Points to Remember: The interplay between customs, traditions, and reason. The concept of obscurantism and its relationship to societal norms. Examples of both positive and negative impacts of tradition. The role of critical thinking and societal progress. Introduction: The question explores the complex relationship between deeply ingrained customs and traditions and the development of rational … Read more
Keywords: Digital initiatives, India, education system, contribution. Required Approach: Primarily factual and analytical, with some scope for incorporating policy recommendations. Points to Remember: Increased access to education Improved quality of education Enhanced teacher training Bridging the digital divide Challenges and limitations of digital initiatives Introduction: India’s education system faces significant challenges, including geographical barriers, resource … Read more
Points to Remember: The persistence of caste-based discrimination in India. The evolving nature of caste and its intersection with other social identities. The role of law, policy, and social movements in addressing caste issues. The complexities of measuring caste’s relevance in a diverse society. Introduction: The question of caste’s relevance in understanding contemporary Indian society … Read more
Points to Remember: Curzon’s administrative reforms Curzon’s policies towards princely states Curzon’s economic policies Impact of Curzon’s policies on Indian nationalism Long-term implications on the national movement Introduction: Lord Curzon (Viceroy of India, 1899-1905) implemented a series of administrative and economic policies aimed at strengthening British control and modernizing India. His tenure, however, is marked … Read more
Points to Remember: Expansion of the Indian National Movement’s social base in the 1920s. Diverse ideological strands within the movement. Impact of these strands on the movement’s reach and effectiveness. Key figures and events contributing to this expansion. Introduction: The Indian National Movement, in its struggle for independence from British rule, underwent a significant transformation … Read more
Points to Remember: Key features of Buddhism during the Pala period. Pala rulers’ patronage of Buddhism. Flourishing of Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism. Monastic centers and universities. Artistic and literary achievements. Decline of the Pala empire and its impact on Buddhism. Introduction: The Pala period (8th-12th centuries CE) in Bengal is widely considered the most significant … Read more
Points to Remember: Influence of various schools of Indian philosophy (Hindu, Buddhist, Jain) on monument architecture. Reflection of religious beliefs, social structures, and cosmological ideas in monument art. Examples of specific monuments and their philosophical underpinnings. Evolution of architectural styles across different periods. The role of patronage and artisans in shaping the monuments. Introduction: Indian … Read more
Points to Remember: Persian literary sources in medieval India: Types of literature (poetry, prose, chronicles), prominent authors, themes. Reflection of the “spirit of the age”: Socio-political context, cultural interactions, religious beliefs, economic conditions, artistic trends. Critical analysis: Strengths and limitations of using Persian sources to understand medieval India. Consider biases and perspectives. Introduction: Medieval India … Read more
Points to Remember: Rock-cut architecture’s significance as a primary source for understanding early Indian art and history. Diverse forms of rock-cut architecture (chaityas, viharas, temples, etc.) and their regional variations. The insights provided by rock-cut architecture into religious beliefs, social structures, and technological advancements of the period. Challenges in interpreting rock-cut architecture and the need … Read more