UPSC Mains General Studies Solved Paper (2013) - "Paper-2: Indian Heritage, History and Geography"

Instructions: Answer each question in not more than the word limit specified. Content of the answer is more important than its length.

Q1. Though not very useful from the point of view of a connected political history of South India, the Sangam literature portrays the social and economic conditions of its time with remarkable vividness. Comment. (200 words)   (10 marks)

Answer.

Sangama literature was produced in the early four centuries of the Christian era, although it was finally compiled by 600 AD. Poets, bards and writers, authors came from various parts of South India to Madurai. Such assemblies were called “Sangamas”, and the literature produced in these assemblies was called “Sangama literature”. The Sangama literature is a collection of long and short poems composed by various poets in praise of numerous heroes and heroines. It potrays the society of that time in beautiful way.

Economic potrayal by Sangam literature

It tells us about the brisk Indo Roman trade, we used to import gold, wine, pottery, slaves and export spices, textiles, silk etc.It also tells us of the important ports of the age (Muchiri, Arikamedu), important cities (Kanchivaram), important economic activities (textile making, agriculture).It also tells us the important role played by women in the economy.

It tells us the various agricultural practices that were followed at that time. It beautifully narrates the economic decline that set in by the end of 3rd century.

Social potrayal by Sangam literature

It tells us about the social hierarchy, at the top of the society were brahmans, below them everybody was shudra but among them the vellalars held importance also untouchability has come into existence. It tells us education was dominated by brahmans. It also tells about the virtues expected from a noble woman i.e. chastity and devotion to husband. So brahmanism was started but not completed. The poets praise entire kins of the kings and not just the king, which tells us the importance of clan based society and importance of kinship. Main clans were hillsmen, forestmen, delta people, coastal people.

Political potrayal by Sangam literature

Some of the stories like attempts to link to mahabharata war and pandavas are obviously an exaggeration. Yet it tells us some important real political events.For example the Chola king Karikala who won his kingdom back after defeating an alliance of opponents.

Q2. (a) Discuss the ‘Tandava’ dance as recorded in early Indian inscriptions. (100 words)   (5 marks)

Answer.

TâGava is a divine dance performed by the Hindu god Shiva. Tandava is described as a vigorous dance that is the source of the cycle of creation, preservation and dissolution. RudraTandav represents the angry mood of Shiva. It signifies that destruction is inevitable. What takes birth, must be destroyed. Its the 2 sides of same coins.The dance is a pictorial allegory of the five principal manifestations of eternal energy:Srishti - creation, evolution, Sthiti- preservation, Samhara - destruction, evolution, Tirobhava - illusion, Anugraha - release, emancipation. In the Hindu texts, at least seven types of Tandava are found, however, some people believe that there are 16 types of Tandava.

Q2. (b) Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss (100 words)  (5 marks)

Answer.

The Chola period saw the culmination of tradition of direct patronization of the temples, which resulted in the most sophisticated buildings of that era.The Chola temples like Brihadeshwara temple and Gangaikondacholapuram temples took the Dravidian temple architecture to new heights. Largest and tallest of all Indian temples i.e. Siva Temple of Thanjore was built in Chola Period. Ganas, among the sculptures at the temple, are the most memorable figures made in Chola temples

Special features of Chola architecture:-

• The dvarapalas, or guardian figures, at the entrance to the mandapa, or hall which started from the Palava period became a unique feature of the Chola Temples.
• These temples had huge pyramidicalvimanas and massive gopurams.
• These also had huge thousand pillars mandapas to house devotees.
• They were linked to wars and battles.
• They were linked to the greatness and power of the king, with idols of the kings and queens in them.
• The temples of the Imperial Cholas are covered with exquisite well composed sculptures and frescoes.

But the temple architecture continued to flourish even after Cholas. Many massive and beautiful temples were built during Vijaynagar times and their nayakas.

Q3. Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian women became the torchbearer during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss. (200 words)  (10 marks) (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

Q4. Sevaral foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements. Analyze their role in the Indian struggle for freedom. (200 words)   (10 marks) (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

Q5. “In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern India.” Elaborate. (200 words)   (10 marks)

Answer.

Lord Dalhousie was appointed Governor General of India in 1848. His eight years of rule is considered one of the greatest periods of British rule in India. He was a staunch imperialist and had a profound impact on shaping India of the age. During his rule that various reforms were brought to improve the conditions of India. But in order to increase the authority of British he has also introduced various atrocious methods.
Positive actions of Dalhousie

• Lord Dalhousie introduced a number of educational reforms. In 1853, the Thomasonian system of vernacular education was recommended .Founded Roorkeecollege of engineering which led to spread of modern education.
• Started penny post which replaced the costly postal system and was used extensively by the nationalists later.
• Under Dalhousie the communication and transport was developed exceptionally. Dalhousie introduced strategic railway lines in order. It bought the Indians Closer and together.
• To facilitate the internal communication for the defence of India.Started the telegraph which was used extensively by nationalists.

Negative actions of Dalhousie

• He annexed states after states by whatever means he could - doctrine of lapse (satara, jodhpur, nagpur, jhansi), doctrine of misgovernance (oudh), wars and battles (punjab).
• As a governor general, Dalhousie wanted to extend the authority of the Company. With his policy of annexation, Dalhousie had extended the British authority from Bengal in the east to the Punjab and Sind in the west.
• He doubled the area of britishindian empire and made it contiguous.
• All this discontent united major part of India in the revolt of 1857.

Dalhousie introduced reforms whichled to the development of national feeling and help in giving momentum to freedom struggle, but all of them with the motive to increase the authority of British over India.

Q6. Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan and Gramdan movements initiated by AcharyaVinobhaBhave and their success. (200 words) (10 marks) (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

Q7. Write a critical note on the evolution and significance of the slogan, ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’. (200 words) (10 marks) (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

Q8. Discuss the contributions of MaulanaAbulKalam Azad to pre- and post-independent India. (200 words)  (10 marks) (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

Q9. Analyze the circumstances that led to the Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights of the Agreement. (200 words)  (10 marks) (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

Q10. Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive role in the emergence of Bangladesh. (200 words)  (10 marks)

Ans. The Bangladesh Liberation war ignited after the 1970 Pakistani election, in which the East Pakistani Awami League secured a simple majority in the lower house of the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament of Pakistan). Leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, refused to yield the premiership of Pakistan to Mujibur, President Yahya Khan called the military, dominated by West Pakistanis, to suppress dissent in East Pakistan.

The contribution of Indian government and the citizens of India is a vital part of the history of the Independence war of Bangladesh. Without mentioning the contribution of India, the history of Bangladesh is incomplete. Various factors which prompted India to play a decisive role are given below:-

• The Pakistan army conducted a widespread genocide against the Bengali population of East Pakistan, aimed in particular at the minority Hindu population.

• West Pakistan had always given step brotherly treatment to East Bengal. It was always busy in suppressing the liberal elements in Bangladesh. The Indian government repeatedly appealed to the international community, but failing to elicit any response Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on 27 March 1971 expressed full support of her government for the independence struggle of the people of East Pakistan.

• Under Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rehman the muktivahini emerged to demand for the freedom of Bangladesh. It had popular support but Pakistan tried to suppress it violently and brutally. General Tikka Khan earned the nickname ‘Butcher of Bengal’ due to the widespread atrocities he committed.

• The suppression of minorities in East Bengal became extreme during 1971 leading to massive inflow of refugees into India. This complicated the situation immensely and necessitated India’s reaction.

• Some strategic compulsions also made it neccessary for India to involve in the war. Pakistan was a hostile state to India, it suited India’s strategic interests to split the country and secure an independent Bangladesh. Also this would weaken Pakistan gravely and benefit India.

• This was a cold war era. US supported Pakistan and made it difficult for India to intervene. So India signed a Treaty of Friendship with Soviet Union and went ahead. Soviet Union blocked the moves of US to intervene in the sub continent.

• India’s war in Bangladesh would have served little purpose without a conventional, disciplined military force to secure a decisive victory. India’s strategic involvement in this war helped India for long time.

Q11. “‘Latecomer’ Industrial Revolution in Japan involved certain factors that were markedly different from what West had experienced.” Analyze. (200 words)  (10 marks) (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

Q12. “Africa was chopped into states artificially created by accidents of European competition.” Analyze. (200 words)  (10 marks) (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

Q13. “American Revolution was an economic revolt against mercantilism.” Substantiate. (200 words) (10 marks) (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

Q14. What policy instruments were deployed to contain the Great Economic Depression? (200 words) (10 marks) (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

Q15. Discuss the various social problems which originated out of the speedy process of urbanization in India. (200 words) (10 marks)

Answer.

India is rapidly urbanizing and already around 30% of our population lives in cities. Urbanization has lead to the growth of a city beyond its physical or administrative limits such growth is spontaneous, unplanned and growth expands the city into its suburbs, fringe zones and rural tracks. Because its unplanned it is haphazard, it includes squatters, unauthorized colonies, extensive wasteful land uses.This has created many social problems some of which are:

• Crimes.
• Poor living conditions.
• Increasing crime against women.
• Mixing of traditional and modern culture.
• Poor infrastructure, expecially social infrastructure.

Unplanned urbanization lacking in sanitation, hygiene may result in outbreak of epidemics during flood situations and spread of bacterial viral, fungal contagious diseases spreading rapidly like malaria, chickengunya, dengue fever, swine flu, cholera etc . Urban places don’t have adequate playing ground for the kids for recreational facilities. More industries result in the release of GHG like CO2 in the atmosphere. Delhi tops the cities list with more number of particulate matters in atmosphere causing respiratory, cardiac and health related diseases.

Q16. “Male membership needs to be encouraged in order to make women’s organization free from gender bias.” Comment. (200 words) (10 marks) (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

Q17. Critically examine the effect of globalization on the aged population in India. (200 words)   (10 marks) (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

Q18. Growing feeling of regionalism is an important factor in generation of demand for a separate state. Discuss. (200 words)  (10 marks) (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

Q19. (a) What do you understand by the theory of continental drift? Discuss the prominent evidences in its support. (100 words)   (5 marks) (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

19. (b) The recent cyclone on the east coast of India was called ‘Phailin’. How are the tropical cyclones named across the world? Elaborate. (100 words)  (5 marks) (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

Q20. (a) Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world. (100 words)  (5 marks) (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

20. (b) What do you understand by the phenomenon of ‘temperature inversion’ in meteorology? How does it affect weather and the habitants of the place? (100 words)  (5 marks) (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

21. Major hot deserts in northern hemisphere are located between 20-30 deg N latitudes and on the western sides of the continents. Why? (200 words)  (10 marks)

Answer.

The major hot deserts of the world are located between 20-30 deg N latitude and on the western side of the continent. There are so many factors that attribute to this kind of formation.

• The aridity of hot deserts is mainly due to the effect of offshore winds, hence they are called trade wind deserts. Some of the deserts of this category are Mojave desert, sahara desert etc, sahara desert is larger than 50 USA states combined together.

• Area under the effect of NE trades which have already become dry blowing over vast stretches of land before arriving on western sides of continents.

• The rain bearing trade winds blow offshore and the westerly’s that are onshore. Whatever winds reach the deserts blow from cooler to warmer region and their RH( relative humidity) is lowered. Condensation is almost impossible.

• Presence of cold currents give rise to mists , fogs by chilling the oncoming air, on reaching the hot land gives very little precipitation, this is visible in the case of Mojave desert where cold Californian current flows, sahara desert along whose coast the cold canaries current flows.

• May be on the leeward sides of the mountains. eg. Rockies in N America.

22. (a) Bring out the causes for more frequent occurrence of landslides in the Himalayas than in the Western Ghats. (100 words) (5 marks)

Answer.

The condition for the occurrence of landslides are steep sloped mountains, the base of the huge mountains eroded by rivers or due to mining activities or erosion agents resulting in steep slopes, loose rocks with the effect of gravity acting on them. It becomes more dangerous when there is heavy rainfall, earth quakes, snowfall, solifluction. Western ghats are geologically stable but have uplifted plateau margins influenced by neo tectonic activity. Compared to western ghats Himalayas experience more landslides because of the steepness, snowfall causing slippery situation, frequent earthquake activity in this young fold mountains, antecedent rivers cutting deep gorges making the mountains slope steep.

22. (b) There is no formation of deltas by rivers on the Western Ghats. Why? (100 words)   (5 marks)

Answer.

Western Ghats is situated on the stable peninsular plateau. The peninsular rivers are relatively smaller with each barely accounting 3-6% of drainage system. These rivers are non-perennial in nature. Rivers flowing west Narmada, Tapi barely form deltas because they are shorter and swift, does not carry as much sediments, flow in narrow valleys and don’t have scope to widen and form deltas. East flowing rivers flow through relatively shallow and eroded valley, hence unable to produce large amount of sediments. There are many small rivers which originate from the Western Ghat Mountains and the fall in to the Arabian Sea. Due to the high gradient of Western Ghat these rivers flow with a very high speed. When these fast flowing rivers reach to its mouth it become unable to deposit its slits, due to this reason slits falls in to the sea.

Q23. (a) Do you agree that there is a growing trend of opening new sugar mills in southern states of India? Discuss with justification. (100 words) (5 marks) (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

23. (b) Analyze the factors for the highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India. (100 words)  (5 marks) (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

Q24. W ith growing scarcity of fossil fuels, the atomic energy is gaining more and more significance in India. Discuss the availability of raw material required for the generation of atomic energy in India and in the world. (200 words)   (10 marks) (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

Q25. It is said that India has substantial reserves of shale oil and gas, which can feed the needs of the country for quarter century. However, tapping of the resource does not appear to be high on the agenda. Discuss critically the availability and issues involved. (200 words)   (10 marks)

Answer.

India is trying to meet the energy demands of its people and industries looking at various options. So far India’s relentless efforts during the last 25 years to build pipelines to bring gas from Turkmenistan, Iran etc have remained dreams. Indo-Us nuclear deal gave little relief. But a recent phenomenon of shale gas could bring about seismic changes in natural gas scene. Shale gas is natural gas that is found trapped within the hard shale rock beds inside the earth. Various estimates, including those by leading firms, put Indian reserves of shale gas at a large number. Shale gas are more widespread than natural oil and gas. Major regions of availability are Gujarat, Rajasthan, Central India, KG Basin and offshore areas in Bay of Bengal. But it is not given the importance it deserves because the production costs are likely to be higher given the relatively unknown terrains, horizontal drilling technology, water disposal costs,contamination of ground aquifers,inadequate domestic service industry, risk of earthquakes and other expenses. Many areas of shale gas are located where natural gas exploration licenses have been given under NELP. So there is an issue of how to let two separate miners work in the same area - one producing natural gas and other shale gas. In order to overcome the above issues new shale gas policy has been announced which says initially only PSUs will be allowed to explore in their pre-NELP blocks. Only later private sector would be allowed, shale gas and natural gas exploration would be kept at arm’s length distance.

There is a need for favourable regulatory framework which will incentivize companies to invest in shale gas activites, liberal fiscal policy, favourable pricing mechanism, address environmental concerns. india should actively endeavour to develop shale gas in the shortest time.

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