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GS 1- INSIGHTS IAS MAINS TEST SERIES 2018
INDIAN HERITAGE AND CULTURE

1) Discuss the development in sculpture and architecture associated with the rise
of Vaishnavism and Shaivism.
Source: NCERT Class XII Themes in Indian History, Part – I
Approach:
1) Introduction: one can start with the brief introduction of Vaishnavism and shaivism. Ex: the
origin
2) Body: Highlight how the shaivism and vaishnavism influenced the growth of sculpture and
architecture in India
3) Conclusion: one can conclude by stating the other contributions of Shaivism and Vaishnavism
to the culture and heritage. Ex: to painting
ANSWER:
With the vedic gods being relegated to the lower hierarchy the Vishnu and Shiva came to be
regarded as the chief deities with which emerged the Vaishnavism that reigns supremacy of
Vishnu and the Shaivism centered around the Shiva being supreme god during Gupta period.
Both shaivism and vaishnavism gave impetus to the development of architecture and sculptural
developments in ancient and medieval India.
Sculpture
The sculptures depicted gods as grotesque figures with multiple arms and hands. They had also
combination of human and animal forms
Vaishnavism : With emergence of Dashavatara friezes of Vishnu the idols were
constructed depicting these avatara to be housed in the garbhagriha of temple or to
adorn the walls of temples.
Ex: Shesha Shayana Vishnu Trivikrama form (vamana avatara) - Badami cave
Shaivism : Like Vishnu Shiva also came to be represented in various forms in
idols.
Ex: Lingum Lakulisa and Manusmriti Shiva- Elephanta caves
One of the greatest sculpture associated with shaivism is representation of Shiva in

Nataraja form (Rameshwara cave of Ellora) that found finest expression in the Chola
bronze sculptures. We can see the 108 karanas of dance being represented in form
nataraja in the chidambaram temple built by the Cholas.
Another masterpiece of Indian Sculpture associated with the shaivism is the RAVAN
KI KHAI sculpture that depicted the King Ravan lifting the mount Kailash in Ellora
cave (Rashtrakuta shaivites)
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It is also to be noted that there came to be worship of both Shiva and Vishnu in
form of Harihara that has been depicted in the sculpture of Badami caves.
Architecture
With the emergence of vaishnavism and shaivism there was brilliant development of
architecture in form of cave architecture and temple architecture
Cave architecture
These are the temples were carved out of huge rocks and were dedicated to either Vishnu or Shiva
or Both.
Vaishnavism
a) Dashavatara temple of Ellora - excavated by Rashtrakuta
b) varaha caves of Bagh - excavated by Gupta
Shaivism
a) Kailasnath Temple of Ellora - excavated by Krishna I of Rashtrakuta
b) Elephanta caves - Excavated by Rashtrakuta
c) Badami caves depicting shiva in Nataraja form

d) Ravana phadi cave of Aihole - Excavated by Chalukyas of Badami
Temple architecture
Both Vishnu and Shiva temples have been built in Nagara, Dravida and Vesara styles.
Nagara style
a) Vaishnavism -- Dashavatara temple of Deogarh built during the Gupta period
b) Shaivism -- Koh and Bhumara temple of Guptas
Dravida Style
a) Vaishnavism -- Padmanabhaswamy temple, Trivandrum Vitthala temple of Hampi (Built by
Devaraya II)
b) Shaivism -- Brihadeshwara temple of Tanjore (Built by Rajaraja Chola)

Virupaksha temple at Hampi (Built by Devaraya II)
Vesara style
a) Vaishnavism -- Chennakeshwara temple of Belur built by Hoysalas Huchimalli gudi temple of
Aihole of Badami Chalukya
b) Shaivism -- Ladkhan Temple of Aihole built by Badami Chalukya
In addition to the sculpture and the architecture vaishnavism and shaivism are
also associated with the development of Paintings and literature.
Ex: Thirumurai of Nayanars Divya Prabandha of Alwars
Thus these two sects of Hinduism Contributed immensely to the treasure trove of Indian
culture.
2) Indus valley civilization architecture is plain and utilitarian but the art shows
remarkable taste for realism and reflects the dexterity of artists. Elucidate.
.(150 Words, 10 Marks)
ANSWER: Indus valley civilization showed a remarkable urban nature. From the archeological
remains that were left behind we can clearly see that the architecture of civilization had a
dominating concern for purpose and shows no artistic exuberance. Meanwhile, the art shows a
tendency to flourish and it is the chosen medium to show their creativity.
Architecture
1) Citadel area of the city was built on top of a mound of bricks almost 12 metres high. A large
staircase ran up the side of this mound. The citadel contained the important buildings of the
city, like the assembly halls, religious structures, granaries and in great bath in case of Mohenjo-
Daro. This was deliberately done so that in the case of flooding or a natural disaster the town
could assemble at the assembly hall and mitigate against the loss of life.
2) The city was divided into blocks by way of streamlined roads. There were well-planned grids
with broad main roads and smaller lanes intersecting at right angles. This shows a concern for
utility of the straight roads and a tendency for precision. This grid pattern helps in the
construction of an underground drainage which is the unique aspect of Indus valley civilization.
3) Each city in the Indus Valley was surrounded by massive walls and gateways which are plain
with rectangular bastions and do not contain any embellishments like gopurams or domes of later
time. The walls were built to control trade and also to stop the city from being flooded.
4) When other contemporary civilizations like Mesopotamia were building large religious
structures like ziggurats-somewhat tower-like stepped pyramids made from mud brick and topped
by temples to gods and goddesses. Indus valley people were building granaries (utility). The
granaries of IVC are also an example of intelligent design, with their strategically placed air ducts
and the platforms being divided into units.
5) There were courtyards attached to big buildings. There was little artistic touch in the
architectural design of the buildings belonging either to the rich or the poor. They were plain,
utilitarian and comfortable to live. Some of the buildings were probably multi-storied. The
staircases of big buildings were solid; the roofs were flat and were made of wood.
Art
But the art forms go beyond these confines of utility and show considerable creativity. The forms
of art found from various sites of civilization include sculptures, seals, pottery, gold ornaments,
terracotta figures, etc. Their delineation of human and animal figures was highly realistic in
nature. Modelling of figures was done in an extremely careful manner.
If we look at the Sculpture of Bearded Man (Priest Man, Priest-King) we find considerable artistic
merit in the form of the shawl, which is decorated with trefoil pattern. The eyes are elongated and
half closed as in a meditative concentration. Nose is well formed and medium size. Short cut
moustache and a short beard and whiskers. Hair is parted in the middle and a plain woven fillet
is passed round the head. An armlet on the right hand and holes around neck suggest necklace.
Which is a reflection of the realism of the sculpture. Similar is the case of bronze dancing girl.
Seals and engravings

Thousands of seals were found from the sites which are generally made of steatite, and some time
from agate, chert, copper, faience and terracotta, with beautiful figures of animals like unicorn
bull, rhinoceros, tiger, elephant, bison, goat, buffalo, etc. These animals were depicted in realistic
form with considerable attention to detailing.
Pots
Indus valley pottery consists of very fine wheel-made wares, very few being handmade. The black
painted ware has a fine coating of red slip on which geometric and animal designs are executed in
glossy black paint. These pots represent some of the finest specimens of ancient Indian pottery.
3) The tradition of Ragamala Paintings is a blend of painting, poetry and music

which represented the cultural ethos of India. Comment. (10 Marks, 150 words)
ANSWER: Ragamala paintings are a series of illustrative paintings from medieval India based on
Ragamala or the "Garland of Ragas", depicting various Indian musical modes called Ragas. They
stand as a classical example of the amalgamation of art, poetry and classical music in medieval
India.
Ragamala paintings were created in most schools of Indian painting, starting in the 16th and
17th centuries, and are today named accordingly as Pahari Ragamala, Rajasthan or Rajput
Ragamala, Deccan Ragamala, and Mughal Ragamala.
For nearly 400 hundred years ragamala was one of the most popular genres of Indian miniature
painting. Early Ragamalas at their root is the sacred essence of the raga – five or more
musical notes upon which a melody is played. More than just a sound, a raga evokes an
emotional response in the listener; it should ‘colour’ the mind.
Medieval Hindustani musicians associated each raga with a deity, naming the raga, perhaps
as a means of memorizing the melodic structure. Intrigued poets of the late medieval period
then personified the ragas and elaborated their tales in vivid verbal imagery. These stories,
along with other influential texts on Indian classical music, provided the poetic source of
ragamala painting like Rasika priya and Laur chand. Images of dancing poses and personified
musical notes were used to enliven the text.
In these painting each raga is personified by a color, mood, a verse describing a story of a hero
and heroine (nayaka and nayika), it also elucidates the season and the time of day and
night in which a particular raga is to be sung; and finally most paintings also demarcate the
specific Hindu deities attached with the raga, like Bhairava or Bhairavi to Shiva, Sri to Devi
etc.
The paintings depict not just the Ragas, but also their wives, (raginis), their numerous sons
(ragaputra) and daughters (ragaputri). Each painting is accompanied by a brief inscription
that suggests the mood of the raga, most frequently love – in its various aspects – and devotion.
The six principal ragas present in the Ragamala are Bhairava, Dipika, Sri, Malkaunsa,
Megha and Hindola and these are meant to be sung during the six seasons of the year –
summer, monsoon, autumn, early winter, winter and spring. Which were meant to depict
the emotions like fear (bhairav), love (hindola, sri, Dipika), peace (megh), joy and laughter
(malkunas).
Hindu deities personify the ragas and their raginis, the ‘wives’ of the ragas. Sitting in the centre
of the top row Bhairava Raga is visualised as the many-armed god Shiva, his body smeared
with holy ash, with his bull Nandi at his feet. To the far top right, the green Megha Raga is
identified with the deity Vishnu; he wears a garland of flowers and a peacock rests at his
feet.
Devotion and Love, especially unfulfilled and consuming passion, is an overarching theme
of Ragamala Painting. While love in union is occasionally represented, scenes of longing
and loss frequently hold centre stage.
In the wake of devotional movements which swept through northern India from the 14th
century, both Hindu and Muslim Mystics interpreted ‘love in separation’ as an allegory of
the human soul divided from God. It is personified by the Virahini, the woman separated from
her lover. Thus the essence of bhakti which is the emotional longing for a deity of both Bhakti
and Sufi movements is represented in pictorial format by the Ragamala painters.
The Ragamala Paintings backgrounds also contained typical Indian themes with green trees,
blossoming flowers sometimes depicting the rural life and sometimes reflecting the palace
life of princes.
Thus the Ragamala Paintings represented painting, music, poetry and reflected the cultural
ethos of India.
4) Discuss and illustrate traditional craft industry in India and analyse the
reasons for its decline. (10 Marks, 150 words)
ANSWER: Handicrafts are a part of the country's rich cultural heritage and play a
significant role in national economy. This industry is a small scale industry, the products of
which are artistic in character and require skill and craftsmanship in their manufacture Under
the small scale sector, the handicrafts may be found either in the form of village industry or
as cottage industry.
Though a clear demarcation of handicraft sector is a difficult task, the two basic
characteristics possessed by them, i.e.
1. Most of the work should be done by hand.
2. The resultant products should have some artistic or aesthetic value, which
demarcate this sector from other village and small industries
The Indian handicrafts industry is highly labour intensive, cottage based and decentralized
industry. The industry is spread all over the country mainly in rural and urban areas. Most of
the manufacturing units are located in rural and small towns.
Important examples of craft industries in India are:
- Bamboo handicrafts
- Bell metal handicrafts
- Coir industry
- Brass handicrafts
- Clay and pottery handicrafts
- Jute handicrafts
- Weavind or emboirdery handicrafts
Kanchipuram sarees, Bidri works of Karnataka, Kashmir shawls, Terracota works of Assam,
Wood works of Saharanpur, Metal works of Orissa (Tarkashi) , Carpet weaving of Mirzapur etc.
are some famous craft industry products.
Reasons of decline of craft industry:
- Issues of market access
- Globalization and its impact on Indian industry
- Availability of raw material
- Issues of credit and demand
- Issues of infrastructure
- Issues of upgradation of skills and employment
5) Upanishads represents highest watermark of Vedic philosophy and represents

a break from the materialism of earlier Vedic thought. What were the essential
elements of Upanishadic thought? (15 Marks, 250 words)
ANSWER: Vedic thought and philosophy of Early Vedic period are concerning themselves with
meeting the material aspirations of people. They are concerned with Victory in battle for which
they chose Indra to be the central god. Prosperity by having more cows under their control. And
the prayers are meant for more number of sons as their physical labour is crucial in rise of family
prestige. Most of the public and private ceremonies are directed to meet these ends.
With the emergence of more settled agriculture societies in the Later Vedic period these material
aspirations further accentuated resulting in considerable enlargement in rituals. This
prevailing concern for materialism and associated Brahmanism resulted in a reaction to it in the
form of Upanishads which concentrated on nature of human life, life after death,
metaphysisc’s and the causes for human suffering.
Upanishads have dominated Indian philosophy, religion and life ever since their appearance.
The Upanishads are respected not because they are considered revealed (Shruti), but because
they present spiritual ideas that are inspiring. The Upanishads are treatises on Brahman -
knowledge, which is knowledge of Ultimate Hidden Reality, knowledge is a means to freedom,
and philosophy is the pursuit of wisdom by a way of life.
The Upanishads include sections on philosophical theories that have been at the foundation of
Indian traditions. For example, the Chandogya Upanishad includes one of the earliest known
declaration of Ahimsa (non-violence) as an ethical precept. Discussion of other ethical
premises such as Damah (temperance, self-restraint), Satya (truthfulness), Dāna (charity),
Ārjava (non-hypocrisy), Daya (compassion) and others are found in the oldest Upanishads
and many later Upanishads.
Prominent ideas of Upanishads
1. Brahman
Brahman is the universal soul which is the embodiment of divinity in the world. Brahman is the
only reality in the world and the world is a reflection of the divinity essential to this Brahman
2. Atman
The word Atman means the inner self, the soul, the immortal spirit in an individual, and all living
beings including animals and trees. Ātman is a central idea in all the Upanishads, and "Know
your Ātman" their thematic focus.
3. Relation of atman and brahman
The ultimate analysis has declared that there is no difference between Brahman and Atman finally
leading to declaration of tatvamasi and aham brahmasmi.
4. Moksha/salvation
Mokṣha, or release, is the goal of every man; and release consists in the soul's freedom from the
need to be re-born. This can come from the knowledge/bhakti/ritual. This gives one of the basis
for the diversity of religious thought.
5. Theory of karma and samsara
To explain the life after death and the cause of suffering in individual life they propounded the
theory of karma. This is the spiritual essence that one carries from one life to another. This theory
exhorted on the need for ethicality in life as is not only linked to the current life but also the
spiritual wellbeing of soul.
Thus Upanishads represent the highest watermark of the vedic thought and set up a proper
philosophical basis for Hinduism as a religion.
INDIAN HISTORY
1) From ancient to medieval India, the land grants implied more than the
transfer of lands. Illustrate.
Source: NCERT Class XII Themes in Indian History, Book-1, Page-40-42
http://www.insightsonindia.com/2009/10/27/brahmadeya-devadana-and-agrahara-
land-grants/
Approach:
1) Introduction can briefly explain what land grants were.
2) The body can explain how land grants were more than transfer of lands by
taking examples from ancient and medieval India in a chronological order.
3) Conclusion can sum up the answer by reiterating various roles played by the
land grants.
ANSWER:
Land grant are the legal documents recording the land donations. While the
earlier land grants were made to the vedic priest (Brahmadeya), from the 5th
to13th CE, such grants were made to the temple (Devadana), non Brahmanical
religious institutions as well (Buddhist sanghas and jain basadis) and for secular
purposes like to schools (Shalabhoga), to state officers in lieu of salaries. The
objective behind these grants ranged from religious merit to economic, social and
political purposes thus implying more than mere transfer of land.
1) Religious merit
There was universal belief that donating the land and also receiving the same is
pious and sacred act bringing merit to both the donor and the donee destroying
their sins, both in heaven and on earth. This was substantiated by Smritis,
Puranas and dharmashastra.
2) Economic context
a) To bring virgin soil under cultivation: The lands donated were often the
wastelands and the forested regions. The donee brought these lands under
cultivation with the help of the labourers who are transferred as part of the land
grants. As a result there was GROWTH OF AGRARIAN ECONOMY.
Ex: Srikalahasti inscription
b) Emergence of self sufficient economic units and general decline of trade
: One of the striking features of the land grants made in settled areas was the
transfer by the donors of not only villages with various kinds of dues but also
with weavers, brewers, cowherds and other subjects (Dhenkanal plates
inscription of Tribhuvana mahadevi ).
This lead to the development of SELF-SUFFICIENT UNITS OF PRODUCTION AND
CONSUMPTION which had little to do with outside trade. Though essentials like
salt, iron tools etc., were obtained from merchants, in general there was a decline
in trade. c) Development of local trade and commerce around the temples.
Ex:Brihadeshwara temple of Tanjore gave impetus to settlement of weavers, bell
metal crafters etc
3) Social significance
a) Brahmanisation and acculturation of the tribal people who acquired
knowledge of script, calendar, art, literature and a new way of higher life. This
lead to the spread of Brahmanical culture across the regions and segregation of
the tribal society along with spread of material culture.
b) It reinforced caste hierarchy as the beneficiaries were mainly Brahmins.
4) Political importance
The Brahmanas who received the land grants helped the kings in IDEOLOGICAL
LEGITIMATION OF KING’S AUTHORITY. They also constructed the genealogies of
kings drawing from Itihasa-purana tradition. This helped the king to establish
superiority over subject.
5) Administrative significance
King appears to have transferred the right of punishing the offenders and right to
collect the revenue to donees along with land grants. Hence it was an
administrative mechanism for MAINTAINING LAW AND ORDER IN THE FAR
FLUNG AREAS where the central authority was felt least owing to the
communication difficulties of the times.
6) Historical importance
The Puranas prescribed the recording of the land grants in copper plate
inscription. These inscriptions had often become tool for kings to write about
themselves and their rule which is valuable source of the period today.
7) Cultural significance
The land grants had played important role in SPREAD OF VEDIC RELIGION as
the initial beneficiaries were vedic priests and temples. This lead to growth of
TEMPLE CULTURE which played major role in the preservation of culture.
Ex: The devadasi system that flourished in the temples (Ex: Brihadeshwara
temple, Tanjore) is at the root of preservation of Bharatanatyam.
The Bhakti cult developed around the temples which were supported by land
grants.
As whole land grants contributed to agrarian growth and the growth of the temple
culture but there were few fallouts in the long run.
1) The landed aristocracy are supposed to have brought about the fragmentation
of political power and subjection, degradation of the artisans etc.
2) led not only to the loss of revenue to the state to some extent but also loosened
its strict control over donated land
3) R. S. Sharma suggests that the origin and development of POLITICAL
FEUDALISM is to be sought in the land grants made to brahmanas from the first
century A.D onwards.
Thus, Land grants have played a very vital role in the socio-economic history of
ancient and medieval India and have been assigned a key role in historical
transformation from ancient to the medieval period.
2) Analyze the parallels between emergence of Mahayana Buddhism and

Puranic Hinduism.
Source: NCERT Class XII Themes in Indian History, Book-1, Page - 103 – 104
Approach:
1) Explaining the origin of Mahayana Buddhism and puranic Hinduism can be the
introduction
2) The body has to bring out the similarities between the two while pointing out their
uniqueness
3) You can conclude by summing up.
ANSWER:
The similarities can be drawn between Mahayana Buddhism that took birth during the
4th Buddhist Council held by Kanishka and the Puranic Hinduism that found the
expression during the Gupta age.
1) Deitification
Mahayana Buddhism believed Buddha to be the God who came down to earth to help
people cross the sea of life. So the Buddha can be worshipped as a God because he is
eternal. With this started the IDOL WORSHIP OF BUDDHA.
Similarly Puranic Hinduism incorporated the DASHAVATARA OF VISHNU and SHIVA
and SHAKTI CULTS who takes on incarnations to ameliorate the suffering of people.
Further Buddha came to be regarded as one of the incarnation of the Vishnu.
2) Concept of Heaven
Mahayana Buddhism saw the emergence of ‘DOCTRINE OF BODY’ connected with
which emerge the concept of HEAVENLY BUDDHA AND HEAVEN.
Puranic Hinduism too encompasses the concept of heaven. ‘Heaven’ concept was
intended to inspire people to right actions.
3) Future Saviour
MAITREYA was believed to be the future Buddha in the Mahayana Buddhism and the
KALKI in the puranic Hinduism who will take birth to end the suffering of people.’
4) Spiritual guide
Mahayana Buddhism believes in BODHISATTVAS who will assist even the smallest
being to reach highest goal. The puranic Hinduism also believes that the SAINTS AND
THE ASCETICS (Ex: Nayanars and alvars) helps people to attain the moksha.
5) Bhakti cult
Both mahayana Buddhism and Puranic Hinduism advocated the devotion to the deity
(Buddha in Mahayana and the Shiva or Vishnu in the Puranic Hinduism).
6) Salvation
Mahayana Buddhism talks of ending cycle of rebirth in the heaven (Sukhavati) and
the puranic Hinduism MOKSHA to be the end of cycle of birth and death.
7) Art and Architecture
Mahayana Buddhism gave impetus to emergence of VIHARAS AND STUPAS (ex:
Ajanta caves). Similarly the puranic hinduism saw the brilliant phase of TEMPLE
construction especially in the southern India.
Both the religions found expression even in PAINTINGS.
Ex: Mahayana Buddhism - Ajanta - Vajrapani and padmapani
Puranic hinduism - Bagh cave of Gupta period and the Lepakshi paintings
In addition to these we can also see
a) RITUALS being incorporated as important part of worship

b) COMPASSION that stood for other regarding held as supreme
c) Belief of world to be consisting of both GOOD AND EVIL with ultimate
triumph of good
d) Use of SANSKRIT
e) EMOTIONAL APPEAL
Common to both Mahayana Buddhism and the puranic Hinduism.
3) The period between 1858 and 1919 was that of “bureaucratic despotism”,
while the will
of the civil servant was diminished by gradual democratization of the polity
between
1919 to 1947. Analyze.
Source: From Plassey to Partition and After, Chapter - 2, Pages 110-113
Approach:
1) Introduction: we can start by defining what bureaucratic despotism is and how it helped
the British to establish the control over India
2) Body: The reasons can be explained for the despotic nature of bureaucracy. Then we can
explain how the democratization brought after 1919 curtailed the will and discretion of
civil servants.
ANSWER:
Bureaucracy was the strongest edifice of the colonial government that played pivotal role in
the expansion of the British control over India. This steel frame of administration exercised
of absolute power, especially in a cruel and oppressive way which is came to be regarded as
‘bureaucratic despotism’. Though the government of India act 1858 ended the company rule
providing for the direct control of British parliament the inherent nature of bureaucracy
remained despotic.
1) The Viceroy and secretary of state had powers to issue ORDINANCES and EMERGENCY
POWERS that gave these functionaries absolute power over the affairs of British
government.
2) The difficulties of communication owing to the long distance between London and
India meant the company officials had large amount of discretion while discharging their
functions.
3) There was dearth of Indian participation in the administration owing to the European
domination of Indian civil services and also the other administrative machinery.
4) The participatory institution like the provincial councils had no real powers. For
example the COUNCIL ACT OF 1892 authorized the councils to discuss budget but they
couldn’t vote upon it. Plus the prevalence of official majority and the power of viceroy and
secretary of state to overturn the act of councils reduced these institutions to mere rubber
stamp.
5) The executive council of the viceroy had no Indian participation till the minto morley
reforms of 1909.
In addition to these there was merely any scrutiny over the acts of bureaucratic actions in the
British Parliament. These gave the functionaries free hand in discharge of duties. The main
concern of the administration was the safeguard of British interests which made the rule to
ignore the Indian interests. All this made the bureaucracy in India despotic.
However the initial decades of 20th CE saw the emergence of nationalism in form of home
rule movement, congress, western educated intelligential that exerted pressure on the
colonial government to democratize the Indian polity i.e., to make the British government
more responsive to needs of people by increasing participation of Indians in the
administration, the beginning of which can be traced to the MONTAGU DECLARATION OF
1917 that had the objective of introduction of responsible government in India.
1) Act of 1919
a) It relaxed central control over the provinces by demarcating central and provincial
subjects. The transferred subjects in the provinces were to be administered with the aid of
the ministers which were responsible to legislative councils. Along with this provinces
legislatures were provided for their own budget. This meant the decrease of the discretionary
power of the bureaucracy and civil servants who are now have to obey the provincial
ministries at least in case of transferred subjects.
2) Act of 1935
a) It established the responsible government in the provinces which meant the
bureaucracy is now answerable to the ministries for all its actions and inactions.
b) The introduction of list system that divided powers between the center and the
provinces further eroded the will of bureaucracy
3) Both the acts of 1919 and 1935 provided for the expansion of the franchise and the
direct elected majority which meant better representation of the Indian interests in the
participatory institutions and scrutiny of the government policies and the bureaucratic
actions which further whittled down the power of the civil servants owing to the fact that
these institutions were being filled up by the nationalists.
4) There was increasing participation of Indians in the polity as well as the civil
services. This also played role in making administration responsive to people needs.
Thus we can say that gradual democratisation of the polity between 1919 to 1947 curtailed
will of civil servants there by transforming it’s character from despotic to the responsive.
4) The contradictions in moderate politics not only alienated greater mass of

the Indian population, they also allowed the colonial government to project
itself as the real protector of the poor. Analyze critically.
Source: From Plassey to Partition and After, Chapter - 5, Pages 231-233

Approach:
1) We can start by defining what moderate politics is and brief introduction about the
moderates and their style working in India.
2) The body can be the elaboration on the inherent contradictions in the methods of
their working and how it alienated masses from India creating vacuum for the colonial
government.
3) We can end by delineating the achievements of moderates to conclude that moderates
were nationalists who worked for the freedom of country.
ANSWER:
Moderate politics involved the CONSTITUTIONAL AGITATION WITHIN CONFINES OF

LAW and showed slow progress. The early nationalists led by Dadabhai Naoroji, R.C.
Dutt, Dinshaw Wacha and others who dominated the congress in the early phase were
staunch believers in the moderate politics. But the inner contradictions in the methods
they adopted not only alienated the masses but also made the Colonial government to
project itself as the real protector of people.
1) Social background: many of the moderates were propertied classes that forbid them
to grievances of the vulnerable sections of the society alienating them from congress.
a) Many of the moderate leaders were landed aristocrats (ex: Jotedars in Bengal) which
made them to oppose the peasant reforms brought by the colonial government.
Ex: The moderates opposed the Bengal tenancy reform act of 1885 and are also opposed
to the cadastral surveys.
b) The capitalist interests of the moderate leaders made them to oppose the Factory
acts of 1881(brought by Rippon) and 1891 and also not to consider their grievances.
They differentiated between the labourers in the european plantations and Plantation
owned by Indian capitalists.
c) Many of the moderate leaders were of upper caste Hindus that alienated the Muslims
and also the lower caste. The Justice party of Naicker and Phule later Ambedkar
distanced themselves from the Congress. Their silence during the cow protection
movement, communal riots drove the muslim masses from the Congress to Muslim
league. Because of this the Dufferin called moderates as ‘BABU POLITICIANS’ and all
these sections were supported by the colonial government by way of legislative measures,
official actions etc. which made it to be the real protector of poor and vulnerable.Ex: The
British actively supported the muslims by way of separate electorate, reservation.
2) Social base: The moderates believed that masses are divided by the class, caste
distinction and are not ready for participating in the national movement. Hence their social
base was limited to the URBAN MIDDLE CLASS because of which they couldn’t take
stand against the colonial government. This limited their success which fuelled the
discontent of youth who eventually rallied behind the extremists after the surat split of
1907.
3) Belief in the Paternalistic Imperialism of British: The moderated belief in the

BENEVOLENT CHARACTER OF THE COLONIAL RULE made them not to oppose the rule
by itself but instead demand the indian participation in it by awakening public opinion
in England as well in India. This was likely to invite premature repression and it made
the masses to perceive Colonial government to be the harbinger of modern times.
4) Moderates also believed that the government has to be run by the expediency not
by the ethics and moral laws. This made them to support measures like ordinances that
were intended to repress the extremists and revolutionaries. Because of these inherent
contradictions moderate politics couldn’t build an all-encompassing movement. The
vacuum was filled by the colonial government which claimed to be the ‘MAI-BAAP’
SARKAR (Lord Curzon) of the Indians. But having said so it must not be presumed that
the Moderate leaders fought for their narrow interests. Their programmes and policies
represented nation-wide interests against colonial exploitation. Their economic critique
of colonialism and their council work undermined of the colonial government and formed
base to build the future national movement.
5) Gandhi's conception of womanhood and women empowerment was

constructed on an extraction and reformulation of received social ideas in
moral terms. Comment. Also examine how Gandhi’s idea of womanhood is
a stark contrast to the idea of womanhood as advocated by the socio-
religious reformers of 19th centuries.
Source: From Plassey to Partition and After, Chapter - 7, Pages 381 – 392
Approach:
1) We can start with the brief introduction about the Gandhi’s perception on the
womanhood and women empowerment.
2) The answer should consists of two parts. In first part one has to explain the Gandhi’s
idea of womanhood and women empowerment and how it is related to the existing social
idea and moral terms. The second part has to explain how this perspective different from
the socio-religious reforms of 19th century.
3) Then we can conclude by stating how the Gandhi’s perspective was forerunner in
women liberation.
ANSWER:
Gandhi desired to build a new society in free India i.e. a society based on social justice,
peace and harmony. He firmly believed that freedom was a birthright of every nation, as
well as of every human being. He never failed to include women in his concept of ‘HUMAN
BEING’. It was in South Africa that he had realized the power of self-less sacrifice that
women could offer and decided to harness it in the service of the nation.
Gandhi, in conceptualizing the ideal Indian womanhood, shifted the focus from
motherhood to sisterhood, by negating women's sexuality. But it was constructed
on the extraction and reformulation of received social ideas in moral terms that has its
root in his perception about social emancipation.
1. To Gandhi social emancipation has its fold political emancipation. He opened the
public sphere to women by allowing them to participate in the national movement. But
while doing so he didn’t invert the doctrine of two separate spheres of private and public
space. This can be seen in the roles that women were given like picketing that didn’t
involve direct confrontation. Thus Gandhi redefined the political participation by creating
space for politics at home.
2. Gandhiji advocated the education for women. But according to him women should
be taught the management of the home, the things that they should or should not do
during pregnancy and the nursing and care of children etc. It is because he believed
while men and women both are fundamentally equal, as far as form is concerned, there
is a vital difference between the two, and hence the vocations of the two must be different.
3. Gandhi had an immense faith in the inner strength of women. He held that
women by nature are endowed with the qualities of love, non – violence, forgiveness and
a remarkable capacity for sacrifice. Gandhi found women to be worthier interpreters of
non- violence than men.
4. While advocating the equal economic rights for women Gandhi accepted the natural
division of labor between two sexes and believed that women had a duty to look after the
hearth and house. Hence he advocated spinning of Khadi, weaving as vocations for
women.
All these confirmed to the existed social ideas of women being soft, tender hearted,
sympathetic at great extent. In addition his clarion call to women was couched in a
language full of religious metaphors that did not appear to be subversive of the traditional
values about femininity. Sita-Damayanti-Draupadi were his role models for Indian
women.
Although taken from Indian mythology, these symbols were reconstituted and loaded
with new meanings. These women were represented as no slaves of their husbands, but
extremely virtuous, and capable of making supreme sacrifice for the welfare of their
family, society and the state.
Though Gandhi’s socio-political philosophy, as far as the question of gender equality, is

constructed on ‘patriarchal values’ it was progressive and was in stark contrast to the
idea of womanhood as advocated by the socio-religious reformers of 19th centuries.
1) The women were treated as subjects of the modernizing project not conscious
equals claiming agency for their own emancipation. Whereas Gandhi treated woman and
man as one. He ensured active role for women in not only freedom struggle but also in
the uplift of themselves. Thus we can say while earlier reform movements were confined
to the domestic households.
Gandhi extended this to the public sphere. Plus early movements saw women as passive
recipients while Gandhi saw women as active participants capable of making self-
sacrifices.
2) The movement for female education started as part of the colonized man's search for
the ‘new women’. With the Victorian ideal of compassionate marriage, the concept of
womanhood embodied self -sacrificing wife and Victorian helpmate. Thus education far
from being emancipatory confined women to idealized roles as good wives and
better mother.
Gandhi advocated education to create self - consciousness of women and their
emancipation, even when he stressed the gender difference.
3) The valorization of domestic roles emptied women of their economic value. The
reproductive role of women was considered more important than labor. But Gandhi
believed that economic freedom would play vital role in the empowerment of
women. He consistently inspired and motivated women for spinning yarn and weaving
cloths.
4) While the earlier movements perceived women to be weaker than man Gandhi had
an immense faith in the inner strength of women. He held that women by nature are
endowed with the qualities of love, non – violence, forgiveness and a remarkable capacity
for sacrifice. Gandhi found women to be worthier interpreters of non- violence than men.
Thus Gandhi while remaining within the middle class tradition of conceptualizing
womanhood ad accepting women biological weakness made relentless efforts which not
only paved the way for women participation in the nationalist movements but also
inculcated the spirit of dignity, self-respect, social equality and individual freedom among
women.
6) What united Nehru and Sardar Patel was more significant and of abiding
value than what divided them? Elaborate.
Source: India since Independence - Bipan Chandra Chapter 14
Approach:
1) Introduction: Brief hint about the nature of personality of Nehru and Patel
2) Body: Answer can be done in two parts. First part highlighting the differences between
two leaders and second part the fundamental unity between two.
3) Conclusion: We can conclude by stating how the contrasting nature of these two
leaders was necessary for the newly born democracy.
ANSWER:
A newly born India had two greater leaders at it service - one visionary and idealist -
Nehru and the other a pragmatist and realist - Patel. These two stalwarts undoubtedly
differed in their temperament and political ideologies.
1) Economic policy
Nehru envisioned a socialist India with social service and cooperation taking place
of competition. He replicated the Soviet planning commission and its Five Year Plans
while severely restricting the scope of private enterprise.
Patel on the other hand believed that capitalism could be ‘purged of its hideousness’.
He did not view the spirit of enterprise with disdain. For him, creation of wealth for
ushering in societal prosperity was a desirable trait.
Patel also emphatically denied the inevitability of class struggle which was an article
of faith for the Marxists. Patel affirmed his faith in the capitalists, industrialists and
economists who ‘when approached in the right manner’ offered promising prospects for
both production and just remuneration for labour.
2) Foreign policy
While Nehru was internationalist in his outlook Patel was more inclined towards
nationalist approach. This along with the pragmatism made Patel to support the
recognition for the Israel, oppose India relinquishing the rights over Tibet in favor of
China.
3) Military policy
While Patel stood for modernization of Indian army, Nehru with more idealist
approach wouldn’t be able to perceive the security threat simmering over India from its
neighbors and hence wasn’t in support of the same.
4) Political ideology
Nehru was believer of liberalism and came to be associated with the leftist of
congress. On the other hand Patel was conservative in his political ideology and was
part of right wing of Congress.
While Nehru wanted the unification of country by democratic way Patel didn’t
hesitate to use other ways like police action and military action to achieve the
unification of India. In addition the while Nehru gave expression to the congress
ideologies and the vision of India Patel was organizational man who worked in the
background. But in those defining years, what united them was far more important than
what divided them.
1) Politicians with impeccable integrity
Nehru and Patel both enjoyed the great respect and legitimacy among people and
also the congressmen. Both were known for their determination as well the integrity. It
made both the leaders to bring in consensus among congressman on conflicting
issues which was much needed for the nascent democracy.
2) Deep love of their country
Both the leaders were fierce patriots who had always placed country and welfare of
countrymen above their interests.
3) Abiding commitment to India’s unity
Nehru and Sardar stood for and defended the Unity of India not only during the
national struggle but also after the independence. It is because of Nehru’s opposition
that Wavell’s Balkan plan was withdrawn. On the other hand it’s Patel who achieved the
unification of India to complete the map of united India after Independence.
4) Faith in Mahatma Gandhi
Both Nehru and Patel acknowledged the leadership of Gandhi and reposed faith in
Gandhian methods of struggle.
5) Belief in Constitutionalism
Nehru and Patel both wanted to establish India as sovereign, democratic republic
on strong edifice of Constitution. Both being members of constituent assembly and
heads of committees played pivotal role in drafting constitution of India. While Nehru
drafted the objective resolution Patel played vital role in drafting fundamental right
provision of Indian Constitution.
6) Protection of Minorities.
Both Nehru and Patel championed causes of minorities. Nehru with his Secular
approach played important role in integration of India muslims. It is to be remembered
that it is Patel who was the chairman of committee on fundamental rights and welfare of
minorities in the constituent assembly.
7) Both were untiring workers, allowing themselves practically no rest, either physical
or mental.
All these factors made both the leaders to share love and respect for each other and work
together for betterment of country. Though there were differences these fundamental
unity bonded two leaders to each other.
Thus we can say Nehru and Patel are like great diamonds, with this difference, that if
Sardar Patel is rough-hewn, valued intrinsically high, Nehru is the finished product, cut
with many facets and therefore shining in many directions. It is to the good fortune of
the country that it had in Pandit Nehru and Sardar Patel two personalities who have
characteristics each complementary to each other for never has there been a combination
of humanism and realism so complete as in Jawaharlal and Vallabhbhai.
7) Bhoodan was an attempt at land reform, at bringing about institutional

changes in
Agriculture through a movement and not simply through government
legislation. Discuss.
Source: India since Independence - Bipan Chandra Chapter 31
Approach:
1) Introduction: We can write about the brief history of Bhoodan.
2) Body: highlight the major changes in the institutions brought by the Bhoodan. Here
emphasise on how these changes are brought without legislation.
3) Conclusion: one can conclude by highlighting the success of Bhoodan though there were
shortcomings.
ANSWER:
Bhoodan movement started by the Vinoba Bhave in 1951 was a land reform movement
aimed at bringing about institutional changes in agriculture through a movement and not
simply through government legislation via voluntary land donations.
It drew upon Gandhian techniques and ideas such as constructive work and trusteeship. If
the landlords failed to behave as trustees or as ‘equal’ sharing of property, then a
satyagraha, in the Gandhian mould, could be launched against them.
An federation of constructive workers was organized called sarvodaya samaj who would do
padyatra from village to village and persuade landlords to give up their land to the landless
and poors.
The movement was quite successful in the start and about 4 million hectares land was given
by landlords. This resulted in changes like
1) Social institution
The movement tried to bring about a social order based on equality of opportunities by
ensuring balanced economic distribution. To some extent it also helped in reducing
exploitation of the poor cultivators by the rich zamindars.
2) Economic structure
It brought in decentralization of economic holdings and powers by undertaking
redistribution of land from landlords to the landless laborers.
3) It aided in the direction of tax burden. When no compensation amount is to be paid,

less amount will be needed on that account; which means less burden which when viewed
in Indian context where the people are already over taxed
4) It helped in bringing more land under plough. Even uncultivable land is cultivated
The movement was christened in to Gramdan movement in the late 1950s.
Although there are shortcomings like most lands donated being infertile or under litigation
Bhoodan movement acquires great significance in the context of urgent change. It
underlines traditions that are Implicit in the Indian way of life. It recaptures the idea of the
social order based on equality.
8) The historical evidence on the ‘Tiger of Mysore’ Tipu Sultan can be read as
competing Narratives ranging between visionary to freedom fighter to bigot.
Discuss critically Relevance and significance of such narratives today.
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Approach:
1) Introduction: Bring in the contradiction in the narrative of Tipu
2) Body: The answer can be written in two section. First has to deal with the narrative of
Tipu being visionary leader and freedom fighter. And the second part should bring in the
narrative of Tipu being the bigot while bringing in the secular portrayal of Tipu. Each part
has to be substantiated with the relevance and significance in today’s world.
3) Conclusion: it has to be in positive line highlighting the first narrative of Tipu.
ANSWER:
True nature of a person like Tipu can only be found by the way of looking at achievements
and failures without judging him on Socio-Political, Religious & Cultural Point of view, but
judging one on Moral, Ethical and Visionary point of view.
Visionary leader and freedom fighter
The Silver pages of History remembers Tipu sultan as the Tiger of Mysore who fought against
the major powers back in his time like a brave and courageous soldier. In addition to being
brilliant general he was also a radical economic and social reformer and a great
geostrategist that testifies his being visionary and an able administrator.
1) Military reforms
 Tipu Sultan was a great believer in the modern system of Militarization. He armed
infantry with musket and bayonet manufactured in Mysore. He understood the
importance of blue water navy that gave supremacy to British. He modernized the
naval forces after 1796 and also built 2 dockyards.
 These reforms still hold beacon light for India owing to the India’s geographical
position in proximity to the global terrorism center and India being the largest
importer of arms (SIPRI report). The rising threat to the maritime freedom calls for the
modernization of Indian navy given 90% of our trade by volume is carried out via sea
route and it holds important energy and communication lines for the country.
2) Revenue and peasant reforms

 He devised a land revenue system based on detailed surveys and classification,
in which the tax was imposed directly on the peasant, and collected through salaried
agents in cash, widening the state’s resource base. He also modernized agriculture,
gave tax breaks for developing wasteland, built irrigation infrastructure and repaired
old dams, checked illegal cess and promoted agricultural manufacturing and
sericulture.
 All this has made peasants of mysore state prosperous and his revenue system
became basis for Ryotwari system of the Munro.
 Even today the agriculture forms the basis of livelihood of 50% of our population and
is backbone of village economy. The problem of intermediaries, rainfed agriculture,
dearth of markets etc still haunts continues to haunt the Indian peasants. Though
there were reforms like Fasal Bima yojana, E-NAM, Krishi Sinchai Yojana the reforms
brought by Tipu are still relevant today which can be adopted based on the agro-
ecological characteristics of region.
3) Trade and Industrial policy
 Tipu commissioned a “state commercial corporation” to set up factories. As

Mysore traded in sandalwood, silk, spices, rice and sulphur, some 30 trading outposts
were established across Tipu’s dominions and overseas. Sugar and paper factories
were established for the first time under him. Sword, blades and gunpowder were
manufactured locally
 He also set up Trading company was set up on the lines of European companies.
Tipu had established trading houses for Mysore products worldwide in France,
Turkey,Iran, China to expand the trade.
 These factories provided employment and income generating opportunities to the
people and motivated the manufacturers to produce quality goods and services and
achieved acclaim beyond India and earned profits through exports.
 With the India’s manufacturing sector witnessing the slow growth and the need for
India to expand employment opportunity for the youth the industrial revolution of
Mysore brought by Tipu still remains relevant.
4) International outlook
 Tipu was statesman who supported the American war of independence financially
and also morally and took interest in the French Revolution. He was the first Asian
ruler to recognise the newly independent United States He became member of
Jacobian club and also planted liberty tree at Srirangapatna. He also tried building
relation with the Ottoman Turk.
 The diplomacy being the important tool of today’s multipolar world this international
outlook of Tipu and his acumen of geostrategy is worth emulating.
5) Technological innovator of India

 The rockets of Tipu were prototype of the modern Missile system. In addition he
introduced the new calendar, Coinage, new scale of weight and measures.
 This technological vision of Tipu is still inspiration for India given the upcoming era
of fourth industrial revolution where technology will be the key driver of economy and
the emerging challenges like security threats (cyber-attacks), new health issues
(antimicrobial resistance) etc.
6) Social Reform
 He introduced social reforms both among Hindus and Muslims.
 Ex: strict ban on the non-sensible and anti-Islamic practices among the Muslims
Forbid the human sacrifice in temple (Ex: Kali temple of Mysore).
 With the social evils like dowry, child marriage, female feticide still prevailing in the
Indian society these reforms of Tipu stand out till today.
 Even in personal life Tipu was free from vices and avoided luxury which is of worth
emulation for the public servants.
Narrative of Tipu being bigot

In another different narrative Tipu is being projected as the religious bigot.
1. Demolition of places of worship of Hindu and christian : The Historian William Logan
has mentioned (in the “Malabar Manual”) that Thaliparamba and Trichambaram temples
of Chirackal Taluka, Ponmeri Temple of Badakara, and Thiruvengadu of Tellicherry were
among the major temples smashed by Tipu Sultan.
2. There are also written records of forced conversion to Islam and religious
prosecution of Hindus and Christians in the Kodagu, Thrissur and Cochin.
But there is a dispute among Historians in the narrative of Tipu being Bigot as there were
evidences to support the tolerant attitude of Tipu.
1) Tipu had rebuilt Hindu temples that were destroyed and looted by the Hindu Maratha
army in his kingdom. Ex: Sringeri temple
2) He gave grants and gifts to the temples. Ex: Melkote temple
3) Tipu had close contact with the Sringeri Math and the letters Tipu wrote show
reverence to the saints and priests of Hinduism. This shows high esteem in which Tipu
held the Hindu holy men of his kingdom.
4) Tipu had appointed the Hindus to the post of high officials (ex: Pornaiya as finance
minister) and also maintained learned Brahmins as civil officials.
5) Tipu respected the religious practice of all. All non-Muslims, Hindus and Christians
alike, were free to follow their own religion. For example he instructed that his non-Muslim
officers be guaranteed that the food provided to them would meet their religious
requirements and that they be allowed to take their oaths of office according to their own
religious beliefs.
While this tolerant image of Tipu is significant today amid rise of Religious fundamentalism
the religious bigot image of Tipu is litting new fire in the secular fabric of country.
The historical evidence on the ‘Tiger of Mysore’ can be read as competing narratives. It serves
no purpose to view Tipu’s multi layered personality through the prism of religion. What is
more important in his progressive reforms of the period and the bravest resistance he put
up against the dominant foreign power of the time against all the odds of the time.
9) “Robert Clive founded the British Raj, Lord Macaulay sowed the seeds of its
end.”
Critically comment.
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Approach:
1) Introduction: Brief idea about the Clive
2) Body: It should consists of two parts. One elaborating how clive strengthened the British
rule in India. The second part has to elaborate on the reforms brought by Mcaulay i.e., the
education which proved to be the main reason for the demise of British colonial power over
India.
3) Conclusion: We can conclude by saying that along with the reforms of Macaulay it’s the
relentless efforts of freedom fighters like Gandhi that lead India to freedom.
ANSWER:
Robert Clive was largely responsible for the English East Indian Company getting the
control of Bengal thus leading to whole of India later on. He has been called “CONQUEROR
OF INDIA”. Clive’s role can be seen in two parts
1) In the Southern India
When English were losing ground and the French were gaining success in the second
Carnatic war and in the whole of the Deccan the British prestige was at the lowest point,
Clive stepped into show the talent both in ideas and action. Under his leadership the
capital of Carnatic Arcot was attacked and captured that suddenly turned the course of
the Second Carnatic War.
The French army was defeated and the British influence was restored in the south. That
unexpected and measured move of Clive brought the decline of Dupleix and the fame of
Clive and the English as well.
This defeat made Dupleix to be recalled which proved to be in favor of the British during
3rd Anglo-French war.
2) In Bengal
Grave situations developed in Bengal when the Nawab of Bengal Siraj-ud-daula
humiliated the English. Clive brokered the treaty of Alinagar with the nawab to buy the
temporary peace. And after it he started charting plan to establish the English
Supremacy over Bengal.
In 1757 Robert Clive led the Company’s army against Sirajuddaulah. Robert Clive
persuading commanders of Siraj Ud Daulah not to fight was a significant factor
contributing to the victory of Company against Nawab.
Clive became the first Governor of Bengal and started his dual system of Government.
The battle of Plassey was instrumental in establishment of British control over India
because
1) British got undisputed free trade right in Bengal, Bihar and Orissa and Zamindari of
24 parganas.
2) English status was raised to the major contender to the Indian emperor.
3) Rich revenues of Bengal helped British to organize strong army that became the
strongest defender of colonial government in the country. The British met the cost of
conquest of rest of the country from the revenue of Bengal.
4) The revenues of Bengal were now being used to purchase the export goods from Indian
merchants. This stopped flow of bullion out of England and the beginning of economic
drain of India.
5) The control of Bengal and hence over the Bay of Bengal proved decisive role in the
Anglo-French struggle in India that led to the establishment of English as the sole
dominant power in India.
With all these factors Clive was acclaimed as the founder of British rule in India.
Later in 1832, when British government wanted to spend 1 lakh rupees on the Education
of Indians & the British officials were divided over the point of envisaging Indian or
English education.
Lord Macaulay was given the authority to decide upon the dispute on the position of law
and education in India so that to create New Penal Code and Educational System. Lord
Macaulay suggested enriching other languages so that they became vehicles of European
Scientific and literary expression. This led to English being introduced as a medium of
education form class 6th onwards.
Though the main aim behind MACAULAY’S MINUTE presented in 1835 was to produce
Indian clerks through educating them in English which would consolidate the British
Empire and westernization of Indian culture by “producing the Indians looking Indian in
physical features but British in thinking, behavior & mind”.
But Macaulay’s educational scheme proved to be the cause of end of British Raj as the
Access to English, opened door for Indians to learn modern ideas of freedom, democracy
and liberty. This played crucial role in spread of nationalism amongst the people of India
in leaps and bounds. From the social reformation alongside cultural rejuvenation, the
establishment of Congress in 1885 to its widening mass base under Gandhiji can be
attributed to English education. The English educated became to constitute the urban
middle class who provided the leadership to the national movement in every stage.
In addition the learned Indians who visited the western countries saw the working of
political institutions in free country and compared the situation with India where even
basic liberties were denied to Indians. This created urge for swarajya in them who became
staunch supporter of the Indian freedom struggle.
The English education also helped Indians to recognize social and political injustices of
the British and absorb developments around the world. This awakening ultimately led to
the demise of the British Raj.
Though Macaulay is said to sow the seed of End of British Raj in India, but this “seed”
grew because of the water supplied by the use of truth, non-violence, Satyagraha of
Gandhi and the sacrifice of many others.
10) Revivalists played a crucial role in the rise of nationalism in India but their
nationalism was an exclusive one. Comment. (150 Words, 10 Marks)
ANSWER:
Revivalism
Revivalist movements tended to revive former customs or practices and thus take the
society back to the glorious past. They had religious and conservative ideology at their
core and emerged as a consequence of cultural hegemonic struggle between India and
Britain.
Hindu revivalism began to replace in popularity the creed of Brahmo Samaj and
Prarthana Samaj, and a new note of assertive, even aggressive Hinduism began to be
heard above the voice of rationalism which had reverberated in the land for nearly forty
years.
Bengal revivalism
In Bengal two ideas—those of nationalism and romanticism swayed the minds of the
people. There were feelings of individual self-assertion and of pride in the past heritage,
resentment against the oppression of the ruling class, sympathy for the misery and
povertyNof the rural people and yearning for liberty and equality formed part of
revivalism.
Bankim Chandra combined his nationalist fervor with deep religious devotion. ‘Religion
to him was the instrument for the moral and political regeneration of society. In his book
Anandmath, he projected a conflict between sanyasis and British to bring about religious
and moral fervor to nationalism.
Swami Vivekananda similarly by reviving the past glory of Vedanta Declared Indian idiom
in Indian terms. Pride in past a new faith in culture and a confidence for the future are
essential messages of swami to the cause of nationalism. His stirring appeal of Indian
cultural greatness made him the patron prophet of revolutionary nationalists of the
coming decades.
Punjab revivalism
Dayanand Saraswati gave a Clarion call of go back to Vedas his assertion of Indian
greatness in the Vedic times gave birth to the ideas of cultural nationalism which gave
birth to a generation of extremist leadership like Lala Lajpath Rai. Thus, revivalists of
India gave a new dimension of cultural nationalism which is distinct from the liberal
nationalism of the previous era. This nationalism had the advantage of mass appeal and
ability to mobilize them. They tried to use a reconstituted past in the service of the nation.
Exclusive nationalism
But their nationalism was an exclusive one at the as movements like Sanghatan and
Shuddhi started by Arya Samaj led to alienation of Muslims and Sikhs. The cow
protection movements of Arya Samaj lead to communal disharmony and riots in Punjab.
The terminologies like thousand years of foreign rule and the excessive religiosity of the
revivalists led to formation of a unitary idea of Indian nation which alienated other
religions. The search for golden past and the reassertion of the ideal of Chaturvarna
Hinduism alienated the lower caste leaders like Jyotibha Phule from this idea of Cultural
Nationalism.
Thus revivalists though laid a path for rise of cultural nationalism and played a crucial
role in giving back the confidence to Indian people. They alienated many sections of
Indian society in the process.
11) Indian need of a federation is more an historical imperative than a political
choice. Comment. (150 Words, 10 Marks)
ANSWER:
A federation is a political entity characterized by a union of self-governing provinces
under a central government. The choice of adopting a federal government in India is both
the product of historical forces and the objective political conditions of India which can
be seen as follows:
Historical imperative British influence
In the early days of British expansion, the East India Company followed the policy of
centralization which is one of the factors in the outbreak of the 1857 revolt. Post revolt
the British parliament started a process of decentralization.
It was from 1861 that the Policy of Centralization was changed. In 1870, Lord Lytton
transferred the subject of law, justice and land revenue to the provinces. In 1909, the
Committee on Decentralization recommended that there should be devolution of powers.
The Government of India Act, 1919 brought about Financial Devolution and the
provinces were empowered to raise debts. Fifty subjects were put in the Provincial List.
India had a centralized unitary Constitution until the Government of India Act, 1935.
The provincial governments were virtually the agents of the Central Government, deriving
powers by delegation from the latter.
The Government of India Act, 1935 for the first time introduced the Federal concept and
used the expression ‘Federation of India’ in a Constitution Act relating to India. The
principal objective was to territorially accommodate the two major religious communities
the Hindu and the Muslim who held respective majorities in the provinces.
The plan was to grant maximum autonomy to the provinces within the framework of
British colonial authority as a counterweight to the nationalist movement. The Cabinet
Mission Plan proposed further provincial power. Its proposal for “grouping” of the
provinces, cutting into the powers of the federal Centre, however, was rejected by the
Congress party forcing partition. After partition the trend was reversed towards a
centralized Union. Yet a federal structure was retained even claiming that the 1935
structure of Union-Unit power division was not at all affected.
Congress influence
Apart from the British acts there were major institutional innovations taken up by
congress party in its organization which also lead to the formation of a federation in
India. The institutional innovations to accommodate the linguist diversity of India and
by the very nature of national movements need to mobilize the masses congress chose a
linguistic based provincial committees post Nagpur session of 1920 which strengthened
linguistic federalism in India as can be seen from the linguistic reorganization of states.
Also the fact that India was coming into being in the midst of the violence of partition
naturally made the issue of federalism important. Naturally the tendency became to
make sure that there is a strong government at the center so that future attempts at
partition can be prevented.
The influences of successful federations which were set up across the world to
accommodate diversity as in the constitutions of USA, Canada and Australia also helped
us make the choice of federation. The diversity of India which is part of the historical
evolution of the nation and the concept of unity in diversity which is the product of Indian
national movement also made India in to a federation.
The political considerations which made India adopt a federal character are:
1. A federal state is more effective than a unitary one when the size of its territory is as
large as India.
2. A federal state is more effective than a unitary one when diverse groups of its
population live in a discrete territorial concentration as in India.
3. Maintaining the harmony and unity between the different regions and states and
people speaking different languages was important and urgent consideration. Thus, the
choice of federation and its internal workings are a product of history and the unique
demands of governing a diverse nation like India.
12) Buddhism is more of a social reform movement than a religious

reform movement. Comment.(150 Words, 10 Marks)
ANSWER: 6th century B.C in India is an age of social unrest, it was an age of
intellectual and philosophical ferment, it is the age of Mahajanapadas, the age of
urbanization, these rapid transformations from an earlier agriculture centered
rural setting required a new approach to life and religion which the Vedic
Brahmanism was unable to provide leading to the emergence of new doctrines like
Buddhism.
Buddhism as social reform movement
Buddha rejected the Varna ashram dharma as an ideal way of organizing society
and sought to restructure it with a society where Varna is based on aptitude rather
than birth.
Buddha for the first time accepted women in the Sangha and gave scope for
development of their spiritual inclinations. Which is a significant reform from the
oppressed condition of women in the later Vedic order.
Buddhist philosophy gave highest importance to individual merit for spiritual
progress leading to rejection of costly and wasteful rituals. This reduced the
material burden of religion on society.
Budhha by criticizing Brahmanism and the superiority complex associated with

it gave assertion and self-confidence to the lower strata of society. Buddha further
enhanced scope of upliftment of lower strata by breaking the shackles of earlier
religious doctrine and spread the message equality.
Budhhist religion by emphasizing on ethics and morality in day to day action of

individuals tried to bring harmony between the social groups and people of various
social backgrounds. Vaishyas and Kshatriya varnas at this point of time lived in
a society where their economic status is not in coherence to their social status
which required a status revolution which Buddhism provided.
Budhhism is a religion which backed the urban ethos of the time and made the
transition from an agriculture based society to urban society smoother.By its
anti-ritualistic attitude and by its negation on the territorial boundedness of
Vedic Brahmanism it liberated the individual from the prevailing social
constraints.
Buddhism as a religion
It broke away from the dominant Brahmanical world view, philosophy and
pantheon of gods. It set up an alternative world view and ideas through its
philosophy. This can be seen in
1. The idea of four noble truths
2. The idea of nirvana which represented freedom from desire.
3. The Ashtanga Marga (8 fold path)
4. The ideas like Patichha Samuppada (dependent origination)
5. Rejection of all authority except experience.
6. The idea of middle path
As the social and religious aspects are deeply intertwined in the ancient socio
cultural system the reform which was fundamentally aimed at spiritual progress
had broader social implications.
13) Vijayanagara architecture represents a unique admixture of

construction styles and shows a remarkable attention to decoration.
Elucidate. (250 Words, 15 Marks)
ANSWER: Vijaynagara School represented a unique building idiom which
developed in medieval India. As the empire extended from Decccan to South and it
was in conflict with Bahamani, a unique process of cross fertilization of ideas took
place in construction. Which lead to naming of the Vijaynagara style as Provida
style. The major influences on Vijaynagara architecture are
Vesara School:
The influence of Chalukyas and Hoysalas is clearly visible on Vijaynagara
architecture. Stagerred stellate plan which is typical of Hoysala temples in
Halebidu and Beluru can be seen in the mandapa of Vittala temple in Hampi.
Vidyashankara temple at Sringeri shows the typical Vesara features like apsidal
plan and Vesara hybrid Shikhara.
Presence of stepped tanks, or pushkarnis in the temples in Vijayanagara,
arranged in a symmetrical formation, with steps and landings descending to
water on all sides. This was taken from Western Chalukya, Hoysala era.
Dravidian architecture of Cholas and Pandyas:

Vijayanagara architecture was influenced by Cholan and Pandyan style of
architecture. The basic design of most of the Vijaynagara temples is based on
Dravidian style of Cholas containing Gopura, Garbhagriha, Mandapa, Shikhara,
Prakara walls and the pillared portico model of mandapas is an adaptation of
Cholan style.
Much larger temples were added with Gopuram, and this was often crowned by
a Shala Shikara, a barrel laid sideways. The gopuram was richly decorated with
sculptures of Gods, Goddesses, men and women which are attributed to the new
name of Raya Gopurams. Examples:
Virupaksha Temple has Colossal 'Gopurams' - entrances to the courts of the
temples, Ekambaranath temple has ten storeys rising to the height of 188 feet.
Big sculptures on outside the temples as a decorative motif is also a Cholan
influence.
The big nandi at Gangai Konda Cholapuram influenced the Carving of large
monoliths such as Ganesha at Hampi and Nandi at Lepakshi.
Indo Islamic architecture:
Vijayanagar Architecture even incorporated elements of Islamic architecture
like domes, vaults and arches. Presence of many secular structures bearing
Islamic features in great city of Hampi can be seen. Elephant stables and
entrance gates show domed structures. The Lotus Mahal in Hampi is the best
preserved specimen of the arcuate architecture in Hampi.
Unique aspects
'Rath' - Chariot in stone with finely carved wheels, Eg Vitthalaswami Temple. New
additions to temples like Amman Shrine, Rang Mandap, Utsav Mandap and
Garuda Mandap.
Decoration in Vijaynagara Architecture:
Its stylistic hallmark is the ornate pillared Kalyanamandapa (marriage hall),

Vasanthamandapa (open pillared halls) and the Rayagopura (tower). Artisans
used the locally available hard granite because of its durability. The pillars were
profusely carved and are considered sculptures in their own right. The prancing
horses and hippogriffs (yali) are unique carvings on pillars. They also carved
musical pillars in the kalyana mandapas. Carvings on temple walls:
The carvings on the temple walls represented an element of horizontality with

processions of men and animals depicted. Ex the royal stage at hampi.
Murals in temple:
Vijayanagara art includes wall-paintings such as the Dashavatara and
Girijakalyana (marriage of Parvati, Shiva's consort) in the Virupaksha Temple at
Hampi, the Shivapurana murals (Tales of Shiva) at the Virabhadra temple at
Lepakshi. These murals decorate the ceilings of the Mandapas.
14) "The Extremists of today will be the Moderates of tomorrow, just as the
Moderates of today were the Extremists of yesterday". Elucidate the statement in
the context of India’s freedom struggle. (250 Words, 15 Marks)
ANSWER: This statement tries to capture the changing ideological orientation and
constant radicalization of the national movement. In its essence it tries to talk
about the changing nature of leadership of the national movement.
By the end of the nineteenth century, it became quite clear that moderate
leadership of the Congress was unable to bring any substantial change in the
policies and administration of the British in India. It created reaction among young
leadership that no good would be served without struggle. They gradually lost faith
in the moderate tactics- prayer, petition, press and memoranda and therefore,
proceeded ahead towards the path of confrontation. It resulted in the rise of
extremists within the Congress.
They criticized the moderates for their non-confrontationist attitude and their belief
in the providential nature of British and their inability to mobilize the masses. But
the moderates were extremists in the early days of the independence movement.
Their ideas like economic drain and formation of the all India body like the Indian
National Congress represent their radicalism when nationalism is in budding
phases.
The revolutionary movement which emerged post Swadeshi Movement saw the
extremist leadership as moderate. The revolutionaries of this age criticized the
prominent extremist leadership for their withdrawal of Swadeshi Movement
without achieving any of their aims. For leaders like Aurobindo Ghosh the
extremist leadership commitment to non-violent means seemed
conservative/moderate.
The reality of differences between the moderates and extremists are only relative in
sense and not absolute was brought to forth in 1920s and 1930s when new forces
of Gandhian mass movements emerged.
One of the extremists of the Swadeshi Movement, Bal Gangadhar Tilak questioned
the efficacy of Satyagraha as a means for achieving independence. He was opposed
to this idea when Gandhi advocated it during the Non-Cooperation and Khilafat
Movement.
This reflects how the extremists of the Non-co-operation and Swadeshi movement
were out of sync with the new forces of Khilafat movement and methods of
Satyagraha and Constructive work.
Even Gandhiji's methods appeared moderate when the socialist leaders like Nehru,
Bose appeared on the stage and advocated more radical approach to bring workers
and peasants into the Congress fold.
Thus this statement of Bala Gangadhar Tilak holds true and represents the
constant change in the nature of leadership and the ideological orientation of the
anti-colonial struggle in India.
15)“Gandhi is a saint among politicians and a politician among saints”. Critically
examine. (250 Words, 15 Marks)
Gandhi’s presence in Indian public life is a unique admixture of a saint and a
politician. He clearly stated that “I don’t accept a politics without religion, polity is
a servant of religion, a polity without religion leads to doom as it kills one’s soul”.
The saintly character and the politician angle can be differentiated as follows.
Saint among politicians
His aspiration of a Swaraj is not just a political independence from British but
the ability of individual to control his own emotions and passions. This
represents his saintly nature.
He looked at economy in the stand point of morality which lead to the concept of
trusteeship and Sarvodaya which tries to use change of individual heart to solve
the economic problems when the ideas of socialists were speaking of politics of
appropriation. When the politics of anti-colonial struggles the world over were
taking the path of violence Gandhi emphasized on ahimsa. It did not just stay as
a principle for him but is actuated in the withdrawal of Non Co-operation
Movement Emphasis on Morality in politics. He stated that his fight against
British is a moral struggle not a political one. Where he used Satyagraha or truth
force as the instrument to fight. According to him Satyagraha is a weapon which
ennobles the wielder.
His true saintly character is visible in his handling of post-independence

partition riots which many call the finest hour of Gandhi. When he tried
successfully the instruments of fasting, prayers and persuasion when the
instruments of state were failing in controlling the riots.
Politician among saints
Gandhi’s politics though based on morality and idealism showed remarkably

capacity for adjustment to the changing reality and dynamism of national
movement. Which makes him a politician too.
His remarkable understanding of the mass psychology and the aspirations of

Indians made him an ideal leader for the controlled mass movement that he
engendered for the fight against British rule. His selection of the issue of salt for
mobilizing all classes of Indians across religions, regions is proof of his political
tactfulness.
He reorganized the congress party in the Nagpur session and converted it from
a party of conferences to a party of mass politics. He instituted the system of
congress working committee, organization of party on language lines and the
membership to masses. These steps show Gandhi as a politician.
His strategic retreats during the national movement in the form of Gandhi-Irwin
pact and continuation of Quit India movement despite large scale violence can
be looked at as his politician facet.
Thus, Gandhi in himself had a saint and a politician and strategically used both
to achieve the ideal of Indian independence with greatest human participation
and least loss of human life.
16) Justice party and self-respect movement exhibited alternative

political traditions with distinct proclivity to empowerment of lower
classes. Elucidate. (250 Words, 15 Marks)
ANSWER: The Justice Party was a political party in the Madras Presidency of
British India. It was established in 1917 by T. M. Nair and P. Theagaraya Chetty
and was the first backward class mobilization which created social change and
political empowerment.
Later, it came under the leadership of Periyar E. V. Ramaswamy and his Self-
Respect Movement. It represented alternative political traditions in the age when
indian national congress was attempting to establish an unitary ideal of
nationalism against colonialism.
Its alternative model of politics is based on communal division between Brahmins
and non-Brahmins began in the presidency during the late-19th and early-20th
century, mainly due to caste prejudices and disproportionate Brahminical
representation in government jobs.
The party was involved in petitioning the imperial administrative bodies and British
politicians demanding more representation for non-Brahmins in government. This
attitude of justice party gave it a pro colonial tinge. It actively opposed the Home
Rule League movement against the British.
It was the main political alternative to the nationalist Indian National Congress in
Madras. The party also campaigned against the non-cooperation movement in the
presidency. It was at odds with M. K. Gandhi, primarily due to his praise for
Brahminism. Its mistrust of the Brahmin–dominated Congress led it to adopt a
hostile stance toward the Indian independence movement.
It did not send representatives to the Central Legislative Assembly, the national
parliamentary body. After it won the provincial elections under government of India
act of 1919. Because of its ideological tropes of anti-Hindi and anti-Aryan ideology.
Periyar declared that the Self-Respect Movement alone could be the genuine
freedom movement, and political freedom would not be fruitful without
individual self-respect. He demanded that self-respect should precede Swaraj.
The main principles of the Self-Respect Movement in society were to be: no kind
of inequality among people; no difference such as rich and poor in economic life;
men and women to be treated as equals in every respect without differences;
attachments to caste, religion, varna, and country to be eradicated from society
with a prevalent friendship and unity around the world; with every human being
seeking to act according to reason, understanding, desire, and perspective, and
shall not be subject to slavery of any kind or manner.
Empowerment of lower classes:
1. Gave reservations to various communities in government jobs.
2. Legislation that allowed Dalits to use all the public space without discrimination.
3. Temple entries to non-Brahmins were allowed.
4. Marriages without Brahmin priests and increased acceptance of inter-
caste marriages.
5. The abolition of Devadasi system
6. Allowing women to contest elections.
7. Initiating the mid-day meal scheme.
17) Pre independent Indian leadership had a staunch belief in the

process of ‘nation in making’. What were the major challenges that
emerged against this process in post-independence phase and what
were the methods adopted to solve them. Do these challenges still
persist? (250 Words, 15 Marks).
ANSWER: The idea of Indian nation for the pre independent Indian leadership
was a refined and matured one they never considered india a unitary and formed
nation. But understood it in its diversity which needs respect and nurturing
which lead them on to the concept of nation in making. This idea of nation as a
social capital and a daily plebiscite made them form a constitution which is
inclusive and flexible to accomdate the diversity of india. But inspite of this
attitude of national leaders and the institutions built by them many challenges
emerged to this process in post-independence phase.
Challenges
- Unity
The integration of the princely states was the biggest stumbling block that India
had to resolve to achieve the geographical unity and territorial integrity of India.
- Communal violence
The post partition riots and the anxieties among the minorities of India about
the uncertain nature of their future.
- Linguistic issue
The issues of national language and reorganization of the states on linguistic
principle is one more major issue faced by the young nation immediately after
formation.
- Poverty and development
India was a land of large scale disparities with the average life expectancy at the
time of formation around 32 years. These disparities could give rise to clevages
with in society which threaten national unity.
Methods adopted to solve them

- Unity with the help of privy purses and the realist diplomacy of Sardar
Vallabhai Patel.
- The linguistic challenge has been handled by not choosing a national
language and by adopting a linguistic federal structure by leveraging the
federal structure of Indian constitution.
- The issues of poverty and underdevelopment were attempted to be
resolved by taking up a planned model of development.
- The communal issues were resolved by making Indian constitution
secular and by the personality of Jawharlal Nehru who aimed at creating
a national identity beyond religious identity.
Issues which are still persistent

- Matters of integration and autonomy still persist with in the country like
the issue of secessionist movements in Jammu and Kashmir and north
east.
- The issues of poverty and under development are leading to anti state
ideologies like Naxalism in tribal belts of India.
- The threats of communal and caste based violence which are trying to
divide Indian society.
- Nation building is an ongoing process as a country still faces problems
which are diverse, however they need to be sorted in a democratic,
peaceful and people centric manner.
18) Compare and contrast Rash Behari Bose’s contribution to

India’s freedom struggle with that of Subhash Chandra Bose’s. (150
Words, 10 Marks).
Background:-
The contribution of both Rash Behari Bose and Subhash Chandra Bose to
the Indian freedom struggle has been significant
Similarities:-
Both believed the role of armed forces play in the political growth of a nation.
Both advocated single minded focus on freedom struggle and denounced the
dilution of the movement for national liberation through disgression towards
social work.
Both leaders became active the most not from being in India but gaining
support in East Asia especially Japan.
Both believed in revolutionary way of attaining freedom. Rash Behari
Bose was even involved in an assassination attempt of the Viceroy of India,
Lord Hardinge.
Differences:-
The Indian, Rash Behari Bose, is even better known in Japan than his
namesake and fellow nationalist, Subhash Chandra Bose.
Bose was instrumental in persuading the Japanese authorities to stand by
the Indian nationalists and ultimately to officially actively support the Indian
independence struggle abroad. Bose convened a conference in Tokyo in 1942,
which decided to establish the Indian Independence League.
He selected the flag for the Azad Hind movement, and handed over the flag to
Subhash Chandra Bose. But although he handed over the power, his
organizational structure remained, and it was on the organizational spadework
of Rash Behari Bose that Subhash Chandra Bose later built the Indian
National Army (also called ‘Azad Hind Fauj’)
His view of Gandhi was Gandhi is a person whom I respect but he is an Indian
saint and ‘a person of yesterday’ whereas Subhash Chandra Bose is the ‘person of
today’. This was not the case for Subhash Chandra Bose as he believed in the
Gandhian way initially.
Rash Behari Bose did not belong to any political group.
20) India saw its ablest viceroy in the form of Lord Curzon but he was
destitute of a ray of human emotion. Elucidate with respect to his
tenure as viceroy of India. (10 Marks, 150 words)
ANSWER: Lord Curzon became the viceroy of India between 1899 and 1905. He
is the most educated about the condition of India and had a crusading zeal to
reform the administration. His mind was set on efficiency, centralization and
officialization. His claim for the ablest viceroy of India is based on
Economic reforms
Agriculture:
He set up a separate agricultural department, constructed numerous canals and

extended irrigation, passed Punjab land alienation act of 1900.
Railways:
The longest mileage of railway lines is laid under his vice royality and he set up a
railway board as executive authority for railways.
Famine:
He appointed the MacDonnell commission which formulated moral strategy to
combat famines set up of relief works and appointment of famine commissioners
Curzon did implement a variety of measures, including opening up famine relief
works that fed between 3 and 5 million, reducing taxes and spending vast
amounts of money on irrigation works.
Police reforms:
He set up training institutes for police and set up an organisational structure
which is followed till today.
He established a central department of criminal intelligence.
Ancient monuments act of 1904 was passed to preserve the cultural heritage
of India.
Some of these measures implemented by him like the ancient monuments
act, the canals in Punjab, railway board are still intact today.
Absence of a ray of human emotion

1. The partition of Bengal in teeth of public opposition which gave impetus
to the first mass based movement in the form of Swadeshi movement.
2. The passage of university act to curb the autonomy of universities inspite of
the opposition from all sections.
3. The continuous tradition of racial slurs and de meaning Indian character
wherein he stated that truth is a western conception.
4. Calcutta corporation act of 1899 which reduced the elected element and
made the nominated members into majority.
For a generation of Indian middle classes fed on the promises of self- government
the Viceregality of Lord Curzon was too annoying. This lead to the emergence of
the first phase of nationalist moment just after his Viceregality. Thus he is an
efficient administrator but not a statesmen who could take the people along.
21) British imperialism in India is a process driven by the

interrelatedness between trade, revenue and military exigencies.
Comment. (10 Marks, 150 words)
ANSWER: The English East India Company (EIC) was founded by a royal charter
in 1600, to provide security and monopoly to traders who took up the risky
venture of trading with distant east. EIC was not given any overt mandate to
carry on conquest or colonization it is a just a collaborative endeavour of
traders. But following factors motivated EIC to pursue imperial expansion in
India.
The British believed in ‘Mercantilism’ which saw import of goods by paying in
gold / silver as a loss to Britain. There also existed a triangular trade between
India-china- Britain. This lead to huge drain of gold as the productivity of
Indian and Chinese artisans was at a higher level than European artisans.
Thus emerged the need to intervene in the domestic politics to stop this drain of
gold which occurred through.
1. The needs of monopoly lead the British to fight wars with French, Dutch and
Portugal.
2. The need to maintain the trading privileges in the form of Dastaks lead
to the intervention and subsequent conflicts of Plassey and Buxar.
3. The conflict with Mysore under Tipu also has a trade basis as he stopped
merchants from selling spices, sandalwood to Britain.
4. The needs of the Britain industry for cotton lead to annexation of cotton
rich Gujrat and Deccan regions from Marathas.
REVENUE
1. Company’s commercial profit were insufficient for its military campaigns
and to maintain an administration.
2. The British believed in Mercantilism, so they’d desist from sending gold from
their homeland for military campaigns or to pay for the imports. All the financial
resources had to be mobilized from within India. Therefore, company had to start
collecting land-revenue from peasants.
3. Treaty of Allahabad granted the Company the Diwani (revenue collecting
rights) of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa.
4. To maximize their revenue collection, the Company official came up with three
types of revenue settlement systems. All the three systems with their own
deficiencies & misuses lead to maximum exploitation of the revenue.
5. The lure for revenue is a crucial factor in annexing agriculture and trade rich
Punjab, Sindh provinces.
MILITARY EXIGENCIES
1. Company’s military officers always believed in aggressive military
tactics to discourage internal and external enemies.
2. The French threat to Indian possessions under Napoleon is an exigency which
lead Lord Wellesley to use subordinate alliance aggressively.
3. The imagined threat of Russian’s from central Asia lead to annexations of
Punjab, Sindh and intervention in Afghanistan’s internal politics.
4. Annexed states provided cheap soldiers in abundance for empire’s
local and international wars.
Thus the British imperialism in India is driven by the interrelatedness between
trade, revenue and military exigencies.
22) Discuss the contribution of Rajagopalachari to the pre and post

independent India. (10 Marks, 150 words)
ANSWER: Chakravarti Rajagoplachari is a prominent national leader, politician
and an erudite scholar. He was influenced by the Gandhian model of politics
and social service. He became a lifelong follower of Gandhiji and Gandhiji called
him his “conscience keeper”.
Pre independence role
1. He gave up a lucrative career as a lawyer based on the call for non-cooperation
by Gandhi.
2. He joined the Indian National Congress and participated in the agitations
against the Rowlatt Act, joining the Non-Cooperation movement, the Vaikom
Satyagraha, and the Civil Disobedience movement.
3. He was the general secretary of congress in 1921-22 and was a member of
congress working committee in crucial phases of the national movement.
4. In 1930, Rajagopalachari risked imprisonment when he led the Vedaranyam
Salt Satyagraha in response to the Dandi March.
5. In 1937, Rajagopalachari was elected Premier of the Madras Presidency and
served until 1940, when he resigned due to Britain's declaration of war on
Germany. During his tenure he passed Madras temple entry act and introduced
prohibition in state.
6. He was also inspired by the call for social reform by Tolstoy, Thoreau and
Gandhi.
7. He later advocated co-operation over Britain's war effort and opposed the
Quit India Movement along with Bhulabhai Desai.
8. He favoured talks with both Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the Muslim League and
proposed what later came to be known as the C. R. formula.
Post-Independence role
1. In 1946, Rajagopalachari was appointed Minister of Industry, Supply, Education
and Finance in the Interim Government of India, and then as the Governor of West
Bengal from 1947 to 1948, Governor-General of India from 1948 to 1950, Union
Home Minister from 1951 to 1952 and as Chief Minister of Madras state from 1952
to 1954.
2. In 1959, he resigned from the Indian National Congress and founded the
Swatantra Party, which fought against the Congress in the 1962, 1967 and 1971
elections.
3. Swatantra’s formation was the first attempt to bring highly fragmented right-
wing forces together under the umbrella of a single party. The provocation was the
left turn which the Congress took at Avadi and the Nagpur Resolutions.
4. Swatantra (Freedom) stood for a market-based economy with the "Licence
Raj" dismantled, although it opposed laissez faire policies. The party was thus
favoured by some traders and industrialists, but at the state-level its leadership
was dominated by the traditional privileged classes such as zamindars (feudal
landlords) and erstwhile princes.
5. Located on the Right of the Indian political spectrum Swatantra was not a
communal party; its membership was not restricted on the basis of religion.
6. Rajagopalachari was instrumental in setting up a united Anti-Congress front
in Madras state under C. N. Annadurai, which swept the 1967 elections.
Thus Rajagopalachari a prominent national leader during the phase of national
struggle and a politician who gave alternative vision for the economic development
of India is honored with the first Bharat Ratna.
23) Territorial Consolidation of India is a process not an event with

continuously changing basis for consolidation. Examine. (15 Marks,
250 words)
ANSWER: India is a land of unity in diversity and the accommodation of this
diversity in the process of national integration is a crucial aspect of nation in the
making. Our constitutional makers keeping this diversity in view made India into
an indestructible union of destructible states. This constitutional flexibility and
the maturity of national leadership helped India to consolidate as a strong nation.
The internal reorganization of the nation is not an event but a process with a
changing ideological basis for consolidation.
1. The Nagpur session of congress in 1920 gave a linguistic basis for the
formation of provincial congress organizations which laid basis for a linguistic
identity based politics.
2. The need for territorial unity and national integration lead the national leaders
to coerce and cajole the princely states to be part of the Indian union after the
lapse of British Paramountcy.
3. Initially the states were divided into groups based on their experience of the
colonial rule.
4. The adoption of a federal model of organizing the administration and
governance of the country by the constitution gave a new foundation for the
expression of diversity in territorial terms.
5. Despite of the initial anxieties of the national leadership who opposed internal
linguistic reorganization for the fear of Balkanization the linguistic
reorganization by the States Reorganization Act of 1956.
Ex: Andhra Pradesh was created by merging Andhra State with the Telugu
speaking area of the Hyderabad State. Travancore State was merged with the
Malabar district of the Madras State to form Kerala state. Patiala and East Punjab
States Union were merged with Punjab.
6. The formation of the states based on ethnicity of the population occurred in
the north east with formation of Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur.
7. The formation of the states of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand in 2000 gave a
new basis of territorial consolidation based on tribal identities.
8. Now under-development and the need for special care in administration is
becoming a new basis for division of states. With the formation of Telangana as
the newest state on this basis. And the demand for the creation of Vidharbha
from Maharastra and saurashtra from gujrath being the latest demands.
Thus the basis for territorial consolidation is an evolutionary concept which
changes with the needs of the public and level of development of the nation.
WORLD HISTORY
1) How did the demolition of Berlin Wall transform Europe and
capitalism? Discuss.
Source:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/11218533/Fall-of-the-
Berlin-Wall- opened-a-world-of-opportunity.html
http://www.kas.de/upload/Publikationen/Panorama/2009/1/kuehnhard
t.pdf
Approach:
1) The answer can be started by stating few facts about Berlin wall like
when it was established, what its effect was and when it was brought down
etc.
2) The answer has to consist of two parts: First part dealing with the effect
on the Europe and the second dealing with how capitalism got strengthened
with fall of Berlin wall.
3) Lastly one can conclude by bringing in new changes facing Europe and
stating that though there are problems fall of Berlin wall is watermark event
in European history.
ANSWER:
The Berlin wall was built in 1961 to divide eastern and western Germany
and to divide the Capitalist Europe with the Communist Europe. It
divided the Europe not only ideologically and geographically but also
culturally, politically and economically.
Fall of the Berlin wall in 1989 symbolized the end of cold war era and fall of
communism as well. It signified deeper changes in the Europe.
1) Geographical significance: The fall of Berlin wall resulted in the

redrawing of the map of Europe.
● It resulted in unification of Germany with coming together of eastern and
western Germany
● The fall of the wall hastened the disintegration of the Soviet union which
resulted in the emergence of New nations in the central and eastern Europe
2) Political effects
● The period of European integration that started with the TREATY OF

MAASTRICHT and the effect of the breakdown of communist regimes in
Central and Eastern Europe ended with the implementation of the
institutional reforms of the Treaty of Lisbon and the breakthrough of the
politicization and Europeanization of politics in the European Union.
● Before joining the EU, the new member states had to go through a tough
period of internal transformation in the course of which they had to adopt
the EU’s acquis communautaire. Through this daunting process, they
became formally more Europeanized than most of the “old” EU member
states.
● Many of the newly established states embraced Democracy as the form

of government.
● Deeper European integration lead to establishment of many European

overarching political institutions like European council, European bank,
European Union and European Parliament later.
● The European Constitution was enacted on 2004 that further lead to the
fraternity and feeling of cooperation among the member states
3) Economic Transformation
● The establishment of EU and the unification of Germany accelerated the

path towards the European monetary union. It paved way for the
emergence of Euro as the dominant currency of World.
● In 2007 schengen area was enlarged to most new EU members in central
Europe. Further Single European Payments Area (SEPA) was inaugurated
in 2008 to provide for the cost-free cashless financial transactions across
the European Union.
All this resulted in larger market area that brought a golden opportunity
for many businesses and companies across Europe. More trade with the
new participants of the European market substituted for exhausted
consumerism and recession in Western Europe.
4) Social aspects of integration
● The SCHENGEN ZONE created by the TREATY OF AMSTERDAM in 1999

provided for the free movement of people in the Schengen area. This lead
to the development of people to people contact and enhanced cooperation
among the nations in addition to boosting the commerce.
● The fear of uncontrolled migration led to developments of the labor
movements across Europe.
The cold war was essentially a tussle between the ideology of Capitalism and
the Communism. With the fall of Berlin wall and subsequent disintegration
of the Soviet Union lead to establishment of Capitalism as the dominant
ideology for the organization of society and economy.
Post 1990 we can see the strengthening of the capitalist institutions like
IMF, World Bank etc. There established the institutions like European bank
for reconstruction and development whose founding principle is the
capitalism.
We can also see the liberation – privatization – globalization (LPG)

reforms being pushed by the capitalist financial institutions in the newly
decolonized and the third world countries. (Ex: LPG reforms of India in
1991).
Thus the fall of berlin wall brought in the sweeping changes in the Europe.
Though there are current problems like rise of terrorism, protectionism, debt
crisis it can’t be denied that the fall of Berlin wall was instrumental in the
emergence of Europe as strong and dominant power in the geostrategic
arena of world.
2) The identities of southeast nations were shaped by events that

took place during their decolonization. Discuss.
Source:
https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1163/j.ctt1w8h2zm.9?seq=1#page_scan_
tab_contents
https://www.sps186.org/downloads/basic/588650/ch34_2.pdf
Approach:
1) Introduction: Explain briefly about the factors that influenced the
decolonisation process in the south east Asia
2) Body: Explain how the identiries were shaped during the decolonisation
process taking example.
3) Conclusion: one can sum up the decolonisation process or highlight how
these identities are still relevant today.
ANSWER:
Decolonisation of Southeast Asia occurred between 1945 and 1960 was the
direct result of world war II. Japanese occupied much of southeast Asia,
France, Dutch lost many of their colonies as did others. With Axis Power
(Germany, Italy and Japan) losing the war to Allies (France, USA and UK)
there was renewed efforts by the colonial powers to reestablish their control
over their previous colonies. This triggered the independence movements in
the colonies like Vietnam, Cambodia etc.
These independence movements were led by fractions like socialist,

nationalist or military. This lead to the formation of identities which are still
relevant in today’s world.
Vietnam: got independence in 1954. The 3o years’ war as process of

decolonisation first with Japanese then with French and later the USA lead
to rise and establishment of Communist party of Vietnam. Here
communism is mixed with nationalism by Ho chi Minh and even today
Vietnamese have one party system dominated by communists. And they
have strong nationalist stance against Chinese interference in South China
sea and their sovereignty.
Indonesia: First Japan liberated them from sutch and then they resisted the
attempt of recolonisation by Dutch. This lead to Indonesia having strong
alliance with third world. The hosting of Afro Asian conference in 1956 at
Bandung and leaning towards socialism by Sukarno were linked to
decolonisation process which is
Philippines: post liberation from Japanese USA voluntarily gave it

independence. This lead Philippines to be an important ally of first world
and accepted capitalism and it became part of SEATO (Manila pact). This
can be seen from the fact of Philippines supporting the USA in the
Vietnamese war.
Malaysia: Case of civil war like situation between Chinese and Malays
and racial tensions which lead to formation of a federation in Malaysia.
Singapore: becoming a city state and its subsequent transition to a hub of

commerce is also linked to the process of decolonisation from Britain
Myanmar: Decolonisation linked to japanese military advancement. This

lead to a division in the nation among socialists and military junta
which lead to assassination of Aung sun and then Munnar becoming a
dictatorship. The racial bitterness then developed is still finding its
expression in the assassination of Rohingyas.
Thus we can see that identities of southeast Asian nations were shaped by
events that took place during their decolonisation.
3) How is Industrial revolution in Russia different from other

countries industrialization? How far is the post independent
Indian industrialization influenced by it? (250 Words, 15 Marks)
ANSWER: Three phases of industrialization

Russia went through a process of industrialization in three phases which are
under Tsar, Lenin and Stalinist phases.
Tsar phase
The Industrial Revolution hit the Russian Empire later than most other European
and Western nations. The initial phase of the Russian segment of the Industrial
Revolution began in the 1880s with the establishment of large scale factories that
produced textiles and steel, while coal mining became increasingly important.
The Trans-Siberian Railway, a vast railroad project carried out by the Russian
government in order to bolster a more efficient process for the Russian domestic
trade and military, was constructed from 1891 to 1916.
Lenin
Started a new program of New Economic policy in 1921 which is based on mixed
economic model. NEP was a mixture of socialism and capitalism. The state kept
control of "the heights," i.e., of heavy industry, banking, and transport, but
allowed a free internal market Therefore, it allowed some scope to private
enterprise, i.e. private shops, restaurants, and small scale manufacture, as well
as the leasing of some larger enterprises to private entrepreneurs.
Stalin
Stalin’s model of industrialization which started in 1928 is based on collectivization
of agriculture and planned industrial model. During the first two Five Year Plans
(FYPs) of 1929-39, huge hydroelectric dams were built as well as canals, mines,
and factories. They were built in record time, using both free and prison labor. The
latter formed an important part of all FYPs after 1934. The development of heavy
industry in the Ural Mountains region would provide the backbone of Soviet war
industry in 1941-45.
Differences with western world
1. State lead industrialization in all the phases in Russia whereas most of
industrialization in western world is based on private initiative and enterprise.
2. Where most of western countries industrial model is based on consumer goods
production Russian industry is based on basic and heavy industry in all its phases.
3. The extraction of huge natural wealth of Russia is crucial in Russian
industrialization whereas most of western world’s industrialization is based on
exploitation of colonies natural resources.
4. Industrialization in western world is based on market demand and is driven
by capital whereas Russian industry is driven by state and military demand.
5. Usage of prison labor and forced labor for construction of major

infrastructure is a unique aspect of Russian industrialization.
6. The forceful reploughing of capital produced in agriculture into industry
is another aspect of Russian model of industrialization.
7. Russian industry is excessively depended on import of western technology
in all its phases with no major breakthroughs in domestic production
technology.
Post independent Indian industrialization influenced
India which was scarred by application of two centuries of unregulated
capitalism under colonial rule was attracted to the Russian model of state lead
industrialization. The great economic depression of the previous decade and
relative resilience of Russian economy to the disaster also influenced Indian
leadership.
Similarities
1. The new economic policy of Lenin based on mixed economic model to a
significant extent influenced Indian model of state lead heavy industrialization
and private sector lead consumer industry model.
2. Stalin’s model of planning influenced the path of planned development model
of India with the setup of planning commission for effective utilization of national
resources and to have target based industrial growth.
3. Indian model is also based on set up of mega hydro-electric plants and huge
industrial complexes which Nehru called temples of modern India.
4. India was influenced by the socialist economic model set up in Russia and
adopted a model of socialist pattern of society.
Differences
1. Indian industrialization process occurred in a democratic set up where there
were no forced nationalizations and which gave due respect to individual liberty
and property rights.
2. There is no forced labor like the gulags of Russia or no forced process of
collectivization.
3. India used the model of license permit raj for controlling the private
sector and directing it to more socially productive sectors where as Russia
nationalized and banned all private activity.
4) The hundred years of European history from second half of the

19th century to the first half of the 20th century can be summed
up as an interplay of one idea that is nationalism. In this light,
discuss nationalism in its constructive and destructive aspects.
(250 Words, 15 Marks)
ANSWER: Nationalism is a politico socio economic system characterized by the
promotion of the interests in a particular nation, especially with aim of gaining
and maintaining sovereignty over the homeland. Nationalism constructive
character
Nationalism acted as a constructive force in the post-French revolution phase as it
emanated from the idea of fraternity.
Nationalism in its constructive format lead to the defeat of Napoleon Bonoparte in
the Battle of Leipzig. Even after being suppressed by Vienna congress the elements
of liberal and radical nationalism of great patriots like Mazzini lead to a stirring
appeal for national unity and welfare of all people in the nation. This is the phase
of constructive nationalism and patriotism. These attempts were visible in 1830
and 1848 revolutions. This constructive aspect of nationalism lead to unification
of Italy and also supported unification of Germany. This phase saw association of
nationalism with liberty and republicanism. Lead to spread of industrial revolution
to continental Europe. Nationalism in its constructive aspect gave a collective
consciousness and identity to people of one nation. Which lead to formation of
nation states which is the accepted international order till today.
Nationalism destructive character
Nationalism in its destructive format emerged in the age post-unification of
Germany and Italy. Nationalism from love of nation changed to love for more
national territory. This lead to new imperialism and rivalry over colonial
possessions. Events like Scramble for Africa and imperialism in china are linked
to nationalism.
There also emerged strands of protectionism in international trade and commerce
which lead to decline of liberalism. Nationalism showed its worst facet in ethnic
nationalism which lead to persecution of minorities in the national territory who
are considered less national which can be seen in case of Nazi Germany and
Fascist Italy. Lead to rise of Slavic nationalism in Balkan Peninsula against
Ottoman Turkey and Austria Hungary which lead to the outbreak of the First
World War. Aggressive nationalism and its attended insecurities lead to the
outbreak of First and Second World War.
Nationalism in its constructive facet lead to national unity and independence
which is a progressive historical event just like Indian national movement. But
in its destructive and dangerous facet nationalism is anti-liberal, anti-minority
and aggressive against which we should guard ourselves.
5) Great economic depression of 1929 has its basis in a long drawn

out war and a harsh Peace along with the inequities inherent in
the capitalist system. Elucidate. (150 Words, 10 Marks)
ANSWER: The Great Economic Depression of 1929 was the worst economic
downturn in the history of industrialized world. The world GDP fell by 15% as a
result of the Great Economic Depression. The reasons for this economic disaster
were
First World War

a. The dislocation of eastern European agricultural region during the war
lead to overproduction in USA leading to agricultural glut post war.
b. Industry worked at full scale during the war because of war demand and the
post war decline in demand lead to closure of industries.
c. Men recruited as soldiers during war suddenly lost their jobs in post war phase.
Harsh peace
a. Treaty of Versailles imposed heavy war reparations of 6,600 million pounds on
German economy which lead to deflation spiral and hyper-inflation in Germany.
b. This huge reparations and the debt burden on England and France lead to
a cycle of debt with USA which adversely affected the world powers.
c. The limitations on central powers army and armaments also brought
about unemployment and checked growth of industry.
Inequities of capitalist system
a. The demand pull during the war lead to great speculation in American stock
market which lead to bubble formation.
b. The low wages of workers in most capitalist countries lead to suppression of
demand breaking the wage-demand-supply-profit cycle.
c. The unregulated capitalism in this age lead to investments in unproductive
sectors leading to banking crisis. This lead to loss of lifetime savings for many.
Thus the great economic depression is an outcome of mal-adjustment of
international economy to post war demand, an unsustainable debt cycle and
the ills of unregulated capitalism.
6) One of the last strongholds of oil imperialism and European

colonialism in middle-east has cultivated a fiery nationalism as a
weapon against foreign oppression. Comment. (15 Marks, 250
words)
ANSWER: Middle-east region is one of the geo politically crucial and

strategically oil rich regions in the world. The imperial powers in the
region did not want to lose hold over this oil rich region and started
interfering in its affairs even post-independence.
The first manifestation of which is the artificial Sykes Picot line drawn
according to the imperial interests of Britain and France rather than the
national interests of people on the ground.
They propped up monarchies in Middle-east who would work in their
interest rather than democratizing them which can be seen in case of
Khadiv of Egypt and the royal family of Saudi Arabia.
They followed neo colonial policies the best manifestation of which are the
Suez crisis of 1956 and the support to a friendly monarch in Iraq by
Britain.
The manifestations of oil imperialism were very clear in the installation of
Reza Pahlavi in Iran and support to favourable dictators in Arabian
Peninsula by USA.
The artificial creation of a homeland for Jews in form of Israel by
Britain and continuous support to Israel by USA shows reflections
of imperialism.
This imposition cultivated a sense of fiery nationalism in the middle-east
to fight back this foreign interference and oppression the manifestations
of which are
1. The Pan Arabian unity and ideology which tried to build a supra
national identity of Arabs across the artificial national frontiers drawn by
the imperial powers.
2. The continuous military coups which tried to replace the west imposed
dictatorships. Ex Iranian revolution of 1979 the Baathist revolution in
1957 in Iraq.
3. The fiery nationalism of Arabs is reflected in the opposition to the existence
of Israel as a state which is backed by the west. Which lead to the four Arab
Israel conflicts in the form of the 1948 war, the Suez crisis, the six day war
and the Yom Kippur war.
4. The emergence of Muslim brotherhood in middle-east as a strong political

party with democratic ethos and which is critical of the western interference
in the middle-east.
5. The fight for Kurdish nation state by people living in Iraq, Syria, Turkey
and Iran is also a manifestation of the same nationalism.
6. The recent trend of Arab spring is also backed by opposition to
foreign backed monarchies in Bahrain, Tunisia, Yemen and Egypt.
7. The extreme form of this nationalism sometime manifests itself as
terrorism as is the case with Hamas and Hezbollha.
Thus the presence of oil and the still persistent foreign intervention in the
countries of middle-east are pushing the people towards radical
nationalism and religious fundamentalism.
7) Explain why the newly independent states in Africa suffered

so many problems and asses to what extent the problems
were of their own making. (15 Marks, 250 words)
ANSWER: The newly independent states of Africa faced numerous
difficulties to establish themselves as nation states. Some of them faced
the problem of national integration while others faced economic
difficulties. The problems of Africa can be broadly divided into the following
thematic patterns.
Problems in Africa
1. Civil wars
It is an issue of tribal differences and the artificial demarcation of
boundaries by imperial masters.
Ex: Congo civil war, Nigerian civil war.
2. Economic issues
Most of them were single product export driven countries like coffee of
Ghana, rubber from Congo and oil from Libya. So the prices of these
commodities in international market determined their economic stability.
3. Absence of political maturity
Which is clearly reflected in the transition of democratically elected
leaders to authoritarianism undermining the political institutions. Ex
Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana.
4. Underdevelopment
Because of the absence of investments in infrastructure, education or

industry by colonial masters during the long phases of colonial rule.
There were only a handful of school graduates in the Belgian Congo by the
time of their independence.
5. Cold war
The super power conflicts of the world during this phase had impact on
African nations as can be seen in the Suez crisis and Angolan civil war.
6. Rise of Extremism
Based on religious fundamentalism like the rise of Boko Haram in chad and
Niger. The Al-Qaeda has included a number of bombing attacks in North
Africa and supporting parties in civil wars in Eritrea and Somalia. From 1991
to 1996, Osama bin Laden and other al-Qaeda leaders were based in Sudan.
7. Disasters
Natural disasters like the drought and famine in Sub-Saharan Africa
have haunted these countries from the time of independence. HIV also
acquired pandemic proportions in African countries by mid-1980s.
Responsibility of colonizers and world politics
The border disputes, underdevelopment and civil wars can be considered
as colonial hangover. The neo colonial policies which tried to support
dictatorships and impose economic policies on Africa are a responsibility
of the colonial powers (IMF imposed economic restructuring). The cold war
rivalries of the age also lead to civil wars and delayed interventions in
cases of human right violations.
Responsibility of Africans
The problems in Africa do not begin and end with Britain, France, and the
United States. Surely some of them are internal to the various countries —
corrupt elites, sectarian conflict, and social inequality have all played a
part. The examples of which are the government of Idi Amin in Uganda, the
sectarian conflict between the Fulanis and Ibos of Nigeria and the social
inequalities between Hutu and Tutsi tribes in Rwanda caused a genocide.
Thus the problems of independent nations in Africa though colonial in origin
have been aggravated by the domestic conditions and the lapses of
leadership in most African countries.
INDIAN SOCIETY
1) Some communities in North East India have experienced
persistent displacement due to ethnic violence. Discuss how these
ethnic violences have affected development of North East India and
steps necessary for successful repatriation and for a long-term
solution. (250 words, 12.5 marks)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uNvtL64c-
B8CeibsiT5x8FTBrYFmONV1/view?usp=sharing
ANSWER: The North eastern part of India is home to many ethnic
tribes(such as Naga, Bodo, Mizo, Garo, Chakma, Paite and Hajong) which
has their own unique culture and customs. The conflict over limited res has
often lead to violences. It has eventually become institutionalised form of
armed conflict that has hamstrung the development in the region in spite of
the fact that the region is endowed with rich natural res.
1. The law and order problem has dissuaded the investors from the region.
As a result there has been lack of development of industries in this region
of the country. The wrath of ethnic groups on the industries employing the
immigrants has driven out the investment from the region.
2. The region stands way below in comparison with the rest of India in
socio-economic indicators. As per the 2001 census, the annual per capita
income of NER is 6,625 INR against the rest of India average of 10,254
INR. Nearly 34.28% of the population is below poverty line as compared to
the national average of 26.1%. However, the NER is a highly literate region.
Except for Arunachal Pradesh, all the other states have literacy rates
about or above national average of 64.8% which provides a good pool of
educated human res in the region
3. The law and order problem has necessitated the large chunk of
government res to be spent on the maintenance of forces instead of on
the development like education.
4. The zeal to save their traditions in at the root of many of these conflicts. So
the social change is not easily accepted by the people and it is major hurdle
in bringing the development in the region as such a development would likely
to alter their traditions. This is also at the root of their aversion to abandon
the subsistence farming like slash and burn agriculture.
5. The ethnic violences often causing blockages makes the market access
difficult causing hardships for the the marketing of produce.In addition
the ethnic violences also result in the damage to the public properties like
roads, railways etc that in turn become drag on the developmental process.
Adding to these there is also the geographical difficulties like the swift
streams, forbidding terrain and the international conflicts that has
dragged down the development in the region.
All these factors have resulted in the migration of youth out of North east
in search of better opportunities and livelihood. It is resulting in the
challenges like changing demographics in the region, social instability in
the region. Hence there is need to ponder upon bringing the development to
this region of nation. Some of the measures that can be undertaken are
1) Infrastructure
 Development of infrastructure facilities in the region (ex: Roads,
railways etc) in order to ensure interconnectedness with the rest of the
country. The Kaladan project and trilateral highway are need to be
expedited as it will provide quick and alternative connectivity to the
region
 Were made to reside in different part of village and aren’t allowed
access to public spaces like temple, well etc. Thus these polluted
castes are came to be labelled as untouchables and were made to do
these sanitary jobs.
 The home is considered as the sacred place and having sanitary
facilities in home is believed to pollute this sacred place. This has
been the major reason for open defecation in India.
 The throwing of dead bodies is ganga is resorted to owing to the belief
that it will purify the soul from all sins.
 The availability of cheap Dalit labour to do these dehumanising jobs
can be cited as one of the reasons why development of toilet facilities
and a modern garbage and sewage management system have been
neglected so far.
2) The Hindu notions of purity and pollution, inextricably linked

with the caste system and the practice of untouchability, underlie
the unsanitary practices in Indian society. Discuss the statement
and also critically examine how Swachh Bharat Abhiyan seeks to
address caste-based manual scavenging practices. (250 words,
12.5 marks)
ANSWER: Swachh Bharat Abhiyan seeks to address caste-based

manual scavenging practices in the following ways
1) There has been thrust to project a samras (harmonious) picture of
our society, where cleanliness or the lack of it was connected with our
kartavya (duty) towards Bharat Mata (Mother India). There by it tries
to dignify these jobs.
2) It is motivating communities to adopt sustainable sanitation practices
and facilities through awareness creation and health education. It also
encourage cost effective and appropriate technologies for ecologically safe
and sustainable sanitation with focus on scientific Solid & Liquid Waste
Management systems. With this Swachh Bharat is trying to eliminate the
need of human labour to do these insanitary jobs.
3) The subschemes like Swachh samriddhi yojana are trying to transform
manual scavengers into entrepreneurs.
4) In addition swachh Bharat aims to promote social inclusion by
improving sanitation especially in marginalized communities. Via this it
will be able to eliminate the notion of ‘pollution’ that is attached to these

communities.
4) It aims to bring in improvement in the general quality of life by promoting
cleanliness, hygiene and eliminating open defecation by providing financial
aid to construct toilets at home.
Swachh Bharat trying to address the unsanitary practices

1) The behavioral change component of swachh bharat is trying to whittle
down the notion of purity and pollution that forbids people from using
sanitation facilities.
2) The awareness generation at very young age about the health benefits
of sanitary practices with the involvement of school children.
Having said so the task of removing these notions are not easy. It requires
sustained efforts from government and also the civil society.
3) Digitalinclusion of tribes in India is pivotal to tribal

development. Comment. (250 words, 12.5 marks)
https://www.livemint.com/Opinion/AhrviHfdlAluJ6ffBBpUQN/Preserving-
our-vanishing-tribes-their-heritage-language-an.html
https://www.livemint.com/Opinion/D690VlyjUVXGSpT3HvMUFI/Tribal-
development-with- digital-inclusion.html
ANSWER: ITU defines digital inclusion as the empowering people
through information and communication technologies (ICTs). These
technologies has a lot to offer to tribes living in difficult and remote areas
as connectivity can offer better access to government schemes,
entitlements and also rights.
The common problems faced by the tribals in India are
1) Geographical isolation to accessibility
Most of the tribal population live in inaccessible locations like hilly tracts,
remote interiors etc. The services like education, health are rarely available in
these hinterlands. The digital inclusion can bring in these services at the door
steps of the tribal population. Ex: e-education initiatives like VSAT classes,
virtual classrooms can foster the education among tribals who otherwise have
no access to it.
2) From passive recipients to active participants
Their remote locations often makes their voice being unheard in the policy
making. The digital technologies can be used to provide them platform to voice
their grievances and needs hence providing for their participation in the
governance. It also increases the accountability of the elected representatives.
3) Global platform for products
The tribals derive their livelihoods from the traditional vocations like minor
forest produce, paintings, artifacts etc. The ICT technologies can help these
people in getting better price for their products by expanding the markets.
Ex: Jharcraft portal of Jharkhand, Tribes India brand of Government of
India.
4) Protection of traditional knowledge

The tribal in India are unique for their traditional practices like dance,
language, cuisine etc. Many of these are at the verge of extinction. The
documentation of same with help of ICT technologies will help in
safeguarding these practices and also makes the data available to policy
makers which may result in more realistic policies for the development of
tribals.
5) Globalization of Indian tribes with the increased interaction with
other indigenous people. It will also lead to dissemination of their culture
to the outside world In addition the ICT technologies can be used to create
awareness about their rights and availableremedies as the lack of
awareness often leads to their exploitation, the skill development which
will expand the employment opportunities for the tribals etc.
Thus the ICT technologies can provide for the development of tribes without
disturbing their culture in cost effective way. But the intention should not
merely to teach them how to use computers or mobiles but to provide them
contextual, relevant and timely digital literacy so that they can access these
technologies to consume information for their wellbeing.
4) Analyse the impact of ‘regionalisation’ and ‘deglobalisation’ on

Indian diaspora and Indian society. (250 words, 12.5 marks)
https://www.bbc.com/news/32783365
https://www.livemint.com/Companies/tKamdGDvvyCt8Smn39T
QMK/We-are-in-a- deglobalization-period-Business-historian-
Geoff.html
https://www.cigionline.org/sites/default/files/documents/Paper%20no.135
WEB_1.pdf
ANSWER: The rising wave of protectionism has been causing the
diminishing interdependence and integration between countries in
the world the process termed as the deglobalisation. Ex: The recent
‘america first’ policy of Trump, Brexit. Regionalisation in global discourse
represents world that is less interconnected with stronger regional focus.
Ex: Apathy of EU countries to present migrant crisis. These two process
will result in decline of trade, investment, cultural and personal links.
The effect of such process on the Indian diaspora are
1) The demand for employing local is making Indian diaspora lose their
jobs in these countries. The immediate effect will be fall in the flow of
remittances and the pressure on the Balance of payment.
2) There are racial attacks on the Indian Diaspora in the western countries
like USA, Britain etc where once Indians were being viewed as contributors
to the overall development of country.
3) Obstacles in business investment avenues and hence reduced profits and
remittances
Ex: Pravasi Bhartiya contributions
The process of deglobalisation and regionalisation also affects Indian society
at large
1) The rise of trade barriers will create hurdle for the exports and decelerates
the export oriented growth which is necessary to provide employment to the
youth. It will also affect the economic well being of the business communities
in India.
2) The rise of Indian middle class and the rising standard of living is
mainly attributed to the forces of globalisation. The reversing of it will
lead to the sharpening of inequalities in the Indian society.
3) The protectionism threatens the free flow of investment that is vital
for the success of programmes like make in India in which all the
sections of the society has larger stake.
4) Brain gain as diaspora comes back.
5) Deepening unemployment in the country and social congestion as
result of the same
6) Access to technology and modern practices will be reduced
hampering the development of society.
It can be seen that the protectionism of developed countries was at the root of
failure of the WTO trade negotiations which is vital for the agriculture of
Indian society.
5) Justice for women and girls is one of the main accelerators for
achieving inclusive growth and development. Discuss the hurdles
that women face in their access to justice and steps required to
remove these hurdles in India. (250 words, 12.5 marks)
https://www.hrw.org/report/2018/04/03/invisible-victims-sexual-
violence/access-justice- women-and-girls-disabilities
https://www.un.org/ruleoflaw/blog/2016/10/womens-access-to-
justice-a-transformative- approach/
ANSWER: According to OECD inclusive growth is economic growth that is

distributed fairly across society and creates opportunities for all. It enables
one to be an active participant in the society and the economy and realise
one’s potential.
Women are considered to be the most vulnerable sections of society who have
faced injustice in form of discrimination from time immemorial. The hurdles
they face while accessing justice are
1) Societal outlook
The patriarchal mind-set that views girls as burden and son leads to girls
being denied the res and opportunities. The resultant lack of education,
nutrition leads to lower labour participation, health problems etc
Apart from this the sex selective abortion stemming from male preference is
also a injustice meted out to girls.
2) Institutional framework
Though the gener justice has been echoed in all legislations the proper
enforcement of these regulation and awareness about these laws is the hurdle
in way of access to justice. Ex: There are media reports highlighting the
apathy of police in registering the cases of violence against woman.
3) Violence against women

There are cases of sexual violence against girls that props up the question of
security of women in our society. In addition there are also case of the
domestic violence. It will affect their physical and mental wellbeing and their
work efficiency.
4) Economic injustice
Many of the low skilled women workers are paid less than their male
counterparts even if their nature of work is same.
In addition the domestic work of caregiving and nurturing are not counted
as having economic value even if it’s time consuming and physically toiling
5) Gender based socialisation of girls from childhood will curb their

potential and uniqueness thereby it constitute a form of psychological
injustice.
The women are often denied voice in decision making and stereotyped as being
physically weak.
All these factors stands in way of woman in accessing the fruits of growth.
The steps that can be taken to remove these hurdles are

1. Promoting social and economic empowerment of women through cross-
cutting policies and progress. Ex: Mahila e-hat
2. Mainstreaming gender sensitivity through awareness creation about rights
of women, the available remedial measures etc. Ex: Through street plays,
exhibitions etc
3. The government machinery has to be geared towards the different needs
of women and the frontline workers are to be made more responsive. This has
to be accompanied with the stricter enforcement of rules and regulations

formulated to create gender justice.
Along with these encouraging women participation in the legislative bodies

that will result in policies becoming more gender sensitive, increasing patrol
to provide for safer public places for women, facilitating women achievers as
done by President recently (facilitating first women) etc. will boost confidence
among the women and make them the equal partners of development.
Though there are steps like reservations, national women commission, Sakhi
centres etc. the injustice in the domestic space has persisted. Ending this
injustice is the biggest challenge facing
India and the world as a whole.
6) Transit-Oriented Development may transform the future of

Indian cities. Discuss. (250 words, 12.5 marks)
https://www.financialexpress.com/money/transit-oriented-development-
may-transform-the- future-of-indian-cities/634047/
http://mohua.gov.in/upload/whatsnew/59a4070e85256Transit_Oriented_
Developoment_Poli cy.pdf
ANSWER: According to World Bank the urbanization in India is only 33%,
whereas the size of the urban population is about 429 million. In addition
Indian cities are among the fastest-growing in the world (JLL’s Cities
Momentum Index 2017). Though it is an indicator of positive development,
rapid urbanization is also accompanied by a host of challenges.
The growing urban sprawl in India is leading to increased use of private
vehicles, congested roads, increased pollution, public safety issues,
increased household spending – and the stress that increasing population
puts on the existing infrastructure of our cities. Many of these problems
can be solved or at least significantly reduced by cities augmenting their
publi transport systems and also integrating land use planning and
development with the transport network. Transit oriented development
holds key here.
Essentially, TOD is any macro or micro development focused around a
transit node which results in improved ease of access to the transit facility.
When done correctly, such developments encourage citizens to prefer
walking and using public transportation over using private vehicles. TOD
will result in
1) Releases under-utilized urban lands: The major reasons for urban
sprawl and shortage of urban land is the fact that urban lands are not
exploited to their optimal potential. TOD opens up dense developments near
transit nodes through relaxed FSI norms, thereby increasing the developable
area in the same piece of land.
2) Ensures sustainable urban growth: TOD curtails urban sprawl and
hence reduces the strain on existing infrastructure. This helps in achieving
compact and controlled developments within the cities, and reduces the
average travel time and household spends on transportation.
3) Increased modal shift towards Non-Motorized Transport (NMT):

Done correctly, TOD creates a balanced mix of land use through
concentrated residential development at a walking distance of 500 to 800
m along the transit corridor, or from the transit station. This increases
‘walkability’, encourages public transport use and also makes ‘last-mile’
options such as cycle sharing systems much more viable.
4) Increased financial viability of transit investments: Increase in the
modal shift increases the ridership (the number of passengers using a
particular form of public transport) by improving access to transit stations
through seamless connectivity. This enhances the economic and financial
viability of transit investments. It also helps in better channelling of peak
hour traffic along both directions, improving the efficiency of existing vehicle
fleets.
5) Improved quality of life with better places to live, work and play:
Factors such as increased walkability, reduced traffic congestion and
shorter commutes result in more leisure hours, reduced pollution, more
reliable and safer public transport systems, mixed-use development, and
efficient and shared open spaces. All these add up to significantly improved
quality of life for citizens.
6) Efficient management of infrastructure spending: In a city, a lot of
infrastructure investments are often planned for the fringe areas owing to
the urban sprawl and lack of infrastructure facilities. Infrastructure spends
also need to be concentrated to benefit the core cities; it costs less to build
roads/ expressways and other physical infrastructure for the urban sprawl.
Also, transit options are first developed within city limits and later scaled to
outer areas. Effectively optimizing these spends within the city limits is
critically important, and is the perfect solution.
Also, TOD exploits available urban lands to the maximum, thereby
making enough space available to meet the growing demand for
affordable housing.
Along with it TOD could also lead to more stable property prices and
improved municipal revenues, increased availability of EWS housing,
expanded economic opportunities and public safety, especially for women,
who prefer to travel shorter distances to work in India etc.
In short we can say that TOD is literally the last lap to achieve sustainable
urban transformation in amalgamation with various initiatives and concepts
such as Smart Cities, AMRUT, NMT, MMI (Multi-Modal Integration), Last
Mile Connectivity options, Green Mobility Schemes, etc.
As the indubitable future of urbanization in India, TOD requires dedicated
fund allocations from governments (depending on the size and positioning of
the city) for its effective implementation
7) Reversing feminisation of agriculture in India is key to social

stability in the nation. Discuss critically. (250 words, 12.5 marks)
https://thewire.in/agriculture/rural-economy-crisis-feminisation-
agriculture
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YwCZFUZoOBWkA_dyMvwu47P1_cgEhyJa
/view?usp=sharing
https://www.thehindu.com/business/farm-sector-sees-
feminisation/article22564340.ece
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feminization_of_agriculture
ANSWER: For sustainable development of agriculture and rural economy
the contribution of women to agriculture and food production cannot be
ignored. As per 2011 census 55% work as agriculture labours and 24% as
cultivators out of total female workforce. There is predominance of women
at all levels of production, pre-harvesting, processing, packaging, marketing
of the agricultural value chain. This feminisation of agriculture is mainly
because of men moving out of hinterland to cities in search of a living,
leaving women with farm responsibilities.
Some argue that reversing this trend is important, for stable families hold
the key to social stability in the nation because
1. The rural urban migration is resulting in skewed sex ratio in the villages
as it’s mostly the men who move out of villages. They often end up working
as construction labourers,lorry loaders, parking attendants, security
guards, rickshaw pullers, domestic servants and street vendors earning
pittances. Most of them live in slums and squatters that lack the basic
facilities like sanitation, drinking water, electricity etc. The resentment over
deplorable conditions of life may be exploited by the anti-social elements.
2. The rural urban migration also overburdens the urban infrastructure
facilities and there are also evidences of rising crime rates in the cities
committed by these migrants.
3. The women who are left behind by these men will be double burdened
with the responsibilities both inside domestic space and outside domestic
space.
As pointed out by economic survey many of these women don’t have land
titles in their names. Only 12% of operational land holdings are women
owned. This creates hurdles for women farmers in credit access, insurance
reclamation etc that makes even the agricultural growth suffer.
This doesn’t mean we should be reversing the feminisation of agriculture.
Because of the positive implications it has on lives of women.
1) It has resulted in the economic independence of the women folk. Ex: The
coming up of SHGs and cooperatives via schemes like Kudumbashree
2) Women status in home and the society is being increased as they are
emerging as the decision makers.
3) Social benefits: Greater care for children education and health

4) Reduction in domestic violence
Thus we need the inclusive transformative agricultural policy aimed at
gender-specific interventions to raise productivity of small farm holdings,
integrate women as active agents in rural transformation, and engage men
and women in extension services with gender expertise.
8) Examine how Amartya Sen’s “Missing Women” and recent

Economic Survey’s “‘unwanted girls” concepts are interrelated.
Also discuss socio-economic implications of phenomenon of
“unwanted girls” in India. (250 words, 12.5 marks)
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/economic-survey-
unwanted-girl-child-5045397/
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/indias-missing-
women/article5670801.ece
https://thewire.in/economy/indias-preference-sons-resulted-21-million-
unwanted-girls
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missing_women
ANSWER: In 1990 economist Amartya Sen had formulated the concept of
‘missing woman’ - female who had not been born because of technology
enabled foeticide at mass scale. In India it is estimated to be close to 40 million
in 1990. In 2014 it stands at 63 million.
This year economic survey brings the concept of ‘unwanted girls’ in India i.e.,
females between age of 0 and 25 who were born because their parents wanted
a son but had a daughter instead. The Stricter enforcement of PCPNDT act,
the difficulties in the sex selection abortions made some families to delay the
adoption of contraceptives till they have male child.
Both these concepts hold mirror to the male preference still prevalent in the
country that perceives girl child as the burden. Given basket of limited res in
a family a girl will always get less from nutrition to education till opportunities.
The socio-economic implication of such phenomenon are
1) Worsening sex ratio
The more number of unwanted girls will lead to skewed sex ratio distorting
natural balance between men and women in the society and may lead to
unmarried youth disturbing health of society.
2) Health issues
Lack of adequate food and nutrition in girls leads to anaemia, low cognitive
developments. It will be worsened in the reproductive age resulting in birth
defects, high MMR and IMR. Thus our next generation will also suffer
resulting in vicious cycle.
3) Depriving opportunities
These unwanted girls will be educationally deprived which makes them more
vulnerable and easily exploitable. Because of lack of exposure they become
prone to domestic violence and vices.
4) Abandonment
Many of the girls who are abandoned become targets of vested interests like
human trafficking, beggary rockets, drug abuse etc
In addition to these we also have economic implications of these two

phenomenon
1) Low labour force participation

With the low education and the skill these women will end up in low paying
jobs or unemployed. This will lower the status of women in family and society
and also deprives country of it’s demographic dividend in addition to lowering
GDP growth
Ex: World Bank reports says Indian women contribute only 19% to the human
capital formation and our GDP rate will increase by 2% if we ensure full
participation of women in economy.
2) The increase in family size and the need for more consumption will bring
down the savings of family that have repercussions for the family as well as
economy as it will affect the saving rates and capital formation in the
households.
This phenomenon shows unchanged attitude of society towards women. There

has to be a sustained efforts to increase the avenues for women to enable
them to realise their potential and awareness generation and behaviour
change. It calls for efforts from all of us to give woman their due place in our
society and acknowledge their equal contribution in our homes.
9) Urbanization advances economic development, but it also poses

major challenges, from managing congestion and pollution to
ensuring that growth is inclusive and equitable. Does India have
tools to overcome these challenges? Discuss. (250 Words, 15
Marks)
ANSWER: By 2030, India’s urban population will reach 600 million people.
For India, rapid urbanization is particularly vital to enable the country to
take full advantage of the demographic dividend afforded by its young
population. As the urbanization process continues, connectivity, proximity
and diversity will accelerate knowledge diffusion, spark further innovation
and enhance productivity and employment growth.
Challenges:-
Rapid urbanization also poses enormous challenges, from managing
congestion and pollution to ensuring that growth is inclusive and equitable.
The challenges of urbanisation include
Lack of prior and proper planning
The ineffective functioning of civic bodies and the paucity of resources
for urban local bodies.
In a bid to address these shortcomings, the 73rd and 74th constitutional
amendments were passed to devolve more powers and the three “Fs” funds,
functions and functionaries. However, this is not happening effectively.
Yes, India has the tools to overcome the challenges:-
India will benefit from technological innovations including digital
technologies, cleaner energy, innovative construction materials, and new
modes of transport. As technology continues to advance more diversified
cities and districts tend to experience greater job growth.
The strongest job gains due to diversification are occurring in rural
areas and among small enterprises, suggesting that India’s
urbanization can bring inclusive growth and prosperity.
Evidence also shows that high growth rates, which support poverty
reduction, are concentrated in the rural areas of particular districts.
The UN “New Urban Agenda” emphasizes the need to focus on these
challenges. Its flagship schemes like the Smart Cities, AMRUT,
Housing for All, HRIDAY and Swachh Bharat are aimed at not only
addressing various deficits to provide better urban governance, but also
seek to make Indian cities and towns hubs of growth and sustainable
development.
A series of reforms through incentives and disincentives have been put in
place to achieve these goals. Incentives for universal housing, giving
infrastructure status to affordable housing, allowing FDI and
providing
Also, the government is promoting innovative measures like waste-to-
energy, waste-to- compost and the reuse of construction and demolition
waste as part of sustainable urbanisation.
Way forward:-
‘Housing for All’ policy should be pursued with a vigorous annual review
that ranks States on the basis of performance. The Centre should also
take its own National Urban Transport Policy on developing cities
around mobility networks seriously.
Urban governance policies, although mainly in the domain of the

States, must be aligned with national commitments on reduction of
carbon emissions under the Paris Agreement, and to achieve Sustainable
Development Goal 11.
There is a need for a plan of action to achieve sustainable human
settlements. It should ensure adequate shelter, water, energy, sanitation
and solid waste management, along with other elements.
There is a need for proper planning and various deficits relating to
infrastructure, housing, slum upgradation, reduce pollution, employment,
education and health in urban areas need to be through public and private
participation.
10) “Places of worship are public places. Public places should
be all-inclusive”. Critically analyze the statement in the context
of recent movements to open places of worship for women. (250
Words, 15 Marks)
ANSWER: Places of worship are ‘public’ and hence must be accessible to
all without disturbing the essentials of the religion which are determined
case by case basis by the judiciary to preserve both an integrated religion
and an integrated society.
Social reform as a project shall remain incomplete if it stops at being caste
inclusive and not gender inclusive. Recently there have been movements in
this regard demanding women entry at various worship places like Haji Ali
Dargah, Shani Shignapur and Sabarimala Temple along with a petition with
respect to the latter being taken up by the Supreme Court.
Arguments for the ban on entry
 Ban on the entry is part of the age long tradition, culture and belief
systems which will get disturbed.
 It is in consonance with the nature of deity as Ayappa is a ‘Naishtik
Brahmin’ hence only menstruating women in the age between 10 and
50 are barred.
 It is protected under laws, like rule 3(b) of the Kerala Hindu Places
of Public Worship (Authorization of Entry) Rules 1965, allows a
‘religious denomination’ to ban women in the menstruating age
group.
 State intervention to change anything in this regard would be too
much of an intrusion.
 It is an Essential Religious Practice and hence any attempt to change
will affect the fundamentals of the religion.
 Women themselves who believe in these customs do not want the

revocation. Counter Arguments
 Traditions, culture and belief system need to be based on principles
of humanism and gender parity is the basic principle of humanism.
 Nature of deity being argued goes against the fundamental
understanding of God as an entity who is all encompassing and
universal.
 Women being allowed in other temples of the same deity and not
this temple is basing too much on the physical form and not the
essential oneness.
 Laws are subject to judicial scrutiny, which determines their validity on
the basis of ‘reasonableness’ which is further informed by human
progress and modernity and laws violating Fundamental Rights, in this
case Article 15, are subject to judicial scrutiny.
 India follows the model of positive secularism and under Article 25(2)(b),
State can make laws with respect to religion and temples for ‘social
reform’.
 Allowing women won’t stop the cult of deity but will rather reinforce it
and hence it cannot be an Essential Religious Practice.
 Women who believe in this practice are a product of social conditioning
of patriarchy which makes them believe that it is for their good.
Need of the
Hour:
With the petition lying with the judiciary it can take two stands
1) A conservative reading where in it might test the constitutionality of the
laws like Rule 3(b) and read it down.
2) A radical reading where in along with constitutionality of laws, it
deals with questions of Religion, patriarchy and Role of State.
What is required is the second reading which will take the movement
beyond symbolic importance.
11) “Independence of an individual is as important as the sanctity

of an institution”. Critically discuss the statement in the context of
the debate related to criminalization of Marital Rape in India. (250
Words, 15 Marks)
Independence of an individual as both a political and social being is defined

within the confines of State and various social institutions like family,
religion, class, caste etcetera. Maintaining the right balance between the
individuality and societal authority is necessary and this forms the crux of
the debate on criminalization of marital rape in India.
Within marriage as an institution the relationship of a woman with man is
defined by the term “coverture” – the idea that woman is always under
Husband’s protection and authority and hence she has no right to say no to
sex after marriage.
Why Criminalization of Marital Rape in India is necessary?
 To bring gender-fairness into a patriarchal institution of marriage.

 Societal morality (marriage and its principles) will be in
consonance with constitutional morality of Article 15.
 Bodily integrity the rights of a woman over her shall remain intact
despite marriage which shall reinforce Article 21.
 It will harmonize discrepancies related to the issue in various laws.
The Present Indian law exempts non-consensual sex between a
husband and wife, not being less than 15 years of age from being
charged with rape. However by another provision it makes rape of a
wife who is living separately a criminal offence. And the age limit of 15
years, above which marital rape is not an offence is inherently
problematic as normally sex with a girl up to the age of 18 is an offence
regardless of consent.
 With women getting a say in saying no to physical relationship
in marriage it indirectly gives them a say in marriage and the person
they are getting married to. This will decrease forced marriages and
honor killings to an extent.
Hindrances to its acceptance
 It cannot be suitably applied in Indian context due to factors

like level of education/illiteracy, poverty.
 Marriage as a sacred institution may lose its value.
 There could be a possibility of misuse of penal provisions
 Too much of state intrusion in private space of family
Counter Arguments
 A progressive idea like criminalization of marital rape based
on women empowerment cannot be wished away on factors like
illiteracy and sanctions of marriage.
 State has intervened in many cases earlier like Domestic Violence Act
2005, Triple Talaq etc.
And it is difficult to argue that a complaint of marital rape will ruin a

marriage while a complaint of Domestic violence against a spouse will
not.
12) The persistence of Gorkhaland as a problem provides a lesson

that regionalism is not to be suppressed but managed. Critically
comment. (150 words, 10 Marks)
ANSWER: Regionalism has both advantages and disadvantages and the

management of it shall bring out its best aspects and repression its worst
aspects. The repression of the Gorkhas and their identity under West Bengal
government over years has never solved but kept the problem burning.
Problems which have not been
addressed
Colonial Hangover: Colonial practices of exploiting the locals continues even
today. Most of the tea estates are controlled by outsiders and Gorkhas are
even today exploited.
Cultural isolation: Their physical features being different, they have been
time and again called Nepalis. They feel like an outsider in their own region.
No real devolution of powers: Regional aspirations when were left
unmanaged, agitation began in 1980s under Subhash Ghising through his
Gorkhaland National Liberation Front, and it was responded through
Darjeeling Gorkhaland Hill Council (1988-2012), which did not have
enough powers. Second Agitation began under Bimal Gurung through
Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, which was violent. And Gorkhaland Territorial
Administration (GTA) was formed.
State intervention and compromising with sub-federal institutions:
West Bengal‘s repeated attempts at centralization and the recent initiative of
implementing Bengali in schools goes against regional culture of Gorkhas
who speak Nepali
No participative Governance: The state governments meeting on the issue
and protests did not include any member from GTA nor MP’s from the region
What does the true management of Regionalism include?
1. Balanced regional development and respecting the economic rights of
the locals
2. Cultural isolation can be bridged through the Tribal Panchsheel Model

of Nehru
3. Proper and effective devolution of powers through decentralized
institutions.
Gorkhaland movement is not anti-national or separatist movement but a

true subnational movement demanding a separate state, which has persisted
because of the repressions of regional aspirations.
13) Discuss critically implications of the WASH interventions for

the health of children and women, especially stunting in children.
(150 Words,10 Marks)
ANSWER:
Background:-
Cases related to water and sanitation are one of the major causes of death
in children under five. Withoutaccess to clean water and basic toilets,
and without good hygiene practices, a child’s survival, growth and
development are at risk.
As India is undergoing transition from Millennium Development Goals to
Sustainable Development Goals, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) are
taking policy centre stage in most emerging and developing countries.
In India, 128 million lack safe water services and about 840 million people
don’t have sanitation services
How WASH scheme impacts health of children?
Studies in Gambian children in the 1990s showed that intestinal
inflammation, possibly caused by exposure to faecal germs, is correlated
with stunting.So WASH scheme can benefit the health of the children.
Hygiene and sanitation interventions have had considerable impact
on reducing diarrhea and absenteeism rates in school-age children.
Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions, such as provision of
clean piped drinking water, enhanced facilities for excreta disposal and the
promotion of hand-washing with soap, are frequently implemented to
improve health and reduce infectious diseases and may be linked to
child development outcomes.
WASH affects more than just the ability of children to attend school.
Many children suffer physical and cognitive damage from water- and
sanitation-related diseases that impact their performance at school and their
overall educational attainment.
WASH and economics
The impact of poor WASH conditions extends beyond health and
education, and impacts on the economy through health spending and
labour division.The world would save around US$263 billion a year if it was
able to provide basic, low cost water and sanitation facilities to countries in
need.
WASH will tackle the following issues:-

Empowering women helps communities reach their full health, economic
and educational benefits. Therefore, WASH projects with positive
financial benefits for women will contribute to overall community
development.
Women’s full participation in water and sanitation projects is strongly
correlated with increased effectiveness and sustainability of these projects.
Additionally, WASH facilities in schools can improve the lives of
schoolchildren by significantly reducing disease, increasing school
attendance and contributing to dignity and gender equality.
When latrines are not available in households, women and girls will seek
privacy after dark to defecate outside of their homes, exposing them to a
greater risk of harassment and sexual assault.
Out of fear, women and girls may choose to ignore their needs which
may increase the likelihood of urinary tract infections, chronic
constipation or mental stress.
In addition, a lack of single-gender sanitation facilities in schools results
in low levels of attendance among girls, perpetuating cycles of gender
inequality and poverty.
Drop outs of girls can be prevented as well. Also healthy woman would give
birth to healthy child.
Concerns:-
In the Bangladesh study the villages saw high rates of both contamination
and stunting.
Yet the WASH improvements made no difference, which means that other
factors could be driving stunting. This heightens concerns that similar
mechanisms underlie the association between open defecation and stunting
in India.
Stunting is a complex problem. Children in richer South Asian
countries are shorter on average than those in poorer Sub-Saharan
African countries, and no intervention so far has closed this gap.
The problem is that most of the data which show that children in
households with poor toilets are more likely to be stunted comes from
descriptive studies.
Another predicament is that for WASH interventions to be truly effective,
more than one generation of families may need to adopt them. Most trials
do not last longer than two years, given how expensive and logistically
challenging they are.
Way forward:-
The capacity for policymaking of State governments thus needs to
be further strengthened to cater to the local needs.
Focus on sanitation needs to increase from school level and within families
itself.
14) Discuss the factors influencing the distribution of sex ratio in

India. (250 Words, 15 Marks)
ANSWER: Sex ratio in India is defined as the number of females per 1000
males. Declining sex ratio (940 as per 2011 census) especially Child Sex
Ratio being 914 is great cause of concern.
There is regional variation in distribution of sex ratio in India. The states of
Haryana, Punjab, Jammu Kashmir, and other states of Ganga plain have
low sex ratio whereas southern states, north eastern states and tribal states
have greater sex ratio.
Various socio-economic factors are responsible for variation in sex ratio
Society
Patriarchal society or male dominated society. According to census 2001
the declining sex ratio in India is due to "neglect of the girl child resulting
in their higher mortality at younger age, high maternal mortality, sex
selective female abortions, female infanticide, change in sex ratio at birth".
Preference for male child has led to issues of female foeticide. Issues of
sex selective abortion, infanticide and dowry related deaths.
Health Infrastructure
Better medical facilities can reduce infant mortality rate and maternal
mortality rate having impact on sex ratio.
Issues of nutritional support for infants and discrimination among girl and
boy child while upbringing.
- Literacy, education and awareness
- Tribal society and equality among the sexes.
- Rural and urban areas and the variation in the sex ratio
- Intervention of the state through various policies and programmes has
started yielding the positive result.
- Implementation of PCPNDT act, Girl child specific programmes
15) Critically examine the impact of Globalization on Higher

Education in India. Do you think Institutions of Eminence (IoE)
initiative addresses these issues? (250 Words, 15 Marks)
ANSWER: Globalization is a meta-event which has impacted every sector

and every region of the world, which came officially as a phenomenon post
1991. Education as a sector has been impacted both positively and
negatively.
Positive impacts of globalization on the higher education
- Eased the entry of foreign institutions and promoted integration with local
institutions
- Knowledge sharing through integrated networks of communication among
universities facilitated by incoming technology
- Teachers are exposed to new techniques and technologies of study Negative

impacts of globalization on new education
- Huge privatization of higher education and education losing social focus.
- Universities focusing on subject which are market-driven and which support

the industries.
- Commercialization of education by private players reduces the opportunities

for poor. The percentage of people pursuing higher education is abysmally
low, which is deteriorated further by commercialization
- A desperate attempt to meet market needs has taken the focus away from
research and development. Which is one of the prime reasons that Indian
universities do not find a place in top global rankings
- Commercialization of education has had worse effects on vulnerable groups

like women, differently abled, SCs and STs
- Lack of good universities locally has led moving of talent pruned by schools
to outside countries which sets the foundation for brain drain
- Market driven approach has impacted humanities subjects in general.
Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme
The scheme under the union human resource development ministry aims to
project
Indian institutes to global recognition
How the scheme addresses adverse effects of globalization?

- Promotion of 10 ‘public institutions under it through financial assistance
and greater autonomy will bring social focus back to higher education
- Greater autonomy, less political interference provides right academic
environment
- Academic collaborations being allowed in such institutions with top 500 in
the world ranking institutions without permission of UGC which shall
promote Research and Development
- Quality improvement will reverse students drain
- Making them world class institutions will in turn attract students from
various Countries To address the issues of globalization in higher education,
institute of eminence scheme is a right but first step, which should be
accompanied by comprehensive reforms in higher education is to include
institutional reforms.
16) Trace the history of LGBTQI movement in India. Can it be called a New
Social Movement? (250 Words, 15 Marks)
ANSWER: New social movements originated in 1960s and 70s. Movement

before 60s are considered Old Social Movements. Historically placed, they
started an anti-war movement against US war with Vietnam. Students
across Europe, USA united against it.
Landmark Events:
 In 1994, Humsafar Trust was setup in Mumbai which is one of the
oldest LGBTQ organizations in India.
 In 1999, India’s first gay pride parade called Calcutta rainbow pride
was held. It has only 15 people marching.
 In 2001, NAZ foundation and Lawyer’s Collection file a PIL asking
court to read down Section 377.
 In 2010, passes a landmark judgment granting equal rights
to “sexual minorities”.
 In 2013, Supreme Court reversed the Delhi High Court judgment.
 Curative petition was filed.
 In 2017, Right to privacy judgment (Puttaswamy case)
wherein sexual orientation is considered a private affair. Opens the
case of section 377 again.
LGBTQI movement in India is a New Social Movement
 It is based on the ideology of New Left - It challenges prevailing social

goals and political styles and embraces libertarian aspirations such
as personal fulfilment and self-expression.
 It is not a class based movement but identity based movement,
so any person - with a sexual orientation under LGBTQI in any part of
the country or even world, express solidarity with them.
 It is not about changing distribution of power like old social
movements do, but about quality of life, dignity of an individual which
are post-material issues.
 The social base of LGBTQI is the young, better educated and
relatively affluent sections of the society which is a feature of New
Social Movement. (Humsafar and NAZ foundation playing a key role).
 New social movements have new techniques of protest to attract
attention. In Queer movements Rainbow is a symbol of identification.
 New social movements tend to have organization structures that
stress decentralization and participatory decision making. Hence they
turn away from established political parties. LGBTQI movement in India
share this feature
 LGBTQI movement in India is not a movement in real sense
 No huge public participation (Calcutta rainbow pride march had
only 15 people participating).
 The protest is dominantly through legal route and not through
social mobilization.
 The fact that LGBTQI is in itself considered illegal, it being a minority
and the stigma attached to it may be the factors responsible for it not
turning into a movement.
17) Do you consider training dalit and tribal youth to become

priests a reformative and a revolutionary step? Justify your
answer. Also examine how different sections of society views this
step that’s being initiated at a conservative religious institution
such as the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). (250
Words,15 Marks)
ANSWER:
Background:-
Dalits have been discriminated by the upper castes since many centuries.
The recent move by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages
the country’s richest religious centre, to appoint Dalits, Adivasis and
fishermen as priests in temples it’s building across Andhra Pradesh is
a push for social inclusion.
It is a revolutionary step due to the following reasons:-
Such a programme would represent long-overdue inclusive, perhaps

disruptive, social engineering that could bring marginalised
communities, previously barred from entering temples for fear of
“impurity”, into the mainstream.
Elevating a few from among these oppressed communities to priesthood,
even in small neighbourhood temples of the TTD in far-flung areas of Andhra
Pradesh, could serve as a reparation of sorts.
Any progressive movement in this sphere will leave a deep and indelible
mark on social life.
Leads to caste mobility impacting the confidence of the people who had been
prone to low self-esteem due to excessive submissiveness.
Some concerns are still unanswered:-
1) This would not change the basic structure of Hinduism and the
so-called tradition of following agamasastras, or doctrine for temple
rituals.
2) This is unwittingly creating another social layer or a sanskritised
class of purity where dalits are still wearing the cross thread and they
are been made to follow Brahmin way of life. By retaining the presence
of these threads only caste is
3) The Devasthanams will not appoint the trained priests from the
backward communities in the regular temples it operates. Instead,
the trainees will be accommodated as priests in temples it is
constructing in various Dalit colonies, tribal areas and fishermen
villages across the state.
4) The main objective of training SC, ST and BC priests and appointing
them in temples in their own villages is to prevent religious
conversions and not to uplift them.
5) This reinforces the superiority of the Brahmin and further
entrenches the lower castes in their religious, ritual, social lowness.
How are others viewing it?

The Supreme Court in 2015 held that caste and birth should not
determine induction of priests in temples. Rather, domain knowledge,
traditional codes of practice, and the Constitution’s guarantee of equality
before law should be applied.
Brahmin priests intention to go on strike shows their reluctance to accept a
person from the scheduled caste as a priest in a temple.
Conclusion:-
It is time India creates temples of the 21st century and rediscover rituals
with a social eye. These must be temples where rituals of all caste groups
find place in everyday practice in such a way that there is no one ritualistic
system that dominates.
18) “The practice of Female Genital Mutilation can’t be protected

under the guise of Essential Religious Practice”. Critically
comment. (10 Marks, 150 words)
ANSWER: Female Genital Mutilation is a ritual practiced by certain
Muslim communities like Dawoodi and Bohra.
 The issue is lying with the Supreme Court and is being justified on
following grounds:
 It is sanctioned by the religion and is an Essential Religious Practice.
 State interference is against the diversity of India which needs to
be protected. It cannot be an Essential Religious Practice:
 As it is sexual violence against girls and hence inhumane.
 Diversity cannot be used as a reason to substantiate inhumane
rituals.
 An act which is a crime under POCSO Act, 2012, it cannot be Essential
Religious Practice.
 It violates Articles 15, 19 and 21.
 State intervention is hence justified as it needs to protect constitutional
values.
 An Essential Religious Practice which is based on Social Morality
cannot be beyond Constitutional Morality as ruled in Navtej Singh
Johar vs Union of India 2018 case recently.
19) Enumerate the impact of globalization on Tribal Communities

in India. (10 Marks, 150 words)
ANSWER: Globalization as a post-1991 phenomenon in India has had both

positive and negative impacts on the tribal population which is 8.6% of
total population as per 2011 census.
Positives:
 Tribal products like getting a market through the formation of TRIFED.
 NGOs become a dominant phenomenon and INGOS thriving
under globalization become a link between tribes and state
bridging governance deficit
 INGOS bring in new consciousness about environment,
women issues and tribal movements get linked environmental
issues and women participation. Ex: Narmada Bachao, Silent

Valley Movement etc.
Negative Consequences:
 Displacement of tribal communities by development projects Ex:
Vedanta in Orissa
 MNC preparing tribal products has made Tribal lose rights over
Minor Forest Produce.
 MNCs through ‘bio prospecting’ and ‘bio piracy’ have got IPR over
Traditional Knowledge Systems of tribes like Neem.
 Erosion of tribal culture through homogenization of globalization
Ex: Loss of many tribal dialects.
20) “Death Penalty eliminates criminals, not crime”. Critically

discuss the statement in the context of recent demands of death
penalty against sexual crimes. (15 Marks, 250 words)
ANSWER: Recently, there has been a renewed debate over capital

punishment, after a popular outrage over the need for it against rape and
sexual crimes against women in the context of Nirbhaya, Kathua and
Unnao cases.
Accordingly under Juvenile Justice Act, even a juvenile between 16 and 18
can be tried as an adult after consent from the Juvenile Justice Board and
under Criminal Laws Amendment Bill 2018 rape of a girl below 6 would
attract death penalty. These stringent punishments were supported by the
Justice Verma Committee constituted after Nirbhaya case.
Arguments in favor of Capital Punishment:
 Retribution: All guilty people should be punished according to the
crime. The magnitude of the punishment should match the
seriousness and heinousness of the crime. It was supported by the
judiciary in Dhananjay Chatterjee’s case.
 It leads to deterrence. That is it instills fear in the public
reducing the rate of crimes.
 Rehabilitation: Many times when death penalty has been
announced, the criminals have pleaded guilty, reformed and
rehabilitated themselves.
Arguments against capital punishment:

 It is against the value of human life.
 Right to live is a constitutional guarantee under Article 21.
 It is against the principle of retribution.
 It is not retribution but vengeance.
 Many times due to procedural loopholes, innocents may be

convicted. This completely is against ethics of retribution of ‘an eye for
an eye’.
 Due to long and torturous procedure involved in the judiciary the
convicted has to undergo a lot of ‘anticipatory suffering’ before the
execution. This does not match with the magnitude of the crime
 It is not retribution if it is not given for a particular types
consistently.
 It is against various Principles of Deterrence
 No statistical evidence to show that it has led to decrease of crimes.
 No evidence to prove that it is more effective in deterrence when
compared to life imprisonment.
 It is morally flawed as it is unacceptable for someone to pay for the
predicted future crime of others.
 Deterrence doesn’t work with criminal who are insane, who
cannot exercise their own will and those who are psychologically
disturbed.
 Instilling fear in public can no longer happen as punished in public
view is no longer civilized.
 Methods used like hanging are cruel and inhuman. Lethal
injections considered soft cannot be done without the assistance of
medical practitioners. And assisted killing goes against medical
ethics.
Reformation of criminal, from the above arguments is efficient both ethically

and utility wise. And it is more pertinent in sexual crimes which are
manifestations of deep rooted social malaise based in patriarchy, misogyny,
male chauvinism and threatened male psyche. It require attitudinal changes
and not death penalty as sexual crimes and capital punishment are
symptoms of same culture – the culture of violence.
GEOGRAPHY OF THE INDIA AND WORLD

1) Many of the world’s saline lakes are shrinking at alarming rates.
Examine the causes and consequences. Also discuss significance of
saline lakes to humans and other animals. (250 words, 12.5 marks)
ANSWER:
Saline Lake is a landlocked body of water that has a concentration of salts
(typically sodium chloride) and other dissolved minerals significantly higher
than most lakes. These lakes account for 44% water volume and cover 23%
of geographical area on earth. But there has been reports of the shrinkage
of these lakes at alarming rates due to reasons like:
1) Climate change: it’s leading to changes in the precipitation patterns
and the increase in temperature hence the increased evaporation from
the lakes. Ex: Dead Sea
2) Surface flow diversion for the purposes like the agriculture, industrial
use etc. is resulting in decreased inflow in these lakes and hence shrinkage.
Ex: The diversion of surface flow for agriculture resulted in the shrinkage of
Owens Lake in the California.
Another example is classic case of Aral Sea which has completely vanished
since 1960s after the rivers that fed it were diverted by Soviet irrigation
projects.
3) Groundwater pumping: threatens many shallow salt lakes that are
essentially surface ‘windows’ of shallow water tables. Ex: Most of the shallow
permanent and temporary salt lakes in central Mexico have already
disappeared because of over-pumping of groundwater for irrigation, and other
deeper lakes have shrunk rapidly.
4) Mining: It involves the construction of levee banks, causeways and other
structures that physically damage the structure of the lake. These structures
impede the free surface movement of water across the bed of the lake. Apart
from the physical disturbance, mining may have impacts on salt lakes by
adding pollutants. Ex: Oil spills from mining rigs in the Caspian Sea.
5) Pollution: Inorganic plant nutrients appear not to be major pollutants in
salt lakes, though exceptions occur (Williams 1981). For example,
Farmington Bay of the Great Salt Lake has become eutrophic as a result of
excess nutrients in runoff from urban development around Salt Lake City.
In addition soil erosion, increased sediment loads and changes in runoff
patterns can be the result of other catchment activities, including overgrazing
by cattle and sheep and excessive clearance of the natural vegetation etc. are
also contributing to the shrinkage of the saline lakes of world. But it has to
be noted that these saline lakes are significant to humans as well as other
animals and their shrinkage is bound to have serious consequences.
1) Environmental significance and consequences

 These lakes provide habitat for the different aquatic species. With their
shrinkages the biodiversity is also threatened. Ex: Water birds
 The saline lakes provides environmental services like the aquifer
recharge via water percolation, nutrient filtration etc. With their
shrinkage there is threat of decreasing water tables that is vital for the
human survival given the increasing demand for fresh water with
consequent increase in population and the urbanization.
 Salt lakes develop as the termini of inland drainage basins where
hydrological inputs and outputs are balanced. The shrinkage will
disturb this hydrological balance.
2) Economic significance and consequences
 The saline lakes are home to many minerals like throne, calcite,
gypsum, borax and, more recently, lithium and uranium salts. With
the shrinkage of saline lakes these minerals will also be lost.
 The fishing activities provide livelihood to the communities residing
in the nearby areas. With the shrinkage of these lakes their livelihood
is also threatened.
 Many of these lakes has aesthetic values and provide recreational
opportunities.
 Some of the saline lakes also provide for the cost effective and
environment friendly shipping routes.
3) Sociological significance and consequence
 The saline lakes in the arid and semiarid areas provide effective
barrier against the dust storm. The shrinkage of saline lakes is
causing asthma, respiratory disease in the population residing the
region.
4) Political consequences like water wars. Ex: Dead Sea - Syria and Israel
Thus the saline lakes are important natural assets with considerable
aesthetic, cultural, economic, recreational, scientific, conservation and
ecological values. Though the shrinkage is part of natural cycle the worrying
fact is that it has been accelerated by anthropological interventions. It is high
time to redress this situation by raising awareness of the values of salt lakes,
the nature of human threats and impacts on them, and their special
management requirements.
https://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs_journals/2017/rmrs_2017_wurtsbaugh_w0
01.pdf
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/10/171023123537.html.
2) Critically analyze causes of worsening groundwater crisis in India and

its impact on urban regions and agriculture. Also discuss solutions to
address this crisis. (250 words, 12.5 marks)
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/indias-groundwater-
future-is-at- stake/article9689155.ece
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/the-alarming-levels-of-
indias- groundwater/article19253949.ece
https://www.livemint.com/Opinion/v4nXpXNxSJtxQNlEbvtJFL/Indias-
groundwater- crisis.html.
ANSWER: Groundwater is the most exploited re in world. With the increase
in population and urbanization and industrialization the pressure on ground
water is increasing. Ex: according to study of International Water Management

Institute India’s groundwater increased from 7km³ in1940 to about 270 km³
over the past decade.
But there is Rapid depletion of water table in many parts of the country as
indicated in the 2016 Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) report. This points
to the looming ground water crisis in India. The reasons that can be attributed
are
1) Faulty Agricultural Practices:
The agricultural practices like growing the water intensive crops that has
higher MSP, monocropping, unscientific methods of irrigation etc. are leading
to overexploitation of groundwater. Ex: Haryana and Punjab are relying on
crops like paddy that are water intensive and unsuitable for the region.
2) Pollution:
The overuse of chemical fertilizers in agriculture, the leaching of toxic
chemicals from the landfill and industries are leading to groundwater
pollution that is rendering the ground water not usable. Ex: Arsenic
contamination in the Gangetic basin.
3) Decreased recharge:
The aquifers that feed groundwater are not being recharged owing to the
diversion of the surface flow, concretization in the urban areas, encroachment
of the wetlands for settlement etc.
4) Faulty policies:
The diesel and electricity subsidies have led to the indiscriminate extraction
of groundwater.
In addition to this deforestation, salinization, climate change leading to erratic

rainfall patterns
Etc. are affecting the groundwater tables in India.
The impact of such groundwater crisis in urban regions are

1. Land subsidence
The basic cause of land subsidence is a loss of support below ground. In
other words, sometimes when water is taken out of the soil, the soil
collapses, compacts, and drops.
2. Increased costs for the user
As the depth to water increases, the water must be lifted higher to reach the
land surface. If pumps are used to lift the water (as opposed to artesian
wells), more energy is required to drive the pump. Using the well can become
prohibitively expensive.
3. Water shortage for drinking and other domestic usage.
Impacts on agriculture:
1. With 60% of India’s irrigation dependent upon groundwater the

groundwater crisis will result in failure of bore wells and associated crop
failure
2. The groundwater crisis will affect the agriculture production and
productivity
3. The fall of water availability will affect the cropping pattern.
The crisis has to be addressed in high priority as it threatens the food
security. The steps that can be taken in this direction are
1) Rain water harvesting at the community levels. It will lead to rise in the
water tables.
2) Rationalization of subsidies and the MSP and also water pricing
to discourage the overexploitation of groundwater.
3) Adopting scientific agricultural practices like micro irrigation practices,
mulching, growing crops in that suit the agro ecological conditions of the
region etc.
4) Sustained measures should be taken to prevent pollution of water
bodies, contamination of groundwater and ensure proper treatment of
domestic and industrial waste water.
5) In urban areas putting in place an efficient piped supply system and
providing spaces for the seepage of the rainwater has to be top on the
agenda of policymakers and planners.
India can also adopt the World Bank’s Water Scarce Cities Initiative that
seeks to promote an integrated approach to managing water res and
service delivery in water-scarce cities as the basis for building resilience
against climate change.
Along with these measures there has to be afforestation, awareness drive
in order to ensure the long term gains.
3) What is volcanism? Why the recent Fuego volcanic eruption was more
deadly compared to Hawaiian eruption.(150 words,10 Marks)
ANSWER: Volcanism refers to the extrusion of lava (and the gases it

contains) and the ejection of pyroclastic onto the Earth’s surface or into the
atmosphere, as well as the formation of volcanoes and extrusive igneous
rocks by these processes.
Volcanoes are associated with the plate boundaries.
Along the convergent boundaries, the subduction of the oceanic plate
below oceanic or continental plate leads to Andesitic volcanic eruption
leading to form island arc or volcanic mountains over the continents.
Ex: Andes
Divergence of plates leads to molten magma reaching to the surface leading

to formation of basaltic oceanic crust.
Ex: Mid-Atlantic ridge.
Intra-plate volcanism takes place because of hotspot.
Ex: Hawaiian Islands
Why Fuego eruption was more violent?

The answer lies in the composition of the two volcanos.
Hawaii's Kilauea volcano is a massive shield volcano, The Feugo volcano
is the strato- volcano (composite volcano)
Hawiian eruption – Along the hotspot, volcanoes erupt mafic lava with
low viscosity, this low viscosity is due to a relatively low silicate
concentration in the magma. The low viscosity of Kilauea's lava means it
readily releases trapped gases within the lava and runs like a river down
slopes.
Feugo volcano - Guatemala's Fuego Volcano erupting along convergent
boundary, a strato-volcano which erupts a more felsic lava with higher
silicate concentrations and much higher viscosity. Felsic lava, with high
concentrations of silica and feldspar, are very viscous. This means the lava
doesn't allow the gas bubbles trapped in the lava to escape easily. While
within the magma chamber, the gaseous lava builds up pressure until it
erupts. The pyroclastic flow (combination of hot rock fragments
(pyroclasts), superheated air, and volcanic gases.) lead to lot destruction.
4) What do you understand by Heat waves? Discuss the role of jet-streams

in heat waves which is sweeping Northern hemisphere recently.(150
words,10 Marks)
ANSWER: A heat wave is typically defined as a period of excessively hot

weather. A region which experiences 6 - 7°c temperature above the normal
for few days to a week is considered to be under influence of heat waves.
 Heat waves are caused by a system of higher atmospheric
pressure, whereby air from upper levels of the atmosphere descends
and rotates out. As it descends, it compresses, increasing the
temperature. The outward flow, meanwhile, makes it difficult for
other systems to enter the area, and the large size and slow speed of
the hot air causes the heat wave to remain for days or even weeks.
The lack of clouds means that an affected area is struck with strong
sunlight.
 Common consequences include impact on health, forest fires,
impact on vegetation and crops, energy demand etc.
 Ex: forest fires of Australia and Scandinavian countries.
Heat waves and jet streams
 The heat waves across Europe and Japan in July is attributed to the
weakening of the polar jet streams. The warming of the Arctic
(climate change) leads to weakening of Polar vortex and jet streams.
 The meandering of the jet streams increases when it weakens.
This leads to inflow of warm area from tropics to higher latitudes and
also cold snaps in some of the parts.
 Since May jet streams has become stagnant over Europe
contributing to high pressure on ground and clear sky and heat
conditions.
5) What were the key reasons for intense Dust-storms and thunder storms
that affected the North-western and Northern part of India in recent
summer? Also suggest few measures to tackle it. (150 words,10 Marks)
ANSWER: Even though dust storms are common phenomenon in north-

western part of India, this summer it extended into the interiors with very
strong winds carrying lot of dust particles.
Climate change is an important factor for the phenomena which may
further intense in coming years.
Due to very intense hot conditions, vertical upliftment of the air over
Rajasthan took place. At the same time moisture laden wind from Bay of
Bengal started converging along the hot vertical air. This led to formation
of thunderstorms. Usually dust storms are dry and not associated with
thunderstorms.
Thunderstorms are associated with downburst coupled with rainfall. Dust
storms are intensifying because of higher temperature during summers.
It’s also said that due to global warming, western disturbances arrival
along north- western part was delayed. The arrival of western
disturbances this year was during April which was responsible for intense
dust storms.
Desertification process is important contributor for intensifying of dust
storms. Climate change is responsible for intense climate of regions which
leading to extreme atmospheric activities. The dust storms can be better
tackled through addressing the issues of desertification. The desertification
is increasing which need to be tackled through shelter belt planation,
afforestation, better agricultural practices etc.
Through better early warning systems and information dissemination,
preparedness can be improved. Better building codes, safety from sand dust
and various precautionary health measures can help in tackling dust
storms.
6) After Fukushima accident, siting (localization) of Nuclear power plants
along the coast has become complex and problematic. Discuss the
merits and demerits of nuclear plants along the coast. .(150 words,10
Marks)
ANSWER: Nuclear energy enjoys certain advantages in comparison to other

energy sources in terms of environmental impact, efficiency, lower cost of
production per unit and cost of operation.
Countries especially deficient in conventional energy sources like coal and
petroleum and where potentiality of renewable energy is not fully realized,
are resorting to nuclear energy for power generation.Ex: India and China
Nuclear plants can be setup both in interiors of a region or along the coast.
Off late most of new nuclear plants are set up along the coast.
Ex: Kudankulam, Jaitapur
Advantages along the coast
 Availability of abundant sea water for cooling

 Import dependency of fuel and technology
 Reducing the risk of accident when it is located away from
populated regions in interiors of a region. E.g Chernobyl accident
 Lesser amount of land required
Disadvantages
 Tsunami. Ex: Fukushima accident

 Climate change and rising sea levels
 Hurricanes
 Issues of flooding due to storm surges, precipitation etc.
 Impact on coastal environment. Any release of radiation through

accident or release of toxic elements through discharge can be highly
disastrous
 Many countries are doing away with nuclear energy and moving
towards renewable energies. Ex. Scandinavian countries. China is
coming up the world’s first offshore floating nuclear plants. Based on
extent of seismicity of a region the location can be decided.
7) What is forced migration? Analyze and illustrate causes of forced

migration in recent years. (150 words,10 Marks)
ANSWER: International Association for the Study of Forced Migration

(IASFM) describes it as ‘a general term that refers to the movements of
refugees and internally displaced people (those displaced by conflicts) as well
as people displaced by natural or environmental disasters, chemical or
nuclear disasters, famine, or development projects.’
Important causes of migration
WAR AND
CONFLICT
Armed conflict including civil war; generalized violence; and persecution on
the grounds of nationality, race, religion, political opinion or social group is
the most common factor for forced migration around the world and
throughout history.
Ex: Rohingya crisis in Myanmar, with over half a million of the
country’s Muslim population fleeing to neighbouring Bangladesh in the
wake of violence and ethnic cleansing, Syrian war, South Sudan and
Democratic Republic of Congo etc.
DROUGHT
A single drought can mean disaster for communities whose lives and
livelihoods rely on regular, successful harvests. In a number of African
countries where Concern works, including Somalia, Kenya, Malawi, and
Ethiopia, droughts have become increasingly severe, leaving millions of
citizens without the ability to grow the food that feeds them and their
livestock.
HURRICANES AND
FLOODING
Countries that are vulnerable to heavy rains or and high winds are also at
risk for cases of forced migration. After Hurricane Matthew made landfall in
Haiti in 2016, the storm’s lethal winds and rain left 200,000 homes in its
wake of destruction.
EARTHQUAK
ES
In 2010, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake hit Haiti’s capital city of Port-au-

Prince as well as the surrounding area, leaving 1.5 million Haitians
homeless.
DEVELOPMENT-INDUCED DISPLACEMENT
These are people who are compelled to move as a result of policies and
projects implemented to supposedly enhance ‘development’. Examples of
this include large- scale infrastructure projects such as dams, roads,
ports, airports; urban clearance initiatives; mining and deforestation;
and the introduction of conservation parks/reserves and biosphere
projects.
8) Urban floods are not only an ecological disturbance produced due to
anthropogenic factors, they are also an occurrence within a
sociopolitical space. Analyse. (150Words,10 Marks)
ANSWER: Background:-
 India has emerged as one of the biggest victims of climate change.

 While natural causes like intense rainfall due to cyclones, rivers
swelling in the city, weather factors etc. take their course but it is
largely due to the anthropogenic factors that the frequency of urban
flooding has increased in the recent years.
Factors affecting floods including anthropogenic, Socio-political

factors:-
Trespassing on water storm drains: The areas which were essentially
created by the storm water drains to let their flood waters pass freely being
tress-passed for developmental purposes result in obstruction of water flow
and thus contributed immensely to the fury of floods.
Bengaluru and Mumbai floods have been a result of this failure.
Urbanization: - It leads to paving of surfaces which decreases ground
absorption and increases the speed and amount of surface flow. The water
rushes down suddenly into the streams from their catchment areas leading
to a sudden rise in water level and flash floods.
Unplanned urbanization is the key cause of urban flooding. Various
kinds of depression and low lying areas near or around the cities which act
as flood absorbers are gradually filled up by construction and development
projects for the poor and built upon due to ur ba niza tion p r e s s u r e . This
res ul ts i n inadequate c han ne l c a pac it y causing urban flooding.
Encroachment of the natural streams and watercourses due
to rapid urbanization as a major factor contributing to urban flooding.
Encroachment, is a planning lexicon which is often equated with illegality
and directed towards slum dwellers occupying waterways in cities.
This provides an opportunity to the real estate developers in the city to

reclaim the riverbanks .This further results in the shrinking of the
riverbed, and the destruction of the riparian zones which are important for
flood absorption.
Mumbai’s case:-
Reclamation of land was initially carried out to link the seven islands which
form Mumbai. This was followed by continuous building activity which
eventually spilled over to choke waterways which allowed water to drain
during monsoon.
Mithi river has over the years been not only been encroached upon,
but whatever is left is clogged with solid wastes and plastic. With
perhaps the most important channel of the city’s drainage system under
siege, flooding is inevitable even if the rainfall does not breach the existing
record.
Mangroves which dotted the city’s coast line have largely disappeared.
Unauthorized colonies have been developed by the local colonisers on
the agriculture land, earlier being used for crop has been purchased at
lucrative prices from farmers, without consideration to the city plans
,drainage, sewerage etc. and thus subjected to flooding during heavy rain
falls.
Poor Water and Sewerage Management.
Old drainage and sewerage system has not been overhauled nor is it
adequate now .All the drainage and sewer system in many parts of Delhi has
collapsed resulting in flooding. This can be seen during rainy seasons every
year.
L ack of attention to the nature of hydrological system:-

In Uttarakhand floods haphazard, unregulated construction of roads and
bridges was allowed on crumbling, landslide-prone ridges and steep slopes,
ignoring the region’s fragile geology and high earthquake vulnerability.
Hundreds of buildings were constructed in the flood plains of rivers,
their “natural” terrain, which should be no-go areas. Riverbeds were
recklessly mined for sand. As construction debris accumulated, land
contours and flows of streams and rivers changed.
Lack of flood control measures:-
The growth in concretization of land has increased surface run off due
to near lack of percolation of water into underground aquifers. This
coupled with no strict laws with respect to rainwater recharge facilities an
ideal flooding situation.
Multiple authorities in a city but owning responsibility by none.

The real estate mafia and corruption in local revenue offices are a
deadly combination for converting wetlands into concrete structures. This
reduces the area of lakes and may even vanish lakes out of official record.
Lack of sufficient financial resources with the urban local bodies.
Deforestation:-Large areas of forest near the rivers/catchment of cities are
used to make rooms for settlements, roads and farmlands and is being
cleared due to which soil is quickly lost to drains. This raises the drain bed
causing overflow and in turn urban flooding.
Religious practices:-The religious significance of the Ghats near rivers has
stemmed development of hotels and dharamshalas to serve the needs of the
pilgrims. This has increased the density and imperviousness of the
settlement around the Ghats.
Conclusion:-
Cities are facing the cumulative impact of wrongs done over so many years.
It will have to be reversed by land reclamation of wet lands which are the
buffer zones of excess water.
Sustainable city planning becomes crucial. Clearing the storm water drains
and providing separate sewage lines, along with Municipal solid waste
management will go a long way.
9) What is marine biodiversity? List out important marine biodiversity
hotspots and few international initiatives for conservation of marine
biodiversity.(250 Words, 15 Marks)
ANSWER: Marine biodiversity refers to coastal and marine plant and

animal species, their genetic variety, the habitats and ecosystems they
form part of, and the ecological processes that support all of these.
Oceans cover 70% of our planet and represent over 95% of the biosphere.
Marine and coastal habitats cover a diverse spectrum—from those near
terrestrial environment such as coral reefs, mangrove forests, sea-grass
beds, and estuaries, to those deep below the surface, such as open ocean,
hydrothermal vents, seamounts and soft sediments on the ocean floor.
Threats to marine biodiversity are:
 over exploitation- recreational and commercial

 Pollution
 Habitat destruction and fragmentation
 Non-native species invasions
 Global climate change
Major marine biodiversity hotspots
Important hotspots are South Japan, Great Barrier Reef, Hawaiian

Islands, Gulf of Guinea, Western Australia, Gulf of California, Easter
islands (Polynesia), Sunda Island, Philippines etc.
International initiatives
 Global Ocean Biodiversity Initiative by IUCN
 Convention on Fishing and Conservation Of Living Resources of
High Sea (provision of UNCLOS)
 CITES, CBD
 International Whaling Commission etc.
10) Agriculture both contributes to climate change and is affected by

climate change. Discuss. (250 Words, 15 Marks)
ANSWER: Agriculture is most important economic activity across the world

where more than 50% of population in developing and underdeveloped
countries are dependent as source of livelihood.
Agriculture contributes to climate change
- Farming in particular releases significant amounts of methane and
nitrous oxide, two powerful greenhouse gases.
- Methane is produced by livestock during digestion due to enteric
fermentation and is released via belches. It can also escape from
stored manure and organic waste in landfills.
- Nitrous oxide emissions are an indirect product of mineral
nitrogen fertilizers.
- Changes in land use pattern. Ex: Deforestation for agriculture

activities.
Climate changes impact agriculture
- Impact on productivity: Though rising CO2 can stimulate plant

growth, it also reduces the nutritional value of most food crops.
Rising levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide reduce the
concentrations of protein and essential minerals in most plant
species, including wheat, soybeans, and rice.
- More extreme temperature and precipitation can prevent crops from
growing.
- Extreme events, especially floods and droughts, can harm crops and
reduce yields.
- Many weeds, pests, and fungi thrive under warmer temperatures,
wetter climates, and increased CO2 levels.
- Climate change and impact on precipitation. Certain areas will be
drought affected whereas other areas come under influence of
flooding.
- Through organic agriculture carbon sequestration is possible.
Through efficient usage of fertilizer, greater efficiency in meat and
dairy production, and changing food habits climatic impact can be
reduced.
11) Listing out the key industries along East coast in India, discuss how
East Coast Economic Corridor may help in development of the region.
(250 Words, 15 Marks)
ANSWER: States along eastern coast are highly industrialized. Being rich
in various minerals the development is port led.
The east coast extends from West Bengal in north, Odisha, Andhra
Pradesh and TamilNadu. The States are rich in minerals like bauxite, coal,
iron ore, mica deposits, jute etc.
Important industrial centers in West Bengal along the coast are Haldia,
Rishra, Budge Budge, Hugli, Kolkata etc. Important industries include
jute industry, petrochemical industries, textiles, auto component, ship
building etc.
Important industrial centers in Odisha along the coast are
Bhubaneshwar, Cuttack, Paradip, Balashore, Kendrapara etc. Important
industries include iron and steel, Aluminum industries, agro processing,
etc.
Important industrial centres in Andhra Pradesh along the coast include
Vishakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Nellore etc. Important industries
include iron and steel, petrochemicals, mica, fisheries and agro-

processing, paper etc.
Important industrial centers in Tamil Nadu include Chennai, Irungakottai,
Tuticorin etc. Important industries include Petrochemicals, Information
technology, automobiles etc.
East Coast Economic Corridor
The East Coast Economic Corridor (ECEC) is India’s first coastal economic
corridor, poised to play a crucial role in the Government of India’s (GoI) Make
in India campaign, which aims:
 To make India a global manufacturing hub

 To create modern livable urban centers connected by state-of-
the-art infrastructure.
 It also supports the port-led industrialization strategy under the
Sagar Mala initiative.
 ECEC is India’s first coastal economic corridor along eastern coast.
 It stretches about 2,500 kms from Kolkata (West Bengal) in the
north to Kanyakumari.
 The corridor region hosts 7 out of 12 of India’s major ports,
namely: Chennai, Ennore, Haldia, Kolkata, Paradip, Tuticorin, and
Visakhapatnam.
Due to its vast scope, ECEC's development is being undertaken in phase:

Phase 1 covers the Visakhapatnam–Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC),
largely in Andhra Pradesh.
Phase 2 involves the Chennai–Kanyakumari Industrial Corridor (CKIC) in
Tamil Nadu.
Phase 3 supports the Odisha Economic Corridor (OEC) and the West
Bengal Economic Corridor (WBEC).
12) Interlinking of rivers may serve as a major source of assured irrigation
and all-weather inland navigation in India. Discuss(250 Words, 15
Marks)
Interlinking of rivers in India is realized through ILR – Interlinking of

River Program where the excess water from the river basins is transferred to
the western and southern parts of country to tackle issues of drought and
flood.
Important benefits of ILR are
- Alleviating droughts and flood control.

- Cheap water for irrigation.
- Availability of drinking water.
- Generation of hydroelectric power.

- Allowing more inland navigation.
Irrigatio
n
Nearly 68% of total cropped area is drought prone area in India. Issues of
crop failure and low productivity plagues agriculture sector. In ILR the
excess water of a river basin (especially during the monsoons) can be
transferred to other areas regionally. Implementation of the program
regionally can address various issues of interlinking of rivers through
National grid.
Important schemes under implementation if ILR are
- Ken-Betwa link project
- Damanganga-Pinjal Link Project and Par
- Tapi-Narmada Link Project
- Mahanadi – Godavari Link Project
- Manas-Sankosh-Teesta-Ganga link etc.
The excess water can be used for irrigation of rain shadow areas of
peninsular plateau, Bundelkhand and Baghelkand region, Western
Rajasthan etc. Transfer of excess water from perennial rivers of north
helps in overcoming flooding where agriculture is plaguing with issues
of salinity and alkalinity due excess irrigation.
Inland navigation
Inland navigation in India is not well developed because of seasonality of
rivers and varying landform gradient. During monsoons when Ganga River
flows over danger mark, navigation is not possible. Diversion of water helps
navigation in certain stretches of peninsular plateau. Ex: Talcher Dhamra,
Subarnarekha, Buckingham canal etc.
13) Examine how the change in demography along the River Cauvery basin
has affected cropping pattern, water use pattern and also land use
pattern in the basin. (250 Words,15 Marks)
ANSWER: Background:-
There have been glaring changes in the demography of Cauvery for
example the increase in the population that lives in the basin. There has
been a two fold increase from till 2011 since 1921 based on census data. This
has altered the usage of water of this river.
Affected cropping pattern:-
 There has been increase in cropping area and irrigation command
area between 1980 and 2000.
 Cropping pattern in Tamil Nadu has changed from two to three crops
of paddy per year between the 1970s and 1990s.
 In Karnataka farmers have opted to grow paddy over much more
water-efficient crops such as millets and ragi.
 Farmers in both the states have also started cultivating water-intensive
sugarcane along the Cauvery basin.
Water use pattern:-
 Contributed to the scarcity of water in the river.

 Sewage and industrial effluents from hundreds of villages, towns and
cities are dumped untreated into the river, reducing its quality and flow.
This has degraded the quality of water.
 The water use for cultivation of rice in Cauvery basin increased this
was mainly due to the popularity of growing a third paddy crop
especially in Tamilnadu, for which water use more than tripled.
 Bengaluru’s current demand for water from the Cauvery comes to over
10 per cent of the total water allocated to Karnataka. 45% of the water
is lost in leakages.
Land use pattern:-

 There has been a reduction in the forest area, especially close to the
source of the river could potentially reduce the yield of the river in the
years to come. According to the “State of Forest” reports dense forests
in both these districts have declined by about 10 per cent between 2001
and 2013.
 Reports show that drop in forest cover has led to changes in the coffee-
growing system that has shifted from stream fed shady plantations
to irrigated plantations.
Way forward:-
 Water conservation methods like rain water harvesting need to be
encouraged at the ground level.
 It would be much more efficient to restore the lakes in the city and
recycle water for usage .This is especially true with Bengaluru.
14) Bring out a detailed analysis of Tropical Cyclones. Under what

conditions re-curvature of tropical cyclones takes place? (15 Marks, 250
words)
ANSWER: Cyclones are the centres of low pressure surrounded by
closed isobars having increasing pressure outward and closed air
circulation from outside towards the central low pressure in such a way
that air blows inward in anti-clockwise in the northern hemisphere and
clockwise in the southern hemisphere.
Tropical cyclones are the atmospheric disturbances which usually occurs
between 8-20 N/S during the summers over sea or oceans only. They are
violent and destructive atmospheric storms.
Tropical cyclones are called by different names in different parts of the
world. Hurricanes in Caribbean Sea, Typhoon in South China Sea, Willy
willies in Australia etc.
Essential condition for its formation
 Large sea surface with temperature higher than 26°c.
 A certain minimum value of the coriolis force is required to provide the
initial torque. Between 0-8 N/S cyclones are not formed.
 Small differences in the vertical wind speed.
 A pre-existing weak- low-pressure area or low-level-cyclonic
circulation.
 Upper divergence above the sea level system.
Process:
- Along the ITCZ line, at regions where temp > 26˚c the lower pressure
is developed. Along the low pressure the convergence of the trade winds
takes place. After the convergence, convection of the air takes place,
leading to formation of the cumulonimbus clouds. Latent heat of
Condensation is released which source of energy for tropical cyclone.
- As the storm system rotates faster and faster, an eye forms in the
center. It is very calm and clear in the eye, with very low air pressure.
Higher pressure air from above flows down into the eye.
- When the winds in the rotating storm reach 39 mph, the storm is called
a "tropical storm". And when the wind speeds reach 74 mph, the storm
is officially a "tropical cyclone" or hurricane.
- Tropical cyclones usually weaken when they hit land, because they
are no longer being "fed" by the energy from the warm ocean waters.
However, they often move far inland, dumping many inches of rain
and causing lots of wind damage before they die out completely.
Eye region
o A mature tropical cyclone is characterized by the strong spirally
circulating wind around the center which is called the eye.
o The eye is an area with calm weather descending air. It is
characterized by light winds and clear skies.
Eye wall
o Around the eye is the eye wall, where there is a strong spiraling rise
of air to greater height reaching the tropopause.
o The wind reaches maximum velocity in this region and torrential
rain occurs here.
o From the eye wall, rain bands may radiate and trains of cumulus
and cumulonimbus clouds may drift into the outer region.
Extra (Need not write)
 Tropical cyclones are always accompanied by torrential rain. Because

of the steep pressure gradient, strong winds occur. The wind speed
rises rapidly from nearly zero in the eye to its maximum value at a
radius between 10 and 100 km from the center. The strongest winds
occur near the leading edge (in front) of the storm.
 The destruction associated with tropical cyclones results not only
from the force of the wind, but also from the storm surge and the
waves it generates. The storm surge is experienced as a rapid rise of
sea level near that portion of the eyewall associated with onshore
winds, sometimes reaching a height of more than 6 meters and
accompanied by very large wind-driven waves. Much of the death toll
in tropical cyclones is due to the storm surge.
Recurvature
 In Northern Hemisphere, recurvature of a TC is defined as the situation
when a TC transits from a mainly westward track to a northward
and sometimes even an eastward track.
 Recurvature happens because of angular momenta with respect to

earth rotation axis.
 Tropical cyclones usually come under Westerlies after recurvature
and hence it moves into higher latitudes.
 Jet-stream when located above tropical cyclones helps in
maintaining low pressure, and path of jet-streams helps for recurvature.
15) Discuss the distribution of marine resources in Indian Ocean. Also

comment on important marine disputes between India and its
neighboring countries. (15 Marks, 250 words)
ANSWER: The Indian Ocean is bounded by

 Iran, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh to the north.
 The Malay Peninsula, the Sunda Islands of Indonesia and Australia to
the east.
 Antarctica to the south.
 Africa and the Arabian Peninsula to the west.
 In the southwest it joins the Atlantic Ocean south of the southern tip of
Africa, and to the east and southeast its waters mingle with those of the
Pacific Ocean.
Mineral resources
 Oil and Petroleum – Persian Gulf, Mumbai High, Southern Sumatra,
Western Australian coast
 Metalliferous Nodules – (containing zinc, copper and silver) – Red

sea, Agulhas bank of South Africa
 Phosphorite deposits - Coast of Arabian Peninsula, Bay of Bengal near
Andaman Islands
 Manganese deposits – Southern Indian Ocean
Other minerals of potential commercial value are
 Ilmenite (a mixture of iron and titanium oxide)

 Tin
 Monazite (a rare earth)
 Zircon
 Chromite, all of which are found in near shore sand bodies.
Biological resources
 Fish
 Coral
 Mangroves etc.
Important marine disputes
1. India – Pakistan
 The issue of Sir creek
 The Kachchh- Karachi coast and issues of fishing.
2. India – Sri Lanka

 Demaraction of marine boundaries and fishing encroachment issues in
Palk bay.
 Katchatheevu island issue.
3. India – Bangladesh
 Maritime boundary issue of Ganga – Brahmaputra delta including
New Moore Island.
16) What do you mean by integrated Watershed Management and what is

its significance in dry land agriculture of India. (15 Marks, 250 words)
ANSWER: A Watershed can be defined as an independent hydrological

unit. It is a drainage basin or catchment area of a particular stream
or river.
Watershed management is a holistic approach which aims at optimizing

the use of land, water and vegetation in an area to deviates drought,
moderate floods, prevent soil erosion, improve water availability and
increase fuel, fodder and agricultural production on a sustained basis.
Main principles of watershed management based on resource
conservation, resource generation and resource utilization are:
 Utilising the land based on its capability.
 Protecting fertile top soil.
 Minimising silting up of tanks, reservoirs and lower fertile
lands.
 Protecting vegetative cover throughout the year.
 In-situ conservation of rain water.
 Safe diversion of surface runoff to storage structures through
grassed water ways.
 Stabilisation of gullies and construction of check dams for
increasing ground water recharge.
 Increasing cropping intensity through inter and sequence cropping.
 Alternate land use systems for efficient use of marginal lands.
 Water harvesting for supplemental irrigation.
 Ensuring sustainability of the ecosystem.
 Maximising farm income through agricultural related activities
such as dairy, poultry, sheep and goat farming.
 Improving infrastructural facilities for storage, transport and
agricultural marketing.
 Setting up of small scale agro-industries.
 Improving socio-economic status of farmers.
The Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) one of the

Flagship programme of Ministry of Rural Development is under
implementation by the Department of Land Resources since 2009-10
after integrating three area development programmes namely
- Desert Development Programme (DDP),
- Drought Prone Areas Programme (DPAP) and
- Integrated Wastelands Development Programme (IWDP),
The rain-fed areas of India amongst the most challenging for the sustenance
of agrarian economy. They are entirely single cropped areas, prone to
drought, soil erosion, depleting water tables etc. Within watershed areas
emphasis is on water conservation, issues of land degradation, vegetation
conservation etc. which helps in Dry land Agriculture.
17) Analyze the causes of desertification in India. Suggest remedial
measures to control it. (15 Marks, 250 words)
ANSWER: Desertification is defined as a process of land degradation

in arid, semi-arid and sub-humid areas due to various factors including
climatic variations and human activities. Or
Desertification results in persistent degradation of dry land and fragile
ecosystems due to man-made activities and variations in climate.
Causes of Desertification:
Overgrazing:
Animal grazing is a huge problem for many areas that are starting to become
desert biomes. If there are too many animals that are overgrazing in certain
spots, it makes it difficult for the plants to grow back, which hurts the biome
and makes it lose its former green glory.
Deforestation:
When people are looking to move into an area, or they need trees in order to
make houses and do other tasks, then they are contributing to the problems
related to desertification. Without the plants (especially the trees) around, the
rest of the biome cannot thrive.
Farming Practices:
Some farmers do not know how to use the land effectively. They may
essentially strip the land of everything that it has before moving on to another
plot of land. By stripping the soil of its nutrients, desertification becomes more
and more of a reality for the area that is being used for farming.
Urbanization and other types of land development:
As mentioned above, development can cause people to go through and kill
the plant life. It can also cause issues with the soil due to chemicals and
other things that may harm the ground. As areas become more urbanized,
there are less places for plants to grow, thus causing desertification.
Climate Change:
Climate change plays a huge role in desertification. As the days get warmer
and periods of drought become more frequent, desertification becomes
more and more eminent. Unless climate change is slowed down, huge areas
of land will become desert; some of those areas may even become
uninhabitable as time goes on.
Stripping the land of resources:
If an area of land has natural resources like natural gas, oil, or minerals,
people will come in and mine it or take it out. This usually strips the soil of
nutrients, which in turn kills the plant life, which in turn starts the process
toward becoming a desert biome as time goes on.
Natural Disasters:
There are some cases where the land gets damaged because of natural
disasters, including drought. In those cases, there isn’t a lot that people can
do except work to try and help rehabilitate the land after it has already been
damaged by nature.
Remedial measures
 Encourage adoption of science based and traditional sustainable

land use practices, through research and development, extension of
knowledge, pilot scale demonstrations, large scale dissemination and
access to institutional finance;
 Promote reclamation of wasteland and degraded forestland,
through formulation and adoption of multi-stakeholder partnerships;
 Prepare and implement thematic action plans incorporating
watershed management strategies, for arresting and reversing
desertification and expanding green cover;
 Promote sustainable alternatives to shifting cultivation, where
it is no longer ecologically viable, ensuring that the culture and
social organization of the local people are not disrupted; and,
 Encourage agro-forestry, organic farming, environmentally
sustainable cropping patterns and adoption of efficient irrigation
techniques.
18) Increase in Sea-Surface Temperature (SST) will have disastrous

consequences across the world. Discuss. (10 Marks, 150 words)
Oceans cover more than two-thirds of the earth’s surface and play a very
important role in regulating the earth’s weather and climate.
Currently, oceans absorb more than 90% of the heat that is trapped in
the atmosphere from increasing levels of greenhouse gases, which raises
the temperature of the water at the sea surface.
Sea surface temperature increased during the 20th century and continues to
rise. From 1901 through 2015, temperature rose at an average rate of
0.13°F per decade.
 Changes in sea surface temperatures influence
- Atmospheric circulation and
- The amount of water vapor present in the air
Thereby it affects weather and climate patterns worldwide.

 Changes in sea surface temperature and its impact on marine
biodiversity
- Coral bleaching and coral death
- Migration of marine species
 Increase in sea surface temperature leading to ocean acidification.
 Leads to melting of ice, rising the sea level and its impact on coastal
ecology like mangrove.
 The tropical cyclones are becoming more frequent and intense
because of increasing SST.
 There is linkage between increasing SST and El-nino phenomena.
19) What do you understand by Monsoon Trough? Discuss how it is

responsible for heavy rainfall along the foothills of Himalayas. (10
Marks, 150 words)
ANSWER: Monsoon Trough:

The portion of the ITCZ which extends into or through a monsoon
circulation, as depicted by a line on a weather map showing the location
of minimum sea level pressure.
Process
- A zone of low-pressure builds up over northwest India as a result

of excessive solar insolation.
- With the advance of the monsoon this heat low gradually extends
eastwards until it forms an elongated low pressure running parallel to
the Himalayan Mountains in a west to east direction.
- The trough happens to be a very important feature and controls
half of the Monsoon rains across the country in virtue of its
position.
- The trough has an oscillating nature and shifts north or south of its
normal position due to either Monsoon systems moving from Bay of
Bengal to central parts of the country or due to the Western
Disturbances in the Western Himalayas.
- During the Monsoon season, there are periods when the Monsoon
trough shifts closer to the foothills of Himalayas, which leads to
sharp decrease in rainfall over most parts of the country.
- However, rainfall increase along the foothills of Himalayas,
Northeast India and parts of the Southern Peninsula (Rayalseema
and Tamil Nadu). Such a synoptic situation is known as the ‘break’
Monsoon period. Middle of August is most prone to ‘breaks’ and that
too longer breaks. Consequently, Northeast and parts of South India
receive good showers while rest of the country remains mainly dry.

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GS 1- INSIGHTS IAS MAINS TEST SERIES 2018

INDIAN HERITAGE AND CULTURE

Ex: Lingum Lakulisa and Manusmriti Shiva- Elephanta caves

One of the greatest sculpture associated with shaivism is representation of Shiva in

b) varaha caves of Bagh - excavated by Gupta

b) Elephanta caves - Excavated by Rashtrakuta

c) Badami caves depicting shiva in Nataraja form

b) Shaivism -- Brihadeshwara temple of Tanjore (Built by Rajaraja Chola)

Ex: Thirumurai of Nayanars Divya Prabandha of Alwars

Seals and engravings

3) The tradition of Ragamala Paintings is a blend of painting, poetry and music

5) Upanishads represents highest watermark of Vedic philosophy and represents

2) Analyze the parallels between emergence of Mahayana Buddhism and

7) Art and Architecture

In addition to these we can also see

a) RITUALS being incorporated as important part of worship

Source: From Plassey to Partition and After, Chapter - 2, Pages 110-113

4) The contradictions in moderate politics not only alienated greater mass of

Source: From Plassey to Partition and After, Chapter - 5, Pages 231-233

Moderate politics involved the CONSTITUTIONAL AGITATION WITHIN CONFINES OF

3) Belief in the Paternalistic Imperialism of British: The moderated belief in the

5) Gandhi's conception of womanhood and women empowerment was

Though Gandhi’s socio-political philosophy, as far as the question of gender equality, is

Source: India since Independence - Bipan Chandra Chapter 14

1) Politicians with impeccable integrity

2) Deep love of their country

3) Abiding commitment to India’s unity

4) Faith in Mahatma Gandhi

7) Bhoodan was an attempt at land reform, at bringing about institutional

Source: India since Independence - Bipan Chandra Chapter 31

3) It aided in the direction of tax burden. When no compensation amount is to be paid,

The movement was christened in to Gramdan movement in the late 1950s.

Source: Secure - October 2017

Visionary leader and freedom fighter

2) Revenue and peasant reforms

3) Trade and Industrial policy

 Tipu commissioned a “state commercial corporation” to set up factories. As

5) Technological innovator of India

Narrative of Tipu being bigot

Source: Secure - October 2017

12) Buddhism is more of a social reform movement than a religious

Budhha by criticizing Brahmanism and the superiority complex associated with

Budhhist religion by emphasizing on ethics and morality in day to day action of

13) Vijayanagara architecture represents a unique admixture of

Dravidian architecture of Cholas and Pandyas:

Decoration in Vijaynagara Architecture:

Its stylistic hallmark is the ornate pillared Kalyanamandapa (marriage hall),

The carvings on the temple walls represented an element of horizontality with

His true saintly character is visible in his handling of post-independence

Politician among saints

Gandhi’s politics though based on morality and idealism showed remarkably

His remarkable understanding of the mass psychology and the aspirations of

16) Justice party and self-respect movement exhibited alternative

17) Pre independent Indian leadership had a staunch belief in the

Methods adopted to solve them

Issues which are still persistent

18) Compare and contrast Rash Behari Bose’s contribution to

He set up a separate agricultural department, constructed numerous canals and