MHI-104 IGNOU Guess Paper 2026-27

MHI-104 Guess Paper (Term-End Exam TEE) Scoring Strategy & Syllabus Focus

The following structure aligns with IGNOU’s verified curriculum for MAHI (History) and prioritizes topics frequently tested in June/December TEE sessions. Expected question distribution: 20% short answers (20 marks), 30% medium answers (30 marks), 50% long descriptive (50 marks).

Key Syllabus Blocks & High-Weightage Topics

• -2: (7–13 . .)
  • Chalukya, Rashtrakuta, and Chola dynasties administrative divisions (, ) and revenue systems (, ).
  • Comparative analysis of Rajaraja I’s Chola empire vs. Prithviraj Chauhan’s Rajput kingdoms (centralization vs. feudalism).
  • Solved TEE questions: ‘Explain the role of Brahmins in Chalukya administration.’ (Dec 2022, 10 marks).
• -3: (1300–1800 . .)
  • Delhi Sultanate’s iqtāʿ system vs. Vijayanagara’s mandalams contrast in decentralization.
  • Akbar’s mansabdari reforms: ranks (zati, sawar), revenue allocation, and military structure (focus on Akbarnama references).
  • Mughal provinces (subahs): case study of Bengal under Mughals (1600–1700) land revenue (zabti vs. iqta) and zamindari system.
• -6: -I
  • Mughal administrative hierarchy: diwan, qazi, wazarat functions and overlap with religious courts.
  • Maratha confederacy: peshwa’s role, sardeshmukhi (land revenue), and sena (military) system (June 2021, 15 marks).
  • Solved pattern: ‘Analyze how the Mughal diwan system differed from the Maratha revenue administration.’
• -5:
  • East India Company’s early settlements (Surat, Masulipatam) trade monopolies vs. territorial expansion (17th century).
  • Regulating Act (1773) and Pitt’s India Act (1784) shift from trade to governance (key clauses).
  • FAQ: ‘Why were the Nawabs of Bengal (e.g., Siraj-ud-Daulah) more resistant to British expansion than Rajput kings?’

    Answer: Nawabs controlled revenue systems (zamindari) and had standing armies; Rajputs lacked centralized revenue infrastructure post-Mughal decline.

• -8:
  • Doctrine of Lapse (1848) and annexations (Satara, Jaitpur) legal vs. moral justifications (Lord Dalhousie’s policies).
  • Indian Councils Act (1861) and 1892 amendments gradual legislative evolution pre-1919.
  • FAQ: ‘How did the British use the “divide and rule” policy in Punjab post-1849?’

    Answer: Exploited Sikh-Muslim tensions (e.g., post-Ranjit Singh era) and favored Punjabi landlords (jagirdars) over rural peasants.

Exam Time Management (3-Hour Strategy)

• First 30 mins: Skim all questions; prioritize -2/3 (medieval kingdoms) for medium/long answers (higher marks).
• Next 60 mins: Answer 2 short questions (20 marks) from -6/8 (administrative reforms/colonialism) using bullet points.
• Last 90 mins: Focus on 1 long answer (50 marks) from -3 (Mughal/Maratha) with diagrams (e.g., mansabdari table) if allowed.
• Avoid: Over-explaining -1 (early state formations) unless specified; focus on -5/8 for colonial context.

Sample Solved Question (June 2023, 15 marks)

Question: ‘Discuss the administrative innovations introduced by Raja Raja Chola I to consolidate his empire.’ Answer Outline:

1. Centralized Revenue System: Standardized tirunāḷ (land survey) and kāṇikku (tax registers) to replace decentralized nāḷvar system.
2. Military Reforms: Expansion of chola sena with specialized units (e.g., vīra sena for cavalry) and naval dominance (e.g., Sri Lanka campaign).
3. Infrastructure: Construction of tankas (reservoirs) and kāḷs (canals) to ensure agricultural surplus for troops.
4. Cultural Integration: Use of brahmadeya lands to fund temples (e.g., Brihadeeswarar), legitimizing rule via Hindu patronage.