AIR 4 · CSE 2017 · GS1 · 62 pages

Atul Prakash: GS1 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1The greatness of the Mughal achievement in the political unification of India was matched by the splendour and beauty of the work of architects, poets, historians, painters and musicians who flourished in the period. Comment.
  2. Q2Traditionally, India had developed wide-ranging water harvesting techniques in keeping with the local ecological conditions and their water needs. Substantiate with examples.
  3. Q3Imperial rivalries of 18th Century Europe were played out in India as well. Comment in the context of the Carnatic Wars.
  4. Q4The Lucknow session of 1916 was a watershed event during the freedom struggle of India due to various reasons. Elucidate.
  5. Q5Reforms initiated by the Justice Party became a model for social affirmative action in the country. Comment.
  6. Q6War in the Korean Peninsula proved to be disastrous for Korea, a missed opportunity for the United States and a defining moment for China. Examine.
  7. Q7The Munich Pact brought neither peace nor stability in relations between European countries, rather it turned out to be an act of appeasement that made war inevitable. Comment.
  8. Q8Explain how Gandhi's non-violent philosophy influenced Martin Luther King Jr.'s methods. Also discuss the contributions and accomplishments of King to ensure civil rights for all people regardless of race in America.
  9. Q9Apart from the linguistic reorganisation of states, the three language formula was an important part of government policy to address the language question in India. Discuss.
  10. Q10Enumerate the measures for the welfare of Unorganised Workers in India. In the context of problems being faced by 'domestic helps', discuss the need for additional measures to safeguard their interests.
  11. Q11The manner in which the mentally ill have been treated in India suggests that policy measures alone may not be sufficient to address the challenges faced by them. Discuss.
  12. Q12Highlight the characteristics of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and discuss the challenges faced by them. Also enumerate the measures taken by the government to address these challenges. (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups: PVTGs)
  13. Q13While suburbanisation is a common phenomenon in most urbanising countries, it is occurring at a relatively early stage of India's urban development. Enumerating the reasons behind this development, highlight the challenges it is creating for Indian cities.
  14. Q14Various geographical and anthropogenic factors have rendered Brahmaputra Valley susceptible to recurrent floods. Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation.
  15. Q15Give a brief account of Earth's heat budget. Also discuss how increasing concentration of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere effects it.
  16. Q16Give an outline of the major geological events that have shaped the present drainage system of Peninsular India. Also, explain why peninsular rivers are unsuitable for navigation but facilitate hydroelectric power generation.
  17. Q17Elaborate with examples as to how government policies influence the location of industries. Also, mention the steps taken by the Government of India to stimulate industrial activity in backward regions.
  18. Q18Explain, in brief, the process of cloud formation. Also, elucidate how clouds can help in weather forecasting.
  19. Q19The socio-economic and ecological consequences of soil degradation are far-reaching. Discuss. Suggest measures that can be taken to restore soil fertility and arrest soil degradation.
  20. Q20Development of island territories requires a careful balancing of environmental and tribal concerns with exploitation of economic potential. Elaborating on the threats faced by island territories of India, comment on the recent measures proposed by the government regarding their development.

The answers

Question 1 · 196 words written

The greatness of the Mughal achievement in the political unification of India was matched by the splendour and beauty of the work of architects, poets, historians, painters and musicians who flourished in the period. Comment.

Opening · a date or context

After the Guptas Period, the next great political unification of India was achieved under the Mughals. However, apart from the massive expanse of territory, the Mughal period is marked by significant cultural achievements:-

Body · points

  1. Architecture :- A new school was introduced with heavy Islamic influences of Persia. New features included:-

• Use of domes, minarets • Arcuade styles • Charbagh gardens • Use of calligraphy, floral patterns for decorations. • Pietra-dura or embedding of stones • Use of white marble extensively. Examples include Taj Mahal, Red fort, Fatehpur Sikri

  1. Painting : Beginnings of karkhanas under Akbar, portrait paintings, decorative margins, use of shading, perspective. A fusion of traditional Indian and persian elements was achieved.

  2. Poetry : Skilled poets like Faizi, Badayuni contributed in this period. Urdu also flourished in this age.

  3. Historians like Abul Fazl, Rahim Khan-i-Khanan chronicled life in the times in great detail. Their works are valuable even today.

  4. In music, the developments by Tansen and his creation of several new ragas like Bhairavi are enjoyed even today.

Close · a summary

Thus, in all it can be rightly said that Mughal era was perhaps the of great importance in development of Indian culture.