MHI-105 IGNOU Guess Paper 2026-27

Course Scope & Syllabus Overview for MHI-105: History of Indian Economy-1

The MHI-105 syllabus under IGNOU’s MAHI (History and Archaeological Studies) curriculum traces the economic evolution of India from pre-historic agrarian societies to the pre-colonial economic structures by c.1700. This course integrates archaeological evidence, textual records, and economic theories to analyze trade networks, agrarian systems, and fiscal policies during the Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic period, Mauryan Empire, and medieval kingdoms. Students explore primary sources like Arthashastra, Manusmriti, and regional inscriptions to understand taxation, coinage, and economic governance, bridging historical narratives with contemporary economic methodologies.

Key Syllabus Units & Topics

• Unit 1: Pre-Historic and Proto-Historic Economic Systems: Examines subsistence economies of the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods, with a focus on the Indus Valley Civilization’s urban trade networks and craft specialization.
• Unit 2: Economic Life in the Vedic Period (c.1500–500 BCE):strong> Covers agrarian practices, cattle-based economy, Griha and Grihastha dharma, and early monetary systems documented in Vedic texts.
• Unit 3: Economic Policies of the Mauryan and Gupta Empires: Analyzes state-led economic reforms under Ashoka and Chandragupta II, including land revenue systems, trade with Rome, and the role of guilds (Srenis).
• Unit 4: Regional Economic Diversities in Medieval India (c.600–1300 CE): Highlights the Chola dynastic economy, temple-endowments (brahmadeya), and the rise of merchant communities like the Chettiars.
• Unit 5: Fiscal and Monetary Systems Leading to c.1700: Studies the Deccan Sultanates’ revenue administration, the Zabti system, and the economic impact of the Mughal Zamindari framework.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the marking scheme for the IGNOU MHI-105 Term-End Examination, and how are internal assignments weighted?
A: The TEE carries 100 marks, with assignments accounting for 30% of the total evaluation (10 marks each for three assignments). The exam is divided into two sections: 50 marks for short-answer questions (20 marks) and essay-type questions (30 marks), and 50 marks for a case-study or map-based question.

Q: Are there repeated questions in past TEE papers for MHI-105, and how can students prioritize revision?
A: Yes, approximately 30–40% of questions in recent cycles (June/December) repeat annually, particularly from Units 2 and 3. Focus on high-weightage topics like the Arthashastra economic policies, Mauryan revenue systems, and Chola temple economies, while cross-referencing solved papers for recurring themes.