AIR 12 · CSE 2024 · GS1 · 49 pages

Ashi Sharma: GS1 answer copy

19 answers by Ashi Sharma, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q1Numismatics is the study of currency & coinage. It can act as a valuable historic source.
  2. Q2The socio-religious reforms of the 20th century gave an impetus for formation of women organisations to fight for gender equality.
  3. Q3Q3
  4. Q4Recent volcanic eruptions in Italy and Hawaii have gained attention towards the phenomenon of volcanism.
  5. Q5Eastern ghats are one the oldest relief features in the Indian subcontinent.
  6. Q6Recently the year 2023 was celebrated as the International Year of Millets, highlighting the importance of the nutriceals.
  7. Q7Recently there have been concerns regarding arctic amplification which has lead to 4 times the increase in temperature in the arctic against global average leading to fast melting of arctic ice.
  8. Q8Do you agree that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) contradicts the religious pluralism and cultural diversity of India? Examine critically.
  9. Q9Nearly 55% of the population in India is of working age along with 8% elderly population this is set to increase to nearly 16% by 2050 as per some reports.
  10. Q10The advent of digital commerce & quick commerce platforms like amazon, myntra, blinket have led to compulsive consumption in the urban population.
  11. Q11The Vijayanagara Empire was not only a strong political dynasty but also had a rich cultural history. Discuss the key architectural features of the Vijayanagara period and the Indo-Islamic influence on its architecture.
  12. Q12Recently the PM Modi inaugurated the campus of Nalanda University highlighting the rich history of higher education in India.
  13. Q13The disillusionment with Gandhian politics and influence from the Russian revolution led to the development of the Revolutionary movements in 1920s-1930s.
  14. Q14The recent glacial lake outburst in Sikkim has increased interest in glacial landforms in the Indian Himalayas.
  15. Q15The Indian ocean is the only ocean named after a country, highlighting its uniqueness.
  16. Q16Urban heat island effect (UHIE) is a phenomenon which leads to increased temperatures in urban centres, recent heatwaves in Delhi have raised concerns regarding this issue
  17. Q17Discuss the reasons for the regional disparity in the production of sugar in India. Also, highlight the issues associated with the surplus production of sugar and the measures taken to address the same.
  18. Q18Article 38 states that imperative to ensure justice (social economical and political) which can be made possible by social mobility in our society. Elaborate on the barriers to intergenerational mobility and the role of education in promoting the same. Also discuss the influence of globalisation on migration patterns and its associated socio-economic implications.
  19. Q20The recent crimes in India report 2023 has highlighted a rise in crimes against women; this trend is closely linked to patriarchal values.

The answers

Question 1 · 173 words written

Numismatics is the study of currency & coinage. It can act as a valuable historic source.

Opening · no separate opening

None written.

Body · points

Role of Numismatics in understanding Ancient India

Mahajanapada Era first evidences of punch marked coins reflect the development of a money economy.

Post Mauryan Era (1) The Indogreeks mint gold coins for the first time in India, these coins represent gods/goddesses and the portraits of kings. (2) Shakas → first evidence of date on coins issued. (3) Kushanas → maximum number of gold coins issued, and presence of mints in north west India highlighting increased prosperity. (4) Satrahanas → we find a ship shaped coin highlighting importance of navy.

Gupta Era we have the most beautiful coins which reflect

  1. importance of social alliances → king-Queen type coin
  2. the skills of kings → Samudragupta playing veena
  3. gods/goddesses like laxmi

South India the coins reflect the seal/icon of the dynasty. 4) Chalukya → vrasha, Chola → tiger, Pandya → fish, Pallava → lion

Close · a summary

Therefore numismatics provide us an important source of historic exploration, but to capture the full picture it is important to study other sources like inscriptions, manuscripts as well.