31/10/2022, 11:13 [Download] Topicwise UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-1 (GSM1): History, Geography, Social Science – Mrunal

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[Download] Topicwise UPSC Mains General Studies

Paper-1 (GSM1): History, Geography, Social Science
By Mrunal | 31/10/2021 | Categories: Question-Papers | Tags: QP-CSM-2020 | 221 Comments

1. GSM1-Topicwise Questions since Pattern change in 2013

2. [Block-1] History Past Qs & STRATEGY
1. History: Art & Culture
2. History: India before Independence
3. History: India After independence
4. History: world
3. [Block-2] Social Science
1. Social Science: Caste, Religion, Region, Globalization
2. Social Science: Poverty, Population, Globalization
3. Social Science: Globalization
4. Social Science: Women
4. [Block-3] Geography
1. Geography: Physical
2. Geography: Climate, Disaster related
3. Geography: Resources Distribution
4. Geography: factors affecting industrial locations
5. Geography: Urbanization

Mehul on Weekly
Current: Agnipath, GSM1-Topicwise Questions since Pattern change in 2013
Kapilavastu Relics,
Interstate Council, BMS
System, UNSC 1267 In 2013, UPSC changed the syllabus-pattern of Mains examination and the number of general studies papers were
Committee, I2U2
diplomacy, Critical IT increased from two to four. Out of them, GS Paper-I deals with History, Culture, Society and Geography. Overall
Infra and more Jun
breakup looks like this
Week2-2022
19/07/2022
thank you ! Category GS Mains Paper-1 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
vaibhav tripathi on 2 History Culture 20 40 25 25 10 35 10 50
Dozen Mismatches in
Prelim Answerkey- History Freedom struggle 30 30 25 37.5 65 10 50 25
Coaching Classes vs
UPSC Official & Devilal History World History 40 30 25 12.5 10 15 15 0
MCQ got cancelled
07/06/2022
History Post independence 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
waiting for your analysis sir.
Society Religion, Region, empowerment 10 10 37.5 37.5 50 35 35 35
dharmendra kumar on
Society Poverty, Population, Development 0 10 25 12.5 0 40 0 25
Download UPSC Prelims
2022 Question Paper,
Society Globalization Impact 10 0 12.5 12.5 0 15 15 15
Answer-key Analysis
05/06/2022 Society Women 10 30 12.5 0 0 15 35 0
upsc prelim
Geography Climate 10 20 37.5 12.5 60 10 55 10
Pradeep Kumar on 2
Dozen Mismatches in Geography Disaster 10 10 0 12.5 15 0 0 0
Prelim Answerkey-
Coaching Classes vs Geography Urbanization 10 0 25 25 15 15 15 15
UPSC Official & Devilal
MCQ got cancelled Geography Physical 20 20 0 0 10 20 0 20
01/06/2022
Grt sir! Geography Resources 20 20 25 62.5 0 10 10 45
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31/10/2022, 11:13 [Download] Topicwise UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-1 (GSM1): History, Geography, Social Science – Mrunal
Priti Verma on Geography Industrial Location 10 30 0 0 15 30 10 10
[Download] Topicwise
UPSC Mains General
Studies Paper-1 (GSM1):
History, Geography, [Block-1] History Past Qs & STRATEGY
Social Science
24/05/2022
Plzz send me gs 1 gs 2 gs 3
gs 4 & eassy in Hindi
language topic wise pdf

Watch my FREE Lecture video, I’ve given detailed analysis, model answers & common mistakes of the History-
Culture section of GSM1-2019 Paper, & roadmap/strategy for Mains-2020. Please go through it. Overall scene is:
Keep a habit of solving the previous papers (since 2013) because sometimes the same question themes get
repeated. e.g. “foreign influence on Gandhara art: asked in 2014 and again asked 2019.”
Culture: Traditional prep sources (like Nitin Singhania, NCERT) are giving mixed utility. But if you go for higher
end books (A.L. Bhasham etc.) = poor Cost:Benefit.
Freedom Struggle: Plassey to Partition book (also available in Hindi) MUST be read. Because, since the last 3
years, verbatim themes have been lifted from there (e.g Fragmented polity in the later Mughal Era, Women Issues
that gained prominence in 19th century freedom struggle etc). So if you use any other book like Bipan or
Spectrum you’ll not be able to assemble the answer in the tone/way in which UPSC examiner has framed the
question. For Mains Freedom struggle, You may even ignore Bipan Chandra’s book, as long as doing Plassey to
partition the book is done thoroughly.
World History: Hardly one question from this part in recent years. Recommended sources
Tamilnadu’s board Class-12 History Vol2 book (Free download)
Pratik Nayak’s FREE Youtube lecture series on World History should suffice.
Some toppers also recommend (old) NCERT by Arjun Dev on World History  (हिन्दी मे भी उपलब्ध), but i find
Tamilnadu board textbook Class12 Vol2 much better and lucid and full of colorful images! And it’s available
for free download.
Sometimes they ask very Obscure questions about decolonization in the Malaysian Peninsula or Japanese
dynasties.
But if you chase thick world history books like Jain and Mathur or Norman Lowe= poor cost benefit. Aisi
400-500 rupees ki books not required.
Post independent India: No questions in recent years, including 2019’s paper. But at least land reform, economic
angles, and individual Prime Minister’s foreign policy should  be prepared  due to their relevance in GSM2 and
GSM3 as well. Source: Bipan Chandra’s India since independence. But read only selected chapters. Not the
entire book.

History: Art & Culture

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Salient aspects of Art, Architecture, literature from Ancient to Modern Times
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31/10/2022, 11:13 [Download] Topicwise UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-1 (GSM1): History, Geography, Social Science – Mrunal

The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art
and history. Discuss. (शैलकृ त स्थापत्य प्रारंभिक भारीतय कला एवं ऐतहास के ज्ञान के अति महत्वपूर्ण स्त्रोतों में से एक का प्रतिनिधित्व 2020
करता है l विवेचना कीजिए l)
Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate. (भारत में बौद्ध धर्म के
2020
इतिहास में पाल काल अति महत्वपूर्ण चरण है l विश्लेषण कीजिए l)
Indian philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their
art in India. Discuss. (भारतीय दर्शन एवं परंपरा ने भारीतय स्मारकों की कल्पना और आकर देने एवं उनकी कला मैं महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका 2020
निभाई है l विवेचना कीजिए l)
Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment. (मध्यकालीन भारत के फ़ारसी
2020
साहित्यिक स्त्रोत उस काल के युगबोध का प्रतिबिं ब है l टिपण्णी कीजिए l)
Highlight the Central Asian and Greco -Bactrian elements in Gandhara art. (गांधाराई कला में मध्य एशियाई एवं यूनानी-
2019
बैक्ट्रियाई तत्वों को उजागर कीजिए | ) (10m,150 words)
Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss. 2018
Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab travellers in the reconstruction of the history
2018
of India.
The Bhakti movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
2018
Discuss.
How do you justify the view that the level of excellence of Gupta numismatic art is not at all noticeable in later
2017
times?
Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully expounds Buddhist ideals.
2016
Elucidate.
Krishnadeva Raya, the King of Vijayanagar, was not only an accomplished scholar himself but was also a great
2016
patron of learning and literature. Discuss.
The ancient civilization in Indian sub-continent differed from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece in that
2015
its culture and traditions have been preserved without a breakdown to the present day. Comment.
Mesolithic rock cut architecture of India not only reflects the cultural life of the times but also a tine aesthetic
2015
sense comparable to modem painting. Critically evaluate this comment.
To what extent has the urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization provided inputs to the
2014
present day urbanization? Discuss.
Gandhara sculpture owed as much to the Romans as to the Greeks. Explain. 2014
Taxila university was one of the oldest universities of the world with which were associated a number of
renowned learned personalities of different disciplines. Its strategic location caused its fame to flourish, but 2014
unlike Nalanda, it is not considered as a university in the modern sense. Discuss.
Sufis and medieval mystic saints failed to modify either the religious ideas and practices or the outward
2014
structure of Hindu / Muslim societies to any appreciable extent. Comment.
Though not very useful from the point of view of a connected political history of South India, the Sangam
2013
literature portrays the social and economic conditions of its time with remarkable vividness. Comment.
Discuss the Tandava dance as recorded in the early Indian inscriptions. 2013
Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss. 2013

History: India before Independence

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Mid-18th century – Present (significant events, personalities, issues); Freedom Struggle (various
stages, important contributors from different parts of the country)

Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on the national movement. (लार्ड कर्जन की
2020
नीतियों एवं राष्ट्रीय आं दोलन पर उनके दू रगामी प्रभावों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए l)
Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby
expanded its social base. Discuss. (1920 के दशक से राष्ट्रीय आं दोलन ने कई वैचारिक धाराओं को ग्रहण किया और अपना 2020
सामाजिक आधार बढ़ाया l विवेचना कीजिए l)
The 1857 Uprising was the culmination the recurrent big and small local rebellions that had occurred in the
preceding hundred years of British rule. Elucidate. (1857 का विप्लव ब्रिटिश शासन के पुर्ववर्ती सौ वर्षों में बार-बार घटित छोटे 2019
एवं बड़े स्थानीय विद्रोहों का चरमोत्कर्ष था | सुस्पष्ट कीजिए | ) (10m,150 words)
Examine the linkages between 19th centuries ‘Indian Renaissance’ and the emergence of national identity. 2019
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(उन्नीसवीं शताब्दी के ‘भारतीय पुनर्जागरण’ और राष्ट्रीय पहचान के मध्य सहलग्नताओं का परिक्षण कीजिए | ) (10m,150 words)
Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian phase. Elaborate.
(गांधीवादी प्रावस्था के दौरान विभिन्न स्वरों ने रास्ट्रवादी आं दोलन को सुदृढ़ एवं समृद्ध बनाया था | विस्तारपूर्वक स्पष्ट कीजिए | ) (15m,250 2019
words)
Assess the role of British imperial power in complicating the process of transfer of power during the 1940s.
(1940 के दशक के दौरान सत्ता हस्तान्तरण की प्रक्रिया को जटिल बनाने में ब्रिटिश साम्राज्यिक सत्ता की भूमिका का आकलन कीजिए | ) 2019
(15m,250 words)
Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times. 2018
Clarify how mid-eighteenth century India was beset with the spectre of a fragmented polity. 2017
Why did the ‘Moderates’ fail to carry conviction with the nation about their proclaimed ideology and political
2017
goals by the end of the nineteenth century?
Examine how the decline of traditional artisanal industry in colonial India crippled the rural economy. 2017
The women’s questions arose in modern India as a part of the 19th century social reform movement. What
2017
were the major issues and debates concerning women in that period?
Highlight the importance of the new objectives that got added to the vision of Indian independence since
2017
twenties of the last century.
Explain how the Uprising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British policies
2016
towards colonial India.
Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase. 2016
Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for
2016
freedom.
How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss. 2015
It would have been difficult for the Constituent Assembly to complete its historic task of drafting the
Constitution for Independent India in just three years but for the experience gained with the Government of 2015
India Act, 1935. Discuss.
The third battle of Panipat was fought in 1761. Why were so many empire-shaking battles fought at Panipat? 2014
Examine critically the various facets of economic policies of the British in India from mid-eighteenth century
2014
till independence.
In what ways did the naval mutiny prove to be the last nail in the coffin of British colonial aspirations in India? 2014
Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian women became the torch bearer during the
2013
struggle for freedom in India. Discuss.
Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements. Analyze their role in
2013
the Indian struggle for freedom.
In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern India. Elaborate. 2013

History: India After independence

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Post-Independence (consolidation and reorganisation within country)

Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan and Gramdan movements initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave and
2013
their success.
Write a critical note on the evolution and significance of the slogan “Jai Jawana Jai Kisan”. 2013
Discuss the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to pre-and post-independent India. 2013
Analyze the circumstances that led to Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights of the agreement. 2013
Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive roles in the emergence of
2013
Bangladesh.

History: world

GS1 Syllabus Topic: 18th century events (e.g. Industrial revolution, WWs, redrawn boundaries, colonisation,
decolonisation); Political philosophies (e.g. communism, capitalism, socialism) and their effect on society

Explain how the foundations of the modern world were laid by the American and French revolution. (स्पष्ट  2019
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कीजिए की अमरीकी एवं फ्रांसीसी क्रांतियों ने आधुनिक विश्व की आधारशिलाएं किस प्रकार निर्मि त की थीं |) (15m,250 words)
Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to other colonies? Have they been able to
2018
preserve their cultural identity over there?
What problems were germane to the decolonization process of Malay Peninsula. 2017
The anti-colonial struggles in West Africa were led by the new elite of Western-educated Africans. Examine. 2016
Why did the industrial revolution first occur in England? Discuss the quality of life of the people there during
2015
the industrialization. How does it compare with that in India at present?
To what extent can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars? Discuss critically 2015
What were the major political, economic and social developments in the world which motivated the anti-
2014
colonial struggle in India?
What were the events that led to the Suez Crisis in 1956? How did it deal a final blow to Britain’s self-image as
2014
a world power?
The New Economic Policy – 1921 of Lenin had influenced the policies adopted by India soon after
2014
independence. Evaluate.
“Latecomer” Industrial revolution in Japan involved certain factors that were markedly different from what
2013
west had experience.
Africa was chopped into states artificially created by accident of European competition. Analyse. 2013
American Revolution was an economic revolt against mercantilism. Substantiate. 2013
What policy instruments were deployed to contain the great economic depression? 2013

[Block-2] Social Science

Watch my FREE Lecture video, I’ve given detailed analysis, model answers & common mistakes of  the Social-
Science section of GSM1-2019 Paper, & roadmap/strategy for Mains-2020. Please go through it. Overall scene is:
As such direct answers were not available for most of the social science questions asked in GSM-2019. But you
could use following resources for preparing fodder material:
(?Free download) NCERT 11-12 Sociology and Political Science textbooks. Do not worry about its complex
theories and thinkers just read it as story book,
(?Free download) IGNOU MPS-003 material book1 and 2.
Majid Hussain’s book on Indian Geography (हिन्दी मे भी उपलब्ध):  Ch13- Cultural settings Census and data about
religious, linguistic, ethnic groups
Past Economic Surveys (e.g. Son-meta preference, demographic dividend, etc You can quote in the answer as and
when required.)
Yojana-Kurukshetra magazine issues related to women and health (population)
Newspaper Columns.
Here also, solve previous papers from 2013 onwards. questions / themes get repeated. 
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Book Companies have published titles on this subject of “Poverty and communalism and women issues” (just to
milk cash on the new syllabus of UPSC) but they’re just copypasted stuff from wikipedia & census, offering very
little value addition to above (mostly free) material. So, I am not recommending a separate book for the subject.

Social Science: Caste, Religion, Region, Globalization

GS1 Syllabus Topic:

Communalism, Regionalism, Secularism; Social Empowerment

Salient features of Indian Society; Diversity of India;

   
Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi-cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answer with
illustrations. (बहु-सांस्कृ तिक भारतीय समाज को समझने में क्या जाती की प्रासंगिकता समाप्त हो गई है? उदाहरों सहित विस्तृत उत्तर 2020
दीजिए l)
Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalisation? Justify your answer. (क्या भारत में विविधता एवं
2020
बहुलवाद वैश्वीकरण के कारण संकट में है? औचित्यपूर्ण उत्तर दीजिए l)
Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue.
2020
(क्या आप सहमत है की भारत में क्षेत्रीयता बढ़ती हुई सांस्कृ तिक मुखरता का परिणाम परतीत होती है? तर्क कीजिए l )
Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree? (रीती-रिवाजों एवं परम्पराओं द्वारा
2020
तर्क को दबाने से प्रगतिविरोध उत्पन्न हुआ है l क्या आप इससे सहमत हैं ?)
“Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be eradicated
2018
in India.” Comment.
How the Indian concept of secularism is different from the western model of secularism? Discuss. 2018
‘Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation. Argue by giving suitable
2018
illustrations.
The spirit tolerance and love is not only an interesting feature of Indian society from very early times, but it is
2017
also playing an important part at the present. Elaborate.
Distinguish between religiousness/religiosity and communalism giving one example of how the former has got
2017
transformed into the latter in independent India.
In the context of diversity of India, can it be said that the regions form cultural units rather than the States?
2017
Give reasons with examples for your viewpoint.
What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence, addressing discrimination against
2017
Scheduled Tribes (STs)?
Has the formation of linguistic States strengthened the cause of Indian Unity? 2016
Why are the tribals in India referred to as the Scheduled Tribes? Indicate the major provisions enshrined in
2016
the Constitution of India for their upliftment.
What is the basis of regionalism? Is it that unequal distribution of benefits of development on regional basis
2016
eventually promotes regionalism? Substantiate your answer.
Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a common
2015
goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate.
Describe any four cultural elements of diversity in India and rate their relative significance in building a
2015
national identity.
Debate the issue of whether and how contemporary movements for assertion of Dalit identity work towards
2015
annihilation of caste.
How do the Indian debates on secularism differ from the debates in the West? 2014
Growing feeling of regionalism is an important factor in the generation of demand for a separate state.
2013
Discuss.

Social Science: Poverty, Population, Globalization

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Poverty, Population; Development and associated issues

COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment. (कोविद-19 महामारी ने भारत में  2020
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वर्ग असमानताओं एवं गरीबी को गति दे दी है l टिपण्णी कीजिए l)
How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the educational system in the country?
Elaborate your answer. (भारत में डिजिटल पहल ने किस प्रकार से देश की शिक्षा व्यवस्था के संचालन में योगदान किया है? विस्तृत उत्तर 2020
दीजिए l)
What makes Indian society unique in sustaining its culture? Discuss. (क्या बात है जो भारतीय समाज को अपनी संस्कृ ति
2019
को जीवित रखने में अद्वितीय बना देती है ? चर्चा कीजिए | ) (10m,150 words)
What are the challenges to our cultural practices in the name of secularism. (धर्मनिरपेक्षता के नाम पर हमारी सांस्कृ तिक
2019
प्रथाओं के सामने क्या-क्या चुनौतियां हैं ?) (10m,150 words)
Do we have cultural pockets of small India all over the nation? Elaborate with examples. (क्या हमारे राष्ट्र में सर्वत्र लघु
2019
भारत के सांस्कृ तिक क्षेत्र हैं ? उदाहरणों के साथ सविस्तार स्पष्ट कीजिए | ) (15m,250 words)
‘Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in India,
2018
poverty is still existing.’ Explain by giving reasons.
Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the economy of India. 2018
Mention core strategies for the transformation of aspirational districts in India and explain the nature of
2018
convergence, collaboration and competition for its success.
“An essential condition to eradicate poverty is to liberate the poor from deprivation.” Substantiate this
2016
statement with suitable examples
Critically examine whether growing population is the cause of poverty OR poverty is the main cause of
2015
population increase in India.
Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades. 2015
The life cycle of a joint family depends on economic factors rather than social values. Discuss. 2014

Social Science: Globalization

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Globalisation (effects on Indian society)

Are we losing our local identity for the global identity? Discuss. (क्या हम वैश्विक पहचान के लिए अपनी स्थानीय पहचान
2019
को खोते जा रहे हैं ? चर्चा कीजिए | ) (15m,250 words)
‘Globalization is generally said to promote cultural homogenization but due to this cultural specificities
2018
appear to be strengthened in the Indian Society. Elucidate.
Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization on women in India. (2013, Asked about Globalization
2015
effect on Elderly)
To what extent globalization has influenced the core of cultural diversity in India? Explain. 2016
Critically examine the effects of globalization on the aged population in India. 2013

Social Science: Women

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Role of women and women’s organisation;

Although some of the following questions fall under populationglobalization categories, but if a person cultivates
habit of noting down women related topics under one head, it’ll benefit in both GS1, GS2 and Essay.

“Empowering women is the key to control population growth”. Discuss (“महिला सशक्तिकरण जनसंख्या संवृद्धि को
2019
नियंत्रित करने की कुं जी है |” चर्चा कीजिए | ) (10m,150 words)
What are the continued challenges for women in India against time and space? (भारत में महिलाओं के समक्ष समय और
2019
स्थान संबंधित निरंतर चुनोतियाँ क्या-क्या है ?) (15m,250 words)
‘Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata. Substantiate your
2018
view.
How do you explain the statistics that show that the sex ratio in Tribes in India is more favourable to women
2015
than the sex ratio among Scheduled Castes?
How does patriarchy impact the position of a middle class working woman in India? 2014
Discuss the various economic and socio-cultural forces that are driving increasing feminization of agriculture
2014
in India.
Why do some of the most prosperous regions of India have an adverse sex ratio for women? Give your
2014
arguments. 
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Male membership needs to be encouraged in order to make women’s organization free from gender bias. 2013
Comment.

[Block-3] Geography

Watch my FREE Lecture video containing my detailed analysis, model answers & common mistakes of the
Geography’s Climate-change section in GSM-2019 Paper, & roadmap/strategy for Mains-2020. Overall scene is:
 Rajtanil’s Youtube video lecture series on Geography
Physical Geography:
First priority Class 11-12 NCERTs (?Free download).
Afterwards, selective reading of Goh Cheng Leong’s Book (All of its chapters not important for Mains. E.g.
erosion, landform etc.)
Further, If you start solving 2013-19’s answers, nature of question is either:
1) Sometimes NCERT is sufficient and only in rare cases, there have been cases where Goh Cheng Leong has
helped in enrichment of answers.
2) Sometimes Questions from such obscure areas, which are neither given in NCERT or Goh Cheng. Here,
theoretical understanding while helpful but not always enough to fill the word limit. E.g. Water-mass
question in GSM1-2019. But, beyond a point the cost:benefit = poor. Besides, you’re not expected to write
the best answer. You just have to write ‘less bad’ answers than other candidates.
? Indian Geography: Majid Hussain’s book on Indian Geography (हिन्दी मे भी उपलब्ध). Do selective study of chapters
related to economic and resources geography. All chapters are not equally important for Mains.
?World Geography: glancing over NCERT and some internet resources should suffice. World Geography Books
available in the market = not proven very useful in  this real questions which were asked in portion in 2013-19.
So, I don’t recommend a separate book on World Geography at present.
? Environment Theory & Contemporary issues:
NIOS (Free PDF available in both Hindi and English)
? ?Disaster  Management angles:
Selective study of IGNOU MA (PubAD) from https://Egyankosh.ac.in
Current Affairs PDFs,
Newspaper columns.

Geography: Physical

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Salient Features of World Physical Geography; Important Geophysical phenomena (earthquakes,
tsunami, volcanoes, cyclones); Geographical features and location;

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Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum-Pacific Zone. (परी-प्रशांत क्षेत्र के भू-भौतिकीय अभिलक्षणों का विवेचन 2020
कीजिए l)
The process of desertification does not have climatic boundaries. Justify with examples. (मरुशलीकरण के प्रक्रम की
2020
जलवायविक सीमाएँ नहीं होती है l उदाहरणों सहित औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए l)
Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation? 2018
Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics. 2018
How does the Juno Mission of NASA help to understand the origin and evolution of the Earth? 2017
“The Himalayas are highly prone to landslides.” Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of
2016
mitigation.
Explain the formation of thousands of islands in Indonesian and Philippines archipelagos. 2014
Why are the world’s fold mountain systems located along the margins of continents? Bring out the association
2014
between the global distribution of Fold Mountains and the earthquakes and volcanoes.
What do you understand by the theory of continental drift? Discuss the prominent evidences in its support. 2013
There is no formation of deltas by rivers of the Western Ghat. Why? 2013
Major hot deserts in northern hemisphere are located between 20-30 degree north and on the western side
2013
of the continents. Why?
Bring out the causes for more frequent landslides in the Himalayas than in Western Ghats 2013

Geography: Climate, Disaster related

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Critical geographical features, flora, fauna (changes and effects thereof)

How will the meeting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water resources of India?
2020
(हिमालय के हिमनदों के पिघलने का भारत के जल-संसाधनों पर किस प्रकार दू रगामी प्रभाव होगा ?)
Assess the impact of global warming on coral life system with examples. (वैश्विक तापन का प्रवाल जीवन तंत्र पर प्रभाव
2019
का, उदाहरणों के साथ, आकलन कीजिए | ) (10m,150 words)
How do ocean currents and water masses differ in their impacts on marine life and the coastal environment?
Give suitable examples? (महासागर धाराएँ और जल राशियाँ समुद्री जीवन और तटीय पर्यावरण पर अपने प्रभावों में किस-किस प्रकार 2019
परस्पर भिन्न हैं ? उपयुक्त उदहारण दीजिए | ) (15m,250 words)
Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology.
(मैंग्रोवों के रिक्तीकरण के कारणों पर चर्चा कीजिए और तटीय पारिस्थितिकी का अनुरक्षण करने में इनके महत्व को स्पष्ट कीजिए | ) 2019
(10m,150 words)
How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and
tourism? (पर्वत पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र को विकास पहलों और पर्यटन के ऋणात्मक प्रभाव से किस प्रकार पूण:स्थापित किया जा सकता है ? ) 2019
(15m,250 words)
What is water stress? How and why does it differ regionally in India? (जल प्रतिबल (वाटर स्ट्रैस) का क्या मतलब है ? भारत
2019
में यह किस प्रकार और किस कारन प्रादेशिकत: भिन्न-भिन्न है ?) (15m,250 words)
What are the consequences of spreading of ‘Dead Zones’ on marine ecosystem? 2018
In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development.” Discuss. 2017
Mention the advantages of the cultivation of pulse because of which the year 2016 was declared as the
2017
International Year of Pulses by the United Nations.
How does the cryosphere affect global climate? 2017
Account for variations in oceanic salinity and discuss its multi-dimensional effects. 2017
In what way can flood be converted into a sustainable source of irrigation and all-weather inland navigation in
2017
India?
What characteristics can be assigned to monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding more than 50 percent of
2017
the won population residing in Monsoon Asia?
Discuss the concept of air mass and explain its role in macro-climatic changes. 2016
Explain the factors responsible for the origin of ocean currents. How do they influence regional climates,
2015
fishing and navigation?
How far do you agree that the behavior of the Indian monsoon has been changing due to humanizing
2015
landscapes? Discuss.
Tropical cyclones are largely confined to South China Sea, Bay of Bengal and Gulf of Mexico. Why? 2014
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Most of the unusual climatic happenings are explained as an outcome of the El-Nino effect. Do you agree? 2014
Bring out the relationship between the shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the symptoms of climate change in
2014
the Indian sub-continent.
The recent cyclone on the east coast of India was called “Phailin”. How are the tropical cyclones named across
2013
the world?
Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world. 2013
What do you understand by the phenomenon of temperature inversion in meteorology? How does it affect
2013
the weather and the habitants of the place?

Geography: Resources Distribution

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Distribution of key Natural Resources (world, S. Asia, Indian subcontinent)

The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of
droughts, floods and interrupted navigation. Critically examine. (नदियों को आपस में जोड़ना सूखा, बाढ़ और बाधित जल- 2020
परिवहन जैसी बहु-आयामी अन्तर्सम्बन्धित समस्याओं का व्यवहार्य समाधान दे सकता है l आलोचनात्मक परिक्षण कीजिए l)
India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its development.
2020
Elaborate. (भारत में सौर ऊर्जा की प्रचुर संभावनाएँ हैं हालाँकि इसके विकास में क्षेतिया भिन्नताएँ हैं l विस्तृत वर्णन कीजिए l)
Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change. (भारत संसाधनों की
2020
स्तिथि एवं जलवायु परिवर्तन पर उसके परिणामी प्रभावों का परिक्षण कीजिए l)
Can the strategy of regional-resource based manufacturing help in promoting employment in India? (क्या
2019
प्रादेशिक संसाधन-आधारित विनिर्माण की रणनीति भारत में रोज़गार की प्रोन्नति करने में सहायक हो सकती है ?) (10m,150 words)
Why is India taking keen interest in resources of Arctic Region? 2018
The effective management of land and water resources will drastically reduce the human miseries. Explain 2016
South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Comment. 2016
Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic and political implications
2016
in the context of changing bilateral relations.
Enumerate the problems and prospects of inland water transport in India. 2016
In what way micro-watershed Development projects help in water conservation in drought prone and semi-
2016
arid regions of India.
What are the economic significances of discovery of oil in Arctic Sea and its possible environmental
2015
consequences?
India is well endowed with fresh water resources. Critically examine why it still suffers from water scarcity. 2015
The states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand reaching the limits of their ecological
2015
carrying capacity due to tourism. Critically evaluate.
Critically evaluate the various resources of the oceans which can be harnessed to meet the resource crisis in
2014
the world.
How does India see its place in the economic space of rising natural resource rich Africa? 2014
With growing scarcity of fossil fuels, the atomic energy is gaining more and more significance in India. Discuss
2013
the availability of raw material required for the generation of atomic energy in India and in the world.
It is said the India has substantial reserves of shale oil and gas, which can feed the needs of country for
quarter century. However, tapping of the resources doesn’t appear to be high on the agenda. Discuss critically 2013
the availability and issues involved.

Geography: factors affecting industrial locations

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Factors responsible for location of Industries (primary, secondary, tertiary; India, world)

   
Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving
2020
examples. (वर्तमान में लोह एवं इस्पात उद्योगों की कच्चे माल के स्त्रोत से दू र स्तिथि का उदाहरणों सहित कारन बताइए l)
Discuss the factors for localization of agro-based food processing industries of North-West India. (उत्तर-पश्चिमी
2019
भारत के कृ षि-आधारित खाद्य प्रक्रमण उद्योगों के स्थाणुयकरण के कारकों पर चर्चा कीजिए | ) (10m,150 words) 
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Define blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India. 2018
What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identify industrial corridors, explain their main
2018
characteristics.
Petroleum refineries are not necessarily located nearer to crude oil producing areas, particularly in many of
2017
the developing countries. Explain its implications.
Whereas the British planters had developed tea gardens all along the Shivaliks and Lesser Himalayas from
2014
Assam to Himachal Pradesh, in effect they did not succeed beyond the Darjeeling area. Explain.
Account for the change in the spatial pattern of the Iron and Steel industry in the world. 2014
Why did the Green Revolution in India virtually by-pass the eastern region despite fertile soil and good
2014
availability of water?
Do you agree that there is a growing trend of opening new sugar mills in the Southern states of India? Discuss
2013
with justification
Analyze the factors for highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India 2013

Geography: Urbanization

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Urbanization: problems and remedies

Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune.
Suggest lasting remedial measures. (भारत में दशलक्षीय नगरों जिनमे हैदराबाद एवं पुणे जैसे स्मार्ट सिटीज भी सम्मिलित हैं, में व्यापक 2020
बाढ़ के कारन बताइए l स्थायी निराकरण के उपाय भी सुजाइए l)
How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development of India? (दक्ष और
2019
किफायती (अफोर्डेबल) शहरी सार्वजनिक परिवहन किस प्रकार भारत के द्रुत आर्थि क विकास की कुं जी है ?) (15m,250 words)
“The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting system.” How can it be
2018
made effective in urban areas?
The growth of cities as I.T. hubs has opened up new avenues employment but has also created new problems.
2017
Substantiate this statement with examples. Urbanization
With a brief background of quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of the ‘Smart
2016
City Programme’.
Major cities of India are becoming more vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss. 2016
Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three mega cities of the country but the air pollution is much more serious
2015
problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so?
Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart villages. Discuss this statement in the backdrop of rural
2015
urban integration.
Discussion the various social problems which originated out of the speedy process of urbanization in India. 2013

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