BHIC-103 IGNOU Guess Paper 2026-27

BHIC-103 Guess Paper History of India –II (TEE Focus)

This structured guess paper mirrors the 3-hour TEE exam format, emphasizing chapter-wise question weightage and time-management tips based on IGNOU’s official BHIC-103 syllabus. Solutions align with solved previous year papers (2018–2023) and prioritize high-yield topics for BAHIH (Honours) students.

Key Syllabus Blocks & Scoring Focus

• Block-1: India (200 BCE–300 CE)
  • Mauryan Empire: Analyze Ashokan inscriptions (e.g., Kalinga Edict) and Mauryan administrative structures (Provincial Governors, Spies). FAQ: How do Ashokan inscriptions differ from later Buddhist texts in historical significance?
  • Post-Mauryan States: Compare the political fragmentation under the Shungas and Kanvas, with emphasis on their economic policies.
• Block-2: Guptas & Post-Gupta
  • Gupta Political Economy: Focus on land revenue systems (Visheshya, Bhaga) and trade networks (Silk Route, maritime trade). FAQ: Why did the Gupta Empire decline despite centralized governance?
  • Post-Gupta Kingdoms: Contrast the Chalukyas, Pallavas, and Rashtrakutas’ architectural and military innovations.
• Block-3: Transition to Early Medieval
  • Regional Kingdoms: Examine the rise of the Chalukyas (Vakataka influence) and the role of temples in political legitimacy.
  • Societal Changes: Discuss caste dynamics under the Chalukyas and the impact of Brahmanical revival.
• Block-4: Cultural Developments
  • Literature & Art: Compare Kalidasa’s works with Buddhist monastic architecture (e.g., Sanchi, Bharhut). FAQ: How did Gupta-era Sanskrit literature reflect political centralization?
  • Religious Synthesis: Analyze the syncretic trends in Jainism and Buddhism post-Gupta era.

Exam Strategy & Time Management

3-Hour Breakdown:

• First 45 mins: Skim all 50 questions (20 MCQs + 30 short/long answers).
• Next 90 mins: Answer 10 MCQs (2 marks each) and 3 short-answer questions (10 marks each) (prioritize Blocks 1 & 2).
• Final 90 mins: Attempt 2 long-answer questions (20 marks each) (focus on Gupta administration or early medieval regional kingdoms).

Sample High-Scoring Topics (Previous Year Trends)

• Compare and contrast: Mauryan and Gupta land revenue systems.
• Evaluate the role of trade in the economic prosperity of the Guptas.
• Discuss the contributions of Harsha Vardhana to cultural synthesis.
• Analyze the political fragmentation post-Gupta and its impact on regional kingdoms.
• Explain the significance of the Chandragupta II’s reign in consolidating Gupta authority.