MHI-04
POLITICAL STRUCTURES IN INDIA
MHI 04 Solved Free Assignment 2023
IGNOU MHI 04 Solved Free Assignment January 2023
Note: Attempt any five questions. The assignment is divided into two Sections ‘A’ and ‘B’. You have to attempt at least two questions from each section.
SECTION- A
Q 1. Write a note on early Tamil polity as described in Sangam literature.
Ans. The early Tamil polity is well-documented in the Sangam literature, a collection of poems composed by Tamil poets between the 3rd century BCE and 3rd century CE.
These poems provide valuable insights into the political structure, social organization, and cultural practices of ancient Tamil Nadu.
The Sangam period witnessed the emergence of powerful polities in the Tamil region. MHI 04 Solved Free Assignment 2023
The early Tamil polity was characterized by the existence of a number of small kingdoms or chieftaincies that were ruled by monarchs or chiefs.
These kingdoms were often engaged in wars with one another over territorial disputes, resources, and trade routes.
The Sangam literature describes the political structure of these kingdoms as being hierarchical, with the monarch or chief at the top of the social pyramid.
The king was assisted by a council of ministers, who advised him on matters of governance and administration. The council included officials such as the prime minister, treasurer, and chief secretary. MHI 04 Solved Free Assignment 2023
The Sangam literature also provides insights into the social organization of the early Tamil polity. Society was divided into various castes or social groups, such as the Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras.
The Brahmins were the priestly class, while the Kshatriyas were the warrior class. The Vaishyas were the merchants and traders, while the Shudras were the laboring class.
The Sangam literature also provides details about the economy of the early Tamil polity.
Agriculture was the primary occupation of the people, and the fertile river valleys and coastal plains of Tamil Nadu were ideal for cultivation.
The early Tamil polity was also engaged in maritime trade with other parts of the world, including Rome and China. The ports of Puhar and Kaveripattinam were important centers of trade and commerce.
The Sangam literature also provides insights into the cultural practices of the early Tamil polity. Tamil poetry, music, and dance were highly valued and were patronized by the kings and chiefs. MHI 04 Solved Free Assignment 2023
The poets of the Sangam period were considered to be the cultural ambassadors of their time, and their poems provide a vivid picture of the social and cultural life of the people.
Religion played an important role in the early Tamil polity, and the people were predominantly followers of Hinduism.
The worship of a number of deities, including Murugan, Shiva, and Vishnu, was prevalent. The Sangam literature also mentions the presence of Buddhist and Jain communities in Tamil Nadu.
The early Tamil polity was also known for its military prowess. The kings and chiefs maintained well-trained armies that were equipped with weapons such as swords, spears, and bows and arrows.
The soldiers were also trained in various forms of martial arts, including archery, swordsmanship, and wrestling. MHI 04 Solved Free Assignment 2023
The Sangam literature also provides insights into the diplomatic relations between the various kingdoms of the early Tamil polity.
Diplomatic marriages were a common practice, and the Sangam poems describe several instances of kings and chiefs marrying princesses from other kingdoms to forge alliances.
The early Tamil polity was not a centralized state, but rather a collection of small kingdoms that were loosely connected by trade, culture, and diplomacy.
The kings and chiefs of these kingdoms were autonomous rulers who exercised a great deal of power and authority in their own territories.
However, there were instances when some of the larger kingdoms attempted to expand their territories by conquering neighboring kingdoms.
One of the most notable features of the early Tamil polity was its emphasis on literature and education. MHI 04 Solved Free Assignment 2023
The Sangam literature, which is considered one of the finest collections of classical Tamil literature, was composed during this period.
The poets of the Sangam era were highly respected and were often patronized by the kings and chiefs.
The literature of the Sangam period provides a rich insight into the social, cultural, and political life of the people of ancient Tamil Nadu.
The early Tamil polity also saw the emergence of a number of great dynasties, including the Cholas, the Pandyas, and the Cheras.
These dynasties were known for their military prowess, cultural achievements, and administrative capabilities. The Cholas, in particular, were renowned for their naval power and their extensive maritime trade network.
The early Tamil polity was also characterized by a strong sense of regional identity.
The people of Tamil Nadu took great pride in their language, culture, and heritage, and this sense of identity played a key role in the development of the region’s political, social, and economic institutions.
Despite the existence of a number of independent kingdoms, there was also a sense of shared cultural and linguistic identity among the people of the Tamil region.
The Tamil language was a unifying factor that brought together people from different castes and regions. MHI 04 Solved Free Assignment 2023
This linguistic unity was further strengthened by the patronage of the kings and chiefs, who supported the development of Tamil literature, art, and culture.
The early Tamil polity was also known for its sophisticated administrative system. The kings and chiefs were assisted by a network of officials who were responsible for collecting taxes, maintaining law and order, and managing the affairs of the kingdom.
The administration was divided into various departments, each headed by a senior official.
The early Tamil polity was also characterized by a strong sense of justice and fair play.
The Sangam literature describes several instances where kings and chiefs punished wrongdoers and ensured that justice was done.
The system of justice was based on a set of laws and regulations that were enforced by the king and his officials. MHI 04 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Another notable feature of the early Tamil polity was the presence of a vibrant artistic and cultural tradition.
The people of Tamil Nadu were known for their love of music, dance, and literature, and this tradition continues to this day.
The classical dance form of Bharatanatyam, which originated in Tamil Nadu, is now recognized as a world heritage art form.
The early Tamil polity also played an important role in the spread of Buddhism and Jainism in South India.
The Sangam literature mentions the presence of Buddhist and Jain communities in Tamil Nadu, and several inscriptions and artifacts have been found that attest to the influence of these religions in the region.
The spread of Buddhism and Jainism also contributed to the development of a rich philosophical and intellectual tradition in Tamil Nadu.
Q 2. Analyse the various approaches to the study of early medieval polity.
Ans. The early medieval period in Europe is a time of great political and social change. MHI 04 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Historians and scholars have taken various approaches to studying the political systems and institutions of this period, with some emphasizing the continuity of earlier traditions, and others highlighting the transformative nature of these changes.
One approach to studying early medieval polity is to view it as a continuation of Roman administrative structures.
This perspective, known as the “Roman continuity” approach, argues that the fall of the Roman Empire in the West did not lead to a complete collapse of its administrative systems.
Rather, these systems were transformed and adapted to the new realities of the post-Roman world. MHI 04 Solved Free Assignment 2023
This approach emphasizes the persistence of Roman institutions such as the bureaucracy, law codes, and imperial titles, in the early medieval period.
Another approach is to see the early medieval period as a time of innovation and transformation.
This perspective, known as the “breakdown and innovation” approach, argues that the collapse of the Roman Empire led to a complete overhaul of political and social institutions.
This approach emphasizes the emergence of new institutions, such as feudalism and the manorial system, and the growth of regional and local power structures.
A third approach is to view early medieval polity as a product of the interactions between various ethnic and cultural groups.
This perspective, known as the “ethnogenesis” approach, emphasizes the role of migration, conquest, and cultural exchange in shaping early medieval political systems. MHI 04 Solved Free Assignment 2023
This approach highlights the influence of Germanic, Celtic, and other non-Roman peoples on the political structures of the early medieval period.
A fourth approach is to see early medieval polity as a complex interplay between centralizing and decentralizing forces.
This perspective, known as the “power and ideology” approach, emphasizes the tension between centralizing institutions such as the church and monarchy, and decentralized institutions such as the aristocracy and local power structures.
This approach highlights the role of ideology, symbolism, and ritual in mediating this tension. MHI 04 Solved Free Assignment 2023
A fifth approach is to study early medieval polity through a comparative lens, by comparing it to other political systems in different regions and periods.
This perspective, known as the “global comparative” approach, emphasizes the connections between early medieval Europe and other regions of the world.
This approach highlights the similarities and differences between early medieval polity and other political systems, such as those in China, India, and the Islamic world.
A sixth approach is to study early medieval polity through a social history lens, by examining the ways in which political institutions interacted with broader social and economic changes. MHI 04 Solved Free Assignment 2023
This perspective, known as the “social history” approach, emphasizes the connections between political systems and the economic and social structures of early medieval Europe.
This approach highlights the role of demographic changes, technological innovation, and social mobility in shaping early medieval polity.
A seventh approach is to study early medieval polity through a gender and sexuality lens, by examining the ways in which gender and sexuality norms and practices intersected with political institutions.
This perspective, known as the “gender and sexuality” approach, emphasizes the connections between political institutions and gendered power relations.
This approach highlights the ways in which gender and sexuality norms and practices were constructed and enforced through political institutions, and how these norms and practices shaped the political landscape of early medieval Europe.
An eighth approach is to study early medieval polity through a religious studies lens, by examining the role of religion in shaping political institutions and power relations.
This perspective, known as the “religious studies” approach, emphasizes the connections between political and religious institutions, and the ways in which religious beliefs and practices were used to legitimize political power.
This approach highlights the role of the church in shaping political institutions, as well as the role of popular religious movements in challenging and transforming these institutions. MHI 04 Solved Free Assignment 2023
A ninth approach is to study early medieval polity through a comparative legal studies lens, by examining the legal systems and institutions of different regions and cultures in the early medieval period.
This perspective, known as the “comparative legal studies” approach, emphasizes the connections between legal systems and political institutions, and the ways in which legal norms and practices were used to legitimize political power.
This approach highlights the diversity and complexity of legal systems in early medieval Europe, as well as the connections between legal systems and broader social and cultural structures.
A tenth approach is to study early medieval polity through a spatial and environmental lens, by examining the ways in which political systems were shaped by geography, climate, and other environmental factors.
This perspective, known as the “spatial and environmental” approach, emphasizes the connections between political institutions and the physical and natural environment. MHI 04 Solved Free Assignment 2023
This approach highlights the ways in which geography and climate influenced the development of political systems, as well as the ways in which political institutions affected the environment.
An eleventh approach is to study early medieval polity through a network analysis lens, by examining the ways in which political power was distributed and maintained through networks of social, economic, and political relations.
This perspective, known as the “network analysis” approach, emphasizes the connections between different actors and institutions in the political landscape of early medieval Europe.
This approach highlights the importance of social and economic networks in shaping political power relations, as well as the ways in which political institutions were used to maintain and expand these networks.
A twelfth approach is to study early medieval polity through a digital humanities lens, by using computational methods and tools to analyze large datasets of historical sources. MHI 04 Solved Free Assignment 2023
This perspective, known as the “digital humanities” approach, emphasizes the use of digital technologies to explore new questions and perspectives in the study of early medieval polity.
This approach highlights the potential of digital methods to uncover new patterns and connections in historical data, as well as the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in the study of early medieval polity.
Q 3. Discuss various interpretations explaining the nature of the Mughal state.
Ans. The Mughal Empire was one of the most significant empires in Indian history, lasting from the 16th to the 19th century.
During its reign, the Mughal state was a complex entity with various interpretations explaining its nature. MHI 04 Solved Free Assignment 2023
One interpretation of the Mughal state is the “gunpowder empire” model. This model sees the Mughal state as a military state that was dependent on the use of firearms to maintain its power.
According to this model, the Mughal state’s strength lay in its ability to maintain a large and powerful army that could effectively use gunpowder technology to defeat its enemies.
This interpretation emphasizes the role of military technology and its impact on the Mughal state’s structure and functioning.
Another interpretation of the Mughal state is the “patrimonial” model. This model sees the Mughal state as a form of patrimonial monarchy, in which the emperor held all the power and authority in the state.
According to this model, the emperor was the absolute ruler of the state, and all other positions and offices were filled by his relatives and close associates.
This interpretation emphasizes the centralization of power and the importance of family ties and loyalty in the Mughal state.
A third interpretation of the Mughal state is the “composite” model. This model sees the Mughal state as a composite of various cultural, social, and political traditions.
According to this model, the Mughal state was a synthesis of Indian, Persian, and Central Asian cultural and political influences.
This interpretation emphasizes the diversity of the Mughal state’s population and the importance of cultural and social integration in the state’s functioning.
A fourth interpretation of the Mughal state is the “Islamic” model. This model sees the Mughal state as a form of Islamic state, in which Islamic law and tradition played a significant role in the state’s structure and functioning.
According to this model, the Mughal state’s legitimacy and authority were based on its adherence to Islamic principles and its role in promoting and protecting the interests of Muslims in the region. MHI 04 Solved Free Assignment 2023
This interpretation emphasizes the role of religion in shaping the Mughal state’s identity and political culture.
A fifth interpretation of the Mughal state is the “agrarian” model. This model sees the Mughal state as an agrarian society, in which agriculture was the primary economic activity and the basis of the state’s wealth and power.
According to this model, the Mughal state’s success was dependent on its ability to control and tax the agricultural production of the region.
This interpretation emphasizes the importance of land and agriculture in shaping the Mughal state’s economic and social structure.
A sixth interpretation of the Mughal state is the “rational-legal” model. This model sees the Mughal state as a form of rational-legal state, in which the emperor’s power was legitimized through a set of rules and laws.
According to this model, the Mughal state’s authority was based on its adherence to a system of laws and regulations that governed the state’s functioning.
This interpretation emphasizes the importance of legal institutions and procedures in shaping the Mughal state’s political culture and structure.
A seventh interpretation of the Mughal state is the “artificial” model. This model sees the Mughal state as an artificial construct, created and maintained by a small group of elites for their own benefit. MHI 04 Solved Free Assignment 2023
According to this model, the Mughal state’s legitimacy and authority were based on a complex system of patronage and nepotism, rather than on the needs and interests of the broader population.
Finally, an eighth interpretation of the Mughal state is the “decline and fall” model. This model sees the Mughal state as a declining and ultimately failed state, unable to adapt to the changing political, economic, and social circumstances of the 18th century.
According to this model, the Mughal state’s decline was caused by a combination of internal factors, such as corruption, incompetence, and factionalism, and external factors, such as the rise of British colonialism and the decline of trade routes.
Each of these interpretations offers a different perspective on the nature of the Mughal state, highlighting different aspects of its structure, culture, and history.
However, it is important to note that none of these models offers a complete or definitive understanding of the Mughal state, and that the reality of the Mughal state was likely more complex and multifaceted than any single interpretation can capture.
MHI 04 Assignment Question Pdf
SECTION- B
Q 6. Write a note on the Mauryan administration.
Ans. The Mauryan Empire was one of the most significant empires in Indian history, lasting from 322 BCE to 185 BCE. MHI 04 Solved Free Assignment 2023
At its height, the Mauryan Empire extended over almost the entire Indian subcontinent and parts of Central Asia.
The Mauryan administration was characterized by a complex system of governance, taxation, and law enforcement, reflecting the empire’s vast size and diverse population.
The Mauryan Empire was founded by Chandragupta Maurya, who established a centralized government based on a network of officials and bureaucrats.
The Mauryan administration was divided into several administrative units, each headed by a governor or viceroy.
The empire was further divided into provinces, which were governed by a civil administrator known as the pradeshika.
The Mauryan administration was supported by a complex system of taxation, which allowed the empire to raise significant revenue to support its military and administrative operations. MHI 04 Solved Free Assignment 2023
The main sources of revenue were land revenue, which was collected from the peasantry, and customs duties, which were levied on goods imported or exported from the empire.
Other sources of revenue included fines and penalties imposed on lawbreakers and donations and gifts from wealthy patrons.
The Mauryan administration was also characterized by a strong emphasis on law and order.
The Mauryan Empire was one of the first in the world to have a written legal code, known as the Arthashastra, which set out the rules and regulations governing the empire. MHI 04 Solved Free Assignment 2023
The legal code covered a wide range of topics, including taxation, trade, and criminal law. The administration also maintained a large and powerful police force, which was responsible for maintaining law and order in the empire.
The Mauryan administration was also characterized by a strong emphasis on public works and infrastructure development.
The empire built a network of roads and highways, which allowed for the efficient movement of people and goods across the empire.
The administration also built a series of water management systems, including canals, reservoirs, and irrigation systems, which helped to support the empire’s agriculture and economy. MHI 04 Solved Free Assignment 2023
The Mauryan administration was also known for its policy of religious tolerance. The empire was home to people of many different religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Zoroastrianism.
The Mauryan administration did not promote any particular religion and allowed people to practice their own faiths freely. This policy of religious tolerance helped to foster a sense of unity and diversity within the empire.
One of the key features of the Mauryan administration was its centralized nature. The empire was governed by a complex system of officials and bureaucrats, who were responsible for the administration of the empire.
The central government was responsible for the collection of taxes, the maintenance of law and order, and the provision of public services, such as roads, water management systems, and healthcare.
Another important aspect of the Mauryan administration was its taxation system. The empire relied heavily on land revenue, which was collected from the peasantry.
The administration also levied customs duties on goods imported and exported from the empire. MHI 04 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Other sources of revenue included fines and penalties imposed on lawbreakers and donations and gifts from wealthy patrons.
The revenue collected by the administration was used to support the military, the bureaucracy, and public works projects.
The Mauryan administration was also known for its policy of law and order. The Arthashastra, a written legal code, governed the empire and set out the rules and regulations governing taxation, trade, and criminal law.
The administration maintained a large and powerful police force, which was responsible for maintaining law and order in the empire.
The police force was organized into a hierarchical structure, with officers responsible for different areas and levels of law enforcement.
Public works and infrastructure development were also a key focus of the Mauryan administration. MHI 04 Solved Free Assignment 2023
The empire built a network of roads and highways, which allowed for the efficient movement of people and goods across the empire.
The administration also built a series of water management systems, including canals, reservoirs, and irrigation systems, which helped to support the empire’s agriculture and economy.
Healthcare was also a priority, and the administration built hospitals and dispensaries to provide medical care to the people.
Religious tolerance was another important aspect of the Mauryan administration. The empire was home to people of many different religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Zoroastrianism.
The Mauryan administration did not promote any particular religion and allowed people to practice their own faiths freely. This policy of religious tolerance helped to foster a sense of unity and diversity within the empire.
In conclusion, the Mauryan administration was a complex and multifaceted system of governance, taxation, law enforcement, public works, and religious tolerance.
The centralized nature of the administration allowed for efficient governance of a vast and diverse empire, while the taxation system provided the revenue needed to support the military, bureaucracy, and public works projects.
The administration’s focus on law and order, public works, and religious tolerance helped to create a sense of unity and diversity within the empire and laid the foundation for future empires in the Indian subcontinent.
Q 10. Write short notes in about 250 words each on the following:
(a) Land revenue settlements under the British rule
Ans. The British colonial rule in India had a profound impact on the land revenue systems that were in place at the time. MHI 04 Solved Free Assignment 2023
The British introduced new systems of land revenue settlements that replaced the existing ones in different regions of India.
These systems were aimed at generating maximum revenue for the British government and creating a stable source of income for the colonial rulers.
One of the earliest land revenue settlements introduced by the British was the Permanent Settlement of Bengal.
This was introduced in 1793 by Lord Cornwallis, the Governor-General of India. The Permanent Settlement was designed to create a fixed revenue source for the British by fixing the land revenue of Bengal at a fixed rate for all time.
The land was classified into three categories, and the revenue was fixed based on the type of land. MHI 04 Solved Free Assignment 2023
The zamindars, who were the intermediaries between the government and the cultivators, were given the right to collect the revenue from the cultivators and pay it to the government.
The Permanent Settlement was extended to other regions of India, including Bihar, Orissa, and Varanasi.
However, the system was not successful in all regions, and it led to a decline in agriculture and an increase in the power of the zamindars.
In response to the failures of the Permanent Settlement, the British introduced other systems of land revenue settlements, including the Ryotwari system and the Mahalwari system.
The Ryotwari system was introduced in Madras and Bombay Presidencies in the early 19th century. MHI 04 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Under this system, the government dealt directly with the cultivators and fixed the land revenue based on the type of land and the quality of the crop. The cultivators were required to pay the revenue directly to the government.
The Mahalwari system was introduced in the North-Western Provinces and Punjab in the mid-19th century.
This system was based on the concept of joint responsibility, where the revenue was fixed for a group of villages or mahals, and the villagers were jointly responsible for paying the revenue.
This system was successful in Punjab, where the cultivators were relatively prosperous.
The British also introduced the Survey and Settlement Operations, which aimed to create accurate maps of the land and fix the land revenue based on the productivity of the land.
The first Survey and Settlement Operations were conducted in Bengal in the 1760s, and similar operations were carried out in other regions of India over the next few decades. MHI 04 Solved Free Assignment 2023
While the British land revenue settlements aimed to create a stable revenue source for the government, they had a profound impact on the Indian economy and society.
The new systems of land revenue settlements led to a decline in agriculture in some regions, as the zamindars and other intermediaries exploited the cultivators.
The British land revenue settlements also led to a decline in the power and status of the traditional village elites, who were replaced by the new intermediaries created by the British.
In conclusion, the land revenue settlements introduced by the British had a significant impact on the Indian economy and society.
While the systems aimed to create a stable revenue source for the British government, they led to a decline in agriculture and the exploitation of cultivators.
The British land revenue settlements also replaced the traditional village elites with new intermediaries and had a profound impact on the power and status of the rural population. MHI 04 Solved Free Assignment 2023
(b) Anglo-Oriental controversy and Educational Despatch of 1854.
Ans b) The Anglo-Oriental controversy refers to the debate and conflict that arose in the mid-19th century between the British colonial authorities and Indian intellectuals over the nature and scope of education in India.
The controversy culminated in the Educational Despatch of 1854, which laid out a framework for education in India that reflected the colonial authorities’ vision of education.
The controversy arose out of a tension between the British colonial authorities’ desire to create a class of loyal, educated Indians who could assist in the administration of the British Empire and the Indian intellectuals’ desire for an education that would help them understand and address the social, economic, and cultural challenges facing India. MHI 04 Solved Free Assignment 2023
The British colonial authorities believed that education in India should be geared towards producing a class of Indian administrators and professionals who could assist in the administration of the British Empire.
They saw education as a means of creating a loyal, docile, and obedient Indian population that would be amenable to British rule.
Indian intellectuals, on the other hand, argued that education should be geared towards addressing the social, economic, and cultural challenges facing India.
They saw education as a means of promoting social and economic progress in India and creating a sense of national identity and consciousness.
The controversy came to a head in the 1830s and 1840s when the British colonial authorities introduced a series of educational reforms that aimed to create a class of loyal, educated Indians. MHI 04 Solved Free Assignment 2023
These reforms included the establishment of English-medium schools and colleges and the introduction of Western science and philosophy.
The Indian intellectuals resisted these reforms, arguing that they were irrelevant to the needs of Indian society and culture.
They called for an education that would promote Indian culture and traditions and help address the social and economic challenges facing India.
The controversy came to a head in the mid-19th century with the publication of a series of articles by the Indian journalist, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, who called for an education that would promote Indian culture and traditions.
The British colonial authorities responded with a series of measures aimed at controlling and regulating education in India.
In 1854, the British government published the Educational Despatch, which laid out a framework for education in India that reflected the colonial authorities’ vision of education. MHI 04 Solved Free Assignment 2023
The Despatch called for the establishment of a system of education that would promote English education and Western science and philosophy, while also incorporating Indian languages and literature.
The Despatch established a system of grants-in-aid to support the establishment of English-medium schools and colleges and the development of a system of education that would promote the study of English and Western knowledge.
It also established a system of inspections and regulations to ensure that the education system met the needs of the colonial authorities.
The Despatch was a significant victory for the British colonial authorities in the Anglo-Oriental controversy. MHI 04 Solved Free Assignment 2023
It established a framework for education in India that reflected the colonial authorities’ vision of education and helped to create a class of loyal, educated Indians who could assist in the administration of the British Empire.
However, the Despatch also had significant limitations. It failed to address the social and economic challenges facing India and did not promote Indian culture and traditions.
It also excluded the vast majority of Indians from the education system, as it was only accessible to a small elite. MHI 04 Solved Free Assignment 2023