(Paper) UPSC Mains Geography Previous Year Question Paper (1988)

PAPER- I

Candidates should attempt Q. 1 and 2 which are compulsory, and any three of the remaining questions, selecting at least one question from each Section. All questions carry equal marks

Q.1. On the map of India provided, mark the following and write in not more than ten words in your answer script, what you consider to be most important aspect of each one of them:
(a) Cherrapaunji
(b) Pondicherry
(c) Satpura Range
(d) Gulmarg
(e) Manga ore
(f) Bomdila
(g) Tapi (Tapti)
(h) Gulf of Kutch
(i) Anklksvar
(j) Rameshwaram

OR

On the map of the world provided, mark the following and write in not more than ten words in your answer script, what you consider to be most important aspect of each one of them:
(a) Pyrenees
(b) Cyprus
(c) Hud on Bay
(d) Seoul
(e) Kampuchea
(f) Falkland Islands
(g) Kalahari
(h) Volga
(i) Kilimanjaro
(j) Geneva

Q.2. Write short notes on any three of the following. Each answer should be in about 200 words:
(a) Environmental Determinism
(b) Coral reets
(c) Geopolitics
(d) Karst landforms

SECTION A

Q.3. Attempt a classification of air masses and give the characteristic features and associated weather conditions of each class.

Q.4. Discuss, in detail, man's impact on ecosystem as a result of the modern technological advancement.

Q.5. Critically analyse the concept of plate tectonics and bring out the evidences to support it.

SECTION B

Q.6. Give a critical account of the cultural evolution of man. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.

Q.7. Analyse Christaller's Central Place Theory and the modifications introduced in it and examine its relevance in the present day context.

Q.8. Discuss the various sources of energy and their uses. Suggest the measures to overcome the present day energy crisis.

PAPER-II

Candidates should attempt 5 questions in all, selecting at least two questions from each Section. All questions carry equal marks.

SECTION A

Q.1. Answer any three of the following question (in about 200 words each):
(a) Bring out the role of irrigation in rural development of India.
(b) Give the geographical cases of unity and diversity in India
(c) Discuss the utilization and conservation of coal of India resources.
(d) Evaluate the Koppen's scheme of climatic regionalization of India.

Q.2. Explain the salient features of the structure, relief and drainage of the Himalayas.

Q.3. Analyse the ecological significance of forests in different regions of India indicating the impact of rapid deforestation.

Q.4. Analyse the relationship between cropping intensity and agricultural productivity and throw light on the measures of increasing the cropping intensity in India.

SECTION B

Q.5. Write short notes, in about 200 words each, on any three of the following:
(a) Location and growth of Fertilizer Industry in India.
(b) Characteristics of Rural-Urban Fringe in India.
(c) Significance of District Planning in India.
(d) The Sino-Indian Boundary.

Q.6. Discuss the process, pattern and impact of urbanisation in India.

Q.7. Differentiate between River Basin and Command Area. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of River Basins as planning regions in India. Give concrete examples.

Q.8. Demarcate the major industrial regions of India and analyse the structure and contribution to the national economy of any one of them.