In the PMS examination, History is an optional paper. Here is the PMS History Paper-II for 2024. PPSC conducts this Provincial Management Services (PMS) examination frequently. The paper II on History was held on January 26, 2025. Find its past paper below to understand what topics were given. If you are an aspirant and preparing for the PMS, this History paper will help you better prepare. This way you can better understand the paper and the questions.
PMS History Paper-II 2024
Q1. how can it be proved that the Indus Valley Civilization was urban-centered?
Q2. Compare and contrast the land revenue system of Sher Shah Suri and Mughal Emperor Akbar. Whose system was better and how?
Q3. Evaluate Abul Fazal’s Ain-i-Akbari as one of the major sources of Mughal history.
Q4. Evaluate the relationship between power and the growth of the Persian Language during the Mughal Empire.
Q5. Evaluate land revenue policies of the East India Company, introduced in the occupied areas.
Q6. Explain the difference between Colonialism & Imperialism with strong arguments.
Q7. Write a note on dep impact of Anglo-Indian culture in the Sub-continent.
Q8. Write in detail about the Afghan Jihad Policy of General Zia-ul-Haq Era 1977-88.
Analysis and Summary of the Paper
This paper tests knowledge of South Asian history, particularly on the Indus Valley Civilization, Mughal administration, colonial policies, and modern political developments in the subcontinent. It challenges applicants to appraise historical sources, administrative systems, cultural impacts, and political strategies.
The following subjects are given in the paper to test the knowledge of the candidates:
Urbanization of the Indus Valley Civilization (Q1): This question calls for evidence to support the urban-biased nature of the Indus Valley Civilization. The candidate should base his argument on archaeological discoveries, city plans, drainage systems, and trade practices.
Land Revenue System: Sher Shah Suri Vs. Akbar (Q2): A comparative discussion of the revenue systems of Sher Shah Suri and Akbar makes the administrative efficiency, revenue collection, and income extraction capability more apparent. Candidates must bring forward which one was superior and support their view.
Abul Fazal’s Ain-i-Akbari (Q3): This question assesses the importance of Ain-i-Akbari as a historical source in understanding the Mughal administration, economy, culture, and society. The candidates have to critically evaluate its reliability and comprehensiveness.
Persian Language and Power during the Mughal Empire (Q4): The growth of the Persian language is linked with the power of the Mughal rulers, and this is a testament to cultural patronage and its use as an administrative and court language.
Land Revenue Policies of the East India Company (Q5): The Permanent Settlement, Ryotwari, and Mahalwari systems were implemented by the British. Candidates need to discuss the effect of these on agriculture, rural society, and revenue collection.
Colonialism vs. Imperialism (Q6): A purely theoretical question dealing with the difference between colonialism and imperialism. Candidates must be able to clearly define and present examples that point out the differences and overlaps.
Anglo-Indian Cultural Impact (Q7): This question is more related to the social, educational, and cultural impact of British rule on Indian society, such as the English language, legal systems, and education reforms.
Afghan Jihad Policy of General Zia-ul-Haq (Q8): Provide a detailed account of Zia-ul-Haq’s Afghan policy during 1977–88, focusing on Pakistan’s role in the Afghan Jihad, U.S. involvement, and the policy’s long-term consequences on the region.
Opinion on the Paper
The paper aptly combines ancient, medieval, colonial, and modern South Asian history. Analytical skills are strongly emphasized in that candidates have to compare systems, evaluate historical sources, and weigh cultural and political impacts. Questions were well-balanced between the recall of facts and critical thinking. With a diverse mix of topics, the assessment provides an overall look at the knowledge of a candidate about South Asian history and how it applies to current issues.
Also read:
- PMS Past Papers: Get PMS Past Papers for All Subjects
- CSS Notes: All Compulsory and Optional Subjects
