AIR 57 · CSE 2022 · GS1 · 52 pages

Aditi Varshney: GS1 answer copy

20 answers by Aditi Varshney, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q1Epigraphic sources are the best reflections of ancient Indian art and culture. Comment.10 marks
  2. Q2Bring out the differences between the architectural tradition of Achaemenid and Mauryan Empire.10 marks
  3. Q3Discuss the ways in which the Bhakti movement expressed critiques of the caste system in India.10 marks
  4. Q4What significant role did freedom fighters from the North East part of India play in the National Movement?10 marks
  5. Q5South Africa was "the making of the Mahatma". Analyze how the experiences of Gandhi in South Africa paved the way for launch of satyagraha in India.10 marks
  6. Q6Elaborate upon the crippling of rural Indian economy due to the decline of traditional artisanal industry in colonial India.10 marks
  7. Q7The reason behind the partition of Bengal in the colonial period was more political than administrative. Elucidate.10 marks
  8. Q8Assess the contribution of Bismarck's policy of blood and iron in German Unification.10 marks
  9. Q9The aspiration of proletariats reached its culmination with the formation of Soviet Union but could not stand the test of the time. In this context bring out the causes and consequences of the disintegration of the Soviet Union.10 marks
  10. Q10The approach was to make them an integral part of the Indian nation, even while maintaining their distinct identity and culture.' Explain the statement in the context of tribal policies in post-independent India.10 marks
  11. Q11Discuss the cultural impact of India on South East Asia during the ancient period.15 marks
  12. Q12The Chola rulers were not only able administrators but also great architects. Comment.15 marks
  13. Q13Critically analyze the role of government in sustaining traditional art forms in India. Also, suggest additional measures that can be taken to promote such art forms.15 marks
  14. Q14Buddhism and Jainism played a critical role in shaping ancient Indian art and literature. Illustrate.15 marks
  15. Q15Give an account of restrictions imposed upon women in 19th century India. Highlight, with suitable examples, the achievements of social reform movements in this context.15 marks
  16. Q16Why is the Quit India Movement called spontaneous revolution? Assess the role of Quit India Movement in uniting the Indians against the British rule.15 marks
  17. Q17Despite many like Winston Churchill predicting that post-independence, India would disintegrate and fall back into the Middle Ages, it stands united till date. In this context, bring out the contribution of Sardar Patel towards preventing balkanization and promoting unification of India.15 marks
  18. Q18Peasant Movements were not unknown to pre-colonial India but became endemic in the first half of the 18th century. What were the causes and nature of the peasant movements in this period in India? Evaluate their achievements.15 marks
  19. Q19Discuss the local and global factors that encouraged British industrialization in 18th and 19th century.15 marks
  20. Q20The economic policies during the post-independent India were undertaken to undo the legacy of the British economic policies. Analyse.15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 220 words written

Epigraphic sources are the best reflections of ancient Indian art and culture. Comment.

Opening · a definition

Epigraphy refers to the study of inscriptions on walls, coins, stones, pillars etc. It is a rich source of understanding of India's culture.

Epigraphic sources :-

Body · points

  1. Bhimbetka caves - engravings (petroglyphs) are representative of Rich Stone Age culture of India.

  2. Seals of Indus valley civilization - records our artistic legacy & civilizational heritage.

  3. Inscriptions of Ashoka on pillars, stones reflect the rich Buddhist culture, policies of Ashoka, and the lives of that period.

  4. Post mauryan era - prashastis - eg Hathigumpha cave, Junagadh prashasti, Naneghat inscriptions helps in understanding the historicity of different dynasties, their religion, culture, technological developments etc.

  5. Gupta period - Prayag Prashasti - helps in understanding the nature of rulers, their beliefs.

  6. Inscriptions like on Eran Varaha statue explain the Huna trouble and the course of wars.

  7. In the Chalukyan era - the Meghuti Jain inscription by Ravikirti gives us a glimpse of that period - war between Harsha & Pulkeshin II.

  8. Copper plate charters, tamrashasanas etc that helps us understand the feudal nature of post Gupta period.

  9. Sanchi inscriptions - also talk about the 'Panchmandali' helping us understand the rich Panchayati raj tradition in ancient India.

Close · a summary

Thus, Epigraphic sources helps tremendously in understanding & reconstructing history of India - and best reflects our rich Art & culture.