Dibrugarh University BA question papers and answers

Dibrugarh University offers a diverse range of subjects in the BA program, and knowing previous years’ question papers is essential for preparation. This guide provides a collection of question papers and their answers for students to practice and improve their performance.

Dibrugarh University BA Question Papers

English Literature

Question: What is the central theme of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”?
Answer: The central theme of “Macbeth” is ambition and its destructive consequences. Macbeth’s unchecked ambition leads him to commit murder and ultimately destroys him.

Question: Describe the character of Hamlet in Shakespeare’s play.
Answer: Hamlet is portrayed as a deeply thoughtful and melancholic character. His indecision and philosophical nature lead him to question life and death, ultimately leading to tragic consequences.

Question: What role does the supernatural play in “Macbeth”?
Answer: The supernatural in “Macbeth” is used to foreshadow events and symbolize Macbeth’s internal struggle. The witches’ prophecies and the apparition scenes play significant roles in his downfall.

Question: Discuss the theme of love in “Romeo and Juliet.”
Answer: Love in “Romeo and Juliet” is depicted as intense and passionate, yet doomed from the start due to the feud between their families. It leads to tragic consequences, highlighting the fragility of love in a conflict-ridden world.

Question: How does the character of Othello evolve throughout the play?
Answer: Othello starts as a noble and honorable man but is gradually consumed by jealousy due to Iago’s manipulation, leading to his tragic downfall, showcasing the destructive power of jealousy.

Question: What is the significance of the title “The Merchant of Venice”?
Answer: The title “The Merchant of Venice” refers to Antonio, a merchant in the play. It reflects the themes of commerce, justice, and mercy, central to the plot’s development.

Question: How does Chaucer depict medieval society in “The Canterbury Tales”?
Answer: Chaucer uses a diverse range of characters from different social classes to portray the complexities and flaws of medieval society, emphasizing hypocrisy, virtue, and vice.

Question: What is the role of fate in the tragedy of “Oedipus Rex”?
Answer: Fate plays a dominant role in “Oedipus Rex,” as Oedipus tries to avoid his destiny, only to fulfill the prophecy in an ironic twist, highlighting the inevitability of fate in Greek tragedy.

Question: Analyze the character of Lady Macbeth in “Macbeth.”
Answer: Lady Macbeth is ambitious, manipulative, and ruthless. She persuades Macbeth to murder King Duncan, but later suffers from guilt and madness, leading to her eventual demise.

Question: What is the role of irony in “Twelfth Night”?
Answer: “Twelfth Night” uses both dramatic and situational irony, particularly in the mistaken identities and gender roles, creating humor and highlighting themes of love and identity.

Political Science

Question: What is the meaning of the term ‘sovereignty’ in political science?
Answer: Sovereignty refers to the supreme authority of a state to govern itself without external interference, central to the concept of national independence.

Question: Discuss the concept of democracy.
Answer: Democracy is a political system where power is vested in the people, who exercise it directly or through elected representatives, ensuring political equality and freedom.

Question: What are the main features of a parliamentary system?
Answer: In a parliamentary system, the executive is drawn from the legislature, with the head of government being the prime minister. The system is characterized by collective decision-making and accountability.

Question: What is the significance of the separation of powers in modern governance?
Answer: The separation of powers ensures that the executive, legislature, and judiciary are independent, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful and promoting checks and balances.

Question: Explain the concept of federalism.
Answer: Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and regional or state governments, allowing for local autonomy while maintaining national unity.

Question: What is the role of the judiciary in a democratic system?
Answer: The judiciary interprets and applies laws, ensuring justice and upholding the constitution. It serves as a check on the legislature and executive, safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.

Question: Discuss the theory of the social contract.
Answer: The social contract theory posits that individuals consent to form a society and government to protect their rights and maintain social order, with philosophers like Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau offering varying interpretations.

Question: How does the concept of power differ from authority?
Answer: Power refers to the ability to influence or control actions, while authority is the legitimate right to exercise power, often granted through legal or institutional frameworks.

Question: What are the main principles of Marxism?
Answer: Marxism emphasizes the class struggle between the proletariat (working class) and bourgeoisie (capitalist class), advocating for a classless society through the overthrow of capitalism and the establishment of socialism.

Question: What is the role of political parties in a democracy?
Answer: Political parties organize voters, promote specific policies, and nominate candidates for elections. They help structure political debate and offer voters choices in governance.

Question: Explain the concept of a welfare state.
Answer: A welfare state is a government system that provides social services such as health care, education, and unemployment benefits, ensuring a basic standard of living for all citizens.

Question: What is the significance of human rights in international relations?
Answer: Human rights are fundamental to international relations as they influence diplomacy, international law, and the conduct of states. Protecting human rights is key to global peace and stability.

Question: What is the purpose of international organizations like the UN?
Answer: The United Nations and other international organizations aim to promote peace, security, human rights, and development globally by fostering cooperation among member states.

Question: Describe the difference between a unitary and a federal system of government.
Answer: In a unitary system, power is concentrated in the central government, whereas in a federal system, power is divided between central and regional governments, allowing for local autonomy.

Question: What are the functions of a constitution in a democracy?
Answer: A constitution establishes the legal framework of a state, defines the powers and duties of government institutions, protects individual rights, and ensures the rule of law.

Question: How does public opinion influence government policy?
Answer: Public opinion shapes government policy by reflecting the values and preferences of citizens. Politicians consider public opinion to gain electoral support and enact policies aligned with the people’s needs.

History

Question: What was the significance of the Indus Valley Civilization?
Answer: The Indus Valley Civilization was one of the earliest urban societies, known for its advanced city planning, trade, and writing system, laying the foundation for later South Asian cultures.

Question: How did the Maurya Empire contribute to India’s history?
Answer: The Maurya Empire, under Emperor Ashoka, unified India and promoted the spread of Buddhism. It also established a centralized administrative system that influenced subsequent Indian empires.

Question: What was the impact of the British colonial rule in India?
Answer: British colonial rule in India led to economic exploitation, cultural changes, and the introduction of modern infrastructure. It also sparked the Indian independence movement, culminating in 1947.

Question: What were the causes and consequences of the First World War?
Answer: The First World War was caused by political alliances, nationalism, and militarism. It led to significant loss of life, the collapse of empires, and reshaped international relations.

Question: Describe the role of Gandhi in India’s independence movement.
Answer: Gandhi led the nonviolent struggle for Indian independence through civil disobedience, advocating for self-reliance and the end of British colonial rule.

Question: What was the significance of the Revolt of 1857?
Answer: The Revolt of 1857, also known as the First War of Indian Independence, was a significant but unsuccessful uprising against British rule, marking the beginning of India’s nationalist movement.

Question: What were the main objectives of the Indian National Congress?
Answer: The Indian National Congress aimed to secure political rights for Indians, promote self-rule, and later led the fight for independence from British colonial rule.

Question: How did the Gupta Empire contribute to Indian culture?
Answer: The Gupta Empire is known for its advancements in science, mathematics, and art. It was a period of great cultural growth, often referred to as the “Golden Age” of India.

Question: What was the significance of the partition of Bengal in 1905?
Answer: The partition of Bengal was an attempt by the British to divide the region along religious lines, which sparked widespread protests and eventually contributed to the demand for Indian independence.

Question: Discuss the causes and effects of the Russian Revolution of 1917.
Answer: The Russian Revolution of 1917 was caused by social inequality, economic hardship, and dissatisfaction with the autocratic regime. It led to the establishment of a communist government under Lenin.

By reviewing previous years’ question papers, students can better prepare for their exams. The practice not only helps with understanding the exam format but also improves knowledge and confidence in different subjects, ensuring success.