GS1 Final-1

INSIGHTSIAS
IA SIMPLIFYING IAS EXAM PREPARATION
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

MAINS MISSION 2023
GS- I
JUNE 2023
www.insightsactivelearn.com | www.insightsonindia.com
NOTE: Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They
are NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing is
content that both meets demand of the question and at the same time gives you
extra points in the form of background information.
Table of Contents
Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to
modern times. ................................................................................................................................... 6
Female saints made significant contributions to the Bhakti movement, challenging gender norms,
advocating for social reform, and serving as role models for spiritual devotion and equality.
Discuss. (250 words) ...................................................................................................................... 6
Sufism in India encompasses several distinctive features. The Sufi movement had a profound
impact on Indian society during medieval times, promoting communal harmony, social equality,
and a more inclusive approach to spirituality. Explain. (250 words) ............................................... 9
The Mansabdari system played a crucial role in establishing a disciplined and centralized
administration under the Mughal Empire. Evaluate. (250 words)............................................... 10
The Gupta Age is widely regarded as the “Golden era” of ancient Indian history due to several
factors that contributed to its significance and achievements. Examine. (250 words) .................. 13
Discuss the system of self-government in Chola villages and the significance of local self-
government under the Chola dynasty. (250 words) ...................................................................... 15
The transformation of Magadha from a kingdom to an empire in ancient India was influenced by
several significant factors. Analyse. (250 words) ....................................................................... 16
The concept of Dhamma, as propounded by Emperor Ashoka, played a crucial role in shaping his
reign and had a significant impact on ancient India. Explain. (250 words) .................................. 18
The Indus Valley Civilization left a significant legacy and represents one of the earliest urban
civilizations in the world. Discuss the key features of Indus Valley Civilisation. (150 words). ........ 21
Discuss the major characteristics and significance of the Neolithic Age. (250 words) ................. 23
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Yoga helps us to improve our physical health, mental health, and spiritual well-being. Discuss.
(250 words) ................................................................................................................................. 27
The rock-cut architecture at Ellora stands as a testament to the incredible craftsmanship and
artistic skills of ancient Indian artisans. Discuss. (250 words) ..................................................... 30
Mughal architecture evolved through various phases, assimilating diverse influences from
different cultures. However, it was during the reign of Shah Jahan that it reached its zenith.
Elaborate. (250 words) ................................................................................................................ 32
Discuss the role of private museums in India in preserving cultural heritage and fostering the
creation of new narratives for the future. (250 words) ............................................................... 35
Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant
events, personalities, issues. ........................................................................................................... 37
The volatile political situation and rivalry among local powers in a region can create favourable
conditions for political intervention by external actors, including the British. Explain the reasons
for British conquest of India. (250 words) ................................................................................... 37
Although the uprising of 1857 proved unsuccessful, it had a profound impact on the British rule
in India. The event shook the foundations of the British administration and led to significant
transformations in their structure and policies. Explain. (250 words)......................................... 40
Under colonial rule, the development of education in India underwent various phases and
experienced both positive and negative impacts. Discuss. (250 words) ...................................... 42
The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different
parts of the country. ........................................................................................................................ 45
Examine the short-term and long-term outcomes of the tri-partite struggle. Do you think tri-
partite struggle paved way for invasions in the early medieval India? (250 words) .................... 45
The experiences of the World War-II and the subsequent political developments played a crucial
role in shaping the path towards India’s independence. Discuss. (250 words) ........................... 46
Given the complexity and interplay of these factors, it is difficult to attribute the partition to any
single individual or group. While various leaders, including Jinnah, Nehru, and Gandhi, played
significant roles in shaping the events, the partition was the result of a culmination of historical
circumstances and complex socio-political dynamics. Critically Comment. (250 words) ............. 48
Examine how the policies of the British were responsible for the famine in late 19th-century
India. (150 Words) ...................................................................................................................... 51
History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars,
redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization. ....................................................... 53
The period leading up to the Civil Disobedience Movement in India, which was a significant
campaign of nonviolent resistance against British colonial rule, witnessed several key events
that contributed to the growing anti-imperialist sentiment. Discuss. (250 words) ..................... 53
The League of Nations overall lack of authority and enforceability, contribute to the widespread
perception of its failure. Comment. (150 words) ........................................................................ 55
The mid-18th century in Britain witnessed the confluence of several factors that set the stage
for the rise of the Industrial Revolution. Discuss. (250 words) .................................................... 58
The New Deal policies implemented during the 1930s and the economic effects of World War II
both played important roles in mitigating the Great Depression. Elaborate. (250 words) .......... 60
The Crimean Peninsula has indeed been a source of political turmoil in European history,
particularly since the 19th century. The Crimean War (1853-1856) had a significant impact on
Europe, shaping political dynamics and causing ripple effects throughout the continent.
Examine. (250 words) ................................................................................................................. 62
Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India. ........................................................................ 64
India is indeed a land of great cultural and civilizational legacy, with a history that stretches
back thousands of years. India’s diversity is a source of strength, cultural richness, and vibrancy.
However, it also presents complex challenges that need to be addressed for a more inclusive
and harmonious society. Analyse. (250 words) ........................................................................... 64
Discuss the significance of preserving and promoting cultural diversity within Indian states. (150
words) ......................................................................................................................................... 67
Role of women and women’s organization; population and associated issues, poverty and
developmental issues, ..................................................................................................................... 69
To fully harness India’s demographic dividend, the government must address significant gaps in
education and skills training to ensure that the population’s potential is realized to its fullest
extent. Analyse. (250 words)....................................................................................................... 69
Poor nutrition can lead to a wide range of health problems and negative outcomes, both on an
individual and societal level. Analyse the role of dietary diversity in tackling malnutrition in the
country. (250 words) ................................................................................................................... 72
Child labour continues to persist in India due to several interrelated factors. Universal social
protection can play a crucial role in combating child labour in India. Examine. (250 words) ...... 74
What factors contribute to the decline in the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of India? Evaluate the
difficulties that India faces as its fertility rate decreases in a thorough manner. (250 words) .... 77
Urbanization, their problems and their remedies............................................................................. 81
Effective governance and urban planning strategies that prioritize inclusivity, environmental
sustainability, and social well-being are key in order to ensure cities become agents of positive
change. Elaborate. (250 words) .................................................................................................. 81
Effects of globalization on Indian society ......................................................................................... 84
It is important to note that the positive and negative effects of globalization are not evenly
distributed. Some countries have benefited more from globalization than others. Critically
analyse the effects of globalization on India. (250 words) .......................................................... 84
What are the reasons behind the phenomenon of deglobalization that is currently observed
globally? Are there any benefits for Indian society in the context of deglobalization? (250 words)
.................................................................................................................................................... 87
Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism. ..................................................... 90
In India, transgender individuals face a range of challenges and issues due to societal stigma,
discrimination, and lack of legal recognition. While these legal measures represent significant
progress, their effective implementation and continued efforts to address the underlying issues
are crucial to ensuring the rights and well-being of transgender individuals in India. Discuss. (250
words) ......................................................................................................................................... 90

By removing barriers and creating a level playing field, the country can harness the untapped
potential of its diverse population, leading to scientific advancements that benefit society as a
whole. Discuss. (250 words) ........................................................................................................ 92
Salient features of world’s physical geography. ............................................................................... 96
Examine the similarities and differences between the drainage systems of the Himalayan region
and the Indian subcontinent’s Peninsular region. (250 words) ................................................... 96
Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., . 99
It is important to note that the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and El Niño are complex phenomena,
and their interactions with the monsoon system can vary in intensity and spatial distribution
from year to year. Analyse (250 words) ...................................................................................... 99
The Pacific Ring of Fire accounts for around 75% of the world’s active volcanoes and is prone to
major earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to the tectonic forces at play in this region.
Discuss. (250 words) ................................................................................................................. 100
To what extent do tropical cyclones in the Indian Ocean influence the monsoon winds? Explain
(150 Words) .............................................................................................................................. 104
Climate change plays a significant role in the increasing frequency and intensity of cyclones in
the Arabian Sea by altering key environmental factors that contribute to cyclone formation and
development. Analyse. 250 words) ........................................................................................... 105

Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and
Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Female saints made significant contributions to the Bhakti movement, challenging
gender norms, advocating for social reform, and serving as role models for spiritual
devotion and equality. Discuss. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of
Mission-2024 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about origins of Bhakti movement and contributions by female bhakti saints.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the
details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for
and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:

Introduction:
Begin by defining bhakti movement of medieval in India.
Body:
Write about the role played by female Bhakti saints like – Mira Bai, Lal Ded, Akka Mahadevi etc in the
Bhakti movement. Write about their contributions.
Conclusion:
Conclude by mentioning the impact of Bhakti movement.
Introduction
Bhakti was accepted as a means to attain moksha along with jnana and karma. The Bhakti
Movement originated in the seventh-century in Tamil, South India (now parts of Tamil Nadu and
Kerala), and spread northwards. It swept over east and north India from the 15th century onwards,
reached its peak between the 15th and 17th century CE. The Bhakti Saints moved against the
austerities propagated by the Buddhist and Jain schools and professed that ultimate devotion to god
was the means to salvation.
Body
Factors that led to the Bhakti movement:
Political:
 It has been pointed out that as the popular bhakti movement could not take root in
Northern India before the Turkish conquest because the socio-religious milieu was
dominated by the Rajput-Brahman alliance which was hostile to any heterodox movement.
 The Turkish conquests brought the supremacy of this alliance to an end.
 The advent of Islam with the Turkish conquest also caused a setback to the power and
prestige commanded by the Brahmans.
 Thus, the way was paved for the growth of non-conformist movements, with anti-caste and
anti-Brahminical ideology.
 The loss of power and influence by the Brahmans and the new political situation ultimately
created conditions for the rise of the popular monotheistic movements and other bhakti
movements in Northern India.
Socio-economic:
 It has been argued that the bhakti movements of medieval India represented sentiments of
the common people against feudal oppression.
 The Vaishnava bhakti saints broke away from orthodox Brahminical order only to the extent
that they believed in bhakti and religious equality.
 Normally, they continued to subscribe to many basic principles of orthodox Brahmanism.
Religious:
 Evils in the Hindu Society: Hindu society was full of many social anomalies like rigidity of
caste system, irrelevant rituals and religious practices, blind faiths and social dogmas.

Common men in general had developed an adverse attitude towards these social evils and
were in need of a liberal form of religion where they could identify themselves with simple
religious practices.
 Complexity of religion: The high philosophy of the Vedas and Upanishads were very
complicated for the common people. They wanted a simple way of worship, simple religious
practices and simple social customs. Alternative was Bhakti marga—a simple way of
devotion to get salvation from worldly life.
 Role of Religious Reformers: The chief exponents of the movement were Shankara,
Ramanuja, Kabir, Nanak, Shri Chaitanya, Mirabai, Ramananda, Namdev, Nimbarka,
Madhava, Eknath, Surdas, Tulsidas, Tukaram, Vallabhacharya and Chandidas. They were the
propounders of Bhakti movement and gave a call to the people to worship in the simplest
possible way of devotion and love.
 Challenge from Rival Religion: the impact of the Muslim rule and Islam put dread in the
heart of Hindu masses. The Hindus had suffered a lot under some of the fanatic rulers. They
wanted some solace to heal their despairing hearts.
 Influence of Sufism: The Sufi saints of the Muslim community also inspired the movement.
Some similar chords in the two evoked resonance.
contributions of female saints towards Bhakti movement
 Akkamahadevi: During the 12th century CE, Akkamahadevi, also known as Akka or
Mahadevi, belonging to the southern region of Karnataka, established herself as an ardent
devotee of Shiva whom she addressed as Chennamallikarjuna.
 Janabai: Janabai was born around the 13th century in Maharashtra in a low caste sudra
family. She was sent to work in the upper caste family of Namdev, one of the most revered
of the bhakti poet saints.
 Mirabhay: Mirabai, or Mira is said to have been born into a ruling Rajput Mirabai’s poetry
tells about her vision of Lord Krishna when she was a child; from that point on Mira vowed
that she would forever be his bride.
 Bahinabhai: Bahinabai was a poet saint from 17th century Maharashtra. written in the form
of abangas, women’s songs that accompanied their labors, especially in the fields. Her
writings are particularly autobiographical, recounting her childhood, puberty and married
life.
Conclusion
Bhakti cult was out-of-the-box thoughts on religion. It was mainly against the common religious
views, and most importantly, it was strongly against the caste system. With such long-lasting
impacts, the religious depression of the medieval society was set aside. The teachings acted as a
healing balm to the suppressed classes. A deep-rooted change came about to lay the foundations of
a liberal and composite Indian society.

Sufism in India encompasses several distinctive features. The Sufi movement had a
profound impact on Indian society during medieval times, promoting communal
harmony, social equality, and a more inclusive approach to spirituality. Explain. (250
words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Why the question:
To write about the features of Sufi movement and its impact.
Introduction:
Begin by giving context of the origin and rise of Sufi movement
Body:
First, write about the various features of the Sufi movement – nature, austerity, liberalism, tolerance
etc.
Next, write about the detailed impact of Sufi movement on contemporary society.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing about the legacy of the Sufi movement.
Introduction
Sufis were a group of religious-minded people who turned to asceticism and mysticism in protest
against the growing materialism of the Caliphate as a religious and political institution. Sufism
entered India in the 12th century with Muslim invaders and became popular in the 13th century. The
socio-religious movement saw many mystic Sufis, who were unorthodox Muslim saints. These Sufis
had a deep study of vedantic philosophy and had come in contact with great sages and seers of
India. Sufism emphasizes upon leading a simple life. Sufi saints preached in Arabic, Persian and Urdu
etc. The Sufis were divided into 12 orders each under a mystic Sufi saint like Khwaja Moinuddin
Chisthi, Fariuddin Ganj-i-Shakar, Nizam-ud-din Auliya etc.
Body
The word ‘Sufi’ derives its name from another Arabic word ‘Suf which means wool. The Muslim
saints who wore garments of coarse wool began to be called Sufi saints. The Sufi saints lived and
worked in the midst of the common people. They needed to reach out to common people in order
to spread their socio-religious and philosophical messages. They did everything to establish
brotherhood, love and friendship between the Hindus and Muslims.
Features of Sufism in India
 Sufism derives is inspiration from Islam.
 While the orthodox Muslims depend upon external conduct and blind observance of
religious rituals, the Sufi saints seek inner purity.
 They were critical of the dogmatic definitions and scholastic methods of interpreting the
Qur’an and sunna (traditions of the Prophet) adopted by theologians.

 Instead, they laid emphasis on seeking salvation through intense devotion and love for God
by following His commands, and by following the example of the Prophet Muhammad whom
they regarded as a perfect human being.
 The sufis thus sought an interpretation of the Qur’an on the basis of their personal
experience
 Devotion is more important than fast (Roza) or prayer (Namaz).
 Sufis bridged the communal divide as is evidenced by the reverence the Subcontinent’s non-
Muslim population exhibited for Sufi saints. Sufism around the world and in the
Subcontinent had the depth to connect beyond caste, creed and gender
Impact of Sufism:
 Sufism does not believe in caste system.
 They broke all societal rules and stereotypes, and lived their lives as they pleased.
 They awakened a new sense of confidence and attempted to redefine social and religious
values. Saints like Kabir and Nanak stressed upon the reordering of society along egalitarian
lines. Their call to social equality attracted many a downtrodden.
 The efforts of Sufi saints helped to lessen religious fanaticism in India.
 Their stress on social welfare led to the establishment of works of charitable naturee.
opening of orphanages and women service centres.
 A notable contribution of the Sufis was their service to the poorer and downtrodden
sections of society. Nizamuddin Auliya was famous for distributing gifts amongst the needy
irrespective of religion or caste.
 The efforts of Sufi saints helped to promote equality and lessen the evils of casteism. They
also tried to infuse a spirit of piety and morality.
 Sufism also inculcated a spirit of tolerance among its followers.

 At a time when struggle for political power was the prevailing madness, the Sufi saints
reminded men of their moral obligations. To a world torn by strife and conflict they tried to
bring peace and harmony.
 Other ideas emphasised by Sufism are meditation, good actions, repentance for sins,
performance of prayers and pilgrimages, fasting, charity and suppression of passions by
ascetic practices.
Conclusion
Sufi movement a deep-rooted change came about to lay the foundations of a liberal and composite
Indian society. The Sufi movement is a characteristics feature of the medieval Indian Period. As the
Sufi saints’ holiness, asceticism and relatively open hospices appealed to the masses and numerous
followers thronged to them
The Mansabdari system played a crucial role in establishing a disciplined and centralized
administration under the Mughal Empire. Evaluate. (250 words)


Why the question:
To write about the features of Mansabdari, its merits and demerits and learnings from it for present
day administration.
Directive word:
Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of
the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidence. You must appraise the worth of
the statement in question. There is scope for forming an opinion here.
Introduction:
Begin by giving context of Mansabdari system as an important corner stone of Mughal
administration.
Body:
First, write about the various features of Mansabdari system – appointments, ranks, payments,
purpose etc.
Next, write about various merits and demerits associated with the Mansabdari system in detail.
Next, write about the key learning from Mansabdari system to present day administrative practises
which can be implemented to make the administration better.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
The Mansabdar was a military unit within the administrative system of the Mughal
Empire introduced by Akbar. The word mansab is of Arabic origin meaning rank or position. The
system determined the rank and status of a government official and military generals. Those
mansabdars whose rank was one thousand or below were called Amir.
Body
The mansab of a Mughal noble denoted the following:
 Salary of the officer
 Status of the officer
 Number of soldiers, horses and elephants etc., maintained by an officer.
Every mansabdar had to maintain as many soldiers as were indicated by his rank of ‘Zat’ while the
rank of ‘sawar’ indicated the number of horsemen among them. Irvin expressed the view that Zat
indicated the actual number of cavalry under a mansabdar besides other soldiers while sawar was an
additional honour.
During the reign of Akbar, the mansabdars were asked to keep as many horsemen as were indicated
by numbers of their ranks of sawar. But, the practice was not being maintained by other Mughal
emperors.
Main Characteristics of the Mansabdari System:
 The king himself appointed the Mansabdars. He could enhance the Mansab, lower down it
or remove it.

 A Mansabdar could be asked to perform any civil or military service.
 There were many categories of the Mansabdars. Based on the rank salary was given. Only
the princes of the royal family and most important Rajput rulers were given a Mansab of
10,000.
 A Mansabdar was paid his salary in cash.
 Sometimes Jagir was given to Mansabdars to realise revenue and salary.
 Mansabdari system was not hereditary.
 Mansabdar had to maintain out of his” salary a stipulated quota of horses, elephants, camels
and mules and carts.
 The horses were classified into six categories and the elephants into five.
 For every ten cavalry men, the Mansabdar had to maintain twenty horses for horses had to
be provided rest while on march and replacements were necessarily in times of war.
 A record of the description (‘huliy’) of each horseman under a Mansabdar and of branding
(‘dag’) horses to prevent corruption was kept.
Changes introduced by Jahangir and Shah Jahan:
 Difference in the highest Mansab
 Reduction in the number of soldiers
 Difference in the categories of Mansabdars
 Relaxation in control
Merits of the Mansabdari System:
 Removal of the chief defects of the Jagirdari system
 Increased military efficiency
 Extra revenue to the state
 Merit as the basis of selection
Demerits of the Mansabdari System
 The mansabdars got their salaries from the emperor and paid themselves the salaries to
their troops. This made the troops more loyal to the mansabdars than to the king.
 The system proved very expensive.
 Dishonest mansabdars and officials used to ally together during inspection, borrowed horses
from one another and showed their full quota.
 Caste system prevailed in the mansabdari system.
 Since the property of a mansabdar was confiscated after his death, he used to spend it
lavishly during his life time.
Conclusion

The Mughal rulers maintained a large and efficient army till the reign of Aurangzeb. This was
necessary to do so for they conquered several parts of the country and were accordingly required to
maintain law and order and check revolts and Mansabdari system was the most efficient system.
The Gupta Age is widely regarded as the “Golden era” of ancient Indian history due to
several factors that contributed to its significance and achievements. Examine. (250
words)
Why the question:
To write about the reasons for considering Gupta age as golden age.
Directive:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect
it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so
we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Introduction:
Begin by giving context of Gupta age as golden era.
Body:
First, mention about the various reasons why it is considered to be the golden era – Political,
economic, social, cultural and technological etc.
Next, write about the limitations of Gupta age as golden age of ancient Indian history.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a balanced opinion on the above view.
Introduction
After centuries of political disintegration an empire came to be established in A.D. 319, under the
Guptas. The empire stretched across northern, central and parts of southern India between c. 320
and 550 CE, keeping north India politically united for more than a century. It was responsible for
the Indian Golden Age, an era of peace in which great advances were made in arts, architecture,
sciences, religion, and philosophical pursuits. Hindu culture also started to take form during this
period.
Body:
The term golden age refers to the age of Indian history during which remarkable progress were
witnessed in different spheres of human life like polity, economy, culture, society etc. The cultural
creativity of the Golden Age of India produced magnificent architecture, including palaces and
temples, as well as sculptures and paintings of the highest quality.
Elements of Golden age in Gupta period (320-550 AD)
Polity:
 With the decline of Mauryan Empire, the unity and integrity of India shattered. The central
authority disappeared and regional principalities emerged everywhere.
 This trend was reversed by emergence of Gupta rulers in 4th Century AD. They ruled over
extensive empire with their capital at Pataliputra.

 Therefore, the Gupta age witnessed political unification of India after long period of more
than 500 years after the decline of Mauryans.
 A number of strong and efficient rulers came to power during Gupta period. For example,
Chandragupta I, Samudragupta, Chandragupta II and Skandgupta ruled over extensive
empires.
Economy:
 Gupta age was full of economic prosperity. According to Chinese traveller Fa-hien Magadh,
the power centre of Gupta empire was full of cities and its rich people.
 In ancient India, the Guptas issued the largest number of gold coins which were
called ‘dinaras’ in their inscriptions.
Art and Literature:
 Gupta rulers were patrons of art and literature. For example, Samudragupta was
represented on his coins playing the veena and Chandragupta II is credited with maintaining
in his court nine luminaries.
 During the Gupta age beautiful images of Buddha were fashioned at Sarnath and Mathura,
but the finest specimens of Buddhist art in Gupta times are the Ajanta paintings. Although
these paintings covered the period from the first century BC to the seventh century AD,
most of them relate to Gupta times.
 The Gupta age is remarkable for the production of secular literature. For
example, Kalidasa belonged to this age. He was the greatest poet of classical Sanskrit
literature and wrote Abhijnanashakuntalam which is very highly regarded in world
literature.
 There was also an increase in the production of religious literature. The two great epics
the Ramayana and the Mahabharata were almost completed by the fourth century AD.
Science and Technology:
 In mathematics, a work called Aryabhatiya was written by Aryabhata in age. Aryabhatta

displayed an awareness of both the zero system and the decimal system. A Gupta inscription
of 5th century AD from Allahabad suggests that decimal system was known in India.
 The Gupta age craftsmen distinguished themselves by their work in iron and bronze. For
example, iron pillar found at Mehrauli in Delhi manufactured in the 4th century AD has not
gathered any rust over the subsequent fifteen centuries which is a great tribute to the
technological skill of the craftsmen.
Conclusion:
Gupta culture has carved a niche for itself in the annals of Indian history by virtue of its individuality
and perfection. The period evolved an all-India norm which in due course was designated as
the classical tradition of the country. No description of Indian culture can be complete without
reference to the high standards of Gupta cultural heritage which attained its zenith of excellence.

Discuss the system of self-government in Chola villages and the significance of local
self-government under the Chola dynasty. (250 words)
Why the question:
To write about the Chola local self-governing villages.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Start by giving context of Uttaramerur inscription.
Body:
First, write in detail, the features of Chola local self-governing villages – various qualifications,
disqualifications, committees and their natures of responsibilities.
Next, write about the level of autonomy enjoyed by these Chola local self-governing villages.
Next, write about the significance of Chola local self-governing villages.
Conclusion:
Introduction
There were two types of villages at the local in the Chola empire. One type of village consisted of
people from different caste and the assembly which ran this type of village was called ‘ur’. The
second type of village was ‘agrahara’ types of village which were settled by Brahmins in which most
of the land was rent-free.
The assembly of this agrahara type of village was a gathering of the adult men in brahmana villages
called ‘Sabha’ or ‘mahasabha’. These villages enjoyed a large measure of autonomy. The affairs of
the village were managed by an executive committees to which educated person owning property
were elected by drawing lots or by rotation.
Uttarameruru inscription issued by Parantaka Chola gives details of election to these committees.
Body
The system of village autonomy with sabhas and their committees developed through the ages and
reached its culmination during the Chola rule. Two inscriptions belonging to the period of Parantaka
I found at Uttiramerur provide details of the formation and functions of village councils.
That village was divided into thirty wards and each was to nominate its members to the village
council. The qualifications to become a ward member were:
 Ownership of at least one fourth veli of land.
 Own residence.
 Above thirty years and below seventy years of age.
 Knowledge of Vedas.

However, certain norms of disqualification were also mentioned in the inscriptions. They were:
 Those who had been members of the committees for the past three years.
 Those who had failed to submit accounts as committee members.
 Those who had committed sins.
 Those who had stolen the property of others.
From the persons duly nominated, one was to be chosen for each ward by kudavolai system for a
year. The names of eligible persons were written on palm-leaves and put into a pot. A young boy or
girl would take out thirty names each for one ward. They were divided into six variyams such as
samvatsaravariyam, erivariyam, thotta variyam, pancha variyam, pon variyam and puravuvari
variyam to take up six different functions of the village administration. The committee members
were called variyapperumakkal. They usually met in the temple or under a tree and passed
resolutions. The number of committees and ward members varied from village to village.
Conclusion
Hence Chola administration gave a lot of autonomy to village councils and committees. This local
decentralization shows the acumen for good governance back in the ancient and medieval period
which was indigenously developed.
The transformation of Magadha from a kingdom to an empire in ancient India was

influenced by several significant factors. Analyse. (250 words)
Why the question:
To write about factors that resulted in transformation of Magadha from a kingdom to an Empire.
Directive word:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the
topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.
Introduction:
Start by giving context of emergence of Magadha as first empire in ancient India.
Body:
Write about the political factors, economic factors, geographic factors, strategic factors and social
factors that resulted in transformation of Magadha from a kingdom to a pan Indian empire.
Substantiate with examples.
Conclusion:
Introduction
Magadha was a kingdom and one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas, or ‘Great Kingdoms’, of
the Second Urbanisation (600–200 BCE) in the eastern Ganges Plain in what is now south Bihar. It
was controlled by three dynasties during its history: the Haryanka Dynasty, the Shishunaga Dynasty,

and the Nanda Dynasty The ancient kingdom of Magadha appears frequently in Jain and Buddhist
writings. It is referenced in the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas as well.
Body
Factors that transformed of Magadha from a kingdom to an empire in ancient India
 Political factors
o The empire of Magadha was governed by capable and ambitious rulers such
as Bimbisara, Ajatashatru, and Mahapadmananda.
o Main rulers established an efficient administrative system.
o They were the first to employ elephants in their armies which gave them enormous
brute power.
o Magadha possessed a gigantic military machine with vast soldiers, horses, elephants,
chariots, and new weapons invented by Ajatashatru such as rathamusula and
mahasilakantika.
o Magadha was rich in materials like iron, which could be used to make agricultural
equipment as well as weaponry.
 Geographical factors
o Rajgir or Rajagriha,Magadha’s capital, was also known as Girivraja because it was

encircled by a set of five hills that served as a natural fort.
o Pataliputra,the later capital of Magadha, was known as Jaladurga because it was

situated at the confluence of the Ganga, the Gandak, the son, and a fourth river,
the Ghagra, which entered the Ganga not far from
o Rivers might be used for defence, communication, and commerce.
o Magadha had a diverse resource base. The terrain was fertile, and there was
potential for agricultural excess.
o The woodlands that surrounded Magadhaprovided elephants as well as enough

timber.
o The Nandas simplified an administrative structure with a large bureaucracy that

created canals for agricultural growth, encouraged trade and commerce, and
collected taxes, increasing Magadha’s financial might.
 Economic factors
o Magadha possessed massive quantities of copper and iron.
o It could easily manage commerce because of its location.

o Had a big population that could be exploited for agriculture, mining, city
construction, and military service.
o The overall well-being of the population and rulers.

o Economic hegemony means control of theThe Ganga was vital to trade in North
India.
o With Bimbisara’s acquisition of Anga, the Magadha Empire gained access to

the Champa River.
o Champa had a significant role in trading with South-East Asia, Sri Lanka, and South
India.
 Cultural factors
 The Magadhan society was unconventional.
 The rise of Jainism and Buddhism ushered in a philosophical and intellectual upheaval. They
improved on liberal traditions.
 The Brahmanas did not control society as much, and many of Magadha’s monarchs were of
‘poor’ ancestry
 The Kiratas and Magadhas lived on Magadha. With the arrival of the Vedic people, Magadha
saw racial mingling.
 It was more zealous than other kingdoms since it was freshly Aryanised.
 Magadha was also beyond the scope of Vedic civilization, therefore it was free of the
handicaps associated with orthodox brahmanical culture.
 As a result, competent rulers may emerge from any socioeconomic group,

promoting Buddhism, Jainism, and other unorthodox cults.
Conclusion
Magadha was an ancient Indian kingdom located in what is now the state of Bihar in northeastern
India. It was the basis for several greater kingdoms or empires. Magadha rose from janapada to
mahajanapadas and then to an empire under the Mauryas for a number of reasons.
The concept of Dhamma, as propounded by Emperor Ashoka, played a crucial role in

shaping his reign and had a significant impact on ancient India. Explain. (250 words)
Reference: TN History – Class 11th Textbook (New Edition)
Why the question:
To write about Dhamma, its features and measures taken to spread.
Directive:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the
context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant
associated facts.
Introduction:
Begin by defining Dhamma.
Body:

First, mention about the various components of Dhamma as propounded by Ashoka. The set of do’s
and don’t that were part of the Dhamma.
Next, write about the measures taken by Ashoka to spread Dhamma across the subcontinent and the
world.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing the legacy of dhamma.
Introduction
Ashoka’s Dhamma was neither a new religion nor a new political philosophy. Rather, it was a way of
life, a code of conduct and a set of principles to be adopted and practiced by the people at large.
Dhamma related to generalized norms of social activities and behaviors.
Body:
Nature of Dhamma as propounded by Ashoka:
 It is an important document of his essential humanity and an answer to the socio political
needs of the contemporaneous situation.
 It was not anti brahminical because respect for Brahmins and sarmanas is an integral part of
Dhamma.
 One of the striking features of Asoka’s edicts talks about father-child relationship between
the king and his populace.
 In spite of his religious eclecticism, Ashoka denounced all useless ceremonies and sacrifices
held under the influence of superstition. The first Rock Edict prohibits the ritual of animal
sacrifice and festive gatherings.
 Asoka also started a system of dhammayatas or Yatras whereby be toured the country and
preached the Dhamma to the people.
 Throughout his edicts Ashoka stresses the importance of the family. The emphasis is on
respecting elders including religious elders, a humane and just attitude towards servants and
slaves and a high degree of social responsibility and civic ethics.
 Ashoka pleaded for tolerance of different religious sects in an attempt to create a sense of
harmony.
 The policy of Dhamma also laid stress on non-violence, which was to be practiced by giving
up war and conquests and also as a restraint on the killing of animals.
 Ashoka set an example of vegetarianism by almost stopping the consumption of meat in the
royal household.
 Since he wanted to conquer the world through love and faith, he sent many missions to
propagate Dhamma. Such missions were sent to far off places like Egypt, Greece and Sri
Lanka. The propagation of Dhamma included many measures of people’s welfare.
Shortcomings:
 His policy of Dhamma failed to achieve the desired goal of reducing social tension.
 Power of official dhammamahamattas to interfere in the lives of people increased over time.
There was resentment against officials.

 None of Ashoka successors continued the propagation of Dhamma.
 The Ashoka policy of Dhamma has been the subject of controversy and debate amongst
scholars.
 Some have said that Ashoka was a partisan Buddhist and have equated Dhamma with
Buddhism.
Reasons for decline of Dhamma
 On one level, the decline and eventual disappearance of the dharma is viewed in Buddhist
sources as automatic, simply resulting from the principle of the transitoriness of all
conditioned things.
 The earliest tradition points to the presence of women in the monastic order as the critical
factor in Buddhism’s early demise.
 The lack of respect toward various elements of the Buddhist tradition, lack of diligence in
meditation practice, and carelessness in the transmission of the teachings.
 Other accounts point to sectarian divisions or the appearance of false teachings as the cause
of decline.
 Finally, excessive monastic association with secular society also regularly appears as a
contributing cause.
Conclusion:
Dhamma being secular in nature and advocates humanitarian approach, making it a very practical
solution. Dhamma promotes social equality and is realistic. So, Dhamma is the need of the hour of
the present India. Ashoka’s Dhamma has all-time applicability in a divergent Indian society.
Value addition
 Major Rock Edict I: Prohibition of animal sacrifices and festive fathering’s.
 Major Rock Edict II: Describes the medical missions sent everywhere (land of Cholas,
Pandyas, Satyaputras, Keralaputras, Ceylon, Antiochus) for men and animals. Plantation of
medicinal herbs and trees and digging of wells along the roads.
 Major Rock Edict III: On 12 years of his consecration, Yuktas (subordinate officers) rajukas
(rural administrators) and the Pradesikas (head of the districts) were ordered to tour every
five years and propagate Dhamma. It also mentions about being generous to Brahmans and
sramanas and obedient to one’s mother and father, friends and relatives.
 Major Rock Edict IV: The sound of the drum has become the sound of Dhamma showing the
people the divine form.
 Major Rock Edict V: Mentions about the introduction of the institution of the dhamma-
mahammatas, the officers of the Dhamma in his fourteenth year of reign. It also mentions
about humane treatment of servants by masters and of prisoners by government officials.
 Major Rock Edict VI: It-makes the relationship between the king and his subjects via the
Mahamattas clearer and now the Mahamattas are told to make their reports to the king at
any time and place.

 Major Rock Edict VII: It pleads for toleration amongst all sects.
 Major Rock Edict VIII: In the tenth year of his reign Asoka went on a visit to Bodh-Gaya, to
see the Bodhi-tree. Following this event, he started a system of Dhamma-yatas which is
described in this edict. Dhamma-yatas were occasions when he toured the country for the
furtherance of Dhamma.
 Major Rock Edict IX: All ceremonies are useless except Dhamma which includes respect for
others and regard even for slaves and servants and donations to sramanas and Brahmans.
 Major Rock Edict X: In this edict, Asoka denounces fame and glory and reasserts that the only
glory he desires is that his subjects should follow the principles of Dhamma.
 Major Rock Edict XI: It contains a further explanation of Dhamma. Here he refers to the gift
of Dhamma, the distribution of Dhamma, the kinship detailed Dhamma.
 Major Rock Edict XII: It is a direct and emphatic plea for toleration amongst the various sects.
 Major Rock Edict XIII: It is among the most important document of Asokan history. It clearly
states that the Kalinga war took place eight years after his consecration. It mentions about
the replacements of bherighosa (sound of war drums) by dhammaghosa (sound of peace),
i.e., conquest through Dhamma instead through war.
 Major Rock Edict XIV: It is a short edict in which Asoka explains that he has had these edicts
inscribed throughout the country in complete or abridged versions.
The Indus Valley Civilization left a significant legacy and represents one of the earliest
urban civilizations in the world. Discuss the key features of Indus Valley Civilisation.
(150 words).
Why the question:
Mission-2024 Secure timetable
To write about the features of Indus Valley Civilisation.
Directive:
Introduction:
Start by giving an overview of its geographical extent and timeframe
Body:
First, write the about the features of Harappan Civilisation – Agriculture, Urban Planning and
Infrastructure, Trade and Economy, Writing System and Artifacts, Social Organization and
Governance and Religion and Rituals etc.
Conclusion:
Introduction

A flourishing civilisation emerged on the banks of river Indus in the second half of the third
millennium BCE and spread across larger parts of Western India. A marked feature if this civilisation
was the vivid imagination and artistic sensibilities. Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were the two major
cities if this civilisation.
Body
Features of Indus Valley Civilization
 Town planning Architecture
o Layout: The town were laid out in a rectangular grid pattern and the roads ran in
North-South and East-West direction cutting each other at right angles.
o Construction: The big roads divided the city into many blocks and smaller lanes were
used to connect housed to the main roads. Harappan used burnt bricks of standard
dimension for construction.
o Types of buildings: Dwelling houses, public buildings and public baths are commonly
found.
o Planning: The city was divided into two parts. An upraised citadel in the western
part was used for buildings of large dimensions, such as granaries, administrative
buildings and courtyard.
 The elite class stayed in the citadel part of the town.
o Granaries had strategic air ducts and raised platforms for storage and protection
from pests. Eg: The great granary in Mohenjo-Daro and 2 rows of 6 granaries in
Harappa.
 Dockyard: Lothal in Gujarat is now called Manchester of Indus-Valley. Here ship remains
and instruments for measuring angles were also found.
 Public Baths: This is a remarkable feature of the civilisation which indicated the importance
given to ritualistic cleansing in the culture. Eg: The Great Bath of Mohenjo-Daro
o There are no cracks or leaks in the great bath which shows the engineering acumen
of the Harappan people.
 Drainage system: This is the most striking feature as small drains ran from small houses and
were connected to larger drains running alongside the main roads. They were covered
loosely to do periodic maintenance. Cesspits were placed at regular intervals.
 Use of seals: Seals were primarily used for commercial purpose. They were mostly square
and rectangle but circular and triangular were also used.
o Some seals were used as amulets as well as they were found on dead bodies.
o Pictographic script on seals have been found which might have been used for
educational purposes.
o Eg: Unicorn seal, Pashupathi seal made of Steatite.

 Bronze casting: There was a wide scale practice of bronze casting. They were made using
the lost wax technique or Cire Perdue. Eg: Bronze dancing girl of Mohenjo-Daro, broze bull
of Kalibangan etc.
 Pottery: There were plain and painted pottery (Red and Black pottery). They were mainly
used for household purposes for storage, decorative purposes and some for straining
liquor as they have perforations.
 Jewellery and clothing: Both men and women wore ornaments like necklaces, fillets,
armlets and finger rings. Girdles, anklets were worn only by women.
o Beads made of amethyst, quartz, steatite etc were quite popular as was evident
from excavation on Chanudaro and Lothal.
o For fabric cotton and wool was used. Spindles and whorls were made from
expensive faience as well as cheap clay.
Conclusion
The Indus valley civilization was the largest of all the four civilizations of the time and was
contemporary to the Mesopotamian civilisation. The features of Indus-Valley such as the planned
network of roads, houses and drainage systems indicate the planning and the engineering skills that
developed during those times.
Discuss the major characteristics and significance of the Neolithic Age. (250 words)
Reference: Insights on india
Why the question:
To write about characteristics and significance of neolithic age.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by writing definition and timeframe of the Neolithic Age
Body:
First, write about the Major Characteristics of the Neolithic Age – Agriculture and Domestication of
Plants, Domestication of Animals, Sedentary Lifestyle and Permanent Settlements, Development of
Crafts and Technologies etc. Cite examples.
Next, write about the significance of the above.
Conclusion:
Introduction
The term Neolithic Period refers to the last stage of the Stone Age. The Neolithic period
is significant for its megalithic architecture, the spread of agricultural practices, and the use of
polished stone tools. Neolithic was a very important stage of the history of human culture, when
humans were no longer dependent entirely on nature but had started to exploit nature to their own
advantage. It lasted in India from approximately 6,000 B.C. to 1,000 B.C.
Body
major characteristics of the Neolithic Age
 Agriculture
o The idea of Neolithic Revolutionrefers to the origin of agriculture, animal

domestication and a settled way of life
o It indicates the transformation of societyfrom a food gathering (hunting-gathering)

economy to a food producing (agropastoral) economy.
o The people of the Neolithic Age cultivated ragi, horse gram, cotton, rice, wheat, and
barley and hence were termed as food producers.
o They domesticated cattle, sheep, and goats, as well.
 Tools
o Unlike the Palaeolithic (Old Stone Age) period, people in this period began to
use polished stonetools and axes, often called celts.
 The Neolithic tools appear more refined than the crude flaked stone tools of
the Palaeolithic period
o They also used tools and weapons made of bone
 Living
o The introduction of domestication of plants and animals led to the production of
a large quantity of grains and animal food.
 The food that they produced had to be stored and hence, pottery-making
emerged.
 They had to settle in open areas away from caves and thus, houses were
built.
 Large villages developed and permanent residences were built
o Housing
 The people of the Neolithic Age lived in rectangular or circular houses which
were made of mud and reed.
 The people of Mehrgarh lived in mud-brick houses while pit-dwelling is

reported from Burzahom, the Neolithic site found in Kashmir.
o Pottery
 With the advent of Agriculture, people were required to store their food
grains as well as to do cooking, arrange for drinking water, and eat the
finished product.
 As a result, pottery first appearedin the Neolithic Age.
 The pottery of the period was classified under grey ware, black-burnished
ware, and mat-impressed ware.
o Architecture
 The Neolithic Age is significant for its Megalithic Architecture.
 Megalithicmeans ‘large stone’ and in general, the word is used to refer to

any huge, human-built or assembled structure or collection of stones or
boulders
o Community Life
 Further, the surplus food production was one of the main factors for the
development of early urban cultures at a later context.
 Also, Neolithic people had common rightsover property. They led a settled
life.
Significance of the Neolithic Age
 The Neolithic Revolution was the critical transition that resulted in the birth of agriculture,
taking Homo sapiensfrom scattered groups of hunter-gatherers to farming villages
establishing permanent settlements.
 It also led to technologically sophisticated societies with great temples and towers and kings
and priests who directed the labor of their subjects and recorded their feats in written form.
 It paved the way for the innovations of the ensuing Bronze Age and Iron Age, when
advancements in creating tools for farming, wars and art swept the world and brought
civilizations together through trade and conquest.
 Neolithic period is also significant for its megalithicarchitecture.
Conclusion
The end of the Stone Age is marked by the Neolithic period, which is characterized by a wide range
of innovations that appear to have arisen independently in various regions of the world. It persisted
in India between roughly 6,000 and 1,000 B.C. Copper metallurgy was developed toward the end of
the Neolithic period, establishing a transitional stage to the Bronze Age, also known as the
Chalcolithic or Eneolithic Era.
Value addition
Region Important Places Characteristic Features
Mehrgarh in the Kacchi

plains, Kili Gul Muhammad in · It is one of the earliest regions of
North-Western the Quetta valley, Rana the world which has given combined
Region – Ghundai in the Loralai valley evidence of plant and animal
Pakistan and and Anjira in the Surab domestication.
Afghanistan valley.

Northern · The Neolithic culture of Kashmir

Burzahom, Gufkral and
Region – region was contemporary with the
Kanispur
Kashmir Harappan civilization.
The sites of ChopaniMando,

Vindhyan Hills,
Koldihwa, Lehuradeva and · The Belan river valley witnessed
the Belan and
Mahagara in the Ganga one of the earliest Neolithic
the Ganga
valley are the important occupations in India.
River Valleys
excavated sites of this region
Chirand (on the banks of the

Mid-Eastern river Ghagra in district · The Neolithic sites of this region
Ganga Valley Saran), Chechar, Senuwar also have evidence for transition to the
Region Chalcolithic
(near Sasaram) and Taradip
Kuchai, Golbaisasan and

· These cultures show similarities
Central- Sankarjang are some of the
with the Neolithic complexes
Eastern Region important Neolithic
of east and Southeast Asia
sites of this region
· In north-eastern India, the

Neolithic culture belongs to a slightly
Marakdola, Daojali Hading later period.
North-Eastern and Sarutaru are the
· This region today has evidence for
India Neolithic sites of Assam
shifting cultivation, cultivation of yams
region and taro, building stone and wooden
memorials for the dead, and the
presence of Austro-Asiatic languages.
Sanganakallu, Kodekal,
Budihal, Tekkalakota,
Brahmagiri, Maski, · The Neolithic people of South

T.Narsipur, Piklihal, Watkal, India had an agro-pastoral economy.
Hemmige and Hallur in
South India · Further, the Neolithic sites of
Karnataka; Utnur, Pallavoy, South India have ash mounds in the
Nagarjunakonda, early stages and evidence of plant and
Ramapuram and animal domestication is found.
Veerapuram in Andhra
Pradesh; and Paiyyampalli in
Tamil Nadu

Yoga helps us to improve our physical health, mental health, and spiritual well-being.
Discuss. (250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in New York in the early afternoon of June 20 on his first state
visit to the United States. The Prime Minister is scheduled to lead the International Day of Yoga at the
United Nations on Wednesday before flying to Washington DC for the core of his state visit.
To write about the advantages of Yoga and its role in furthering humanity.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Start by giving context.
Body:
First, in brief, write about the origins of Yoga in ancient India.
Next, write about the advantages offered by performing Yoga by bringing body, mind, and spirit into
balance.
Next, write about the role of yoga in furthering humanity in the post covid world.
Conclusion:
Introduction
Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word ‘yoga’
derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and
consciousness. Today it is practiced in various forms around the world and continues to grow in
popularity. Recognizing its universal appeal, on 11 December 2014, the United Nations
proclaimed 21 June as International Yoga Day. June 21, which is the Summer Solstice, is the longest
day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and has special significance in many parts of the world.
International Yoga Day aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga.
The theme for 2023 is “Yoga for Vasudhaiva kutumbakam”.
Body

The dire situation after COVID-19
 The post-Covid world faces several dilemmas.
 The rising tide of parochialism threatens to engulf humanity while depression, anxiety and
innumerable physical and mental diseases have affected the well-being of people around
the world.
 The World Health Organisation estimates that nearly 280 million people are suffering from
depression.
Role of Yoga in furthering humanity in the post-Covid world
Physically:
 Yoga is also commonly understood as a therapy or exercise system for health and fitness.
While physical and mental health are natural consequences of yoga, the goal of yoga is more
far-reaching.

 Yoga is about harmonizing oneself with the universe. It is the technology of aligning
individual geometry with the cosmic, to achieve the highest level of perception and
harmony.
 Yoga does not adhere to any particular religion, belief system or community; it has always
been approached as a technology for inner wellbeing.
 Anyone who practices yoga with involvement can reap its benefits, irrespective of one’s
faith, ethnicity or culture.
Psychologically:
 Yoga asana’s and spirituality transcends religious, regional and virtually all forms of barriers.
 It helps to seek humanity in diversity – responsible consumerism (SDG 12) with social well-
being.
 The concept of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” is inherently linked with sustainable life style
which is a major component of Yoga.
 Yoga can not only help us improve our mental health but also help us perform our duty
while maintaining equanimity under all circumstances.
 Yoga can also spark creativity, which can, in turn, enhance one’s self-esteem and improve
focus.
Emotionally:
 Yoga can yield emotional health benefits because it’s an exercise that works both the body
and the mind.
 Yoga practice comprises not just movement, but dynamic movements tied to breath.
 Focusing on body postures can shift attention away from negative thinking.
 Yoga’s deep breathing and meditation practices help foster an inner shift from to-do lists,
kids and spouse’s needs, financial concerns, and relationship struggles to something a little
bit bigger than the issues you face.
 Yoga helps relieve stress and declutters the mind, helping you to become more focused.
 Research shows yoga can benefit people with depression and schizophrenia, according to a
review published in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry.
 A study titled “Coping with coronavirus anxiety” by Harvard Medical School highlighted how
yoga and meditation can help one stay calm in an increasingly tense environment.
 Yoga helps in elevating the levels of a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
which is associated with better mood and decreased anxiety.
 Researchers around the world agree that yoga therapies play a key role in improving the
quality of life by significantly reducing symptoms linked to depression, boosting immunity,
improving cardiovascular functioning, and enhancing sleep patterns.
Conclusion

Yoga, an ancient practice and meditation, has become increasingly popular in today’s busy society.
For many people, yoga provides a retreat from their chaotic and busy lives. Yoga is more than a
physical activity. In the words of one of its most famous practitioners, the late B. K. S. Iyengar, “Yoga
cultivates the ways of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life and endows skill in the
performance of one’s actions.”
Extra information: History of Yoga:
 Though Yoga was being practiced in the pre-Vedic period, the great Sage Maharshi Patanjali
systematized and codified the then existing practices of Yoga, its meaning and its related
knowledge through his Yoga Sutras.
 Sage Patanjali’s treatise on raja yoga, the Yoga Sutras, says Yoga comprises of yama,
niyama, asana, pranayam, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi.
 The phallic symbols and seals of idols of mother Goddess of Indus Valley Civilization are
suggestive of Tantra Yoga.
 Presence of Yoga is available in folk traditions, Indus valley civilization, Vedic and
Upanishadic heritage, Buddhist and Jain traditions, Darshanas, epics of Mahabharat and
Ramayana, theistic traditions of Shaivas, Vaishnavas, and Tantric traditions.
 Sun was given highest importance during the Vedic period. The practice of ‘Surya namaskara’
may have been invented later due to this influence.
The rock-cut architecture at Ellora stands as a testament to the incredible

craftsmanship and artistic skills of ancient Indian artisans. Discuss. (250 words)
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1.
To write about important and distinctive features of Ellora rock cut art.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by mentioning the development of rock-cut architecture.
Body:
Mention the various unique features seen at Ellora – one of the largest rock-cut Hindu temple cave
complexes in the world, featuring Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monuments, remarkable syncretism,
aesthetic art and give examples of the same.
Conclusion:
Conclude by the summarising.
Introduction
Ellora is an archaeological site in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, built by Kalachuri, Chalukya

and Rashtrakuta dynasties. Ellora caves comprise 34 monasteries and temples, dug side by side in
the wall of a high basalt cliff, extending over more than 2 km. The caves were built during the 5th to
10th centuries, and represent one of the finest examples of Indian rock-cut architecture.

Body
Factors that make Ellora, the pinnacle of rock-cut architecture in India
 Ellora, with its uninterrupted sequence of monuments dating from A.D. 600 to 1000, brings
the civilization of ancient India to life.
 Not only is the Ellora complex a unique artistic creation and a technological exploit but, with
its sanctuaries devoted to Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism, it illustrates the spirit of co-
existence and religious tolerance that was characteristic of ancient India.
 The rock-cut activity was carried out in three phases from the 6th century to the 12th
century.
 The earliest caves (caves 1–12), excavated between the 5th and 8th centuries, reflect the
Mahayana philosophy of Buddhism then prevalent in this region.
 The Brahmanical group of caves (caves 13–29), including the renowned Kailasa temple (cave
16), was excavated between the 7th and 10th centuries.
 The last phase, between the 9th and 12th centuries, saw the excavation of a group of caves
(caves 30–34) reflecting Jaina philosophy.
 Amongst the caves of the Buddhist group, Cave 10 (Visvakarma or Sutar-ki-jhopari, the
Carpenter’s cave), Cave 11, and Cave 12 (Teen Tal, or three-storied monastery, the largest in
this category) are particularly important.
 These caves mark the development of the Vajrayana form of Buddhism and represent a host
of Buddhist deities.
 The prominent caves of the Brahmanical group are Cave 15 (Dasavatara, or Cave of Ten
Incarnations), Cave 16 (Kailasa, the largest monolithic temple), Cave 21 (Ramesvara), and
Cave 29 (Dumar Lena).
 Amongst these, Cave 16 is an excellent example of structural innovation, and marks the
culmination of rock-cut architecture in India featuring elaborate workmanship and striking
proportions. The temple is decorated with some of the boldest and finest sculptural
compositions to be found in India.
 The sculpture depicting Ravana attempting to lift Mount Kailasa, the abode of Siva, is
especially noteworthy.
 The remains of beautiful paintings belonging to different periods are preserved on the
ceilings of the front mandapa (pillared hall) of this temple.
 The Jaina group of caves (caves 30 – 34) is exquisitely carved with fine, delicate sculptures,
and includes fine paintings dedicated to the Digambara sect.
 Through their art and architecture, the Ellora Caves serve as a window to ancient India,
including socio-cultural phenomena, material culture, politics, and lifestyles.
Conclusion
Ellora Caves includes all the elements necessary to express its Outstanding Universal Value, including
the architectural and sculptural elements that bear witness to Buddhism, Brahmanism, and Jainism

in an uninterrupted sequence of monuments from AD 600 to 1000.The Ellora Caves are authentic in
terms of the forms and designs, materials and substance, and locations and setting of paintings,
rock-cut architecture, sculptures, and unfinished temples of three different faiths, i.e. Buddhism,
Brahmanism, and Jainism.
Mughal architecture evolved through various phases, assimilating diverse influences

from different cultures. However, it was during the reign of Shah Jahan that it reached
its zenith. Elaborate. (250 words)
Why the question:
To write about the gradual evolution of Mughal architecture under various Mughal rulers by
identifying major elements of change.
Directive word:
Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must
be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Introduction:
In brief, write about the grandeur of Mughal architecture and emergence of a distinct style of their
own.
Body:
In the body, trace the development of various styles of architecture, aesthetic awareness with
example. Babur and Humayun – Not much progress but cite a few examples of the constructed.
Akbar – A very distinct style emerged. The initial use of styles of Bengal and Gujarat in monuments at
Agra. Then a distinctive style at monuments at Fathepur Sikri and Delhi. Jahangir – mention the new
features added and changes witnessed with examples.
Shahjahan – write about how Mughal architecture reached its Zenith under him. Distinct features
with examples. Aurangzeb – How his reign is marked with less patronage for arts but nevertheless a
few buildings were constructed.
Conclusion:
Summarize the contributions of the Mughal rulers to Indian art and architecture.
Introduction
Mughal architecture, building style that flourished in northern and central India under the
patronage of the Mughal emperors from the mid-16th to the late 17th century. The Mughal period
marked a striking revival of Islamic architecture in northern India. Under the patronage of the
Mughal emperors, Persian, Turkish, Indian, and various provincial styles were fused to produce
works of unusual quality and refinement.
Body
Important Features of Mughal Architecture:
 Blend of Indian, Persian, and Turkish architectural style.
 Different types of buildings, such as majestic gates (entrances), forts, mausoleums, palaces,
mosques, sarais, etc.
 Building material: Mostly, red sandstone and white marble were used.
 Specific features such as the Charbagh style (garden layout) of the mausoleums, pronounced
bulbous domes, slender turrets at the corners, broad gateways, beautiful calligraphy,
arabesque, and geometric patterns on pillars and walls, and palace halls supported on
pillars.
 The arches, chhatri, and various styles of domes became hugely popular in the Indo-Islamic
architecture and were further developed under the Mughals.
 It became so widespread especially in north India that these can be seen further in the
colonial architecture of Indo-Sarcenic style.
Evolution of Mughal Architecture
 Babur
o Due to his short reign (1526-1530), most of which was spent in wars, Babur could
not leave any significant construction except the mosque of Kabuli Bagh at Panipat
and Jama Masjid at Sambhal near Delhi.
o Babur also built Ram Bagh, the first Mughal Garden in India (1528) in Charbagh
Style located in Agra.
 Humayun
o Humayun succeeded Babur, but throughout his reign, he was constantly embroiled
in a struggle with Sher Shah Suri.
o He laid the foundation of the city named Dinpanah but could not finish it.
o Humayun’s Tomb, also known as the precursor of the Taj Mahal was the first
imposing structure of the Mughals which was built by his widow Hamida Begum and
designed by Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas.
o The mausoleum built upon a raised platform is a mix of Indian and Persian artistry
using red sandstone and white marble.
o It has a Persian Charbagh style. The tomb was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage
Site in 1993.
o The Taj Mahal is the climax and therefore perhaps the most famous monument built
under the Charbagh layout.
 Sher Shah Suri (Sur Dynasty):
o He built the Quila-e-Quanah mosque of Old Fort in Delhi, Rohtas Fort in

Pakistan, Sher Shah Suri Masjid in Patna in Afghan-style
o He also built the famous Grand Trunk Road.
o His period saw the transition from Lodhi style to the Mughal style of architecture.
 Akbar:
o The reign of Akbar (1556-1605) witnessed immense developments in Mughal art and
architecture.

o He built the city of Fatehpur Sikri which was the first planned city of the Mughals
and served as his capital from 1571 to 1585.
o BulandDarwaza (1576, built to commemorate Akbar’s victory over Gujarat

kings), Jama Masjid, Diwan-i-aam, Diwan-i-khaas, Birbal’s house, Tomb of Saint
Salim Chisthi are some of the important monuments in Fatehpur Sikri.
o He also built the Govind Dev temple in Vrindavan.
 Jahangir:
o The prince had a special appreciation for the paintings over architecture.
o He built the tomb of Itimad-ud-Daula (father of his wife Nur Jahan) displaying the
world’s finest Pietra-dura works and completed Akbar’s tomb at Sikandra.
o He also built the famous Shalimar Bagh in Srinagar, Moti Masjid at Lahore.
 Shah Jahan:
o He immortalized himself as he built the Taj Mahal in the memory of his late wife,
Mumtaz Mahal.
o He is rightly called ‘the prince of builders’ as the Mughal architecture reached its
zenith under his reign.
o He built Shahjahanabad, the 7th city of Delhi, today is known as Old Delhi.
o He made extensive use of white marble as opposed to red sandstone which was
preferred by his predecessors.
o He also built the Jama Masjid in Delhi, Moti Masjid in the Agra Fort, and the Sheesh
Mahal in the Lahore Fort brilliantly using pietra dura and complex mirror work.
 Aurangzeb:
o He preferred simplicity over the grandeur and repaired more mosques than he built.
o Aurangzeb is also said to have destroyed numerous Hindu temples as well.
o A beautiful pearl mosque in the Red Fort, Delhi, and the Bibi ka Maqbara in
Aurangabad for his wife are only a few notable mentions in his long reign.
o Thus, overall the Mughal architecture saw a decline in the Aurangzeb’s reign.
Conclusion
Thus, stating the seemingly obvious, Mughal architecture developed into a one of a kind
architectural style which has withstood the test of time. It is appreciated widely by people all across
the world due to its distant features as discussed above. It is up to us architects of India to carry
forward and preserve our traditional styles of architecture and create something new that is looked
upon with pride by our future generations.

Discuss the role of private museums in India in preserving cultural heritage and
fostering the creation of new narratives for the future. (250 words)
Why the question:
The article discusses the Indian Museum’s renovation and the significant contributions made by
organizations such as the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA), Museum of Art & Photography
(MAP), Partition Museum, and the National Museum Advisory and Collection Committee (NMACC).
To write about the role of private museums in preserving cultural heritage of India.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Provide a brief overview of the emergence and significance of private museums in India.
Body:
In the first part, write about the role of private museums – conserving artifacts, revitalizing neglected
heritage sites, showcasing traditional art forms, private museums actively curate contemporary
stories, support emerging artists, and engage with the local community.
Next, write about the major challenges associated with the above – funding and sustainability etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
Introduction
India is home to over 1,000 museums representing a rich and diverse blend of the cultural, religious
and scientific achievements that our civilisation has witnessed over the years. As economic progress
brings a stronger sense of one’s history, private museums in India are helping people celebrate their
heritage and curate new stories for the future.
The new Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) will open its doors in the capital in 2026. Designed by
British-Ghanaian architect David Adjaye, the museum model was recently unveiled at the Venice
Architecture Biennale.
Body
Role of private museums in preserving culture and heritage
 Platform to showcase diverse heritage: Indian history undoubtedly, is one of the richest and
varied histories of the world.
o But history comes in different forms. It could be through art, culture, science or
natural objects.
o History can be understood through esteemed facets, such as paintings, carvings,

documents, and weaponry.
 Foray into economic and social life of Ancient Indians: At the same time, history can also be
seen through the prism ofdaily objects, such as clothing, pots and pans, toys, cutlery and
more.

o Either way history or heritage is preserved through tangible articles and it is a

museum that houses these.Eg: National Museum in Delhi has artefacts from
Harappan civilisation giving us a feel of life in 3500 B.C
 Recognizing the contributions of great personalities for posterity: For instance, today, to
recognise the role of over 200 tribal freedom fightersacross India who participated in about
85 revolts and uprisings against colonial rule, 10 tribal freedom fighter museums are being
set up across the country.
o In tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Prime Minister inaugurated theStatue of

Unity in October 2018, which also contains a museum that chronicles the
various facets of Patel in great detail.
 Specific purpose museums: The strategic shift to specific theme-based museums, which
have unique content and a definite purpose, also ensures that rich material is on display and
the overall experience is wholesome.
o There have been several other attempts along these lines that are worth
mentioning, such as theBiplobi Bharat museum in Kolkata, the arms and armour
museum at the Red Fort, a gallery on Gautama Buddha in Delhi, and the museum
on Jammu and Kashmir.
 Spreading awareness:The use of digital technology to enhance user experience is not

limited to the use of Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, but to
widen public access through modernisation and digitisation of collections and exhibitions.
Way forward
 Breaking down silos to forge a whole-of-government approach in such a specialised domain
requires new skills and perspectives and these are being developed.
 Human capacities and domain knowledge require continued upgradation, and the new
Indian Institute of Heritage that is being set up as a world class university aims to address
these challenges.
 There are also challenges in modernising our traditional museums from display spaces of
past glory to making them more interactive, immersive experiences through technology
interfaces, innovative curatorial skills and imaginative storytelling.
 Compared to new museums, successfully repurposing existing museum spaces needs more
imaginative thinking and has a different set of challenges.
 The efforts in digitisation and reprography are painstaking processes that can take several
years to complete but must be done.
Conclusion
With this renewed mandate of modernisation, upgradation, and establishment of new museums, we
are bringing our institutions closer to international standards of museology in the 21st century.
Though private institutions may seem at an advantage, it takes many factors, both structural and
functional, for a private collection to manifest as a successful museum. The vibrancy — how well a
museum attracts audience engagement along with skilled staff is as important to attract and manage

the audience, as is technology. These will ultimately define its sustainability, along with a sound
long-term business plan.
Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the
present- significant events, personalities, issues.
The volatile political situation and rivalry among local powers in a region can create
favourable conditions for political intervention by external actors, including the British.
Explain the reasons for British conquest of India. (250 words)
Reference: Chapter 5 – A Brief History of Modern India by Rajiv Ahir (Spectrum Publishers) , Insights
on India
Why the question:
To explain the causes of British Success in India.
Directive word:
associated facts.
Introduction:
Introduction:
Begin by mentioning the various regional powers during the advent of the British in India.
Body:
First, write about the various rivalries among major India powers to establish political supremacy in
India.
Mention the reasons for success of the British in India such as their divide and rule policy, strong
organisation of the military, modern strategies, many social divisive factors in regional states etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by mentioning that the British use all the political, economic and strategic means to
dethrone the local powers one by one to build a pan-Indian empire
Introduction
Trading rivalries among the seafaring European powers brought other European powers to India.
The Dutch Republic, England, France, and Denmark-Norway all established trading posts in India in
the early 17th century. This slowly turned in to a British conquest alone.
Body
The factors leading to British conquest of India
 The desire to control local resources, obtain supplies of cheap goods and exclude
competitors from trade pushed the Company towards territorial conquest and war.
o In the light of these facts with Battle of plassey and Buxar they realised their
strength and potential to conquer smaller Indian kingdoms and marked the
beginning of the imperial or colonial era in South Asia.

o Since then, the British East India Company adopted a threefold strategy of
ideological, military and colonial administrative apparatus to expand and consolidate
the British Indian Empire.
 Diplomacy:
o The Company also successfully involved the Nizam of Hyderabad in the war against
Tipu Sultan. In general, the Company leaders proved skillful diplomats. They made
sure that a lasting alliance of Indian powers against the British never materialized.
o Means such as intrigue, bribes and efficient espionage were used rather efficiently
by the Company in its pursuit of commercial and political ambitions.
 Defeated other European powers:
o They defeated their foreign rivals in trade so that there could be no competition.
 Economic and administrative policies:
o Their new administrative and economic policies helped them consolidate their
control over the country.
o Their land revenue policies help them keep the poor farmers in check and get huge
sums as revenues in return.
o They forced the commercialisation of agriculture with the growing of various cash
crops and the raw materials for the industries in the Britain.
o With the strong political control, the British were able to monopolise the trade with
India.
 They monopolised the sale of all kinds of raw materials and bought these at
low prices whereas the Indian weavers had to buy them at exorbitant prices.
o Heavy duties were imposedon Indian goods entering Britain so as to protect their
own industry.
o Various investments were made to improve the transport and communication
system in the country to facilitate the easy transfer
of raw materials from the farms to the port, and of finished goods from the ports to
the markets.
 Education:
o Also, English education was introduced to create a class of educated Indians who
would assist the British in ruling the country and strengthen their political authority.
All these measures helped the British to establish, consolidate and continue their
rule over India.
 Subsidiary alliance:
o Indian states fell to the advancing Company one by one during the 18thand
19thcenturies through the policy of dual government and other policies .Those who
were not totally wiped out became part of Wellesley’s Subsidiary Alliance treaty
system.

o The consequences of this treaty system were grave for the Indian states. They lost
their sovereignty and the real power in their capital shifted to the British residency.
Their armies were disbanded and they began to maintain troops generally for
ceremonial and internal policing duties only.
 Doctrine of lapse:
o Some of the Indian states declined due to these developments and this gave the
British the excuse to annex them in the future, as was done during the tenure of
Lord Dalhousie
o Dalhousie used the ‘Doctrine of Lapse’ and the charge of maladministration to annex
some Indian states like Awadh (1856), Jhansi and Nagpur (1854) and Satara (1848).
 British crown and divide and rule policy:
o After 1857 revolt the East India Company lost its powers of government and British
India formally came under direct British rule, with an appointed Governor-General
of India.
o From now they started appeasing some sections and disband others so divide and
rule policy was applied and then when congress was formed policy of carrot and
stick approach was carried out to maintain their dominance on India.
 Industrial revolution:
o The Industrial Revolution in Britain led to the increase in demand for raw materials
for the factories there.
 Need for markets:
o At the same time, they also required a market to sell their finished goods. India
provided such a platform to Britain to fulfill all their needs.
 Weak power in India:
o The death of Emperor Aurangzeb in 1707 was followed by a rapid disintegration of

the Mughal Empire in the first half of the 18th century. This gave British an
opportunity for political power.
o The Indian states of the 18th century fought frequent wars of expansion against
each other. These mutually exhausting wars gave the Europeans the opportunity
to interfere in Indian political and military affairs.
o In the process the European trading companies extracted significant economic

concessions from these states. Thus the decline of the Mughal Empire paved the
way for the rise of British power in India.
 Similarly with constitutional reformslike Indian council acts 1892,1909 they portrayed that
they are open to reforms but which were still curbing Indians in many important
departments.
Conclusion

Thus, the English were led by resolute men of vision who were inspired by notions of empire and
civilization. These led to the successful conquest of India by British.
Although the uprising of 1857 proved unsuccessful, it had a profound impact on the
British rule in India. The event shook the foundations of the British administration and
led to significant transformations in their structure and policies. Explain. (250 words)
Reference: Chapter 1- India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra.
Why the question:
To write about the impact created by the revolt of 1857.
Directive word:
associated facts.
Introduction:
Start by briefly mentioning how the 1857 uprising was successfully quelled by the British.
Body:
Mention the various re-alignment policies in administration such a British crown taking over control
from EIC, Military strengthening, Transfer of Power, Divide and Rule, New Policy Towards the
Princess, Search for New allies etc brought by the British as a way to avoid any such future uprising.
Conclusion:
Conclude by mentioning that although the British succeeded in overpowering the Uprising, it proved
to be the beginning of resistance from the people of India.
Introduction
The cumulative effect of British expansionist policies, economic exploitation, and administrative
innovations over the years had adversely affected the positions of all—rulers of Indian states,
sepoys, zamindars, peasants, traders, artisans, pundits, maulvis, etc. The simmering discontent burst
in the form of a violent storm in 1857, which shook the British empire in India to its very
foundations.
Body
Various causes for the defeat of the rebel
 All-India participation was absent: Limited territorial spread was one factor; there was no
all-India veneer about the revolt. The eastern, southern, and western parts of
India remained more or less
 All classes did not join: Certain classes and groups did not join and, in fact, worked against
the revolt.
o Big zamindars acted as ‘break-waters to storm’; even Awadh talukdars backed off
once promises of land restitution were spelt out.
o Moneylenders and merchants suffered the wrath of the mutineers badly and,
anyway, saw their class interests better protected under British patronage.

 Poor Arms and Equipment: The Indian soldiers were poorly equipped materially, fighting
generally with swords and spears and very few guns and muskets.
o On the other hand, the European soldiers were equipped with the latest weapons
of war like the Enfield rifle. The electric telegraph kept the commander-in-chief
informed about the movements and strategy of the
 Uncoordinated and Poorly Organised: The revolt was poorly organised with no coordination
or central leadership.
o The principal rebel leaders—Nana Saheb, Tantia Tope, Kunwar Singh, Laxmibai—
were no match to their British opponents in general ship.
 No Unified Ideology: The mutineers lacked a clear understanding of colonial rule; nor did
they have a forward-looking programme, a coherent ideology, a political perspective, or a
societal alternative. The rebels represented diverse elements with differing grievances and
concepts of current politics.
Re-alignment policies in administration by British post 1857

The revolt of 1857 marks a turning point in the history of India. It led to far-reaching changes in the
system of administration and the policies of the British government.
 Direct Governance of Queen: Even before the revolt could be suppressed fully, the British
Parliament, on August 2, 1858, passed an act for the Better Government of India. The
act declared Queen Victoria as the sovereign of British India and provided for
the appointment of a Secretary of State for India (a member of the British cabinet).
o The direct responsibility for the administration of the country was assumed by the
British Crown and Company rule was abolished.
o The assumption of the Government of India by the sovereign of Great Britain was
announced by Lord Canning at a durbar at Allahabad in the ‘Queen’s
Proclamation’ issued on November 1, 1858.
 Princely states and paramountcy: As per the Queen’s proclamation, the era of annexations
and expansion had ended and the British promised to respect the dignity and rights of the
native princes. The Indian states were henceforth to recognise the paramountcy of the
British Crown and were to be treated as parts of a single charge.
o The people of India were promised freedom of religion without interference from
British officials.
 Rule of law: The proclamation also promised equal and impartial protection under law to all
Indians, besides equal opportunities in government services irrespective of race or creed. It
was also promised that old Indian rights, customs, and practices would be given due regard
while framing and administering the law.
 Army reforms: The army, which was at the forefront of the outbreak, was thoroughly
reorganised and British military policy came to be dominated by the idea of “division and
counterpoise”.

o The British could no longer depend on Indian loyalty, so the number of Indian
soldiers was drastically reduced even as the number of European soldiers was
increased.
o The concept of divide and rule was adopted, with separate units being created on
the basis of caste/community/region.
o Recruits were to be drawn from the ‘martial’ races of Punjab, Nepal, and north-
western frontier who had proved loyal to the British during the revolt. Effort was
made to keep the army away from civilian population.
 Divide and Rule: The policy of divide and rule started in earnest after the Revolt of 1857.
The British used one class/community against another unscrupulously.
o Thus, socially, there was irremediable deterioration. While British territorial

conquest was at an end, a period of systematic economic loot by the British began.
Conclusion
For the British, the Revolt of 1857 proved useful in that it showed up the glaring shortcomings in the
Company’s administration and its army, which they rectified promptly. These defects would never
have been revealed to the world if the Revolt had not happened.
For the Indians, the 1857 Revolt had a major influence View In conceptual terms, the British who had
started their rule as ‘outsiders’, became ‘insiders’ by vesting in their monarch the sovereignty of
India. Bernard Cohn (in context of the Queen’s Proclamation) on the course of the struggle for
freedom. It brought out in the open grievances of people and the sepoys, which were seen to be
genuine. The Revolt of 1857 did establish local traditions of resistance to British rule which were to
be of help in the course of the national struggle for freedom.
Under colonial rule, the development of education in India underwent various phases
and experienced both positive and negative impacts. Discuss. (250 words)
Reference: Chapter 30 – A Brief History of Modern India by Rajiv Ahir (Spectrum Publishers)
Why the question:
To write about the evolution of education in India under the colonial rule and its impact.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by mentioning the Macaulay’s minute setting the stage for introduction of education system by
the British in India.
Body:
Trace the evolution of education system in British India – orientalist v/s anglicist debate, setting up of
Universities, Hunter Commission report, education system during the period of Diarchy rule, evolution
of primary and higher education etc. You can make use of a flow chart for better presentation.
Write about the both positive and negative impacts of introduction of modern education in India.
Conclusion:

Conclude by mentioning the contribution of modern education in rise of nationalism in India.

Introduction
For the first 60 years of its dominion in India, the East India Company, a trading and profit-making
concern, took no interest in the promotion of education. With the advent of the British Rule in India,
their policies and measures breached the legacies of traditional schools of learning which resulted in
the need for creating a class of subordinates. To achieve this goal, they instituted a number of acts
to create an Indian canvas of English colour through the education system.
Body
Evolution of education system in British India
 Orientalist vs Anglicist: Within the General Committee on Public Instruction, the Anglicists
argued that the government spending on education should be exclusively for modern
studies.
o The Orientalists said while western sciences and literature should be taught to
prepare students to take up jobs, emphasis should be placed on expansion of
traditional Indian learning.
 Medium of instruction:Even the Anglicists were divided over the question of medium of
instruction—one faction was for English language as the medium, while the other faction
was for Indian languages (vernaculars) for the purpose.
 Macaulay’s minute: This famous minute settled the row in favour of Anglicists—the limited
government resources were to be devoted to teaching of western sciences and literature
through the medium of English language alone.
 Wood’s despatch: In 1854, Sir Charles Wood, the President of the Board of Control sent his
recommendations known as ‘Wood’s Despatch of 1854″ reorganizing the whole structure of
education.
o Wood’s Despatch is regarded as the Magna Carta of English education in India. It

recommended for the establishment of Anglo-Vernacular Schools throughout the
districts, Government Colleges in important towns and a University in each of the
three Presidencies in India.
Positive impacts of modern education in India
 Modern ideas, if not education, did filter down to the masses, though not in a form desired
by the rulers, but through political parties, press, pamphlets, public platforms, etc.
 Social analysis by Indians:Modern education only helped this process by making available
the basic literature on physical and social sciences to nationalists, thus stimulating their
capacity to make social analysis—otherwise the content, structure and curricula of modern
education served colonial interests.
 Drain theory: The theory proposed that poverty in India was caused by the colonial rule that
was draining the wealth and prosperity of India. This realization by Dadabhai Naoroji and
others were due to modern education introduced by British and helped in awakening
nationalism in Indians.

 Ideas of liberty and equality: The liberal and radical thought of European writers like Milton,
Shelley, John Stuart Mill, Rousseau, Paine, Spencer and Voltaire helped many Indians
imbibe modern rational, secular, democratic and nationalist ideas.
 Rationalism: Rationalism which advocated faith in reason and a scientific attitude was again
due to modern education of Indians.
 Middle class intelligentsia: The English language helped nationalist leaders from different
linguistic regions to communicate with each other.
o Those among the educated who took up liberal professions (lawyers, doctors, etc.)
often visited England for higher education.
o There theysaw the working of modern political institutions in a free country and
compared that system with the Indian situation where even basic rights were denied
to the citizens.
o This ever-expanding English educated class formed the middle-class intelligentsia

who constituted the nucleus for the newly arising political unrest.It was this
section which provided leadership to the Indian political associations.
Negative aspects of British education

 Neglect of mass education: The Government soon made English as the medium of
instruction in its schools and colleges and opened a few English schools and colleges instead
of a large number of elementary schools, thus neglecting mass education.
 Downward filtration: The British planned to educate a small section of upper and middle
classes, thus creating a class “Indian in blood and colour but English in tastes, in opinions,
in morals and in intellect”who would act as interpreters between the Government and
masses and would enrich the vernaculars by which knowledge of western sciences and
literature would reach the masses. This was called the ‘downward filtration theory’.’
 Creating clerks:Although there were a few Englishmen who wanted to spread education for
its own sake, the government was chiefly concerned only with its own concerns.
o There was a huge demand for clerks and other administrative roles in the company’s
functioning.
o It was cheaper to get Indians rather than Englishmen from England for these jobs.
This was the prime motive.
 Low Literacy rate: No doubt it spread western education among Indians, but the rate of
literacy was abysmally low during British rule.
o In 1911, the illiteracy rate in British India was 94%. In 1921, it was 92%.
o Scientific and technical education was ignored by the British government.
 Women’s education:The state of women education was pathetic. This was because the
government did not want to displease the orthodox nature of Indians and also because
women could not generally be employed as clerks.
Conclusion

Thus, the education system introduced by British had both positive and negative impacts. It was
injected to ensure a cheap supply of educated Indians to increase a number of subordinate posts in
administration and in British business concern. That’s why the emphasis on English as a medium of
instruction and also glorified British conquerors and their administration.
The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors

/contributions from different parts of the country.
Examine the short-term and long-term outcomes of the tri-partite struggle. Do you
think tri-partite struggle paved way for invasions in the early medieval India? (250
words)
Why the question:
To write about the short-term and long-term outcomes of the tri-partite struggle and its role in
facilitating invasions in early medieval India.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context and mentioning the participants in the tri-partite struggle.
Body:
First, write about the short-term impact of the tri-partite struggle – long drawn out, war of attrition,
indecisive for long etc.
Next, write about the long-term impact of the tri-partite struggle – lack of central authority, pan
India empire, mutual animosity.
Next, write to what extent did tri-partite struggle play a part in invasions of India.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a balanced judgement forward.
Introduction
The Tripartite Struggle was a three-way struggle between the Pratiharas, the Palas and the
Rashtrakutas. It was also called Kannauj Triangle Wars and took place in the 8th and 9th
centuries. The Tripartite struggle was for the control of Northern India and ultimately the Pratiharas
emerged victorious.
Body
short-term outcomes
 During the rule of Rashtrakuta ruler Krishna III, there was successful campaign against the
Cholas.
 The Rashtrakutas also formed a matrimonial relationship with other feudal kings.
 For the continuous war they had to maintain big armyand so that the tax was very high.

 Some rebellions against the rulers can thus be easily traced.
 Some scholars like R.S. Sharma identified the Kaibartya rebellions during the Pala period as
a peasant revolt.
Long-term outcomes
 All the three powers became weak and then declined.
 All the contemporary powers became dependable on the samantas that was their weakness.
 After sometime the samanta kings became powerful and caused the downfall of the big
powers.
 On the other hand the unnecessary war weakened the dynasties so that in North India we
do not see any powerful empire in the later period.
 At the time of Muslim invasion North Indian powers became unable to protect themselves.
 The struggle resulted into the political disintegration of the country and benefited the
Islamic invaders from Middle-East.
 So in conclusion we can say that tripartite struggle was a war without gain for the powers.
Conclusion
The three kingdoms were fighting amongst each other to have a control over the resource rich
region around Kannauj in Gangetic valley. Each wanted to take the benefit of lack of strong ruler at
Kannauj at that time. However, the struggle was mutually destructive for all of them. Nobody could
emerge as a strong power. There was no stability and central rule in entire country. It led to political
vacuum in north India and no attention to North West Frontier. Thus India became vulnerable to
foreign invasion. Advantage of the situation was taken by Mahamud Ghazini and Mohammad Ghori.
The experiences of the World War-II and the subsequent political developments played
a crucial role in shaping the path towards India’s independence. Discuss. (250 words)
Reference: Chapter 22- A Brief History of Modern India by Rajiv Ahir (Spectrum Publishers)
Why the question:
To write in detail about the nationalist response to the outbreak of world war-II.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Mention the how the colonial government involved Indian army and resources in the World War II
without reaching out any leaders.
Body:
Talk about the response of various leaders as a strategy to achieve self-rule in the context of World
War II wherein one faction supported the idea of supporting the British against Fascist parties so that
in return, they could achieve self-rule whereas, another faction was of the opinion to make use of the

situation wherein the British resources were thinned and have an attack on the British in order to
achieve independence. Mention the views of INC leaders.
Also mention actions take such as Congress ministries resigning, Individual satyagraha and wait and
watch approach.
Conclusion:
Conclude by mentioning the stage being setup for the launch of Quit India movement.
Introduction
On September 3, 1939, Britain declares war against Germany and declares India’s support for the
war without consulting Indian opinion. Though Indian leaders and nationalists were thoroughly
opposed to fascism and Nazism, the British response also exposed their hypocrisy. British were
fighting for liberal values including democracy and at the same time denying it to Indians.
Body
Outbreak of World War II and events that followed
 The Congress’ hostility to Fascism, Nazism, militarism and imperialismhad been much more
consistent than the British record. But the Indian offer to cooperate in the war effort had
two basic conditions:
o After the war, a constituent assembly should be convened to determine political

structure of a free India.
o Immediately, some form of a genuinely responsible government should be

established at the centre.
o The offer wasrejected by Linlithgow, the viceroy. The Congress argued that these
conditions were necessary to win public opinion for war.
Responses to the War and British stance
 Different opinions were voice during CWC Wardha Meeting in September 1939.
 Gandhi advocated an unconditional supportto the Allied powers as he made a clear

distinction between the democratic states of Western Europe and the totalitarian Nazis.
 Subhash Bose and the socialistsargued that the war was an imperialist one since both sides
were fighting for gaining or defending colonial territories.
o Therefore, the question of supporting either of the two sides did not arise.
o Instead, advantage should be taken of the situation to wrest freedom immediately

starting acivil disobedience movement.
 Nehru made a sharp distinctionbetween democracy and Fascism.
o But he was also convinced that Britain and France were imperialist powers, and that
the war was the result of the inner contradictions of capitalism maturing since the
end of World War I.
o He, therefore, advocated no Indian participation till India itself was free. However,
at the, same time, no advantage was to be taken of Britain’s difficulty by starting an
immediate struggle.

 Government response: The Government’s response was entirely negative.Linlithgow, in his

statement (October 17, 1939), tried to use the Muslim League and the princes against the
Congress.
o The Government refused to define British war aims beyond stating that Britain was
resisting aggression;
o It said it would, as part of future arrangement, consult “representatives of several

communities, parties and interests in India, and the Indian princes” as to how
the Act of 1935might be modified;
 It became clear that the British Government had no intention of loosening its hold, during or
after the war, and was willing to treat the Congress as an enemy.
 Congress ministries resigned in October 1939 after the Second World War and government
response.
 Towards the end of 1940, the Congress once again asked Gandhi to take command.
 Gandhi now began taking steps which would lead to a mass struggle within his broad
strategic perspective.
 He decided to initiate alimited satyagraha on an individual basis by a few selected

individuals in every locality.
Conclusion
Even before the World War II began, the British had realised the futility of holding on to their reign
in India. By the time the war ended, Great Britain was bankrupt, unable and unwilling to continue to
maintain colonies of the British Empire. WWII acted as a catalyst to India’s fight for
independence but not before the British almost lost India to Netaji’s Indian National Army.
Given the complexity and interplay of these factors, it is difficult to attribute the
partition to any single individual or group. While various leaders, including Jinnah,
Nehru, and Gandhi, played significant roles in shaping the events, the partition was the
result of a culmination of historical circumstances and complex socio-political dynamics.
Critically Comment. (250 words)
Reference: Chapter 37- India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra.
Why the question:
To critically comment on as to why Partition happened and responsibility of various individuals and
organisations for it.
Directive word:
Critically comment – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature
of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. When ‘comment’
is prefixed, we must express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall
opinion thereupon.
Introduction:

Begin by mentioning the divisive politics played by the British leading to communal tensions in the
Indian society.
Body:
Discuss various factors that led to the Partition of India such as rising religious tensions, socio-
economic differences between the Hindus and Muslims, role of British, Muslim League and Congress
and important personalities involved and their political strategies.
Conclusion:
Conclude by mentioning that Partition was neither a result of a planned agenda nor by chance. It was
cumulative outcome of various factors at play.
Introduction
“Partition” – the division of British India into the two separate states of India and Pakistan on August
14-15, 1947 – was the “last-minute” mechanism by which the British were able to secure agreement
over how independence would take place. At the time, few people understood what Partition would
entail or what its results would be, and the migration on the enormous scale that followed took the
vast majority of contemporaries by surprise.
Body
Factors in play that resulted in the partition of India:
 Divide and Rule:
o As colonizers, the British had followed a divide-and-rule policy in India.
o In the census they categorized people according to religion and viewed and treated
them as separate from each other.
o They also were fearful of the potential threat from the Muslims, who were the
former rulers of the subcontinent, ruling India for over 300 years under the Mughal
Empire.
 Separateness of Muslims by British:
o To win them over to their side, the British helped establish the Mohammedan Anglo
Oriental College at Aligarh and supported the All-India Muslim Conference, both of
which were institutions from which leaders of the Muslim Leagueand the ideology of
Pakistan emerged.
o As soon as the league was formed, Muslims were placed on a separate electorate.
o Thus, the separateness of Muslims in India was built into the Indian electoral
process.
 Communal politics:
o Some scholars see Partition as a culmination of

a communal politics that started developing in the
opening decades of the twentieth
o They suggest that separate electorates for Muslims,

created by the colonial government in 1909 and
expanded in 1919, crucially shaped the nature of communal politics.
 Ideological divide:

o There was also an ideological divide between the Muslims and the Hindus of India.
o While there were strong feelings of nationalism in India, by the late 19th century
there were also communal conflicts and movements in the country that were based
on religious identities rather than class or regional ones.
o Socio-religious movementssuch as Tablighi, Tanzim, Shuddhi, Sangathan all aimed

at attacking the religious sentiments of both Hindus and Muslims
 Role of Hindu revivalists:
o Hindu revivalistsalso deepened the chasm between the two nations. They resented
the Muslims for their former rule over India.
o Hindu revivalists rallied for a ban on the slaughter of cows, a cheap source of meat
for the Muslims.
o They also wanted to change the official script from the Persian to the Hindu
Devanagari script, effectively making Hindi rather than Urdu the main candidate for
the national language.
 Mistakes in Congress policies:
o The Congress made several mistakes in their policies which further convinced the
League that it was impossible to live in an undivided India after freedom from
colonial rule because their interests would be completely suppressed.
o One such policy was the institution of “Bande Mataram,” a national anthem
historically linked to anti-Muslim sentiment, in the schools of India where Muslim
children were forced to sing it.
 British Government policies:
o Pro-Muslim League attitude of the British in the August Offer, 1940
o Failure of Cripps Missionand its acceptance of autonomy of Muslim majority

province
o Failure ofShimla Conference indirectly sub-served the League’s demands

o The Cabinet Missionwas the final nail in the coffin. This was followed by Jinnah’s
brutal Direct Action Day culminating with the Mountbatten Plan 1947.
However, partition could have been averted:
 If the long term failure of the Congress to draw in the Muslim masses into the national
movement and stem the surging waves of Muslim communalism, which, especially since
1937, had been beating with increasing fury had been overcome.
 If the common citizens would have understood the ill-intent of Britishers of pleasing one
community over the other.
 If Communal groups like Hindu Mahasabha and Muslim league had been dealt with strictly.
Conclusion

As the noted historian Ramachandra Guha puts it – “the short sightedness of Congress, Jinnah’s
ambitions and Britain’s amorality and cynicism had made partition inevitable”. In retrospect, the
process of partition could have been implemented better which would have curbed many deaths,
horrific incidents and helped maintain friendly relations between the neighbours, India and Pakistan.
Examine how the policies of the British were responsible for the famine in late 19th-
century India. (150 Words)
Reference: India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra, Insights On India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General Studies paper – 1.
To write about how the policies of Britishers were responsible for famine in late 19 th Century India.
Introduction
Provide a brief overview of the late 19th-century famine in India and its devastating impact on the
population.
Body
Introduction to British Policies in India
The economic policies implemented by the British administration, British control over land ownership
and revenue systems.
Land Revenue policies and their impact: Examine the British land revenue policies, such as the
Permanent Settlement and the Ryotwari System, which focused on maximizing revenue collection.
Commercialization of agriculture and export-oriented policies, Neglect of infrastructure and relief
measures
Conclusion
Summarize the factors discussed and their socio-political implications. Highlight how the British
policies had devastating consequences on the Indian population.
Introduction
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the people of India were ravaged by a series of cataclysmic
famines, precipitated less by failures of nature and more by colonial policies, such as of rack-renting,
both legal and illegal, neglect of agriculture, “free-trade” policies and additional levies for wars. The
famine codes of British had main objective to save lives at minimal cost to the colonial exchequer.
There were 31 famines in 120 years of British Raj, the last one killed 4 million people in 1943.
Body
Famines during pre-British era:
Famine in Indian sub-continent is a chronicle feature. Agriculture in India is heavily dependent on a

suitable climate. A summer monsoon is a must for the irrigation of crops. Lack of rainfall and
droughts had lead to several famines in India between 11th and 17th centuries severely. Draughts
cause extreme scarcity of water and thus results in crop failure. On the other hand, floods and
earthquakes can destroy the crops or food storage places. These all result in food scarcity and
eventually famines. E.g.: Deccan Famine of 1630
Famines during colonial era:

India was hit by recurrent famine from 1760 AD to till 1943 AD. As per British sources, there were
more than 85 million Indians died in these famines which were in reality genocides done by the
British Raj. E.g.: Doji Bara famine or Skull famine of 1788–94 killed around 11 million people. Bengal
famine of 1943 killed more than 3 million people.
Apathy of British rulers was evident in their policies:
 The famines were a product both of uneven rainfall and British economic and administrative
policies.
 Colonial policies:
o Colonial policies implicated include rack-renting, levies for war, free trade policies,
the expansion of export agriculture, and neglect of agricultural investment.
o During the Bengal famine of 1770, East India Company raised taxes disastrously and
exacerbated it, even if the famine was not caused by the British colonial
government.
o Indian exports of opium, rice, wheat, indigo, jute, and cotton were a key component
of the economy of the British empire, generating vital foreign currency, primarily
from China, and stabilising low prices in the British grain market.
o Policy lapses such as prioritising distribution of vital supplies to the military, civil
services and others as well as stopping rice imports
 Policy of laissez faire:
o The government’s policy of laissez fairein the trade of grain. For example, two of
the worst famine-afflicted areas in the Madras Presidency, the districts of Ganjam
and Vizagapatam, continued to export grains throughout the famine.
o Export cropsdisplaced millions of acres that could have been used for domestic
subsistence, and increased the vulnerability of Indians to food crises.
o Others dispute that exportswere a major cause of the famine, pointing out that
trade did have a stabilising influence on India’s food consumption, albeit a small
one.
o The large-scale loss of life due to the series of famines between 1860 and 1877 was
the cause of political controversy.
 Attitude of Viceroys:
o Curzon stated that such philanthropy would be criticised, but not doing so would be
a crime. He also cut back rations that he characterised as “dangerously high,” and
stiffened relief eligibility by reinstating the Temple tests.[79] Between 1.25 and 10
million people died in the famine.
 Infrastructure:
o The failure to provide food to the millions who were hungry during the famines of
the 1870s has been blamed both on the absence of adequate rail infrastructureand
the incorporation of grain into the world market through rail and telegraph.

 Famine codes:
o British Codes were explicit in casting a duty on public officials to spend the minimum
that was necessary, only to prevent the loss of lives, and nothing beyond that.
o The Famine Codes of the past recognised that non-farm rural poor persons, like
artisans and weavers, may be very hard hit by famine, but did little to address their
food needs, although they were not equipped physically and culturally to participate
in the kind of manual labour that is required in public relief works.
o Those who are most vulnerable in times of food scarcity are old people, single
women, disabled people and children. Colonial Codes contained niggardly provisions
for them of “gratuitous relief”
The above conditions were worsened by rapidly growing population, increasing household debt,
stagnant agricultural productivity, increased social stratification, and alienation of the peasant class
from their landholdings. The natural disasters like cyclone, floods and droughts wreaked havoc at
times.
Conclusion
During episodes of food scarcity caused by drought and failure of the rains of the kind that looms
over large parts of India today, district authorities in India are still substantially guided by updated
versions of Famine Codes that were initially developed by colonial administrators.
History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial
revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization,
decolonization.
The period leading up to the Civil Disobedience Movement in India, which was a
significant campaign of nonviolent resistance against British colonial rule, witnessed
several key events that contributed to the growing anti-imperialist sentiment. Discuss.
(250 words)
Reference: India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra.
Why the question:
To list important events that took place 1927 onwards up to the start of the Civil Disobedience
Movement.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Start with a summary of what happened following the Non-Cooperation Movement up to 1927.
Body:
In first part, write how the British government’s actions (in 1927) proved to be the spark that lit the
fire (Civil Disobedience Movement).

Proceed to write how a new wave of youth embraced the idea of becoming freedom fighters, were
influenced by socialism. Do not forget to mention the Nehru report, the reaction of youth to this
report, Jinnah’s 14 points, Delhi manifesto etc.
Conclusion:
Write that the ignorance by the British government of Gandhi’s 11 point-demand triggered the start
of the civil disobedience movement.
Introduction
The years 1927 to 1929 are termed are ‘gathering of storm’, in India’s struggle for freedom. The
most immediate trigger was the setting up of an all-White seven member Simon commission, to
decide on Constitutional reforms and whether India was ready for it.
From here, a series of events led to the ultimate Civil Disobedience Movement in the year 1930.
Body
British government actions that triggered massive response
 Response to Simon Commission: The response in India was immediate and unanimous.
o That no Indian should be thought fit to serve on a body that claimed the right to
decide the political future of India was an insult that no Indian of even the most
moderate political opinion was willing to swallow.
 Boycott by all factions: The call for a boycott of the Commission was endorsed by
the Liberal Federation led by Tej Bahadur Sapru, by the Indian Industrial and Commercial
Congress, arid by the Hindu Mahasabha the Muslim League even split on the issue,
Mohammed Ali Jinnah carrying the majority with him in favour of boycott
 INC resolution in 1927: Jawaharlal Nehru had even succeeded in getting passed a snap
resolution declaring complete independence as the goal of the Congress.
 Lathi charge and brutalities: On 3 February 1928 all the major cities and towns observed a
complete hartal, and people were out on the streets participating in mass rallies,
processions and black-flag demonstrations.
o Lajpat rai was fatally injured due to lathi blows on his chest.
 Saunders Murder: It was Lajpat Rai’s death that Bhagat Singh and his comrades were
seeking to avenge when they killed the white police official, Saunders, in December 1928.
Events leading upto civil disobedience movement
 Nehru Report: Meetings of the All-Parties Conference were held in February, May and
August 1928 to finalize a scheme which popularly came to be known as the Nehru Report
after Motilal Nehru, its principal author.
o It was a response to challenge of Lord Birkenhead, who constantly harped on the

inability of Indians to formulate a concrete scheme of constitutional reforms which
had the support of wide sections of Indian political opinion.
o Dominion status was envisaged in the report, however younger nationalists were
opposed to it.

 Reaction of younger nationalists: Congress decided that if the Government did not accept a
constitution based on Dominion Status by the end of the year the Congress would not only
adopt complete independence as its goal, but it would also launch a civil disobedience
movement to attain that goal.
 Jinnah’s 14 points: Declaring that the Nehru Report represented Hindu interests, he
consolidated all the communal demands made by different communal organizations at
different times into a single document which came to be known as Jinnah’s Fourteen Points.
 Delhi Manifesto: As the round table conference was called to consider Simon report,
a conference of major national leaders met and issued what came to be known as the Delhi
manifesto.
o They demanded that it should be made clear that the purpose of the Round Table
Conference was not to discuss when Dominion Status should be granted, but to
formulate a scheme for its implementation.
o On 23 December Irwin himself told Gandhiji and the others that he was in no
position to give the assurance they demanded.
o The stage of negotiations was over and the stage of confrontation was about to
begin.
 Gandhi’s 11 point ultimatum: Gandhi gave a set of eleven demands to Lord Irwin, after
which he threatened to launch a full blown civil disobedience movement.
Conclusion
Gandhi’s ultimatum of 31 January to Lord Irwin, stating the minimum demands in the form of II
points, had been ignored, and there was only one way out: civil disobedience. In mid-February,
1930, the Working Committee, meeting at Sabarmati Ashram, invested Gandhiji with fill powers to
launch the Civil Disobedience Movement at a time and place of his choice. Thus began the
preparation for civil disobedience movement which severely reduced British legitimacy.
The League of Nations overall lack of authority and enforceability, contribute to the
widespread perception of its failure. Comment. (150 words)
Reference: History of modern world by Jain & Mathur.
Why the question:
To write about composition and powers of the League of nations and to write about its successes and
failures.
Directive word:
Comment– here we must express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall
opinion thereupon.
Introduction:
Write briefly about the background of the formation of the League – the first world war.
Body:
In the first part, write what the League’s aims were. Proceed to write what its successes were. In the
final part, write what its failures were.
Conclusion:

Conclude by highlighting the league’s legacy, viz. it being the first attempt at creating an
international body that was meant to pursue peace, and that it was the precursor to the UN.
Introduction
Woodrow Wilson’s 14 point program had envisaged creation of an international agency that would
work for maintenance of world peace. The League of Nations was set up after the 1st World War in
1920 with the following two main aims
 Settle international disputes to prevent war in future. This was to be achieved through
the principle of collective security. The maintenance of international peace and security was
the primary goal of the League.
 Economic and Social work: The League of Nations was to seek international cooperation for
socio-economic development across the world.
Body:
The shortcomings of league of nation were
 Toothless Tiger: League of Nations lacked enforceable rights. It did not have military force
of its own. The League failed to implement its decisions in disputes, where the verdict of the
League was against a major power. Aggressive regimes like Japan, Italy and Germany defied
the League. Britain and France did not do much to give teeth to the League.
 Germany was not allowed to join until 1926 and the USSR only became a member in 1934
(when Germany left). India which was not even an independent country was made a
member. USA which played the leading role did not join it.
 The “Versailles Treaty” had an upper hand where the Victors of 1st World War dictated
terms of League of Nations as well as on other countries.
 Failure of collective responsibility: In 1930s when many countries resorted to aggression,

the League was ignored or defied. It did not come forward in case Japanese attack on
Manchuria in 1931 & Italy attack on Ethiopia in 1936.
 It recognized the division of spoils of the war and most of the colonies were transferred as
mandates not to be annexed thus undermining the very ideals with which it was formed.
 The Conference of Ambassadors undermined League’s authority. The Conference of

Ambassadors overruled the League’s decisions. Example: in case of the Corfu incident (1923)
involving Mussolini’s Italy and Greece.
 Failure of Disarmament: Security concerns lead to a race for armament. The World
conference on Disarmament in 1932-34 was a failed effort of League of Nations as the
major powers disagreed to disarm. This further strengthened Hitler’s fascist agenda in
Germany.
 Economic Crisis of 1929 led to poverty and unemployment and consequently, right wing
governments came to power across the world. These governments were more aggressive
and violated the League Covenant.
Conclusion:
League of Nations did important work for the socio-economic development across the
world. However, it failed with respect to its aim of being a leading forum for resolution of
international disputes and ensuring a peaceful world. These failures lead to the disastrous Second
World War.
Value addition:
In the socio-economic development context, it had its fair share of successes.
The League of Nations set up some of the organisations like International Labour Organization,
International court of justice which is still relevant even today.
ILO took some reforms like
 Fixed maximum working days and minimum wages.
 Started old age pensions.
 Took actions in the area of welfare of the workers.
The Refugee Organization reforms:
 It helped the Prisoners of War in Russia to their homes outside Russia.
 In 1933, it helped the Jews, who were fleeing to escape Nazi persecution, to resettle in
different countries where they would be safe.
Resolution of minor International disputes by LoN:
 Solved the dispute of smaller countries like Finland, Poland, Albania and Czechoslovakia.
 The League solved a territorial dispute between Peru and Columbia.
 Also in 1921, when there was a dispute regarding Upper Silesia (an industrial region)
between Germany and Poland, the League successfully made both the parties reach a
settlement and Upper Silesia was partitioned between the two.
The mid-18th century in Britain witnessed the confluence of several factors that set the
stage for the rise of the Industrial Revolution. Discuss. (250 words)
Why the question:
To write about reasons for rise of Industrial revolution in England.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Start by defining Industrial Revolution.
Body:
In detail, write about the reasons for rise of Industrial revolution in England – Agricultural changes,
Population boom, Economic innovations, new ideas and a scientific viewpoint, Transportation
foundations, Natural resources, supportive government and numerous colonies.
Conclusion:
Summarize how all the above factors converged to start the revolution in England.
Introduction
The Industrial Revolution saw a rapid development of industry take place in Britain in the late 18th
and early 19th centuries, soon spreading to Western Europe and North America. New and improved
large-scale production methods and machinery marked the beginnings of Industrialization. Many
different factors contributed to the rise of the Industrial Revolution in Britain and paved the way for
Britain to become an industry-driven country.
Body
Major factors leading to rise of industrial revolution
 Agriculture
o As a supplier of raw materials, the agricultural sector was closely linked to the
industrial; this was the main source of occupation for the British population.
o Half of the arable land had been enclosed, while half remained in the medieval open
field system.
 Industry
o Most industries were small scale, domestic and local, but traditional industries could
meet the domestic demands.
o There was some inter-regional trade, but this was limited by poor transport.
 Population
o The nature of the British population has implications for the supply and demand for
food and goods, as well as the supply of cheap labor.

o The population had increased in the earlier part of the 18th century, especially
closer to the middle of the era, and was mostly located in rural areas.
o The people were gradually accepting of social change and the upper and middle
classes were interested in new thinking in science, philosophy. and culture.
 Transport
o Transportation and communication were comparatively easy and cheap, since no

part of Britain is more than seventy miles away from the sea, and even less from
some navigable waterway.
o Canals were built in the rivers of Britain from 1760-1800 to allow ships to transport
goods and for a quicker rate.
o Railroads were also built to allow more efficient trade and transportation of goods.
o Provincial ports had developed, such as Bristol and Liverpool.
 Trade
o Britain had access to local and international economies because of their powerful
Navy and other ships.
o The British government allowed foreign trade and domestic to occur to expand the
economy and grow industries.
o The main market for British goods was Europe, and the government maintained a
mercantilist policy to encourage it.
 Finance
o By 1750, Britain had begun to move towards capitalist institutions — which are
considered part of the development of the Revolution.
o The produce of trade was creating a new, wealthy class prepared to invest in
industries.
 Raw Materials
o Britain had access to cotton from its colonies and could use slaves to collect it. As
technology improved, cotton picking became easier and was a booming industry.
o Coal, iron, lead, copper, tin, limestone, and water power were also readily available
for the British to use for their industrial advancement.
 New Inventions:
o A series of inventions in the eighteenth century increased the efficacy of each step
of the production process.
o They enhanced the output per worker, enabling each worker to produce more, and
they made possible the production or stronger threads and yarn.
 A Stable Government/Stable Monetary System

o All of these changes occurring in Britain were held together by its stable
government.
o There were drastic differences in the economies when comparing Britain to other
European mainland countries.
o The pound sterling was the national currency during the entire pre-industrial and
Industrial Revolution time period time, and it is still the currency used to today in
Britain.
Conclusion
Britain in 1870 had the following which has all been stated as necessary for an Industrial Revolution.
Good mineral resources, growing population, wealth, spare land and food, ability to innovate,
laissez-faire government policy, scientific interest, and trading opportunities, all of these began to
develop simultaneously. The result was a massive change.
The New Deal policies implemented during the 1930s and the economic effects of
World War II both played important roles in mitigating the Great Depression. Elaborate.
(250 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Why the question:
To write about how the new-deal and the starting to world war-II ended the great depression.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by defining The Great Depression.
Body:
First, write about Roosevelt’s New Deal – Works Progress Administration (WPA), the Tennessee
Valley Authority (TVA) However, increases in government spending and expansionary effect on the
economy., positive effects on consumer and business sentiment.
Next, write about the World War-II role in the recovery of the U.S. economy. Military build-up,
expansionary fiscal and monetary policy, widespread conscription beginning in 1942, full
employment.
Conclusion:
Summarise the impact of the above two in ending the recession.
Introduction
The Great Depression was the worst economic downturn in the history of the industrialized world,
lasting from 1929 to 1939. It began after the stock market crash of October 1929, which sent Wall
Street into a panic and wiped out millions of investors.
Over the next several years, consumer spending and investment dropped, causing steep declines in
industrial output and employment as failing companies laid off workers. By 1933, when the Great
Depression reached its lowest point, some 15 million Americans were unemployed and nearly half
the country’s banks had failed.

Body
Background: Causes and aftermath of Great Depression
 Democrat Franklin D. Roosevelt won an overwhelming victory in the presidential election of

1932.
 During Roosevelt’s first 100 days in office, his administration passed legislation that aimed to
stabilize industrial and agricultural production, create jobs and stimulate recovery.
 In addition, Roosevelt sought to reform the financial system, creating the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to protect depositors’ accounts and the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC) to regulate the stock market and prevent abuses of the kind
that led to the 1929 crash.
New Deal by Roosevelt: Overview
 Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) : Among the programs and institutions of the New Deal
that aided in recovery from the Great Depression were the Tennessee Valley Authority
(TVA), which built dams and hydroelectric projects to control flooding and provide electric
power to the impoverished Tennessee Valley region.
 Works Progress Administration (WPA), a permanent jobs program that employed 5 million
people from 1935 to 1943.
 Social security: In 1935, Congress passed the Social Security Act, which for the first time
provided Americans with unemployment, disability and pensions for old age.
 Recovery: After showing early signs of recovery beginning in the spring of 1933, the
economy continued to improve throughout the next three years, during which real GDP
(adjusted for inflation) grew at an average rate of 9 percent per year.
 A sharp recession hit in 1937, caused in part by the Federal Reserve’s decision to increase its
requirements for money in reserve.
o Though the economy began improving again in 1938, this second severe contraction
reversed many of the gains in production and employment and prolonged
the effects of the Great Depression through the end of the decade.
Role of World War-II in the recovery of the U.S. economy
 With Roosevelt’s decision to support Britain and France in the struggle against Germany and
the other Axis Powers, defence manufacturing geared up, producing more and more
private sector jobs.
 The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour in December 1941 led to America’s entry into World
War II, and the nation’s factories went back in full production mode.
 This expanding industrial production, as well as widespread conscription beginning in 1942,
reduced the unemployment rate to below its pre-Depression level.
 More people were needed to produce the food and weapons for the men on the front lines.
 The new jobs were taken by many who had been out of work for several years.

 As more men were sent away to fight, women were hired to take over their positions on
the assembly lines.
 Before World War II, women had generally been discouraged from working outside the
home.
 Now they were being encouraged to take over jobs that had been traditionally considered
“men’s work.”
 Existing companies changed their lines from consumer goods to war materials, and new
plants were constructed strictly for the creation of products for the war
 The Great Depression had ended at last, and the United States turned its attention to the
global conflict of World War II.
Conclusion
The New Deal and the outbreak of world war II, did eventually reform the American economic
system. Roosevelt’s leadership preserved the country’s faith in its democratic political system. It also
established him as a leader of democracy in a world threatened by ruthless dictators.
The Crimean Peninsula has indeed been a source of political turmoil in European
history, particularly since the 19th century. The Crimean War (1853-1856) had a
significant impact on Europe, shaping political dynamics and causing ripple effects
throughout the continent. Examine. (250 words)
Reference: World History by Norman Lowe.
Why the question:
To write about the impact of Crimean war.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context Crimean war and who its wass fought between.
Body:
First, write about regarding the turmoil in the Crimean Peninsula starting from 19 th century until
recent times.
Next, write about the impact of Crimean war – Ottoman empires integrity, Russia’s waning influence
over black sea, Opening up of Danube, Indirect impact on Unification of Italy, improvements in
battlefield medicine.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising and linking it with current developments in the region.
Introduction
The Crimean War which had begun in October 1853 lasted eighteen months. It was fought
between Britain, France, the Ottoman Empire and Sardinia on one side and Russia on the other. On
30th March 1856, the Crimean War was formally brought to an end with the signing of the Treaty of

Paris. This formal recognition signed at the Congress of Paris came after Russia accepted a
humiliating defeat
Body
Crimean war and turmoil
 The Crimean war escalated into a series of fragmented battles and sieges, causing huge loss
of life and highlighting wider issues and failures pertaining to leadership, military
intervention, mortality rates, medicine and mismanagement.
 The war itself garnered a great deal of attention and proved to be a significant and defining
moment for Europe.
 It was first and foremost the embodiment of a ‘modern war’, using new technologies that
would later characterise the wars of the next century.
Impact on Europe and Russia in particular
 Whilst the Treaty of Paris marked an important step, with all sides recognising the need for a
peaceful solution, the logistics of competing interests in negotiations made it more difficult
to put into practice.
 The main agreement did manage to create some tangible guidelines which included forcing
Russia to demilitarise the Black Sea.
 This agreement was between the Tsar and the Sultan who maintained that no arsenal could
be established on the coastline.
o For Russia this clause in particular proved to be a major blow, weakening its power
base as it no longer could threaten the Ottoman Empire via its navy.
o This was thus an important step in scaling down the potential for escalating
violence.
 Ottoman empire inclusion in Europe: In addition, the treaty agreed the inclusion of
the Ottoman Empire into the Concert of Europe which was essentially a representation of
the balance of power on the continent, instigated back in 1815 by the Congress of Vienna.
 Reigning Russia: Russia on the other hand was forced to return the city of Kars and all other
Ottoman territory which it had taken into its possession.
o The principalities of Wallachia and Moldovia were thus returned as Ottoman

territory, later granted independence and eventually turned into modern-day
Romania.
o Russia was forced by the treaty to abandon its claim of a protectorate for Christians
living in the Ottoman Empire, thus discarding the very premise which engaged
Russia in war in the first place.
o In exchange, the alliance of powers agreed to restore the towns of Sevastpol,

Balaklava, Kerch, Kinburn and many other areas back to Russia which had been
occupied by the Allied troops during the war.

 Black sea: A major consequence of this agreement was the reopening of the Black Sea for
international trade and commerce.
o The importance of resuming trade was a major consideration for all involved.
Consequences and future prospect as a result of Crimea war
 The Crimean War saw the balance of power change hands in Europe.
 Whilst Russia suffered a major defeat, Austria, which had chosen to remain neutral, would
find itself in the coming years at the mercy of a new rising star, Germany.
 Under the leadership of Bismarck, who took advantage of fraught relations, new strategy for
survival emerged. Austria would end up uniting with Hungary in a monarchical empire.
Meanwhile, Sardinia, a participant in the alliance at Crimea would intervene in Italian
affairs, ensuring that a united nation of Italy would emerge out of the territorial chasms of
Europe.
 Traditional empires were now under threat, with Britain and France sensing the urgency
and need to maintain a grip on affairs.
Conclusion
The Crimean War highlighted how difficult it was to keep a balance of power in Europe. The end of
the war resulted in a new era of relations, a new way of doing things; the old traditional empires
stretched over continents gave way in Europe to the nation-state. Change was coming.
Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.

India is indeed a land of great cultural and civilizational legacy, with a history that
stretches back thousands of years. India’s diversity is a source of strength, cultural
richness, and vibrancy. However, it also presents complex challenges that need to be
addressed for a more inclusive and harmonious society. Analyse. (250 words)
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
The article discusses India’s civilizational legacy and its potential for realizing its ideals and destiny.
To write about diversity in India and challenges associated with it.
Introduction:
Start by mentioning how India is a culturally diverse since time immemorial.
Body:
In the first, in detail write about the various aspects of diversity – linguistic, religious, ethnic, racial,
caste etc. Write how these have shaped India.
Next, write about the various types of challenges associate with diversity in India and cite examples
to substantiate.
Next, write about the ways to counter these challenges and uphold pluralism in the country.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction

India is a plural society both in letter and spirit. It is rightly characterized by its unity and diversity. A
grand synthesis of cultures, religions and languages of the people belonging to different castes and
communities has upheld its unity and cohesiveness despite multiple foreign invasions.
National unity and integrity have been maintained even through sharp economic and social
inequalities have obstructed the emergence of egalitarian social relations. It is this synthesis which
has made India a unique mosque of cultures. Thus, India presents seemingly multicultural situation
within in the framework of a single integrated cultural whole.
Body
Background: India’s diversity
 India today is home to varied cultures and ethnic groupswith substantial differences
in physical appearance, language, religion and customs.
 India also has vast economic differences between regions and its richest state is 10x more
prosperous (on a per capita basis) than its poorest, with high-growth states and large
metros at middle-income level resembling coastal China, and others more closely
resembling Sub-Saharan Africa, with incomes under US$1,000 per capita.
 It is said that geography is destiny, and if this is true, then India’s land itself is a key
determinant of the diversity of its peoples, varying from desert to savannah and rain
forests, from the roof of the world to coastal swamps and tropical islands. This geography,
coupled with major urban centres and valleys of technology clusters, shapes its inhabitants
daily lives and therefore their culture and beliefs.
 While ethnicity and religion form a core of each Indian’s identity, those identities themselves
can vary widely depending on backgrounds, regions and socio-economic levels. Even within
religions, there can be significant differences in how this is practiced and therefore how
identity is defined.
Challenges with India’s diversity

 Regionalism: Regionalism tends to highlight interests of a particular region/regions over
national interests. It can also adversely impact national integration. Law and order situation
is hampered due to regional demands and ensuing
 Divisive politics: Sometimes, ascriptive identities such as caste, religion etc. are evoked by
politicians in order to garner This type of divisive politics can result in violence, feeling of
mistrust and suspicion among minorities.
 Development imbalance: Uneven pattern of socio-economic development, inadequate
economic policies and consequent economic disparities can lead to backwardness of a
region. Consequently, this can result in violence, kickstart waves of migration and even
accelerate demands of separatism.. For instance, due to economic backwardness of the
North East region, several instances of separatist demands and secessionist tendencies have
sprung up in the
 Ethnic differentiation and nativism: Ethnic differentiation has often led to clashes between
different ethnic groups especially due to factors such as job competition, limited resources,
threat to identity E.g. frequent clashes between Bodos and Bengali speaking Muslims in
Assam. This has been accentuated by son of the soil doctrine, which ties people to their

place of birth and confers some benefits, rights, roles and responsibilities on them, which
may not apply to others.
 Geographical isolation: Geographical isolation too can lead to identity issues and separatist
The North-East is geographically isolated from the rest of the country as it is connected with
the rest of the country by a narrow corridor i.e the Siliguri corridor (Chicken’s neck). The
region has inadequate infrastructure, is more backward economically as compared to the
rest of the country. As a result, ithas witnessed several instances of separatism and cross-
border terrorism, among others.
 Inter-religious conflicts: Inter-religious conflicts not only hamper relations between two
communities by spreading fear and mistrust but also hinder the secular fabric of the country.
 Inter-state conflicts: This can lead emergence of feelings related to regionalism. It can also
affect trade and communications between conflicting states. For instance, Cauvery River
dispute between Karnataka and Tamil
 Influence of external factors: Sometimes external factors such as foreign organizations

terrorist groups, extremist groups can incite violence and sow feelings of separatism. g.
Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has been accused of supporting and training mujahideen to
fight in Jammu and Kashmir and sow separatist tendencies among resident groups.
Success as a republic
 Constitutional identity: The entire country is governed by one single Even, most of the
states follow a generalised scheme of 3-tier government structure, thus imparting
uniformity in national governance framework. Further, the Constitution guarantees certain
fundamental rights to all citizens regardless of their age, gender, class, caste, religion, etc.
 Religious co-existence: Religion tolerance is the unique feature of religions in India due to
which multiple religions co-exist in Freedom of religion and religious practice is guaranteed
by the Constitution itself. Moreover, there is no state religion and all religions are given
equal preference by the state.
 Inter-State mobility: The Constitution guarantees freedom to move throughout the territory
of India under Article 19 (1) (d), thus promoting a sense of unity and brotherhood among the
o Other factors such as uniform pattern of law, penal code, and administrative works
(eg. All India services) too lead to uniformity in the criminal justice system, policy
implementation
 Economic integration: The Constitution of India secures the freedom of Trade,

Commerce and Intercourse within the Territory of India under Article Further, the Goods and
Service Tax (GST) have paved way for ‘one country, one tax, one national market’, thus
facilitating unity among different regions.
 Institution of pilgrimage and religious practices: In India, religion and spirituality have great
significance. . From Badrinath and Kedarnath in the north to Rameshwaram in the south,
Jagannath Puri in the east to Dwaraka in the west the religious shrines and holy rivers are
spread throughout the length and breadth of the Closely related to them is the age-old

culture of pilgrimage, which has always moved people to various parts of the country and
fostered in them a sense of geo-cultural unity.
 Fairs and festivals: They also act as integrating factors as people from all parts of the
country celebrate them as per their own local Eg. Diwali is celebrated throughout by Hindus
in the country, similarly Id and Christmas are celebrated by Muslims and Christians,
respectively. Celebration of inter-religious festivals is also seen in India.
 Climatic integration via monsoon: The flora and fauna in the entire Indian subcontinent,
agricultural practices, life of people, including their festivities revolve around the monsoon
season in
 Sports and Cinema: These are followed by millions in the country, thus, acting as a binding
force across the length and breadth of the country
Conclusion
This diversity and the pluralism it fosters have been a key strength for India, creating a vibrant and
dynamic society that is open to new ideas, and quick to adopt and adapt innovations regardless of
their origin, as well as creating a strong democratic polity with checks and balances on its leadership.
If properly leveraged, India’s diversity is a fundamental strategic asset for the country’s development
and standing in the world.
Discuss the significance of preserving and promoting cultural diversity within Indian
states. (150 words)
Why the question:
The article highlights the trend of imposing a dominant cultural narrative and language across
states, neglecting regional languages, customs, and traditions.
To write about the importance of preserving and promoting cultural diversity.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context.
Body:
First, write about the importance of cultural diversity – Advocate for the preservation and promotion
of regional languages and customs, Emphasize the need for inclusive policies and cultural exchange
and highlight the role of cultural diversity in fostering national unity. Cite examples to substantiate.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward to improve the representation of women in the judiciary
Introduction

Cultural diversity is synonymous with multiculturalism. Multiculturalism is defined as, “the view that
cultures, races, and ethnicities, particularly those of minority groups, deserve special
acknowledgment of their differences within a dominant political culture.”
In the popular imagination, India is a spatial entity. It has a map, a shape—it is a piece of the earth
cut out from the rest of the land on this planet, delimited by strict ideas about what is ‘inside’ and
‘outside’. Seen on that axis, India also has a temporal being. That India is vastly older, and the
cultural-civilisational legacy it has bequeathed us is substantially more fluid in space. Its borders
were shifting, its shapes protean, and the histories it created were marked as much by mobility and
traffic as by sedimentation. That India is more a river than an island. We inhabit an amalgam of
those two Indias today.
Body
Various aspects of India’s diversity
 India today is home to varied cultures and ethnic groupswith substantial differences
in physical appearance, language, religion and customs.
 India also has vast economic differences between regions and its richest state is 10x more
prosperous (on a per capita basis) than its poorest, with high-growth states and large
metros at middle-income level resembling coastal China, and others more closely
resembling Sub-Saharan Africa, with incomes under US$1,000 per capita.
 It is said that geography is destiny, and if this is true, then India’s land itself is a key
determinant of the diversity of its peoples, varying from desert to savannah and rain
forests, from the roof of the world to coastal swamps and tropical islands.
 This geography, coupled with major urban centres and valleys of technology clusters, shapes
its inhabitants daily lives and therefore their culture and beliefs.
 While ethnicity and religion form a core of each Indian’s identity, those identities themselves
can vary widely depending on backgrounds, regions and socio-economic levels.
 Even within religions, there can be significant differences in how this is practiced and
therefore how identity is defined.
Importance of cultural diversity
 Recognizing that there is a large amount of cultures that exist and Respecting each other’s
differences
 Learning about other cultures helps us understand different perspectives within the world in
which we live.
 It helps dispel negative stereotypes and personal biases about different groups.
 In addition, cultural diversity helps us recognize and respect “ways of being” that are not
necessarily our own
 Acknowledging that all cultural expressions are valid
 Valuing what cultures have to bring to the table
 Empowering diverse groups to contribute

 Celebrating differences, not just tolerating them
Conclusion
This diversity and the pluralism it fosters have been a key strength for India, creating a vibrant and
dynamic society that is open to new ideas, and quick to adopt and adapt innovations regardless of
their origin, as well as creating a strong democratic polity with checks and balances on its leadership.
If properly leveraged, India’s diversity is a fundamental strategic asset for the country’s development
and standing in the world.
Role of women and women’s organization; population and associated issues,

poverty and developmental issues,
To fully harness India’s demographic dividend, the government must address
significant gaps in education and skills training to ensure that the population’s
potential is realized to its fullest extent. Analyse. (250 words)
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
According to the IMF, it is expected to grow at nearly 6% in FY 24. On their own, the numbers paint a
picture of slowing growth. However, if put in the right context, with global growth slowing to a crawl,
the numbers underline the Indian economy’s resilience.
To write about demographic dividend, impediments to achieving and ways to overcome it.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by defining demographic dividend and its various features.
Body:
First, write about the various impediments to achieving the dividend – demographic dividend may
turn into a liability in the absence of enough jobs and the required skilled workforce etc.
Next, suggest ways to overcome the limitations.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
Introduction
Demographic dividend, as defined by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) means, “the
economic growth potential that can result from shifts in a population’s age structure, mainly when
the share of the working-age population (15 to 64) is larger than the non-working-age share of the
population (14 and younger, and 65 and older).” India has one of the youngest populations in an
aging world. By 2020, the median age in India was 28 years. Demographics can change the pace and
pattern of economic growth.
The UN report, World Population Prospects 2022, forecasts that the world’s population will touch
eight billion this year and rise to 9.8 billion in 2050. What is of immediate interest to India is that its
population will surpass China’s by 2023 and continue to surge.

Body
India has long been touted as the next big economic growth story after China. India has one of the
youngest populations in an aging world. By 2020, the median age in India will be just 28 years. One
of the primary reasons for that has been its young population which constitutes 59% of all Indians.
Since 2018, India’s working-age population (people between 15 and 64 years of age) has grown
larger than the dependent population. This bulge in the working-age population is going to last till
2055, or 37 years from its beginning. The hope has remained that as the young Indian population
enters the working age, it will lead to higher economic growth.
Challenges in India to reap the demographic dividend:
 Health:
o Healthcare provisions in India is grossly inadequate and access to healthcare is

highly inequitable. Lack of efficient public healthcare and burden of out-of-pocket
health expenditures reduces people’s capacity or disables them from investing in the
human capital of their children.
o ineffective functioning (corruption and leakages) of the public distribution system

(PDS), growing economic inequalities and lack of nutritional awareness pose
challenges in combating malnutrition
 Education:
o Basic literacy (the ability to read and write) in the overall population has progressed
modestly. However, there is persistent gender differentials, and major differentials
by caste and religion.
o The state of functional literacy and professional skills is poor. Indian graduates have
low employability and does not meet changing economic structure or support global
competitiveness.
 Rising Inequality:
o In India, a large portion of the population is below the poverty line, therefore, they
do not have easy access to primary health and education.
o There is growing inequality across social groups and income groups which translates
itself into poor socio-economic mobility.
o Lack of socioeconomic mobility hinders human capital development and traps a

large section of population to be in the vicious circle of poverty.
 Lack of Skilling:
o According to the National Sample Survey, out of the 470 million people of working
age in India, only 10% receive any kind of training or access to skilled employment
opportunities.
o There’s a huge mismatch between demand and supply when it comes to skilled
workforce and employment opportunities, which could place a strain on the
economy in the long run
 Inadequate use of knowledge bases from technology developments:

o There is a disconnect between India’s rate of technological growth and ability to

distribute the gains from it by adequately focusing on skilling and health.
o The use of technical advancements has been concentrated in few sectors and
benefits accrued by a few elitist sections of the society.
 Jobless growth:
o India’s high growth rate phase (2004-05 to 2010-11) has created significantly fewer
jobs as compared to previous decades of economic growth.
o Around 47 % of India’s population is still dependent on agriculture which is

notorious for underemployment and disguised unemployment.
o Majority of the workforce is employed by the unorganized sector where workers are
underpaid and lack any kind of social security.
 Falling female labour force participation:
o According to data from International Labour Organization and World Bank,

India’s female labour force participationrates have fallen from 34.8 % in 1990 to 27
% in 2013.
o Socio-cultural factors and rising family incomes have been identified as the main
reasons for this decline.
o Another appalling concern is that a significant proportion of qualified women drop
out of the workforce for reasons ranging from no suitable jobs in the locality—
particularly in rural areas—to family responsibilities and marriage.
A differential planning approach is needed:
 To engineer an inclusive and sustainable growth for India, the social infrastructure like
education, health and social protection are being given utmost priority by the Government
 The gaps in the expenditure on social infrastructure like health and education should be
closed by strengthening the delivery mechanisms of the government initiatives. Protecting
and investing in people’s health, education, and skilling is vital for reducing income
inequality, and sustained inclusive economic growth.
 India needs to increase its spending on health and education. As recommended by

the National Health Policy 2017 and the NEP 2020, India needs to increase its spending on
health and education to at least 2.5 % in 6 % of GDP respectively from its current levels.
Enhancing policies to maintain and even increase health and longevity will therefore be
necessary.
 The current situation calls for more and better schools, especially in rural areas. It also calls
for better transportation links between rural areas and regional urban hubs.
 India has to invest more in human capital formation at all levels, from primary education to
higher education, cutting-edge research and development as well as on vocational
training to increase the skill sets of its growing working-age population.

 The flagship schemes such as Skill India, Make in India, and Digital India have to be
implemented to achieve convergence between skill training and employment generation.
 Bridging the gender gaps in education, skill development, employment, earnings and
reducing social inequalities prevalent in the society have been the underlying goals of the
development strategy to enhance human capabilities.
 Improved infrastructure, skill development, access to easy finance, reducing barriers to

entrepreneurship and forums for mentorship of emerging entrepreneurs in partnership
with corporates are some of measures.
 Decentralized models of development: Social policies for each state must be differentiated
to accommodate different rates of population growth. The populations in south and west
India are growing at a much slower pace than in the central and eastern states.
Conclusion:
A multi-pronged approach is imperative to reap the demographic dividend. There is also a need
to engage with the youth and create an enabling environment for entrepreneurship. The
demographic dividend offers them a unique opportunity to boost living standards, but they must act
now to manage their older populations in the near future by implementing policies that ensure a
safe and efficient transition from the first demographic dividend to the second demographic
dividend.
Poor nutrition can lead to a wide range of health problems and negative outcomes,
both on an individual and societal level. Analyse the role of dietary diversity in tackling
malnutrition in the country. (250 words)
Reference: Down to Earth
Why the question:
The article emphasizes the importance of dietary diversity in addressing child malnutrition in India. It
highlights that a lack of access to a varied and nutritious diet contributes to the prevalence of
malnutrition in the country.
To write about the impact and suggest measures to tackle malnutrition in India.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by giving statistic regarding malnutrition in India based on NFHS-5.
Body:
In the first part, write about the consequences of malnutrition – which includes stunting (low height
for age), wasting (low weight for height), underweight (low weight for age) and micronutrient
deficiencies or insufficiencies (a lack of important vitamins and minerals). The other is overweight,
obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases (such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and
cancer).
Next, write about various policy measures taken so far. Suggest measures to further improve them.
Write about the role that dietary diversity can plan in tackling malnutrition.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward to achieve SDG-2

Introduction
India, currently has the largest number of undernourished people in the world i.e. around 195
million. Nearly 47 million or 4 out of 10 children in India do not meet their full human potential
because of chronic undernutrition or stunting. India ranks 94/ 107 countries in the Global Hunger
Index 2020. Malnutrition is caused by a lack or imbalance of certain types of nutrients necessary for
a healthy life.
Body
Consequences of Poor nutrition
 The National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 shows negligible gains in nutritional outcomes
among under-five children.
 There has been tardy progress in reducing undernutrition, wasting and stunting.
 It is a national shame that even now, 5% of under-five children are stuntedand 3% are
wasted.
 Thirteen of the 22 states/union territories in the country show a rise in stunting. The highest
rise in stunting is in Meghalaya at 46.5 percent followed by Bihar at 42.9 percent, although
Bihar shows an improvement from 48.3 percent in 2015-2016.
 Childhood anaemia has worsened from NFHS-4.
 Anaemia among adolescent girls and women aged 15-49 has also worsened.
 Malnutrition results in a reduced ability to work and increased susceptibility to disease, and
depending on the nutrients lacking: anaemia, blindness, mental retardation, or death.
 India loses 4% of its GDP annually due to malnourishment.
role of dietary diversity in tackling malnutrition in the country
 Dietary diversityis the variety or the number of different food groups people eat over the
time given.
 It is also important to maintain dietary diversity because relying on one type of food will not
be enough to sustain the body’s nutritional needs.
 Dietary diversity and eating a variety of foods from each food group is crucial for supplying
the individual with all the essential nutrients that the body needs, including carbohydrates,
proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water, so that the body can function properly and
generate energy, grow, repair damaged tissue, and regulate the body’s biochemical
reactions.
 People need to consume diverse food items to take advantage of the different nutritional
benefits associated with them.
 Locally available food is an accessible and cost-effective option that results in better
nutritional output without changing the dietary habits of the community.
 Proper nutrition and dietary diversity produce cascading effects—a woman with a nutritious
diet is more likely to give birth to a healthy baby, which paves the way to a healthy
childhood. Similarly, a family with a well-rounded diet is more likely to be fit for work,
happy, prosperous, and would save considerable amounts of money over time on healthcare
costs.
Way forward
 According to NITI Aayog (based on WHO meta-analysis on the impact of rice

fortification): A rice fortification budget of around ₹2,800 crore per year can save 35% of the
total DALYs per year with no known risk of toxicity.
 Rice fortification(costs less than 1% of the food subsidy bill (2018-19): It has the potential to
prevent 94 million anemia cases.
 Despite the programme’s proven efficacy: activists have expressed concern that excess iron
overload from fortified rice has been dangerous for Jharkhand’s tribal population suffering
from sickle cell anemia and thalassaemia.
o It need to be addressed through proper research.
 Reduction of micronutrient deficiency: Given its proven efficacy and cost-effectiveness,

food fortification can help us in reducing micronutrient deficiencies and address overall
health benefits.
 The intervention, carried out with precautions: It is the key to the malnutrition issue which
the nation continues to grapple with.
 Poor nutrition: There is an urgent need to address the maladies that poor nutrition can
inflict on the masses, especially given the diverse populations in India.
 Getting schemes right: It requires greater involvement of local government and local
community groups in the design and delivery of tailored nutrition interventions.
 Child nutrition:The need of the hour is to make addressing child malnutrition the top
priority of the government machinery, and all year around
 There is an urgent need for reorientation of the long-term direction of agri-food systems to
not only enhance farm incomes but also ensure better access to safe and nutritious foods.
 Additionally, the agri-food systems need to be reoriented to minimise cost on the

environment and the climate.
Child labour continues to persist in India due to several interrelated factors. Universal
social protection can play a crucial role in combating child labour in India. Examine. (250
words)
Why the question:
The article emphasizes the need for a united front in the battle against child labor. It highlights that
child labor is a complex issue with various contributing factors, such as poverty, lack of education,
weak enforcement of laws, and social norms.


To write about the causes behind child labour menace and role of universal social protection in
ending it.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by giving statistic relating to child labour in India.
Body:
First, write about the various measures to curb child labour and reasons for its continuance despite it
– Poverty, inequality, lack of educational opportunities, slow demographic transition, traditions and
cultural expectations etc.
Next, write about universal social protection – what it is, how it can help in curbing child labour. Cite
examples and facts. Also, mention its shortcomings and how that can be addressed.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward and importance of ending child labour in achieving SDG’s.
Introduction
Child labour typically means the employment of children in any manual work with or without
payment. It is a deep rooted social ill in India. As per the 2011 Census, in the age group 5-14 years,
10.1 million of 259.6 million constituted working children. The true extent of the impact of the
COVID-19 pandemic on child labour is yet to be measured but all indications show that it would be
significant as children are unable to attend school and parents are unable to find work. However,
not all the factors that contribute to child labour were created by the pandemic; most of them were
pre-existing and have been exposed or amplified by it.
The United Nations observes June 12 each year as the ‘World Day Against Child Labour’ to bring
attention to the evil practices of child labour across the world. The theme of this year’s labour day
is “Week of Action against Child Labour” with an objective to raise awareness about child Labour
and to make a pledge to end it.
Body
Factors behind continuance of child labour in India
 Poverty
o The main reason for child labour is poverty.
o Poverty forces families to push their children to work for a living.
 Lack of educational resources
o There are instances where children are deprived of their fundamental right to
education.
o There are areas with no proper facilities of education.
o Lack of affordable school for poor children leaves them illiterate and helpless which
push them into the trap of child labour.
 Social and economic backwardness

o Due to illiteracy, many times parents are not aware of various information and
schemes for child education.
o Lack of education, illiteracy and lack of awareness of their rights have encouraged
child labour.
o Also, uneducated parents do not know about the impact of child labour on their
children.
 Disease or Disability
o In many families, due to disease or disability, there is no earning, and the child’s
wages are the sole means of family’s sustenance.
 Poor compliance of laws
o In the absence of proper compliance of the laws, child labour is continuing.
o It can be prohibited only by strict adherence to the related laws.
 Lure of cheap labour
o Some shopkeepers, companies and factory owners employ children so that they
have to pay less to them.
o With the development of globalization, privatization, and consumerist culture, the

need for cheap labour and its linkage with economic needs of poor families have
encouraged child labour.
 Discrimination between boys and girls
o Even today some believe that girls are weaker and there is no equal comparison
between boys and girls.
o Considering girls weaker than boys deprives them of school and education.
o In labourer families, girls are found to be engaged in labour along with their parents.
Does universal social protection help end the menace of child labour
 By reducing family poverty risks and vulnerability, supporting livelihoods and school
enrolment amongst other things, government social protection systems are essential in the
fight to eradicate and prevent child labour.
 The good news is that in recent years many countries have significantly improved social
protection coverage, by strengthening their social protection systems, and establishing
effective social protection floors.
 However, global coverage is still too low: as of 2020, less than half of the global population
were effectively covered by at least one social protection benefit, leaving more than four
billion people wholly unprotected.
 Social protection coverage varies widely by region, broadly aligned with income levels.
 Measures to reduce the income insecurity of adults, including unemployment protection,

employment guarantee schemes, disability benefits, maternity benefits and social pensions,

also contribute to mitigating vulnerability for poor households, and can contribute to
preventing and reducing child labour.
 Within any broader social security system, building a national social protection floor is
particularly relevant to addressing vulnerabilities associated with child labour.
 Social protection floors provide a set of basic social security guarantees, including a basic
level of income security throughout the life cycle and access to essential health care.
 These basic guarantees, in turn, are essential in addressing the multifaceted economic and
social vulnerabilities which give rise to and perpetuate child labour.
 Where children and their families enjoy basic income security and access to essential health
care, and where the necessary education and other services are in place, child labour can be
effectively prevented.
Conclusion
Eliminating child labour is firmly placed within Goal 8 of the SDGs. A stronger nexus between the
discourse on SDGs and the discourse on eliminating child labour can take the advantage of
complementarities and synergies of a wide range of actors engaged in both areas of work. The fight
against child labour is not just the responsibility of one, it is the responsibility of all. Social
protection instruments can play an important role in reducing child labour by mitigating poverty and
economic vulnerabilities and enhancing poor families’ resilience.
What factors contribute to the decline in the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of India? Evaluate
the difficulties that India faces as its fertility rate decreases in a thorough manner. (250
words)
Reference: Live Mint , Insights on India
Why the question:
The article discusses the challenges faced by India in achieving replacement-level fertility, the
disparities in Total Fertility Rates (TFRs) across different regions, and the resulting crisis of
representation.
To write about the causes of falling TFR and the challenges it poses.
Introduction:
Begin by giving context from the NFHS-5 data.
Body:
First, write about the factors that have contributed to declining TFR are: Higher education, increased
mobility, late marriage, financial independence among women and overall prosperity.
Next, possible challenges that the falling TFR may lead to.
Conclusion:
Conclude by suggesting solutions to the challenges.
Introduction

Total fertility rate (TFR) indicates the average number of children expected to be born to a woman
during her reproductive span of 15-49 years. The data in NFHS 2019-21, the fifth in the survey
series, shows the fertility rate at 1.6 per cent in urban areas and 2.1 in rural India.
Body
Recently released data from National Family Health Survey’s fifth round (NFHS-5) reveal that
India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has decreased to 2.0 from 2.2 in the previous round. TFR is the
number of children born to a heterosexual couple during their reproductive life. Given that 2.1 is the
figure at which the population is maintained at a stable level, taking into account the likelihood of
some child deaths, the latest number suggests that the spectre of population explosion need no
longer haunt India.
Even as the goal of population stabilisation is being achieved, it is imperative that we invest in
fostering the health and wellbeing of all our people, throughout their life course. Decline in fertility
frees up funds for investment in development of our human resources.
Value addition
Trends in the declining Total Fertility Rate in India
 NFHS-5 places the total fertility rate (TFR) at 2.0. known as replacement level of fertility. This
decline is spread evenly across the country.
o 28 states and UTs have a TFR of 9 or less, with seven below 1.6.
o All southern states have a TFR of 1.7-1.8, similar to that of Sweden.

 Even states that have not reached replacement fertility — Bihar and Uttar Pradesh — seem
to be head in that direction.
 Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan that were part of the lagging states have
achieved TFRs of 0.
 With falling fertility (currently 2.0), the median age of India has risen from 24 years in 2011
to 29 years now and is expected to be 36 years by 2036.
o With a falling dependency ratio (expected to decrease from 65% to 54% in the
coming decade taking 15-59 years as the working age population), India is in the
middle of a demographic transition.
Reasons for falling fertility rate:
 Higher education, increased mobility, late marriage, financially independent women,

overall prosperityare all contributing to a falling TFR.
 It goes below 2 in both urban and rural areas, where girls complete schooling and reduces
further as they pass college.
 Bihar, with the highest TFR of 3.2, had the maximum percentage of illiterate women at
26.8%, while Kerala, where the literacy rate among women is 99.3%, had among the lowest
fertility rates.
 Increased focus on family planning by use of Contraceptives, increased tubectomies and

relatively lesser vasectomies have also contributed to the reducing TFR.
 Urbanization, reduced joint family system, increasing nuclear and single-parent families,
higher cost of living in urban areas and higher wages have discouraged aspiring parents to
reduce the number of kids.
 Working people in urban areas want better pay, implying that they have to reduce the
number of children so as to increase the time they spend at their workplace.
 As more cities come up, people move for jobs and employment tenure gets shorter, TFR may
fall further.
Decreasing fertility rate and its challenges:
 The decrease in fertility and the associated decrease in the dependency ratio, in turn lead to
an increase in the share of the population concentrated in the working ages and hence in
the ratio of the working age to the non-working age population.
 Dependency ratio:
o The proportion of workers rises sharply, even as the proportion of dependants falls.
In many countries, the ratio of workers to dependents goes up, giving a huge boost
to per capita income.
o India will see a significant rise in working age adults India’s dependency ratio that is
the number of dependents to working people is low at 0.6, compared with the

developed countries. That ratio is going to decline further with fertility rates
continuing to fall.
 For the next few decades India will have a youthful, dynamic and productive workforce than
the rest of the world.
 A demographic trend where the proportion of persons aged 15-24 in the population
increases significantly compared to other age groups which paired with limited employment
opportunities may contribute to increased poverty, hunger, malnutrition, poorer health,
lower educational outcomes, child labour, unsupervised and abandoned children, and
rising rates of domestic violence.
 Education constraints:
o There are serious problems with Indian higher education. These include a shortage
of high quality faculty, poor incentive structures, lack of good regulation
o India is home to the world’s largest concentration of illiterate people in the world
 Health:
o At the primary level, there are also serious problems with health and nutrition that
impact the effectiveness of education and the capacity for learning.
o In future large proportion of older working aged people who face longer periods of
retirement, accumulate assets to support themselves.
Way forward:
 Health and education parameters need to be improved substantially to make the Indian
workforce efficient and skilled.
 Enhance, support and coordinate private sector initiatives for skill development through
appropriate Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models; strive for significant operational and
financial involvement from the private sector
 Focus on underprivileged sections of society and backward regions of the country thereby
enabling a move out of poverty; similarly, focus significantly on the unorganized or informal
sector workforce.
 Measures should have pan Indian presence and not just concentrated in metropolitan cities
as most of the workforce is likely to come from the rural hinterland.
 Investing in people through healthcare, quality education, jobs and skills helps build human
capital, which is key to supporting economic growth, ending extreme poverty, and creating
more inclusive societies
 New technology could be exploited to accelerate the pace of building human capital,
including massive open online courses and virtual classrooms
 Policymakers should have a greater incentive to redouble their efforts to promote human
capital so that it can contribute to economic growth and job creation
Value addition
Findings from NFHS-5

 NFHS-5 finds that there has been a significant increase in current use of any modern
contraceptive method, which stands at 56.5 per cent in 2019-21 against 47.8 per cent in
2015-16. The share of condoms is 9.5 per cent against 5.6 per cent in 2015-16.
 The uptake of female sterilisation has gone up to 38 per cent against 36 per cent in 2015-16.
 The uptake of injectable contraceptives, introduced in 2017, remains abysmally low at 0.6
per cent.
 The increase in female sterilisation shows that the onus of family planning remains with
women, with men not participating in the process and “shrugging responsibility.
 The quality of care in family planning has shown significant improvement with 62 per cent of
current users reporting that they received information on side effects from service providers.
This has increased from 46 per cent in the last survey.
 The number of women who have a bank account they operate themselves has increased
significantly from 53 per cent in 2015-16 to 79 percent, the data show.
Urbanization, their problems and their remedies.

Effective governance and urban planning strategies that prioritize inclusivity,
environmental sustainability, and social well-being are key in order to ensure cities
become agents of positive change. Elaborate. (250 words)
Reference: Down to Earth , Insights on India
Why the question:
The article emphasizes the critical role of cities in shaping the future and the potential they possess to
either contribute to or hinder societal progress.
To understand the main issues in the urban areas as well as mention the necessary steps through
planning and administration to boost the quality of life in urban areas.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by giving an account on how rapidly Indian Urban spaces are growing both in terms of
population density as well as growing urban spills.
Body:
First, mention the various issues plaguing urban areas such as a need for affordable housing, issues
of urban slums, waste management, poor drainage etc.
Next, mention about the important factors on which policy deliberation needs to take place such as
balance of urban population density with economies of scale and infrastructural facilities among
others.
Next discuss the importance of mobilising funds other than public funds and also some of the
essential components of urban planning to include sustainability, improved mobility etc for a well
functioning urban space.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising the key components for a functional and effective urban city.
Introduction

India’s towns and cities have expanded rapidly as increasing numbers migrate to towns and cities in
search of economic opportunity. Indian cities contribute to about 2/3 of the economic output, host a
growing share of the population and are the main recipients of FDI and the originators of
innovation and technology and over the next two decades are projected to have an increase of
population from 282 million to 590 million people.
But various issues hinder the sustainable growth of cities that had led to problems if congestion,
poor drainage, urban flooding and so on.
Body
Issues plaguing the urban areas
The challenges of unsustainability surround the Indian cities at multiple levels.
 First, the urban system is dominated by a few large cities, clustered in the western flank of
India, with huge implications for balanced regional development.
o India suffers from the ‘Tyranny of Capitals’ – with a majority of commercial and
demographic activity concentrated into regional seats of power. This concentration
skews resource allocation and prevents the development of second cities.
o Next, large cities control a significant share of the Indian economy, the propulsive
industries, and new economic opportunities.
 A majority of cities in India face hard challenges related to housing, transport, electricity,
water supply, pollution, and congestion.
 Internally, most cities are also marked by significant social exclusion, crime, and violence.
 Also, the government policies to tackle the urban challenges and to avail the emerging
opportunities have been lackadaisical and, in many ways, irrelevant to solve pressing
problems.
 City infrastructure across India is in disrepair, and 2017 gave us a series of unfortunate
examples in Mumbai: multiple building collapses, a stampede after a pedestrian bridge
collapsed, lamentable monsoon floods, and a horrific fire in the Kamla Mills complex.
Important factors on which policy deliberation needs to take place
 Government’s urban development strategy: There two urban related ministries at the
national (GoI) level- the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) and Ministry of Housing
and Urban Poverty Alleviation (MoHUPA).
o The Government of India’s overarching urban development objectives is to create

economically productive, efficient, inclusive and responsive ULBs, by focusing on
strategic outcomes: (i) universal access to a minimum level of services; (ii)
establishment of city wide frameworks for planning and governance; (iii) modern
and transparent budgeting, accounting and FM; (iv) financial sustainability for ULBs
and service delivery institutions; (v) utilization of e-governance; (vi) transparency
and accountability in urban service delivery and management; (vii) Slum-free cities.

 Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission launched in 2005 (which was replaced by the Atal
Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation in 2015). The focus of both these
missions has been on urban reforms and massive investment in infrastructures, especially
in megacities.
 Smart City: Another very important program for the urban development, especially of
megacities, by the Government of India—accompanied by huge investments in these cities—
is the Smart Cities Mission, which aims at making the cities ‘smart’ through:
o Promoting mixed land-use;
o housing and inclusiveness;
o creating walkable localities;
o preserving and developing open spaces;
o promoting a variety of transport options;
o applying smart solutions to infrastructure and services in area-based development.
Urbanization must lead to economic development
 It is estimated that currently (2020), the share of India’s urban population is about 35% of its
total population, but the share of total GDP originating from urban areas is about 70-75%.
o The share of urban areas in India’s total GDP was 45% in 1990, and rose to 63% in
2014
 It is argued that the rising urbanization will ignite urban consumption, services, and
infrastructure, and that the urban focus can put India’s economy on a higher growth path
through:
o Fuelling urban consumption, especially of the premium-end of consumer goods and

automobiles;
o Powering urban services like consumer banking, healthcare, telecom data services,
and internet;
o Driving the infrastructure sector, including civic urban infrastructure services and
real estate.
 Human capital and innovation: Cities are the centres of knowledge, innovation and
specialization of production and services. Cities facilitate creative thinking and innovation.
 Economic Agglomeration: Agglomeration economies are the positive benefits of economic

activities that firms obtain from being located in close proximity with those engaged in
similar businesses or interests (i.e. agglomerating).
o It refers to the reduction of business cost as more efficiency and productivity occur
because of positive technological and pecuniary externalities arising from the
interaction of economic agents located in close spatial proximity due to economies
of scale and knowledge spillovers.

Conclusion
The point of a city is to facilitate interactions between citizens, businesses, and public institutions.
These interactions are what drive economic growth within cities – investments from companies,
consumption of citizenry, the city investing in interventions that aid its organic growth, and business
activity. These factors work best when they are not mutually exclusive. By investing in the
development of sustainable cities, India needs to break away from the myth of the
compartmentalized city.
Effects of globalization on Indian society

It is important to note that the positive and negative effects of globalization are not
evenly distributed. Some countries have benefited more from globalization than others.
Critically analyse the effects of globalization on India. (250 words)
Reference: Live Mint , Insights on India
Why the question:
The article discusses the perils of globalization, particularly in the context of human migration.
To write about positive and negative effects of globalization on Indian society and culture.
Directive word:
Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature
of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. When ‘critically’
is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a
balanced judgment on the topic.
Introduction:
Begin by defining Globalisation.
Body:
First, write about the positive effects of globalisation on Indian society and culture – cite examples
and statistics to substantiate.
Next, write about the negative effects of globalisation on Indian society and culture – cite examples
and statistics to substantiate.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward to minimise the negatives and maximise the positives.
Introduction
Globalization is an international platform for maintaining evenness in the living mode of the people
all over the world. Globalization is the resultant of the interchange of worldly views, opinions and
the various aspects of the culture everywhere around the world. The impact of globalization on
Indian and rural life has a tremendous influence which is both positive as well as negative. The
Indian urban and rural life is viewed as the two faces of the same coin. They are mutually
interdependent and both have a greater impact of globalization.
Body
Impact of globalization on Indian rural society
 Positives:

o Commercialization of agriculture: There is an increased trend of commercialization

from sustenance farming. This has been successful only with farmers having large
tracts of lands.
o Expansion of agro-industries: Increased crop yield has led to development of agro-

processing industries which help in adding value to the products and increasing their
shelf life. E.g.; Tomato Ketchup, Potato chips etc.
o Wider use of information, communication and technologies: Agricultural extension

techniques like Kisan TV, sms about weather conditions has helped farmers plan
better. Initiatives like e-Nam have helped farmers get better prices in certain areas.
o Increased Mechanization, better inputs: Mechanization like use of tractors,
harvesters, tillers has eased the job. High yield variety seeds, fertilizers have given
better yield as seen during Green Revolution
o Socio-economic development: With telemedicine and teleeducation, people are

able to access the health and education facilities at the remotest areas. Adult
literacy has helped in fighting for their rights.
o MSMEs: There has been a rise of MSMEs with women entrepreneurs heading it.
 Negatives:
o Changes in Land-Use patterns
o Internal labour migration: Labour migration to cities

from rural areas in search of employment was a common
phenomenon. This was for various reasons especially for
luxurious life, handsome salary and for numerous job opportunities
o Increasing privatization of resources: Rural population is

still suffering from unemployment as rural labour is mostly uneducat
ed and unskilled. Machines and latest
technologies have reduced the number of manpower a lot
o Loss of jobs and Displacement: due to mechanization, women are the worst
sufferers. When big-ticket projects like Dams, Roads, and Mining come up, people
are displaced making them internal refugees.
o Increased inequality: Regional and sectional disparity due to only a few reaping the
benefits.
o No Behavioural changes: Open defecation still present, caste discriminations are still
prevalent.
Impact of globalization on Indian urban society
Positives:
 Increased Urbanization: It has been estimated that by 2050 more than 50% of India’s
population will live in cities. The boom of services sector and city centric job creation has led
to increasing rural to urban migration.

 Increased job opportunities: due to inflow of MNCs, FDIs, people have a wide choice of job
opportunities provided they have the requisite skills. Startups like Ola, Swiggy etc. have
revolutionized the Gig-Economy. Development of Industries have also provided with jobs.
 Higher Per capita income: employees are paid well albeit lesser than the global pay levels.
 Enhanced lifestyle: due to higher PCI and wide array of facilities available from which the
consumer can choose. It has raised the quality of life of many.
 Better infrastructure: In terms of education, health, transport available to people. This has
in turn enhanced the agglomeration of economies leading to industrial belts, IT parks, SEZ,
CEZ etc.
 Rapid Digitization: for faster and ease of connectivity, most of the services are digitized. This
also increases the awareness of citizens in terms of rights, happenings around world etc. On
the Governmental side, there is more accountability and transparency and faster delivery of
services.
Negatives:
 Family Structure: The increasing migration coupled with financial independence has led to
the breaking of joint families into nuclear ones. The western influence of individualism has
led to an aspirational generation of youth. Concepts of national identity, family, job and
tradition are changing rapidly and significantly.
 Marriage Values: Similarly, marriages have also lost their values. It is very much evident
from the increasing number of divorce cases and the extra-marital affairs reported every
now and then.
 McDonaldization: A term denoting the increasing rationalization of the routine tasks of

everyday life. It becomes manifested when a culture adopts the characteristics of a fast-food
restaurant. McDonaldization is a reconceptualization of rationalization, or moving from
traditional to rational modes of thought, and scientific management.
 Walmartization: A term referring to profound transformations in regional and global
economies through the sheer size, influence, and power of the big-box department store
WalMart. It can be seen with the rise of big businesses which have nearly killed the small
traditional businesses in our society.
 Rise in Lifestyle diseases: due to reduced physical activity, increased habits of liquor and
smoking etc.
 Urban Sprawl: Increasing slums, unplanned urbanizations are on the rise which is a ticking
time-bomb.
Conclusion
It is difficult to say that the impact of globalization has been totally positive or totally negative. It has
been both. Each impact mentioned above can be seen as both positive as well as negative. However,
it becomes a point of concern when, an overwhelming impact of globalization can be observed on
the Indian rural and urban society.

What are the reasons behind the phenomenon of deglobalization that is currently
observed globally? Are there any benefits for Indian society in the context of
deglobalization? (250 words)
Reference: Live Mint
Why the question:
The article discusses the impact and consequences of de-globalization.
To write about deglobalisation, its causes and impact on the Indian society.
Introduction:
Start by defining deglobalisation.
Body:
First, in the detail explain the carious facets of deglobalisation – economic and cultural.
Next, write about the various factors leading to deglobalisation – pandemic, nationalism, shortages,
lack of basic needs etc.
Next write about the various positives and negatives of deglobalisation on the Indian society.
Specifically highlight the various positives of deglobalisation – reduce income inequality, reduce
environmental disequilibrium etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward to address the negatives.
Introduction
The term de-globalisation is used by economic and market commentators to highlight the trend of
several countries wanting to go back to economic and trade policies that put their national
interests first. These policies often take the form of tariffs or quantitative barriers that impede free
movement of people, products and services among countries. The idea behind all this protectionism
is to shield local manufacturing by making imports costlier.
Body
Background
 The COVID-19 pandemic is driving the world economy to retreat from global economic
integration.
 Policymakers and business leaders are now questioning whether global supply chains have
been stretched too far.
 In an environment where alliances are uncertain and international cooperation is absent,
they are also asking whether they should reduce their economic interdependence.
 National security and public health concerns are providing new rationales
for protectionism, especially for medical gear and food, and an emphasis on domestic
sourcing.
Factors contributing to deglobalisation
 Right wing politics in West: A surge in populist politics in Europe and the US has ridden a
wave of opposition to globalized economies and international institutions such as
the World Trade Organization (WTO) and NATO.

 Brexit: Leaving the European Union (EU) is written into the constitutions of populist
parties in countries such as Poland and Hungary.
 Delegitimization of International Organizations: The United Nations (UN) is widely viewed

as weak and deadlocked, and populist movements tend to ridicule the notion of belonging
to an international community of nations.
o International organizations have seen their reputations suffer, either condemned as

too powerful or too weak.
o The World Health Organization (WHO) struggled to drive an efficient response to

the COVID–19 pandemic, in large part due to uncooperative governments.
 Lockdown of national borders: The COVID-19 pandemic illustrates the danger of relying on
global supply chains for essential medical supplies, while climate change demands
reductions in the enormous carbon footprint of international trade.
o India came up with self-sufficient ‘Atmanirbharta’ concept and so did many other
nations.
o Nations like Japan and India have joined hands to from SCRI – Supply Chain
Resilience Initiative.
Positives of deglobalisation
 Increased manufacturing: Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan will provide impetus for

indigenous manufacturing and becoming self-reliant in products, so that dependency mainly
on China is reduced.
 Reduce income inequality: Deglobalization is successful if the goal is to reduce income

inequality (the Gini coefficient falls by .005) and to increase the share of manufacturing in
the Indian economy.
o It also means that more jobs will be available for youth who are entering the work
force.
 India’s share in global trade: India, while protecting its national interests, has an
opportunity to redefine the contours of global trade. Companies whose factories and units
are in China, can be attracted towards India, which also offers alternative supply chain.
 Trade agreement with UK and EU: With Brexit, India can renew its attempt to arrive at a
free trade agreement with UK and reign in the trade opportunities. Similarly, India and EU
have been negotiating a trade agreement that will propel the trade.
o India, with its much-hyped demographic dividend, offers unparalleled markets to EU

investors and an enabling FTA can accrue wide ranging economic gains to all
stakeholders.
 Pharmacy of the world: India stands to gain by becoming generic drug manufacturer, as well
as vaccines and become net distributors of the same. India must focus on manufacturing
API’s by reducing dependency on China and increase its production.
Negative Impact of deglobalisation on Indian society

 Impact on food security: Indonesia, the world’s top producer of palm oil which was
indicted for driving destruction of its tropical forests, has now sent shock waves as it has
banned exports of this cooking oil.
o Ukraine is a supplier of wheat and the war has led to severe shortage in the globe.
Same is the case with sunflower oil.
o This impacts the food security in India.
 High energy costs: It is fuelled partly because of the sanctions on Russian oil and gas that
are driving the world to leapfrog to wind and solar.
o But it is a fact that much of the rare earth minerals that will be needed to power this
new energy future from petro to electro are controlled by the same countries that
are in the non-democracy camp, from China to Russia.
o India’s antagonism with China makes it harder for India in obtaining Lithium to
achieve its FAME targets.
 Reduced income: While a retreat into protectionism may improve income equality in some
countries, it will reduce incomes of both the poor and the rich and poverty headcounts will
be increased.
 Political instability will rise in a majority of countries and the probability of interstate war
will increase.
o These results suggest that it would be far better to deal with the negative aspects of
globalization directly by improving trade adjustment assistance, providing more
secure access to health care, and negotiating new international agreements that
benefit all countries
 Migration: De-globalisation with respect to the mobility of services and people can impact
both the export of services, and the trend of Indians migrating abroad for higher education
and jobs.
 Climate change cooperation impacted: We are closing borders; shutting doors of global
trade and, worse, dividing and polarising the world into camps of good versus evil. This,
please remember, is happening at a time when climate change needs us to come together to
cooperate and act globally.
Conclusion
Globalisation is likely to have peaked amid the rise of populism and protectionism as well as social
and environmental challenges. The shifting trend from globalisation to regionalisation/localisation is
creating opportunities in regional/local markets including mid- and small-caps. At the same time,
deglobalisation also entails more political/geopolitical uncertainty, which could lead to market
volatility.
In a world where global trade and commerce is inevitable, protectionist policies of a few nations will
only cause severe inequality. A middle ground is the need of the hour and a gated globalization
could be the preferred option, with India paving the path for other nations to follow, in the decades
to come.

Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.

In India, transgender individuals face a range of challenges and issues due to societal
stigma, discrimination, and lack of legal recognition. While these legal measures
represent significant progress, their effective implementation and continued efforts to
address the underlying issues are crucial to ensuring the rights and well-being of
transgender individuals in India. Discuss. (250 words)
Reference: Live Mint
Why the question:
The article discusses the challenges faced by the transgender community in India and proposes
solutions for their inclusion.
To write about the problems associated with transgender persons in India and the legal measure
available to tackle these issues.
Directive:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context.
Body:
First, in detail, write about the problems faced by transgender – Identity crisis, discrimination, Social
Problems, unemployment etc.
Next, write about the rights are given to transgender under Indian law, talk about the Rights of
Transgender Persons Bill, 2016, talk about the National Council for Transgender Persons etc.
Next, write about the further measures that are required.
Conclusion:
Introduction
According to World Health Organization, Transgender is an umbrella term for people whose gender
identity and expression does not conform to the norms and expectations traditionally associated
with the sex assigned to them at birth. They are referred to as transsexuals if they desire medical
assistance in order to make the transition from one biological sex to another.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has constituted the National Council for
Transgender Persons, a requirement under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act,
2019.
Body
Problems and challenges faced by transgender community
 Discrimination: Transgender population remains one of the most marginalized groups.

Sexuality or gender identity often makes transgender a victim of stigmatization and
exclusion by the society

 Ostracization: Transgender individuals are often ostracized by society and sometimes, even
their own families view them as burdens and exclude them.
 Poverty: In many cases, this lack of legal protection translates into unemployment for
transgender people
 Education: Transgender people are unable to access equal educational opportunities

because of harassment, discrimination and even violence. Most transgender children are
forced to drop out of schools as Indian schools remain unequipped to handle children with
alternative sexual identities
 Health: Transgenders frequently experience discrimination when accessing health care, from
disrespect and harassment to violence and outright denial of service. The community
remains highly vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases like HIV AIDS. According to a
recent UNAIDS report, the HIV prevalence among transgenders in India is 3.1% (2017).
 Mental health issues include depression and suicidal tendencies, and violence-related stress
 Employment: They are economically marginalised and forced into professions like
prostitution and begging for livelihood or resorting to exploitative entertainment industry.
 Access to Public spaces and shelter: Transgenders face direct discrimination and denial
while accessing houses or apartments. Further, they also face problems due to lack of
provision of gender neutral/separate transgender toilets and discrimination in accessing
public toilets
 Civil Status: Possessing accurate and consistent identification documents has always been
challenging for the transgender community.
 Gender-based violence: Transgenders are often subjected to sexual abuse, rape and
exploitation.
Background
In 2014, the Supreme Court issued a sweeping judgment inNALSA v. India, which held that
transgender people should be legally recognised according to their gender identity, enjoy all
fundamental rights, and receive special benefits in education and employment. This must be
implemented and enforced.
Measures required to to ensure rights and well-being of transgender community
 A multi-prolonged approach with focus on public awareness campaigns is needed

to eliminate the social stigma associated with the transgender
o Eg: Recently 13 members of the transgender community have been selected as
constables under the Chhattisgarh police. This is truly historic and thrilling for a
community that had no legal recognition till the Supreme Court in NALSA vs. Union
of India (2014) ruled that transgender persons have the right to decide their self-
identified gender.

 Large scale sensitization needs to happen starting from the school level to accept the
transgender community integral component of societal life.
 Transgenders’ induction into the police force is a vital message to people that they are as
physically and mentally competent as others.
 Legal and the law enforcement systems need to be empowered and sensitized on the issues
of Transgender community.
 Stringent criminal and disciplinary action must be taken against the people who commits
violence against Transgender.
 The establishment of National Council for Transgender Persons which seeks to increase
awareness and inculcate sense of respect and acceptance for transgender community, is a
welcome step.
 Transgender Persons Act, 2019: The Act states that a transgender person shall have the
right to self-perceived gender identity. The Act prohibits discrimination against a
transgender person in various sectors such as education, employment, and healthcare etc. It
will give much needed legal protection to the transgenders.
Conclusion
The queer and gender non-conforming people have found an ally in the court, but they would need
greater effort on the part of the authorities at various levels, if their rights are to be protected. In
any case, any change in law in terms of recognising same-sex relations or understanding self-
identification of gender must be complemented by an attitudinal change in society at large.
Government must sensitise the general public and officials, to reduce and finally eliminate the
stigma associated with LGBTQ+ community through the mass media and the official channels. School
and university students too should be sensitised about the diversity of sexuality to deconstruct the
myth of heteronormativity. Heteronormativity is the root cause of hetero-sexism and homophobia.
By removing barriers and creating a level playing field, the country can harness the
untapped potential of its diverse population, leading to scientific advancements that
benefit society as a whole. Discuss. (250 words)
Why the question:
The article discusses the importance of achieving full equity in the field of science in India.
To write about the ways to achieve equity in STEM and improve participation.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Start the answer by citing the status of inequality in STEM in India.
Body:
First, write about the barriers leading to inequity in STEM.
Next, write about the steps that are needed – By ensuring equal access to education and
opportunities, diverse perspectives and ideas are integrated into scientific research
Next, write about its impact – increased innovation, creative problem-solving, and a more
comprehensive approach to societal challenges.
Conclusion:
Introduction
Science, technology, engineering, and medicine –together known as ‘STEM’ fields –suffer from lack
of women, especially in India. In school exam results, we hear of how girls have outshone boys, but
when it comes to those who take up research in later life, the number of women is minuscule. This
means that many of our best brains that showed the maximum potential do not pick research as a
career.
Since independence, successive governments in India have taken many steps in bringing gender
empowerment. However, various developmental indices reflect that still, a lot needs to be done in
this regard. One such area of improvement is increasing gender participation in STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
Body
India tops world rankings in producing female graduates in STEM with 43% but employs only 14% of
them. In comparison, Sweden produces 35% female STEM graduates and employs 34% of them.
Status of Women in STEM Fields
 About 43% of STEM graduates in India may be women, which is the highest in the world, but
women’s share in STEM jobs in India is a mere 14%.
 Most of the women STEM graduates in India either pursue another career or do not work at
all. Women across the world face the ‘leaky pipeline’ problem in STEM fields.
 Women leave the workforce, due to the absence of supportive institutional structures
during pregnancy, safety issues in fieldwork and the workplace.
 The STEM field is so perpetuated with gender stereotypes. It has a very strong male-
dominated culture. Further, there is a lack of role models for girls and women.
 Not just societal norms but issues related to poor education and healthcare access are
responsible for a lesser number of women in these fields.
However, as per the Department of Science and Technology data, the number of women
scientists has gone up in over the past two decades. The findings of a report in August 2022 are as
follows
 Women among researchers: Increased from 9% (2015) to 18.7% (2018)
 Good number of participation of women till post-graduate level and then there is a drop at
the post-doctoral level.
 Women in Engineering (14.5%) < Women in natural Science (22.5%) < Women in Health
(24.5%)
Reasons for this gender gap

 When highly qualified women drop out of the workforce, it results in considerable depletion
of national resources in science and technology.
 Stereotypes encountered by girls to the family-caring responsibilities.
 Patriarchal society.
 Women face bias when choosing a career.
 Women continue to face the same kind of discrimination at work as they face in society.
 According to a recent Accenture research report, the gender pay gap in India is as high as 67
percent.
 Various studies have found that girls excel at mathematics and science-oriented subjects in
school, but boys often believe they can do better, which shapes their choices in higher
studies.
 In 2015, an analysis of PISA scores by OECD found that the difference in math scores
between high-achieving boys and girls was the equivalent of about half a year at school.
 But when comparing boys and girls who reported similar levels of self-confidence and
anxiety about mathematics, the gender gap in performance disappeared — when girls were
more anxious, they tended to perform poorly.
Government Initiatives so far to bridge the gender gap in STEM:
 Vigyan Jyoti scheme:
o Announced in the 2017 budget for the Ministry of Science and Technology.
o The scheme aims to arrange for girl students of classes 9, 10 and 11 meet women
scientists, with the IITs and the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research.
o It is intended to create a level-playing field for the meritorious girls in high school to
pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in their higher
education
o It also offers exposure for girl students from the rural background to help to plan
their journey from school to a job of their choice in the field of science.
 GATI Scheme:
o The Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI) will develop a

comprehensive Charter and a framework for assessing Gender Equality in STEM.
 Inspire-MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge)
o Attract talented young boys and girls to study science and pursue research as a
career.
 Unnat Bharat Abhiyan programme
o Launched by the Ministry of Human Resource Development in 2014.
o Connect India’s elite institutes with local communities and address their
developmental challenges with appropriate technological interventions.

 Indo-US fellowship for women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and

medicine to participate in international collaborative research in premier institutions in
America
 Women-centric programmes under the Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement

through Nurturing (KIRAN)initiative
 Bio-technology Career Advancement and Reorientation (Bio-Care)
Way Forward
 Promote gender equality as an explicit human right.
 Identify and eliminate practices that create systemic and structural impediments to the
advancement of women in science.
 Support the empowerment of women to enable them to flourish in the scientific profession.
 Identify potential risks and hindrances to women in their pursuit of science and implement
strategies to eliminate them.
 Engage with the Government of India, scientific institutions and the civil society to promote
and support gender equality in general, and in science in particular.
 Replicating ISRO Model:The role of women engineers in the launch of the Indian Space
Research Organisation’s second moon mission, Chandrayaan-2 shows that how social
shackles pertaining to women are loosening. Thus, there is a need for emulating ISRO’s
model in STEM fields.
 Bringing Behavioural Change:Subdued gender participation emanates from social-economic

issues, which can be treated by bringing behavioural change. For this, the contributions of
women in the STEM sector should be highlighted in textbooks. This may motivate the next
generation of girls to be leaders in the STEM sector.
 Women’s participation in STEM should be encouraged from primary school level rather only
in higher studies.
 Awareness about gender inequality and its outcome has to be increased and the community
should be supportive and understanding of career prospects for women.
 Companies can provide more internship opportunities for women and give STEM
scholarships to meritorious yet economically backward girls.
 India’s forthcoming Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy (STIP) should focus on the
thrust on gender equity and inclusion. Digital India too provides an opportunity to impart
education in the STEM field to women.
Conclusion
A research report by McKinsey said that narrowing the gender gap in STEM can lead to an increase
of $12-28 trillion in the global economy. Thus, India should look at Gender equality as an essential
facet of the development perspective.

Salient features of world’s physical geography.

Examine the similarities and differences between the drainage systems of the
Himalayan region and the Indian subcontinent’s Peninsular region. (250 words)
Reference: Insights on India , Insights on India
Why the question:
To write about differences between Himalayan drainage system and the Peninsular drainage system
as well as its similarities.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by giving a brief about the drainage system of India.
Body:
First, write the differences between the both on the basis of evolution, nature, type of flow etc.
Next, explain some similarities between both the river systems.
Conclusion:
Introduction
The flow of water through well-defined channels is known as ‘drainage’ and the network of such
channels is called a ‘drainage system’.
Body

The catchment area of large rivers or river system is called a river basin while those of small rivers, a
lake, a tank is often referred to as a watershed. There is, however, a slight difference between a
river basin and a watershed. Watersheds are small in area, generally less than 1000 ha.
BASIS FOR
HIMALAYAN RIVERS PENINSULAR RIVERS
COMPARISON
Himalayan Rivers are the rivers Peninsular Rivers include those rivers
that originate from Himalayan that arises from Western Ghats and
Meaning
ranges and flows throughout receive water only during a particular
the year. period.
Nature Perennial Non-perennial
Some rivers form delta while others

Form Delta
form Estuary
Shape Meandering Straight
Bed rocks are soft, sedimentary Bed rocks are hard, resistant and not
Rocks
and easily erodible easily erodible

BASIS FOR
HIMALAYAN RIVERS PENINSULAR RIVERS
COMPARISON
Fed by Snow and rain Rain
Drainage
Large Small
basin
Irrigate Northern Plains Deccan Plateau
Valley V-shaped valley is formed U-shaped valley is formed
Key Differences Between Himalayan and Peninsular Rivers System
 Himalayan Rivers are the water bodies that emanate from the north of Himalayan mountain
ranges. On the other extreme, Peninsular Rivers include those watercourses that arise from,
Western Ghats or Central Highlands.
 The Himalayan rivers are perennial, i.e. they have water all around the year. As against,
Peninsular rivers are seasonal, in the sense that they have water during a particular period
only.
 Big deltas are formed by Himalayan Rivers. On the other extreme, some peninsular rivers
like the Mahanadi, the Godavari, the Krishna and the Cauvery form deltas, while the
Narmada and the Tapi form estuaries.
 While Himalayan rivers form meanders, there is an absence of meanders in case of

Peninsular rivers.
 The bedrocks of Himalayan rivers are soft, sedimentary and easily erodible. Conversely,
bedrocks of Peninsular rivers are hard, resistant and not easily erodible.
 Himalayan rivers get water from snow and rain, whereas Peninsular rivers are fed by rain
only.
 The drainage basin of Himalayan rivers is comparatively larger than the Peninsular rivers.
 Himalayan rivers water helps in the irrigation of Northern Plains. In contrast, Peninsular
rivers irrigate Deccan Plateau.
 Himalayan rivers form a V-shaped valley, while Peninsular watercourses form valley having a
U-shape
Conclusion
The channel and valley length of the Himalayan River system is larger in comparison to the
Peninsular River system. While in case of Himalayan Rivers, water is added by the underground
sources also, but in case of Peninsular rivers due to hard lithology, no underground water is added to
the river.

Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic

activity, cyclone etc.,
It is important to note that the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and El Niño are complex
phenomena, and their interactions with the monsoon system can vary in intensity and
spatial distribution from year to year. Analyse (250 words)
Why the question:
The explains the concept of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and its interaction with El Niño.
The question expects us to explain what IOD is and discuss in detail how it impacts monsoons in India
along with El Nino
Directive word:
Introduction:
Start by defining IOD.
Body:
First, write in detail how both IOD and El nino impact monsoons in India. Discuss the impact of both
positive IOD and negative IOD.
Next, discuss the combined impact of IOD and El Nino.
Conclusion:
Introduction
The Indian Monsoon is expected to be influenced by the El Nino phenomenon in 2023, there are also
anticipations of a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) developing, which could potentially offset the
impact of El Nino.
Body
IOD and El nino interactions
 IOD, sometimes referred to as the Indian Nino, is similar to the El Nino phenomenon,
occurring in the relatively smaller area of the Indian Ocean between the Indonesian and
Malaysian coastline in the east and the African coastline near Somalia in the west.
 The El Nino is the warmer-than-normal phase of the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO)
phenomenon, during which there are generally warmer temperatures and less rainfall than
normal in many regions of the world, including India.
 One side of the ocean, along the equator, gets warmer than the other.
 IOD is said to be positive when the western side of the Indian Ocean, near the Somalia
coast, becomes warmer than the eastern Indian Ocean.
 It is negative when the western Indian Ocean is cooler.
Negative and positive IOD and El nino interaction
Negative

 The air circulation in the Indian Ocean basin moves from west to east, that is from the
African coast towards the Indonesian islands, near the surface, and in the opposite
direction at the upper levels. That means the surface waters in the Indian Ocean get pushed
from west to east.
 In a normal year, warmer waters in the western Pacific near Indonesia cross over into the
Indian Ocean and make that part of the Indian Ocean slightly warmer. That causes the air to
rise and helps the prevailing air circulation.
 In the years when the air circulation becomes stronger, more warm surface waters from
the African coast are pushed towards the Indonesian islands, making that region warmer
than usual. This causes hotter air to rise, and the cycle reinforces itself.
 This is the state of negative IOD.
Positive
 Air circulation becomes slightly weaker than normal. In some rare cases, the air circulation
even reverses direction. The consequence is that the African coast becomes warmer while
the Indonesian coastline gets cooler.
 A positive IOD event is often seen developing at times of an El Nino, while a negative IOD is
sometimes associated with La Nina.
 During El Nino, the Pacific side of Indonesia is cooler than normal because of which the
Indian Ocean side also gets cooler. That helps the development of a positive IOD.
Impact
 In the Indian Ocean, IOD exhibits an ocean-atmosphere interaction that closely resembles
the fluctuations observed during El Niño events in the Pacific Ocean. However, the IOD is
considerably less powerful compared to El Niño, resulting in relatively minimal impacts.
 A positive IOD helps rainfall along the African coastline and also over the Indian sub-
continent while suppressing rainfall over Indonesia, southeast Asia and Australia. The
impacts are opposite during a negative IOD event
Conclusion
Hence, even in an el nino year, a positive IOD will offset the effects of EL Nino and bring normal
monsoon to India, thereby maintaining the rainfed agriculture of this country.
The Pacific Ring of Fire accounts for around 75% of the world’s active volcanoes and is
prone to major earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to the tectonic forces at play in
this region. Discuss. (250 words)
Reference: Times of India , Insights on India
Why the question:
The article reports that the Mayon Volcano in the Philippines has experienced a gentle eruption,
spewing lava and prompting authorities to warn thousands of people to be prepared to evacuate.
To write about volcanic landforms and reasons for frequent eruptions and earthquakes in the rim of
the Pacific Ocean.
Directive word:

Introduction:
Begin by giving context about volcano and volcanism.
Body:
First, write about the Pacific Ring of Fire and explaining the reason behind its active state due to
which it hosts the largest number of active volcanoes of the world, its association with plate
tectonics.
Conclusion:
Conclude by Summarising.
Introduction
The Ring of Fire is a Pacific region home to over 450 volcanoes, including three of the world’s four
most active volcanoes – Mount St. Helens in the USA, Mount Fuji in Japan and Mount Pinatubo in
the Philippines. It is also sometimes called the circum-Pacific belt. Around 90% of the world’s
earthquakes occur in the Ring of Fire, and 80% of the world’s largest earthquakes.
The Mayon Volcano in the Philippines has experienced a gentle eruption, spewing lava and
prompting authorities to warn thousands of people to be prepared to evacuate.
Body
Ring of fire and volcanoes:
 The Ring of Fire is a direct outcome of the tectonic activitiesin the Pacific Ocean. The
lithosphere plates are in constant motion and collisions.
 These plates making up the outermost layer of the earth are always moving on top of the
mantle and sometimes pull apart, collide, or slide past each other resulting in divergent
boundaries, convergent boundaries, and transform boundaries respectively.

 The Ring of Fire is the result from subduction of oceanic tectonic plates beneath lighter
continental plates. The area where these tectonic plates meet is called a subduction zone.
 Subduction zones are also predominant due to the action of the tectonic movements when
heavier plates slip under lighter plates, creating deep trenches.
 The subduction alters the heavy mantle into buoyant magma which moves up the crust to
the surface of the earth. When this occurs over millions of years, the rising magma brings
about a series of active volcanoes referred to as volcanic arc.
 The volcanic arcs and ocean trenches run parallel to each other thereby bringing about the
ever expanding Pacific Ring of Fire.
 For example, the Aleutian Islands in Alaska run parallel to the Aleutian Trench. What’s more,
the Andes Mountains of South America runs parallel to the Peru-Chile Trench.
 These parallel geologic features are the ones responsible for the subductions of the Plates.
 When it comes to plate tectonic boundaries, it leads to faulting, crashing, and formation of
rift valleys on the sea floor which contributes to the ejection of magma and powerful
shaking of the ocean floor.
 This leads to the formation of more cracks, vents, and fault lines which can trigger strong
earthquakes and volcanic activities.
 The ejected magma is cooled by the seawater to form new crust, creating high ridges on the
ocean floor.
 The East Pacific Rise is one of the major locations experiencing fast seafloor spreading in the
ring of fire.

Ring of fire and earthquakes:
 The world’s deepest earthquakes happen in subduction zone areas as tectonic plates scrape
against each other – and the Ring of Fire has the world’s biggest concentration of subduction
zones.
 As energy is released from the earth’s molten core, it forces tectonic plates to move and
they crash up against each other, causing friction. The friction causes a build-up of energy
and when this energy is finally released it causes an earthquake. If this happens at sea it can
cause devastating tsunamis.
 Tectonic plates usually only move on average a few centimetres each year, but when an
earthquake strikes, they speed up massively and can move at several metres per second.
Conclusion
Volcanoes have a huge impact on man and material as urbanization and globalization increases. The
effects have impacts on flora, fauna and the global warming which can accelerate the climate
change.
Value addition
Location of Circum-Pacific Region (“Pacific Ring of fire”):

 It stretches along the Pacific Ocean coastlines, where the Pacific Plate grinds against other,
smaller tectonic plates that form the Earth’s crust – such as the Philippine Sea plate and the
Cocos and Nazca Plates that line the edge of the Pacific Ocean.
 The 40,000 kilometre horse-shoe-shaped ring loops from New Zealand to Chile, passing
through the coasts of Asia and the Americas on the way.
 The chain of volcanoes extends from Aleutian Islands into Kamchatka, Japan, the Philippines
and Indonesia, southward into Pacific Islands of Solomon, Tonga and New Zealand. On the
other side of the pacific, the chain continues from the Andes to Central America (Guatemala,
Costa Rica and Nicaragua), Mexico and right up to Alaska.
 Example: Mt. Fuji, Mt.Vesuvius, Stromboli, Etna etc.
To what extent do tropical cyclones in the Indian Ocean influence the monsoon winds?
Explain (150 Words)
Difficulty level: Difficult
Reference: DTE
Why the question:
Cyclone Biporjoy, which has developed into a very severe cyclonic storm over the Arabian Sea, is
expected to impact the progress of the monsoon in India
To write about the tropical cyclone and its effect on the Indian monsoon.
Introduction:
Introduce Tropical cyclones and their features (briefly).
Body
Explain how cyclone formation impacts monsoon winds e.g., by steering of monsoon currents; by
wind shear (Wind shear can disrupt the organization and intensification of monsoon); by rainfall
distribution; during monsoon onset and withdrawal etc.
Give examples to substantiate your points e.g., current Cyclone Biporjoy
Conclusion:
You can conclude by saying that:
The influence of tropical cyclones on the monsoon is not uniform and can vary depending on various
factors, such as the intensity and track of the cyclone, its location relative to the monsoon system,
and the overall atmospheric conditions prevailing in the region.
Introduction
Tropical Cyclone is any large system of winds that circulates about a centre of low atmospheric
pressure in a counter-clockwise direction north of the Equator and in a clockwise direction to the
south. Cyclonic winds move across nearly all regions of the Earth except the equatorial belt and are
generally associated with rain or snow.
Cyclone Biporjoy, which has developed into a very severe cyclonic storm over the Arabian Sea, is
expected to impact the progress of the monsoon in India.
Body
Influence of tropical cyclones in the Indian Ocean on the monsoon winds
 Cyclones and the monsoon impact each other.

 A cyclone cannot form if we have a strong monsoon.
 According to Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology , Pollution and the rise in tropical
cyclones over the West Pacific could be a cause for the decline in rainfall and Indian
monsoons over the past decades.
 Once a cyclone is formed, it can further influence the monsoon, depending on the direction
of its track.
 It could either enhance or hamper it.
 The cyclone sucks all the moisture from the monsoon winds towards itself.
 Cyclones are sustained by very strong low-pressure areas at their core. Winds in surrounding
areas are forced to rush towards these low-pressure areas.
 Similarly, low-pressure areas, when they develop near or over land, are instrumental in
pulling the monsoon winds over the country as well.
 The low-pressure area at the centre of the cyclone is far more powerful than any local
system that can pull the monsoon winds moving northeast.
 Thus, if the cyclone is moving away from the mainland, it is driving the moisture away.
 But if it is progressing towards the coast, it could enhance monsoon.
 For instance, Cyclone Nisarga helped the progression of the monsoon since it moved
towards the subcontinent along with the monsoon.
 Rise in the frequency of tropical cyclones over the Pacific, in turn, can cause a weakening of
the Indian monsoon since it is linked with moisture depletion over the Indian subcontinent.
 The progression of the monsoon this year could be weak till the cyclone fades away. It could
get stronger thereafter.
Conclusion
The influence of tropical cyclones on the monsoon is not uniform and can vary depending on various
factors, such as the intensity and track of the cyclone, its location relative to the monsoon system,
and the overall atmospheric conditions prevailing in the region.
The southwest monsoon brings over 70% of India’s annual rainfall. Though an important marker for
the season, the timing of the onset does not have any bearing on the quality or amount of rainfall
during the season. A delayed onset has the potential to delay the arrival of the monsoon in other
parts of the country as well.
Climate change plays a significant role in the increasing frequency and intensity of
cyclones in the Arabian Sea by altering key environmental factors that contribute to
cyclone formation and development. Analyse. 250 words)

Why the question:
The article discusses the historical occurrence of cyclones and storms in the Arabian Sea. It highlights
that while cyclones have been relatively rare in the region historically, storms have been more
common.
To write about the causes for increasing frequency of Cyclones in the Arabian Sea, and their possible
negative effects and role of climate change in it.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by giving citing statistic regarding increasing frequency of cyclones in Arabian sea.
Body:
First, write about the various causes behind the rising frequency of cyclones in Arabian sea – Surface
temperatures in the Arabian Sea, intensification of cyclones, conducive wind shear for cyclones,
climate change etc.
Next, write about the role of climate change in regards to increasing frequency. Also, write about its
impact.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward to address this issue.
Introduction
Cyclone is a region of low atmospheric pressure surrounded by high atmospheric pressure resulting
in swirling atmospheric disturbance accompanied by powerful winds. They occur mainly in
the tropical and temperate regions of the world. Recently cyclonic storm Sitrang made an early
landfall in Bangladesh causing a surprise among meteorologists.
Climate change will have opposite effects on the frequency of strong tropical cyclones along the
western and eastern coasts of India by 2050. The frequency will reduce in the Bay of Bengal,
traditionally known for its powerful storms, while it will increase in the Arabian Sea, a calmer body of
water in this regard, a new study published in Science Advances has estimated.
Body
Impact of Climate change on tropical cyclones
 Warming of the surface ocean from anthropogenic (human-induced) climate change is likely
fuelling more powerful Tropical Cyclones.
 The destructive power of individual Tropical Cyclones through flooding is amplified by rising
sea levels, which very likely has a substantial contribution at the global scale from
anthropogenic climate change.
 In addition, Tropical Cyclones’ precipitation rates are projected to increase due to enhanced
atmospheric moisture associated with anthropogenic global warming.
 The proportion of severe Tropical Cyclones has increased, possibly due to anthropogenic
climate change.

 However, most climate model studies project a corresponding reduction in the proportion of
low-intensity cyclones, so the total number of Tropical Cyclones each year is projected to
decrease or remain approximately the same.
 Studies have shown that some 2.1 to 3.1 per cent of the total number of tropical cyclones
expected to strike in the near future, could be strong.
 Globally, the risk of strong tropical cyclones is expected to become more than double by
2050. The Gulf of Mexico is not likely to see the same trend, according to the analysis.
 The studies associated with temperature suggest that the Indian Ocean is warming,
particularly the Arabian Sea, which is doing so at the fastest rate.
 Previously, tropical cyclones in the Arabian Sea were restricted to Gujarat.
 In the past decade though, Kerala and Karnataka have also become more vulnerable to
cyclones. A recent example is ‘Ockhi’.
 The Arabian Sea is quickly responding to climate change signals, heating rapidly and driving
more and more cyclones, and excessive rainfall, although, experts still do not understand
how much of a performance climate change must work on Ockhi.
 The rise in Arabian Sea surface temperature makes it warmer than other seas all through
this period.
 Global warming adds to climate variability and weather changes.
 A sophisticated climate model to compare the conditions in 2015 to conditions in 1860,

keeping in mind the carbon footprints. The findings suggest that 64 per cent of the cyclone
risk in the Arabian Sea was due to climate change.
 The coastal areas surrounding the Arabian Sea are at specific risk since the geographical
location offers cyclones nowhere to go but the land.
Steps to be taken to mitigate impact of disaster
 Coastal belt plantation:Providing a cover through green belt sustains less damage as forests
act as a wide buffer zone against strong winds and flash floods. Without the forest the
cyclone travel freely inland.
 Hazard mapping: Meteorological records of the wind speed and the directions give the
pattern of occurrence of cyclone for particular wind speeds. A hazard map will illustrate the
areas vulnerable to cyclone in any given year and estimate the severity of the cyclone and
various damage intensities in the region.
 Land use control: It can be designed so that least critical activities are placed in vulnerable
areas. Location of settlements in the flood plains is at utmost risk. Citing of key facilities
must be marked in the land use. Policies should be in place to regulate land use and building
codes should be enforced.
 Engineered structures: This needs to be built to withstand wind forces. Good site selection
is also important. Majority of the buildings in coastal areas are built with locally available
materials and have no engineering inputs. Good construction practices should be adopted
such as:

o Cyclonic wind storms inundate the coastal areas. It is advised to construct on stilts
or on earth mound.
o Houses can be strengthened to resist wind and flood damage. All elements holding
the structures need to be properly anchored to resist the uplift or flying off of the
objects. For example, avoid large overhangs of roofs, and the projections should be
tied down.
o A row of planted trees will act as a shield. It reduces the energy.
o Buildings storing food supplies must be protected against the winds and water.
o Protect river embankments.
o Communication lines should be installed underground.
o Providestrong halls for community shelter in vulnerable locations.
 Flood management: Torrential rains, strong wind and storm range leads to flooding in the
cyclone affected areas. There are possibilities of landslides too. Flood mitigation measures
must be incorporated.
 Improving vegetation cover: The roots of the plants and trees keep the soil intact and
prevent erosion and slow runoff to prevent or lessen flooding.
o The use of tree planted in rows will act as a windbreak.
o Coastal shelterbelt plantations can be developed to break severe wind speeds.
o It minimizes devastating effects.
 Improved early warning systems are a must to ensure preparedness.
Way Forward
 Develop a Climate Risk Atlas to mapcritical vulnerabilities such as coasts, urban heat stress,
water stress, and biodiversity collapse.
 Develop an Integrated Emergency Surveillance Systemto facilitate a systematic and

sustained response to emergencies.
 Mainstream risk assessment at all levels,including localised, regional, sectoral, cross-

sectoral, macro and micro-climatic level.
 Enhance adaptive and resilience capacityto climate-proof lives, livelihoods and

investments.
 Increase the participatory engagement of all stakeholders in the risk assessment process.
 Integrate risk assessment into local, sub-national, and national level plans.
Conclusion
Global warming has presented us with new challenges such as rapid intensification of cyclones,
which need to be closely monitored at higher resolution and accuracy using on-site platforms such
as buoys and moorings. Improving the Indian Ocean Observing System (IndOOS) and incorporating

the global warming signals in the weather models can help us tackle the challenges of intense
cyclones in the future.



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INSIGHTSIAS

IA SIMPLIFYING IAS EXAM PREPARATION

INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

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Structure of the answer:

Factors that led to the Bhakti movement:

 The Turkish conquests brought the supremacy of this alliance to an end.

 Normally, they continued to subscribe to many basic principles of orthodox Brahmanism.

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contributions of female saints towards Bhakti movement

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Features of Sufism in India

 Sufism derives is inspiration from Islam.

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 Devotion is more important than fast (Roza) or prayer (Namaz).

 Sufism does not believe in caste system.

 The efforts of Sufi saints helped to lessen religious fanaticism in India.

 Sufism also inculcated a spirit of tolerance among its followers.

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Reference: Insights on India

The mansab of a Mughal noble denoted the following:

 Salary of the officer

 Status of the officer

 Number of soldiers, horses and elephants etc., maintained by an officer.

Main Characteristics of the Mansabdari System:

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 A Mansabdar could be asked to perform any civil or military service.

 A Mansabdar was paid his salary in cash.

 Sometimes Jagir was given to Mansabdars to realise revenue and salary.

 Mansabdari system was not hereditary.

Changes introduced by Jahangir and Shah Jahan:

 Difference in the highest Mansab

 Reduction in the number of soldiers

 Difference in the categories of Mansabdars

Merits of the Mansabdari System:

 Removal of the chief defects of the Jagirdari system

 Increased military efficiency

 Extra revenue to the state

 Merit as the basis of selection

Demerits of the Mansabdari System

 The system proved very expensive.

 Caste system prevailed in the mansabdari system.

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Elements of Golden age in Gupta period (320-550 AD)

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Art and Literature:

Science and Technology:

 In mathematics, a work called Aryabhatiya was written by Aryabhata in age. Aryabhatta

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 Ownership of at least one fourth veli of land.

 Above thirty years and below seventy years of age.

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 Those who had failed to submit accounts as committee members.

 Those who had committed sins.

 Those who had stolen the property of others.

The transformation of Magadha from a kingdom to an empire in ancient India was

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Factors that transformed of Magadha from a kingdom to an empire in ancient India

o Main rulers established an efficient administrative system.

o Rajgir or Rajagriha,Magadha’s capital, was also known as Girivraja because it was

o Pataliputra,the later capital of Magadha, was known as Jaladurga because it was

o Rivers might be used for defence, communication, and commerce.