UPSC_CS MAINS 2014 Paper I – Page 3

Sufis and medieval mystic saints failed to modify either the religious ideas and practicesor the outward structure of Hindu / Muslim societies to any appreciable extent.Comment.

Points to Remember: The influence of Sufi and medieval mystic saints on Hindu and Muslim societies. Assessment of the extent of their impact on religious ideas, practices, and social structures. Consideration of both direct and indirect influences. Acknowledgment of limitations and counterarguments. Introduction: The question assesses the impact of Sufi and medieval mystic saints on … Read more

The third battle of Panipat was fought in 1761. Why were so many empire-shaking battles fought at Panipat?

Points to Remember: Strategic location of Panipat. Control over trade routes. Fertile land and resources. Access to water sources. Relatively flat terrain suitable for large armies. Introduction: The Third Battle of Panipat, fought in 1761, marked a pivotal moment in Indian history, resulting in the decline of the Maratha Empire and the rise of the … Read more

To what extent has the urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization provided inputs to the present-day urbanization? Discuss.

Points to Remember: The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) was a highly advanced urban civilization. IVC urban planning demonstrates sophisticated engineering and social organization. Many aspects of IVC urban planning are absent in modern urban planning. The cultural legacy of the IVC is less directly visible in modern urban contexts. Introduction: The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), … Read more

Gandhara sculpture owed as much to the Romans as to the Greeks. Explain.

Points to Remember: Gandhara art’s syncretic nature. Influence of Greco-Roman art on Gandhara sculpture. Specific examples of Roman and Greek influences. The role of Buddhism in shaping Gandhara art. Introduction: Gandhara art, flourishing in the ancient region of Gandhara (present-day northwestern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan) from the 1st century BCE to the 5th century CE, … Read more

Taxila university was one of the oldest universities of the world with which were associated a number of renowned learned personalities of different disciplines. Its strategic location caused its fame to flourish, but unlike Nalanda, it is not considered as a university in the modern sense. Discuss.

Points to Remember: Taxila’s historical significance as a center of learning. Its geographical advantages and influence. Differences between Taxila and modern universities. Reasons for Taxila’s lack of recognition as a “university” in the modern sense. The enduring legacy of Taxila. Introduction: Taxila, located in present-day Pakistan, was a renowned center of learning from the 5th … Read more