GS1 Final-1

INSIGHTSIAS
IA SIMPLIFYING IAS EXAM PREPARATION
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

MAINS MISSION 2023
GS- I
MAY 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. ......................................................................................................................................... 7
India indeed has a rich heritage of science and technology, which can be traced back to its
ancient past. There are several linkages between modern Indian science and its historical
scientific achievements. Analyse. (250 words) ................................................................................. 7
Folk dances are the embodiment of a community’s history, customs, and way of life. They serve
as a reflection of the common people’s experiences and traditions, providing a cultural
connection between generations and contributing to the preservation and celebration of a
country or region’s unique heritage. Elaborate. (250)...................................................................... 9
Explain in detail the characteristics of Nagara architectural style and provide insights into the
key elements of the Kalinga sub-style of Nagara architecture? (150 words) ................................ 11
Elaborate on the characteristics of the Khilafat movement and explain how it played a part in
shaping the Non-cooperation movement? (250 words) ................................................................. 14
Puppetry, which blends various components of performing arts and visual arts like painting,
sculpture, music, dance, drama, has been an ancient form of amusement. Elaborate. (250
words) ............................................................................................................................................... 17
Folk art forms have its unique style and techniques and reflects the culture and traditions of the
local people. Analyse (150 words) ................................................................................................... 19
Analyse the factors that led to the decline of Indian handicrafts, which were once a source of
national pride, during the colonial period. (250 words) ................................................................. 20
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Explain the continuing relevance of the Buddha’s teachings in today’s world. How can India play
a lead role in shaping the discourse around Buddhist issues across the world? (150 words) ...... 23
Analyse the different risks that cultural heritage structures and monuments face in our country.
What measures can be implemented to safeguard our cultural heritage? (250 words)............... 25
Describe the key features of Stupa, and discuss the evolution of Stupa architecture in the post-
Mauryan era? (250 words) ............................................................................................................... 28
Although the sub-schools of Rajput style of paintings were geographically close, they
significantly varied in their execution and development of pictorial styles. Discuss. (250 words)
.......................................................................................................................................................... 31
Rukmini Devi Arundale played a crucial role in revitalizing the Bharatanatyam dance form, with
the aim of safeguarding and promoting it along with other Indian traditions. Elaborate. (250
words) ............................................................................................................................................... 36
Discuss the unique features of Indus civilization sculptures and their role in understanding the
cultural and social aspects of this ancient civilization. How do the sculptures from the Indus
Valley Civilization contribute to our understanding of art, religion, and society during that time?
(250 words) ....................................................................................................................................... 38
The Chola dynasty, which ruled over a significant part of South India from the 9th to the 13th
centuries, left behind a remarkable legacy of art and architecture. The Chola sculptures, in
particular, are celebrated for their exquisite craftsmanship and their depiction of the religious
and cultural beliefs of the time. Elaborate. (250 words) ................................................................ 39
The artistic movement in Bengal during the struggle for India’s Independence played a crucial
role in mobilizing public sentiment and fostering a sense of national pride and unity. Elaborate.
(250 words) ....................................................................................................................................... 41
Mughal painting is known for its intricate details, vibrant colors, and sophisticated techniques. It
was heavily influenced by Persian, Central Asian, and Indian artistic traditions. Analyse. (250
words) ............................................................................................................................................... 43
Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant
events, personalities, issues. ................................................................................................................ 47
The socio-religious reform movements played a significant role in shaping modern India. The
reforms brought about by these movements helped in creating a more inclusive and progressive
society in India. Elucidate. (250 words) ........................................................................................... 47
The Mughal Empire’s decline resulted from a confluence of factors such as corruption,
incompetence, religious intolerance, and military vulnerability. Elaborate. (250 Words) ........... 49
The reform movements had a broad focus beyond just religion and aimed to improve society as
a whole. They presented a vision of a prosperous, modern India that was ultimately adopted by
the Indian National Movement. Analyse. (250 words) ................................................................... 52
The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different
parts of the country. ............................................................................................................................. 54
The revolutionaries made significant contributions towards their country’s freedom in their own
unique way. While they did not fully win over the masses, they did manage to instil a feeling of
love for their country and a strong resolve to expel foreign powers from their land. Discuss. (250
words) ............................................................................................................................................... 54

The uprising of 1857 greatly impacted the British rule in India. Initially, it began as a mutiny by
the Indian soldiers, but quickly spread to involve the general population, including peasants, in
large parts of northern India. Discuss. (250 words) ........................................................................ 56
The Quit India Movement brought about a fundamental change in the character of the mass
movements that were part of India’s struggle for independence. Explain. (250 words) .............. 59
Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country. ......................................... 62
How effective have the post-independent agrarian reforms been in remedying the harm caused
by British agrarian policies? Briefly explain. (250 Words) .............................................................. 62
History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars,
redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization. .......................................................... 65
The debates between the Northern states and the Southern states leading up to the American
Civil War were rooted in a complex set of political, economic, and social differences. Examine.
(250 words) ....................................................................................................................................... 65
During the Cold War, both superpowers engaged in a global competition for influence and
power, which played out in various regions and countries around the world. Analyse. (250
words) ............................................................................................................................................... 67
The policies implemented by Mikhail Gorbachev certainly played a significant role in the
collapse of the Soviet Union. Analyse. (250 words)........................................................................ 69
Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India. ........................................................................... 72
India’s diversity is a valuable asset that, when nurtured and celebrated, contributes to its social,
cultural, and economic progress. By addressing the associated challenges, India can strive for a
more inclusive and harmonious society. Analyse. (250 words) ..................................................... 72
Examine the causes and concerns associated with the erosion of the traditional Indian family
structure. How has this transformation affected Indian society? (250 words) ............................. 75
Elucidate the reasons behind the continued existence of caste discrimination in modern Indian
society and propose strategies to combat it. (250 words) ............................................................. 79
By reducing social divisions and embracing diversity, we can unlock the full potential of
individuals, promote social well-being, and foster a more prosperous future for all. Elucidate.
(250 words) ....................................................................................................................................... 82
Role of women and women’s organization; population and associated issues, poverty and
developmental issues, .......................................................................................................................... 84
Enhancing institutional support, addressing infrastructural deficiencies, and ensuring the safety
and security of Self-Help Groups (SHG’s) members are also vital steps toward unlocking the full
potential of SHGs as a means of women’s empowerment. Analyse. (250 words) ........................ 84
Kudumbashree’s multi-faceted approach plays a significant role in empowering women and
fighting poverty by providing various support mechanisms and opportunities. Elaborate. (250
words) ............................................................................................................................................... 87
Urbanization, their problems and their remedies. ............................................................................... 89
Despite the implementation of numerous measures to tackle the problem of solid waste
management, the challenge persists as a significant issue in urban regions. One particular
concern that remains unresolved is the effective handling of wet waste at its source. Examine.
Suggest remedial measures to overcome the aforementioned issue. (250 words) ...................... 89
Effects of globalization on Indian society. ............................................................................................ 92

While globalization has brought numerous benefits, hyper-globalization refers to its intensified
and often unregulated version, which can have significant implications for societies. Examine.
(250 words) ....................................................................................................................................... 92
Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism. ........................................................ 94
Explain the factors contributing to the communalization of society and elaborate on the actions
necessary to foster unity and acceptance among individuals. (250 words) .................................. 94
In order to truly empower women, it is imperative for the government to initiate a process of
scrutinizing the genuine lived experiences of women, particularly in situations where they face
unequal compensation, are assigned menial tasks, and are denied rights over their own
thoughts and bodies. This requires addressing deep-rooted biases and prejudices that have
persisted over time. Analyse. (250 words) ...................................................................................... 98
There is an urgent need for effective implementation of laws and policies to eradicate manual
scavenging and provide alternative livelihoods to the affected communities. Examine. (250
words) ............................................................................................................................................. 100
Salient features of world’s physical geography. ................................................................................. 105
The bottom relief features of the Indian Ocean showcase a rich and dynamic geological
landscape. They not only contribute to the ocean’s ecological diversity but also hold potential
for scientific research, resource extraction, and further exploration of this vast and captivating
marine realm. Discuss. (250 words) .............................................................................................. 105
Indian monsoon is a complex system influenced by a combination of global and regional factors.
Examine. (250 words) ..................................................................................................................... 107
Explaining the phenomenon of El Nino, discuss its impact on the world climate, including the
Indian monsoon. (150 words) ........................................................................................................ 109
What are the various factors that affect the formation of Savanna type of climate? Examine the
various threats to Savanna biomes. (250 words).......................................................................... 112
Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc.,
geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-
bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes. .................................. 114
Volcanism, the eruption of volcanoes and the associated release of lava, ash, gases, and other
volcanic materials, can have significant effects on the environment and human activities.
Analyse. (250 words) ...................................................................................................................... 114
Discuss the worldwide dispersion of permanently frozen ground known as permafrost. Analyse
the consequences of permafrost melting due to the phenomenon of global warming. (250
words) ............................................................................................................................................. 117
Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-
continent);........................................................................................................................................... 120
Discuss the current status of water bodies in India, and what are the major issues affecting their
distribution and utilization? (250 words) ...................................................................................... 120


Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and
Architecture from ancient to modern times.
India indeed has a rich heritage of science and technology, which can be traced back to
its ancient past. There are several linkages between modern Indian science and its
historical scientific achievements. Analyse. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the contributions of Ancient India to science and technology and its link to the
present.
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.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly give context of India’s ancient calibre of development in science.
Body:
First, write about like people in any other part of the world Indians too, have a rich legacy of scientific
ideas. A desire to now the unknown, accompanied with experimentation and observation have
always generated scientific temper. The dependence on nature could be overcome by developments
in science. In ancient India, religion and science worked in close proximity
Next, write about the linkages with modern science and the science of past with examples.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
India has a rich heritage of science and technology. The dependence on nature could be overcome
by developments in science. In ancient India, religion and science worked in close proximity.
India belongs to one of the oldest civilized cultures with a long tradition in science and technology.
Her history of science can be studied in a different context compared to that of other modern
civilizations
Body

 Astronomy: Jyotishvedanga texts established systematic categories in astronomy but the

more basic problem was handled by Aryabhatta (499 AD). His Aryabhattiya is a concise text
containing 121 verses. It contains separate sections on astronomical definitions, methods of
determining the true position of the planets, description of the movement of the sun and
the moon and the calculation of the eclipses.
 Mathematics: The town planning of Harappa shows that the people possessed a good
knowledge of measurement and geometry. By third century AD mathematics developed as a
separate stream of study. Indian mathematics is supposed to have originated from the
Sulvasutras.
o Brahmagupta’s Brahmasputa Siddhantais the very first book that mentioned ‘zero’
as a number, hence, Brahmagupta is considered as the man who found zero. He
gave rules of using zero with other numbers.
o Aryabhatta discovered algebra and also formulated the area of a triangle, which led
to the origin of
 Medicine: From 600 BC beganthe period of rational sciences. Takshila and

Varanasi emerged as centres of medicine and learning. The two important texts in this field
are Charak Samhita by Charak and Sushrut Samhita by
 Metallurgy: The vedic people were aware of fermenting grain and fruits, tanning leather
and the process of dyeing. By the first century AD, mass production of metals like iron,
copper, silver, gold and of alloys like brass and bronze were taking place. The iron pillar in
the Qutub Minar complex is indicative of the high quality of alloying that was being done
Linkages between modern sciences and ancient scientific heritage
 Ayurveda: The plants and herbs mentioned in Charaka Samhita is relevant even today and is
the foundation of Ayurveda.
o In the last few decades there has been growing interest inalternative forms of
therapy globally.
o There are attempts bybiomedical and Ayurvedic researchers to correlate Ayurvedic

understanding of the nature of disease with modern biomedical concepts
 Yoga: Many western nations have adopted Yoga for mental and physical well-being.More
research is being done in this regard.
o Yoga has been found to lessen symptoms of depression and anxiety, ease chronic
back pain, lower stress levels, boost brain function and improve heart health.
 Decimal system: What we use as the modern decimal system was compiled in its entirety in
India. Although other cultures had introduced some features of the numeric system
beforehand, it was completed in India by the 9th century AD.
 Chandrasekhar Limit: Indian Nobel Prize-winning physicist Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar

discovered the calculation used to determine the future of what would happen to a dying
star.
o If the star’s mass is less than the Chandrasekhar Limit it will shrink to become a
white dwarf, and if it is great the star will explode, becoming a supernova.

o It is said that he was influenced by ancient astronomical texts.
 Physics and nuclear energy:The concept of atom can be traced to Acharya Kanad. Kanad
founded the Vaisheshika school of philosophy where he taught his ideas about the atom and
the nature of the universe. Today India is one of the few countries that possesses nuclear
technology.
Conclusion
As illustrated above, modern sciences that exists today in India and elsewhere has roots to the
ancient scientific past of India. Many advancements in fields of science and technology can be traced
to the basic foundational knowledge that exists in India. In medieval times, this knowledge was
disseminated through translation of ancient Indian books by Arabs and Persians. Such developments
are believed to have taken India’s wisdom to Europe and other western nations.
Folk dances are the embodiment of a community’s history, customs, and way of life.
They serve as a reflection of the common people’s experiences and traditions, providing
a cultural connection between generations and contributing to the preservation and
celebration of a country or region’s unique heritage. Elaborate. (250)
Difficulty level: Easy
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1
To write about the features and importance of folk dances of India.
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:
Give the context of numerous folk dances across the country.
Body:
First, write about as to how folk dances that reflect the life of the common people of a certain
country or region – how cultural aspects of that regions and are distinct from one another. Cite
examples to substantiate.
Next, write about the importance of folk dances of the country.
Conclusion:
Introduction
Folk dances are regional variations, the dances of rural and tribal areas, which range from simple,
joyous celebrations of the seasons, harvest or birth of a child to dances for the propitiation of
demons or for invoking spirits.
Body
Characteristics of Folk-dances:
 Every state and its regions have different dance styles and folk music; with which they
express the nature of their community.

 Every part of India has its unique folk dance, which isn’t as complex as the classical form of
dance but, in its simplicity, it reflects the deep-sited beliefs of their people.
 They are extremely simple with minimum of steps or movement.
 Some dances are performed separately by men and women while in some performances
men and women dance together.
 On most occasions, the dancers sing themselves, accompanied by artists with instruments.
 Each form of folk dance has a specific costume and rhythm.
 Most of the costumes, worn for folk dances, are colourful with extensive jewels and designs.
 Bhangraof Punjab; Rasa Lila; Jhumar; Kaksarof Bastar; Chhau in Odisha, Jharkhand and West
Bengal; Bihu of Assam; Theyyam in the Malabar region of kerala; Dollu of Karnataka are few
of the many folk dance forms.
 Mudiyettu, ritual theatre and dance drama of Kerala; Kalbeliafolk songs and dances of
Rajasthan and Chhaudance are included in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible
Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Linkages of folkdances with culture:
 Seeking divine intervention:
o The dance is performed in groups to celebrate the nine days Hindu festival of
Navratri.
o It is performed in rings and concentric circles representing the cycle of birth and
death in Hinduism, leaving only one constant which is the divinity of God symbolized
by the idol of the Goddess or the Garba Deep.
 Depiction of good over evil:
o Ex: Bardo Chham is performed by the Sherdukpen tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. The
dancers wear masks of 12 different animals and perform to the beats of many
percussion instruments. Sherdukpen tribe believes that there are 12 different evil
forces and they all appear in different months to mar the happiness of the
community. The masks represent evil forces and the main objective of this art form
is to ward off these evil forces.
 Performed before harvesting crops:
o Bhangra and Giddhaare folk dances of from the Punjab region of the Indian
subcontinent, mostly performed during the harvest festival of Baisakhi.
o Pulikaliis a colorful recreational folk art from, performed on the occasion of annual
harvest festival of Onam.
o Ponungis one of the most important folk dances of Arunachal Pradesh. Performed
before the harvest of staple crops, it has women dancers.
 Performed during various festivals:

o Raslilais the most popular form of folk dance of India, especially during the festivals
of Krishna Janmashtami and Holi in the regions of Mathura and Vrindavan in Uttar
Pradesh.
o Bihuforms the most important part of the Bihu festival celebration. The dance is
performed by young men and women, accompanied by the playing of pipes &
drums.
o Buiyadance performed by the Digaru Mishmis of Arunachal Pradesh, is the main

attraction of many tribal festivals.
 Celebration of nature:
o Bagurumbais believed to have been inspired from nature, it can be further classified
into different dance forms – each inspired from elements of nature like animals,
plants, birds, insects, water, air and so on.
 To relax and rejuvenate:
o Jhumuris the dance is performed by the tribal people who work in tea estates of
Assam. It is often their only recreational activity and this certainly rejuvenates them
after a long and tiring day.
 Showcase of rich tradition and culture:
o Ojapali dance of Assam.
o Cheraw Dance of Mizoram.
 Paying respects to the deity worshipped by the tribe:
o ongkram Dance of Meghalya.
 Celebration of victory over an enemy:
o Chang Lo dance of Nagaland.
 To celebrate weddings:
o Matki Folk Dance of Madhya Pradeshis considered as an important dance art from
the state, performed usually on wedding occasions.
o Maruniis the main attraction of Sikkim weddings.
Conclusion
Nurtured for centuries, dance in India has evolved in different parts of the country its own distinct
style taking on the culture of that particular region, each acquiring its own flavour. The tribal and
folk dances of India draw the most fascinating canvas shaded with vivacity and the deep-rooted
culture. These dances are not merely a form of dance rather a way of life for Indian people. Each of
them has enfolded an entrenched history and culture within itself.
Explain in detail the characteristics of Nagara architectural style and provide insights
into the key elements of the Kalinga sub-style of Nagara architecture? (150 words)
Why the question:

To write about features of Nagara style and Kalinga sub-style.
Directive word:
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:
Start by giving the origins of nagara style.
Body:
First, draw a simple representative diagram of Nagara style with its various key features. Describe
the essential features of Nagara style. Cite examples of Nagara style temples.
Next, write about Kalinga style and its various features – parts of the temple, motifs and figurines
and Deula. Cite examples of Kalinga style.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising
Introduction
Nagara style is one of the styles of temple architecture. It is the temple construction style of North
India. Nagara style is associated with the land between the Himalayas and Vindhyas. The Nagara
style has its origin in the structural temples of the Guptas period The major example of the temple of
Nagara Style is Sun Temple at Modhera, Kandariya Mahadeva Temple at Khajuraho, Jagannath
Temple at Puri, etc.
Body

Various features of Nagara style of architecture
 The cruciform ground plan and curvilinear mountain-peak like tower are the two most
fundamental features of Nagara style.
 The temples of Nagara style generally have a square plan with a number of graduated
projections in the middle of each face which give the structure a cruciform shape in the
exterior.
 In Nagara style, the Shikhara remains the most prominent element of the temple and
the gateway is usually modest or even absent.
 In this style, temples have elaborated boundary, less emphasised.
 The entire temple is built on high stone platform called Jagati
 Generally, they do not have large enclosures and entrances.
 The temple has only one peak or shikhara above the Garbagriha.
 There was a Kalasha placed on the Shikara of a temple.
 Sikhara(the tower) slowly bending inwards and capped by a spheroid plate with ribs around
the edge (Amalaka) give the height.

 Temples of Nagara styles are categorized on the basis of the shape of the Shikhara. They are
– Rekha Prasad, Phamsana, and Valabhi.
The essential attributes of Kalinga sub-style of Nagara architecture
 Kalinga Nagara style of temple architecture comes from Odisha.
 In Kalinga style, the temple comprises two major parts namely – Garbha Griha and the
Mandapa placed in the same axis, which was further divided on the basis of ornamental
projections.
 In the later period, there was also an addition of more Mandapas such as Bhoga Deula
meant for Bhoga offering and Natya Deula for the Dance performances.
 On rare occasions, we do also see an independent Torana or a gateway erected in front of

the temple.
 For instance, the Mukteshwar temple from Bhubaneshwar is flanked by a free-standing

Torana.
 The Torana is nothing but a thick arch balanced on two free-standing pillars.
 Stylistically speaking the Kalinga Nagara style comprises three typologies i.e. Rekha
Deula, Pidha Deula, and Khakhra Deula.
 All these were well-practiced and bear the finest of them specimens.
Conclusion
Nagara style is seen from the Himalaya to the north of Bijapur district in the South, from the Punjab
in the west to Bengal to the east. Therefore, there are local variations and ramifications in the formal
development of the style in the different regions. However, the cruciform plan and the curvilinear
tower are common.
Elaborate on the characteristics of the Khilafat movement and explain how it played a
part in shaping the Non-cooperation movement? (250 words)
Why the question:
To write about the nature of the Khilafat movement and how its carved out the space for the
emergence of Non-cooperation movement.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Give the context for the launch of Khilafat movement
Body:
Describe the features of Khilafat movement such as its pan-Islamic nature across the world, as well
as it trying to align its goals towards Indian Nationalism, rise of two streams of education among
Indian Muslims, rise of political organisations such as All-India Khilafat Committee and the Jamiat al-
Ulama-e-Hind, important leaders and the rising anti- British sentiments.

Mention the role of Gandhi in Khilafat movement, that through Gandhi’s interlinking of the demands
of the Khilafat leaders and leaders of INC and the disappointment of the Khilafat leaders with the
Peace treaty of 1920,and various grievances of Congress, Sins of Jallianwala Bagh led to the rise of
the Non-cooperation movement.
Conclusion:
Write about how the movement functioned jointly and its achievements.
Introduction
Khilafat and Non-cooperation movements were important milestones in the history of modern India.
Both these movements ushered in a new era of mass mobilisation and shaped the future of Indian
polity in important ways. Although their trajectories were somewhat different, both were anti-
imperialist movements. They emerged from separate issues. The Khilafat issue was not directly
linked to Indian politics but it was deeply anti-imperialist and nationalist in its impulse. These two
movements were brought together during 1920-22, under the leadership of Gandhiji.
Body
Nature of Khilafat Movement:
 The Khilafat movement in India arose out of the sentiments of the Indian Muslims to protect
the institution of the Khalifa in Turkey.
 The Khalifa in Islamic tradition was considered as the successor to the Prophet Muhammad,
religious leader and the custodian and protector of the Muslim holy places.
 As Turkey was defeated in the First World War, the Allies imposed strict terms on it. Turkey
was dismembered and the Khalifa removed from power.
 The Muslims in India launched the Khilafat movement to pressurise the British to be lenient
and preserve the territorial integrity of the Ottoman Empire and the institution of Khalifa.
 In early 1919, a Khilafat Committee was formed under the leadership of the Ali brothers
(Shaukat Ali and Muhammad Ali), Maulana Azad, Ajmal Khan and Hasrat Mohani.
 The Khilafat may be seen as the attempt on the part of the Indian Muslim leadership to bring
their pan-Islamic and Indian nationalist sentiments together.
Role of Khilafat movement in formation of Non Cooperation movement:
 On 20 March 1919, a Khilafat Committee was formed in Bombay under the leadership of
prominent Muslim leaders
 Initially, they took a moderate stand, and their activities were restricted to meetings,
petitions and deputations
 The advocates of a militant movement wanted to launch a non-cooperation movement

against the colonial government.
 An all-India Khilafat Conference was organised in Delhi on 23-24 November 1919. A call for
boycott of British goods was made in the conference.
 They also threatened to stop all cooperation with the government in case unjust treatment
was meted out to Turkey during the peace settlement

 Gandhiji was declared as the leader under whose guidance the movement would be carried
forward
 Gandhiji saw an opportunity to bring together Hindus and Muslims on a common platform
for nationalist movement
 It was his leadership that made the convergence of the two anti-imperialist streams –
nationalist and the Khilafat – possible during this period.
Evaluation of Khilafat and Non Cooperation movement:
 The Khilafat and non-cooperation movements played extremely important role in generating
and spreading anti-imperialist consciousness among the Indian people.
 The Hindus and Muslims together participated in the movement throughout the country and
often it was difficult to point out the difference between khilafat and non-cooperation
movement
 Despite the Malabar happenings, in which the Muslim peasants revolted against their largely
Hindu landlords and killed many of them, the Hindu-Muslim unity remained intact
throughout the period.
 An important issue which the non-cooperation movement brought to the fore was the need
to fight against caste discrimination and untouchability.
 The need for social justice was clearly acknowledged, pushed forward and was later
enshrined in the Constitution of independent India.
 Strong anti-colonial movements were afoot among various sections of population.
 Peasants and workers were particularly active during this period, besides the middle classes
in both the urban and rural areas.
 Moreover, Gandhiji’s insistence on non-violence brought a large number of women into the
movement.
 Thus, these movements under the leadership of Gandhiji revolutionised the structure of
Indian politics in several ways.
 The most significant success of the movement should be located in its mobilisation of
various sections of people across the country and the creation of political and social
consciousness in them.
Conclusion:
The movement brought the urban Muslims into the national movement. With the Non-Cooperation
Movement, nationalist sentiments reached every nook and corner of the country and politicised
every strata of population—the artisans, peasants, students, urban poor, women, traders etc. It was
this politicisation and activisation of millions of men and women which imparted a revolutionary
character to the national movement. Colonial rule was based on two myths one, that such a rule was
in the interest of Indians and two, that it was invincible. The first myth had been exploded by the
economic critique by Moderate nationalists. The second myth had been challenged by Satyagraha
through mass struggle. Now, the masses lost the hitherto all-pervasive fear of the colonial rule and
its mighty repressive organs.

Puppetry, which blends various components of performing arts and visual arts like
painting, sculpture, music, dance, drama, has been an ancient form of amusement.
Elaborate. (250 words)
Reference: insightsonindia.com
Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1.
Key Demand of the question: To write about puppetry as an art from which borrows and combines
elements from other art forms.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Start with what Indian puppetry is and its diversity across Indian states.
Body:
Write in detail about how puppetry draws from painting, sculpture, music, dance, drama and other
visual arts. Cite examples to substantiate your points. The diverse forms of Indian puppetry and its
various types.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing about importance of puppetry as visual art.
Introduction
A puppet is one of the most remarkable and ingenious inventions of the man. Puppetry is a type of
narrative theatre; at the crossroads between bardic storytelling and theatre plays. Shows include live
music, narration and gestures taken from dance. Puppetry throughout the ages has held an
important place in traditional entertainment. Like traditional theatre, themes for puppet theatre are
mostly based on epics and legends. Puppets from different parts of the country have their own
identity. Regional styles of painting and sculpture are reflected in them.
Body:
Puppetry in India
 The earliest reference to the art of puppetry is found in Tamil classic

‘Silappadikaaram’ written around the 1st or 2nd century B.C.
 In Sanskrit terminology Puttalika and Puttika means ‘little sons’.
 Ancient Hindu philosophers have paid the greatest tribute to puppeteers. They have likened
God Almighty to a puppeteer and the entire universe to a puppet stage.
 Srimad Bhagavata, the great epic depicting the story of Lord Krishna in his childhood say
that with three strings-Satta, Raja and Tama, the God manipulates each object in the
universe as a marionette.
 Natyashastra, the masterly treatise on dramaturgy written sometime during 2nd century BC
to 2nd century AD., does not refer to the art of puppetry but the producer-cum-director of
the human theatre has been termed as ‘Sutradhar’ meaning the holder of strings.
 Stories adapted from puranic literature, local myths and legends usually form the content of
traditional puppet theatre in India which, in turn, imbibes elements of all creative
expressions like painting, sculpture, music, dance, drama, etc.

 For instance, theKathputli of Rajasthan is accompanied by a highly dramatised version of

the regional music. In Kundhei of Odisha, the music is drawn from the popular tunes of the
region and is sometimes influenced by the music of Odisha dance.
 Almost all types of puppets are found in India. Puppetry throughout the ages has held an
important place in traditional entertainment. Like traditional theatre, themes for puppet
theatre are mostly based on epics and legends.
 g.: In Tholu Bommalatta of AP, the music is dominantly influenced by the classical music of
the region and the theme of the puppet plays are drawn from the Ramayana, Mahabharata
and Puranas. Episodes enacted in Gombeyatta of Karnataka are usually based on Prasangas
of the Yakshagana plays. The music that accompanies is dramatic and beautifully blends folk
and classical elements.
 Puppets from different parts of the country have their own identity.
 g. In Thogalu Gombeyatta of Karnataka, the puppets however differ in size according to

their social status, for instance, large size for kings and religious characters and smaller size
for common people or servants.
 Regional styles of painting and sculpture are reflected in them.
 g.: the traditional glove puppet play is called Pavakoothu. It came into existence during the
18th century due to the influence of Kathakali, the famous classical dance-drama of Kerala,
on puppet performances. The face of the puppets are decorated with paints, small and thin
pieces of gilded tin, the feathers of the peacock, etc. The theme for Glove puppet plays in
Kerala is based on the episodes from either the Ramayana or the Mahabharata.
However, the art of puppetry is dying due to the following reasons:
 Lack of patronage in the modern age.
 Competition from Electronic media which is a preferred mode of entertainment. People find
it more appealing to watch mythological stories of Ramayan and Mahabharat on electronic
media rather than in Puppetry.
 Puppetry Art is usually confined to only devotional and mythological stories.
 With changing times, Puppetry does not take up modern social issues.
 Puppetry lacks modernization in terms of script, lighting, sound and other stage effects.
Conclusion:
Besides traditional puppetry, India is home to a lively contemporary scene. Independent India
opened up to artistic exchange, and new forms and techniques affected puppetry, introducing new
styles and giving origin to a refined urban puppet theatre. The birth of modern troupes and the
opening to the international scene created new contexts for traditional puppetry to
flourish. Several festivals organized in the last decades offer the stage to traditional troupes. So far
modernity threatened the very survival of traditional puppetry, but a more conscious use of
contemporary means and opportunities is actually the key to preserve this rich heritage of India.

Folk art forms have its unique style and techniques and reflects the culture and
traditions of the local people. Analyse (150 words)
Reference: insightsonindia.com
Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1.
Key Demand of the question: To write about the regional manifestations of folk art.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by giving a brief about folk art in India with examples.
Body:
Mention the major elements of folk art in India. Elaborate how they are manifestation of cultural
diversity as well as regional specializations. Substantiate with examples.
Conclusion:
Summarize with respect to folk art of India.
Introduction
India had always been known as the land that portrayed cultural and traditional vibrancy through its
conventional arts and crafts. The states and union territories sprawled across the country have their
own distinct cultural and traditional identities, and are displayed through various forms of art
prevalent there. Every region in India has its own style and pattern of art, which is known as folk
art. It consists of paintings, music, dance, drama, martial arts etc.
Body
The folk and tribal arts of India are very ethnic and simple, and yet colourful and vibrant enough to
speak volumes about the country’s rich heritage. Folk art generally reflects the creative energy
found in rural areas that acts as an undercurrent to the craftsmanship of the tribal people. They
are intertwined with the lifestyle and activities of the people. Every social event of their lives is
linked to one or the other folk art form, making it an imperative part of life.
 Folk Paintings:
o The rural folk paintings of India bear distinctive colourful designs, which are treated
with religious and mystical motifs.
o Some of the most famous folk paintings of India are the Madhubani paintings of
Bihar, Patachitra paintings from the state of Odisha, the Nirmal paintings of
Andhra Pradesh,Kangra painting from Himachal Pradesh and Warli paintings from
Maharashtra and other such folk art forms.
o Each school has its distinct style of colour combinations or figures and its features.
o Folk art is however not restricted only to paintings, but also stretches to other art
forms such as pottery, home decorations, ornaments, cloths-making, and so on.
o Folk paintings have a relationship with household ceremonies of marriage, birth;

worship/ reverence for nature; religious occasions and worships etc.
o Warli artistsare animists living in the rugged part of the isolated Sahyadri range.
Their traditional art forms were in the past restricted to images of the mother-
goddess and can be traced back to the Neolithic period. Their Tarpa dance reflects
the cooperation of the villagers as they join hands and sway in quick circles to the
steady bass drone of a wind instrument called the tarpa.
 Folk Dances:
o The regional dances of India, such as the Bhangra dance of Punjab, the Dandiya of
Gujarat, the Bihu dance of Assam, etc, which project the cultural heritage of those
regions, are prominent contenders in the field of Indian folk art.
o These folk dances are performed by people to express their exhilaration on every
possible eventor occasion, such as the arrival of seasons, the birth of a child,
weddings, festivals, etc.
 Folk Theatres:
o India has a longest and richest tradition in theatre going back to at least 5000 years.
o The origin of Indian theatre is closely related to ancient rituals and seasonal
festivitiesof the country.
o The actors of Bhand Pather in J&K are mainly from the farming community and the
impact of their way of living, ideals and sensitivity in the drama is discernible. Swang
in Haryana, where Religious stories and folk tales are enacted by a group of ten or
twelve persons in an open area or an open air theatre surrounded by the audience.
o Ramman:It is celebrated every year in Baisakh month (april) in the courtyard of the
temple of Bhumiyal Devta situated in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. Jatra in
Bengal refers to the musical plays performed at fairs in honour of gods, or religious
rituals and ceremonies. Mudiyettu is a traditional ritual theatre and folk dance
drama from Kerala that enacts the mythological tale of a battle between the
goddess Kali and the demon Darika. The ritual is a part of the Bhagavathi or
bhadrakali cult.
Conclusion
The folk and tribal arts of India speak volumes about the country’s rich heritage. Art forms in India
have been exquisite and explicit. Local fairs, festivals, deities, heroes (warriors), myths and
legends play a vital role in these art forms. The Governments, as well as other societies and
associations, have therefore made all efforts to promote such art forms, which have become an
intrinsic part of India’s cultural identity.
Analyse the factors that led to the decline of Indian handicrafts, which were once a
source of national pride, during the colonial period. (250 words)
Reference: Indian art and culture – Nitin Singhania.
Why the question:
To write about the reasons for decline of Indian handicrafts under British rule.
Directive word:

Introduction:
Begin by giving context about flourishing Indian handicrafts before arrival of British.
Body:
Write the reasons for collapse of handicrafts under colonial rule – introduction of British made goods
and ignorance of Indian Handicrafts Industries, policy of De-industrialization, transformed India to a
mere exporter of raw materials for the upcoming modern industries in Britain etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising long term impact of ruining of Indian handicraft.
Introduction
The systemic ruin of Indian handicraft industries at the expense of Industrially revolutionizing Britain
in which political force was misused to cause economic misery via discriminatory taxation, forceful
coercion of artisans and market capturing via mercantalistic policies caused the demise of traditional
Handicraft industries. Paul Bairoch, the economic historian estimated that India’s share of
manufacturing output in the world was as high as 19.7% in 1800. In a span of 60 years, it
plummeted to 8.6% (in 1860) and to 1.4% in 1913.
Body
Reasons for collapse of Indian handicrafts during colonial rule
 Impact of Industrial Revolution: Machine made textile goods of Britain, did the great
damage to this Indian industry since 1750. Consequent upon industrial revolution in textile
industry there had been massive growth of British imports in India and the domination of
British cloth in the Indian market did the havoc; it created large scale unemployment as well
as unbelievable drop in wages among the spinners and weavers. Cotton industry, jute
handloom weaving of Bengal, woolen manufactures of Kashmir, silk manufacture of
Bengal, hand-paper industry, glass industry, lac, bangles, etc.
 Raw Material Shortage: The process of de-industrialization of India began with the gradual
disappearance of raw material for Indian artisans which was taken away to feed English
machines and consequently moving manufactured products from the list of India’s exports
and the remarkable growth of manufactures in the list of her imports mainly from Britain.
That is why it is said that Britain “inundated the very mother country of cotton with
cottons”, thereby eclipsing India’s traditional handicraft industries.
o For example the British exported raw materials, like cotton, indigo for the textile
industries in Lancashire. As a result, the prices of the raw materials soared high and
cost of the handicrafts increased.
 Discriminatory Taxation: C. Dutt held that the tariff policy pursued by the British
Government as the leading cause or ‘the first among equals’ towards the decay of
handicrafts. This tariff policy came to be known as ‘one-way free trade’ policy which
preached that what was good for England was considered to be good for India. To put her
manufacturing industries on a sound footing at home, England pursued the policy of
protection through the imposition of import duties. But for India, she preached the gospel of
free trade.
o g.: British manufacturers were levied an 85% tax for importing Indian hand woven
calico (chintz) and 44% for importing Indian muslin under the British Raj. On the
other hand, British textiles were only imposed with a 5% import tax in India.

 Loss of Native states: The main source or rather the entire source of demandfor the
products of these handicrafts came from the royal courts, and the urban aristocrats. With
the abolition of the royal court, one source of demand for the products of these crafts dried
up. The new ‘aristocracy’ preferred imported goods.
 Competition from machine-made goods: In terms of quality, though machine-made goods

could not compete in quality with the products of the urban weaver, in the matter of lower
priceand deep respect for goods bearing foreign trademark (i.e., change in tastes) he was
hopelessly beaten by machine-made goods.
 Price fixing and buyer monopolies:They bound local weaver into contracts and that made
them sell exclusively to British. The prices were low and exploitative and artisans could
recover only 80% cost of production. It pushed the artisans toward indebtedness and
eventual poverty.
 Coercing the artisans:The services and the labour of the craftsmen were hired at very low
wages. It was impossible for the craftsmen to adopt their traditional profession. So they
were force to abandon those crafts. The worst affected were the weavers of Bengal and
textile industry of Bengal was virtually closed. It was said that the thumbs of the weavers
were cut off. Actually it meant that thousands of weavers were made jobless due to closure
of weaving industry.
 Acceleration of ruin by railways: Introduction of railways opened a new era for the
transport system in India. But the railways served the political and economic interest of the
British to a larger extent. Through railways the machine products of Britain found it much
easier to enter into the rural India.
 No efforts to re-industrialise India:There was no attempt for growth of modern industry to

take the place of the cottage Industries. As a result, the handicraftsman and artisans had no
scope to find suitable employment according to their skill. Rather, they were compelled to
switch over to agriculture for employment.
The above mentioned factors point to the nature of British rule and their mercantilist policies which
caused the ruining of industries in India. However there are others factors as well that led to their
decline such as:
 No efforts were made to explore markets for products. India’s foreign trade was in the
hands of foreigners. This meant that the Indian artisans and producers were at the mercy of
foreign merchants so far as sales or demand propagation in overseas markets were
concerned.
 Guild organization in India was definitely very weak. Finally, she did not possess a class of
industrial entrepreneurs.
Conclusion
Though there are some internal factors the led to de-industrialization of India, but the Indian
economy had been systematically slaughtered by the British Government and in the process,
traditional handicraft industries slipped away to their demise and the process of de-industrialization
proved to be a process of pure immiseriation for the several million persons. The only bright side
to it was that the ruin coupled with other miseries heaped upon India led to the emergency of

economic nationalism India and economic critique becomes a potent weapon in the arsenal of the
nationalists.
Explain the continuing relevance of the Buddha’s teachings in today’s world. How can
India play a lead role in shaping the discourse around Buddhist issues across the world?
(150 words)
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Why the question:
There is much significance to India having hosted a two-day global Buddhist summit in New Delhi
which was organised by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist
Confederation.
To write the about the relevance of Buddha’s teachings and role India can play in shaping Buddhist
discourse.
Directive:
Explain – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context.
You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated
facts.
Introduction:
In the introduction, given brief of major aspects of Buddha’s teachings.
Body:
First, Explain the detail that Buddhism proposes a way of thinking about ethics based on the
assumption that all sentient beings want to avoid pain. Thus, the Buddha teaches that an action is
good if it leads to freedom from suffering. Mention the Do No Harm principle, Compassion, Justice
and Accountability etc which the Buddhist philosophy emphasises.
Next, mention the ways India can engage in shaping Buddhist discourse across the world
Conclusion:
Introduction
“India has not given ‘Yuddha’ to the world but ‘Buddha’.” –PM Modi
Buddhism is a religion that was founded by Siddhartha Gautama (“the Buddha”) more than 2,500
years ago in India. With about 470 million followers, scholars consider Buddhism one of the major
world religions. The religion has historically been most prominent in East and Southeast Asia, but its
influence is growing in the West. Many Buddhist ideas and philosophies overlap with those of other
faiths.
There is much significance to India having hosted a two-day global Buddhist summit in New Delhi
which was organised by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist
Confederation.
Body
the continuing relevance of the Buddha’s teachings in today’s world
 Buddha’s teachings stress on learning focussed on one’s observations and perceptionand

trust that knowledge is not possible without experience.

 Desire, Greed, Ignorance and delusion, Hatredand destructive needshave been reflected to
be the chief causes of suffering, according to Buddha.
 Buddha recommended an eightfold path, the middle path for liberation. It revolves
around Wisdom(right understanding and intention), Ethical Conduct(right speech, action
and livelihood) and Meditation (right effort, mindfulness and concentration).
 Right effort, concentration and mindfulness can guarantee mental peace and augment
moral and cultural values.
 Right understanding and intentioncan open the track for knowledge and can help liberate
the people from ignorance.
 Right action and livelihoodwould liberate society from corruption, it can also ensure
security of food and water and will improve economic opportunity and employment paving
way to prosperity for all.
 Right speechcan release us from the hatred that is spreading across the world on the label
of race, ethnicity, religion etc.
 Buddha emphasized in his teachings that the approach to extinguish desire, which causes
suffering, is to liberate oneselffrom attachments like desire, greed, delusion, ignorance,
hatred and destructive urges.
 The principles of peace, compassion, calmness, accommodation, and inclusiveness, which

are a part of our societies can be accredited to the influence of the teachings of Buddha.
 Buddha’s teachings can transform societies to a better and more humane form as said by
Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama “the 20th century was a century of war and violence,
now we all need to work to see that the 21st century is of peace and dialogue.”
Ways for India play a lead role in shaping the discourse around Buddhist issues across the world
 Historical and Cultural Ties
o India’s cultural and historical ties with Buddhism can help strengthen its soft power
diplomacy with Buddhist countries like Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia,
and Vietnam.
 Promoting Religious Harmony
o As the birthplace of Buddhism, India can use its Buddhist heritage and teachings to
engage with countries like China, which has a significant Buddhist population, to
promote dialogue and understanding between the two nations.
 Economic Benefits
o India is currently home to seven of the eight most significant Buddhist sites in the
world. The Indian government has been developing the Buddhist Circuit, a tourist
trail that connects them.
 Pan-Asian presence

o 97 per cent of the world’s Buddhist population lives in the Asian continent, and a
number of countries such as Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka conceive of
Buddhism as intrinsic to their national values and identity
 Soft Power Projection:
o India can use its Buddhist cultural diplomacy to improve its relations with Southeast
Asian countries and increase its influence in the region.
o India has tried to provide an alternative to contested global politics, with morality as
the guiding principle.
o India’s Panchamrit principles include “Sanskriti Evam Sabhyata” which means

cultural and civilizational links
India faces several challenges in promoting soft power through Buddhism, including:
 Many of India’s ancient Buddhist heritage sitesare in a state of disrepair, which makes it
challenging to attract visitors and promote Buddhist tourism.
 Competition with other countries: Despite being home to a number of key Buddhist sites,
such as Bodhgaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar, India has struggled to attract Buddhist tourists,
who tend to favour sites in Thailand and Cambodia.
 Fragmented Buddhist community: The Indian Buddhist community is fragmented and

divided along sectarian lines, which makes it challenging to create a unified approach to
promoting Buddhism.
 India’s soft power is often overshadowed by its economic and political power, which
means that its cultural influence, including that of Buddhism, is not always recognized on the
international stage.
Conclusion
There is a need of promoting connections with other Buddhist schools of thought, such
as Nagarjuna Buddhism, which is largely unexplored in academic study. Also, emphasize the need
for effective implementation of the Nalanda University project and proper management of tourist
sites for the success of the Buddhist Circuit Project.
Analyse the different risks that cultural heritage structures and monuments face in our
country. What measures can be implemented to safeguard our cultural heritage? (250
words)
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
The article highlights the issue of damage to heritage sites in India due to neglect and human
activities.
To write about the reasons as to why heritage is under threat and the need to safeguard India’s art
heritage and the steps that need to be taken for the same.
Directive word:


Introduction:
Explain about what all is included in India’s art heritage – paintings, sculpture, monuments etc
Body:
First, highlight that preserving our heritage is enshrined as a fundamental duty
Next, Examine the threats to art heritage such as Lack of public awareness -This makes the local
administrator break the buildings and replace it with other structures, Duplication of paintings and
art forms, Theft, Vandalism and Smuggling etc. Discuss why it is crucial to safeguard such heritage
such as maintaining identity and pride of our country, tourism etc
Next, Discuss the way forward such as – Strengthening institutions – Ministry of Culture, ASI,
Museums, Archives, Cultural awareness programs etc
Conclusion:
Summarize on why this issue requires attention and what needs to be done.
Introduction
India has a vast basket of living and diverse cultural traditions, traditional expressions, intangible
cultural heritage comprising masterpieces which need institutional support and encouragement with
a view to addressing areas critical for the survival and propagation of these forms of cultural
heritage. Preserving our heritage is enshrined as a Fundamental Duty in our Constitution.
Body
Threats to Indian Cultural Heritage:
 Theft: The incidents of thefts have been observed usually from unprotected monuments,
ancient temples. The thefts cases have also been seen in the protected monuments and
museums as well. It is due to negligence of security guards in museums, monuments etc.
 Smuggling: illicit traffic and smuggling in antiquities. Illicit traffic is motivated often by profit
and sometimes by the demand for luxuries.
 Tourism: Unregulated tourism, tourist activities run by touts, private agents have affected
the art heritage places.The Culture Ministry of India has reported that up to 24 Indian
monuments have been declared “untraceable” or “missing” by the Archaeological Survey of
India (ASI).
 Issues with security of museums: Most of the museums are poorly guarded due to shortage
of manpower leading to theft of artefacts, fire accidents etc.
 Lack of public awareness: This leads to poor maintenance, vandalism, spoiling the
monuments artefacts. Replacing the structures or building structures close to the
monuments leading to
 Duplication:Fakes of paintings and art forms leading to threat to livelihoods of artists.
 Poor Maintenance:The state of the wall paintings in Ajanta caves is continuously getting
worse, which can be attributed to humidity as well as to a lack of care.
 Encroachment of monuments: Another miss from the ministry has been encroachments of
monuments. Over 278 centrally protected monuments have been encroached upon or have
illegal occupants, as per government data.

Rationale behind safeguarding the cultural heritage:
 Evolution of human consciousness is a continuous process: History here serves as a

laboratory and the past serves as a demarcation to understand the regional laws and social
structures. This understanding helps in our progress towards an ideal society.
 The art heritage is the identity and pride of our country. It is duty of every citizen to protect,
preserve and perpetuate the cultural richness.
 Tourism potential for art monuments and museums is very high. Tourism generates revenue
for the state as well as private artists due to the money-multiplier quality.
 Infrastructure development takes place in and around the areas. Eg. Hampi despite being a
small town has excellent infrastructure.
 It creates jobs for a lot of people from art industry and tourism industry as well
 It creates a feeling of oneness and a sense of attachment by enhancing a sense of belonging

to a culture or a region.
 Every historical site has an important story to tell and these stories have inspired many
people to strengthen their convictions and commitment to fight injustice and oppression.
Way forward
 Strengthening Legislations and Initiatives:
o The Antiquity Act of 1947, Antiquities and Art Treasures Act of 1972 particularly
provide for the prevention of smuggling and illegally dealing in antiques.
o Recent bill to amend The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains
Act which allowed construction within 100m of the protected monuments should be
avoided.
o In 2015, the ministry launched an initiative of e-ticketing services in over 116

monuments under the ASI and launched an initiative to digitise cultural resources.
 Strengthening institutions:
o The CAG report on Preservation and Conservation of Monuments and Antiques

clearly indicates that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for this purpose needs
to be more proactive and vigilant in its efforts and the ministry needs to develop an
aggressive strategy for the same
o Tapping of the Public —Private Partnership models for sustenance of Arts and
Crafts.
o Setting up at least one museum in each district with different chambers for visual
and other forms of art, architecture, science, history and geography with regional
flavour.
o Artistes from the field of architecture, sculpture, painting, handicrafts, puppetry,

music, dance, theatre, and literature will be graded by the Centre on the basis of
their performance.
 Cultural awareness:
o Curriculum modification – Identification and inclusion of heritage as an asset in

school, Open departments of Heritage management on the lines of Ahmedabad
University
o Introduction of a compulsory offline and online training for tourism purposes willing
to undertake ventures.
o Heritage depiction and promotion through immersive technology & augmented

reality
o Re-Classify heritage and announce awards for people with exceptional heritage
sense.
o Greater involvement of universities in schemes promoting arts and culture as well as

inclusion of Fine Arts as a subject in universities.
 Adaptive reuse of heritage sites:
o Restoring the historical sites in the form of festivals and inducing festivity link
perceptions.
o Recognizing ‘cultural heritage tourism’ as an upcoming industry by building cultural

resources with an adaptation of scientific and technological knowledge to local
circumstances as well as forming partnerships between local and global bodies.
Conclusion
It is the duty of every citizen to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture. The
art and culture of our nation are a vast continuum, evolving incessantly since time immemorial.
Naturally, preservation and conservation of India’s rich cultural heritage and promotion of all forms
of art and culture, both tangible and intangible, including monuments and archaeological sites,
anthropology and ethnology, folk and tribal arts, literature and handicrafts, performing art of music-
dance-drama and visual arts of paintings-sculpture-graphics is essential and assumes a lot of
importance.
Describe the key features of Stupa, and discuss the evolution of Stupa architecture in
the post-Mauryan era? (250 words)
Why the question:
To write about the characteristics of Stupa and its progress during post-Mauryan age.
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.
Introduction:
Begin by defining a Stupa.
Body:
First, draw a small representative diagram of a Stupa and mention the major features of that belong
in a Stupa and their significance.
Next, mention the progress in the construction of Stupa during the Post-Mauryan age in India with
examples.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising regarding Stupa architecture.
Introduction
The stupa (“stupa” is Sanskrit for heap) is an important form of Buddhist architecture, though it
predates Buddhism. It is generally considered to be a sepulchral monument—a place of burial or a
receptacle for religious objects. At its simplest, a stupa is a relic-filled mound-like or hemispheric
structure used for meditation. From the Vedic time onwards, stupas were used as burial mounds in
India.
In Buddhism, the earliest stupas contained portions of the Buddha’s ashes, and as a result, the stupa
began to be associated with the body of the Buddha. Adding the Buddha’s ashes to the mound of
dirt activated it with the energy of the Buddha himself.
Body:
Main characteristics of a Stupa
 The main structure of the Great Stupa consisted of a flattened hemispherical dome, called
an anda, placed atop a cylindrical base. Anda, represents the infinite dome of heaven and
signifies the cycle of birth, death and rebirth.
 The harmika, located at the summit of the anda, symbolized the zenith beyond life and
death (nirvana). Its resemblance to a sacrificial altar was of particular significance for the

attainment of nirvana required the sacrifice of the self and the world (what was below
needed to be sacrificed to reach the top).
 The parasol was always a distinguishing feature that implied royalty and dignity; it
symbolized the sacred Tree of Life or enlightenment.
 The three elements of the chattra at Sanchi represented the Three Jewels of Buddhism: the
Buddha, the Dharma (the Law), and the Sangha (the community of monks).
 Vedikas were repeated around the stupa and on the terrace on which the anda rested
(medhi level). They served to demarcate the boundary of the sacred precinct with the
secular world.
 The stupa is capped by a wooden railing that encircled a pradakshina patha

(circumambulatory walkway).
 Sanchi, Sarnath, Amaravati and Bharhut stupas are the oldest examples of Early Buddhist
stupa art. The Birth, Enlightenment, First Sermon and Great Departure are depicted using
various motifs in these stupas.
 The Jataka stories were depicted on the torans of Stupas. The Jataka stories are a method of
teaching Buddhists the lessons of karma, samsara and dharma. The overall structure of the
Jataka Tales is about the cycle of samsara that the Buddha had to experience before
reaching enlightenment.
Development of Stupa architecture during post-Mauryan age
 In the Post Mauryan period, stupas became larger and more decorative and wood and
brickwork were replaced by stone.
 Stupas were cylindrical drum shaped and octagon shaped pillars behind stupas without any
decorations were also found.
 Torans (gateways) was first used by the The torans were decorated with intricate figures
and the patterns.
 With the elaborations in stupa design, architects and sculptors had plenty of room to plan
elaborations and carve out images on the Torans.

 Jataka stories became part of stupa decoration. E.g.: In Bahrut, the tall images
of Yakshaand Yakshini along with narratives are found. In one narrative relief, depicting
Queen Mayadevi’s
 Stupa-I at Sanchi has upper as well as lower pradakshinapatha, four toranas depicting
jatakas. Advanced carving technique is used in these stupas.
 With the rise in the construction of stupas in various parts of the country, regional stylistic
variations also began to emerge.
Conclusion:
It is thus apparent that the stupa, which was conceived as a simple monument for the Buddha’s
corporeal relics, has over time transformed in its form and nomenclature and resulted in various
types of structures all over the world. In some regions, even supplementary structures like
monasteries have come up alongside stupas, fuelling the inception of new Buddhist orders and
sects. However, the core ideology of the stupa remains constant throughout each new development,
as does its symbolism and several crucial architectural features. These characteristics must,
therefore, be given due consideration and importance while designing any stupa project.
Value addition
Present Day Stupas:
 The core ideology of the stupa is retained in terms of architectural design across millennia,
and even to this day. However, the difference lies in the material used in the modern-day
stupa.
 For instance, the Sambodhi Chaithya is a stupa built with reinforced concrete on a platform
supported by two interlocking arches.
 Apart from this, stupa is also having access via Elevators.
 Patliputra karuna Stupa is having glass facade, along with void stupa concept so people can
see the holy relics along with ramp design for entrance instead of stairs which makes it
barrier free for everyone.
Although the sub-schools of Rajput style of paintings were geographically close, they
significantly varied in their execution and development of pictorial styles. Discuss. (250
words)
Why the question:
To write about the main style and themes of Rajput (Rajasthani) School and its main centers.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the
details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for
Introduction:
Write in brief about aesthetics of Rajput paintings and their origins.

Body:
In the first part, write about the main style and themes that are depicted in the paintings. Elements
depicted, colors used, notable genre and any other important features.
Next, write about the major centers where it flourished – Mewar School, Bundi school and
Kishangarh school. Write about their important features.
Conclusion:
Conclude by highlighting their special place in the artistic history of India.
Introduction
The term ‘Rajasthani Schools of Painting’ pertains to the schools of painting that prevailed in the
princely kingdoms and thikanas of what roughly constitutes Rajasthan and parts of Madhya Pradesh
in the present time, such as Mewar, Bundi, Kota, Jaipur, Bikaner, Kishangarh, Jodhpur (Marwar),
Malwa, Sirohi and other such principalities largely between the sixteenth and early nineteenth
centuries. Like the Mughal Emperors, the Rajput rulers were also lovers of art and gave their
patronage to miniature paintings.
Scholar Annand Coomaraswamy in 1916 coined the term ‘Rajput Paintings’ to refer to these as most
rulers and patrons of these kingdoms were Rajputs.
Body
Main features of Rajasthani School of paintings
 Each Rajputana kingdom had its own distinct style with a few common features.
 Unlike Mughal painting which is primarily secular, the art of painting in Central India,
Rajasthani and the Pahari region etc. is deeply rooted in the Indian traditions, taking
inspiration from Indian epics, religious texts like the Puranas, love poems in Sanskrit and
other Indian languages, Indian folk-lore and works on musical themes.
 The cults of Vaishnavism, Saivism and Shakti exercised tremendous influence on the
pictorial art of these places.
 Among these the cult of Krishna was the most popular one which inspired the patrons and
artists.
 The notion of ‘love’ was cherished as a religious theme, where a delightful synthesis of
sensuousness and mysticism was perceived
 The themes from the Ramayana., the Mahabharata, the Bhagavata, the Siva Purana, the
Naishadacarita, the Usha Aniruddha, the GitaGovinda of Jayadeva, the Rasamanjari of
Bhanudatta, the Amaru Sataka, the Rasikapriya of Kesavadasa, the Bihari Satasayee and
the Ragamala etc., provided a very rich field to the painter who with his artistic skill and
devotion made a significant contribution to the development of Indian painting.
 Apart from depicting stories from the Ramayana and the royal lifestyle of kings and queens,
Rajasthani miniature paintings often portrayed the legacy of present and past rulers.
 They also portrayed social values and the changes introduced by kings for the betterment of
society. The background of the paintings formed a special feature of the Rajasthani school.
 Colours used were often bold and contrasting in nature.

 Natural colours, extracted from plants, minerals, shells, gold, silver and precious stones,
were used.
 The preparation of colours itself would often take weeks and only fine brushes were used.
 The difficult art of miniature painting still exists in Rajasthan where the painters often use
paper, ivory and silk as their canvas.
 However, natural colours are no longer used as they have been replaced by artificial colours.
Various schools
The Malwa School
 It flourished between 1600 and 1700 CE and is most representative of the Hindu Rajput
courts.
 Its two-
dimensional simplistic language appears as a consummation of stylistic progressio
n from the Jain manuscripts to the Chaurpanchashika manuscript paintings.
 Unlike the specificity of Rajasthani schools that emerged and flourished in precise territorial
kingdoms and courts of their respective kings, Malwa School defies a precise centre for its
origin and instead suggests a vast territory of Central India, where it got articulated with a
sporadic mention of few places, such as Mandu, Nusratgarh and Narsyang Sahar.
 Among the few early dated sets are an illustrated poetic text of Amaru Shatakadated 1652
CE and a Ragamala painting by Madho Das in 1680 CE.
Mewar school of painting
 Mewar is conjectured to be a significant early centre of painting in Rajasthan, from where,

hypothetically, one would have been able to formalise a continuous stylistic tradition of
painting—from pre-seventeenth century bold, indigenous styles to the subsequent refined
and finer style post Karan Singh’s contact with the Mughals.
 However, long wars with the Mughals have wiped out earliest examples.
 Therefore, the emergence of the Mewar School is widely associated with an early dated set
of Ragamala paintings painted at Chawed in 1605 by an artist named Narain.
 Sahibdin painted the Ragamala (1628), Rasikapriya, Bhagvata Purana (1648) and the Yuddha
Kanda of Ramayana (1652).
Bundi School of Painting
 A prolific and distinct school of painting flourished in Bundi in the seventeenth century,
which is remarkable for its unblemished colour sense and excellent formal design.
 Bundi Ragamala dated 1591, assigned to the earliest and formative phase of Bundi painting,
has been painted at Chinar in the reign of Bhai Singh (1585–1607), the Hada Rajput ruler.
 A distinct feature of Bundi and Kota School is a keen interest in the depiction of lush
vegetation; picturesque landscape with varied flora, wildlife and birds; hills and thick jungles;
and water bodies.

 Bundi artists had their own standards of feminine beauty—women are petite with round
faces, receding foreheads, sharp noses, full cheeks, sharply pencilled eyebrows and a
‘pinched’ waist.
Kota School of Painting:
 The accomplished tradition of painting at Bundi gave rise to one of the most outstanding
Rajasthani Schools, Kota, which excels in the depiction of hunting scenes and reflects an
exceptional excitement and obsession for animal chase.
 Kota paintings are characteristically spontaneous, calligraphic in execution and

emphasise on marked shading, especially, the double–lid eye.
 Artists of the Kota School excelled in rendering animals and combat.
Bikaner School of Painting
 Rao Bika Rathore established one of the most prominent kingdoms of Rajasthan, Bikaner, in
1488.
 During his regime, Anup Singh (1669–1698) instituted a library in Bikaner that became a
repository of manuscripts and paintings.
 As a result of long association with the Mughals, Bikaner developed a distinctive language of
painting that was influenced by the Mughal elegance and subdued colour palette.
 The custom of having portraits of artists is unique to the Bikaner School and most of them
are inscribed with information regarding their ancestry. They are referred to as Ustas or
Ustad.
 Accounts from the Bahis, royal archival day-to-day diaries, and numerous inscriptions on
Bikaner paintings make it one of the best documented schools of painting.
Kishangarh School of Painting
 Widely held among the most stylised of all Rajasthani miniatures, Kishangarh paintings are
distinguished by their exquisite sophistication and distinct facial type exemplified by arched
eyebrows, lotus petal shaped eyes slightly tinged with pink, having drooping eyelids, a sharp
slender nose and thin lips.
 A distinctive style of the state with a general tendency to elongate the human form, making
lavish use of green and penchant for depicting panoramic landscapes had evolved by the
early eighteenth century
 With the Pushtimargiya cult of Vallabhacharya, Krishna Lila themes became personal
favourites for the rulers of Kishangarh and represented a major portion of their court art.
 Savant Singh’s most celebrated and outstanding artist was Nihal Chand.
 Nihal Chand worked for Sawant Singh between 1735 and 1757, and composed paintings on
Sawant Singh’s poetry that portrayed the theme of divine lovers—Radha and Krishna, in
courtly surroundings, often appearing tiny in the vastness and minutiae of their panoramic
landscape settings.
 Kishangarh artists revelled in the depiction of vistas in accentuated colours.

Jodhpur School of Painting
 With the political presence of Mughals since the sixteenth century, influence of their visual
aesthetics made its way in the style of portraiture and depiction of court scenes, etc.
 However, the formidable indigenous folkish style was so widespread and deeply embedded
in culture that it resisted getting overpowered and prevailed in most illustrated sets of
paintings.
 One of the earliest sets painted in Pali is a Ragamala set by artist Virji in 1623.
 The last phase innovative of Jodhpur painting coincided with the reign of Man Singh (1803–
1843).
 Significant sets painted during his time are the Ramayana (1804), Dhola-Maru, Panchatantra
(1804) and Shiva Purana.
 Ramayana paintings are interesting as the artist has employed his understanding of Jodhpur
to depict Rama’s Ayodhya.
 Hence, one gets an inkling into the bazaars, lanes, gateways, etc., of Jodhpur during that
period.
 This is true for all schools, wherein, local architecture, costumes and cultural aspects get
interwoven with the stories of Krishna, Rama and others, and get depicted in paintings
Jaipur School of Painting
 The Jaipur School of painting originated in its former capital Amer, which was nearest of all
large Rajput states to Mughal capitals—Agra and Delhi.
 Jaipur School of paintings thrived under Sawai Jai Singh’s reign and emerged as a well-
defined independent school.
 Court records reveal that some Mughal painters were brought from Delhi to become a part
of his atelier.
 Artists during his reign painted sets based on Rasikapriya, Gita Govinda, Baramasa and
Ragamala, where the hero’s figure is in striking resemblance with the king.
 Portrait painting was also popular during his time.
 During Pratap Singh’s time, apart from royal portraits and representations of courtly pomp
and splendour, literary and religious themes, such as Gita Govinda, Ragamala, Bhagvata
Purana, etc., got renewed stimulus.
 As elsewhere, many copies were also produced by means of tracing and pouncing.
 By the early nineteenth century, there was a lavish use of gold.
 Jaipur preferred large size formats and produced life-size portraits.
Conclusion
The Rajasthani style of painting including that of Malwa, is marked by bold drawing, strong and
contrasting colours. The treatment of figures is flat without any attempt to show perspective in a
naturalistic manner. Sometimes the surface of the painting is divided into several compartments of
different colours in order to separate one scene from another. Mughal influence is seen in the
refining of drawing and some element of naturalism introduced in figures and trees. Each school of
painting has its distinct facial type, costume, landscape and colour scheme.
Rukmini Devi Arundale played a crucial role in revitalizing the Bharatanatyam dance
form, with the aim of safeguarding and promoting it along with other Indian traditions.
Why the question:
To write about the contributions of Rukmini Devi Arundale toward reviving and achieving global
recognition to Bharatanatyam.
Directive:
Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context.
You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated
facts.
Introduction:
Write a brief introduction about Rukmini Devi Arundale – as a person and a performer of
Bharatanatyam.
Body:
Mention about the status of Bharatanatyam in its original ‘sadhir’ style prevalent amongst the
temple dancers, the Devadasis and was considered a vulgar art.
Write about the role that Rukmini Devi Arundale played in popularizing the movement – Rukmini
Devi Arundale was also instrumental in modifying mainly the Pandanallur style of Bharata Natyam
and bringing it to the attention of the West. Rukmini Devi raised Bharata Natyam to a puritan art
form, by removing certain emotional elements evocative of the erotic, such as hip, neck, lip and chest
movements) from the Pandanallur style.
Next, write about the other contributions of Rukmini Devi.
Conclusion:
Write about Bharatanatyam in the present day due to the efforts of Rukmini Devi.
Introduction
Rukmini Devi Arundale, founder of Kalakshetra, is credited with giving Bharatanatyam makeover
from sensuous art form to more spiritual & devotional character. Her charismatic personality and
contribution to the renaissance of Indian Classical music attained her niche in the arena of Indian
culture. Rukmini Devi was also known for her efforts towards the protection of animal rights and
their welfare.
Body
Her contribution to the performing arts industry is unmatchable and one cannot ignore the shackles
of caste and community she broke with it. The institute she founded, Kalakshetra, has gained
international recognition and become synonymous with all things “classical” in India.
Role of Rukmini Devi Arundale in Reviving Bharatanatyam:

 Honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 1956, Rukmini is best known for her visionary work in
the fields of dance, culture, and education that catalysed a renaissance in Indian classical
dance forms.
 Often Rukmini Devi is described as the one who saved the art of Bharatanatyam dance from
extinction. Some scholars also like to think that she appropriated the dance from the
hereditary dance community.
 She is the person who is credited for the renaissance of Bharatnatyam dance form and more
significantly making the dance which was primarily a forte of Devdasis, main stream and
respectable in the society.
 She was the first woman performer other than devadasi to perform bharatanatyam on
stage.
 The fact remains that a deep love for dance inspired her to go to its roots and study it with
diligence with gurus at a time when crucial changes were taking place in our society with
regard to temple dancers.
 Originally the dance form Bharatnatyam was known as Sadhir, practiced only by Devdasis
who with the advent of British Raj very widely maligned in the society. Thus, she not only
revived and resurrected the ancient dance form but also went on to reverse the negative
stereotypes associated with the female practitioners of Sadhir.
 By adopting a puritan approach, she eliminated the dance form of its shringaaror erotic
leanings and magnified the bhakti or devotional aspect, thereby making it more acceptable
to the mainstream of the society.
 She also introduced modern costumes, temple jewellery, set designs, lighting etc which we
know of the trademarks of the modern Bharatnatyam performances.
 Her unique contribution was to destroy what was crude and vulgar in the inherited
traditions of dance and to replace them with sophisticated and refined taste. In this, the
dance form received a new lease of life, going on to earn international approval.
 Other than conceiving and choreographing numerous bharatanatyam pieces, Rukmini

developed a unique curriculum to broaden the dance’s appeal, that included aesthetically
designed jewellery, costumes and stage scenarios.
 She indeed succeeded in giving dance and Bharatnatyam a place of pride in India’s national
narrative.
 Rukmini Devi “retained the positive aspects of the system and persuaded outstanding
musicians and dance gurus to join the faculty and created for them an ambiance devoid of
commercial considerations”.
Conclusion
Rukmini played an instrumental role in transforming the dance form, giving it a new name, and
popularizing it all over the world as a respectable art form. While Kalakshetra was a major landmark
in her career as a dancer, her years as an MP were just as fruitful as she made sure Article 51 (G) of
the Constitution of India was included under Part IV, making it the fundamental duty of every citizen
to show kindness and compassion to all living beings.

Discuss the unique features of Indus civilization sculptures and their role in
understanding the cultural and social aspects of this ancient civilization. How do the
sculptures from the Indus Valley Civilization contribute to our understanding of art,
religion, and society during that time? (250 words)
Why the question:
The article titled “What Mohenjo-daro’s Dancing Girl figurine tells us about the prehistoric
civilisation” explores the significance of the famous Dancing Girl figurine discovered at the
archaeological site of Mohenjo-daro in present-day Pakistan.
To write about the sculptural art of Indus valley civilisation and information it provides.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by giving a brief about rich art of Indus valley civilisation.
Body:
Mention the various features of Indus valley civilisation that exhibited fine artistry and imagination –
seals, bronze dancing girl, steatite images, copper sculptures etc. Elaborate upon their vivid features.
Next, write about the information provided by the Indus Valley Sculptures about the various aspects
of the civilization.
Conclusion:
Conclude by the summarising.
Introduction
Sculpture art is one of the most ancient art forms in India. Archaeological studies have confirmed
that Indians were familiar with sculptures about 4000 years before. 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.
Body
Sculpture art of Indus Valley Civilization:
 Sculpture representation started with knowledge of TerracottaDeities like bearded man,

mother goddess and toy carts, animals were common.
 Harappan sculptors were adept in chiselling of stones. E.g.: male torso figure in red
sandstone and bust of a bearded man in soapstone.
 Apart from sculpturing in terracotta and stone, ancient Indian artists were masters in bronze
sculptingas well.
 The Lost Wax Technique or the ‘Cire-Perdu’ processhas been known from the time of the
Indus Valley Civilization itself. This process is in use even today.
 The statue of the Dancing Girl found from Mohenjo Daro is one of the finest examples of
Indus Valley art. It is a bronze statue showing remarkable achievements of the artists of the

Indus Valley. The figurine is about 4 inches tall. Datable to 2500 BC. It is said to be in the
tribhanga it is one of the oldest bronze sculpture. : Bronze dancing girl of Mohenjo-Daro,
bronze bull of Kalibangan etc.
 Bronze is an alloy of basically copper and tin. Sometimes zinc was also added although most
of the component is copper.
 The alloy-making process of mixing metals was known to the ancient Indians.
 Bronze sculptures and statuettes of various icons of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism have
been found from various parts of India dating from the 2nd century CE to the 16th century
CE.
 Most of the images were used for religious and ritualistic purposes.
 The metal casting process was also used for making articles of daily use like utensils.
Conclusion
Their artistic versatility showed in the range of materials they used and the forms they made out of
it. The patterns, motives and designs found on the articles shows the creativity that existed and
judging from the excavated evidences, one can only conclude the people of Indus civilization were
indeed true art patrons.
The Chola dynasty, which ruled over a significant part of South India from the 9th to the
13th centuries, left behind a remarkable legacy of art and architecture. The Chola
sculptures, in particular, are celebrated for their exquisite craftsmanship and their
depiction of the religious and cultural beliefs of the time. Elaborate. (250 words)
Why the question:
To write about the developments in sculpture during the Chola period.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context about the grandeur of the Chola sculpture.
Body:
First, write about the Chola sculptures – salient and important features, marked changes which were
started during this period and emphasis on Hindu iconography. Substantiate with examples.
Next, write about the overall nature of the sculptures which portray a classic grace, grandeur and
taste.
Conclusion:
Introduction
The Cholas belonged to one of the three mighty dynasties that ruled the Tamil country in the early
historical period. Described as the Muvendhar in the Sangam literature, they were known for the
valour and for their patronage of the Tamil language.

Bronze sculptures and statuettes of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain icons have been discovered from many
regions of India dating from the second century until the sixteenth century. Most of these were used
for ritual worship and are characterised by exquisite beauty and aesthetic appeal. the ‘Dancing Girl’
from Mohenjo-Daro is the earliest bronze sculpture datable to 2500 BCE.
Body
A Chola-era Buddha idol that was reportedly stolen from Arpakkam near Kancheepuram is now stuck
with the Department of Homeland Security in the U.S., without any claim having been made by the
Indian authorities.
Sculptures:
 The Chola period is also remarkable for its sculptures and bronzes.
 The sculptures and bronzes show classic grace, grandeur and taste. The best example of this
can be seen in the form of Nataraja, the Divine Dancer.
 After Nataraja, the next most popular image is Somaskanda where Shiva is depicted sitting
with his consort Uma and his son Skanda dancing between them on a platform.
 Kalyanasundara Murti is a 9th century art where marriage is represented by 2 separate

statuettes; Shiva and Parvati’s marriage or panigrahana.
 Ardhanarishwar with half Shiva and half Shakti is another popular image
Chola bronze sculptures:
 The cire-perdu or ‘lost-wax’ process for casting was learnt as long ago as the Indus Valley
Culture.
 Along with it was discovered the process of making alloy of metals by mixing copper, zinc
and tin which is called bronze.
 The bronze casting technique and making of bronze images of traditional icons reached a
high stage of development in South India during the medieval period.
 Although bronze images were modelled and cast during the Pallava Period in the eighth and
ninth centuries, some of the most beautiful and exquisite statues were produced during the
Chola Period in Tamil Nadu from the tenth to the twelfth century.
 Exquisite pieces of art developed during this period. This technique is still practised in south
India, particularly in Kumbakonam.
 The distinguished patron during the tenth century was the widowed Chola queen,
Sembiyan Maha Devi.
 Chola bronzes are the most sought-after collectors’ items by art lovers all over the world.
 The well-known dancing figure of Shiva as Nataraja was evolved and fully developed during
the Chola Period and since then many variations of this complex bronze image have been
modelled.
 A wide range of Shiva iconography was evolved in the Thanjavur (Tanjore) region of Tamil
Nadu. The ninth century kalyanasundara murti is highly remarkable for the manner in which
Panigrahana (ceremony of marriage) is represented by two separate statuettes.
 Shiva with his extended right hand accepts Parvati’s (the bride’s) right hand, who is depicted
with a bashful expression and taking a step forward.
 The union of Shiva and Parvati is very ingeniously represented in the ardhanarisvara murti in
a single image.
 Beautiful independent figurines of Parvati have also been modelled, standing in

graceful tribhanga posture.
Conclusion
Given these unique features, great demand of Chola bronze sculptures not only among the devotees
but also among the art collectors across the world. Thus, Chola bronze sculptures give us a glimpse
of the finesse in metallurgy during the early medieval India. Hence appreciated by the art lovers
across the world.
The artistic movement in Bengal during the struggle for India’s Independence played a
crucial role in mobilizing public sentiment and fostering a sense of national pride and
unity. Elaborate. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Why the question:
To write about the emergence of nationalist school of painting in Bengal during the early twentieth
century.
Introduction:
Begin by giving context that led to emergence of nationalist school of art.
Body:
Write about the artists of Bengal under the leadership Abanidranath Tagore and Nandalal Bose
protested against British by rejecting to paint in Western style. Instead, they visited Ajanta and
explored the possibilities of painting in Indian way by using natural, powder colours.
Next, write about the inspiration and influences they sought from east – Japanese artists, miniature
art, revivalist style etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by the summarising.
Introduction
Originating in Calcutta and Shantiniketan, the Bengal School of Art promoted a distinctly Indian
modernism which blossomed throughout India during the British Raj of the early 20th century.
Founded by Abanindranath Tagore, this movement was associated with Indian Nationalism more
specifically by the Swadeshi movement as a revolt against the tyranny of the British that posed a
threat to Indian sensibilities and to revive traditional art forms. The Bengal school of art paved the
way for the Progressive Artists Group which now constitutes a major portion of the Modern Indian
artists.
Body
Characteristic features of Bengal School of art

 Rooted in the pride of nationalism, the avant-garde movement transformed Indian art by
bringing ‘Swadeshi’ values to Indian Paintings.
 Bengal school in painting was called the Renaissance School as well as the Revivalist
School because this movement endeavoured for revival of the Indian ancient and medieval
traditions.
 Led by reformers and artists like E.B. Havell and Abanindranath Tagore, the Bengal School of
Art originated in erstwhile Calcutta and Santiniketan, but spread across the country as
a voice against western influence.
 By synthesizing folk art, Indian painting traditions, Hindu imagery, indigenous materials and
depictions of contemporary rural life, artists of the Bengal School of Art celebrate humanism
and bring a dynamic voice to Indian identity, freedom, and liberation.
 The paintings were Simple and standard paintings with attractive colour scheme technique.
Bright colours were not used in such paintings.
 The paintings were so evocative and that they bore the potential to draw the viewers right
into it immersing them in the story they told.
 Every painting was unique given the style factor and displayed immense creativity of the
painter.
 The very iconic painting ‘Bharat Mata’turned out to be a complete deviation from earlier
representations of India by other artists. Being gentle yet vulnerable and a subjugated
figure, this became a symbol of national movement.
 The Japanese influence of wash technique is apparent from the soft misty quality seen in the
paintings which became a trademark.
 The turned to the inspiration to medieval Indian traditions of the miniature paintings and
ancient art of mural paintings in Ajanta Caves. The paintings of Ajanta and Bagh, Mogul,
Rajput and Pahari miniatures provided the models.
 The continuity of earlier traditions was sought to be maintained by borrowing from legends
and classical literature like the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, Gita, and Puranas, the writings
of Kalidasa and Omar Khayyam.
 The above experiments called “avant garde” in artist’s parlance, led to the development of
the Bengal School of Art. Avant Garderefers to the people or works that are experimental or
innovative, particularly with respect to art, culture, and politics.
 One more immediate reason of rise of such artists was the widespread influence of the
Indian spiritual idea to west.
 The other artists of this group were Gaganendranath Tagore, Asit Kumar Haldar, M.A.R
Chughtai, Sunayani Devi (sister of Abanindranath Tagore), Kshitindranath Majumdar,
Nandalal Bose, Kalipada Ghoshal, Sughra Rababi and Sudhir Khastgir.
Conclusion
With the spread of modernist ideas in the 1920s, the influence of the Bengal School began to
decline. But there is no doubt that the revolutionary movement fuelled artists to look for a distinct

Indian identity, and in that sense, the Bengal School was the harbinger of Modern Art in India. Till
date, the Government College of Art and Craft in Kolkata and the Viswa Bharati University in
Santiniketan continue to train students in the traditional styles of tempera and wash painting,
carrying forward the legacy of one of the most significant period in Indian art.
Mughal painting is known for its intricate details, vibrant colors, and sophisticated
techniques. It was heavily influenced by Persian, Central Asian, and Indian artistic
traditions. Analyse. (250 words)
Why the question:
To write about features, development and evolution of painting under Mughal rulers.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Mention the origin and gradual evolution of Mughal painting.
Body:
First, mention that Mughal rulers further enriched the Indian painting. They introduced Persian court
culture into Indian paintings. Then give an account of contribution of different Mughal rulers. From
this period book illumination or individual miniatures replaced wall painting as the most vital form of
art.
E.g Emperor Akbar patronised artists from Kashmir and Gujarat; Humayun brought two Persian
painters to his court. Mention Baburnama, Akbarnama, Abd-us-Samad Dasawanth and Basawan and
their works.
Conclusion:
Form a concise and a fair conclusion on the above issue, based on your discussion
Introduction
Mughal painting is the style of miniature painting that developed in the northern Indian subc
ontinent in the sixteenth century and continued till the mid–
nineteenth century. It is known for its sophisticated techniques and diverse range of subjects
and themes. The Mughal miniature painting inspired and resonated in subsequent schools and
styles of Indian painting, thereby, confirming a definite
position for the Mughal style within the Indian school of paintings
Body:
Mughal Paintings: Salient features
 The Mughal pictures were small in size, and hence are known as ‘miniature paintings’.
 Though the Mughal art absorbed the Indian atmosphere, it neither represented the Indian
emotions, nor the scenes from the daily life of the Indian.
 Hence, Mughal painting remained confined to the Mughal court and did not reach the
people.

 The Mughal rulers brought Persian painters with them. At the same time they patronized
Indian painters and the collaboration between these two schools of painters resulted in the
synthesis.
 Apart from Persian books of fables, themes from Mahabharata, Ramayana were also
selected.
 Indian scenes and landscapes came into vogue.
 Paintings were based upon close observation of nature with high aesthetic merit.
 Under Jahangir, the Mughal school paintings acquired greater charm, refinement and
dignity.
 The emperor Jahangir had a great fascination for nature and took delight in the portraiture
of birds, animals and flowers.
 Inspired by their overlord, the Mughal courtiers and the provincial officers started
patronizing the artists trained in the Mughal technique of painting.
 The artists who were employed in the Imperial Government were known as the first grade
artists. The works accomplished by these first grade artists is known as the Imperial Mughal
Painting.
 Artists available to the provinces were of inferior merit, thus, the works accomplished in the
provinces was known as ‘Popular Mughal’ or ‘Provincial Mughal’ painting, which possessed
all the important characteristics of the Imperial Mughal painting with some inferior quality.
Mughal paintings involved a diverse range of subjects and themes
Life and times of Mughal rulers:
 Mughal painting marks a unique blend of Persian and Indian ideas. Mughal painting was
essentially a court art, developed under the patronage of the ruling Mughal emperors and
began to decline when the rulers lost interest.
 The subjects treated were generally secular, revolving around themes like battles, court
scenes, receptions, legendary stories, hunting scenes, wildlife, portraits, and the likes.
 Imperial Mughal painting represents one of the most celebrated art forms of India. It arose
with remarkable rapidity in the mid-sixteenth century as a blending of three distinct
traditions:
o Court painting of Safavid Iran.
o Indigenous Indian devotional manuscript illumination.
o Indo-Persian or Sultanate painting, which is it is a hybrid of provincial Persian and

local Indian styles.
 The result of this merging resulted in paintings of unprecedented vitality, brilliant coloration,
and impossibly precise detail, is something dramatically more than the sum of its parts.
Contemporary social and political life of the people:

 Mughal Court paintings provide an insight into the life and times of rulers of the period.
These paintings also reflect the contemporary social and political condition of the people.
Social customs and courtly traditions are vividly depicted in these paintings.
 Mughal painting forms a dramatic episode in the history of India. Its aims and standpoint are
secular and realistic: it is interested in passing events and most typically in the exact
delineation of individual character in the portraiture of men and animals.
 It is dramatic rather than static, aristocratic more than surreal and academic rather than
vocational.
 After Mughal, there came “company paintings” in India. But they were not as realistic and
detailed as Mughal miniature paintings.
Conclusion
When the Mughal Empire was in decadence, various other schools of painting with Mughal influence
emerged in several regional courts, including the Rajput and Pahari paintings.
Value addition
Contributions of Mughal emperors to Painting:
Akbar:
 Akbar ordered the creation of many paintings and also paid close attention to the final
output of all these artworks.
 He was very particular about the details and the artistic elements involved.
 Akbar had an impressive number of painters in his court. Between 1560 and 1577, he
commissioned a number of massive painting projects.
 One of the earliest painting projects commissioned by Akbar was ‘Tutinama’ which literally
translates to ‘Tales of a Parrot.’ There is Hamzanama as well.
 Akbar and his successors brought revolutionary changes to painting and sensual illustrations.
 From this period book illumination or individual miniatures replaced wall painting as the
most vital form of art.
 Akbar also encouraged the art of making portraits.
Jahangir:
 Much like his father (Akbar), Jahangir too had an inclination toward arts, which proved
beneficial for the growth of Mughal art.
 The Mughal painting continued to grow under his reign.
 It is generally stated that during Jahangir’s time, the art of painting reached its climax and
with him departed its soul.
 Jahangir was not only interested in painting; he was also its keen judge. He established a
gallery of painting in his own garden.

 Since Jahangir was largely influenced by European painting, he ordered his painters to follow
the single point perspective used by European artists.
 This gave a whole new perspective to the Mughal painting.
 Jahangir even used European paintings that portrayed the images of Kings and Queens as
references and asked his painters to take a leaf out of these paintings.
 As a result, most of the Mughal paintings commissioned by Jahangir had finer brush strokes
and lighter colours.
 One of the major projects commissioned by him was the ‘Jahangirnama.’
 It was an autobiography of Jahangir and it consisted of several paintings that included

unusual themes, such as fights between spiders.
 Several individual portraits of Jahangir were also made by his painters.
 However, he also commissioned many paintings of birds, animals and flowers which were
portrayed in a realistic manner.
 Artists began to use vibrant colours such as peacock blue and red and were able to give three
dimensional effects to paintings
 Overall, the Mughal painting continued to flourish and also continued to evolve under
Jahangir’s rule.
Shahjahan:
 Though Mughal painting continued to expand during the reign of Shah Jahan, the paintings
that were displayed in the court became increasingly rigid and formal.
 However, he commissioned a large number of paintings meant to be his personal collection.
 These paintings were based on themes like gardens and pictures that gave great aesthetic
pleasure.
 He also ordered many works that portrayed lovers in intimate positions.
 One of the most important works produced during his reign was the ‘Padshanama.’
 This work was made to look lavish with generous volumes of gold plating.
 The ‘Padshanama,’ which narrated the achievements of the King, contained several paintings
of the courtiers and servants as well.
 The work was so elaborate that even servants were painted with amazing details that
provided a great individuality to each and every character.
 While the servants and courtiers were portrayed using the frontal view technique, the king
and other important dignitaries were portrayed by adhering to the rules of strict
metamodeling.
 During the reign of Shah Jahan, the aesthetics of Mughal painting were retained which
contributed to the growth and development of Mughal paintings.

 Many of the paintings produced under the leadership of Shah Jahan are now housed at
various museums around the world.
Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the
present- significant events, personalities, issues.
The socio-religious reform movements played a significant role in shaping modern
India. The reforms brought about by these movements helped in creating a more
inclusive and progressive society in India. Elucidate. (250 words)
Why the question:
To write about how reforms movement were aimed at India society and their contributions.
Directive word:
Elucidate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must
Introduction:
Begin by mentioning that the reform movement was a holistic socio-religious reform movement
aimed revitalising our society and religion.
Body:
First, elaborate on features such as the movement focussed on aspects such as to bring in an
enlightened society, removal of superstition, to establish a democratic society, to promote rationality
and scientific temper etc. Mention steps taken by reforms to achieve these. Mention about the
reformist movements and revivalist movements. Mention the major reformers of major religions.
Next, write about the contributions of the reform movements to modern India.
Conclusion:
Conclude by saying that the same approach was carried forward by the national movement and was
included in the vision of independent India.
Introduction
Indian Society in the 19th century was caught in a vicious web created by religious superstitions
and dogmas. The priests exercised an overwhelming and unhealthy influence on the mind of people.
Social Conditions were equally depressing with women being oppressed in name of gender along
with people deemed to be of lower caste.
Body
Scope of reform movement included Religion and social condition
 The major social problems which came in the purview of the reforms movements were
emancipation of women(in which sati, infanticide, child marriage and widow re-marriage
were taken up), casteism and untouchability, education for bringing about enlightenment
in society.
 In the religious sphere main issues were idolatry, polytheism, religious superstitions, and
exploitation by priest.

 Important characteristics of Social Reform Movement included leadership by wide emerging

Intellectual middle class.
 Reform movement started in different parts of India in different period but having
considerable similarities.
 They were link with one region or one caste. It was clear to them that without religious
reformation, there cannot be any social reformation.
 Two Intellectual criteria of social reform movement included- both Rationality and Religious
Universalism
 Similarly, while the ambits of reforms were particularistic, their religious perspective was
universalistic. Raja Ram Mohan Roy considered different religion as national
embodiments of Universal theism.
o g.: In the BrahmoSamaj, it led to the repudiation of the infallibility of the Vedas,
and in the Aligarh Movement, to the reconciliation of the teachings of Islam with
the needs of the modern age.
 The socio religious reform movement, as a whole, was against backward element of
traditional culture in terms of both religious and social evils.
o g.: Holding that religious tenets were not immutable; Syed Ahmed Khan
emphasized the role of religion in the progress of society: if religion did not keep
pace with and meet the demands of the time it would get fossilized as in the case of
Islam in India.
 The focus was on regeneration of traditional institutions including medicine, education, and
philosophy and so on.
 There were differences in methods of those reform movements but all of them were
concerned with the regeneration of society through social and educational reforms.
Reform movements and national awakening
 In spite of the opposition from the orthodox sections of the society, these movements
contributed towards liberating people from the exploitation of priests.
 The movement gave the upcoming middle class cultural roots and reduced the sense of
humiliation that the British powers had created.
 Modern, rational, secular, and scientific outlook was promoted realizing the need of the
modern era. The reformers aimed at modernisation rather than outright westernization.
 A favourable social climate was created to end India’s cultural and intellectual isolation from
the world.
 It was greatly due to the constant endeavours of the reformers that abolition of Sati and
legalisation of widow-marriage were achieved during the nineteenth century.
 There was much intellectual fervour, prolonged agitation and acute discussion during the
controversy over the age of Consent Bill.

o Such debates, even if they failed to bring about any concrete change immediately,
raised the level of consciousness.
 The ideas and activities of the intellectuals were directly or indirectly related to the task
of nation-building and national reconstruction.
 The social reform movement, as a matter of fact, was not an isolated phenomenon; it was
loaded with wider national political and economic considerations. In a way, the social
reform movement was a prelude to nationalism.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, it can be argued that in the evolution of modern India the reform movements have
made very significant contribution. They stood for the democratization of the society, removal of
superstitions and decadent customs, spread of enlightenment and development of a rational and
modern outlook. This led to the national awakening in India.
The Mughal Empire’s decline resulted from a confluence of factors such as corruption,
incompetence, religious intolerance, and military vulnerability. Elaborate. (250 Words)
Reference: InsightsonIndia
Key Demand of the question: To elaborate on the factors that led to the decline of the Mughal Empire
and their impact.
Directive: Elaborate – This is an all-encompassing directive, and you must write in detail on the issues
involved. You must examine all the facts and provide a detailed account of the issues involved.
Introduction: Begin by providing a brief historical context of the Mughal Empire.
Body:
First, explain how a confluence of factors led to the decline of the Mughal Empire. Provide evidence
to support your argument, including examples of corruption, incompetence, religious intolerance,
and military vulnerability.
Highlight the role of prominent figures such as Aurangzeb and their policies in contributing to the
decline.
Next, present any counter-views, if any, and explain why they are not convincing.
Finally, conclude by summarizing the key points of your answer.
Conclusion: Conclude by summarizing the key points of your answer.
Introduction
The period of the Great Mughals, which began in 1526 with Babur’s accession to the throne, ended
with the death of Aurangzeb in 1707. Aurangzeb’s death marked the end of an era in Indian history.
When Aurangzeb died, the empire of the Mughals was the largest in India. Yet, within about fifty
years of his death, the Mughal Empire disintegrated.
Body
The reasons responsible for the decline of the Mughal empire in India are:
 Wars of Succession:
o The Mughals did not follow any law of succession like the law of primogeniture.

o Consequently, each time a ruler died, a war of succession between the brothers for
the throne started.
o This weakened the Mughal Empire, especially after Aurangzeb.
o The nobles, by siding with one contender or the other, increased their own power.
 Aurangzeb’s Policies:
o Aurangzeb failed to realize that the vast Mughal Empire depended on the willing
support of the people.
o Aurangzeb’s religious orthodoxy and his policy towards the Hindus damaged the
stability of the Mughal empire
o He lost the support of the Rajputs who had contributed greatly to the strength of
the Empire.
o They had acted as pillars of support, but Aurangzeb’s policy turned them to bitter
foes.
o The wars with the Sikhs, the Marathas, the Jats and the Rajputs had drained the
resources of the Mughal Empire.
 Weak Successors of Aurangzeb:
o The successors of Aurangzeb were weak and became victims of the intrigues and
conspiracies of the faction-ridden nobles.
o They were inefficient generals and incapable of suppressing revolts.
o The absence of a strong ruler, an efficient bureaucracy and a capable army had
made the Mughal Empire weak.
o After Bahadur Shah’s reign came a long list of weak, worthless and luxury-loving
Kings.
 Empty Treasury:
o Shah Jahan’s zeal for construction had depleted the treasury.
o Aurangzeb’s long wars in the south had further drained the exchequer.
 Invasions:
o Foreign invasions sapped the remaining strength of the Mughals and hastened the
process of disintegration.
o The invasions of Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdaliresulted in further drainage of
wealth.
o These invasions shook the very stability of the empire.
 Size of the Empire and Challenge from Regional Powers:
o The Mughal Empire had become too large to be controlled by any ruler from one
centre i.e. Delhi.

o The Great Mughals were efficient and exercised control over ministers and army,
but the later Mughals were poor administrators.
o As a result, the distant provinces became independent. The rise of independent

states led to the disintegration of the Mughal Empire.
 Rise of independent states in the 18th century:
o With the decline of the Mughal Empire a number of provinces seceded from the
empire and several independent states came into existence.
o Hyderabad:
 The State of Hyderabadwas founded by Qamar-ud-din Siddiqi, who was

appointed Viceroy of the Deccan, with the title of Nizam-ul- Mulk, by
Emperor Farrukhsiyar in 1712.
 He established a virtually independent state but returned to Delhi during the

reign of Emperor Mohammad Shah.
 In 1724, he was reappointed Viceroy of the Deccan with the title of Asaf Jah.
o Bengal:
 Bengal in the 18th century comprised Bengal, Bihar and Orissa.
 Murshid Quli Khanwas the Diwan of Bengal under Aurangzeb.
 Farrukhsiyar appointed him Subedar (governor) of Bengal in 1717.
o Awadh:
 The subah of Awadh comprised Benaras and some districts near Allahabad.
 Saadat Khan Burhan-ul-Mulkwas appointed Governor of Awadh by the

Mughal Emperor.
 But he soon became independent.
o Deterioration of land relations
 Shahjahan and Aurangzeb opted for jagirs and Paibaqi instead of paying
directly from state treasury to the officials.
 Jagirs refer to temporary allotment of lands to officials for their services

which may be according to the satisfaction of the Emperor.
 Paibaqi refers to revenue from reserved lands which were sent to the
central treasury.
 There was a constant clash of interest between the nobles and zamindars.
o Rise of the Marathas
 Marathas consolidated their position in Western India
 They started making plans for a greater Maharashtra empire.

Conclusion
The decline of the Mughal Empire was due to social, economic, political and institutional factors. By
1813, the British government took away the power that allowed the East India Company’s monopoly
and later, the company worked on behalf of the government. In 1857, the Indian Rebellion occured
which prompted the British colonial office to exile the last emperor, Bahadur Shah II, and take
complete control of the Indian subcontinent.
The reform movements had a broad focus beyond just religion and aimed to improve
society as a whole. They presented a vision of a prosperous, modern India that was
ultimately adopted by the Indian National Movement. Analyse. (250 words)
Why the question:
To write about how reforms movement were aimed at India society as whole and how they got
integrated with the mainstream national movement.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by mentioning that the reform movement was a holistic socio-religious reform movement
aimed revitalising our society and religion.
Body:
Elaborate on features such as the movement focussed on aspects such as to bring in an enlightened
society, removal of superstition, to establish a democratic society, to promote rationality and
scientific temper etc. Mention steps taken by reforms to achieve these.
In religious aspects mention the steps that were taken by various reforms to reform the major
religions.
Conclusion:
Conclude by saying that the same approach was carried forward by the national movement and was
included in the vision of independent India.
Introduction
Socio-religious reform movements

are linked with different ideas including presence of Colonial government, Economic and
Social backwardness of society, influence of modern western ideas, rise of intellectual awakening in
the middle class and poor position of women in society.
From the early 19th century, debates and discussion about social customs and practices took a new
character due to the development of new forms of communication. Various reformers like Raja
Rammohun Roy, Ishawarchandra Vidyasagar, Swami Dayananda Saraswati persuaded people to give
up degraded age-old traditions like Sati, child marriage, polygamy, female infanticide etc. by
adopting a new way of life. They were keen to spread knowledge of modernization in the country
and bring about greater freedom and equality for women and “lower caste” people.
Body:
19-20th century socio-religious reforms aimed at following:

 Reformers like Raja Rammohan Roy, Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar, Swami Dayanand

Saraswati, Jyotiba Phule, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and Pandita Ramabaiunderstood that
ignorance and backwardness in the society was responsible for hindering its progress and
development.
 They studied the religious scriptures and criticized the prevalent religious and social
practices.
 According to them, society should be based on the concepts of liberty and equality both for
men and women and this was possible only by the spread of modern and scientific
education especially among the women.
 These movements came to be called socio-religious movement because the reformers felt
that no change is possible in a society without reforming the religion.
 The socio religious reform movement, as a whole, was against backward element of
traditional culture in terms of both religious and social evils.
 The focus was on regeneration of traditional institutions including medicine, education, and
philosophy and so on.
 There were differences in methods of those reform movements but all of them were
concerned with the regeneration of society through social and educational reforms
 The aim of these reformers was never to replace the local culture of India with the western
culture. Rather they simply assimilated some western values which they saw as desirable for
the development of the society such as humanism.
 They emphasised more on the interpretation of scriptures and simplification of rituals rather
than out rightly imitating westernisation.
 Swami Vivekanandasought to bring reform through reinterpretations of the Vedas in the

context of the changing world. He stressed on the ideal of social service and selfless action.
 Raja Rammohun Roytoo had great respect for the western way of thinking, yet gave utmost
respect and importance to Vedas and Upnishads.
 Ishwarchandra Vidyasagarused the ancient texts to suggest that widows could remarry. His
suggestions were adopted by British officials, and a law was passed in 1856 permitting
widow remarriage.
 Such thinkers were against certain social evils like Sati, idolatry, polytheism, untouchability
etc but they believed in the essence of scriptures as a persuasive truth and not that was not
compatible with the modern notions of equality and dignity of all individuals.
 In India, social reform did not ordinarily mean a reorganisation of the structuring of society
at large, as it did in the West, for the benefit of underprivileged social and economic classes.
 Instead, it meant the infusion into the existing social structure of the new ways of life and
thought; the society would be preserved, while its members would be transformed.
Conclusion:
The socio-religious reform movements of the 19-20th century have made very significant
contributions in the evolution of today’s Modern India. They stood for the democratization of
society, removal of superstition and abhorrent customs, spread of enlightenment and the
development of a rational and modern outlook. By the end of the 20th century, women themselves
were actively working for reform. They wrote books, edited magazines, founded schools and training
centres and set up a women’s association. These women, later on, joined various kinds of nationalist
and socialist movements and contributed immensely in the freedom struggle.
The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors

/contributions from different parts of the country.
The revolutionaries made significant contributions towards their country’s freedom in
their own unique way. While they did not fully win over the masses, they did manage to
instil a feeling of love for their country and a strong resolve to expel foreign powers
from their land. Discuss. (250 words)
Why the question:
To write the contributions of revolutionary nationalists and analyze the reasons for the decline of
revolutionary strand of national movement in the 1930’s.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Start by writing about revolutionary national movement and its nature of struggle. Mention
important organizations and revolutionaries.
Body:
First, outline the major contributions of the revolutionary nationalists – spreading patriotism,
creating fear in the minds of British, making them grant concessions, uniting the people of India,
inspiring the youth.
In the next part, write the reasons for the decline of national movement – repression of the
government, death/imprisonment of leaders, shift to popular struggle, joining mainstream political
movement.
Conclusion:
Summarize that though the acts of individual heroism reduced but the revolutionary zeal remained
and it manifested in Gandhian movements and Indian National Army of Bose.
Introduction
The emergence of revolutionary ideology in India during the late nineteenth and early twentieth
century was the result of several internal and external influences working on the minds of the youth.
Early phase of revolutionary movement in India was in Bengal, Maharashtra, Punjab, U.P., Orissa,
Bihar and Madras provinces, but it predominantly operated in Bengal, Maharashtra and Punjab as
these regions were more politically active than other parts of the country.
Body
Contribution of revolutionaries in the Indian Nationalism

 The Revolutionaries ignited the national cause and carried the message of nationalismin
the country and outside the country.
 Their deep patriotism, courage and determination, and sense of sacrificestirred the Indian
people.
 They helped spread nationalist consciousness in the land; and in northern India the spread
of socialist consciousness owed a lot to them.
 The era of revolutionary terrorism began and very soon secret societies of the
revolutionaries came up all over the country.
o For instance, the Anusilan Samiti, the most famous and long lasting secret society,
with its headquarters at Calcutta created revolutionary centres all over India. Their
activities took two forms- the assassination of oppressive officials, traitors and
informers, and dacoities to raise funds for the purchase of arms, etc.
 It had its impact on the Congress strategy to involve the youths in the short term
programme of rural reconstruction.
 Revolutionaries like Ras Behari Bose, Chander Shekhar Azad, Lala Hardyal M.A., Madan Lal
Dhingra and S. Ajit Singh succeeded in expanding the Indian independence movement to
other countries as well.
Conclusion
Though the revolutionary movement failed it made a valuable contribution to the growth of
nationalism in India. The sacrifice and the martyrdom of the revolutionaries did not go waste. It
appealed to the masses. Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Surya Sen, Rajguru etc. became
household name of the Indian people and aroused patriotism among masses.
Although the revolutionaries had failed to attain set objectives of attaining independence through
armed revolt, they were successful in arousing people and remove the fear of authority from their
minds and strike terror in the heart of the rulers.
Value addition:
Factors that contributed to revolutionary nationalism:
 Failure of Moderate and extremist congress:While the youth of Bengal might have been
incensed at the British arrogance and repression, and the ‘mendicancy’ of the Congress
moderates, they were also led to ‘the politics of the bomb’ by the extremists’ failureto give
a positive lead to the people’.
 Leadership’s failureto tap revolutionary energies of the youth.
o In December 1908 nine Bengal leaders including the venerable Krishna Kumar Mitra
and Ashwini Kumar Duttwere deported. In 1908, the great Bal Gangadhar Tilak was
arrested and given the severe sentence of 6 years imprisonment. Chidambaram Pillai
in Madras and Hari Sarvottam Rao and others in Andhra were put behind bars.
o This led to leader-lessness and energy of the youths could not be channelised.
 The Fallout of Swadeshi and Boycott Movementwas the immediate reason.

 The repressive policies of the British governmentled people to militant and revolutionary
politics.
o The government of East Bengal, in particular, tried to crush the nationalist

movement. Official attempted at preventing student participation in the Swadeshi
Agitation.
o For instance, the singing of Vande Mataram in public streets in East Bengal was
banned. Public meetings were restricted and sometimes forbidden. Laws controlling
the press enacted, etc.
o One of the most notorious examples of repressionswas the police assault on the
peaceful delegates of Bengal provincial conference; Barisal in April 1906. Many of
the young volunteer was severely beaten up and the conference itself was forcibly
dispersed.
 Nationalism among youth:Most vital factor which contributed to amplify the spirit of
nationalism among the countrymen was the ‘economic exploitation’ of Indians by the British
Government and the Partition of Bengal.
o :Jathindranath Banerjee, Virendra Ghosh of Anushilan Samiti; Barindrakumar

Ghosh expressed it through ‘Yugantar’.
The uprising of 1857 greatly impacted the British rule in India. Initially, it began as a
mutiny by the Indian soldiers, but quickly spread to involve the general population,
including peasants, in large parts of northern India. Discuss. (250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The article explores the role of Meerut in the Indian Uprising of 1857, which is often regarded as the
first war for India’s independence.
To write about the impact created by the revolt of 1857.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Start by briefly mentioning how the 1857 uprising was successfully quelled by the British.
Body:
First, write about how revolt of 1857 jolted the British administration.
Next, 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
The revolt of 1857 shook the foundations of the British empire in India
 The revolt of 1857 played an important role in bringing the Indian people together and
imparting to them the consciousness of belonging to one country.
 During the entire revolt, there was complete cooperation between Hindus and Muslims at
all levels—people, soldiers, leaders.
 Rebels and sepoys, both Hindu and Muslim, respected each other’s sentiments.
 Immediate banning of cow slaughter was ordered once the revolt was successful in a
particular area.
Nature of Revolt
Views differ on the nature of the 1857 revolt.
 It was a mere ‘Sepoy Mutiny’ to some British historians—”a wholly unpatriotic and selfish
Sepoy Mutiny with no native leadership and no -popular support”, said Sir John Seeley.
 Dr K. Datta considers the revolt of 1857 to have been “in the main a military outbreak, which
was taken advantage of by certain discontented princes and landlords, whose interests had
been affected by the new political leader”
 It was at the beginning of the twentieth century that the 1857 revolt came to be interpreted
as a “planned war of national independence”, by V.D. Savarkar.
 Dr R.C. Majumdar, however, considers it as neither the first, nor national, nor a war of
independence as large parts of the country remained unaffected and many sections of the
people took no part in the upsurge.
 According to Marxist historians, the 1857 revolt was “the struggle of the soldier-peasant
democratic combine against foreign as well as feudal bondage”.
Impact: 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 Indiaand provided for
the appointment of a Secretary of Statefor India (a member of the British cabinet).
o The direct responsibility for the administration of the country was assumed by the
BritishCrown and Company rule was abolished.

o The assumption of the Government of India by the sovereign of Great Britain was
announced byLord 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, theera of annexations
and expansion had endedand 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 couldno 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 wasirremediable 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.
Value addition

Various causes for the defeat of the rebel
 All-India participation was absent: Limited territorial spread was one factor; there wasno
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 zamindarsacted as ‘break-waters to storm’; even Awadh talukdars backed off

once promises of land restitution were spelt out.
o Moneylendersand 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 equippedwith 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.
The Quit India Movement brought about a fundamental change in the character of the
mass movements that were part of India’s struggle for independence. Explain. (250
words)
To write how Quit India movement was different from the previous mass movements.
Why the question:
Directive word:
context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant
associated facts.
Introduction:
Give the context of political scene of the country that led to the launch of Quit India movement
Body:
Write about the factors that made the movement stand apart from other struggles or movements
against the Imperial rule, on lines of, Gandhi’s strategy, emergence of new leaders, Violence, Princely

States, new developments and mass involvement etc and the way it aligned the local interest with
that of national interest.
Conclusion:
Conclude by mentioning that the much-needed impetus towards conclusion to the national freedom
struggle can be credited to the Quit India movement.
Introduction
The failure of the Cripps Mission in April 1942 made it clear that Britain was unwilling to offer an
honourable settlement and a real constitutional advance during the War. Consequently, Gandhiji
drafted a resolution for the Congress Working Committee calling for Britain’s withdrawal and nation
edged towards Quit India Movement or August Kranti. Mahatma Gandhi’s clarion call of ‘Do or
Die’ inspired thousands of party workers but also created frenzy among the British who rushed to
imprison the entire Congress leadership.
Body
Quit India Movement: Paradigm shift in nature of mass movement in India’s freedom struggle
 Social radicalism of Gandhi:
o In a sharp contrast to Non-cooperation movement, where Gandhi withdrew after

Chauri Chaura incident, in Quit India movement he not only refused to condemn
the people’s resort to violence but unequivocally held government responsible for
it.
o Though the need for non-violence was always reiterated, Gandhi’s mantra of Do or
Die represents the militant mood of Gandhi.
o Gandhi also gave a call to all sections of the people, the princes, the Jagirdars, the
Zamindars, the propertied and moneyed classes, who derive their wealth and
property from the workers in the fields and factories and elsewhere, to whom
eventually power and authority belong.
o This indicates Gandhi’s social radicalism and shift in the philosophy of the
Congress, by now people with the goals of socialism and communism have become
a part of the broad-based Congress organization.
 Violent at some places:
o The Quit India Movement was mainly a non-violent movement. However, it became
violent at some places.Rails were uprooted, post offices were set on fire and offices
were destroyed.
 Leaderless movement:
o Even before the formal launching of the movement, the government in a single
sweep arrested all the top leaders of the Congress. This led to spontaneous
outburst of mass anger against the arrest of leaders.
o The spontaneous participation of the massesin the Quit India movement made it
one of the most popular mass movements.
 Demand for independence:

o This historic movement placed the demand for independence on the immediate
agendaof the national movement.
o The spirit unleashed was carried further by Indian National Army of Subhas Chandra
Bose. After ‘Quit India’ there could be no retreat. Independence was no longer a
matter of bargain.
o It accelerated and sustained the urge for freedom and enabled India to achieve
freedom in 1947.
 Establishment of Parallel Governments:
o Parallel governments were established at many places.
o Ballia under Chittu Pandey, got many Congress leaders released.
o In Tamluk and Contai subdivisions of Midnapore in West Bengal, the local populace
were successful in establishing Jatiya Sarkar, which undertook cyclone relief work,
sanctioned grants to schools, supplied paddy from the rich to the poor, organised
Vidyut Vahinis, etc.
o In Satara (Maharashtra), “Prati Sarkar”, was organised under leaders like Y.B.
Chavan, Nana Patil, etc. Village libraries and Nyayadan Mandals were organised
 Underground Activity:
o Many nationalists went underground and took to subversive activities.
o The participants in these activities were the Socialists, Forward Bloc members,
Gandhi ashramites, revolutionary nationalists and local organisations in Bombay,
Poona, Satara, Baroda and other parts of Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra, United
Provinces, Bihar and Delhi.
o The main personalities taking up underground activity were Rammanohar Lohia,

Jayaprakash Narayan, Aruna Asaf Ali, Usha Mehta, Biju Patnaik, Chhotubhai
Puranik, Achyut Patwardhan, Sucheta Kripalani and R.P. Goenka.
o Usha Mehta started an underground radio in Bombay.
o This phase of underground activity was meant to keep up popular morale by

continuing to provide a line of command and guidance to distribute arms and
ammunition
 Strong women participation:
o Quit India movement was unique in the sense that it saw women participation
where they not only participated as equals but also led the movement.
o Women, especially school and college girls, actively participated, and included Aruna
Asaf Ali, Sucheta Kripalani and Usha Mehta.
o There was Matangini Hazra, who lead a procession of 6,000 people, mostly women,
to ransack a local police station.
 Extent of Mass Participation

o The participation was on many levels.
o Youth, especially the students of schools and colleges, remained in the forefront.
o Workers went on strikes and faced repression.
o Peasants of all strata were at the heart of the movement.
o Even some zamindars
o Government officials, especially those belonging to lower levels in police and

administration, participated resulting in erosion of government loyalty.
o Muslims helped by giving shelter to underground activists. There were no

communal clashes during the movement.
Conclusion
Despite its failure, the Quit India movement is considered significant as it made the British
Government realize that India was ungovernable in the long run. Post the Second World War, the
question that was most prominent for the British was on how to exit India peacefully.
Value addition:
The quit India resolution stated the provisions of the movement as:
 An immediate end to British rule over India.
 Declaration of the commitment of free India to defend itself against all kinds of imperialism
and fascism.
 Formation of a provisional government of India after British withdrawal.
 Sanctioning a civil disobedience movement against British rule.
Non-participants:
 The Communists did not join the movement; in the wake of Russia (where the communists
were in power) being attacked by Nazi Germany, the communists began to support the
British war against Germany and the ‘Imperialist War’ became the ‘People’s War’.
 The Muslim League opposed the movement, fearing that if the British left India at that time,
the minorities would be oppressed by the Hindus.
 The Hindu Mahasabha boycotted the movement.
 The Princely states showed a low-key response.
Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.

How effective have the post-independent agrarian reforms been in remedying the harm
caused by British agrarian policies? Briefly explain. (250 Words)
Reference: BS

Why the question:

The question is part of the static topic for Post-Independence History
Key Demand of the Question:
Evaluate the effectiveness of post-independent agrarian reforms in remedying the harm caused by
British agrarian policies.
Directive: Briefly Explain – This directive requires you to provide a concise answer while covering all
the essential points.
Introduction: Begin with a brief overview of the importance of agrarian policies in India and mention
the significance of post-independent agrarian reforms.
Body:
Firstly, provide an overview of the British agrarian policies in India and how they negatively impacted
Indian agriculture and farmers.
Next, discuss the post-independent agrarian reforms introduced by the government, such as the Land
Ceiling Act, abolition of intermediaries, and green revolution.
Explain the aims of these reforms, and highlight how they intended to address the harm caused by
Evaluate the effectiveness of post-independent agrarian reforms in remedying the harm caused by
Provide evidence to support your argument, including any successes or limitations of these reforms.
Additionally, discuss any criticisms of post-independent agrarian reforms and any alternative
measures suggested to address agrarian issues.
Conclusion:
Conclude by providing a final opinion on the effectiveness of post-independent agrarian reforms in
remedying the harm caused by British agrarian policies.
Introduction
Agrarian Reforms usually refers to redistribution of Land from rich to poor and includes Regulation
of Ownership, Operation, Leasing, sale and Inheritance of Land. The Indian Government was
committed to land reforms and to ensure distributive justice as was promised during the freedom
struggle. Consequently, laws were passed by all the State Governments during the 1950’s with
the avowed aim of abolishing landlordism, distributing land through imposition of ceilings,
protection of tenants and consolidation of landholdings.
Body
Impact of post-independent agrarian reforms in remedying harm cause by British Policies
 Earlier large tracts of wasteland belonging to zamindars/ big farmers remained uncultivated.
These lands were given to landless labourers as a result of which there is increase in area
under cultivation leading to food security.
 Equal distribution of land will encourage intensive cultivation resulting in increased

agricultural production leading to higher production levels.
 Some farm management studies conducted in India testified that small farms yielded more
production per hectare. It is so because family members themselves cultivate small farms.
 Even one hectare of land is also an economic holding these days on account of improvement
in agricultural technique. Hence, small size of holding due to ceiling will not have any
adverse effect on agricultural production.

 At least some of the Land owners shifted to direct ‘efficient’ farming in order to get
‘exemption’ from land ceiling.
 Consolidation of landholdings ensures that small bits of land belonging to the same small
landowner but situated at some distance from one another could be consolidated into a
single holding to boost viability and productivity.
 The tenancy laws have given the tillers protection from exploitation by providing them
security of tenure and fixing maximum chargeable rents.
 Land ceiling reduced this power inequality among villagers.
 The intermediary rights have been abolished. India no longer presents a picture of feudalism
at the top and serfdom at the bottom.
 Promoted spirit of cooperation among villagers. It will help develop cooperative farming
Limitations of the reforms
 Zamindari Abolition:
o The absence of adequate land records made implementation of these acts difficult.
o Zamindars resorted to large-scale eviction of tenants, mainly the less secure small
tenants.
o Even after the laws were enacted the landlords used the judicial system to defer the
implementation of the laws.
o Zamindars refused to hand over the land records in their possession, forcing the
government to go through the lengthy procedure of reconstructing the records.
 Tenancy Reforms:
o Even today 5% farmers hold 32% of land holdings.
o The right of resumption and the loose definition of ‘personal cultivation’ was used
for eviction of tenants on a massive scale.
o Most tenancies were oral and informal and were not recorded.
 Ceiling reforms
o Exemption to land held by cooperatives was open to great misuse with landlords
transferring their lands to spurious cooperatives.
o In most states the ceilings were imposed on individual and not family holdings,
enabling landowners to divide up their holdings in the names of relatives or make
benami transfers merely to avoid the ceiling.
o Further, in many states the ceiling could be raised if the size of the family of the
landholder exceeded five.
 Consolidation of holdings:

o The programme failed to achieve its desired objective because the farmers are
reluctant to exchange their lands for the new one.
o The arguments given by the farmers is that there existing land is much more fertile
and productive than the new land provided under land consolidation.
 Bureaucratic Apathy:
o Implementation of the law was made difficult with the collusion between the
landlords and lower-level revenue Officials.
 Digitization of Land records:
o Although the government wants complete digitization of land records, due to the
lack of clear and sufficient data and mismanagement between the various agencies
handling land records, the data registered at various government levels is not
identical.
o Statistics from the DILRMP show that in most states, the digital land record database
has not been synced with the digitized land registration database
Conclusion
Agrarian reforms have upheld the socialistic directive principles of state policy which aims at
equitable distribution of wealth. The objective of social justice has, however, been achieved to a
considerable degree. Thus, with an aspirational goal of India becoming a $5-trillion economy by
2025 the imperative need today is to unleash the power of land and reap fruits by bringing about the
much needed Land Reforms which are waiting to see the light of the day.
History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial
revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization,
decolonization.
The debates between the Northern states and the Southern states leading up to the
American Civil War were rooted in a complex set of political, economic, and social
differences. Examine. (250 words)
Why the question:
To write about the various causes of American civil war.
Directive word:
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 American Civil war between northern states and southern states.
Body:
First, write major various factors that caused the outbreak of American civil war – Political, Economic
and Social causes.
Next, examine whether the civil war was primarily a power conflict between the states or was fought
for the issue of slavery? Give examples to substantiate your points.
Conclusion:
Pass a judgement regarding the primary cause of civil war.
Introduction
The American Civil War remains the deadliest conflict in American history with a death toll that
surpasses the combined total of American deaths in the first and second World Wars. In some ways,
it was the first modern conflict, with the use of armoured warships, railways, and telegraphs.
The causes of the Civil War were complex and numerous but ultimately stemmed from the question
of slavery. Slavery had always been a point of contention in the United States, but the rapid
expansion of the US in the first half of the 19th century served to heighten this issue. New territories
raised the question of how they would function, whether as free or slave states.
Body
Background
 The secession of the Southern states (in chronological order, South Carolina, Mississippi,
Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North
Carolina) in 1860–61 and the ensuing outbreak of armed hostilities were the culmination of
decades of growing sectional friction over slavery.
 A common explanation is that the Civil War was fought over the moral issue of slavery.
 In fact, it was the economics of slavery and political control of that system that was central
to the conflict.
North vs South: American civil war
 The South was a primarily agricultural economy centred around the production of raw
materials, particularly cotton. With the use of slaves, the labor burden largely fell on black
shoulders while the rewards fell into a small number of white hands.
o Rather than invest profits in industry and infrastructure, wealthy Southerners

instead bought more slaves and more land.
 States’ rights: The Southern states wanted to assert their authority over the federal
government so they could abolish federal laws they didn’t support, especially laws
interfering with the South’s right to keep slaves and take them wherever they wished.
 Territorial expansion: The South wished to take slavery into the western territories, while
the North was committed to keeping them open to white labour alone.
o Meanwhile, the newly formed Republican party, whose members were strongly
opposed to the westward expansion of slavery into new states, was gaining
prominence.
 The election of a Republican, Abraham Lincoln, as President in 1860 sealed the deal. His
victory, without a single Southern electoral vote, was a clear signal to the Southern states
that they had lost all influence.

 Feeling excluded from the political system, they turned to the only alternative they
believed was left to them: secession, a political decision that led directly to war.
Conclusion
While slavery and its various and multifaceted discontents were the primary cause of disunion, it
was disunion itself that sparked the war. The problem for Americans who, in the age of Lincoln,
wanted slaves to be free was not simply that southerners wanted the opposite, but that they
themselves cherished a conflicting value: they wanted the Constitution, which protected slavery, to
be honoured, and the Union, which had fellowship with slaveholders, to be preserved. Thus, they
were committed to values that could not logically be reconciled.
During the Cold War, both superpowers engaged in a global competition for influence
and power, which played out in various regions and countries around the world.
Analyse. (250 words)
Why the question:
There were different arenas (Korea, Vietnam, etc.) of the cold war. Apart from these different arenas,
mention the different fields (ex: space race, sports) in which the cold war played out.
Directive:
Introduction:
Begin your answer by writing briefly what the primary cause of the cold war was.
Body:
First write about the “hot” aspects of the war, the different places where the two superpowers
technically battled each other (Korea, Vietnam etc.). Proceed to write about the different fields in
which the cold war ended up playing out – sports, space race, weapons race etc.
Write about the impact of the above.
Conclusion:
You can conclude by highlighting how in recent years a new cold war may be brewing, this time
between USA and China.
Introduction
Cold war was a sequence of events after the World War II (1939-45) till the disintegration of
the USSR in 1991, whereby the two super powers, USA and USSR, competed for hegemony in
domains of economy, science and technology, politics and military. Each side adopted policies to
strengthen itself and weaken the other falling short of an actual war.
Body
Various domains of cold war
 Ideologies: Nations in theSoviet and Chinese spheres were governed by They also
featured command economies, in which production and distribution is rigidly controlled by
the government.

o US-led block was the capitalist block which stood for liberal values of democracy and
freedom. They saw communism as a threat to the liberal world.
 NATO vs Warsaw Pact:US formed NATO (1949) after the West Berlin Blockade because the
capitalist bloc found itself unprepared for a military conflict.
o Warsaw pact (1955) was initiated by USSR in response to NATOadmitting West

Germany.
o It was signed by USSR and all satellite states except Yugoslavia.
o Under Warsaw Pact, the members promised to defend each other against any attack
from outside and the armies of all members came under overall control of Moscow.
 Arms race began in earnest when USSR developed the Atomic Bomb in 1949.
o Thereafter, US planned and produced the much more powerful Hydrogen Bomb.
o By 1953, USSR also caught up and developed the Hydrogen Bomb.
 Space race:Space exploration served as another dramatic arena for Cold War competition.
Russia launched its first satellite in 1957, called Sputnik.
o In 1959, the Soviet space program took another step forward with the launch of
Luna 2, the first space probe to hit the moon.
o In April 1961, the Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first person to orbit
Earth, traveling in the capsule-like spacecraft Vostok 1.
o December 1968 saw the launch of Apollo 8, thefirst manned space mission to orbit
the moon. By landing on the moon, the United States effectively “won” the space
race that had begun with Sputnik’s launch in 1957.
Cold War manifestation across the world
 Berlin Wall erection and blockade: After WWII, Germany wasdivided into the Soviet-
occupied, communist East and the Ally-occupied, democratic West.
o Though this division was initially administrative, the nation split into separate states
(West Germany and East Germany) in 1949.
o Immediately preceding the division of Germany was the year-longBerlin

blockade. The aim of the blockade was to starve the West Germans, but this was
overcome by Allies through airlifting supplies.
o Berlin Wall was erected, which was called the descent of the iron curtain and start
of cold war.
 Korean War of 1950- 1953: After World War II, Korea was divided into the Soviet-backed
North and US-backed South.
o A Northern invasion of the South sparked the Korean War (1950-53), in which
the South was supported by a US-led UN coalition.
o Just when this coalition had taken most of the Korean Peninsula, China joined
the USSR in support of the North, driving the Americans back southward to the

38th parallel;this line has served as the boundary between the two Koreas ever
since.
 Vietnam War:The most prolonged and destructive Cold War conflict was the Vietnam War
(1954-75). Post war the nation was divided into the communist, USSR/China-backed North
and non-communist, US-backed South.
o The US resorted to brutal campaigns ofcarpet bombing (area bombing)

and defoliation (destruction of foliage, typically with napalm or herbicides).
o Yet even these extreme measures failed.
o The US ultimately withdrew, NorthVietnam invaded the South, and the nation was
Millions had been killed
 Cuban Missile Crisis:The apex of Cold War tension was the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962,
when the US discovered that Russia was building nuclear launch sites in Cuba.
o President Kennedy ordered anaval blockade of the island, and for a few days
nuclear war seemed imminent. reunited under communist
o An agreement was reached, however, in which Khrushchev removed the weapons

from Cubain exchange for the American removal of warheads in Turkey, as well as
a guarantee against future American invasion of Cuba
 Afghan invasion by Soviet: The foremost conflict of the late Cold War was the Soviet War in
Afghanistan (1979-89), in which Soviet forces attempted to defend the reigning communist
government of Afghanistan from anti-communist guerrillas.
o The guerrillas, furnished with weapons and funding provided by the USand
sympathetic Muslim nations, maintained a bloody stalemate throughout the conflict
(such that this war has been dubbed the “Soviet Vietnam”).
o The guerrillas toppled the communist government a few years after the Soviet
withdrawal.
Conclusion
The cold war was a period of hostilities between nations who were aligned with the two blocs. Post-
cold-war American supremacy remained for a long time, making it a unipolar world. Today Russia is
no longer a major threat to USA. China’s rise in the past two decades is a simmering conflict in the
waiting. The friction between USA and China has been touted as the Cold war 2.0.
The policies implemented by Mikhail Gorbachev certainly played a significant role in the
collapse of the Soviet Union. Analyse. (250 words)
Why the question:
To write about the reasons for the collapse of the Soviet Union and role of Mikhail Gorbachev in it.
Directive:

Introduction:
Begin by giving context of Gorbachev’s Glasnost and Perestroika.
Body:
First, in detail explain the polices of Glasnost and Perestroika and their impact on the Soviet Union
and how they played a part in the fall of the Soviet Union.
Next, write about the other factors that were responsible for the fall of Soviet Union apart the above.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a balanced opinion on the issue.
Introduction
Mikhail Gorbachev was the last leader of United USSR. He was the young and dynamic soviet leader
who wanted to reform communist regime on the lines of democratic principles by giving some
freedom to citizens. Gorbachev, who passed away recently, had set out to revitalise the moribund
Communist system and shape a new union based on a more equal partnership between the 15
republics, of which the two most powerful were Russia and Ukraine. Yet in the space of six years,
both Communism and the Union came crashing down.
Body
Gorbachev’s policies
 Gorbachev identified the economic and political problems of USSR, and started a series of
reforms like Perestroikaand Glasnost with the intention to revive economy.
 He recognised the policy of Glasnost or freedom of speechwhich was severely curtailed

during earlier regime.
 He began a program of economic reform called Perestroika or Restructuringwhich was

necessary as Soviet economy was suffering from both hidden inflation and supply shortages
 Cultural freedoms were granted to the press and the artistic community during Gorbachev’s
time
 He launched radical reforms meant to reduce party control of the government apparatus.
 Thousands of political prisoners and their dissidents were released during his rule
 He is accredited with the success of nuclear disarmament agreement with USA which won
him Nobel Peace Prize.
Did Policies of Gorbachev lead to fall of soviet union?
 The policies were a deviation from the communist policies, and was more closely associated
with the market economy. Many communist leaders in USSR opposed reforms initiated by
Gorbachev. They encouraged a coup in 1991.
 The second part of Gorbachev’s plan, glasnost, addressed the personal restrictions of the
Soviet people.
 For decades, citizens lived without freedom of speech, the press or religion, and the State
arrested millions of potential dissidents. Gorbachev’s glasnost plan gave the Soviet people a
voice they were free to express.

 Gorbachev’s reforms did more to hasten the fall of the Soviet Union than they did to save it.
By loosening controls over the people and making reforms to the political and economic
elites, the Soviet government appeared weak and vulnerable to the Soviet people.
 They used their newfound powers to organize and critique the government, and in 1991,
they successfully ended Soviet rule.
However, there were other factors too aiding the downfall of Soviet Union
 Economic Weakness
o The weakness of the economy was the major cause of dissatisfaction among the
people in USSR. There was severe shortage of consumer items. The reason for
economics weakness were the following.
o Huge military spending.
o Maintenance of satellite states in Easter Europe.
o Maintenance of the Central Asian Republics within the USSR.
 Western aggression:-
o US under Reagan’s leadership led to a massive increase in American military

spending, as well as research into new and better weapons.
o US supported the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), which nullified the Soviet nuclear
arsenal by destroying missiles as they fell and made a nuclear war theoretically
winnable for the United States.
o US did not just attack the Soviets with military spending. He also attacked their
economy. The United States isolated the Soviets from the rest of the world
economy, and helped drive oil prices to their lowest levels in decades. Without oil
revenue to keep their economy solvent, the Soviet Union began to crumble.
 Political Un-accountability
o The communist party regime (single party rule) for around 70 years turned
authoritarian. There was widespread corruption, nepotism and lack of transparency.
o Gorbachev’s decision to allow elections with a multi-party system and create a

presidency for the Soviet Union began a slow process of democratization that
eventually destabilized Communist control and contributed to the collapse of the
Soviet Union.
 Rise of nationalism
o Rise of nationalism among countries like Russia, Baltic republics (Estonia, Latvia,
Lithuania), Ukraine, Georgia etc is the most important and immediate cause of
disintegration of the USSR.
Conclusion
The fall of USSR led to end of many communist regimes in response to mass protests, end of cold
war leading to unipolar world dominated by US etc

Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.

India’s diversity is a valuable asset that, when nurtured and celebrated, contributes to
its social, cultural, and economic progress. By addressing the associated challenges,
India can strive for a more inclusive and harmonious society. Analyse. (250 words)
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1
To write about diversity in India and challenges associated with it and ways to overcome them.
Directive word:
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 groups with 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.

Examine the causes and concerns associated with the erosion of the traditional Indian
family structure. How has this transformation affected Indian society? (250 words)
Why the question:
The article discusses the erosion of the traditional Indian family structure and highlights the causes
and concerns associated with this phenomenon.
To write about erosion of the traditional Indian family structure and its impact.
Directive:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context.
Body:
First, Discuss in points as to how the modern family system in India has developed in India and how it
has strengthened individual choices and changed the social realities.
Next, write about factors responsible for erosion of the traditional Indian family structure – hanging
societal values, urbanization, globalization, and economic factors
Next, write about the impact of the same – loneliness, lack of support systems, intergenerational
disconnect, and an increased focus on individualism.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward to address the above issues.
Introduction
The Supreme Court has done well by offering India an inclusive definition of a family unit. We must
go beyond old norms to assure everyone their basic right to look after loved ones.
The inherent conservatism in society, culture and law tends to hold up the normative family—
father, mother, children (add grandchildren and relatives who form kinship networks)—as the only
such unit worthy of recognition, ever ready to discourage any deviations. But, as our Supreme Court
observed this week, this assumption goes against the lived realities of people and ignores the fact
that “many families do not conform” to this patriarchal norm.
Body
Evolution in Indian family structures and recent developments
 The remarks of India’s top court, in a dispute over maternity benefits, make a powerful
intervention.
 They expand the idea of the ‘family’ beyond the narrow heterosexual nuclear unit. The
case involved anurse in a government hospital who was denied maternity leave because she
had taken time off earlier to care for her husband’s children from a previous marriage.
 The courtrejected the argument that her “atypical” family doesn’t qualify for what others
are accorded under the law.

 The apex court noted that the familial relationships may take the form of domestic,
unmarried partnerships or queer relationships.These manifestations of love and families
may not be typical but they are as real as their traditional counterparts and equally
deserving not only of protection under the law but also of the benefits available under social
welfare legislation.
 In doing so, thecourt lived up to its record as an institution that has often wielded the
Constitution to expand our freedoms and ease clamps on the personal lives of citizens.
 The biggest signpost of this welcome approach was its 2018 decision to strike down a
colonial-era law that criminalized same-sex relationships.
Obstacles that still remain
 In the long struggle to bend social conservatism towards greater freedom, the Supreme
Court’s redefinition of a family can prove to be a vital ally.
 This becomes clear when we think of how thestate continues to back antiquated ideas of
‘family’, even though social values and the law have moved on to embrace individual liberty.
 For instance, theCentre has steadfastly opposed a petition seeking registration of same-sex
unions under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955, arguing that “our values” are opposed to it.
 Recently passed laws continue to discriminate against queer couples (or even single men),
by denying them the right to raise children through adoption or surrogacy.
 All these restrictions stifle the fundamental rights granted to all by the Constitution.
 For same-sex partners, the lack of marriage recognition makes it hard to take care of loved
ones in elementary ways—say, by buying a family health insurance cover, opening a joint
bank account or having one’s property automatically inherited by a partner.
Causes for the changes in the family structure
 Changes in family: Family which was a principal unit of production has been transformed in
the consumption unit. Instead of all members working together in an integrated economic
enterprise, a few male members go out of the home to earn the family’s living. These
affected family
 Factory employment: It has freed young adults from direct dependence upon their families.
This functional independence of the youngsters has weakened the authority of the head of
the household over those earning members. In many cities even women too joined men in
working outside the families on salary
 Influence of urbanization: Various sociologists have revealed that the city life is more
favorable to small nuclear families than to big joint families. Thus, urban living weakens joint
family pattern and strengthens nuclear family
 Legislative measures: Prohibition of early marriage and fixing the minimum age of marriage
by the child marriage Restraint Act, 1929, and the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 have
lengthened the period of education. Even other legislations such as the Widow Remarriage
Act, 1856, Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, Hindu succession Act, 1956, all have modified inter
personal relations within the family, the composition of the family and the stability of the
joint

 Changes in marriage system: Changes in the age of marriage, freedom in mate-selection and
change in the attitude towards marriage has diminished marriage is not very much
considered a religious affair but only a social ceremony. Modern marriage does not
symbolize the superior authority of the family head over other
 Influence of western values: Values relating to modern science, rationalism, individualism,

equality, free life, democracy, freedom of women etc. have exerted a tremendous change
on the joint family system in
 Changes in the position of women: Main factor causing changes in the position of women in
our society lie in her changing economic role. New economic role provided a new position in
society and especially with respect to men.
Concerns due to changing family structure
Changing For instance, if a woman desires a career outside the home but is expected
Gender Roles to prioritize domestic responsibilities, conflicts may arise.
Generational When younger members adopt different values, lifestyles, and beliefs than
Gap their older relatives.
As individuals seek better opportunities or education, they may move away

Urbanization
from their extended families, leading to a decrease in close-knit family
and Mobility
support networks.
Technology can impact traditional family dynamics, with increased screen

Influence of
time and virtual interactions potentially diminishing the sense of
Technology
togetherness within the family.
For example, candid and heart-to-heart dialogues between husband-wife

Excessive
and parent-children are becoming rare. They have become too formal and
emphasis on
superficial. This challenges the collectivist nature of traditional family
Individualism
systems.
From birthdays to weddings and house-warmings to condolence meetings,

Excessive
everything is being made into a formal event. This creates the “crisis of
Formalisation
authenticity” of our interpersonal feelings.
Cultural and
Cultural and social changes, such as globalization and exposure to diverse
Social
perspectives, can challenge traditional family norms and values.
Changes
Balancing The traditional family system may face difficulties in accommodating

Work and individual aspirations while maintaining traditional family roles and
Family responsibilities.

Way forward
Promote Inter-
Using storytelling, family meals, and cultural celebrations.
generational Bonding
Strengthen
Promote dialogue that goes beyond formalities and embraces
Communication and
deeper emotional connections.
Dialogue
Encourage the preservation of traditional values, customs,

Value Traditional Values
and cultural practices within the family, ensuring that they are
and Customs
passed down to younger generations.
Foster Mutual Support E.g., provide emotional support during challenging times and
and Care engage in acts of kindness and assistance.
E.g., Encourage family members to pursue personal goals

Balance Individualism and
while maintaining a sense of togetherness, shared decision-
Collectivism
making, and a commitment to the welfare of the family unit.
E.g., Encouraging the use of technology for virtual family

Embrace Modern
gatherings, sharing updates, and staying connected across
Technology Responsibly
distances.
Advocate for gender equality within the family, promoting

shared responsibilities, equal opportunities, and empowering
women to pursue their aspirations.
Promote Gender Equality
and Empowerment
Woman-led, child-focused and elderly-sensitive families are

the need of the hour
Conclusion
The traditional Indian family system holds immense value and significance in providing emotional
support, socialization, identity formation, and a sense of belonging. Reviving and nurturing the
traditional family system can contribute to the well-being of individuals, the cohesion of society,
and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Elucidate the reasons behind the continued existence of caste discrimination in modern
Indian society and propose strategies to combat it. (250 words)
Why the question:
The article argues that the increasing use of algorithms in various domains such as hiring, education,
and criminal justice has led to the perpetuation of discrimination against marginalized groups,
particularly Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in India.
To write about the ill effects of caste discrimination, reasons for its prevalence and ways to overcome
it.
Directive:
Introduction:
Begin by giving background about the caste discrimination in modern India.
Body:
First, write about the reasons for the prevalence of caste discrimination in India and factors behind it.
Next, mention the impact of caste discrimination and how it is affecting contemporary society.
Substantiate with facts and examples.
Next, write about the steps that are needed to overcome the above issues and empower weaker
sections.
Conclusion:
Introduction
Caste system refers to a broad hierarchical institutional arrangement along which basic social factors
like birth, marriage, food-sharing etc are arranged in a hierarchy of rank and status. These sub-
divisions are traditionally linked to occupations and decide the social relations with respect to other
upper and lower castes.
Off late, the increasing use of algorithms in various domains such as hiring, education, and criminal
justice has led to the perpetuation of discrimination against marginalized groups, particularly
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in India..
Body
Caste discrimination is still widely prevalent in the contemporary society because
 Indian society has been bearing the brunt of this social evil since the post-Vedic times and
continues to bear despite Constitutional and Legal measures.
 Hereditary: An individual’s caste is determined by the caste of the family he is born in. It is
generally hereditary. One’s caste is unalterable no matter what his/her social position is.
One inherits the membership of a caste by his/her birth.
 Persistence is that ancient inequities and prejudices are slow to change. The higher castes,
which exploited the lower castes for centuries, continue to discriminate against them both
socially and economically.

 Sense of caste prestige: Feeling of own caste superiority over other castes Is the main
factor. It is people’s strong desire to enhance caste prestige. Members of a particular caste
or sub-caste have the tendency of developing loyalty to their own caste.
 Caste endogamy: Caste endogamy refers to marriage within the same caste. Caste
endogamy is therefore responsible for the emergence of the feeling of casteism.
 Belief in religious dogmas: Due to illiteracy, people are governed by belief in religious
dogmas, blind beliefs and superstitions. Due to the practice of ‘Jati Dharma’ they take
interest in their own caste. It leads to caste feeling and casteism.
 Social distance: Especially in rural areas, people belonging to the higher caste maintain
social distance from the lower castes.
o Dalits in rural villages are forbidden in Hindu temples and disallowed with their
shoes on in higher-caste neighborhoods.
o They maintain it through different restrictions like inter-caste marriages, Inter-

dinning etc.
o The ideology of an individual is associated with his caste norms and values. This has
given rise to casteism.
 Caste reservation in higher education and the government has served to perpetuate a
system that would otherwise have withered away.
How casteism can be removed?
 Emotional and intellectual appeal to economic determinism, as was advocated by Karl Marx
 Awareness about Constitutional values, ethics, ill effects of castiesm etc. by debates, nukkad
natak, puppetry,
 Promote and incentivise inter caste marriages as is already done for marrying a SC ST
women in some parts of India.
 Evaluate the existing customs, rituals etc. on thetouchstone of Human Rights. Here judiciary
can play a positive role but with due respect to religious feelings.
 Implement laws and agreements like ICCPR, Protection of human rights, Prevention of
atrocities against SC ST etc. with full letter and spirit.
 Dalit capitalism, check on extra judicial bodies like Khaps etc.
 Economic empowerment of Dalit through education and ownership of land and capital.
Conclusion
Caste system is a terrible anomaly of society which became more prevalent over time. It is the
strong enemy of the concept of social justice mentioned in the Indian Constitution and causes
economic, social damage to the country from time to time. Undoubtedly, along with the
government, it is the responsibility of the common man, religious leaders, politicians, and civil
society to resolve this discrepancy as soon as possible.
Value addition

Caste system is the bane for the Indian society:
 Segmental division of society:It means that social stratification is largely based on caste.
Membership to a caste group is acquired by birth, on the basis of which people are ranked in
relative to other caste groups.
 Hierarchy:It indicates that various castes are categorized according to their purity and
impurity of occupations.
 Civil and religious disabilities:Example, lower caste groups had no access to wells, they were
restricted from entering temples etc.
 Endogamy: Members of a particular caste have to marry within their caste only. Inter caste
marriages are prohibited.
 Untouchability: It is the practice of ostracizing a group by segregating them from the

mainstream by social custom.
 Hindered national unity:The caste system and religion developed a parochial feeling and
made the people unduly conscious of their own castes/religion.
o Many a time caste/communal interests were given priority over national interest.
o Thus the whole system stood against the very concept of national unity.
 Hinders democracy: Democracy presupposes human equality, but the caste system believed
in inequality and there was a hierarchical arrangement.
o Today caste has manifested into a subject to gain political benefits, like reservation
in educational colleges, government jobs etc.
 Lowered women’s status: The practice of Sati, child marriage etc were result of caste
system. Women were treated as second-class citizens. This patriarchal behaviour is still
prevalent today.
 Violence and conflict: Dalit atrocities, sexual assault on lower caste women etc are result of
such discrimination and exploitation which are in turn a result of caste and communal
identities deeply entrenched in Indian society
The evil face of Caste System:
 Manual scavenging: Manual scavenging eventually became a caste-based occupation, which

involves the removal of untreated human excreta from bucket toilets or pit latrines. It has
been officially abolished by the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their
Rehabilitation Act 2013.
 Caste based violence in India: Increasing trend of caste based violence are related to
instances of inter-caste marriage and assertion of basic rights by Dalits including landrights,
freedom of expression, access to justice, access to education etc.
 Dalit violence: Increasing trend of caste-based violence are related to instances of inter-
caste marriage and assertion of basic rights by Dalits including land rights, freedom of
expression, access to justice, access to education etc.

o A group of Dalits were attacked in Una, Gujarat when they had participated in the
movement for demand of land ownership for the Dalits.
o Hathras Gang rape of a Dalit womanwas touted as caste based violence.
 Jati Panchayat: The status of each caste is carefully protected, not only by caste laws but
also by the conventions. These areopenly enforced by the community through a governing
body or board called Jati Panchayat.
 The Concept of Purity and Pollution: The higher castes claimed to have ritual, spiritual and
racial purity which they maintained by keeping the lower castes away through the notion of
pollution. The idea of pollution means a touch of lower caste man would pollute or defile a
man of higher caste.
 Restriction on Food and Drink: Usually a caste would not accept cooked food from any other
caste that stands lower than itself in the social scale, due to the notion of getting polluted.
 The caste system is a check on economic and intellectual advancement and a great stumbling
block in the way of social reforms
 It undermines the efficiency of labour and prevents perfect mobility of labour, capital and
productive effort
 It perpetuates the exploitation of the economically weaker and socially inferior castes,
especially the untouchables.
 Inflicted untold hardships on women through its insistence on practices like child-marriage,
prohibition of widow-remarriage, seclusion of women
 Caste conflicts are widely prevalent in politics, reservation in jobs and education, inter-caste
marriages etc.
By reducing social divisions and embracing diversity, we can unlock the full potential of
individuals, promote social well-being, and foster a more prosperous future for all.
Elucidate. (250 words)
Reference: Live Mint , Insights on India
Why the question:
The article highlights the need to address caste-based discrimination in India and calls for public
debate and action. It emphasizes that the persistence of caste divisions hinders social progress,
equality, and harmony.
To write about the ill effects of social divisions, reasons for its prevalence and ways to overcome it.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by giving background about the social divisions in modern India.
Body:
First, write about the reasons for the prevalence of social divisions in India and factors behind it.

Next, mention the impact of social divisions and how it is affecting contemporary society.
Substantiate with facts and examples.
Next, write about the steps that are needed to overcome the above issues and empower weaker
sections.
Conclusion:
Introduction
India has innumerable social divisions that are obstacles in unlocking the full potential of individual
as it constrains mobility and access. One such social division is the caste system of India which even
today is the dominant factor in the social life of people. From politics to education to jobs
Body
Reasons for the prevalence of social divisions in India and factors
 Segmental division of society: It means that social stratification is largely based on

Membership to a caste group is acquired by birth, on the basis of which people are ranked in
relative to other caste groups.
 Hierarchy: It indicates that various castes are categorized according to their purity and
impurity of occupations. Just like a ladder, castes are ranked from higher to lower positions.
Pure caste is ranked at the top and impure is ranked at the
 Civil and religious disabilities: These comprise of restrictions based on contact, dress,
speech, rituals etc. and are placed on every caste group. It was done in order to maintain
purity of specific caste groups. Example, lower caste groups had no access to wells, they
were restricted from entering temples
 Endogamy: Members of a particular caste have to marry within their caste only. Inter- caste
marriages are prohibited. However, in urban areas, the phenomenon of inter- caste
marriage is
 Untouchability: It is the practice of ostracizing a group by segregating them from the

mainstream by social Untouchability was a corollary of the caste system, wherein the
untouchables (those belonging to the lowest caste groups) were deemed impure and
polluted.
 Manual scavenging: Manual scavenging eventually became a caste-based occupation, which

involves the removal of untreated human excreta from bucket toilets or pit It has been
officially abolished by the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their
Rehabilitation Act 2013.
 Caste based violence in India: Increasing trend of caste based violence are related to
instances of inter-caste marriage and assertion of basic rights by Dalits including land rights,
freedom of expression, access to justice, access to education e.g. A group of Dalits were
attacked in Una, Gujarat when they had participated in the movement for demand of land
ownership for the Dalits.
 Policy of caste based reservation: The system of caste-based reservation in India comprises
of a series of affirmative action measures, such as reserving access to seats in the various
legislatures, to government jobs, and to enrollment in higher educational institutions. E.g.

Scheduled Caste groups are given 15% reservation in government services and educational
institutions.
Impact of social divisions and how it is affecting contemporary society
 Caste, through its rigid social control and networks facilitates economic mobility for some
and erects barriers for others by mounting disadvantages on them.
 It also shapes the ownership pattern of land and capital and simultaneously regulates
access to political, social, and economic capital too.
 Castes that were already in control of trading and industrial spaces resisted the entry of
others. Even those who had economic surplus in farm sectors could not invest in nonfarm
modern sectors.
 Social inequalities have mounted barriers for economic transition due to which the agrarian
capital could not move into modern sectors.
 Even the relative success in South India is being attributed to the ‘Vaishya vacuum’ — an
absence of traditional merchant castes.
Conclusion
Prejudice on the basis of caste, religion, skin colour, economic background needs to be done away
with. We must completely eradicate the “illness” of caste system and adopt a “zero tolerance”
approach against prejudice.
Role of women and women’s organization; population and associated issues,

poverty and developmental issues,
Enhancing institutional support, addressing infrastructural deficiencies, and ensuring
the safety and security of Self-Help Groups (SHG’s) members are also vital steps toward
unlocking the full potential of SHGs as a means of women’s empowerment. Analyse.
(250 words)
Why the question:
To write about the role of SHG’s in women empowerment and suggest measures to improve their
performance.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Start by defining SHG’s and the origin and growth of SHG movement in India.
Body:
Frist, write about the role played by the SHG’s in women empowerment – breaking chains of poverty,
collective action, self-employment and financial independence and credit disbursal etc.

Next, write about the various factors which have constrained SHG’s from realizing their full potential.
Suggest measures to overcome these.
Conclusion:
Introduction
A self-help group (SHG) is a village-based financial intermediary committee normally consist of 10–
20 local women or men. When the formal financial system fails to help the needy, then small groups
volunteer to cater to the needs of the financially weak by collecting, saving and lending the money
on a micro scale. SHGs have gained wide recognition in most developing countries in Asia where
their presence is quite pervasive
Body
Role of SHG’s in women empowerment
 Capital formation: Through micro-finance, many SHG’s have created valuable assets and
capital in the rural areas and are sustaining livelihoods.
 Access to credit: SHGs provide better access to credit at acceptable and convenient terms.
The members have been able to obtain loans for emergent productive and non-productive
purposes on comparatively easy terms. This has reduced their dependence on local
moneylenders to a large extent.
o Government initiative such as SHG-Bank linkage program is also increasing their

financial inclusion and easy access to credit from formal institutions.
 Poverty Alleviation: The approach of poverty alleviation through SHG is the most effective
means and suits the ongoing process of reforms based on the policy of decentralization.
o SHGs have given the poor the access to microfinance and consequently led to
important changes in their access to productive resources such as land, water,
knowledge, technology and credit.
 Employment generation: Self-employment activities such as collective farming, bee-

keeping, horticulture, sericulture have been taken up by SHG’s.
 Social welfare: There are many successful cases where SHG women have come together to
close liquor shops in their village.
 Rural infrastructure: Schemes such as Aajeevika express have helped SHG’s in creating
transport in rural areas.
 Women empowerment: SHGs have been able to improve the skills of women to do various
things by managing the available natural resources.
o It is estimated that more than 25 million rural women of India have been benefited
by the Self Help Groups (SHG).
o As a group they can help each other to learn so many things along with the money
management because most of the women in the rural areas have a very little
knowledge for the management of money.
o g. Kudumbashree in Kerala has been a huge success. Kudumbashree café is an

exemplary example of nurturing entrepreneurship through SHG’s.
 They also act as a delivery mechanism for various services like entrepreneurial training,
livelihood promotion activity and community development programs.
Challenges faced
 There are issues like regional imbalance, less than ideal average loan size, lack of monitoring
and training support by self-help group federations.
 Escalating non-performing assets of self-help group loans with banks.
 Several studies have also found issues related to governance, quality, transparency and
irregularity in their functions.
 Low levels of literacy among the rural women.
 The study found that over time groups were disintegrating on account of coordination
issues.
 Rural micro-enterprises run by SHG members suffer from critical bottlenecks, whether in
raising funds for start-up, growth and working capital or accessing high-quality technical
assistance.
Way Forward
 Government programs can be implemented through SHGs.
 This will not only improve the transparency and efficiency but also bring our society closer to
Self-Governance as envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi.
 Constant and enduring structural handholding support from the self-help group promoting
institutions (SHPIs).
 Frequent awareness camps can be organised by the Rural Development department

authorities to create awareness about different schemes.
 Periodic capacity-building of all members, to make the group the collective.
 With the Government’s focus on digital financial inclusion, investing in training of group
members for transition towards technological platforms.
 It is important to invest in providing the right kind of support to maximize the impact these
groups can have on livelihoods.
 Emphasising SHG movement on women’s entrepreneurship as an engine of growth in rural

India.
 There should not be any discrimination among members based on caste, religion or political
affiliations
Conclusion
SHG approach is an enabling, empowering, and bottom-up approach for rural development that has
provided considerable economic and non-economic externalities to low-income households in
developing countries. SHG approach is being hailed as a sustainable tool to combat poverty,
combining a for-profit approach that is self-sustaining, and a poverty alleviation focus that

empowers low-income households. It is increasingly becoming a tool to exercise developmental

priorities for governments in developing countries.
Value addition
Evolution of SHGs
 The concept evolved over decades and was pioneered by Noble laureate Mohammad Yunus
as Self Help Groups (SHGs) in 1970s.
 SHG movement in India gained momentum after 1992, when NABARD realized its potential
and started promoting it.
 NABARD’s SHG-Bank Linkage Program (SBLP) connected group members to formal financial
services.
 Over the last two decades, the SBLP has proven to be a great medium for social and
economic empowerment for rural women.
 India has witnessed state-led promotion of SHGs through a three-tiered architecture of

community institutions at group, village and cluster level.
 In 1999, Government of India, introduced Swarn Jayanti Gram Swarojgaar Yojana (SGSY) to
promote self- employment in rural areas through formation and skilling of SHGs.
Kudumbashree’s multi-faceted approach plays a significant role in empowering women

and fighting poverty by providing various support mechanisms and opportunities.
Reference: Down to Earth
Why the question:
The article highlights the 25-year journey of Kudumbashree, a women’s collective in Kerala, India,
and its interventions to empower women and combat poverty.
To write about the role of Kudumbashree in women empowerment.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Start by giving aims and objectives of Kudumbashree.
Body:
Write about the role of Kudumbashree in women empowerment – economic empowerment through
entrepreneurship and income-generating activities, providing microfinance and credit support,
offering livelihood opportunities, and focusing on skill development and capacity building, fosters
social empowerment, encourages women’s participation in governance, and contributes to poverty
eradication efforts. Cite examples and statistics to substantiate.
Conclusion:
Introduction

The ‘Kudumbashree’ SHG was started in 1998 by the CPI (M)-led government in Kerala. The
Kudumbashree groups are, however, not affiliated to any political party. It was envisioned as a part
of the People’s Plan Campaign and local self-governance, with women at the centre of it. In its
conceptualisation, it was markedly different from the self-help group (SHG) movements in many
parts of India.
The thrift and credit activities at the grassroots level through the formations of saving groups is a
common feature. However, the structure and functioning of the Kudumbashree model largely
differed.
Body
Kudumbashree: Structure and features
 Kudumbashree has a three-tier structure.
 The first is the basic unit which is the neighbourhood groups (NGs).
 There could be several such units within a ward and they are networked through the area
development societies (ADS).
 All ADSs are federated through the community development societies (CDS).
 There are core committees of elected coordinators at all three levels.
 There are at least five in each NG, seven or more at the ADS level and around 21 at the CDS
level.
 Unlike in other States, all the coordinators are elected in Kerala.
 Each Kudumbashree member has a vote, and direct elections for the NG coordinators are
held every three years.
 These people, in turn, elect the coordinators of the ADS who elect the members of the CDS.
 A majority of members of the coordinator groups have to belong to women below the
poverty line or from comparatively poorer sections.
 Besides, there is reservation for Dalit and Adivasi women.
 At the district and State levels, employees/officers of the government are appointed on
deputation to help the Kudumbashree groups.
Role of Kudumbashree and their significance
 Case study: Workers of the Kudumbasree poverty eradication and women empowerment
programme played a big role in clean-up in the Kerala’s flood hit areas.
o Around 4, 00,000 women of Kudumbasree self-mobilised across the State to do

relief work. The secular composition of Kudumbasree acts as a facilitator for the
secularisation of public spaces.
o The community farms run by Kudumbasree groups are acknowledged as a critical

avenue for the rejuvenation of agricultural production in Kerala.
 Kudumbasree training courses are quite comprehensive and include women’s rights,
knowledge of constitutional and legal provisions, training in banking practices, and
training in skills to set up micro-enterprises. The Kudumbasree model can be implemented

across India, with the same secular and gender-sensitive spirit.
 COVID-19 Response: They manufactured and supplied masks and sanitisers during the
pandemic.
 Women’s Empowerment: Mobilized women for community activities and grassroots

planning. Enabled women’s participation in local bodies after enforcing the 33% women’s
reservation policy
 Consultancy Work and Poverty Reduction: Kudumbashree’s success in poverty reduction

was highlighted by studies and surveys, including the Multidimensional Poverty Index by NITI
Aayog. The extended consultancy works on women’s empowerment in 13 other states,
sharing knowledge and expertise.
 Economic Empowerment: Kudumbashree has helped marginalized women become

successful entrepreneurs and income generators.
 Food security: g., It has established “Janakeeya Hotels” across the state, offering affordable
meals.
o Currently, it operates 125 restaurants providing meals for just Rs 20.
 Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation: Donated Rs 7 crore to the Chief Minister’s distress relief
fund during the devastating floods in Kerala. Provided counselling to over 8,000 families
affected by the floods.
Conclusion
Kudumbashree operates at the grassroots level, organizing women into neighbourhood groups
(NHGs), which then form larger community-level and ward-level organizations. This ‘Made in Kerala’
model can be implemented across India, if it is done with the same secular and gender-sensitive
spirit.
Urbanization, their problems and their remedies.

Despite the implementation of numerous measures to tackle the problem of solid
waste management, the challenge persists as a significant issue in urban regions. One
particular concern that remains unresolved is the effective handling of wet waste at its
source. Examine. Suggest remedial measures to overcome the aforementioned issue.
(250 words)
Why the question:
The article states that in 2022, a total of 6,300 metric tonnes of waste was collected in Mumbai,
marking a 15% increase compared to the previous year. This highlights the escalating waste
generation in the city and emphasizes the need for effective waste management strategies to tackle
the growing problem.
To write about the need for Solid waste management and successes and limitations of the various
measures aimed towards it.

Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by defining solid waste management.
Body:
First, write about the need for solid waste management in the country.
Next, write about the various issues in the solid waste management – funds crunch, low sectoral
development & lack of know-how.
Next, write about the various measures to tackle it – Solid waste management rules, Swachh Bharat
Mission (SBM) 2.0 etc. Write their and successes and limitations.
Conclusion:
Introduction
Solid waste management (SWM) refers to the process of collecting and treating solid wastes. It
also offers solutions for recycling items that do not belong to garbage or trash. In a nascent effort
to look beyond toilets and kick off its ODF+ phase — that is, Open Defecation Free Plus — focussing
on solid and liquid waste management, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA) has included the
prevalence of plastic litter and water-logging in villages as indicators of cleanliness in its 2019 rural
survey.
Body
Current Situation of SWM in India:
 in 2022, a total of 6,300 metric tonnes of waste was collected in Mumbai, marking a 15%
increase compared to the previous year. This highlights the escalating waste generation in
the city and emphasizes the need for effective waste management strategies to tackle the
growing problem.
 As per the SBM 2.0 guidelines, the total quantity of waste generated by urban areas in India
is about 32 lakh tonnes daily. This adds up to 8 crore tonnes per annum.
 Of this only about 25% is being processed; the rest is disposed of in landfills every year.
 Given that the waste dumpsites have been operational since the early 2000s, more than 72
crore tonnes of waste need to be processed.
 Most cities have confined themselves to collection and transportation of solid waste.
Processing and safe disposal are being attempted only in a few cases.
 The CPCB report also reveals that only 68% of the MSW generatedin the country is
collected of which, 28% is treated by the municipal authorities. Thus, merely 19% of the
total waste generated is currently treated.
 According to a UN report, India’s e-wastefrom old computers alone will jump 500 per cent
by 2020, compared to 2007.
 Disappearance of urban water bodies and wetlands in urban areas can be attributed to
illegal dumping of Construction & Demolition waste.

Some of the major issues concerning solid waste management are:
 Absence of segregation of waste at source.
 Lack of funds for waste management at ULBs.
 Unwillingness of ULBs to introduce proper collection, segregation, transportation and

treatment/ disposal systems.
 Lack of technical expertise and appropriate institutional arrangement
 Lack of infrastructure and technology
 Lack of involvement from the private sector and non-governmental organisations
 Indifference of citizens towards waste management due to lack of awareness
 Lack of community participation towards waste management and hygienic conditions
 Lack of sewage management plan.
 About 70% of the plastic packaging products turn into plastic waste within a short period.
 Unorganized vendors and markets, existence of slum areas and Corruption are other issues
plaguing MSWM.
Measures needed
 State governments should provide financial support to ULBs to improve their waste
management system under various schemes and programs.
 Initiatives like Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT should provide significant funding to improve
civic services infrastructure.
 The key to efficient waste management is to ensure proper segregation of waste at

source and to ensure that the waste goes through different streams of recycling and
resource recovery as stated in the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.
 Waste to energy is a key component of SWM. Installation of waste-to-compost and bio-

methanation plants would reduce the load of landfill sites
 There is a need to encourage research and development so as to reinvent waste

management system in India.
 The focus should be on recycling and recovering from waste and not landfill. Further, it is
important to encourage recycling of e-waste so that the problem of e-waste
 Public- Private Partnership models for waste management should be encouraged.
 Construction and demolition waste should be stored, separately disposed off, as per the
Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016.
 Responsibilities of Generators have been introduced to segregate waste in to three

streams, Wet (Biodegradable), Dry (Plastic, Paper, metal, wood, etc.) and domestic
hazardous wastes (diapers, napkins, empty containers of cleaning agents, mosquito
repellents, etc.) and handover segregated wastes to authorized rag-pickers or waste
collectors or local bodies.

 Sensitization of citizens as well as government authorities, community participation,

involvement of NGOs. Littering should be prohibited.
 International Best practices should be emulated. South Korea is one of the few countries to
separate and recycle food waste. It has also launched landfill recovery projects such as
the Nanjido recovery project which have successfully transformed hazardous waste sites
into sustainable ecological attractions.
Conclusion
Municipal solid waste management (MSWM) is one of the major environmental problems of Indian
cities. The need of the hour is scientific, sustainable and environment friendly management of
wastes.
Effects of globalization on Indian society.

While globalization has brought numerous benefits, hyper-globalization refers to its
intensified and often unregulated version, which can have significant implications for
societies. Examine. (250 words)
Why the question:
To write about hyper-globalisation, its impact on the society and measures needed to counter its
impact.
Directive word:
Begin the answer by defining hyper-globalisation.
Body:
First, write about the various features of hyper-globalisation citing a few examples.
Next, write about the impact of hyper-globalisation on the various aspects of Indian society – freer
movement of goods, resources and enterprises, and ultimately more jobs, cheaper products and
increasing economic growth, prosperity and wealth. Also, mention the negative impacts like –
increasing inequalities, lack of opportunities, dependence and political disconnect etc.
Next, write about the ways in which risks posed by hyper-globalisation could be overcome.
Conclusion:
Introduction
Hyper Globalisation is the concept that believes that globalization is happening is an enormous way
and there is an emergence of a homogenous global culture. The period of hyper globalization has
been associated with the most dramatic turnaround in the economic fortunes of developing
countries.
The main difference between globalization and hyper globalization is very narrow and can be best
described as the rate of speed at which the process of globalization takes place. The period between
1870 and 1914 the Golden Age of globalization in which world trade in terms of gross domestic

product went from a 9 percent to 16 percent share. However, in the current age of hyper-
globalization, which includes both goods and services, the gross domestic product share has reached
33 percent.
Body
Impact of hyper globalization on Indian society
 Economic inequality: Hyper Globalization is increasing the inequality around world.
o GAFA (Google, Apple, Facebook, and Amazon) are the wealthiest companies in the
world. The wealth created is enjoyed by only few individuals.
o The increased income of persons with required new skills (such as knowledge of
Artificial Intelligence) is far less than decreased income of unskilled person, leading
to decrease in net prosperity.
 FDI and investment: Some countries are unable to attract FDI, other developing countries
who have the ability to attract FDI, are unable to maximize the benefits for indigenous firms.
 Against the poor: WTO Agreement on Agriculture, are result of hyper globalism, which have
capability to reduce the prosperity of farmers by limiting government’s support to them.
 Intellectual property: Similarly, agreements such as TRIPS do not let all to enjoy the
benefits of innovation there by reducing their chance to increase their prosperity. All these
are threatening human prosperity directly or indirectly.
 Ecology and indigenous people: Hyper globalism is also leading to increased extraction of
raw materials, de-forestation without any value addition to indigenous people. Moreover,
these people need to bear cost of resulting damage to ecology, increased pollution, hence
reducing their prosperity.
o This can be better understood when we look at the plight of millions of climate
refugees from island nations etc.
 Technological warfare: Technology is going to make warfare more dreadful. Buying and
selling dangerous weapons is never as easy as it is in era of hyper globalism.
o If at all war occurs, the damage to property is un-predictable. Eg: Russia-Ukraine

war.
o Moreover, if the money used for defence is used for welfarist policies, it would have
helped the poor and destitute by making them prosperous.
 Overdependence and disruption: The increasing price risk due to disruption of supplies (eg
crude oil and edible oil crisis due to Ukraine war) will have direct impact on poor due to
inflation.
o Eg: Dependence on API’s from China during Covid-19 pandemic and people running
from pillar to post for common cold medicines.
 Reduced to exporter of raw material: As industrialized countries have a better comparative

advantage, poor nations are yet again becoming exporters of raw materials. This can also be
called as neo-imperialism. Decision making powers are still with the Western nations
continuing the trend from World War 2.
Measures needed to counter the risks
 Reduce over-dependence: In the real world, countries need to de-risk against

overdependence on few suppliers, especially of products entailing heavy foreign exchange
outgo.
o Halving import dependence in edible oils from the current 60-65 per cent is a goal
worth pursuing, provided such Atmanirbharta does not degenerate into
protectionism.
o Domestic producers can be given one-time capital subsidy and tariff support based
on long-term import parity pricing.
 Domestic investment: When the global economy is sluggish, only domestic investment can
move demand.
o India has an intrinsic advantage of population and its vibrant domestic demand.
o If enough manufacturing capacity as per the policy can be achieved, India can
provide good market and employment its products and population.
o Eg: PLI scheme for electronics.
 Monetary policy: Appropriate monetary policy decisions should be made to boost

investment. Moreover, reigning in inflation
 Infrastructure: Any policy should be accompanied with public infrastructure especially

the transport sectors which also increase would demand. This would also reduce cost of
logistics and make Indian goods competitive in the global market in turn increasing India’s
prosperity.
Conclusion
Hyper globalization is not entirely detrimental to India, rather it has increased technology transfer
and increased investment flow. India must reduce the risks to leverage the benefit of hyper
globalism. Upskilling youth with new age technology can lead to reaping of rich demographic
dividends while decreasing poverty.
Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.

Explain the factors contributing to the communalization of society and elaborate on the
actions necessary to foster unity and acceptance among individuals. (250 words)
Why the question:
To write about the causes of communalism and ways to counter it.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by defining communalism.

Body:
First, write about the various causes behind the communalisation of the society – Divisive Politics,
Economic Causes, History of Communal Riots, Politics of Appeasement etc.
Next, write in detail about various measures to counter communal tension in the society.
Finally, write about what can be done in future by government, civil society etc so as to reduce
communalism.
Conclusion:
Introduction
Communalism is basically an ideology which consists of three elements:
 A belief that people who follow the same religion have common secular interests i.e. they
have same political, economic and social interests. So, here socio- political communalities
arise.
 A notion that, in a multi-religious society like India, these common secular interests of one
religion is dissimilar and divergent from the interests of the follower of another religion.
 The interests of the follower of the different religion or of different ‘communities’ are seen
to be completely incompatible, antagonist and hostile.
Body
Factors responsible for growth of Communalism in India:
 A Legacy of Past:
o On the basis of the “Two Nation” theory of Jinnah, India was partitioned. Communal
politics had played its nasty game during the immediate past of independent India.
The “Divide and Rule” policy of the British Government served their colonial
interest. The partition of India was the ultimate outcome of their politics.
 Presence of Communal Parties:
o Religion in India has become an important agency of political socialization and it is

also reflected in the ideology of a number of political parties. A number of
communal and sectarian political parties and organisations are present in India.
Muslim League, Jamaat—Islami, Hindu Mahasabha, Akali Dal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad
are directly or indirectly responsible for the emergence of communalism.
 Isolation of Muslims:
o Indian Muslims have developed a tendency of isolationism even long after the
creation of Pakistan. They remain aloof from the mainstream of national politics.
Most of them are not interested to take part in the secular-nationalistic politics of
the country. They insist on to be treated as a separate entity.
 Poverty:
o Mass poverty and unemployment create a sense of frustration among the people. It
generates backwardness, illiteracy, ignorance, etc. The unemployed youth of both
the communities can be easily trapped by religious fundamentalists and fanatics.

They are used by them to cause communal riots. The weak economic status often
breeds communalism.
 Hindu Chauvinism:
o The growths of Hindu chauvinistic attitudes have further strengthened the

communal tensions in India. The Hindu religious groups like Shiv Sena, Hindu
Mahasabha, Viswa Hindu Parisad often pressurize the government to take steps
suitable to the interest of Hindus. They consider each Muslim as pro-Pakistani and
anti-national. To face the possible challenge of other communal forces, they
encourage the growth of Hindu communalism.
 Social Cause:
o The two major communities of India have been suspicious towards each other. The
Muslims complain of the threat of Hindu cultural invasion upon their lives and have
become more assertive of their rights. Either due to ignorance or insecurity, they do
not fully accept the need of family planning and help in increasing population.
 Communalization of Politics:
o Electoral politics in India has become more expensive and competitive. Different
political parties are not hesitating to use any means, fair or foul, for electoral victory.
They even create communal tensions and try to take political advantage out of it.
Concessions are granted to various minority groups for appeasing them.
 Cross-Border factors:
o Communal tensions in India sometimes are highly intensified due to the rule of two
neighbouring theocratic countries. These countries try to create communal
problems in the border states. The communal problems of Punjab and Jammu
Kashmir are caused due to provocation of Pakistan. So long as this cross-border
factor is not removed, communal problems are likely to stay in India.
 Failure of Government:
o Both the Union and the State Governments often fail to prevent communalism in
the country. Due to lack of prior information, they fail to take any preventive
measures. So the communal violence can easily take innocent lives and destroys
property. The post-Godhra riot in Gujarat shows the inefficiency of the government
to control the communal riot. Failure of immediate and effective steps has been a
cause of the continuance of communalism.
Ramification of Communalism:
 Genocides: With mass killings, the real sufferers are the poor, who lose their house, their
near and dear ones, their lives, their livelihood, etc. It violates the human rights from all
direction. Sometimes children lose their parents and will become orphan for a lifetime.
 Ghettoization and refugee problem are other dimensions of communalism induced

violence, whether its inter country or intra country.
 Sudden increase in violence against any particular community causes mass exodus and
stampede which in turn kills many number of people. For example, this was seen in the case

of Bangalore in 2012, with respect to people from North eastern states, which was
stimulated by a rumour.
 Apart from having effect on the society, it is also a threat to Indian constitutional values,
which promotes secularism and religious tolerance. In that case, citizens don’t fulfil their
fundamental duties towards the nation.
 It becomes a threat for the unity and integrity of the nation as a whole. It promotes only the
feeling of hatred in all directions, dividing the society on communal lines.
 Minorities are viewed with suspicion by all, including state authorities like police, para-
military forces, army, intelligence agencies, etc. There have been many instances when
people from such community have been harassed and detained and finally have been
released by court orders guilt free. For this, there is no provision for compensation of such
victims, about their livelihood incomes forgone, against social stigmas and emotional trauma
of the families.
 Barrier for development: Communal activities occurring frequently do harm the human
resource and economy of the country. And then again it takes years for the people and the
affected regions to come out the traumas of such violence, having deep impact on minds of
those who have faced it. They feel emotionally broken and insecure.
 Terrorism and Secessionism: As seen during the Khalistan movement in Punjab.
Steps to be taken to prevent communalism
 Economic:
o Poverty is one of the major factors for communal violence. Poverty alleviation
measures are thus important for promoting communal harmony.
o Eradicating the problem of unemploymentamong the youths, illiteracy and poverty

and that too with honesty and without any discrimination.
o Reducing educational and economic backwardness of minorities like Muslims.
o This can uplift their socio-economic status and reduce their deprivation compared to
Hindus
 Social:
o The religious leaders and preachers should promote rational and practical things
through religion promoting peace and security.
o Children in schools must be taught through textbooks and pamphlets to maintain

brotherhood and respect for all religions
o Creating awareness in the society about the ill effects of communism through mass
media
 Political:
o Political communism should be avoided recent Supreme court’s directives
o Identification and mapping of riot prone areas. For Example,Delhi police used
drones to monitor to maintain vigil during communal festivals
o Media, movies and other cultural platforms can be influential in promoting peace
and harmony.
o Social Mediashould be monitored for violent and repulsive content and taken off
immediately.
 Recommendations of Committee on National Integration
o Joint celebration of community festivals
o Observing restraint by Hindus while taking processions before the mosques
o Formation of peace and brotherhood communities at local level to prevent anti-

social elements from engaging in communal riots
o Respect for religious customs, rituals and practices
Conclusion
In a vast country like India which is made up of diverse cultures, backgrounds, religions, identities
etc. it really requires to maintain a sense of equality among its citizen to provide a meaning to the
term democracy. The core reason behind all these discrimination are based on the nature of
unacceptance of diversities. We tend to commit heinous crimes to eradicate the population which
chooses a different set of traditions to follow. But these intolerance can lead India to get collapsed
from being a secular country to communal. And India is known to the world by the term “diversity”.
It is beautiful when the people irrespective of their differences are co-existing.
In order to truly empower women, it is imperative for the government to initiate a

process of scrutinizing the genuine lived experiences of women, particularly in
situations where they face unequal compensation, are assigned menial tasks, and are
denied rights over their own thoughts and bodies. This requires addressing deep-rooted
biases and prejudices that have persisted over time. Analyse. (250 words)
Why the question:
The article highlights that even when women are the primary earners in their households, they still
bear the majority of domestic responsibilities.
To write about the steps that must be taken for empowering women in a true sense.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by defining women empowerment in India.
Body:
First, write about unequal pay – its various manifestations and its impact.
Next, write about inferior work – the notions that women agency is not as developed as men, its
impact.
Next, denial of rights for women and not involving them in matters that affect them. Write about its
impact.
Next, write about the steps required to bridge the above to achieve empowerment in a true sense.
Conclusion:
Introduction
The policy of women’s empowerment is incorporated well into the constitution of India which
became effective in the year 1950. Article 14 ensures the right to equality for women; Article 15(1)
prohibits gender discrimination; Article 15(3) empowers the state to take affirmative steps in favour
of women, to name a few.
The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2020 says men and women will have pay
equality in 257 years. Of the 153 countries studied for the report, India ranks 112th on the overall
Global Gender Gap Index. The economic gender gap runs particularly deep and has gotten
significantly wider.
Body
Gender inequality in India
 India scores quite low in when it comes to gender inequality, according to latest UNDP
Human development report, India is ranked 125 of 159 countries in the Gender Inequality
Index (GII).
 Labour participation: In terms of labour participation only 23.3% of women (79.1% men)
above 15 years are part of India’s labour force.
 Wage gap: Research from India’ leading diversity and inclusion consulting firm Avtar Group
shows that women are paid 34% less than men for performing the same job with the same
qualifications.
 Lack of Economic Empowerment: Women are underrepresented in senior managerial

position and overrepresented in low paying jobs. Oxford Survey shows that globally only
19% firms have a female senior manager.
 Access to productive capital: It is harder for women to access funds and capital for farming,
starting a business or for other developmental works.
 Secondary Education for women is lower than man in majority of countries while this stands
at less than 80% in India.
 Social norms and stereotypes: Classifying men as “bread winners” and women pursuing jobs
as “career women” was reported by Oxford University Survey. It also highlighted that most
of the unpaid work is seen as a women’s job.
Measures needed to bridge the gap and empower women
 Behavioral Nudge: For instance, by using taxes to incentivize fairly sharing child-care
responsibilities, or by encouraging women and girls to enter traditionally male-dominated
sectors such as the armed forces and information technology. Eg Supreme Court in India
declared that women could now hold commanding positions in Army.
o Paternity leaves for men, to share the responsibility of child rearing.

o Incentivizing companies to employ women, and reach 50% target.
 Strong laws and policies wrt equal pay for equal work, maternity benefits are needed to
promote women’s representation in economy.
 Maternity and paternity: An amendment to the Act in 2017 increased paid maternity leave
from 12 to 26 weeks. Though well-meaning, this unfortunately fortifies notions of care-
giving being primarily the onus of the woman, and thus reinforces and raises the risk of
women being subject to the motherhood penalty.
o An explicit law for mandatory paternity benefits will go a long way towards
equalizing gender roles and reducing employer bias
 Better work conditions: The provision and strengthening of childcare facilities for working
mothers are very important.
o The Maternity Benefit Act mandates the setting up of creche facilities for
organizations with over 50 employees.
o A better policy measure would be to provide mothers in need of childcare with a

monthly allowance. This will also help mothers working from home.
 Political Representation: India has provided 33% reservation for women in the Panchayats
and Local Bodies. Capacity Building and training can increase their capabilities further.
Conclusion
Gender equality is a human right which entitles all persons irrespective of their gender to live with
dignity and with freedom. Gender equality is also a precondition for development and reducing of
poverty. Gender shouldn’t be an unreasonable determining factor curbing the potential of women.
There is an urgent need for effective implementation of laws and policies to eradicate
manual scavenging and provide alternative livelihoods to the affected communities.
Examine. (250 words)
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Why the question:
From March 22 to April 26, 2023, as many as eight people have died while cleaning sewers in various
parts of the Gujarat, raising concerns about the continuing deaths of manual scavengers despite the
fact that the practice has been declared illegal across the country.
To write about the persistent practise of manual scavenging despite being banned and steps needed
to stop it.
Directive:
Introduction:
Body:

First, write about reasons for lack of effective implementation of the law – lack of alternative
livelihood opportunities for affected communities, political will, resources, and capacity-building of
government agencies.
Next, write about the steps we can take in this regard – multi-pronged approach that addresses the
root causes of the problem, provides alternative livelihood opportunities, ensures effective
implementation of laws and policies, and promotes public awareness campaigns to change societal
attitudes etc.
Conclusion:
Introduction
Manual scavenging refers to the unsafe and manual removal of raw (fresh and untreated) human
excreta from buckets or other containers that are used as toilets or from the pits of simple pit
latrines.
From March 22 to April 26, 2023, as many as eight people have died while cleaning sewers in various
parts of the Gujarat, raising concerns about the continuing deaths of manual scavengers despite the
fact that the practice has been declared illegal across the country.
Body
Government interventions
 The Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act,
1993and employment of manual scavengers was declared unlawful.
 National Commission for Safai Karamchariswas constituted under the National Commission
for Safai Karamcharis Act, 1993, to monitor and recommend specific programs.
 Nationalaction plan for the total eradication of manual scavenging by 2007.
 Self-Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers initiated to provide

training, loans, and subsidies for alternate occupations in 2007.
 Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation, Act, 2013.
 In 2014, the Supreme Court ruled in Safai Karamchari Andolan v. Union of Indiathat
“entering sewer lines without safety gears should be made a crime even in emergency
situations,” and ordered for compensation in cases of death of the worker.
 The Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan (NBA) was replaced by Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA)in 2014.
 Ministry for Social Justice and Empowerment announced the Draft National Action Plan
Framework ‘to eliminate inhuman practicesby 15th August 2022’ and counted sewage
cleaning as one such practice.
Reasons for lack of effective implementation of the law
 Prohibition and Employment of Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act,

2013– fails to explain what qualifies as “appropriate safety gear”.
o It does not mention health as a component of rehabilitationand provides a meagre

amount of money to the worker in the name of assistance for alternative
occupations, which most manual scavengers remain unaware
o Nothing in the act mentions provisions related to the death of manual scavengers.
 Municipalities choose the compensation routeas they mostly outsource the unsanitary
sanitation work.
 Toilets that were built under SBM are dependent on water and a lot of parts of India are not
connected by the sewage system. Also, Septic tanks have engineering defectswhich means
that after a point, a machine cannot clean it.
 Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has remained elusive of the health problems of
manual scavengers even though the National Health Policy (2017) calls for action on social
determinants of health.
Reasons for the Prevalence of Manual Scavenging in India
 Delayed Implementation– Manual scavenging was banned 25 years ago but it continues to
find practitioners.
 Insanitary Latrines– According to Safai Karmachari Andolan, the occupation persists mainly
because of the continued presence of insanitary latrines. There are about 2.6 million
insanitary latrines (dry toilets) that require cleaning by hand.
 Caste-based notions of stigma and deployment of Dalit workers in these occupations in

modern contexts reinforces manual scavenging in India.
 The policymakers’ have a fragmented and a target driven approach(counting numbers of

toilets, length of sewerage, etc.,) to sanitation.
 Privatization of waste management and acute contractualisationof sanitation work has

made fixing legal responsibility and identification of the guilty much more difficult.
 Gender-based occupation– Manual scavenging is not only a caste-based but also a gender-
based occupation with 90 percent of them being women. Households with dry latrines
prefer women to clean the excreta instead of men as they are located inside the house.
 Inadequate Funding
Way-Forward
 Adopting technology to end manual scavenging– It is not going to be possible to eliminate

manual scavenging unless we create the right technologies.
o Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Boardis using 70 mini jetting
machines that can access narrow lanes and smaller colonies to clear the choked
sewer pipes.
o In Thiruvananthapuram, a group of engineers has designed a spider-shaped robot

that cleans manholes and sewers with precision.
 Proper awareness and sensitization of the authorities: It is essential that the authorities are
sensitized to recognize the intensity of the issue and see the system as dehumanizing and
unconstitutional.
 Sensitising Women through a nationwide march to make them aware of their right to live
with dignity and assure them of ‘sustainable freedom’, by providing an alternative livelihood
option.

 That the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act,
2013 and the Supreme Court’s judgment of 2014 should be duly implemented and applied
in all cases of sewer/septic tank deaths.
 Target driven approach to measure the success of the sanitation policy
 The underlying caste-based attitude to sanitation work and workers should be identified and
strong action taken against it.
Conclusion
To eradicate the profession of manual scavenging, it is important to provide these people

with alternate professions. The government could start by giving specific training for vocations like
plumbing, gardening etc to those involved in manual scavenging.


Salient features of world’s physical geography.

The bottom relief features of the Indian Ocean showcase a rich and dynamic geological
landscape. They not only contribute to the ocean’s ecological diversity but also hold
potential for scientific research, resource extraction, and further exploration of this vast
and captivating marine realm. Discuss. (250 words)
Why the question:
To write about the resources present in continental shelves and reasons for it as well as to trace the
bottom relief of India ocean.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Start by briefly mentioning about relief of the ocean floor and its divisions.
Body:
First, mention certain figures/stats regarding the economic resources of continental shelves with
examples.
Next, discuss in detail the reasons for high productivity of the continental shelves like high nutrient
loads, vertical stability and shallowness etc.
Next, trace the bottom relief features of India ocean.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising the overall economic importance of continental shelves.
Introduction
Water covers 70% of the earth’s surface in which only 3% are fresh water (Of this, 2% is in polar ice
caps and only 1% is usable water). Oceans make up around 67 percent of the Earth’s surface. The
relief features of the oceans are quite different from the continental features because the Oceanic
crust is less than 60-70- million years old whereas continental features are of Proterozoic age which
is over 1 billion years old. The Oceanic relief features are in the form of mountains, basins, plateaus,
ridges, canyons and trenches beneath the ocean water. These forms are called Submarine Relief.
Body
Factors that make continental shelves one of the highly productive ecosystems:
 The continental shelf is geologically defined as the submerged prolongation of the land mass
of the coastal State, consisting of the seabed and subsoil of the shelf, slope, and rise. It does
not include the deep ocean floor.
 Despite their small size in both areal extent and volume, the waters over continental shelves
are usually rich in nutrients, which in turn make them among the most biologically
productive areas of the oceans.
 Water depth over the continental shelves averages about 60 meters (200 feet).
Sunlight penetrates the shallow waters, and many kinds of organisms flourish—

from microscopic shrimp to giant seaweed called kelp. Ocean currents and runoff from rivers
bring nutrients to organisms that live on continental shelves.
 Plants and algae make continental shelves rich feeding grounds for sea creatures.
 Accordingly, about 90% of the world’s fisheries production is harvested over the continental
shelves.
 One of the reasons for this higher productivity is the increased nutrient loads via runoff from
the continental landmasses (mostly by rivers), however many shelf areas receive significant
nutrients from upwelling of deeper ocean waters.
 Continental shelf waters also tend to have food chains with fewer trophic levels, and on
average support larger fish.
Ocean relief is largely due to tectonic, volcanic, erosional and depositional processes and their
interactions. Ocean relief features are divided into major and minor relief features.
Major Ocean Relief Features: There are four major divisions in the ocean relief
 Continental shelf
o There is no clear or well-defined line separating oceans from continents.
o Infact, continents do not end abruptly at shoreline.
o They slope seaward from the coast to a point where the slope becomes very steep.
o The shallow submerged extension of continent is called the continental shelf.
o The depth of this shallow sea water over the continental shelf ranges between 120
to 370 metres.
o The width of the continental shelf varies greatly ranging between a few kilometres
to more than 100 kilometres.
 Continental slope& Continental rise
o The continuously sloping portion of the continental margin, seaward of the

continental shelf and extending down to the deep-sea floor of the abyssal plain, is
known as continental slope.
o It is characterized by gradients of 2.5 degrees.
o It extends between the depth of 180 to 3600 metres.
o In some places, for example, off the shore of Philippines, the continental slope
extends to a great depth.
o Continental slopes, mainly due to their steepness and increasing distance from the
land have very little deposits of sediments on them.
o Sea life is also far less here than on the shelf.
o Along the base of the continental slope is a deposit of sediments. This belt of
sedimentary deposits form the continental rise.

o In some regions the rise is very narrow but in others it may extend up to 600 km in
width.
 Deep Sea Plain or Abyssal plain
o Abyssal plains are extremely flat and featureless plains of the deep ocean floor.
o In fact, the abyssal plains are likely the most level areas on the earth.
o Abyssal plains covering a major portion of ocean floor between the depth of 3000m
to 6000m.
o They were once regarded as featureless plains but modem devices have shown that
they are as irregular as the continental plain or surface.
o They have extensive submarine plateaus, hills, guyots and seamounts.
o The floor of the abyssal plain is covered by sediments.
 Ocean deeps
o The ocean deeps are the deepest part of the ocean.
o They are long, narrow, steep sided and flat-floored depressions on the ocean floor.
o They are generally called submarine trenches.
Conclusion
The Continental Shelf of the Indian Ocean is economically very significant for people. Indian Ocean is
an “ocean of economic opportunities” for India. The security threats posed by State and non-state
actors are impeding the progress. The Government initiatives like SAGAR, IORA, Sagarmala etc.
should ensure that the fruits of Blue Economy is well reaped.
Indian monsoon is a complex system influenced by a combination of global and regional

factors. Examine. (250 words)
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
Typhoon Mawar is expected to weaken the Indian monsoon. This indicates that the presence of the
typhoon could disrupt the normal behavior of the monsoon winds and rainfall patterns in the Indian
subcontinent.
To write about the various factors that influence Indian monsoon.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Start by introducing Indian monsoon and its importance briefly.
Body:
First, write about the various factors affecting Indian monsoon – thermal contrast between land and
water, the Himalayan barrier, the movement of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), El Niño

and La Niña events, the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), topography and land-sea breeze, and the
presence of the monsoon trough and low-pressure systems.
In the next part, write about the impact of the above and measures needed to tackle their adverse
impact.
Conclusion:
Summarize the key points discussed.
Introduction
Monsoons are seasonal winds which reverse their direction with the change of season. The monsoon
is a double system of seasonal winds. They flow from sea to land during the summer and from land
to sea during winter. Monsoons are peculiar to Indian Subcontinent, South East Asia, parts of Central
Western Africa etc. Indian Monsoons are Convection cells on a very large scale. They are periodic or
secondary winds which seasonal reversal in wind direction.
Typhoon Mawar is expected to weaken the Indian monsoon. This indicates that the presence of the
typhoon could disrupt the normal behavior of the monsoon winds and rainfall patterns in the Indian
subcontinent.
Body
Factors that influence formation of South west monsoon are:
 The differential heating and cooling of land and watercreates a low pressure on the
landmass of India while the seas around experience comparatively high pressure.
 The shift of the position of Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) in summer, over the
Ganga plain (this is the equatorial trough normally positioned about 5°N of the equator. It is
also known as the monsoon-trough during the monsoon season).
 The presence of the high-pressure area, east of Madagascar, approximately at 20°S over the
Indian Ocean. The intensity and position of this high-pressure area affect the Indian
Monsoon.
 The Tibetan plateaugets intensely heated during summer, which results in strong vertical air
currents and the formation of low pressure over the plateau at about 9 km above sea level.
 The movement of the westerly jet streamto the north of the Himalayas and the presence of
the tropical easterly jet stream over the Indian peninsula during summer.
 Position and strength of the Tropical Easterly Jet (African Easterly Jet).
 Southern Oscillation (SO):Normally when the tropical eastern south Pacific Ocean
experiences high pressure, the tropical eastern Indian Ocean experiences low pressure. But
in certain years, there is a reversal in the pressure conditions and the eastern Pacific has
lower pressure in comparison to the eastern Indian Ocean. This periodic change in pressure
conditions is known as the SO.
 Indian Ocean Dipole,which is sustained variations in the difference between tropical

western and eastern Indian Ocean surface temperatures
 Madden-Julian oscillation, an oceanic-atmospheric phenomenon which affects weather

activities across the globe. It brings major fluctuation in tropical weather on weekly to
monthly timescales.

Conclusion
Monsoon does play a big role in India. It has social, political, as well as economic implications. Thus,
monsoon doesn’t only affect the crops but all the industries in the country. The monsoon-dependent
Indian economy needs climate-sensitive budgeting. The excessive dependence on monsoon may be
mitigated by the construction of modern irrigation canals, afforestation, and diversification of
Indian industries.
Explaining the phenomenon of El Nino, discuss its impact on the world climate,
including the Indian monsoon. (150 words)
Reference: Hindustan Times
Why the question:
A recent report has highlighted that “There is a 93% likelihood of at least one year until 2026 being
the warmest on record, and a 50:50 chance of the global temperature temporarily reaching 1.5°C
above the pre-industrial era—WMO”
Key Demand of the Question:
This question demands the candidate to provide a comprehensive explanation of the El-Nino
phenomenon and its impact on the world climate, including the Indian monsoon. The candidate
needs to elaborate on the factors leading to El Nino and its consequences.
context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate them with relevant
associated facts.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction: Start by providing a brief overview of El Nino and its occurrence.
Body:
Explain the El Nino phenomenon – its definition, causes, and the science behind it.
Discuss the impact of El-Nino on global climate – changes in temperature, weather patterns, and the
occurrence of natural disasters, such as floods and droughts.
Elaborate on the impact of El Nino on the Indian monsoon season – changes in rainfall patterns,
temperatures, and the overall effect on the agricultural sector.
Provide examples from the recent WMO report.
Briefly discuss the measures taken by countries to mitigate the impact of El Nino on their economies
and the environment.
Conclusion:
Conclude by highlighting the importance of understanding the El-Nino phenomenon and its impact
on the world climate, including the Indian monsoon, and the measures that need to be taken to
mitigate its impact.
Introduction
El Niño is a naturally occurring phenomenon that is linked to a periodic warming in sea surface
temperatures across the central and east-central Equatorial Pacific. El Niño is Spanish for “the boy
child,” which is often used to refer to Jesus Christ, and the phenomenon earned this name because it
typically occurs in December around Christmas. El Niño occurs every 2-7 years, and can last
anywhere between nine months and two years.
Body

Mechanism
During El Niño, the trade winds weaken or even reverse: Instead of blowing from east (South
America) to west (Indonesia), they could turn into westerlies. As the winds blow from the west to
east, they cause the masses of warm water to move into the central and eastern equatorial Pacific
Ocean. The rise in SSTs there, thus, produces increased rainfall along western Latin America, the
Caribbean and US Gulf Coast, while depriving Southeast Asia, Australia and India of convective
currents.
El-Nino impact on world climate:
 According to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the world should prepare for
the development of El Niño, which is often associated with increased heat, drought or
rainfallin different parts of the world.
 Increased rainfallin parts of southern South America, the southern US, the Horn of Africa
and central Asia.
 Severe droughtsover Australia, Indonesia, and parts of southern Asia.
 Warm waterduring summer in the northern hemisphere can fuel hurricanes in the
central/eastern Pacific Ocean and can hinder hurricane formation in the Atlantic Basin.
 A new spike in global heatingwill increase the chance of breaking temperature records (in
2024).
 50:50 chance of the global temperaturetemporarily reaching 1.5°C above the pre-industrial
era.

El-Nino impact on Indian monsoon:
 El Nino, characterized by warming of surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, is associated

with lower than normal monsoon rainfall in India.
 El Nino has been found to impact almost half the world triggering droughtsin
Australia, India, southern Africa and floods in Peru, Ecuador, the United States, the Gulf of
Mexico, and the Colorado River basin.
 El Nino affects the flow of moisture-bearing windsfrom the cooler oceans towards India,
negatively impact the summer (south-west) monsoon.
 After all, the south-west monsoon (June-September) accounts for over 70% of the country’s
annual rainfall and irrigates over half of the crop land.
 The rain-fed kharif crops are heavily dependent on the monsoon and the quantity of rainfall
determines agricultural production.
 El Niño years tend to be drier than average, but one of the strongest El Nino of the century
(1997-98) produced a monsoon season with above-average rainfall for India.
 Researchers also believe that even the location of the warming in the Pacific may possibly
have an influence on the monsoon.
Impact of the early arrival of Indian monsoon:
 The monsoon arrived earlier than normal in India, raising hopes that output of crops like rice
and oilseeds will get a boost after a brutal heat wave hit winter-sown wheat and prompted
the nation to restrict exports.
 India is the second-biggest grower of wheat, rice, sugar and cotton, and the largest buyer of
palm, soybean and sunflower oils.
 The livelihood of millions of farmers in the country of about 1.4 billion people depends on
rains brought by the winds from the Indian Ocean.
 The farm sector is the main source of income for 60% of its population and accounts for 18%
of the economy.
 The monsoon is critical to India’s farm output and economic growth at a time when the
country, where man-made systems like canals and tube wells irrigate only a part of the land,
is battling soaring food prices.
 Timely and normal rains are set to boost production outlook for monsoon-sown crops such
as rice, soybeans and pulses and help in softening soaring inflation.
 Bountiful rains would also fill reservoirs, which in turn would brighten prospects for winter
crops, usually planted during October and November.
 The early arrival of the south-west monsoon comes at a time when parts of Northwest India
were experiencing extremely high maximum temperatures.
Conclusion
Early or late arrival of monsoon does not mean it would bring lesser or more rainfall. Earlier this
year, IMD predicted a “normal” monsoon. It means the rainfall is likely to be in the range of 96-104
per cent of the long period average of the years 1971-2020. A good monsoon boosts crop output,
while poor rains lead to drinking water shortages, lower harvests and higher imports of some
commodities.
What are the various factors that affect the formation of Savanna type of climate?
Examine the various threats to Savanna biomes. (250 words)
Why the question:
Directive word:
Introduction:
Give a brief about Tropical savannas or grasslands that they are associated with the tropical wet and
dry climate type.
Body:
First, write about the factors conducive for Savanna type of climate – tropical regions 8° to 20° from
the Equator, warm to hot, The dry season is associated with the low sun period etc.
Next, mention that the Savanna climate provides for a diverse vegetation such as grasslands, hardy
weather proofed trees and diverse fauna and mention different Savanna regions such as East African,
Llanos, Pampas etc and how they differently impact their ecology.
Next, mention the various threats such as water logging, fire, drought, grazing etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by stating that in the present context of Climate change it is imperative to address the
threats faced by the Savannas and ensure ecological balance.
Introduction
Savanna regions have two distinct seasons – a wet season and a dry season. There is very little rain
in the dry season. In the wet season vegetation grows, including lush green grasses and wooded
areas. As you move further away from the equator and its heavy rainfall, the grassland becomes
drier and drier – particularly in the dry season.
Body
Savanna biomes
Savannas – also known as tropical grasslands – are found to the north and south of tropical
rainforest biomes. The largest expanses of savanna are in Africa, where much of the central part of
the continent, for example Kenya and Tanzania, consists of tropical grassland. Savanna grasslands
can also be found in Brazil in South America.
Various factors that affect the formation of Savanna type of climate
 Savanna type of climate is located between 5°-20° latitudes on either side of the equator.
 Thus, savanna climate is located between equatorial type of climate (Af) and semi-arid and
subtropical humid climate.

 In other words, this climate is located between equatorial low pressure belt or rain
producing inter-tropical convergence and subtropical high pressure belt.
 The regions of Savanna climate are affected by low and high pressure systems in a year.
 Due to northward migration of the sun during summer solstice (21 June) the equatorial low
pressure belt and doldrum are shifted northward and thus Savanna climate comes under the
influence of Inter Tropical Convergence (ITC) which is associated with atmospheric
disturbances (cyclones) which yield rains.
 Due to southward migration of the sun during winter solstice (23 December) Savanna
climatic zone comes under the influence of subtropical high pressure belt and thus
anticyclonic conditions dominate the weather and bring dry conditions.
 The descending stable winds under anticyclonic conditions cause dry conditions.
 Besides, the coastal areas are affected by local winds and sea breezes.
 Eastern coasts are influenced by trade winds. Strong and high velocity tropical cyclones
dominate the weather conditions during warm season.
 It is apparent that the Savanna type of climate is induced due to the introduction of wet
summer and dry winter seasons because of northward and southward migration of the sun
respectively.
 Since the Savanna climate is located between equatorial wet and tropical dry climates and
hence there is gradual variation in weather conditions away from the equator as the aridity
increases poleward.
Various threats to Savanna biomes
 Anthropogenic activities
o Unsustainable water usage and irrigation methods could potentially dry up life-
giving rivers and water holes.
o In regions where indigenous people regularly include bushmeat – wild meat – in

their diet, ungulate populations have dropped at noticeable rates.
o Some savanna wildlife is also hunted as trophies; black rhinoceroses, in particular,

are hunted for their valuable horns.
o Even some plant species are over-harvested due to their commercial value.
o Carvings made from African Blackwood, a savanna tree, are often sold at tourists’
markets.
 Agriculture, drought and Heavy Grazing
o Agriculture is another environmental threat to the savanna. Large areas of land are
being cleared to grow crops and farm livestock. The livestock competes with local
animals for grazing and can decimate the natural ecosystem.
o Prolonged, severe drought has a dangerous effect on a savanna ecosystem, with

grazing patterns exacerbating this effect.

o The combination of severe drought and grazing can change a grassland of primarily
edible, perennial grasses to a savanna dominated by inedible grasses and plants.
 Desertification
o Tropical savannas often border on arid, desert regions, and the spread of desert-like
conditions into dry grassland areas is called desertification.
o This threat to a savanna ecosystem include effects caused by climate change,

farming practices, overgrazing, aggressive agricultural irrigation, which lowers the
level of the water table away from plant roots, deforestation and erosion.
o Each year, over 46,000 square kilometers of African savanna becomes desert.
 Carbon Emissions
o A 2012 survey attributed large increases in woody plant mass to the “CO2
fertilization effect.” The authors posited that the increase in the rate of woody plant
growth was caused by increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide.
o A dramatic increase in the amount of trees and shrubs could threaten the entire
savanna ecosystem, as these plants use more water than grasses.
Conclusion
While forests are undoubtedly great carbon sinks, grasslands are not all that far behind. Studies
reveal that restoring grasslands is an immensely effective and economical way to combat climate
change, as these landscapes store large amounts of carbon below ground. When a nuanced and
informed understanding of the importance of grasslands filters into conservation and climate change
policies, it will be win-win for pastoralists, grassland biodiversity, and the planet.
Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic

activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical
geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and
fauna and the effects of such changes.
Volcanism, the eruption of volcanoes and the associated release of lava, ash, gases, and
other volcanic materials, can have significant effects on the environment and human
activities. Analyse. (250 words)
Reference: Down to Earth , Insights on India
Why the question:
Mount Etna, an active volcano located in Italy, recently erupted, releasing ash and smoke into the
atmosphere. The eruption resulted in a spectacular display of volcanic activity, with lava fountains
and explosions observed.
To write about the impact of Volcanic eruptions and associated activities.
Directive:

Introduction:
Body:
First, write about the environmental effects of volcanism -Emission of gases and aerosols, Formation
of volcanic ash and tephra, Creation of volcanic landforms and Impact on climate and weather
patterns, Destruction of vegetation and habitats, Introduction of new species Formation of new
ecosystems etc.
Next, write about effects on Human Activities – Threats to human health, Agricultural impacts,
Economic consequences, Disruption of transportation and infrastructure etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by mentioning ways to deal with above.
Introduction
A volcano is a rupture in the crust of a planetary-mass object, such as Earth, that allows hot lava,
volcanic ash, and gases to escape from a magma chamber below the surface. The process is called
Volcanism and has been ongoing on Earth since the initial stages of its evolution over 4 billion years
ago.
Mount Etna, an active volcano located in Italy, recently erupted, releasing ash and smoke into the
atmosphere. The eruption resulted in a spectacular display of volcanic activity, with lava fountains
and explosions observed.
Body
Formation of volcano:
 The majority of volcanoes in the world form along the boundaries of Earth’s tectonic
plates—massive expanses of our planet’s lithosphere that continually shift, bumping into
one another.
 When tectonic plates collide, one often plunges deep below the other in what’s known as
a subduction zone.
 As the descending landmass sinks deep into the Earth, temperatures and pressures climb,
releasing water from the rocks.
 The water slightly reduces the melting point of the overlying rock, forming magma that can
work its way to the surface—the spark of life to reawaken a slumbering volcano.
 Not all volcanoes are related to subduction,
 Another way volcanoes can form is what’s known as hotspot volcanism.
 In this situation, a zone of magmatic activity—or a hotspot—in the middle of a tectonic plate
can push up through the crust to form a volcano.
 Although the hotspot itself is thought to be largely stationary, the tectonic plates continue
their slow march, building a line of volcanoes or islands on the surface. This mechanism is
thought to be behind the Hawaii volcanic chain.
Global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in recent times
 Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai volcano

 The Philippine volcano near Manila
 Piton de la Fournaise in the Indian ocean
 Great Sitkin, Alaska
 Fukutoku-Oka-no-Ba, Japan
 Kīlauea, Hawaii
 Etna, Sicily, Italy
 Nyiragongo, Congo
 Soufrière St. Vincent
 Semeru, Indonesia
 Krýsuvík-Trölladyngja
Impact on the regional environment
 Volcanism can be a greatly damaging natural disaster.
 Habitats and landscapes are destroyed by lava flows.
 Violent earthquakes associated with volcanic activity and mud flows of volcanic ash
saturated by heavy rain can bury nearby places.
 Sometimes ash can precipitate under the influence of rain and completely cover the
surrounding regions.
 deterioration of water quality, fewer periods of rain, crop damages, and the destruction of
vegetation.
 In coastal areas, seismic sea waves called tsunamis are an additional danger which are
generated by submarine earth faults where volcanism is active.
 Volcanic rocks yield very fertile soil upon weathering and decomposition.
 Although steep volcano slopes prevent extensive agriculture, forestry operations on them
provide valuable timber resources.
 Mineral resources, particularly metallic ores are brought to the surface by volcanoes.
Sometimes copper and other ores fill the gas bubble cavities. The famed Kimberlite rock of
South Africa, source of diamonds is the pipe of an ancient volcano.
Impact on human activities
 Volcanic activity and the formation of volcanic landscapes can have both positive and
negative impacts on human settlement and economic development.
 While they can be inhospitable and hazardous to human habitation, they can also provide
opportunities for economic development.
 For example, Volcanic ash and rock fragments can be used for construction and road
building, and volcanic landscapes often have unique biodiversity which can be utilized for
tourism and recreation.

 Volcanic landscapes can also contain geothermal resources which can be used for power
generation and other forms of economic development.
 Volcanic eruptions can cause significant damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and human
health, and can lead to displacement of populations.
 Additionally, the rugged terrain and harsh climate of volcanic landscapes can make it difficult
for people to settle in these regions.
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.
Discuss the worldwide dispersion of permanently frozen ground known as permafrost.

Analyse the consequences of permafrost melting due to the phenomenon of global
warming. (250 words)
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
With rising global temperatures, thawing permafrost is likely to destabilise thousands of industrial
sites and linked contaminated areas in the Arctic, which could result in the spread of toxic substances
across the region, according to a new study.
To write about permafrost, its global distribution and impact of its thawing.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by defining permafrost.
Body:
First, with a map, show the major areas of the world that are covered with permafrost.
Next, write about the thawing of permafrost under the impact of global warming.
Next, write about the impact of thawing of permafrost – Thawing permafrost can raise water levels
in Earth’s oceans and increase erosion, resurrecting trapped pathogens, giving rise to potential public
health threats etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way froward to handle the above challenges.
Introduction
Permafrost is any type of ground, from soil to sediment to rock—that has been frozen continuously
for a minimum of two years and as many as hundreds of thousands of years. It can extend down
beneath the earth’s surface from a few feet to more than a mile—covering entire regions, such as
the Arctic tundra, or a single, isolated spot, such as a mountaintop of alpine permafrost.

Body
Worldwide dispersion of permafrost
 About a quarter of the entire northern hemisphere is permafrost, where the ground is
frozen year-round.
 It’s widespread in the Arctic regions of Siberia, Canada, Greenland, and Alaska—where
nearly 85 percent of the state sits atop a layer of permafrost.
 It’s also found on the Tibetan plateau, in high-altitude regions like the Rocky Mountains, and
on the floor of the Arctic Ocean as undersea permafrost.
 In the southern hemisphere, where there’s far less ground to freeze, permafrost is found in
mountainous regions such as the South American Andes and New Zealand’s Southern Alps,
as well as below Antarctica.
Formation of permafrost
 The water that is trapped in sediment, soil, and the cracks, crevices, and pores of rocks turns
to ice when ground temperatures drop below 32°F (0°C).
 When the earth remains frozen for at least two consecutive years, it’s called permafrost. If
the ground freezes and thaws every year, it’s considered “seasonally frozen.”
Thawing of Permafrost
 While global warming is upping temperatures around the world,the Arctic is warming twice
as fast as anywhere else and faster than it has in the past 3 million years.
 And when surface air temperatures rise, below-ground temperatures do, too, thawing
permafrost along the way.
 Scientists estimate there is now 10 percent less frozen groundin the northern hemisphere
than there was in the early 1900s.
 One recent study suggests that with every additional8°F (1°C) of warming,an additional 1.5
million square miles of permafrost could eventually disappear.
 Even if we meet the climate targets laid out during the 2015 Paris climate talks, the world
may still lose more than 2.5 million square milesof frozen turf.
Impact of permafrost thawing
 Huge Carbon Sink:An estimated 1,400 gigatons of carbon are frozen in Arctic permafrost,
making it one of the world’s largest carbon sinks.
o That’s aboutfour times more than humans have emitted since the Industrial
Revolution, and nearly twice as much as is currently contained in the atmosphere.
o According to a recent report,2 degrees Celsius increase in temperature, expected by

the end of the century will result in a loss of about 40 percent of the world’s
permafrost by 2100.

 Loss of trapped Green house gases: Packed with many thousands of years of life, from
human bodies to the bodies of woolly mammoths, permafrost is one of earth’s great stores
of global warming gases.
o Indeed, permafrost in the Arctic alone is estimated to hold nearly twice as much
carbon as exists in the atmosphere now, as well as a sizable amount of methane—a
powerful greenhouse gas that traps more than 80 times more heat on the planet
than carbon does.
 Toxins:A recent study found that Arctic permafrost is a massive repository of natural
mercury, a potent neurotoxin. Indeed, it’s estimated that some 15 million gallons of
mercury—or nearly twice the amount of mercury found in the ocean, atmosphere, and all
other soils combined—are locked in permafrost soils.
o Once released, however, that mercury can spread through water or air into
ecosystems and potentially even food supplies.
 Crumbling Infrastructure:About 35 million people live in a permafrost zone, in towns and

cities built on top of what was once considered permanently frozen ground.
o But as that solid ground softens, the infrastructure these communities rely on grows
increasingly unstable.
o Eg: Recent Russian Norilsk diesel oil spill is an ongoing industrial disaster, which
occurred at a thermal power plant that was supported on permafrost, crumbled.
 Altered Landscape:Thawing permafrost alters natural ecosystems in many ways as well. It

can create thermokarsts, areas of sagging ground and shallow ponds that are often
characterized by “drunken forests” of askew trees.
o It can make soil—once frozen solid—more vulnerable to landslides and erosion,

particularly along coasts.
o As this softened soil erodes, it can introduce new sediment to waterways, which
may alter the flow of rivers and streams, degrade water quality (including by the
introduction of carbon), and impact aquatic wildlife.
 Diseases and viruses:it can also trap and preserve ancient microbes.
o It’s believed that some bacteria and viruses can lie dormant for thousands of
years in permafrost’s cold, dark confines before waking up when the ground warms.
o A 2016 anthrax outbreak in Siberia, linked to adecades-old reindeer carcass

infected with the bacteria and exposed by thawed permafrost, demonstrated the
potential threat.
o In 2015, researchers in Siberia uncovered theMollivirus sibericum, a 30,000-year-

old behemoth of a virus that succeeded in infecting a rather defenseless amoeba in
a lab experiment.
o About a decade earlier, scientists discovered the first Mimivirus, a 1,200-gene

specimenmeasuring twice the width of traditional viruses, buried beneath layers of
melting frost in the Russian tundra. (For comparison, HIV has just nine genes.)

o This can be the case with other diseases, such as smallpox and the 1918 Spanish
flu—known to exist in the frozen tundra, in the mass graves of those killed by the
disease.
o Human contact with zombie pathogensmay risk new pandemics, if there is unabated
mining of metals from permafrost.
Conclusion
By reducing our carbon footprint, investing in energy-efficient products, and supporting climate-
friendly businesses, legislation, and policies, we can help preserve the world’s permafrost and avert
a vicious cycle of an ever-warming planet.
Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and
the Indian sub-continent);
Discuss the current status of water bodies in India, and what are the major issues
affecting their distribution and utilization? (250 words)
Reference: The Hind , Insights on India
Why the question:
The article discusses the distribution and utilization of water bodies in India. It highlights that India
has a vast network of water bodies, but their distribution is uneven across the country.
To write about the present status of water bodies, major issues affecting their distribution and
utilisation.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Start by giving context of water resources. Cite statistics.
Body:
First, write about the current status of water resources – current status of water bodies in India,
including rivers, lakes, ponds, wetlands, and groundwater resources etc.
Next, write about the various issues in the above – including encroachment and destruction due to
urbanization and industrialization, pollution, climate change, and inadequate water management
policies.
Next, write about the steps that must be taken in order to overcome the above issues.
Conclusion:
Introduction
The Ministry of Jal Shakti recently released the report of its first-ever census of water
bodies, revealing crucial insights into the country’s water resources. The census provides an
extensive inventory of water sources in India, highlighting disparities between rural and urban areas
and varying levels of encroachment.
Body

Background
 The census enumerated a total of 24,24,540 water bodies across the country, with West
Bengal accounting for the most (7.47 lakh) and Sikkim the least (134).
 The report reveals that:
o West Bengal has the highest number of ponds and reservoirs
 The top district in terms of waterbodies is South 24 Parganas in West

Bengal.
o Andhra Pradesh has the highest number of tanks
o Tamil Nadu has the highest number of lakes
o Maharashtra leads in water conservation schemes

 The report highlights that 97.1% of the waterbodies are in rural areas, with only 2.9% in
urban areas.
 Most of the waterbodies are ponds, followed by tanks, reservoirs, water conservation
schemes, percolation tanks, check dams, lakes, and others.
Major issues affecting distribution and utilisation
 Encroachment: The census also collected data on the encroachment of waterbodies for the
first time, revealing that 1.6% of all enumerated waterbodies are encroached, with4% of
encroachments in rural areas and the remaining 4.6% in urban areas.
o A significant percentage of encroachments cover more than 75% of the waterbody’s

area.
 Pollution and non-potable water: Water sources around the city are also polluted due to
the direct discharge of domestic sewage into drains and canals.
 Farming practices: Changes in farming patterns lead to consumption of more water for
irrigation and also change the soil profile because of the use of fertilizers
o The states ranked lowest like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Jharkhand – are home to
almost half of India’s population along with the majority of its agricultural produce.
o There is also a lack of interest in maintaining India’s traditional water harvesting

structures.
 Climate change, leading to much lower precipitation during the winter months. As a result,
the natural flow and recharge of water in the region has fallen sharply
 Unplanned development: Failure of State governments to check unplanned development

and exploitation of water resources. There is no attempt at the central or state levels to
manage water quantity and quality
 The vegetation pattern has changed, tree cover is shrinking and unscientific dumping of
debris in water streams is rampant.
o The debris blocks the natural course of water bodies.
o Increasing number of tube wells resulting in depletion of groundwater.
Measures needed
 Ground water management is of utmost importance in urban areas where 50% water is
drawn from ground. E.g.: Encroachment of flood plains, ground water recharge are areas to
work with.
 Loss of green cover in urban areas and heat island effect are reasons for depleting water
sources.g.: Urban forests needs to be created like in Aarey, Mumbai.
 The Ministry of Water Resources must reconfigure its relationship with other Ministries and
Departments (Urban Development, Local Self-Government and Environment).

 Enhanced integration and coordination are needed through effective land and water
zoning regulations that protect urban water bodies, groundwater sources, wetlands and
green cover while simultaneously working to enhance waste water recycling and water
recharge activities targeting aquifers and wells through rainwater harvesting.
 Focus: There is a need to shift focus from water supply infrastructure creation to water
management, viz. service delivery. There is a need to pay focussed attention and subsequent
planning for the efficient usage of fresh water bodies.
 Management: Managing the demand side of water management is crucial as India cannot
increase the per capita availability of water. The country needs to have a specific plan for
water-stressed states.
 Participation: The participation of individuals, NGOs and different communities in the water
management process is quite missing.
o The role of the Jal Shakti Ministry is thereby limited in handling the water crisis
situation in the country until the coordination & participation of people is there for
using the water prudently.
Conclusion
Primarily water is not valued in India. “People think it is free”. In order to meet the future
urban/rural water challenges, there needs to be a shift in the way we manage our water systems.
An Integrated Water Management approach must be adopted which involves managing freshwater,
wastewater, and storm water, using an urban/rural area as the unit of management.
Value addition
Water stress in India
 India has 4 % of the world’s freshwater which has to cater to 17 % of the world’s population.
 Approximately 600 million people or roughly around 45 % of the population in India is facing
high to severe water stress.
 As per the report, 21 Indian cities will run out of their main source of water
i.e. groundwater by 2020.
 Nearly 40 % of the population will have absolutely no access to drinking water by 2030 and
6 % of India’s GDP will be lost by 2050 due to the water crisis.
 As per NITI Aayog report (CWMI) released in June 2019, India is facing the worst-ever water
crisis in history.
 A disastrous water crisis has been creeping up on us for years. Water tables have declined
precipitously, even by thousands of feet in some parts of Punjab, Haryana and Andhra
Pradesh. Tanks and wells have gone dry.
 Some rivers have shrunk while other smaller ones have completely dried up.


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INSIGHTSIAS

IA SIMPLIFYING IAS EXAM PREPARATION

INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

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Effects of globalization on Indian society. ............................................................................................ 92

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 Astronomy: Jyotishvedanga texts established systematic categories in astronomy but the

 Medicine: From 600 BC beganthe period of rational sciences. Takshila and

Linkages between modern sciences and ancient scientific heritage

o There are attempts bybiomedical and Ayurvedic researchers to correlate Ayurvedic

 Chandrasekhar Limit: Indian Nobel Prize-winning physicist Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar

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o It is said that he was influenced by ancient astronomical texts.

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 They are extremely simple with minimum of steps or movement.

 Each form of folk dance has a specific costume and rhythm.

Linkages of folkdances with culture:

 Seeking divine intervention:

 Depiction of good over evil:

 Performed before harvesting crops:

 Performed during various festivals:

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o Buiyadance performed by the Digaru Mishmis of Arunachal Pradesh, is the main

 To relax and rejuvenate:

 Showcase of rich tradition and culture:

o Ojapali dance of Assam.

o Cheraw Dance of Mizoram.

 Paying respects to the deity worshipped by the tribe:

o ongkram Dance of Meghalya.

 Celebration of victory over an enemy:

o Chang Lo dance of Nagaland.

o Maruniis the main attraction of Sikkim weddings.

Why the question:

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Various features of Nagara style of architecture

 In this style, temples have elaborated boundary, less emphasised.

 The entire temple is built on high stone platform called Jagati

 Generally, they do not have large enclosures and entrances.

 There was a Kalasha placed on the Shikara of a temple.

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The essential attributes of Kalinga sub-style of Nagara architecture

 Kalinga Nagara style of temple architecture comes from Odisha.

 On rare occasions, we do also see an independent Torana or a gateway erected in front of

 For instance, the Mukteshwar temple from Bhubaneshwar is flanked by a free-standing

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Nature of Khilafat Movement:

Role of Khilafat movement in formation of Non Cooperation movement:

 The advocates of a militant movement wanted to launch a non-cooperation movement

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Evaluation of Khilafat and Non Cooperation movement:

 Strong anti-colonial movements were afoot among various sections of population.

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 The earliest reference to the art of puppetry is found in Tamil classic

 In Sanskrit terminology Puttalika and Puttika means ‘little sons’.