pyq/2018/history-optional-i/2

(a) How did the early Indian historical tradition, as reflected in Itihasa-Purana, emerge? What are the distinctive features of this genre? (20 marks)

(b) "Archaeological evidence does not give direct access to the possible social and political dimensions of the decline of the Harappan civilization. What it does indicate very clearly is that the Harappan culture underwent a gradual process of de-urbanization"? Comment. (15 marks)

(c) Give an account of gana-sanghas (non-monarchical state systems)? Why did they decline? (15 marks)