UPSC_CS MAINS 2019 Paper I

“Empowering women is the key to control population growth.” Discuss.

Points to Remember: Women’s education and empowerment. Access to healthcare and family planning. Economic independence of women. Social and cultural norms affecting fertility rates. Government policies and programs. Introduction: The statement “Empowering women is the key to controlling population growth” highlights a significant correlation between women’s status and fertility rates. While not a universally accepted … Read more

What are the challenges to our cultural practices in the name of secularism?

Keywords: Cultural practices, secularism, challenges. Required Approach: Analytical (examining the interplay between secularism and cultural practices, identifying both benefits and drawbacks). Points to Remember: Secularism’s ideal of neutrality vs. its potential impact on religious and cultural practices. The tension between individual rights and community traditions. The role of the state in balancing secularism with cultural … Read more

Do we have cultural pockets of small India all over the nation? Elaborate with examples.

Points to Remember: Definition of “cultural pockets” and their significance. Geographical distribution of Indian cultural pockets. Examples of cultural pockets showcasing diverse traditions. Challenges faced by these cultural pockets. Importance of preserving and promoting cultural diversity. Introduction: India’s cultural landscape is incredibly diverse, a tapestry woven from countless threads of tradition, language, religion, and custom. … Read more

What are the continued challenges for women in India against time and space?

Points to Remember: Gender inequality in India is deeply rooted and multifaceted. Challenges faced by Indian women vary across time, space (geographical location, socioeconomic status), and life stages. Addressing these challenges requires multi-pronged strategies involving legal reforms, social awareness campaigns, and economic empowerment initiatives. Introduction: The status of women in India has improved significantly in … Read more

Explain how the foundations of the modern world were laid by the American and French Revolutions.

Keywords: American Revolution, French Revolution, Modern World, Foundations. Required Approach: Primarily analytical, with elements of factual recounting. Points to Remember: Impact on political thought (democracy, republicanism, nationalism) Influence on social structures (rise of the middle class, abolition of feudalism) Economic consequences (capitalism, free markets) Spread of revolutionary ideals globally Long-term consequences and unintended outcomes Introduction: … Read more

The 1857 uprising was the culmination of the recurrent, big and small local rebellions that had occurred in the preceding hundred years of British rule. Elucidate.

Points to Remember: The 1857 uprising was not a spontaneous event but the culmination of simmering discontent. Various factors contributed to the rebellion, including economic exploitation, socio-religious policies, and military grievances. The rebellion was widespread but lacked centralized leadership and coordination, leading to its eventual failure. The uprising significantly impacted British policies in India, leading … Read more

Examine the linkages between the nineteenth century’s ‘Indian Renaissance’ and the emergence of national identity.

Points to Remember: The Indian Renaissance (19th Century): A period of intellectual and social reform. National Identity: A shared sense of belonging and collective consciousness among Indians. Linkages: Exploring the causal relationships and influences between the two. Reform movements: Their role in shaping national consciousness. Western influence: Both positive and negative impacts on the development … Read more

Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian phase. Elaborate.

Points to Remember: Key figures and groups contributing to the nationalist movement during the Gandhian era. Diverse ideologies and approaches within the movement. The role of different social groups and their motivations. The impact of Gandhi’s leadership on unifying diverse voices. Introduction: The Gandhian phase of the Indian nationalist movement (roughly 1920-1947) witnessed a significant … Read more

Assess the role of British imperial power in complicating the process of transfer of power during the 1940s.

Points to Remember: British reluctance to relinquish power. The impact of World War II on the decision-making process. The role of the Muslim League and the demand for Pakistan. The communal violence and its influence on the partition. The hasty nature of the transfer of power and its consequences. Introduction: The transfer of power in … Read more

Highlight the Central Asian and Greco-Bactrian elements in the Gandhara art.

Points to Remember: Gandhara Art: A blend of Indian, Central Asian, and Greco-Bactrian artistic traditions. Central Asian Influence: Emphasis on decorative patterns, stylized figures, and certain iconographic elements. Greco-Bactrian Influence: Naturalistic representation of the human form, emphasis on realism, and use of classical drapery styles. Syncretism: The fusion of these diverse influences created a unique … Read more

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