PAPER-II
General Studies-I
Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society
Topic-1: Indian Culture Will Cover The Salient Aspects Of Art Forms, Literature And Architecture From Ancient To Modern Times
- Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate. [2020]
- Indian Philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss. [2020]
- Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment. [2020]
- Highlight the Central Asian and Greco-Bactrian elements in the Gandhara art. [2019]
- Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss. [2018]
- Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab travellers in the reconstruction of the history of India. [2018]
- The Bhakti movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent Of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Discuss. [2018]
- How do you justify the view that the level of excellence of the Gupta numismatic art is not at all noticeable in later times ? [2017]
- Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate. [2016]
- Krishnadeva Raya, the King of Vijayanagar, was not only an accomplished scholar himself but was also a great patron of learning and literature. Discuss. [2016]
- The ancient civilization in Indian sub-continent differed from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece in that its culture and traditions have been preserved without a breakdown to the present day. Comment. [2015]
- Mesolithic rock cut architecture of India not only reflects the cultural life of the times but also a fine aesthetic sense comparable to modern painting. Critically evaluate this comment. [2015]
- To what extent has the urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization provided inputs to the present day urbanization ? Discuss. [2014]
- Gandhara sculpture owed as much to the Romans as to the Greeks. Explain. [2014]
- Taxila university was one of the oldest universities of the world with which were associated a number of renowned learned personalities of different disciplines. Its strategic location caused its fame to flourish, but unlike Nalanda, it is not considered as a university in the modern sense. Discuss. [2014]
- Sufis and medieval mystic saints failed to modify either the religious ideas and practices or the outward structure of Hindu / Muslim societies to any appreciable extent. Comment. [2014]
- Though not very useful from the point of view of a connected political history of South India, the Sangam literature portrays the social and economic conditions of its time with remarkable vividness. Comment. [2013]
- Discuss the ‘Tandava’ dance as recorded in early Indian inscriptions. [2013]
- Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. [2013]
Topic-2: Modern Indian History From About The Middle Of The Eighteenth Century Until The Present- Significant Events, Personalities, Issues
- Trace the rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements with special reference to Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj. [2021]
- The 1857 Uprising was the culmination of the recurrent big and small local rebellions that had occurred in the preceding hundred years of British rule. Elucidate. [2019]
- Examine the linkages between the nineteenth century’s ‘Indian Renaissance’ and the emergence of national identity. [2019]
- Assess the role of British imperial power in complicating the process of transfer of power during the 1940s. [2019]
- Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times. [2018]
- Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the economy of India. [2018]
- Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to Other colonies ? Have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there? [2018]
- Clarify how mid-eighteenth century India was beset with the spectre of a fragmented polity. [2017]
- Why did the ‘Moderates’ fail to carry conviction with the nation about their proclaimed ideology and political goals by the end of the nineteenth century ? [2017]
- Examine how the decline of traditional artisanal industry in colonial India crippled the rural economy. [2017]
- Highlight the importance of the new objectives that got added to the vision of Indian independence since the twenties of the last century. [2017]
- The women’s questions arose in modern India as a part of the 19th century social reform movement. What were the major issues and debates concerning women in that period ? [2017]
- Explain how the Uprising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British policies towards colonial India. [2016]
- How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss. [2015]
- Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate. [2015]
- It would have been difficult for the Constituent Assembly to complete its historic task of drafting the Constitution for Independent India in just three years but for the experience gained with the Government of India Act, 1935. Discuss. [2015]
- The third battle of Panipat was fought in 1761. Why were so many empire-shaking battles fought at Panipat? [2015]
- Examine critically the various facets of economic policies of the British in India from mid-eighteenth century till independence. [2014]
- What were the major political, economic and social developments in the world which motivated the anti-colonial struggle in India ? [2014]
- In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern India. Elaborate. [2013]
- Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan and Gramdan movements initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave and their success. [2013]
- Write a critical note on the evolution and significance of the slogan “Jai Jawana Jai Kisan” [2013]
Topic-3: The Freedom Struggle – Its Various Stages And Important Contributors /Contributions From Different Parts Of The Country
- To what extent did the role of the Moderates prepare a base for the wider freedom movement? Comment. [2021]
- Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement. [2021]
- Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on the national movements. [2020]
- Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss. [2020]
- Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian phase. Elaborate. [2019]
- Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase. [2016]
- Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom. [2016]
- Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian women became the torch bearer during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss. [2013]
- Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements. Analyze their role in the Indian struggle for freedom. [2014]
Topic-4: Post-Independence Consolidation And Reorganization Within The Country
- Assess the main administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration process of Indian Princely States. [2021]
- Has the formation of linguistic States strengthened the cause of Indian Unity? [2016]
- Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic and political implications in the context of changing bilateral relations. [2016]
- The New Economic Policy — 1921 of Lenin had influenced the policies adopted by India soon after independence. Evaluate. [2014]
- Discuss the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to pre-and post independent India. [2013]
- Analyse the circumstances that led to Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights of the agreement. [2013]
- Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive roles in the emergence of Bangladesh. [2013]
Topic-5: History Of The World Will Include Events From 18th Century Such As Industrial Revolution, World Wars, Redrawal Of National Boundaries, Colonization, Decolonization, Political Philosophies Like Communism, Capitalism, Socialism Etc.- Their Forms And Effect On The Society
- “There arose a serious challenge to the Democratic State System between the two World Wars.” Evaluate the statement. [2021]
- Explain how the foundations of the modern world were, laid by the American and French Revolutions. [2019]
- What problems were germane to the decolonization process in the Malay Peninsula ? [2017]
- The anti-colonial struggles in West Africa were led by the new elite of Western-educated Africans. Examine. [2016]
- Why did the industrial revolution first occur in England? Discuss the quality of life of the people there during the industrialization. How does it compare with that in India at present? [2015]
- To what extent can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars? Discuss critically. [2015]
- What were the events that led to the Suez Crisis in 1956 ? How did it deal a final blow to Britain’s self-image as a world power ? [2014]
- “Latecomer” Industrial revolution in Japan involved certain factors that were markedly different from what west had experience. Analyze. [2013]
- Africa was chopped into states artificially created by accident of European competition. Analyze. [2013]
- American Revolution was an economic revolt against mercantilism. Substantiate. [2013]
- What policy instruments were deployed to contain the great economic depression? [2013]
Topic-6: Salient Features Of Indian Society, Diversity Of India
- Examine the uniqueness of tribal knowledge system when compared with mainstream knowledge and cultural systems. [2021]
- How does Indian society maintain continuity in traditional social values? Enumerate the changes taking place in it. [2021]
- Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi- cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations. [2020]
- Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree? [2020]
- What makes the Indian society unique in sustaining its culture ? Discuss. [2019]
- Do we have cultural pockets of small India all over the nation ? Elaborate with examples. [2019]
- The spirit of tolerance and love is not only an interesting feature of Indian society from very early times, but it is also playing an important part at the present. Elaborate. [2017]
- Why are the tribals in India referred to as ‘the Scheduled Tribes’? Indicate the major provisions enshrined in the Constitution of India for their upliftment. [2016]
- Describe any four cultural elements of diversity in India and rate their relative significance in building a national identity. [2015]
- How do you explain the statistics that show that the sex ratio in Tribes in India is more favourable to women than the sex ratio among Scheduled Castes? [2015]
- Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades. [2015]
- How does patriarchy impact the position of a middle class working woman in India ? [2014]
- The life cycle of a joint family depends on economic factors rather than social values. Discuss. [2014]
Topic-7: Role Of Women And Women’s Organization, Population And Associated Issues, Poverty And Developmental Issues, Urbanization, Their Problems And Their Remedies
- What are the environmental implications of the reclamation of water bodies into urban land use ? Explain with examples. [2021]
- Examine the role of ‘Gig Economy’ in the process of empowerment of women in India. [2021]
- Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. [2021]
- COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment. [2020]
- Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures. [2020]
- Can the strategy of regional resource-based manufacturing help in promoting employment in India ? [2019]
- “Empowering women is the key to control population growth.” Discuss. [2019]
- How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism ? [2019]
- How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development of India ? [2019]
- Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existing? Explain by giving reasons. [2018]
- “The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting system.” How can it be made effective in urban areas ? [2018]
- ‘Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata.’ Substantiate your view. [2018]
- “The growth of cities as I.T. hubs has opened up new avenues of employment, but has also created new problems.” Substantiate this statement with examples. [2017]
- “An essential condition to eradicate poverty is to liberate the poor from the process of deprivation.” Substantiate this statement with suitable examples. [2016]
- With a brief background of quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and of the ‘Smart City Programme’. [2016]
- The effective management of land and water resources will drastically reduce the human miseries. Explain. [2016]
- Major cities of India are becoming more vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss. [2016]
- Critically examine whether growing population is the cause of poverty OR poverty is the main cause of population increase in India. [2015]
- Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three mega cities of the country but the air pollution is much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so? [2015]
- Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart villages. Discuss this statement in the backdrop of rural urban integration. [2015]
- Discuss the various economic and socio-cultural forces that are driving increasing feminization of agriculture in India. [2014]
- Discussion the various social problems which originated out of the speedy process of urbanization in India. [2013]
- Male membership needs to be encouraged in order to make women’s organization free from gender bias. Comment. [2013]
- Critically examine the effects of globalization on the aged population in India. [2013]
- Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world. [2013]
Toipic-8: Effects Of Globalization On Indian Society
- What is Cryptocurrency? How does it affect global society? Has it been affecting Indian society also? [2021]
- Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalisation? Justify your answer. [2020]
- Are we losing our local identity for the global identity ? Discuss. [2019]
- ‘Globalization is generally said to promote cultural homogenization but due to this cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in the Indian Society’ Elucidate. [2018]
- To what extent globalization has influenced the core of cultural diversity in India? Explain. [2016]
- Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization on women in India. [2015]
Topic-9: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism & Secularism
- Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue. [2020]
- India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its developments. Elaborate. [2020]
- How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate your answer. [2020]
- What are the challenges to our cultural practices in the name of secularism ? [2019]
- What is water stress ? How and why does it differ regionally in India ? [2019]
- What are the continued challenges for women in India against time and space ? [2019]
- “Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be eradicated in India?” Comment’ [2018]
- How the Indian concept of secularism is different from the western model of secularism ? Discuss. [2018]
- Mention core strategies for the transformation of aspirational districts in India and explain the nature of convergence, collaboration and competition for its success. [2018]
- ‘Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation.’ Argue by giving suitable illustrations. [2018]
- In the context of the diversity of India, can it be said that the regions form cultural units rather than the States ? Give reasons with examples for your viewpoint. [2017]
- What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence, addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs) ? [2017]
- Distinguish between religiousness/religiosity and communalism giving one example of how the former has got transformed into the latter in independent India. [2017]
- What is the basis of regionalism? Is it that unequal distribution of benefits of development on regional basis eventually promotes regionalism? Substantiate your answer. [2016]
- Debate the issue of whether and how contemporary movements for assertion of Dalit identity work towards annihilation of caste. [2015]
- How do the Indian debates on secularism differ from the debates in the West? [2014]
- Growing feeling of regionalism is an important factor in the generation of demand for a separate state. Discuss. [2013]
Topic-10: Salient Features Of World’s Physical Geography
- Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world and explain their impact on local weather conditions, with examples. [2021]
- How do ocean currents and water masses differ in their impacts on marine life and coastal environment ? Give suitable examples. [2019]
- Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics. [2018]
- What are the consequences of spreading of ‘Dead Zones’ on marine ecosystem ? [2018]
- How does the Juno Mission of NASA help to understand the origin and evolution of the Earth ? [2017]
- Account for variations in oceanic salinity and discuss its multi-dimensional effects. [2017]
- What characteristics can be assigned to monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding more than 50 percent of the world population residing in Monsoon Asia ? [2017]
- Discuss the concept of air mass and explain its role in macro-climatic changes. [2016]
- South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Comment. [2016]
- Explain the factors responsible for the origin of ocean currents. How do they influence regional climates, fishing and navigation? [2015]
- Most of the unusual climatic happenings are explained as an outcome of the EI-Nino effect. Do you agree ? [2014]
- Why are the world’s fold mountain systems located along the margins of continents ? Bring out the association global distribution of fold mountains and the earthquakes and volcanoes. [2014]
- Explain the formation of thousands of islands in Indonesian and Philippines archipelagos. [2014]
- Tropical cyclones are largely confined to South China Sea, Bay of Bengal and Gulf of Mexico. Why? [2014]
- What do you understand by the theory of continental drift? Discuss the prominent evidences in its support. [2013]
- What do you understand by the phenomenon of temperature inversion in meteorology? How does it affect the weather and the habitants of the place? [2013]
- Major hot deserts in northern hemisphere are located between 20-30 degree north and on the western side of the continents. Why? [2013]
Topic-11: Distribution Of Key Natural Resources Across The World (Including South Asia And The Indian Subcontinent); Factors Responsible For The Location Of Primary, Secondary, And Tertiary Sector Industries In Various Parts Of The World (Including India)
- Despite India being one of the countries of the Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss. [2021]
- Why is India considered as a sub-continent? Elaborate your answer. [2021]
- Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of mineral oil in the world. [2021]
- What are the main socio-economic implications arising out of the development of IT industries in major cities of India? [2021]
- Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples. [2020]
- Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change. [2020]
- Discuss the factors for localisation of agro-based food processing industries of North-West India. [2019]
- Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed ? How does it help in navigation ? [2018]
- Why is India taking keen interest in resources of Arctic Region ? [2018]
- Defining blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India. [2018]
- What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identifying industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics. [2018]
- “In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development.” Discuss. [2017]
- Mention the advantages of the cultivation of pulses because of which the year 2016 was declared as the International Year of Pulses by the United Nations. [2017]
- Petroleum refineries are not necessarily located nearer to crude oil producing areas, particularly in many of the developing countries. Explain its implications. [2017]
- Enumerate the problems and prospects of inland water transport in India. [2016]
- India is well endowed with fresh water resources. Critically examine why it still suffers from water scarcity. [2015]
- What are the economic significances of discovery of oil in Arctic Sea and its possible environmental consequences? [2015]
- Whereas the British planters had developed tea gardens all along. the Shivaliks and Lesser Himalayas from Assam to Himachal Pradesh, in effect they did not succeed beyond the Darjeeling area. Explain. [2014]
- Why did the Green Revolution in India Virtually by-pass the eastern region despite fertile soil and good availability of wager ? [2014]
- Account for the change in the. spatial pattern of the Iron and Steel industry in the world. [2014]
- Critically evaluate the various resources of the oceans which can be harnessed to meet the resource crisis in the world. [2014]
- How does India see its place in the economic space of rising natural resource rich Africa? [2014]
- Do you agree that there is a growing trend of opening new sugar mills in the Southern states of India ? Discuss with justification. [2013]
- Analyse the factors for highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India. [2013]
- With growing scarcity of fossil fuels, the atomic energy is gaining more and more significance in India. Discuss the availability of raw material required for the generation of atomic energy in India and in the world. [2013]
- It is said the India has substantial reserves of shale oil and gas, which can feed the needs of country for quarter century. However, tapping of the resources doesn’t appear to be high on the agenda. Discuss critically the availability and issues involved. [2013]
Topic-12: Important Geophysical Phenomena Such As Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic Activity, Cyclone Etc., Geographical Features And Their Location- Changes In Critical Geographical Features (Including Water Bodies And Ice-Caps) And In Flora And Fauna And The Effects Of Such Changes
- Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats. [2021]
- Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional environment. [2021]
- How do the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain. [2021]
- Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum-Pacific Zone. [2020]
- The process of desertification does not have climate boundaries. Justify with examples. [2020]
- How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far- reaching impact on the water resources of India? [2020]
- The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods and interrupted navigation. Critically examine. [2020]
- Assess the impact of global warming on the coral life system with examples. [2019]
- Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology. [2019]
- How does the cryosphere affect global climate ? [2017]
- In what way can floods be converted into a sustainable source of irrigation and all-weather inland navigation in India ? [2017]
- “The Himalayas are highly prone to landslides.” Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation. [2016]
- In what way micro-watershed development projects help in water conservation in drought-prone and semi-arid regions of India? [2016]
- The states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are reaching the limits of their ecological carrying capacity due to tourism. Critically evaluate. [2015]
- How far do you agree that the behaviour of the Indian monsoon has been changing due to humanizing landscapes? Discuss. [2015]
- Bring out the relationship between the. shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the symptoms of climate change in the Indian sub-continent. [2014]
- The recent cyclone on the east coast of India was called “Phailin”. How are the tropical cyclones named across the world? Elaborate. [2013]
- Bring out the causes for more frequent landslides in the Himalayas than in the Western Ghats. [2013]
- There is no formation of deltas by rivers of the Western Ghats. Why? [2013]
