in its approach to economic development. [15]

Q3. Examine the social and regional consequences of economic liberalization in India, with particular reference to widening inequality between different states and social groups. [15]

Q4. Examine the role of labor laws and labor reforms in shaping the relationship between capital and labor in India's industrial development, with reference to recent labor codes. [15]

Q5. Discuss the impact of globalization and privatization on industrial relations in India, with special reference to contractualization and casualization of the workforce. [15]

Q6. Discuss the nature and causes of the agrarian crisis in India since the 1990s, with reference to declining profitability of farming, rising input costs and shrinking landholdings. [15]

Q7. Examine the phenomenon of farmer suicides in India since the 1990s, and discuss the structural and policy factors, including indebtedness and market liberalization, that have contributed to this crisis. [15]

Q8. Critically evaluate the impact of trade liberalization and withdrawal of state support on Indian agriculture and the livelihood of farmers since the 1990s. [15]

Q9. Critically assess the contribution of the women's movement in India to legal and policy reforms concerning gender justice, property rights and workplace equality. [15]

Q10. Discuss the nature, objectives and achievements of the civil rights movement in India, with reference to the Peoples' Union for Civil Liberties and other human rights organizations. [15]

Set E

Q1. Discuss the major criticisms levelled against the process of economic reforms in India since 1991, and evaluate the extent to which liberalization has succeeded in achieving inclusive development. [15]

Q2. Trace the evolution of India's five-year plans from the First Plan to the period of economic reforms, and discuss the changing priorities of the Indian state with respect to planning and development. [15]

Q3. Examine the relationship between political democracy and centralized economic planning in India, and discuss the tensions this relationship has generated since Independence. [15]

Q4. Examine how the industrial development strategy pursued since Independence has affected regional and caste-based disparities within India's social structure. [15]

Q5. Discuss the relationship between land reforms, the Green Revolution and changes in the pattern of rural social stratification in post-Independence India. [15]

Q6. Examine the impact of the agrarian crisis on the position of small and marginal farmers and agricultural laborers in India, and discuss the policy responses adopted by the state to address this crisis. [15]

Q7. Discuss the concept of agrarian distress in contemporary India and examine the linkages between agricultural policy, market forces and the social structure of the Indian countryside. [15]

Q8. Examine the relationship between social movements and democracy in India, and discuss the role played by tribal, peasant, Dalit and women's movements in deepening democratic participation. [15]

Q9. Compare and contrast the ideology and strategies of the Dalit movement and the women's movement in India, and discuss how each has contributed to the broader struggle for social justice. [15]

Q10. Discuss the changing nature of civil rights movements in India in the context of state repression, and examine their role in safeguarding constitutional freedoms. [15]