UPSC_CS MAINS 2015 Paper I

Describe any four cultural elements of diversity in India and rate their relative significance in building a national identity.

Points to Remember: Four key cultural elements of Indian diversity: Linguistic diversity, Religious diversity, Caste and Tribal diversity, and Artistic and culinary diversity. Assessment of their relative significance in national identity building, acknowledging both unifying and divisive potential. Introduction: India’s cultural diversity is a defining characteristic, often described as a “unity in diversity.” This vast … Read more

Critically examine whether growing population is the cause of poverty OR poverty is the mains cause of population increase in India.

Points to Remember: The relationship between population growth and poverty is complex and bidirectional. Poverty can lead to higher fertility rates, and a large population can exacerbate poverty. Addressing both issues requires a multi-pronged approach focusing on education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Introduction: India’s population is a significant factor in its socio-economic landscape. The question … Read more

How do you explain the statistics that show that the sex ratio in Tribes in India is more favourable to women than the sex ratio among Scheduled Castes?

Points to Remember: Sex ratio at birth (SRB) and overall sex ratio are key indicators. Socioeconomic factors, cultural practices, and access to healthcare significantly influence sex ratios. Data discrepancies and limitations in data collection need consideration. Intersectional analysis considering caste, tribe, and geographic location is crucial. Introduction: India’s sex ratio, defined as the number of … Read more

Why did the industrial revolution first occur in England? Discuss the quality of life of the people there during the industrialization. How does it compare with that in India at present times?

Points to Remember: Pre-requisites for Industrial Revolution: Abundant natural resources, capital, labor, technological innovation, and supportive government policies. England’s Advantages: Access to coal and iron ore, strong merchant class, colonial empire, scientific advancements, and a stable political system. Quality of Life during Industrialization: Initially poor for workers, characterized by overcrowding, disease, and low wages, but … Read more

To what extend can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars? Discuss critically.

Points to Remember: German militarism and expansionist ambitions. The role of international relations and alliances. The impact of Treaty of Versailles. Internal political instability in Germany. The limitations of assigning sole responsibility for complex historical events. Introduction: The question of Germany’s responsibility for the two World Wars is a complex and highly debated topic in … Read more

It would have been difficult for the Constituent Assembly to complete its historic task of drafting the Constitution for Independent India in just three years, but its experience gained with the Government of India Act, 1935.Discuss.

Points to Remember: The Constituent Assembly’s experience with the Government of India Act, 1935. The challenges faced by the Constituent Assembly in drafting the Constitution. The time constraint of three years. The successful completion of the Constitution despite challenges. Introduction: The drafting of the Indian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly within three years remains a … Read more

Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B R Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate.

Keywords: Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, divergent approaches, common goal, amelioration of the downtrodden. Required Approach: Analytical (comparing and contrasting approaches while highlighting the shared objective). Points to Remember: Gandhi’s emphasis on non-violent resistance and self-reliance. Ambedkar’s focus on legal and constitutional means, including reservation and social justice. Both aimed at uplifting the marginalized sections … Read more

How difficult would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss.

Points to Remember: Gandhi’s leadership and strategies Role of other leaders and movements Impact of the global context (WWII) Internal factors influencing independence Alternative scenarios and their plausibility Introduction: The achievement of Indian independence in 1947 was a momentous event, culminating decades of struggle against British rule. While numerous individuals and factors contributed to this … Read more

Mesolithic rock cut architecture of India not only reflects the cultural life of the times but also a fine aesthetic sense comparable to modern painting. Critically evaluate this comment.

Points to Remember: Mesolithic period in India (roughly 10,000 to 4,000 BCE) Rock-cut architecture: Focus on its characteristics, techniques, and distribution. Cultural reflection: Examine societal structures, beliefs, and practices as depicted in the art. Aesthetic sense: Analyze the artistic merit, skill, and creativity involved. Comparison to modern painting: Explore similarities and differences in artistic expression. … Read more

The ancient civilisation in Indian sub-continent differed from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece in that its culture and traditions have been preserved without a breakdown to present day. Comment.

Points to Remember: Continuity of Indian civilization. Comparison with Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and Greek civilizations. Factors contributing to the preservation of Indian culture and traditions. Challenges and disruptions faced by Indian civilization. A balanced perspective acknowledging both continuity and change. Introduction: The statement that ancient Indian civilization differs from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece in … Read more