UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 PYQs, 2016-2026

Analyze the importance of Ashokan inscriptions for reconstructing Mauryan history.

Art & Culture · 150 words · 10 marks

Discuss the impact of Macaulay's Minute on colonial administration and education in India.

Modern History · 150 words · 10 marks

The significance of the Gandhian movements lay in the masses they mobilized. Elucidate.

Modern History · 150 words · 10 marks

What is the Fujiwhara effect? Explain its impact on the movement and intensity of tropical cyclones.

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

"Tundra regions are ecologically fragile but economically important." Examine this statement critically.

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

Discuss the role of aeolian processes in desertification and land degradation.

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

"Water resources are both an asset and a source of conflict in South Asia." Examine this statement giving examples.

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

Unity in diversity remains the defining feature of Indian society despite the challenges from communalism and regionalism. Comment.

Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks

How do you understand disability? Substantiate the need for inclusive policy framework in India in this regard.

Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks

Do you think digital technology promotes social empowerment? Explain with examples.

Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks

Vijayanagara architecture exemplifies the amalgamation of past traditions with contemporary practices. Elucidate with examples.

Art & Culture · 250 words · 15 marks

Linguistic reorganization of Indian States was driven by popular pressure from below. Comment.

Modern History · 250 words · 15 marks

The model of planned economy was adopted in India to address the regional imbalances left behind by colonial rule. Comment.

Modern History · 250 words · 15 marks

Compare the Loo, Chinook and Foehn winds with respect to their regions of prevalence, their nature and climatic impacts.

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

Analyze the role of satellite-based technologies in achieving climate-smart agriculture and food security in India.

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

"The centre of global trade is gradually shifting from the Atlantic region to the Indo-Pacific region." Examine this statement.

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

Analyze the major drivers of human-induced land-use changes in India and their geographical consequences.

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

Is caste disappearing in urban India? Illustrate your answer with examples.

Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

Critically examine the challenges of demographic transition in contemporary India.

Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

Evaluate the impact of globalization on Indian youths with reference to social, political, economic and cultural spheres.

Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

Discuss the salient features of the Harappan architecture.

Art & Culture · 150 words · 10 marks

Examine the main aspects of Akbar's religious syncretism.

Art & Culture · 150 words · 10 marks

The sculptors filled the Chandella artform with resilient vigour and breadth of life. Elucidate.

Art & Culture · 150 words · 10 marks

How are climate change and the sea level rise affecting the very existence of many island nations? Discuss with examples.

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

What are non-farm primary activities? How are these activities related to physiographic features in India? Discuss with suitable examples.

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

Explain briefly the ecological and economic benefits of solar energy generation in India with suitable examples.

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

What are Tsunamis? How and where are they formed? What are their consequences? Explain with examples.

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

How does smart city in India, address the issues of urban poverty and distributive justice?

Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks

The ethos of civil service in India stand for the combination of professionalism with nationalistic consciousness. Elucidate.

Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks

Do you think that globalization results in only an aggressive consumer culture? Justify your answer.

Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks

Mahatma Jotirao Phule's writings and efforts of social reforms touched issues of almost all subaltern classes. Discuss.

Modern History · 250 words · 15 marks

Trace India's consolidation process during early phase of independence in terms of polity, economy, education and international relations.

Modern History · 250 words · 15 marks

The French Revolution has enduring relevance to the contemporary world. Explain.

World History · 250 words · 15 marks

Give a geographical explanation of the distribution of off-shore oil reserves of the world. How are they different from the on-shore occurrences of oil reserves?

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

How can Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drones be effectively used along with GIS and RS techniques in locational and areal planning?

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

Discuss how the changes in shape and sizes of continents and ocean basins of the planet take place due to tectonic movements of the crustal masses.

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

Discuss the distribution and density of population in the Ganga River Basin with special reference to land, soil and water resources.

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

How do you account for the growing fast food industries given that there are increased health concerns in modern society? Illustrate your answer with the Indian experience.

Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

Achieving sustainable growth with emphasis on environmental protection could come into conflict with poor people’s needs in a country like India – Comment.

Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

Does tribal development in India centre around two axes, those of displacement and of rehabilitation? Give your opinion.

Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

Underline the changes in the field of economy and society from Rig Vedic to later Vedic period.

Art & Culture · 150 words · 10 marks · Model answer & what aspirants miss

Estimate the contribution of Pallavas of Kanchi for the development of Art and literature of South Indla.

Art & Culture · 150 words · 10 marks · Model answer & what aspirants miss

What were the events that led to the Quit India Movement? Point out its results.

Modern History · 150 words · 10 marks

What is sea surface temperature rise? How does it affect the formation of tropical cyclones?

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks · Model answer & what aspirants miss

Why do large cities tend to attract more migrants than smaller towns? Discuss in the light of conditions in developing countries.

Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks · Model answer & what aspirants miss

What is the phenomenon of ‘cloudbursts’? Explain.

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

What is the concept of a ‘demographic winter’? Is the world moving towards such a situation? Elaborate.

Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks · Model answer & what aspirants miss

Distinguish between gender equality, gender equity and women’s empowerment. Why is it important to take gender concerns into account in programme design and implementation?

Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks · Model answer & what aspirants miss

Intercaste marriages between castes which have socio-economic parity have increased, to some extent, but this is less true of interreligious marriages. Discuss.

Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks

In dealing with socio-economic issues of development, what kind of collaboration between government, NGOs and private sector would be most productive?

Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks

“Though the great Cholas are no more, yet their name is still remembered with great pride because of their highest achievements in the domain of art and architecture.” Comment.

Art & Culture · 250 words · 15 marks · Model answer & what aspirants miss

How far is it correct to say that the First World War was fought essentially for the preservation of balance of power?

World History · 250 words · 15 marks

How far was the Industrial Revolution in England responsible for the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India?

World History · 250 words · 15 marks

The groundwater potential of the gangetic valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of India?

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

What are aurora australia and aurora borealis? How are these triggered?

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

What is a twister? Why are the majority of twisters observed in areas around the Gulf of Mexico?

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

What is regional disparity? How does it differ from diversity? How serious is the issue of regional disparity in India?

Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks · Model answer & what aspirants miss

Despite comprehensive policies for equity and social justice, underprivileged sections are not yet getting the full benefits of affirmative action envisaged by the Constitution. Comment.

Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

Globalization has increased urban migration by skilled, young, unmarried women from various classes. How has this trend impacted upon their personal freedom and relationship with family?

Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

Critically analyse the proposition that there is a high correlation between India’s cultural diversities and socio-economic marginalities.

Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

Explain the role of geographical factors towards the development of Ancient India.

Art & Culture · 150 words · 10 marks

What was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach towards education and nationalism?

Modern History · 150 words · 10 marks

Bring out the socio-economic effects of the introduction of railways in different countries of the world.

World History · 150 words · 10 marks

Discuss the consequences of climate change on the food security in tropical countries.

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to freshwater resources?

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world?

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

Why is the South-West Monsoon called 'Purvaiya' (easterly) in Bhojpur Region? How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultural ethos of the region?

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

Do you think marriage as a sacrament is loosing its value in Modern India?

Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks · Model answer & what aspirants miss

Explain why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian society.

Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks · Model answer & what aspirants miss

Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialization of children.

Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks

What are the main features of Vedic society and religion? Do you think some of the features are still prevailing in Indian society?

Art & Culture · 250 words · 15 marks · Model answer & what aspirants miss

What were the major technological changes introduced during the Sultanate period? How did those technological changes influence the Indian society?

Art & Culture · 250 words · 15 marks

How did the colonial rule affect the tribals in India and what was the tribal response to the colonial oppression?

Modern History · 250 words · 15 marks

Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastline of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas.

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

Identify and discuss the factors responsible for diversity of natural vegetation in India. Assess the significance of wildlife sanctuaries in rain forest regions of India.

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

Why did human development fail to keep pace with economic development in India?

Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

From being net food importer in 1960s, India has emerged as a net food exporter to the world. Provide reasons.

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

Does urbanization lead to more segregation and/or marginalization of the poor in Indian metropolises?

Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

Why is caste identity in India both fluid and static?

Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

Discuss the impact of post-liberal economy on ethnic identity and communalism.

Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

How will you explain that medieval Indian temple sculptures represent the social life of those days?

Art & Culture · 150 words · 10 marks

Why did the armies of the British East India Company — mostly comprising of Indian soldiers — win consistently against the more numerous and better equipped armies of the then Indian rulers? Give reasons.

Modern History · 150 words · 10 marks

Why was there a sudden spurt in famines in colonial India since the mid-eighteenth century? Give reasons.

Modern History · 150 words · 10 marks · Model answer & what aspirants miss

Describe the characteristics and types of primary rocks.

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks · Model answer & what aspirants miss

Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India Meteorological Department.

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

Discuss the natural resource potentials of 'Deccan Trap'.

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

Examine the potential of wind energy in India and explain the reasons for their limited spatial spread.

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

Explore and evaluate the impact of 'Work From Home' on family relationships.

Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks

How is the growth of Tier 2 cities related to the rise of a new middle class with an emphasis on the culture of consumption?

Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks

Given the diversities among tribal communities in India, in which specific contexts should they be considered as a single category?

Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks

The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has been a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with examples.

Modern History · 250 words · 15 marks

Discuss. the main contributions of Gupta period and Chola period to Indian heritage and culture.

Art & Culture · 250 words · 15 marks

Discuss the significance of the lion and bull figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture.

Art & Culture · 250 words · 15 marks

What are the forces that influence ocean currents? Describe their role in fishing industry of the world.

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

Describing the distribution of rubber producing countries, indicate the major environmental issues faced by them.

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

Mention the significance of straits and isthmus in international trade..

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

Troposphere is a very significant atmospheric layer that determines weather processes.

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

Analyse the salience of 'sect' in Indian society vis-a-vis caste, region and religion.

Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

Are tolerance, assimilation and pluralism the key elements in the making of an Indian form of secularism? Justify your answer.

Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks · Model answer & what aspirants miss

Elucidate the relationship between globalization and new technology in a world of scarce resources, with special reference to India.

Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

Evaluate the nature of the Bhakti literature and its contribution to Indian culture.

Art & Culture · 150 words · 10 marks

Trace the rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements with special reference to Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj.

Modern History · 150 words · 10 marks

Assess the main administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration process of Indian Princely States.

Modern History · 150 words · 10 marks

Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats.

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

Despite India being one of the countries of the Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss.

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

What are the environmental implications of the reclamation of water bodies into urban land use? Explain with examples.

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional environment.

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

Why is India considered as a subcontinent? Elaborate your answer.

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

Examine the uniqueness of tribal knowledge system when compared with mainstream knowledge and cultural systems.

Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks

Examine the role of 'Gig Economy' in the process of empowerment of women in India.

Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks

To what extent did the role of the Moderates prepare a base for the wider freedom movement? Comment.

Modern History · 250 words · 15 marks

Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement.

Modern History · 250 words · 15 marks

"There arose a serious challenge to the Democratic State System between the two World Wars." Evaluate the statement.

World History · 250 words · 15 marks

Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world and explain their impact on local weather conditions, with examples.

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

How do the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain.

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of mineral oil in the world.

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

What are the main socio-economic implications arising out of the development of IT industries in major cities of India?

Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail.

Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

What is Cryptocurrency? How does it affect global society? Has it been affecting Indian society also?

Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

How does Indian society maintain continuity in traditional social values? Enumerate the changes taking place in it.

Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss.

Art & Culture · 150 words · 10 marks · Model answer & what aspirants miss

Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate.

Art & Culture · 150 words · 10 marks

Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on the national movement.

Modern History · 150 words · 10 marks

Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Cireum-Pacific Zone.

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

The process of desertification does not have climatic boundaries. Justify with examples.

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water resources of India?

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples.

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi-cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations.

Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks · Model answer & what aspirants miss

COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment.

Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks

Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue.

Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks · Model answer & what aspirants miss

Indian philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss.

Art & Culture · 250 words · 15 marks

Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment.

Art & Culture · 250 words · 15 marks

Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss.

Modern History · 250 words · 15 marks

The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods and interrupted navigation. Critically examine.

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures.

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its development. Elaborate.

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change.

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalisation? Justify your answer.

Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree?

Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate your answer.

Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

Highlight the Central Asian and Greco-Bactrian elements in the Gandhara art.

Art & Culture · 150 words · 10 marks

The 1857 Uprising was the culmination of the recurrent big and small local rebellions that had occurred in the preceding hundred years of British rule. Elucidate.

Modern History · 150 words · 10 marks

Examine the linkages between the nineteenth century's 'Indian Renaissance' and the emergence of national identity.

Modern History · 150 words · 10 marks

Assess the impact of global warming on the coral life system with examples.

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology.

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

Can the strategy of regional resource-based manufacturing help in promoting employment in India?

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

Discuss the factors for localisation of agro-based food processing industries of North-West India.

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

What makes the Indian society unique in sustaining its culture? Discuss.

Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks

"Empowering women is the key to control population growth." Discuss.

Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks

What are the challenges to our cultural practices in the name of secularism?

Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks

Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian phase. Elaborate.

Modern History · 250 words · 15 marks

Assess the role of British imperial power in complicating the process of transfer of power during the 1940s.

Modern History · 250 words · 15 marks

Explain how the foundations of the modern world were, laid by the American and French Revolutions.

World History · 250 words · 15 marks

What is water stress? How and why does it differ regionally in India?

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism?

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development of India?

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

How do ocean currents and water masses differ in their impacts on marine life and coastal environment? Give suitable examples.

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

Do we have cultural pockets of small India all over the nation? Elaborate with examples.

Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

What are the continued challenges for women in India against time and; space?

Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

Are we losing our local identity for the global identity? Discuss.

Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss.

Art & Culture · 150 words · 10 marks

Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab travellers in the reconstruction of the history of India.

Art & Culture · 150 words · 10 marks

Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times.

Modern History · 150 words · 10 marks

Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation?

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

Why is India taking keen interest in resources of Arctic Region?

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics.

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

What are the consequences of spreading of 'Dead Zones" on marine ecosystem?

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

"Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be eradicated in India." Comment.

Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks

"Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existing.' Explain by giving reasons.

Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks

How the Indian concept of secularism is different from the western model of secularism? Discuss.

Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks

The Bhakti movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss.

Art & Culture · 250 words · 15 marks

Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the economy of India.

Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to other colonies? Have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there?

Modern History · 250 words · 15 marks

"The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting system." How can it be made effective in urban areas?

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

Defining blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India.

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identifying industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics.

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

Mention core strategies for the transformation of aspirational districts in India and explain the nature of convergence, collaboration and competition for its success.

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

Women's movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata.' Substantiate your view.

Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

Globalization is generally said to promote cultural homogenization but due to this cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in the Indian Society.' Elucidate.

Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation.' Argue by giving suitable illustrations.

Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

How do you justify the view that the level of excellence of the Gupta numismatic art is not at all noticeable in later times?

Art & Culture · 150 words · 10 marks

Clarify how mid-eighteenth century India was beset with the spectre of a fragmented polity.

Modern History · 150 words · 10 marks

Why did the 'Moderates' fail to carry conviction with the nation about their proclaimed ideology and political goals by the end of the nineteenth century?

Modern History · 150 words · 10 marks

What problems were germane to the decolonization process in the Malay Peninsula?

World History · 150 words · 10 marks

How does the Juno Mission of NASA help to understand the origin and evolution of the Earth?

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

"In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development." Discuss.

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

Mention the advantages of the cultivation of pulses because of which the year 2016 was declared as the International Year of Pulses by the United Nations.

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

How does the cryosphere affect global climate?

Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

In the context of the diversity of India, can it be said that the regions form cultural units rather than the States? Give reasons with examples for your viewpoint.

Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks

What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence, addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs)?

Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks

The spirit of tolerance and love is not only an interesting feature of Indian society from very early times, but it is also playing an important part at the present. Elaborate.

Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

Examine how the decline of traditional artisanal industry in colonial India crippled the rural economy.

Modern History · 250 words · 15 marks

Highlight the importance of the new objectives that got added to the vision of Indian independence since the twenties of the last century.

Modern History · 250 words · 15 marks

Account for variations in oceanic salinity and discuss its multi-dimensional effects.

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

Petroleum refineries are not necessarily located nearer to crude oil producing areas, particularly in many of the developing countries. Explain its implications.

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

In what way can floods be converted into a sustainable source of irrigation and all-weather inland navigation in India?

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

What characteristics can be assigned to monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding more than 50 percent of the world population residing in Monsoon Asia?

Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

The women's questions arose in modern India as a part of the 19th century social reform movement. What were the major issues and debates concerning women in that period?

Modern History · 250 words · 15 marks

Distinguish between religiousness/religiosity and communalism giving one example of how the former has got transformed into the latter in independent India.

Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

"The growth of cities as I.T. hubs has opened up new avenues of employment, but has also created new problems." Substantiate this statement with examples.

Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate.

Art & Culture · 200 words · 12½ marks · Model answer & what aspirants miss

Krishnadeva Raya, the King of Vijayanagar, was not only an accomplished scholar himself but was also a great patron of learning and literature. Discuss.

Art & Culture · 200 words · 12½ marks · Model answer & what aspirants miss

Explain how the Uprising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British policies towards colonial India.

Modern History · 200 words · 12½ marks

Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase.

Modern History · 200 words · 12½ marks

Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom.

Modern History · 200 words · 12½ marks

Has the formation of linguistic States strengthened the cause of Indian Unity?

Modern History · 200 words · 12½ marks

The anti-colonial struggles in West Africa were led by the new elite of Western-educated Africans. Examine.

World History · 200 words · 12½ marks

To what extent globalization has influenced the core of cultural diversity in India? Explain.

Indian Society · 200 words · 12½ marks

"An essential condition to eradicate poverty 1s to liberate the poor trom the process of deprivation." Substantiate this statement with suitable examples.

Indian Society · 200 words · 12½ marks

Why are the tribals in India referred to as 'the Scheduled Tribes'? Indicate the major provisions enshrined in the Constitution of India for their upliftment.

Indian Society · 200 words · 12½ marks

With a brief background of quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of the 'Smart City Programme'.

Indian Society · 200 words · 12½ marks

What is the basis of regionalism? Is it that unequal distribution of benefits of development on regional basis eventually promotes regionalism? Substantiate your answer.

Indian Society · 200 words · 12½ marks

Discuss the concept of air mass and explain its role in macro-climatic changes.

Geography · 200 words · 12½ marks

"The Himalayas are highly prone to landslides." Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation.

Geography · 200 words · 12½ marks

The effective management of land and water resources will drastically reduce the human miseries. Explain.

Geography · 200 words · 12½ marks

South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Comment.

Geography · 200 words · 12½ marks

Major cities of India are becoming more vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss.

Geography · 200 words · 12½ marks

Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic and political implications in the context of changing bilateral relations.

Geography · 200 words · 12½ marks

Enumerate the problems and prospects of inland water transport in India.

Geography · 200 words · 12½ marks

In what way micro-watershed development projects help in water conservation in drought-prone and semi-arid regions of India?

Geography · 200 words · 12½ marks