Posts
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.
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)
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)
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?
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 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?
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)
24. Differentiate between natural and cultural heritage.
What are the important similarities and difference between the Hindustani and the Carnatic styles of classical music?
Write a note on Natural Heritage and Cultural Heritage in about 125 words.
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 fo...
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. Brihades...
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'. Th...
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)
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)
14. You are a Public Information Officer (PIO) in a government department. You are aware that the RTI Act 2005 envisages transparency and accountability in administration. The act has functioned as a check on the supposedly arbitrarily administrative behavior and actions. However, as a PIO you have observed that there are citizens who filed RTI applications not for themselves but on behalf of such stakeholders who purportedly want to have access to information to further their own interests. At the same time, there are these RTI activists who routinely file RTI applications and attempt to extort money from the decision makers. This type of RTI activism has affected the functioning of the administration adversely and also possibly jeopardises the genuineness of the applications which are essentially aimed at getting justice. What measures would you suggest to separate genuine and non-genuine applications? Give merits and demerits of your suggestions. (250 Words) 20M
A building permitted for three floors, while being extended illegally to 6 floors by a builder, collapses. As a consequence, a number of innocent laborers including women and children died. These laborers are migrants of different places. The government immediately announced cash relief to the aggrieved families and arrested the builder. Give reasons for such incidents taking place across the country. Suggest measures to prevent their occurrence.
13. A building permitted for three floors, while being extended illegally to 6 floors by a builder, collapses. As a consequence, a number of innocent laborers including women and children died. These laborers are migrants of different places. The government immediately announced cash relief to the aggrieved families and arrested the builder. Give reasons for such incidents taking place across the country. Suggest measures to prevent their occurrence. (250 Words) 20M
You are the manager of a spare parts company A and you have to negotiate a deal with the manager of a large manufacturing company B. The deal is highly competitive and sealing the deal is critical for your company. The deal is being worked out over a dinner. After dinner the manager of manufacturing company B offered to drop you to the hotel in his car. On the way to hotel, he happens to hit motorcycle injuring the motorcyclist badly. You know the manager was driving fast and thus lost control. The law enforcement officer comes to investigate the issue and you are the sole eyewitness to it. Knowing the strict laws pertaining to road accidents you are aware that your honest account of the incident would lead to the prosecution of the manager and as a consequence the deal is likely to be jeopardized, which is of immense importance to your company. What are the dilemmas you face? What will be your response to the situation?
12. You are the manager of a spare parts company A and you have to negotiate a deal with the manager of a large manufacturing company B. The deal is highly competitive and sealing the deal is critical for your company. The deal is being worked out over a dinner. After dinner the manager of manufacturing company B offered to drop you to the hotel in his car. On the way to hotel, he happens to hit motorcycle injuring the motorcyclist badly. You know the manager was driving fast and thus lost control. The law enforcement officer comes to investigate the issue and you are the sole eyewitness to it. Knowing the strict laws pertaining to road accidents you are aware that your honest account of the incident would lead to the prosecution of the manager and as a consequence the deal is likely to be jeopardized, which is of immense importance to your company. What are the dilemmas you face? What will be your response to the situation? (250 Words) 20M
You are the head of the Human Resources department of an organisation. One day one of the workers died on duty. His family was demanding compensation. However, the company denied compensation because it was revealed in investigation that he was drunk at the time of the accident. The workers of the company went to strike demanding compensation for the family of the deceased. The Chairman of the management board has asked for your recommendation. What recommendation would you provide the management? Discuss the merits and demerits of each of the recommendations
11. You are the head of the Human Resources department of an organisation. One day one of the workers died on duty. His family was demanding compensation. However, the company denied compensation because it was revealed in investigation that he was drunk at the time of the accident. The workers of the company went to strike demanding compensation for the family of the deceased. The Chairman of the management board has asked for your recommendation. What recommendation would you provide the management? Discuss the merits and demerits of each of the recommendations. (250 Words) 20M
10. You are aspiring to become an IAS officer and you have cleared various stages and now you have been selected for the personal interview. On the day of the interview, on the way to the venue you saw an accident where a mother and child who happen to be your relatives were badly injured. They needed immediate help. What would you have done in such a situation? Justify your action. (250 Words) 20M
9. You are an honest and responsible civil servant. You often observe the following (a) There is a general perception that adhering to ethical conduct one may face difficulties to oneself and cause problems for the family, whereas unfair practices may help to reach the career goals. (b) When the number of people adopting unfair means is large, a small minority having a penchant towards ethical means makes no difference. (c) Sticking to ethical means is detrimental to the larger developmental goals. (d) While one may not involve oneself in large unethical practices, but giving and accepting small gifts makes the system more efficient. Examine the above statements with their merits and demerits. (250 Words) 20M
Without commonly shared and widely entrenched moral values and obligations, neither the law, nor democratic government, nor even the market economy will function properly. What do you understand by this statement? Explain with illustration in the contemporary times. (150 Words, 10)
(a) Discipline generally implies following the order and subordination. However, it may be counter-productive for the organisation. Discuss. (150 Words
(b) Increased national wealth did not result in equitable distribution of its benefits. It has created only some “enclaves of modernity and prosperity for a small minority at the cost of the majority.” Justify.
(a) The crisis of ethical values in modern times is traced to a narrow perception of the good life. Discuss. (150 Words, 10)
10) The crisis of ethical values in modern times is traced to a narrow perception of the good life. Discuss.
10) The crisis of ethical values in modern times is traced to a narrow perception of the good life. Discuss.
(b) Strength, peace and security are considered to be the pillars of international relations. Elucidate. (150 Words) 10 M
6. (a) How will you apply emotional intelligence in administrative practices? (150 Words) 10m
5. (a) "Great ambition is the passion of a great character. Those endowed with it may perform very good or very bad acts. All depends on the principles which direct them."- Napoleon Bonaparte. Stating examples mention the rulers (i) who have harmed society and country, (ii) who worked for the development of society and country. (150 Words) 10 M
5. (b) "If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel that there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are father, the mother and the teacher."- APJ Abdul Kalam. Analyse. (150 Words) 10 M
4. (a) One of the tests of integrity is complete refusal to be compromised. Explain with reference to a real life example. (150 Words) 10 M (b) Corporate social responsibility makes companies more profitable and sustainable. Analyse. (150 Words) 10 M
3. Young people with ethical conduct are not willing to come forward to join active politics. Suggest steps to motivate them to come forward. (150 Words) 10 M
2. Examine the relevance of the following in the context of civil service: (150 Words) 10 M (a) Transparency (b) Accountability (c) Fairness and justice (d) Courage of conviction (e) Spirit of service
1. Conflict of interest in the public sector arises when (a) official duties, (b) public interest, and (c) personal interest are taking priority one above the other. How can this conflict in administration be resolved? Describe with an example. (150 Words)
20. The scourge of terrorism is a grave challenge to national security. What solutions do you suggest to curb this growing menace? What are the major sources of terrorist funding? (250 words) 15M
19. Mob violence is emerging as a serious law and order problem in India. By giving suitable examples, analyse the causes and consequences of such violence. (250 words)
18. On December 2004, tsumani brought havoc on 14 countries including India. Discuss the factors responsible for occurrence of Tsunami and its effects on life and economy. In the light of guidelines of NDMA (2010) describe the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events. (250 words) 15M
17. 'Climate Change' is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (250 words)
16. Give an account of the growth and development of nuclear science and technology in India. What is the advantage of fast breeder reactor programme in India? (250 words) 15M
15. How do subsidies affect the cropping pattern, crop diversity and economy of farmers? What is the significance of crop insurance, Minimum Support Price (MSP) and food processing for small and marginal farmers? (250 words) 15M
14. What are the major reasons for declining rice and wheat yield in the cropping system? How crop diversification is helpful to stabilise the yield of the crop in the system? (250 words) 15m
13. What are the salient features of inclusive growth? Has India been experiencing such a growth process? Analyse and suggest measures for inclusive growth. (250 words) 15M
12. "Industrial growth rate has lagged behind in the overall growth of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the post-reform period." Give reasons. How far the recent changes in Industrial Policy are capable of increasing the industrial growth rate? (250 words)
11. One of the intended objectives of Union Budget 2017-18 is to 'transform, energize and clean India'. Analyse the measures proposed in the Budget 2017-18 to achieve the objective. (250 words)
10. The North-Eastern region of India has been infested with insurgency for a very long time. Analyze the major reasons for the survival of armed insurgency in this region. (150 words) 10 M
9. Discuss the potential threats of Cyber attack and the security framework to prevent it. (150 words) 10M
8. Not many years ago, river linking was a concept but it is becoming reality in the country. Discuss the advantages of river linking and its possible impact on the environment. (150 words) 10M
7. India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbitter Mission (MOM), but has not ventured into manned space mission, both in terms of technology and logistics. Explain critically. (150 words) 10 M
6. Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity in India to treat a wide variety of medical conditions including leukaemia, thallessemia, damaged cornea and several burns. Describe briefly what stem cell therapy is and what advantages it has over other treatments? (150 words) 10 M
4. Explain various types of revolutions, that took place in Agriculture after Independence in India. How have these revolutions helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India? (150 words) 10 M
3. Examine the developments of Airports in India through Joint Ventures under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. What are the challenges faced by the authorities in this regard? (150 words) 10M
2. Account for the failure of manufacturing sector in achieving the goal of labour-intensive exports rather than capital-intensive exports. Suggest measures for more labour-intensive rather than capital-intensive exports. (150 words)
1. Among several factors for India's potential growth, savings rate is the most effective one. Do you agree? What are the other factors available for growth potential? (150 words) 10M
20. Indian Diaspora has an important role to play in South-East Asian countries' economy and society. Appraise the role of Indian Diaspora in South-East Asia in this context. (250 words) 15 M
19. The question of India's Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India's economic progress. Analyse India's energy policy cooperation with West Asian Countries. (250 words)
18. Initially Civil Services in India were designed to achieve the goals of neutrality and effectiveness, which seems to be lacking in the present context. Do you agree with the view that drastic reforms are required in Civil Services. Comment. (250 words) 15M
17. 'Poverty Alleviation Programmes in India remain mere show pieces until and unless they are backed by political will'. Discuss with reference to the performance of the major poverty alleviation programmes in India. (250 words)
16. 'The emergence of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in contemporary times points to the slow but steady withdrawal of the state from developmental activities'. Examine the role of the SHGs in developmental activities and the measures taken by the Government of India to promote the SHGs. (250 words) 15M
15. Is the National Commission for Women able to strategise and tackle the problems that women face at both public and private spheres? Give reasons in support of your answer. (250 words) 15M
14. To enhance the quality of democracy in India, the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful? (250 words) 15M
13. The Indian Constitution has provisions for holding joint session of the two houses of the Parliament. Enumerate the occasions when this would normally happen and also the occasions when it cannot, with reasons thereof. (250 words) 15M
12. Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on Right to Privacy. (250 words) 15m
11. Explain the salient features of the Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016. Do you think it is efficacious enough 'to remove cascading effect of taxes and provide for common national market for goods and services'? (250 words) 15M
10. What are the main functions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)? Explain different functional commissions attached to it. (150 words)
9. 'China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia'. In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbor. (150 words) 10 M
8. Hunger and poverty are the biggest challenges for good governance in India still today. Evaluate how far successive governments have progressed in dealing with these humongous problems. Suggest measures for improvement. (150 words) 10 M
7. Does the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 ensure effective mechanism for empowerment and inclusion of the intended beneficiaries in the society? Discuss. (150 words) 10 M
6. 'To ensure effective implementation of policies addressing water, sanitation and hygiene needs, the identification of beneficiary segments is to be synchronised with the anticipated outcomes'. Examine the statement in the context of the WASH scheme. (150 words) 10 M
5. Discuss the role of Public Accounts Committee in establishing accountability of the government to the people. (150 words) 10 M
4. How do pressure groups influence Indian political process? Do you agree with this view that informal pressure groups have emerged as powerful than formal pressure groups in recent years? (150 words) 10 M
3. 'Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government's accountability to the people.' Discuss. (150 words) 10M
2. Critically examine the Supreme Court's judgement on 'National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014' with reference to appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India. (150 words) 10M
1. "The local self government system in India has not proved to be effective instrument of governance". Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation. (150 words) 10M