insights free mock exam – 2014: general studies paper - 1€¦ · general studies paper - 1 09...

Insights Free Mock Exam – 2014: General Studies Paper - 1

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General Studies Paper - 1 09 December 2014 Maximum Marks: 250 Time: 3 Hours There are TWENTY FIVE questions in this paper. Each question carries 10 Marks. Answer

questions in NOT MORE than the word limit specified for each in the parenthesis. Content of the

answer is more important than its length.

1. “It is wrong to say that the Vedas are just a series of sacred texts used in religious

rituals and sacrifices.” Critically examine. (200 Words)



2. Answer the following questions in about 100 words each: 2x5= 10

(a) Write a short note on Lai Haraoba and its importance for Manipuris.



(b) “All the unique art and architecture would not have flourished in the South or

the dakshinapatha if it had not been the stronghold of Jainism.” Discuss. (100

Words)



3. Critically comment on the Bose-Gandhian debate of late 1930s and its effect on

Congress at that time. (200 Words)



4. “One important aspect of the Swadeshi Movement was the great emphasis given to

„Atmasakti‟ as a necessary part of the struggle against the Government.” Elaborate

the features of this aspect. (200 Words)



5. “If we analyse the process of annexation of Indian states by the East India Company

from 1757 to 1857, certain key aspects emerge. The Company rarely launched a direct

military attack on an unknown territory. Instead it used a variety of political,

economic and diplomatic methods to extend its influence before annexing an Indian

kingdom.” Analyse. (200 Words)



6. “The Rajkot Satyagraha brought into clear focus the paradoxical situation that

existed in the States and which made the task of resistance a very complex one.”

Discuss. (200 Words)



7. Over the years, the Dravida parties diluted their anti-North and anti-Hindi stance,

secessionist attitude and also agrarian radicalism. Critically examine the factors that

contributed in the transformation of the Dravida parties‟ demands and attitude. (200

Words)



8. “Political turmoil racked Assam for years because its people feared the weakening or

loss of their identity as Assamese. At no stage, however, did their politics take a

secessionist turn. Several components constituted this fear, shaping the nature of

demands made and movements launched.” Critically discuss these components and

their nature of demands. (200 Words)



9. Critically examine the short term and long term causes for the growth of

communalism during post-independence years in India. (200 Words)



10. Critically discuss how did the „discovery‟ of South America lead to the development

of European colonialism? (200 Words)



11. It is said that the Meiji Restoration was the root cause of modernization of Japan in

the nineteenth century. Examine its nature and impact. (200 Words)



12. Discuss the factors that led to the fall of communism in erstwhile USSR. (200 Words)



13. Critically comment on the Mandate system that was authorised by the League of

Nations after the First World War. (200 Words)



14. Write short notes on the following in not more than 100 words: a) The Nazi‟s Final Solution

b) The Cuban Missile Crisis



15. Critically examine how the New Agricultural Strategy enabled India to move

towards self-sufficiency in 1960s. (200 Words)



16. Answer the following in about 100 words each:

(a) A recent study has raised troubling questions about India‟s 25-year strategy of pushing people to use toilets as a way to improve health. Examine the drawbacks of this strategy.

(b) Write a short note on the contribution of women to conservation of environment.



17. It is now widely accepted that urbanization is as much a social process as it is an

economic and territorial process and it has far reaching effects on larger societal

process and structures. Examine these effects in the Indian context. (200 Words)



18. There is a close relationship between disability and poverty. Examine the statement in the India context and also discuss the nature of efforts made to redress the problems of disabled people in India.



19. “Some scholars argue that what we know today as caste is more a product of colonialism than of ancient Indian tradition.” Examine. (200 Words)



20. Explain the structure and origin of tropical cyclones. (200 Words)



21. With examples critically discuss how tourism industry threatens India‟s ecologically

sensitive regions. Also suggest what kind of tourism is required to protect these

regions without affecting their development.



22. According to a report, Twenty-five per cent of India's total land is undergoing

desertification while 32 per cent is facing degradation that has affected its

productivity, critically affecting the livelihood and food security of millions across

the country. In the light of the statement, examine the causes of desertification, its

impact and remedies. (200 Words)



23. Analyse the factors for the location of automobile industries in India. Also highlight

the problems faced by the industry. (200 Words)



24. Answer the following questions in about 120 words each:

(a) What are the different types of precipitation? To which category do monsoon

rains that land on India belong to? Explain.

(b) Which types of soil do you predominantly find in the peninsular India? Explain

their importance to agriculture in the region.



25. Critically comment on India‟s drought management policy. Suggest improvements.

(200 Words)

insights free mock exam – 2014: general studies paper - 1€¦ · general studies paper - 1 09...

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