A topper · CSE 2024 · GS1 · 52 pages

Meghna Chakravorty: GS1 answer copy

14 answers by Meghna Chakravorty, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q1Nalanda demonstrates the glorious past of education and scientific-cultural learning and exchange in India. Q2. The Delhi Sultans included many dynasties from the Mamluks to the Lodhis from the 12th - 16th centuries. Comment on the contribution of the Sultanate period to the development of composite culture in India.
  2. Q3The early nationalists were often termed as the 'Moderates'. Discuss their contributions and limitations. (10 marks) Q4. Evaluate the significance of the Vaikom Satyagraha in the context of the socio-political movements in India.
  3. Q5q5.
  4. Q6Discuss the phenomenon of Aurora. 7. Explain the factors influencing the location of the automobile industry in India. 8. 'Unity in Diversity' is the beauty and the test of Indian civilisation. Elaborate.
  5. Q9Q9.
  6. Q1010.
  7. Q1111.
  8. Q1212.
  9. Q13Discuss the reasons for the distribution of deserts and the impact of local winds on the climate and economy of the regions they affect.
  10. Q1515.
  11. Q16Discuss the factors influencing ocean currents and describe their significance in the global climate and economy.
  12. Q1717.
  13. Q1818.
  14. Q19Regionalism in India is a complex phenomenon rooted in socio-cultural, economic, and political factors. Critically examine the various dimensions of regionalism and its impact on the federal structure of the country. Suggest measures to address the challenges posed by it. Q20. Women are disproportionately vulnerable to the impacts of extreme heat events, exacerbated by traditional gender roles. Discuss in the context of India and suggest strategies for gender-sensitive climate adaptation.

The answers

Question 1 · 330 words written

Nalanda demonstrates the glorious past of education and scientific-cultural learning and exchange in India. Q2. The Delhi Sultans included many dynasties from the Mamluks to the Lodhis from the 12th - 16th centuries. Comment on the contribution of the Sultanate period to the development of composite culture in India.

Opening

Nalanda demonstrates the glorious past of education and scientific-cultural learning and exchange in India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Body · points

Symbol of academic heritage and vibrant cultural exchange

  • Shows priority given to the university space - revenue of > 100 villages used for its upkeep by the Gupta Kings -> inscriptions, epigraphic evidence
  • Inter-disciplinary learning
    • Science - astronomy, maths, logic, grammar, philosophy - Aryabhatta studied
  • Attracted scholars from abroad
    • I-Tsing from China studied
  • Contributed to evolution of Buddhist philosophy - (Eg) Hiuen Tsang - 'Si-Yu-Ki' speaks of the changes in Mahayana, Vajrayana Buddhism
  • Record of the past - the ruins of the site provide archaeological evidence + Muslim chronicles (Tarikh tradition; Ibn Batuta etc) speak of attacks by Bakhtiyar Khilji

Hence, Nalanda along with other universities like Vikramshila, Odantapuri (under Pala kings) contributed to the historical record, higher education and multi-culturalism in the continent.

The Union government now attempts to restore a university to continue the legacy.

The Delhi Sultans included many dynasties from the Mamluks to the Lodhis from the 12th - 16th centuries.

Emergence of Indo-Persian culture

(1) Literary developments

  • New history writing traditions
  • (Eg) Barani - Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi
  • New poetic forms + languages
  • (Eg) Amir Khusrau - Contribution to 'ghazal' form + Hindavi language
  • New lingua franca - Persian - Language of law manuals to letters

(2) Artistic developments

  • Influenced changes in miniature

Paintings

  • (Eg) From Pala, Jain Kalpasutras etc. to secular depictions of hunting, royal processions etc.
  • Persian styles seen in increased naturalism, group paintings, use of colour, three-quarter profile etc.

(3) Architectural developments

  • Shift from trabeate to arcuate styles -
Diagram
[Lintel-beam trabeate] [Arch with capstone]
  • Lintel-beam trabeate
  • Arch - (Eg) Alai Darwaza
  • Use of minars, domes instead of shikharas - (Eg) Indo-Persian style of Qutb complex
  • Using older brackets, columns etc with calligraphy - Islamic

Close · a summary

Hence the Sultanate period contributed to the development of composite culture in India.