AIR 16 · CSE 2024 · GS1 · 51 pages

Madhav Agarwal: GS1 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1Examine the role of numismatic evidence in understanding the political and economic history of ancient India. Provide specific examples.10 marks
  2. Q2Assess the impact of women's organizations in mobilizing women across diverse socio-economic and regional backgrounds in pre-independence India.10 marks
  3. Q3How did the policy of non-alignment reflect the aspirations of India and other newly independent nations to maintain their sovereignty and resist colonial pressures?10 marks
  4. Q4Discuss the processes involved in volcanism. Highlight the major volcanic regions in the world and their associated tectonic settings.10 marks
  5. Q5Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats.10 marks
  6. Q6Earlier known as coarse cereals the government rebranded millets in 2018 as nutri-cereals. In this context discuss the ecological and nutritional significance of millets10 marks
  7. Q7What are the potential consequences of Arctic ice melt on biodiversity and ecosystems? How might these changes impact global ecological balance?10 marks
  8. Q8Do you think the Uniform Civil Code contradicts the idea of religious pluralism and cultural differences in Indian society?10 marks
  9. Q9Discuss the concept of healthy active ageing in the context of demographic shifts in India. How does it contribute to social inclusion?10 marks
  10. Q11Discuss with examples the key features of Vijayanagara architecture. How did Indo-Islamic elements manifest in their structures?15 marks
  11. Q12Compare and contrast the features of ancient Indian universities like Nalanda and Takshashila with modern state-funded universities in India. What lessons can modern universities learn from ancient ones to improve their effectiveness?15 marks
  12. Q13Analyze the ideological differences and similarities between the revolutionary movement(1920-1930s) and the Gandhian non-violent struggle. How did these two ideologies influence each other?15 marks
  13. Q14What are the various types of glacial landforms formed in the Indian Himalayas. How do these features impact local ecosystems and human activities?15 marks
  14. Q15Discuss the unique geographical features of the Indian Ocean and their impact on global oceanic circulation patterns. How do these features influence the climate of the Indian subcontinent?15 marks
  15. Q16Urban heat islands (UHIs) have become a significant phenomenon in Indian cities, exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat waves. Analyze the underlying factors contributing to this phenomenon and critically assess the existing mitigation strategies.15 marks
  16. Q17Evaluate the primary factors contributing to regional disparities in the sugar industry between North India and Peninsular India. What measures can be undertaken to reduce the surplus sugar production?15 marks
  17. Q18'Social mobility is essential for achieving true equality within society'. In this context highlight the barriers to intergenerational mobility in Indian society, and examine the role of education on social mobility.15 marks
  18. Q19Analyze the influence of globalization on migration patterns in India. What are the economic and social implications of increased internal and international migration?15 marks
  19. Q20Discuss how gender-based violence in India is a manifestation of patriarchal values. To what extent has modernisation in law served as an instrument of women's empowerment in this regard?15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 161 words written

Examine the role of numismatic evidence in understanding the political and economic history of ancient India. Provide specific examples.

Opening

Dynasties may rise and fall but their coinage/numismatics acted as a key evidence to decipher their history.

Body

Diagram
- NUMISMATIC - Different shapes, sizes - Coinage - Currency - Issued by royal treasury

Understanding Political History:

  1. Coins used to decipher language

    • eg: Kharoshti deciphered during Ashoka (Mauryas 321 BC) by James Prinsep.

  2. Political might of the kingdom:

    • eg: Indo Greeks = 1st to issue gold coins
    • Kushanas issued purest gold coins.

  3. Iconography used: dynastic symbols

    • eg: Fish symbol on Pandyan coins

Economic history :-

(1) Trade Relations : (eg) coins of Ancient India found in Rome and vice-versa.

(2) Trade Routes used : (eg) multiple coins from Kanishka era found on silk route.

(3) Denominations used by the kingdom.

  • (eg) : Dinaras, Rupayika during Guptas.

Close

However, coins played a limited role thus need to use literature of travellers (Indica of Megasthenes), architectural evidences (Painting in Ajanta) to get whole picture.

Coins are even used till today to commemorate key occasions (eg) : [₹ 75 coin] on 75th Independence day.