pyq/2025/history-optional-ii/1

Critically examine the following statements in about 150 words each: 10×5=50

(a) "The Sikh monarchy was Napoleonic in the suddenness of its rise, the brilliancy of its success and the completeness of its overthrow."

(b) "The seeds of domestic dissensions were thickly and deeply sown in the Maratha system under the Peshwas."

(c) "Bhagat Singh and his comrades significantly expanded the meaning and scope of revolution, redefining it beyond mere political upheaval to include social and ideological transformation."

(d) "The significant feature of the Indian Councils Act of 1892 was the principle of election which it introduced, though the word 'election' was very carefully avoided in it."

(e) "The colonial rule opened the Indian markets for British-manufactured goods and led to 'deindustrialization' or destruction of indigenous handicraft industries."