UPSC Preparation

7. "The emergence of new social classes in British India was the direct consequence of the establishment of new social economy, new state.

British vision of India has no single coherent set of ideas. On the contrary, the ideas were shot through with contradictions and inconsistencies. Discuss.

What was the character of socio-religious reforms in the 19th century and how did they contribute to the national awakening in India?

What are the salient features of the Government of India Acts of 1858 and 1909?

What was the attitude of Indian industrialists towards the Indian National Congress in the pre-independent era?

Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase. (200 words, 121/2 M)

Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom. (200 words, 12 M)

Has the formation of linguistic states strengthened the cause of Indian unity? (200 words, 123 M)

 How different would have been the achievement of Indian Independence without Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss. (200 words, 12 1/2 M)

Mahatma Gandhi and Dr BR Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate. (200 words, 12 1/2 M)

Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian women became the torch bearer's during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss. (200 words, 10M)

Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements. Analyse their role in the Indian struggle for freedom. (200 words, 10M)

 Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan and Gramdan movement, initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave and their success. (200 words, 10M)

Write a note on the evolution and significance of the slogan of 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisan'. (200 words, 10M)

Discuss the contribution of Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad to pre and post Independent India. (200 words, 10M)

The Indian Independence Movement was a mass based movement that encompassed various sections of the society. It also underwent the process of constant evolution? Critically examine.

 Trace the salient sequence of events in the popular revolt that took place in February, 1946 in the Royal Indian Navy and bring out its significance in the freedom struggle. Do you agree with the view that sailors who took part in this revolt were some of the unsung heroes of their struggle?

Write brief notes on each of the following in about 20 words each Contributions of Latika Ghosh to the Freedom Struggle Bhai Maharaj Singh as a Freedom Fighter  Illbert Bill  Vaikom Satyagraha :

"Non-cooperation movement gave new direction and energy to the National Movement:' Explain.

 Evaluate the contribution of revolutionary terrorism represented by Bhagat Singh to the cause of India's struggle for independence.

 Do you think Mahatma Gandhi's support to Khilafat Movement had diluted his secular credentials? Give your arguments based on the assessment of events.

How did the government of India act, 1935 mark a point of no return in the history of constitutional development in India?

Citically assess Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru's views on Indian nationalists.

Why and how did the Congress come to accept the partition of the country?

Evaluate Subhash Chandra Bose's contribution to India's freedom.

 What led to the partition of Bengal in 1905?

 Form a critical assessment of Non-Cooperation Movement.

 Discuss the major regulation enacted by the British rulers to curb the freedom of press in India.

 "The reforms of 1909 introduced a Cardinal problem and ground of controversy at every revision of Indian electoral system".

Bring out the ideological basis of the moderate extremist divide in the Indian National Congress.

Discuss the problem that impeded the integration of the princely states in the Indian Union. How were these problems tackled?

 Evaluate the attitude of different political parties towards Quit India Movement.

In what ways the Naval Mutiny prove to be the last nail in the coffin of British colonial aspirations in India? (200 words, 10M)

Review the Dickie Bird Plan

Why did Jinnah reject the CR formulae?

How did the movement for liberation of women receive a great stimulus from the rise and growth of the nationalist movement of India?

What administrative changes were introduced in India after 1858. What were the objectives of these changes?

What were the major political, economic and social developments in the world, which motivated the anti-colonial struggles in India? (200 words, 10M)

 The New Economic policy of 1921 of Lenin had influenced the policies adopted by India soon after independence. (200 words, 10 M)

Discuss the features of Indian Renaissance 

13. Regardless of distance in time, there was a lot of similarities between Lord Curzon and Jawaharlal Nehru. Discuss.

What in your opinion were the positive steps taken by the British to modernise India?

Write a note on Theosophical Society.

Who established the Arya Samaj? What was its goal?

Discuss the main findings of the Hartog Committee.

Discuss the character of major tribal uprising in British India in the 19th century.

In what way did Ramakrishna infuse a new vigor and dynamism into Hinduism

What do you know about Illbert Bill?

What began as a fight for religion, ended as a war of independence, for there is not the slightest doubt that the rebels wanted to get rid of the alien government and restore the old order to which the king of Delhi was the rightful representative. Do you support this viewpoint?

How did the policy of free trade hurt Indian textile industry and crafts in the latter half of the 19th century?

 How did economic nationalism mirror the work of the early nationalist leadership in India?

What solution has been arrived recently in the Cauvery water dispute?

Why did the Moderates lose appeal with the Indians and failed to elicit desired response from the British?

What do you understand about 'Drain of Wealth' during British rule? Examine its effects on Indian economy.

 Discuss Mahatma Gandhi's concept of 'Basic Education'. How far was it a departure from conventional system of education?

Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase. (200 words, 121/2 M)

While bringing out their salient features, distinguish between either `Madhubani' art and `Manjusha' art or `Rajasthani' schools of painting and the Vaharr school of painting.

24. Differentiate between natural and cultural heritage.

What are the important similarities and difference between the Hindustani and the Carnatic styles of classical music?

List the salient features of the important folk dances of either central India or North-Eastern India.

Write a note on Natural Heritage and Cultural Heritage in about 125 words.

Write notes on Lalit Kala Academy.

To what extent has the urban planning and culture in the Indus Valley Civilization provided inputs to the present day urbanization? Discuss. (150 words, 10M)

Gopuram:            It is the entrance of Dravidian styled temples in South India. It was developed during the rule of Cholas.. Its decoration and magnanimity often overshadows the main temple. Wahabi Movement:           It was started in early part of 18th century by Abdul Wahab. Later it was led by Syed Ahmed of Raebareli. Revival of Muslim political glory in India was its objective. Bharat Dharma Mahamandala :            It was established by Pandit Deen Dayal Sharma in 1890, to organise orthodox Hindus against the radical reforms of various socio-religious groups. Chaitya :           It is the Buddhist prayer hall consisting of several pillars, made of stone and wood. Karle Chaitya in Maharashtra is the best specimen of this type of Buddhist architecture. Vijayanagara Art :           It is a part of Dravidian architecture and famous for the prominence of carved pillars and piers. Amman or consort hall is a distinguished feature. Best example is Vithalswami temple.

Jayadeva :           He was the last great poet of Sanskrit literary age. He was the court poet of Laxman Sena of Bengal and wrote `Gita Govinda', a poem dedicated to Lord Krishna. Brahmagupta:          He was the famous astronomer and mathematician, who wrote Brahma `Siddhanta' in the 6th-7th century. He belonged to Ujjain. Amir Khusrau :           A poet laureate who was patronised by six sultans of Delhi during Medieval period. He was a scholar of Arabic, Parsi, Hindi and Urdu. He was the father of Urdu literature. Sangam Literature :            The earliest stage of Tamil literature flourished in 500-200 BC. It was divided mainly into two groups of poetry i.e., on war, love, and non-religious texts. Chola Architecture:             It developed during 11th and 12th century by Chola kings and was the peak period of Dravidian art. Brihadeswar temple of Tanjore is its best example. Baisakhi :           The festival is celebrated in Punjab to commemorate the har

Bhagwati Sutra :           Vyakhyaprajnapati is commonly known as Bhagwati Sutra. It is an important book of Jaina literature. It contains details about Questions answered by Mahavira. Gangaikonda Cholapuram:           Gangaikonda Cholapuram is an early, Medieval Age town on the banks of the river Cauvery, built by Rajendra Chola I to commemorate his victory over Bengal powers. Nizamuddin Auliya:          He was the most important Sufi saint of Chisti Silsila who practised yoga and came to be venerated as `Sidh'. His durgah was situated in Delhi. Raidas :         He was a humble disciple of Ramananda, who was a cobbler by origin. He was an important saint of the Bhakti Movement of Medieval Age. Tavernier :         He was a French traveller during Shahjahan's period who visited India six times during Mughal period. Upanishads It is also known as 'Vedanta'. They are 108 in number and deal mainly with philosophical topics. Vajrayana :         A sect of B

Write brief notes on each of the following in about 20 words each.

Distinguish between the following four literary awards. Jnanpith Award (ii) Sahitya Akademi Award (iii) Vyas Samman (iv) Saraswati Samman

List the classical dance forms of India as per the Sangeet Natak Akademi.

What are the major different styles of unglazed pottery making in India?

Write a sentence each on any five of the following traditional theatre forms. Bhand Pather, Swang, Maach, Bhaona, Mudiyettu, Dashavatar.

Distinguish either between the `Moatsu' and Temshe' festivals of Nagaland or the `Losar' and 'Khan' festivals of Arunachal Pradesh.

16. Comment on each of the following in about 20 words each.

Why is Laurie Baker called the conscience keeper of Indian architecture'?

Comment on the significance of fire in Zoroastrianism.

What are the groups into which musical instruments in India have traditionally been classified?

Comment on the significance of Rasarnava in studying the history of Indian Chemistry.

The 'Flute Playing Krishna' theme is very popular in Indian art. Discuss.

Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss. (100 words, 5M)

 Discuss the Tandava dance as recorded in early Indian inscriptions. (100 words, 5M)

 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. (200 words, IOM)

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. (150 words, 10M)

Taxila University was one of the oldest universities of the world which were associated with 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. (150 words, 10M)

Gandhara sculpture owed as much to the Romans as to the Greeks. Explain. (150 words, 10M)

Early Buddhist Stupa art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate. (200 words, 12 M)

2. Krishnadevaraya, the King of Vijayanagara, was not only an accomplished  scholar himself but was also a great patron of learning and literature. Discuss. (200 words, 121/2 M)

The ancient civilisation 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. (200 words, 12 i2 M)

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. (200 words, 12)

 To what extent has the urban planning and culture in the Indus Valley Civilisation provided inputs to the present day urbanisation? Discuss.(150 words, 10M)

Gandhara sculpture owed as much to the Romans as to the Greeks. Explain. (150 words, 10M)