The state of indigenous education, its dislocation; Orientalist – Anglicist controversy. The introduction of western education in India; The rise of press, literature and public opinion; The rise of modern vernacular literature; Progress of science; Christian missionary activities in India.

PYQs: Social and Cultural Developments [1985-2026]

History Optional Notes {PDF}

Complete Notes Package (Paper I & II) | 4500+ Pages | Instant Download

Discounted Price | Buy Now @ ₹1,180 →

Year	Question	Answer
2026	"The Orientalist-Anglicist controversy of the 19th century constituted a turning point in shaping colonial educational policy in India." Examine.
2025	"The tug of war between the two principles of freedom and control of the press made its influence felt on the colonial rulers' attitude to the press." Discuss.	View answer
2023	To accomplish the aims of education, 'political propaganda and formation as well as propagation of nationalist ideology', the press became the chief instrument. Comment.	View answer
2022	Was the Western education a harbinger of cultural awakening or an instrument of colonial hegemony? Discuss.	View answer
2022	'Within a limited scope the Indian Scientists could pursue original scientific research in colonial India'. Critically examine.	View answer
2021	Critically examine the following statement in about 150 words: The introduction of Western education transformed India in unforeseen ways.	View answer
2021	Critically examine the following statement in about 150 words: The Vernacular Press Act of 1878 was designed for better control of the vernacular press and to empower the government with more effective means of punishing and repressing seditious writings.	View answer
2019	Examine the forces at work for the introduction of western education in India. Analyse the thrust given to it by the Christian Missionaries.	View answer
2018	What was the significance of Orientalist Anglicist controversy in nineteenth century India? Analyse.	View answer
2017	Assess the role of press in arousing awareness on important social issues in the second half of the nineteenth century.	View answer
2016	Do you agree with the view that the growth of vernacular literature in the 19th and the 20th centuries paved the way for social reform and cultural revival in India?	View answer
2012	'“The current practice of categorization of 'Early Modem India’ is based on a shift from the old imperialist periodization of 'Muslim India’- ‘British India’ to the more secularist one of 'Medieval India’ – ‘Modern India’, which puts Indian history in a universalist chronological structure.” Critically examine.	View answer
2011	“Orientalism produced a knowledge the past to service the needs of the Colonial State.” Elucidate.	View answer
2011	“The vernacular press in nineteenth century India served not just as newspapers but more importantly as views – papers." Comment.	View answer
2008	“The vernacular press in the nineteenth century was both newspaper as well as ‘viewspaper* that enlightened the dormant masses”. Comment.	View answer
2004	Examine the impact of British rule on Indian Society in the 19th Century.	View answer
2002	“India broke her British fetters with Western hammers." Comment.	View answer
1999	The Christian Missionary propaganda from 1813 onwards was “often insensitive and wounding.” Comment.	View answer
1997	“India broke her British fetters with western hammers." Comment.	View answer
1990	What was the Anglicisit – Orientalist controversy about? How was it resolved and with what results?	View answer
1989	'Nowhere was the influence of the missionaries felt more than in relation to the women’s movement.’ Comment in about 200 words.	View answer
1988	Review the educational policy of the English East India Company. To what extent did it serve the imperial interests of Great Britain?	View answer