Indian Political Thought: PSIR Optional PYQs (Topic-wise)

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Indian Political Thought: Dharmashastra, Arthashastra and Buddhist traditions; Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, Sri Aurobindo, M.K. Gandhi, B.R. Ambedkar, M.N. Roy

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Manu

YearQuestionAnswer
2004Comment: Four Purusharthas in Indian tradition.View answer
2003Comment: The main political ideas contained in the Manusmriti.View answer

Kautilya, Dharmashastra, Arthashastra and Buddhist Traditions

YearQuestionAnswer
2026Analyze Kautilya's Saptanga theory. How do you explain its significance in present-day politics? (15 marks)View answer
2024Dharmashastra presents a duty-centric worldview for individuals and communities. Comment.View answer
2023Buddhist thought on Dhamma facilitates the emancipation of political action. Explain.View answer
2021Do you think that the Buddhist traditions have lent greater ethical, foundation to the ancient Indian political thought? Give your arguments.View answer
2020Explain the sources of ancient Indian political thought.View answer
2019Discuss Kautilya views on the elements of the State.View answer
2017What do you understand by the notion of Statecraft? Discuss the theory of statecraft as given by Kautilya.View answer
2015Compare and contrast the views of Kautilya and Machiavelli on Statecraft.View answer
2014Evaluate the contributions of Buddhist tradition to Indian political thought.View answer
2013Examine the significance of Dharma in ancient Indian political thought.View answer
2013Analyse, as per Kautilya, the Saptanga theory of the state.View answer
2012Write a note on the Buddhist tradition in Indian political thought.View answer
2010Compare and contrast Dharmasastra and Arthasastra with reference to State power.View answer
2009Compare and contrast Kautilya and Machiavelli on statecraft.View answer
2007Comment: "In the happiness of his subjects lies the king's happiness; in their welfare his welfare." (Kautilya)View answer
2007Critically examine the 'Sapta Prakriti', of state as envisaged by Kautilya.View answer
2005Comment: "Of those (officers) the ways of embezzlement are forty." (Kautilya)View answer
2003Comment: Mandal theory.View answer
1994Comment: "Rulership can be successfully carried out (only) with the help of associates: one wheel alone does not turn." (Kautilya)View answer
1993Comment: "Material well-being alone is supreme. For, spiritual good and sensual pleasures depends upon material well-being." (Kautilya)View answer

Sri Aurobindo

YearQuestionAnswer
2023Sri Aurobindo’s idea of Swaraj has deep significance in the Indian social, cultural and political history. Analyze.View answer
2017According to Sri Aurobindo, Swaraj is a necessary condition for India to accomplish its destined goal. Comment.View answer
2016Discuss Shri Aurobindo's views on Culture Nationalism.View answer
2014Comment in 150 words: "Nationalism is not a mere political programme but, a way of life like religion." (Aurobindo Ghose)View answer
2013Comment in 150 words: Sri Aurobindo's "idea of freedom"View answer
1991Comment: Spiritual nationalism of Aurobindo Ghosh.View answer

M. N. Roy

YearQuestionAnswer
2024Manabendra Nath Roy’s political thought highlighted the humanistic aspects of Marxism. Discuss.View answer
2012Comment on the Marxist and Radical Humanist phases of M. N. Roy's thought.View answer
2009Comment on Radical Humanism.View answer
2002Analyse M.N. Roy's ideational journey from Marxism to Radical Humanism.View answer

M. K. Gandhi

YearQuestionAnswer
2026Discuss Gandhi's approach to property in relation to trusteeship. (15 marks)View answer
2025"State ………. does the greatest harm to mankind by destroying individuality, which lies at the root of all progress." — Mahatma Gandhi. Elucidate.View answer
2022“The Panchayats with Gram Sabhas should be so organised as to identify the resources locally available for the development in agricultural and industrial sectors.” Examine the statement in context of Gram Swaraj.View answer
2020Explicate the ideological components of Gandhism.View answer
2019Comment: M.K.Gandhi's concept of Swaraj.View answer
2016Examine Gandhi's critique of 'Modernisation'.View answer
2015Comment in 150 words: Gandhi's Views on State.View answer
2012Examine the Gandhian idea of village community as an ideal unit of self – governance.View answer
2008Comment: "Real rights are a ·result of performance of duty". (Mahatma Gandhi)View answer
2006Explain Gandhi's ideas regarding State and highlight their relationship with modern democracy and principles of anarchism.View answer
2002Comment: "The true source of right is duty. If we all discharge our duties, rights will not be far to seek." (M. K. Gandhi)View answer
2001Comment: Validity of the statement that most prominent among Gandhian principles are non-violence, adherence to truth and dignity of labour.View answer
2001What are the major components of Modern Indian Political Thought? Examine them with reference to Gandhi and M.N. Roy.View answer

B. R. Ambedkar

YearQuestionAnswer
2026Discuss B. R. Ambedkar's views on democracy and State socialism. (15 marks)View answer
2020Comment in 150 words: Ambedkar's ideas on constitutionalism.View answer
2018Discuss Ambedkar's ideas on 'annihilation of caste'.View answer
2017Political democracy could not last unless social democracy lay at its base – B. R. Ambedkar. Comment.View answer
2016Comment: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's idea of state socialism.View answer
2013Examine Ambedkar's critique of Marxism.View answer
2006Comment: Ambedkar's Concept of Social Justice.View answer

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan

YearQuestionAnswer
2021"When a nation becomes devoid of arts and· learning, it invites poverty." (Sir Syed Ahmad Khan). In the light of this statement, assess the role of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan as a reformer in modem India.View answer
2013Comment in 150 words: Syed Ahmed Khan as a modernizer.View answer

Syllabus unit: Indian Political Thought

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Neha

Very useful website for those preparing for psir , save time by segregate topic wise pyq

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