AIR 16 · CSE 2025 · GS1 · 51 pages

Monika Srivastava: GS1 answer copy

17 answers by Monika Srivastava, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q11.
  2. Q22.
  3. Q3Q 3.
  4. Q4Q4.
  5. Q5Q5.
  6. Q6Q6.
  7. Q7Q7
  8. Q8Q8.
  9. Q9Q9.
  10. Q10Q10
  11. Q11Critically examine the impact of British educational and socio-cultural policies on Indian society. Also, discuss if the British constitutional reforms in India were reactive rather than genuine efforts.
  12. Q13Q 13.
  13. Q14How does the melting of the Arctic region open a new world of opportunities? Also, examine the associated environmental and geopolitical challenges.
  14. Q15Q15
  15. Q1616
  16. Q17What are Rare Earth Elements? Discuss their significance in the 4th Industrial Revolution and associated challenges.
  17. Q18Critically examine the paradox of high growth and high hunger in India. Also discuss the vulnerabilities faced by PVTGs and the significance of PM-JANMAN in this context. Finally, how have religious traditions been misused to perpetuate patriarchal norms in Indian society?

The answers

Question 1 · 169 words written

1.

Opening

Mauryan Period marked the beginning of new types of architecture such as rock cut or stupa architecture and these were closely linked to religious philosophies.

Body · points

Profound Impact on Mauryan Architecture

I) Buddhist Philosophy

  1. Building of Stupas (e.g. Sanchi Stupa at MP by Ashoka)
  2. Building chaityas and viharas as prayer halls and resting places for monks and nuns.
  3. Rock and Pillar edicts → highlighted the philosophy of Dhamma
  4. Stupas were bare with only symbolism used → Hinayana philosophy.

II) Hindu Philosophy

  1. Lion capital at Sarnath → Lion signifies strength and power in Hinduism
  2. Abacus has figures of horse → philosophy of determination and bull → strength

III) Ajivika Philosophy

  1. Ashoka had donated the Barabar caves at Gaya for Ajivikas

However, other factors also influenced -

  1. Pillar style inspired by Achaemanid empire
  2. Using easily available wood for manufacturing → frugal philosophy e.g. Kumrahar Palace

Close

The Sanchi Stupa by Ashoka is a masterpiece of architecture and is one of UNESCO's world heritage sites.