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UPSC MAINS 2013 GS 1 PYQs

UPSC MAINS 2013 GS 1

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  1. Though not very useful from the point of view of a connected political history of South India, the Sangam literature portrays the social and economic conditions of its time with remarkable vividness. Comment. (200 words, 10 marks)
  2.  (a) Discuss the Tandava dance as recorded in the early Indian inscriptions. (100 words, 5 marks)

    (b)Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss. (100 words, 5 marks)
  3.  Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian women became the torch bearer during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss. (200 words, 10 marks)
  4. Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements. Analyze their role in the Indian struggle for freedom. (200 words, 10 marks)
  5. In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern India. Elaborate. (200 words, 10 marks)
  6. Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan and Gramdan movements initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave and their success. (200 words, 10 marks)
  7.  Write a critical note on the evolution and significance of the slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan”. (200 words, 10 marks)
  8. Discuss the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to pre-and post independent India. (200 words, 10 marks)

  9. Analyse the circumstances that led to Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights of the agreement. (200 words, 10 marks)
  10. Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive role in the emergence of Bangladesh. (200 words, 10 marks)
  11.  “Latecomer” Industrial revolution in Japan involved certain factors that were markedly different from what west had experienced. (200 words, 10 marks)
  12. Africa was chopped into states artificially created by accident of European competition. Analyse. (200 words, 10 marks)
  13. American Revolution was an economic revolt against mercantilism. Substantiate. (200 words, 10 marks)
  14. What policy instruments were deployed to contain the great economic depression? (10 marks-200 words)
  15. Discuss the various social problems which originated out of the speedy process of urbanization in India. (200 words, 10 Marks)
  16. “Male membership needs to be encouraged in order to make women’s organizations free from gender bias.” Comment. (200 words, 10 Marks)
  17. Critically examine the effect of globalization on the aged population in India. (200 words, 10 Marks)
  18. Growing feeling of regionalism is an important factor in the generation of demand for a separate State. Discuss. (200 words, 10 Marks)
  19. (a)What do you understand about the theory of continental drift? Discuss the prominent evidences in its Support.[100 Words, 5 Marks]

    (b)The recent cyclone on the east coast of India was called “Phailin”. How are tropical cyclones named across the world? Elaborate.[100 Words, 5 Marks]
  20. (a) Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world.[100 Words, 5 Marks]

    (b) What do you understand about the phenomenon of temperature inversion in meteorology? How does it affect the weather and habitants of the place?[100 Words, 5 Marks]
  21. Major hot deserts in the northern hemisphere are located between 20-30 degrees north and on the western side of the continents. Why? [100 Words, 5 Marks]
  22. (a) Bring Out the causes for more frequent landslide in the Himalayas than in western Ghat. [100 Words, 5 Marks]

    (b)There is no formation of deltas by rivers of the western Ghat. Why?[100 Words, 5 Marks]
  23. (a) Do you agree that there is a growing trend of opening new sugar mills in the southern state of India? Discuss with justification.[100 Words, 5 Marks]

    (b)Analyze the factor for highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India.[100 Words, 5 Marks]
  24. With growing scarcity of fossil fuels, atomic energy is gaining more and more significance in India. Discuss the availability of raw material required for the generation of atomic energy in India and in the world.[200 Words, 10 Marks]
  25. It is said that India has substantial reserves of shale oil and gas, which can feed the needs of the country for a quarter century. However, tapping of the resource does not appear to be high on agenda. Discuss critically the availability and issues involved. [200 Words, 10 Marks].