March 2025

Critically examine the methods of land revenue assessment under the Mughals.

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Introduction The Mughal Empire (1526–1707) developed one of the most elaborate and systematic land revenue systems in pre-modern India. The assessment and collection of land revenue formed the backbone of the imperial economy and administration. Under rulers like Akbar, revenue methods were institutionalized, standardized, and rationalized to ensure a steady inflow of income. This post […]

Critically examine the methods of land revenue assessment under the Mughals. Read More »

Analyse briefly the irrigation techniques used during the early medieval and medieval period in India.

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Introduction Irrigation played a crucial role in shaping the agrarian economy of India during the early medieval (c. 600–1200 CE) and medieval (c. 1200–1700 CE) periods. As agriculture remained the primary source of livelihood and revenue, efficient water management was essential for supporting both subsistence and surplus production. The irrigation techniques used during these periods

Analyse briefly the irrigation techniques used during the early medieval and medieval period in India. Read More »

Enumerate the importance of the silk route during c.600 BCE to 300 CE.

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Introduction The Silk Route, spanning from East Asia to the Mediterranean, played a crucial role in facilitating trade, cultural exchange, and diplomatic relations from around 600 BCE to 300 CE. India occupied a central position on this network, serving as a key hub in the overland and maritime segments of the route. The Silk Route

Enumerate the importance of the silk route during c.600 BCE to 300 CE. Read More »

Examine the economy of the Satavahana and the Gupta empires on the basis of the study of coins.

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Introduction Coins are a vital source of information for reconstructing the economic history of ancient Indian empires. The Satavahana (1st century BCE – 3rd century CE) and Gupta (4th–6th century CE) empires, in particular, have left behind a rich numismatic legacy that offers insights into their trade, monetization, metallurgy, state control, and cultural affiliations. Through

Examine the economy of the Satavahana and the Gupta empires on the basis of the study of coins. Read More »

To what extent geographical regions determined the agricultural map of India.

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Introduction Geographical regions have played a critical role in shaping the agricultural map of India since ancient times. India’s vast and varied topography, diverse climatic zones, soil types, and water availability have led to the development of region-specific agricultural systems. From the fertile Indo-Gangetic plains to the arid Deccan plateau, agriculture in India evolved in

To what extent geographical regions determined the agricultural map of India. Read More »

Account for the recent trends in the economic history writings of Ancient India.

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Introduction The economic history of Ancient India has undergone a significant transformation in recent decades. Earlier narratives were often shaped by colonial interpretations, orientalist biases, and a limited reliance on textual sources. However, recent trends show a multi-disciplinary approach that combines archaeology, environmental studies, anthropology, numismatics, and textual criticism. This has allowed historians to reconstruct

Account for the recent trends in the economic history writings of Ancient India. Read More »

Customary Rights of Forest-Dwellers

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Introduction Customary rights of forest-dwellers refer to the traditional rights and practices of indigenous and tribal communities over forest land and resources. These rights include grazing, collecting firewood, hunting, and gathering minor forest produce. Under British colonial rule, these customary rights came under serious threat due to the imposition of forest laws and commercialization of

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Critically examine recent arguments pertaining to drain of wealth.

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Introduction The concept of the “drain of wealth” from India to Britain during colonial rule has been a critical subject in the study of India’s economic history. Originally advanced by thinkers like Dadabhai Naoroji, R.C. Dutt, and later supported by nationalist economists, the theory highlighted how colonial policies led to the systematic transfer of Indian

Critically examine recent arguments pertaining to drain of wealth. Read More »

‘The eighteenth century was a century of universal decline.’ Comment.

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Introduction The eighteenth century in Indian history is often debated among historians as a time of widespread decline or a period of transformation. While traditional interpretations argue that the century was marked by decay and disruption across political, economic, and social spheres, recent studies challenge this narrative. In this post, we critically examine the idea

‘The eighteenth century was a century of universal decline.’ Comment. Read More »

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