IGNOU BHIC-112 Previous Year Question Papers – Download TEE Papers
About IGNOU BHIC-112 – HISTORY OF INDIA-VII (C-1605-1750)
The study of Indian history during the seventeenth and mid-eighteenth centuries focuses on the peak and subsequent transformation of the Mughal Empire alongside the rise of regional powers. This course explores the intricate political, socio-economic, and cultural shifts occurring between 1605 and 1750, providing students with a deep understanding of the transition toward the early modern period. It is designed for undergraduate history students seeking to master the complexities of Mughal administration, Maratha expansion, and the evolving maritime trade dynamics of the era.
What BHIC-112 Covers — Key Themes for the Exam
Success in the Term End Examination requires a strategic understanding of the recurring academic focus areas within the History of India from 1605 to 1750. By analyzing the curriculum, students can identify specific historical patterns and administrative structures that examiners prioritize year after year. Mastery of these themes allows for a more structured approach to answering long-form descriptive questions and short notes, ensuring that all major historical transitions of the 17th and 18th centuries are covered comprehensively during revision sessions.
- Mughal Political Expansion and Consolidation — Examiners frequently test the reigns of Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb, focusing on territorial gains and the challenges of frontier integration. Understanding the nuances of the Northwest frontier policy and Deccan expeditions is vital because these events defined the empire’s geopolitical limits and eventual overextension.
- The Mansabdari and Jagirdari Systems — This theme is a cornerstone of the syllabus, as the crisis in these agrarian and administrative structures is often cited as a primary reason for Mughal decline. Questions typically focus on the evolution of rank (Zat and Sawar), the collection of revenue, and the increasing friction between the central authority and the landed aristocracy.
- Rise of the Marathas and Regional Assertions — The emergence of Shivaji and the expansion of the Maratha Confederacy represent a shift from imperial hegemony to regional polycentrism. Students should prepare for questions regarding Maratha administration (Ashtapradhan), the concept of Chauth and Sardeshmukhi, and how these elements challenged Mughal sovereignty.
- Socio-Religious Movements and Cultural Developments — Beyond politics, the exam often explores the evolution of Sufi and Bhakti traditions during this period, alongside the patronage of art and architecture. The construction of the Taj Mahal and the development of regional schools of painting serve as significant markers of the era’s sophisticated cultural synthesis.
- Economic Transitions and Overseas Trade — This theme covers the impact of European trading companies, such as the VOC and the English East India Company, on the Indian economy. Examiners look for an understanding of how indigenous merchant networks interacted with global markets and the subsequent monetization of the rural economy.
- Debates on the Decline of the Mughal Empire — A recurring long-form question involves the various historiographical perspectives on why the Mughal central authority collapsed after 1707. Comparing the ‘Great Firm’ theory, the ‘Jagirdari Crisis,’ and the ‘Region-centric’ models is essential for scoring high marks in the analytical sections of the paper.
Mapping these themes against the collection of past papers helps students recognize which topics are due for a repeat appearance in the upcoming session. By focusing on these specific academic pillars, learners can move beyond rote memorization and develop a more critical, evidence-based historical perspective that aligns with IGNOU’s rigorous evaluation standards for the Bachelor of Arts (History) programme.
Introduction
Preparing for the Term End Examination (TEE) can be a daunting task for many distance learners, but utilizing past papers is one of the most effective strategies for success. These historical documents provide a clear window into the expectations of the faculty and the specific depth of knowledge required for the BHIC-112 course. By reviewing previous exams, students can familiarize themselves with the language of the questions, the distribution of marks across different units, and the overall difficulty level maintained by the university over the years.
The exam pattern for HISTORY OF INDIA-VII (C-1605-1750) generally follows a descriptive format where students are required to write detailed essays and shorter descriptive notes. Typically, the paper is divided into sections, offering choices that allow students to focus on their areas of strength, such as political history or socio-economic trends. Analyzing the TEE papers from the last decade reveals a consistent emphasis on critical thinking and the ability to synthesize complex historical data into coherent arguments, which is a key skill for any aspiring historian.
IGNOU BHIC-112 Previous Year Question Papers
| Year | June TEE | December TEE |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Download | Download |
| 2023 | Download | Download |
| 2022 | Download | Download |
| 2021 | Download | Download |
| 2020 | Download | Download |
| 2019 | Download | Download |
| 2018 | Download | Download |
| 2017 | Download | Download |
| 2016 | Download | Download |
| 2015 | Download | Download |
| 2014 | Download | Download |
| 2013 | Download | Download |
| 2012 | Download | Download |
| 2011 | Download | Download |
| 2010 | Download | Download |
Download BHIC-112 Question Papers December 2024 Onwards
IGNOU BHIC-112 Question Papers — December 2024
| # | Course | TEE Session | Download |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BHIC-112 | Dec 2024 | Download |
→ Download All December 2024 Question Papers
IGNOU BHIC-112 Question Papers — June 2025
| # | Course | TEE Session | Download |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BHIC-112 | June 2025 | Download |
→ Download All June 2025 Question Papers
How Past Papers Help You Score Better in TEE
Exam Pattern
The BHIC-112 paper usually carries 100 marks with a 3-hour duration. It requires students to answer five questions, typically choosing two from each section, ensuring a balanced coverage of the 1605-1750 period.
Important Topics
Key areas include the administrative reforms of Shah Jahan, the religious policy of Aurangzeb, and the socio-political impact of the Sikh and Jat rebellions against central Mughal authority.
Answer Writing
For history papers, always include a brief introduction and conclusion. Use bullet points for administrative features (like Mansabdari rules) and quote contemporary historians or primary sources where relevant to add academic weight.
Time Management
Allocate roughly 35 minutes per 20-mark essay. Spend the first 5 minutes outlining your points and the last 5 minutes reviewing your answer for chronological accuracy and clarity of historical terms.
Important Note for Students
⚠️ Question papers for the upcoming 2026 session will be updated
here after IGNOU releases them. Always cross-reference with the latest syllabus
at ignou.ac.in. Past papers work best alongside the official IGNOU study blocks,
not as a replacement for them.
Also Read
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at ignou.ac.in.
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✔ Last updated: April 2026
