Topic Wise UPSC Mains Questions (PYQs)

GS Paper I
Year Subject Sub-Topic Question Marks
Explain the role of geographical factors
2023 History Prehistoric Era towards the development of Ancient India. 10 Marks
What was the difference between Mahatma
Important Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their
2023 History Personalities approach towards education and nationalism? 10 Marks
Bring out the socio-economic effects of the
Industrial introduction of railways in different countries of
2023 History Revolution the world 10 Marks
Climate Discuss the consequences of climate change
2023 Geography Change on the food security in tropical countries. 10 Marks
Why is the world today confronted with a crisis
Land and Water of availability of and access to freshwater
2023 Geography Resources resources? 10 Marks
How are the fjords formed? Why do they
constitute some of the most picturesque areas
2023 Geography Geomorphology of the world? 10 Marks
Why is the South-West monsoon called
Climate ‘Purvaiya’ (easterly) in Bhojpur Region? How
Weather and has this directional seasonal wind system
2023 Geography Atmosphere influenced the cultural ethos of the region? 10 Marks
Salient features Do you think marriage as a sacrament in
Indian of Indian loosing its value in Modern India?
2023 Society Society 10 Marks
Role of women Explain why suicide among young women is
Indian and women’s increasing in Indian Society.
2023 Society organization 10 Marks
Salient features Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile
Indian of Indian phones. Discuss its impact on the socialization
2023 Society Society of children. 10 Marks
 What are the main features of Vedic society
and religion? Do you think some of the features
2023 History Vedic Age are still prevailing in Indian society? 15 Marks
What were the major technological changes
introduced during the Sultanate period? How
did those technological changes influence the
2023 History Delhi Sultanate Indian society? 15 Marks
British How did the colonial rule affect the tribals in
Administration India and what was the tribal response to the
and Policies in colonial oppression?
2023 History India 15 Marks
Comment on the resource potentials of the
Indian Physical long coastline of India and highlight the status
2023 Geography Environment of natural hazard preparedness in these areas. 15 Marks
Identify and discuss the factors responsible for
Natural diversity of natural vegetation in India. Assess
Vegetation and the significance of wildlife sanctuaries in rain
2023 Geography Wildlife forests regions of India. 15 Marks
Indian Social Why did human development fail to keep pace
and Economic with economic development in India?
2023 Geography Geography 15 Marks
Indian Social From being net food importer in 1960s, India
and Economic has emerged as a net food exporter to the
2023 Geography Geography world. Provide reasons. 15 Marks
Urbanization, Does urbanization lead to more segregation
their problems and/or marginalization of the poor in Indian
Indian and their metropolises?
2023 Society remedies 15 Marks
Communalism, Why is caste identity in India both fluid and
Indian Regionalism & static?
2023 Society Secularism 15 Marks
Communalism, Discuss the impact of post-liberal economy on
Indian Regionalism & ethnic identity and communalism.
2023 Society Secularism 15 Marks
How will you explain the medieval Indian
Architecture temple sculptures represent the social life of
2022 History and Sculptures those days? 10 Marks
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Why did the armies of the British East India

British Company – mostly comprising of Indian
Administration soldiers – win consistently against the more
and Policies in numerous and better equipped armies of the
2022 History India Indian rulers? Give reasons. 10 Marks
British Why was there a sudden spurt in famines in
Administration colonial India since the mid-eighteenth
and Policies in century? Give reasons.
2022 History India 10 Marks
Describe the characteristics and types of
2022 Geography Geomorphology primary rocks. 10 Marks
Climate Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather
Weather and warnings for cyclone prone areas given by
2022 Geography Atmosphere India Meteorological department. 10 Marks
Mineral Discuss the natural resource potentials of
2022 Geography Resources ‘Deccan trap’. 10 Marks
Examine the potential of wind energy in India
Energy and explain the reasons for their limited spatial
2022 Geography Resources spread. 10 Marks
Salient features Explore and evaluate the impact of ‘Work From
Indian of Indian Home’ on family relationships.
2022 Society Society 10 Marks
Salient features How is the growth of Tier 2 cities related to the
Indian of Indian rise of a new middle class with an emphasis on
2022 Society Society the culture of consumption? 10 Marks
Given the diversities among the tribal
Communalism, communities in India, in which specific contexts
Indian Regionalism & should they be considered as a single
2022 Society Secularism category? 10 Marks
The political and administrative reorganization
of states and territories has been a continuous
Modern Indian ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth
2022 History History century. Discuss with examples. 15 Marks
Discuss the main contributions of Gupta period
Architecture and Chola period to Indian heritage and culture
2022 History and Sculptures . 15 Marks
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Discuss the significance of the lion and bull

Architecture figures in Indian mythology, art and
2022 History and Sculptures architecture. 15 Marks
What are the forces that influence ocean
currents? Describe their role in fishing industry
2022 Geography Oceanography of the world. 15 Marks
Indian Social Describing the distribution of rubber producing
and Economic countries, indicate the major environmental
2022 Geography Geography issues faced by them. 15 Marks
World Social Mention the significance of straits and isthmus
and Economic in international trade.
2022 Geography Geography 15 Marks
Climate Troposphere is a very significant atmospheric
Weather and layer that determines weather processes.
2022 Geography Atmosphere How? 15 Marks
Religion and Analyze the salience of ‘sect’ in Indian society
2022 History Philosophy vis-a-vis caste, region and religion. 15 Marks
Communalism, Are tolerance, assimilation and pluralism the
Indian Regionalism & key elements in the making of an Indian form of
2022 Society Secularism secularism? Justify your answer. 15 Marks
Elucidate the relationship between
globalization and new technology in a world of
Indian Effects of scarce resources, with special reference to
2022 Society Globalization India. 15 Marks
Religion and Evaluate the nature of the Bhakti Literature and
2021 History Philosophy its contribution to Indian culture. 10 Marks
Social and Trace the rise and growth of socio-religious
Religious reform movements with special reference to
Reform Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj.
2021 History Movements 10 Marks
Assess the main administrative issues and
Indian National socio-cultural problems in the integration
2021 History Movement process of Indian Princely States. 10 Marks
Differentiate the causes of landslides in the
2021 Geography Geomorphology Himalayan region and Western Ghats. 10 Marks
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Despite India being one of the countries of the

Indian Social Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes
and Economic much less to its Gross Domestic Product(GDP)
2021 Geography Geography in percentage. Discuss. 10 Marks
Urbanization, what are the environmental implications of the
their problems reclamation of the water bodies into urban land
Indian and their use? Explain with examples.
2021 Society remedies 10 Marks
Mention the global occurrence of volcanic
Earthquakes eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional
2021 Geography and Volcanoes environment. 10 Marks
Why is India considered as a sub-continent?
2021 Geography Geomorphology Elaborate your answer. 10 Marks
Salient features Examine the uniqueness of tribal knowledge
Indian of Indian system when compared with mainstream
2021 Society Society knowledge and cultural systems. 10 Marks
Role of women Examine the role of ‘Gig Economy’ in the
Indian and women’s process of empowerment of women in India.
2021 Society organization 10 Marks
To what extent did the role of the moderates
Indian National prepare a base for the wider freedom
2021 History Congress movement? Comment. 15 Marks
Bring out the constructive programmes of
The Gandhian Mahatma Gandhi during Non-Cooperation
2021 History Phase Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement. 15 Marks
” There arose a serious challenge to the
Democratic State System between the two
2021 History World Wars World Wars.” Evaluate the statement. 15 Marks
Briefly mention the alignment of major
mountain ranges of the world and explain their
Indian Physical impact on local weather conditions, with
2021 Geography Environment examples. 15 Marks
How do the melting of the Arctic ice and
glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the
Climate weather patterns and human activities on the
2021 Geography Change Earth? Explain. 15 Marks
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Mineral Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of

2021 Geography Resources uneven distribution of mineral oil in the world. 15 Marks
Indian Social What are the main socio-economic implications
and Economic arising out of the development of IT industries
2021 Geography Geography in major cities of India? 15 Marks
Salient features Discuss the main objectives of Population
Indian of Indian Education and point out the measures to
2021 Society Society achieve them in India in detail. 15 Marks
What is Cryptocurrency? How does it affect
Indian Effects of global society? Has it been affecting Indian
2021 Society Globalization society also? 15 Marks
Salient features How does Indian society maintain continuity in
Indian of Indian traditional social values? Enumerate the
2021 Society Society changes taking place in it. 15 Marks
The rock-cut architecture represents one of the
Architecture most important sources of our knowledge of
2020 History and Sculptures early Indian art and history. Discuss. 10 Marks
Buddhism and Pala period is the most significant phase in the
2020 History Jainism history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate. 10 Marks
British Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their
Administration long term implications on the national
and Policies in movements.
2020 History India 10 Marks
Earthquakes Discuss the geophysical characteristics of
2020 Geography and Volcanoes Circum- Pacific Zone. 10 Marks
Climate The process of desertification does not have
2020 Geography Change climate boundaries. Justify with examples. 10 Marks
How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers
Land and Water have a far- reaching impact on the water
2020 Geography Resources resources of India? 10 Marks
Indian Social Account for the present location of iron and
and Economic steel industries away from the source of raw
2020 Geography Geography material, by giving examples. 10 Marks
Communalism, Has caste lost its relevance in understanding
Indian Regionalism & the multi- cultural Indian Society? Elaborate
2020 Society Secularism your answer with illustrations. 10 Marks
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Poverty and COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class

Indian Developmental inequalities and poverty in India. Comment.
2020 Society issues 10 Marks
Communalism, Do you agree that regionalism in India appears
Indian Regionalism & to be a consequence of rising cultural
2020 Society Secularism assertiveness? Argue. 10 Marks
Indian Philosophy and tradition played a
Religion and significant role in conceiving and shaping the
2020 History Philosophy monuments and their art in India. Discuss. 15 Marks
Indian Paintings Persian literary sources of medieval India
2020 History and Literature reflect the spirit of the age. Comment. 15 Marks
Since the decade of the 1920s, the national
Indian National movement acquired various ideological strands
2020 History Movement and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss. 15 Marks
The interlinking of rivers can provide viable
Indian Social solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related
and Economic problems of droughts, floods and interrupted
2020 Geography Geography navigation. Critically examine. 15 Marks
Account for the huge flooding of million cities in
Climate India including the smart ones like Hyderabad
2020 Geography Change and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures. 15 Marks
India has immense potential of solar energy
Energy though there are regional variations in its
2020 Geography Resources developments. Elaborate. 15 Marks
Climate Examine the status of forest resources of India
2020 Geography Change and its resultant impact on climate change. 15 Marks
Indian Effects of Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat
2020 Society Globalization due to globalisation? Justify your answer. 15 Marks
Salient features Customs and traditions suppress reason
Indian of Indian leading to obscurantism. Do you agree?
2020 Society Society 15 Marks
How have digital initiatives in India contributed
Indian Social to the functioning of the education system in
2020 Society Empowerment the country? Elaborate your answer. 15 Marks
Architecture Highlight the Central Asian and Greco Bactrian
2019 History and Sculptures elements in the Gandhara art. 10 Marks
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The 1857 uprising was the culmination of the

recurrent, big and small local rebellions that
had occurred in the preceding hundred years of
2019 History Revolt of 1857 British rule. Elucidate. 10 Marks
Social and Examine the linkages between the nineteenth
Religious century’s ‘Indian Renaissance’ and the
Reform emergence of national identity.
2019 History Movements 10 Marks
Assess the impact of global warming on the
2019 Geography Oceanography coral life system with examples. 10 Marks
Natural Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves
Vegetation and and explain their importance in maintaining
2019 Geography Wildlife coastal ecology. 10 Marks
Indian Social Can the strategy of regional resource-based
and Economic manufacturing help in promoting employment
2019 Geography Geography in India? 10 Marks
Agriculture and Discuss the factors for localisation of
Allied agro-based food processing industries of
2019 Geography Sectors(geo) North-West India. 10 Marks
Salient features What makes the Indian society unique in
Indian of Indian sustaining its culture? Discuss.
2019 Society Society 10 Marks
Role of women “Empowering women is the key to control
Indian and women’s population growth.” Discuss.
2019 Society organization 10 Marks
Communalism, What are the challenges to our cultural
Indian Regionalism & practices in the name of secularism?
2019 Society Secularism 10 Marks
Many voices had strengthened and enriched
The Gandhian the nationalist movement during the Gandhian
2019 History Phase phase. Elaborate. 15 Marks
Assess the role of British imperial power in
Indian National complicating the process of transfer of power
2019 History Movement during the 1940s. 15 Marks
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Explain how the foundations of the modern

Industrial world were laid by the American and French
2019 History Revolution Revolutions. 15 Marks
Land and Water What is water stress? How and why does it
2019 Geography Resources differ regionally in India? 15 Marks
Indian Social How can the mountain ecosystem be restored
and Economic from the negative impact of development
2019 Geography Geography initiatives and tourism? 15 Marks
Indian Social How is efficient and affordable urban mass
and Economic transport key to the rapid economic
2019 Geography Geography development in India? 15 Marks
How do ocean currents and water masses
differ in their impacts on marine life and coastal
2019 Geography Oceanography environment? Give suitable examples. 15 Marks
Salient features Do we have cultural pockets of small India all
Indian of Indian over the nation? Elaborate with examples.
2019 Society Society 15 Marks
Role of women What are the continued challenges for women
Indian and women’s in India against time and space?
2019 Society organization 15 Marks
Indian Effects of Are we losing our local identity for the global
2019 Society Globalization identity? Discuss. 15 Marks
Architecture Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the
2018 History and Sculptures need of the moment. 10 Marks
Assess the importance of the accounts of the
Indian Paintings Chinese and Arab travellers in the
2018 History and Literature reconstruction of the history of India. 10 Marks
Important Throw light on the significance of the thoughts
2018 History Personalities of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times. 10 Marks
Indian Social Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite
and Economic System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in
2018 Geography Geography navigation? 10 Marks
World Social Why is India taking keen interest in the Arctic
and Economic region?
2018 Geography Geography 10 Marks
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Define mantle plume and explain its role in

2018 Geography Geomorphology plate tectonics. 10 Marks
What are the consequences of spreading of
2018 Geography Oceanography ‘Dead Zones’ on marine ecosystem? 10 Marks
Salient features “Caste system is assuming new identities and
Indian of Indian associational forms. Hence, caste system
2018 Society Society cannot be eradicated in India.” 10 Marks
‘Despite implementation of various
Poverty and programmes for eradication of poverty by the
Indian Developmental government in India, poverty is still existing’.
2018 Society issues Explain by giving reasons. 10 Marks
Communalism, How the Indian concept of secularism different
Indian Regionalism & from the western model of secularism?
2018 Society Secularism Discuss. 10 Marks
The Bhakti movement received a remarkable
Religion and re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya
2018 History Philosophy Mahaprabhu. Discuss. 15 Marks
Indian Social Discuss whether formation of new states in
and Economic recent times is beneficial or not for the
2018 History Geography economy of India. 15 Marks
British Why indentured labour was taken by the British
Administration from India to their colonies? have they been
and Policies in able to preserve their cultural identity over
2018 History India there? 15 Marks
Indian Social “The ideal solution of depleting ground water
and Economic resources in India is water harvesting system.”
2018 Geography Geography How can it be made effective in urban areas? 15 Marks
Indian Social Defining blue revolution, explain the problems
and Economic and strategies for pisciculture development in
2018 Geography Geography India. 15 Marks
Indian Social What is the significance of Industrial Corridors
and Economic in India? Identifying industrial corridors, explain
2018 Geography Geography their main characteristics. 15 Marks
Indian Social Mention core strategies for the transformation
and Economic of aspirational districts in India and explain the
2018 Geography Geography 15 Marks
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nature of convergence, collaboration and

competition for its success.
Role of women ‘Women’s movement in India has not
Indian and women’s addressed the issues of women of lower social
2018 Society organization strata.’ Substantiate your view. 15 Marks
Globalisation is generally said to promote
cultural homogenisation but due to this cultural
Indian Effects of specificities appear to be strengthened in the
2018 Society Globalization Indian society.’ Elucidate. 15 Marks
Communalism, ‘Communalism arises either due to power
Indian Regionalism & struggle or relative deprivation.’ Argue by
2018 Society Secularism giving suitable illustrations. 15 Marks
How do you justify the view that the level of
Architecture excellence of the Gupta numismatic art is not
2017 History and Sculptures at all noticeable in later times? 10 Marks
Modern Indian Clarify how mid-eighteenth century India was
2017 History History beset with the spectre of a fragmented polity. 10 Marks
Why did the ‘Moderates’ failed to carry
conviction with the nation about their
Indian National proclaimed ideology and political goals by the
2017 History Congress end of the nineteenth century? 10 Marks
What problems are germane to the
decolonization process in the Malay
2017 History World History Peninsula? 10 Marks
How does the Juno Mission of NASA help to
understand the origin and evolution of the
2017 Geography Geomorphology Earth? 10 Marks
“Inspite of adverse environmental impact, coal
Mineral mining is still inevitable for development”.
2017 Geography Resources Discuss 10 Marks
Mention the advantages of the cultivation of
Agriculture and pulses because of which the year 2016 was
Allied declared as the International Year of Pulses by
2017 Geography Sectors(geo) United Nations. 10 Marks
Climate How does the cryosphere affect global climate?
2017 Geography Change 10 Marks
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In the context of the diversity of India, can it be

Salient features said that the regions form cultural units rather
Indian of Indian than the States? Give reasons with examples
2017 Society Society for your view point. 10 Marks
What are the two major legal initiatives by the
Indian Social State since Independence addressing
2017 Society Empowerment discrimination against Scheduled Tribes(STs)? 10 Marks
The spirit of tolerance and love is not only an
Salient features interesting feature of Indian society from very
Indian of Indian early times, but it is also playing an important
2017 Society Society part at the present. Elaborate. 15 Marks
Social and Examine how the decline of traditional artisanal
Religious industry in colonial India crippled the rural
Reform economy.
2017 History Movements 15 Marks
Highlight the importance of the new objectives
that got added to the vision of Indian
Indian National Independence since the twenties of the last
2017 History Movement century. 15 Marks
Account for variations in oceanic salinity and
2017 Geography Oceanography discuss its multi-dimensional effects. 15 Marks
Petroleum refineries are not necessarily
Indian Social located nearer to crude oil producing areas,
and Economic particularly in many of the developing
2017 Geography Geography countries. Explain its implications. 15 Marks
Indian Social In what way can floods be converted into a
and Economic sustainable source of irrigation and all-weather
2017 Geography Geography inland navigation in India? 15 Marks
What characteristics can be assigned to
World Social monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding
and Economic more than 50 percent of the world population
2017 Geography Geography residing in Monsoon Asia? 15 Marks
The women’s questions arose in modern India
Role of women as a part of the 19th century social reform
Indian and women’s movement. What are the major issues and
2017 Society organization debates concerning women in that period? 15 Marks
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Distinguish between religiousness/religiosity

Communalism, and communalism giving one example of how
Indian Regionalism & the former has got transformed into the latter in
2017 Society Secularism independent India. 15 Marks
“The growth of cities as I.T. hubs has opened
Salient features up new avenues of employment, but has also
Indian of Indian created new problems”. Substantiate this
2017 Society Society statement with examples 15 Marks
Architectur Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk
e and Indian Art and motifs and narratives successfully expounds
2016 Sculptures Culture Buddhist ideals. Elucidate. 12.5 Marks
Krishnadeva Raya, the King of Vijayanagar,
Early was not only an accomplished scholar himself
Medieval Vijayanagara but was also a great patron of learning and
2016 India Empire literature. Discuss. 12.5 Marks
Modern Explain how the Uprising of 1857 constitutes
Indian an important watershed in the evolution of
2016 History Revolt of 1857 British policies towards colonial India. 12.5 Marks
Modern Discuss the role of women in the freedom
Indian The Gandhian struggle especially during the Gandhian phase.
2016 History Phase 12.5 Marks
Modern Highlight the differences in the approach of
Indian Important Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi
2016 History Personalities in the struggle for freedom. 12.5 Marks
Modern Has the formation of linguistic States
Indian Post-independe strengthened the cause of Indian Unity?
2016 History nce Period 12.5 Marks
Colonization The anti-colonial struggles in West Africa were
World and led by the new elite of Western-educated
2016 History decolonization Africans. 12.5 Marks
Salient To what extent globalization has influenced the
features of core of cultural diversity in India? Explain.
Indian Effects of
2016 Society Globalization 12.5 Marks
Poverty and "An essential condition to eradicate poverty is
Salient Developmental to liberate the poor from the process of
2016 features of issues 12.5 Marks
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Indian deprivation." Substantiate this statement with

Society suitable examples.
Salient Why are the tribals in India referred to as 'the
features of Poverty and Scheduled Tribes? Indicate the major
Indian Developmental provisions in the Constitution of India for their
2016 Society issues upliftment. 12.5 Marks
Salient Urbanization, With a brief background of quality of urban life
features of their problems in India, introduce the objectives and strategy
Indian and their of the 'Smart City Programme'.
2016 Society remedies 12.5 Marks
Salient What is the basis of regionalism? Is it that
features of Communalism, unequal distribution of benefits of development
Indian Regionalism & on regional basis eventually promotes
2016 Society Secularism regionalism? Substantiate your answer. 12.5 Marks
Climate Discuss the concept of air mass and explain its
Weather and role in macro-climatic changes.
2016 Geography Atmosphere 12.5 Marks
Important "The Himalayas are highly prone to landslides."
Geophysical Discuss the causes and suggest suitable
2016 Geography Phenomena measures of mitigation. 12.5 Marks
The effective management of land and water
Land and Water resources will drastically reduce the human
2016 Geography Resources miseries. Explain. 12.5 Marks
World’s South China Sea has assumed great
Physical geopolitical significance in the present context.
2016 Geography Geography Comment. 12.5 Marks
Indian Social Major cities of India are becoming more
and Economic vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss.
2016 Geography Geography 12.5 Marks
Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty
and examine its ecological, economic and
Drainage political implications in the context of changing
2016 Geography Basins bilateral relations. 12.5 Marks
Indian Social Enumerate the problems and prospects of
and Economic inland water transport in India.
2016 Geography Geography 12.5 Marks
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Agriculture and In what way micro-watershed development

Allied projects help in water conservation in
2016 Geography Sectors(geo) drought-prone and semi-arid regions of India? 12.5 Marks
The ancient civilization in Indian sub continent
differed from those of Egypt , Mesopotamia and
Architectur Greece in that its culture and traditions have
e and Indian Art and been preserved without breakdown to the
2015 Sculptures Culture present day. Comment 12.5 Marks
Mesolithic rock cut architecture of India not
only reflects the cultural life of the times but
Architectur also a fine aesthetic sense comparable to
e and Indian Art and modern painting. Critically evaluate this
2015 Sculptures Culture comment. 12.5 Marks
Modern How difficult would have been the achievement
Indian The Gandhian of Indian independence without Mahatma
2015 History Phase Gandhi? Discuss. 12.5 Marks
Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B R Ambedkar,
Modern despite having divergent approaches and
Indian Important strategies, had a common goal of amelioration
2015 History Personalities of the downtrodden. Elucidate. 12.5 Marks
It would have been difficult for the Constituent
Assembly to complete its historic task of
British drafting the Constitution for Independent India
Modern Administration in just three years, but its experience gained
Indian and Policies in with the Government of India Act, 1935
2015 History India .Discuss. 12.5 Marks
Why did the industrial revolution first occur in
England? Discuss the quality of life of the
people there during the industrialization. How
World Industrial does it compare with that in India at present
2015 History Revolution times? 12.5 Marks
To what extend can Germany be held
World responsible for causing the two World Wars?
2015 History World Wars Discuss critically. 12.5 Marks
Communalism, Describe any four cultural elements of diversity
Salient Regionalism & in India and rate their relative significance in
2015 features of Secularism building a national identity. 12.5 Marks
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Indian
Society
Salient Critically examine whether growing population
features of Poverty and is the cause of poverty OR poverty is the mains
Indian Developmental cause of population increase in India.
2015 Society issues 12.5 Marks
Salient How do you explain the statistics that show that
features of Poverty and the sex ratio in Tribes in India is more
Indian Developmental favourable to women than the sex ratio among
2015 Society issues Scheduled Castes? 12.5 Marks
Salient Discuss the changes in the trends of labour
features of Poverty and migration within and outside India in the last
Indian Developmental four decades.
2015 Society issues 12.5 Marks
Salient Discuss the positive and negative effects of
features of globalization on women in India?
Indian Effects of
2015 Society Globalization 12.5 Marks
Salient Debate the issue whether and how
features of Communalism, contemporary movements for assertion of Dalit
Indian Regionalism & identity work towards annihilation of caste.
2015 Society Secularism 12.5 Marks
World’s Explain the factors responsible for the origin of
Physical ocean currents. How do they influence regional
2015 Geography Oceanography climates, fishing and navigation? 12.5 Marks
Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three Mega
Indian Social cities of the country but the air pollution is
and Economic much more serious probelm in Delhi as
2015 Geography Geography compared to the other two. Why is this so? 12.5 Marks
India is well endowed with fresh water
Land and Water resources. Critically examine why it still suffers
2015 Geography Resources from water scarcity. 12.5 Marks
The states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal
Indian Social Pradesh and Uttarakhand are reaching the
and Economic limits of ecological carrying capacity due to
2015 Geography Geography tourism. Critically evaluate. 12.5 Marks
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Climate How far do you agree that the behaviour of the

Weather and Indian monsoon has been changing due to
2015 Geography Atmosphere humanizing landscape? Discuss. 12.5 Marks
Indian Social Smart cities in India cannot sustain without
and Economic smart vilages. Discuss this statement in the
2015 Geography Geography backdrop of rural urban integration. 12.5 Marks
World’s What are the economic significances of
Physical Energy discovery of oil in Arctic Sea and its possible
2015 Geography Resources environemental consequences? 12.5 Marks
To what extent has the urban planning and
culture of the Indus Valley Civilization provided
Indian Art and inputs to the present day urbanization?
2014 History Culture Discuss. 10 Marks
Indian Art Gandhara sculpture owed as much to the
and Indian Arts & Romans as to the Greeks. Explain.
2014 Culture Crafts 10 Marks
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,
Indian Art and but unlike Nalanda, it is not considered as a
2014 History Culture university in the modern sense. Discuss. 10 Marks
Early The third battle of Panipat was fought in 1761.
Medieval Why were so many empire-shaking battles
2014 Period Mughal Empire fought at Panipat? 10 Marks
Sufis and medieval saints failed to modify
Early either the religious ideas and practices or the
Medieval Early Medieval outward structure of Hindu/ Muslim societies to
2014 Period Period any appreciable extent. Comment. 10 Marks
British Examine critically the various facets of
Modern Administration economic policies of the British in India from
Indian and Policies in mid-eighteenth century till independence.
2014 History India 10 Marks
Modern In what ways did the navel mutiny prove to be
Indian Indian National the last nail in the coffin of British colonial
2014 History Movement aspirations in India? 10 Marks
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Colonization What were the major political, economic and

World and social developments in the world which
2014 History decolonization motivated the anti-colonial in India? 10 Marks
Colonization What were the events that led to the Suez
World and Crisis in 1956? How did it deal a final blow to
2014 History decolonization Britain’s self-image as a world power? 10 Marks
Modern The New Economic Policy – 1921 of Lenin had
Indian Post-independe influenced the policies adopted by India soon
2014 History nce Period after independence. Evaluate. 10 Marks
Salient How does patriarchy impact the position of a
features of middle class working woman in India?
Indian Social
2014 Society Empowerment 10 Marks
Salient Urbanization, Why do some of the most prosperous regions
features of their problems of India have an adverse sex ratio for women?
Indian and their Give your arguments.
2014 Society remedies 10 Marks
Salient The life cycle of a joint family depends on
features of economic factors rather than social values.
Indian Effects of Discuss.
2014 Society Globalization 10 Marks
Indian Social Discuss the various economic and
and Economic socio-cultural forces that are driving increasing
2014 Geography Geography feminization of agriculture in India. 10 Marks
Communalism, How do the Indian debates on secularism differ
Regionalism & from the debates in the West?
2014 Geography Secularism 10 Marks
Important Most of the unusual climatic happenings are
Geophysical explained as an outcome of the El-Nino effect.
2014 Geography Phenomena Do you agree? 10 Marks
Why are the world’s fold mountain systems
located along the margins of continents? Bring
out the association between the global
distribution of fold mountains and the
2014 Geography Geomorphology earthquakes and volcanoes. 10 Marks
Explain the formation of thousands of islands in
2014 Geography Geomorphology Indonesian and Philipines archipelagos. 10 Marks
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Important Tropical cyclones are largely confined to South

Geophysical China Sea, Bay of Bengal and Gulf of Mexico.
2014 Geography Phenomena Why? 10 Marks
Bring out the relationship between the
shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the
Climate symptoms of climate change in the Indian
2014 Geography Change sub-continent. 10 Marks
Whereas the British planters had developed
tea gardens all along the Shivaliks and Lesser
Indian Social Himalayas from Assam to Himachal Pradesh,
and Economic in effect they did not succeed beyond the
2014 Geography Geography Darjeeling area. Explain. 10 Marks
Agriculture and Why did the Green Revolution in India virtually
Allied by-pass the eastern region despite fertile soil
2014 Geography Sectors(geo) and good availability of water? 10 Marks
World Social Account for the change in the spatial pattern of
and Economic the Iron and Steel industry in the world.
2014 Geography Geography 10 Marks
World Social Critically evaluate the various resources of the
and Economic oceans which can be harnessed to meet the
2014 Geography Geography resource crisis in the world. 10 Marks
World Social How does India see its place in the economic
and Economic space of rising natural resources rich Africa?
2014 Geography Geography 10 Marks
Though not very useful from the point of view
of a connected political history of South India,
Indian Art the Sangam literature portrays the social and
and Indian economic conditions of its time with remarkable
2013 Culture Literature vividness. Comment. 10 Marks
Indian Art Discuss the ‘Tandava’ dance as recorded in
and Indian Music early Indian inscriptions.
2013 Culture and Dance 5 marks
Chola architecture represents a high
Indian Arts Architecture watermark in the evolution of temple
2013 & Crafts and Sculptures architecture. Discuss 5 marks
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Defying the barriers of age, gender and

Modern religion, the Indian women became the
Indian Indian National torchbearer during the struggle for freedom in
2013 History Movement India. Discuss. 10 Marks
Several foreigners made India their homeland
Modern and participated in various movements.
Indian Indian National Analyze their role in the Indian struggle for
2013 History Movement freedom. 10 Marks
Modern “In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the
Indian Important founder of modern India.” Elaborate.
2013 History Personalities 10 Marks
Modern Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan
Indian Post-independe and Gramdan movements initiated by
2013 History nce Period AcharyaVinobhaBhave and their success. 10 Marks
Modern Write a critical note on the evolution and
Indian Post-independe significance of the slogan, ‘Jai Jawan, Jai
2013 History nce Period Kisan’. 10 Marks
Modern Discuss the contributions of
Indian Post-independe MaulanaAbulKalam Azad to pre- and
2013 History nce Period post-independent India. 10 Marks
Modern Analyze the circumstances that led to the
Indian Partition and Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the
2013 History Independence highlights of the Agreement. 10 Marks
Modern Critically examine the compulsions which
Indian Partition and prompted India to play a decisive role in the
2013 History Independence emergence of Bangladesh. 10 Marks
‘Latecomer’ Industrial Revolution in Japan
involved certain factors that were markedly
World Industrial different from what West had experienced.”
2013 History Revolution Analyze. 10 Marks
Colonization “Africa was chopped into states artificially
World and created by accidents of European competition.”
2013 History decolonization Analyze. 10 Marks
Colonization “American Revolution was an economic revolt
World and against mercantilism.” Substantiate.
2013 History decolonization 10 Marks
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Colonization What policy instruments were deployed to

World and contain the Great Economic Depression?
2013 History decolonization 10 Marks
Salient Urbanization, Discuss the various social problems which
features of their problems originated out of the speedy process of
Indian and their urbanization in India.
2013 Society remedies 10 Marks
Salient “Male membership needs to be encouraged in
features of Role of women order to make women’s organization free from
Indian and women’s gender bias.” Comment.
2013 Society organization 10 Marks
Salient Critically examine the effect of globalization on
features of the aged population in India.
Indian Effects of
2013 Society Globalization 10 Marks
Salient Growing feeling of regionalism is an important
features of Communalism, factor in generation of demand for a separate
Indian Regionalism & state. Discuss.
2013 Society Secularism 10 Marks
What do you understand by the theory of
continental drift? Discuss the prominent
2013 Geography Geomorphology evidences in its support. 5 Marks
Important The recent cyclone on the east coast of India
Geophysical was called ‘Phailin’. How are the tropical
2013 Geography Phenomena cyclones named across the world? Elaborate. 5 Marks
Important Bring out the causes for the formation of heat
Geophysical islands in the urban habitat of the world.
2013 Geography Phenomena 5 Marks
What do you understand by the phenomenon
Climate of ‘temperature inversion’ in meteorology? How
Weather and does it affect weather and the habitants of the
2013 Geography Atmosphere place? 5 Marks
Major hot deserts in northern hemisphere are
located between 20-30 deg N latitudes and on
2013 Geography Geomorphology the western sides of the continents. Why? 10 Marks
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Important Bring out the causes for more frequent

Geophysical occurrence of landslides in the Himalayas than
2013 Geography Phenomena in the Western Ghats. 5 Marks
Drainage There is no formation of deltas by rivers on the
2013 Geography Basins Western Ghats. Why? 5 Marks
Indian Social Do you agree that there is a growing trend of
and Economic opening new sugar mills in southern states of
2013 Geography Geography India? Discuss with justification. 5 Marks
Indian Social Analyze the factors for the highly decentralized
and Economic cotton textile industry in India.
2013 Geography Geography 5 Marks
With growing scarcity of fossil fuels, the atomic
energy is gaining more and more significance
in India. Discuss the availability of raw material
Energy required for the generation of atomic energy in
2013 Geography Resources India and in the world. 10 Marks
It is said that India has substantial reserves of
shale oil and gas, which can feed the needs of
the country for quarter century. However,
tapping of the resource does not appear to be
Energy high on the agenda. Discuss critically the
2013 Geography Resources availability and issues involved. 10 Marks
“The Indian independence movement was a
mass-based movement the encompassed
Modern various sections of society. It also underwent
Indian Indian National the process of constant ideological evolution.”
2012 History Movement Critically examine. 25 Marks
Given the accelerated pace development and
demand for energy, would you consider
Energy renewable energy as a viable option for India’s
2012 Geography Resources future? 15 Marks
Indian Art What are the groups into which musical
and Indian Music instruments in India have traditionally been
2012 Culture and Dance classified? 5 Marks
Modern Comment on each of the following in about 20
Indian Indian National words each: (a) The significance of
2012 History Movement Patharughat in the Indian freedom struggle. 2 Marks
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Indian Art Comment on each of the following in about 20

and Indian Music words each: (b) Bangurumba folk dance
2012 Culture and Dance 2 Marks
Indian Social Discuss the extent, causes, and implications of
and Economic the ‘nutrition transition’ said to be underway in
2011 Geography Geography India. 20 Marks
Trace the salient sequence of events in the
popular revolt that took place in February 1946
in the then, ‘Royal Indian Navy’ and bring out
its significance in the freedom struggle. Do you
Modern agree with the view that the sailors who took
Indian Indian National part in this revolt were some of the unsung
2011 History Movement heroes of the freedom struggle? 20 Marks
Evaluate the influence of the three important
women’s organizations of the early twentieth
century in India on the Country’s society and
Modern politics. To what extent do you think were the
Indian Indian National social objectives of these organizations
2011 History Movement constrained by their political objectives? 20 Marks
Salient Urbanization, The significance of counter-urbanisation in the
features of their problems improvement of metropolitan cities in India.
Indian and their
2011 Society remedies 12 Marks
Modern In the context of the freedom struggle, write
Indian Revolutionary short notes (not exceeding 50 words each) on
2011 History Activities the following: ‘Benoy-Badal-Dinesh’ martyrdom 5 Marks
Modern In the context of the freedom struggle, write
Indian Revolutionary short notes (not exceeding 50 words each) on
2011 History Activities the following: Bharat Naujawan Sabha 5 Marks
Modern In the context of the freedom struggle, write
Indian Important short notes (not exceeding 50 words each) on
2011 History Personalities the following: ‘Babbar Akali’ movement 5 Marks
Indian Art Distinguish either between the ‘Moatsu’ and
and Indian Music ‘Yemshe’ festivals of Nagaland or the ‘Losar’
2011 Culture and Dance and ‘Khan’ festivals of Arunachal Pradesh. 5 Marks
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Write a sentence each on any five of the

Indian Art following traditional theatre forms: Bhand
and Indian Arts & Pather, Swang, Maach, Bhaona, Mudiyettu,
2011 Culture Crafts Dashavatar 5 Marks
Indian Art What are the major different styles of unglazed
and Indian Arts & pottery making in India?
2011 Culture Crafts 5 Marks
Indian Art List the classical dance forms of India as per
and Indian Music the Sangeet Natak Akademi.
2011 Culture and Dance 5 Marks
“Disputes between the- riparian states on
sharing of river waters in post- Independence
India are becoming increasingly complex.”
Indian Social Objectively analyse the major disputes in this
and Economic connection, with special reference to the
2010 Geography Geography Southern States. 2O Marks
“Dalhousie’s predecessors had acted on the
general principles of avoiding annexations, if
British these could be avoided. Dalhousie acted on
Administration the principles of annexation, if lie could do so
Modern and Policies in legitimately. His annexations were both of war
2010 History India and peace.” Analyse. 12 Marks
Indian Social “Small-holder farms need to be strengthened to
and Economic achieve national food security.” Do you agree
2010 Geography Geography with this assessment? Substantiate. 12 Marks
Agriculture and Assess the contributions made by the Indian
Allied Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in
2010 Geography Sectors(geo) agricultural development. 12 Marks
Indian Social List the significant local storms of the
and Economic hot-weather season .F in the country and bring
2010 Geography Geography out their socio-economic impact. 12 Marks
Indian Social Transhumance in India
and Economic
2010 Geography Geography 5 Marks
Climate Frontogenesis and Frontolysis
Weather and
2010 Geography Atmosphere 5 Marks
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Agriculture and Golden Revolution

Allied
2010 Geography Sectors(geo) 5 Marks
2010 Geography Geomorphology Sea-floor spreading 5 Marks
Drainage Causes for dominant dendritic pattern of
2010 Geography Basins drainage in the Gangetic plains 5 Marks
Indian Social ‘Break-of-bulk” towns
and Economic
2010 Geography Geography 5 Marks
While bringing out their salient features,
Indian Art distinguish between either ‘Madhubani’ Art and
and Indian Arts & ‘Manjusha’ Art or ‘Rajasthani’ schools of
2010 Culture Crafts painting and the ‘Pahari’ school of Painting. 12 Marks
Modern Contributions of Latika Ghosh to the freedom
Indian Important struggle
2010 History Personalities 2 Marks
Modern Contributions of Bhai Maharaj Singh as a
Indian Important freedom fighter
2010 History Personalities 2 Marks