EHI-04 IGNOU Solved Assignment 2026-27

Course Scope & Syllabus Overview for EHI-04: India From 6th to Mid 18th Century

EHI-04 is a core component of the Bachelor’s Degree in Arts (B.A.) curriculum under the School of Social Sciences, designed to explore India’s socio-political and cultural evolution from the Gupta Empire to the mid-18th century. This course integrates archaeological evidence, textual records, and historical analysis to examine pivotal transitions—such as the rise of regional kingdoms, the consolidation of the Mughal Empire, and the emergence of new economic and social structures. Students develop critical skills in interpreting primary sources, evaluating historiographical debates, and contextualizing India’s dynamic interactions with global trade networks, religious pluralism, and administrative innovations. The syllabus emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, blending political history with economic and cultural studies, while adhering to IGNOU’s CBCS framework. It prepares students for rigorous academic writing, particularly for Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs), which require precise engagement with historical methodologies and evidence-based arguments.

Key Syllabus Units & Topics

• Block-1: India in the 16th Century: Analyzes the political fragmentation post-Mughal ascendancy, focusing on the Deccan Sultanates, Vijayanagara Empire, and the emergence of Maratha confederacies, alongside the socio-economic impact of agrarian systems and trade routes.
• Block-2: Mughal Empire: Polity: Examines the administrative structures of Akbar’s Din-i Ilahi, Jahangir’s courtly patronage, and Aurangzeb’s expansionist policies, including the role of mansabdari and zabti systems in governance.
• Block-3: Regional Powers and the Mughals: Investigates the power dynamics between the Mughals and regional dynasties (e.g., the Marathas under Shivaji, the Sikhs under Guru Gobind Singh, and the Rajputs), highlighting military strategies and diplomatic alliances.
• Block-5: State and Economy: Explores Mughal fiscal policies, land revenue systems (zabti vs. rahiyari), and the economic impact of trade with Europe, Persia, and China, including the role of dastaks and sahukars.
• Block-9: India at the Mid 18th Century: Assesses the decline of Mughal authority, the rise of Maratha dominance under the Peshwas, and the geopolitical shifts leading to European colonial interventions, with case studies on the Carnatic Wars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How are TMA marks allocated, and what is the word count requirement for EHI-04?
A: TMAs carry 30% of the total marks, with strict adherence to word limits: 500–600 words for Section A and 250–300 words for Section B. Solutions must cite primary sources (e.g., Ain-i Akbari, Akbarnama) and secondary texts (e.g., Irfan Habib, Satish Chandra).

Q: What is the passing criterion for EHI-04, and how does the examination pattern differ from assignments?
A: The course requires a minimum of 40% aggregate marks, with TMAs (30%) and term-end exams (70%) weighted equally. The exam includes objective and descriptive questions; assignments focus on analytical essays (e.g., "Evaluate the impact of Aurangzeb’s policies on regional powers"), while exams test factual recall and critical analysis.