[Download] UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-1 (2013-2022) History, Geography, Social Science since new syllabus

Prologue

In 2013, UPSC changed the syllabus-pattern of Mains examination and the number of general studies papers were increased from two to four. Out of them, GS Paper-I deals with History, Culture, Society and Geography. Overall breakup looks like this

Category	GS Mains Paper-1	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
History	Culture	20	40	25	25	10	35	10	50	10	40
History	Freedom struggle	30	30	25	37.5	65	10	50	25	40	20
History	World History	40	30	25	12.5	10	15	15	0	15	0
History	Post independence	50	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	10	15
Society	Religion, Region, empowerment	10	10	37.5	37.5	50	35	35	35	0	40
Society	Poverty, Population, Development	0	10	25	12.5	0	40	0	25	15	0
Society	Globalization Impact	10	0	12.5	12.5	0	15	15	15	40	10
Society	Women	10	30	12.5	0	0	15	35	0	10	0
Society	Urbanization	10	0	25	25	15	15	15	15	15	10
Geography	Climate	10	20	37.5	12.5	60	10	55	10	15	0
Geography	Disaster	10	10	0	12.5	15	0	0	0	0	10
Geography	Physical	20	20	0	0	10	20	0	20	45	55
Geography	Resources	20	20	25	62.5	0	10	10	45	35	50
Geography	Industrial Location	10	30	0	0	15	30	10	10	0	0

[Block-1] History

History: Art & Culture

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Salient aspects of Art, Architecture, literature from Ancient to Modern Times

How will you explain that medieval Indian temple sculptures represent the social life of those days ? (स्पष्ट करें कि मध्यकालीन भारतीय मंदिरों की मूर्तिकला उस दौर के सामाजिक जीवन का प्रतिनिधित्व करती है। )	2022
Discuss the significance of the lion and bull figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture. (भारतीय मिथक कला और वास्तुकला में सिंह एवं वृषभ की आकृतियों के महत्व पर विचार करें।)	2022
Discuss the main contributions of Gupta period and Chola period to Indian heritage and culture. (भारतीय परम्परा और संस्कृति में गुप्त-काल और चोल काल के योगदान पर चर्चा करें।)	2022
Evaluate the nature of the Bhakti literature and its contribution to Indian culture. (150 words) भक्ति साहित्य की प्रकृति का मूल्यांकन करते हुए भारतीय संस्कृति में इसके योगदान निर्धारण कीजिए।	2021
The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss. (शैलकृत स्थापत्य प्रारंभिक भारीतय कला एवं ऐतहास के ज्ञान के अति महत्वपूर्ण स्त्रोतों में से एक का प्रतिनिधित्व करता है l विवेचना कीजिए l)	2020
Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate. (भारत में बौद्ध धर्म के इतिहास में पाल काल अति महत्वपूर्ण चरण है l विश्लेषण कीजिए l)	2020
Indian philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss. (भारतीय दर्शन एवं परंपरा ने भारीतय स्मारकों की कल्पना और आकर देने एवं उनकी कला मैं महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाई है l विवेचना कीजिए l)	2020
Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment. (मध्यकालीन भारत के फ़ारसी साहित्यिक स्त्रोत उस काल के युगबोध का प्रतिबिंब है l टिपण्णी कीजिए l)	2020
Highlight the Central Asian and Greco -Bactrian elements in Gandhara art. (गांधाराई कला में मध्य एशियाई एवं यूनानी-बैक्ट्रियाई तत्वों को उजागर कीजिए \| ) (10m,150 words)	2019
Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss.	2018
Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab travellers in the reconstruction of the history of India.	2018
The Bhakti movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss.	2018
How do you justify the view that the level of excellence of Gupta numismatic art is not at all noticeable in later times?	2017
Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate.	2016
Krishnadeva Raya, the King of Vijayanagar, was not only an accomplished scholar himself but was also a great patron of learning and literature. Discuss.	2016
The ancient civilization 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 the present day. Comment.	2015
Mesolithic rock cut architecture of India not only reflects the cultural life of the times but also a tine aesthetic sense comparable to modem painting. Critically evaluate this comment.	2015
To what extent has the urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization provided inputs to the present day urbanization? Discuss.	2014
Gandhara sculpture owed as much to the Romans as to the Greeks. Explain.	2014
Taxila university was one of the oldest universities of the world with which were associated a number of renowned learned personalities of different disciplines. Its strategic location caused its fame to flourish, but unlike Nalanda, it is not considered as a university in the modern sense. Discuss.	2014
Sufis and medieval mystic saints failed to modify either the religious ideas and practices or the outward structure of Hindu / Muslim societies to any appreciable extent. Comment.	2014
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.	2013
Discuss the Tandava dance as recorded in the early Indian inscriptions.	2013
Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss.	2013

History: India before Independence

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Mid-18th century – Present (significant events, personalities, issues); Freedom Struggle (various stages, important contributors from different parts of the country)

Why was there a sudden spurt in famines in colonial India since the mid-eighteenth century ? Give reasons. (औपनिवेशिक भारत की अठारहवीं शताब्दी के मध्य से क्यों अकाल पड़ने में अचानक वृद्धि देखने को मिलती है? कारण बताएं।)	2022
Why did the armies of the British East India Company – mostly comprising of Indian soldiers – win consistently against the more numerous and better equipped armies of the then Indian rulers ? Give reasons. (अधिकांश भारतीय सिपाहियों वाली ईस्ट इंडिया की सेना क्यों तत्कालीन भारतीय शासकों की संख्याबल में अधिक और बेहतर सुसज्जित सेना से लगातार जीतती रही ? कारण बताएँ ।)	2022
Trace the rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements with special reference to Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj. (150 words) यंग बंगाल एवं ब्रह्मो समाज के विशेष संदर्भ में सामाजिक-धार्मिक सुधार आन्दोलनों के उत्थान तथा विकास को रेखांकित कीजिए।	2021
To what extent did the role of the Moderates prepare a base for the wider freedom movement? Comment. (250 words) नरमपंथियों की भूमिका ने किस सीमा तक व्यापक स्वतंत्रता आंदोलन का आधार तैयार किया? टिपण्णी कीजिए।	2021
Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement. (250 words) असहयोग आन्दोलन एवं सविनय अवज्ञा आन्दोलन के दौरान महात्मा गाँधी के रचनात्मक कार्यक्रमों को स्पष्ट कीजिए।	2021
Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on the national movement. (लार्ड कर्जन की नीतियों एवं राष्ट्रीय आंदोलन पर उनके दूरगामी प्रभावों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए l)	2020
Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss. (1920 के दशक से राष्ट्रीय आंदोलन ने कई वैचारिक धाराओं को ग्रहण किया और अपना सामाजिक आधार बढ़ाया l विवेचना कीजिए l)	2020
The 1857 Uprising was the culmination the recurrent big and small local rebellions that had occurred in the preceding hundred years of British rule. Elucidate. (1857 का विप्लव ब्रिटिश शासन के पुर्ववर्ती सौ वर्षों में बार-बार घटित छोटे एवं बड़े स्थानीय विद्रोहों का चरमोत्कर्ष था \| सुस्पष्ट कीजिए \| ) (10m,150 words)	2019
Examine the linkages between 19th centuries ‘Indian Renaissance’ and the emergence of national identity. (उन्नीसवीं शताब्दी के ‘भारतीय पुनर्जागरण’ और राष्ट्रीय पहचान के मध्य सहलग्नताओं का परिक्षण कीजिए \| ) (10m,150 words)	2019
Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian phase. Elaborate. (गांधीवादी प्रावस्था के दौरान विभिन्न स्वरों ने रास्ट्रवादी आंदोलन को सुदृढ़ एवं समृद्ध बनाया था \| विस्तारपूर्वक स्पष्ट कीजिए \| ) (15m,250 words)	2019
Assess the role of British imperial power in complicating the process of transfer of power during the 1940s. (1940 के दशक के दौरान सत्ता हस्तान्तरण की प्रक्रिया को जटिल बनाने में ब्रिटिश साम्राज्यिक सत्ता की भूमिका का आकलन कीजिए \| ) (15m,250 words)	2019
Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times.	2018
Clarify how mid-eighteenth century India was beset with the spectre of a fragmented polity.	2017
Why did the ‘Moderates’ fail to carry conviction with the nation about their proclaimed ideology and political goals by the end of the nineteenth century?	2017
Examine how the decline of traditional artisanal industry in colonial India crippled the rural economy.	2017
The women’s questions arose in modern India as a part of the 19th century social reform movement. What were the major issues and debates concerning women in that period?	2017
Highlight the importance of the new objectives that got added to the vision of Indian independence since twenties of the last century.	2017
Explain how the Uprising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British policies towards colonial India.	2016
Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase.	2016
Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom.	2016
How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss.	2015
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 for the experience gained with the Government of India Act, 1935. Discuss.	2015
The third battle of Panipat was fought in 1761. Why were so many empire-shaking battles fought at Panipat?	2014
Examine critically the various facets of economic policies of the British in India from mid-eighteenth century till independence.	2014
In what ways did the naval mutiny prove to be the last nail in the coffin of British colonial aspirations in India?	2014
Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian women became the torch bearer during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss.	2013
Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements. Analyze their role in the Indian struggle for freedom.	2013
In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern India. Elaborate.	2013

History: India After independence

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Post-Independence (consolidation and reorganisation within country)

The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has been a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with examples. (राज्यों एवं प्रदेशों का राजनीतिक और प्रशासनिक पुनर्गठन उन्नीसवीं शताब्दी के मध्य में निरंतर चल रही एक प्रक्रिया है। उदाहरण सहित विचार करें।)	2022
Assess the main administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration process of Indian Princely States. (150 words) भारतीय रियासतों के एकीकरण की प्रक्रिया में मुख्य प्रशासनिक मुद्दों एवं सामाजिक-सांस्कृतिक समस्याओं का आकलन कीजिए।	2021
Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan and Gramdan movements initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave and their success.	2013
Write a critical note on the evolution and significance of the slogan “Jai Jawana Jai Kisan”.	2013
Discuss the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to pre-and post-independent India.	2013
Analyze the circumstances that led to Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights of the agreement.	2013
Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive roles in the emergence of Bangladesh.	2013

History: world

GS1 Syllabus Topic: 18th century events (e.g. Industrial revolution, WWs, redrawn boundaries, colonisation, decolonisation); Political philosophies (e.g. communism, capitalism, socialism) and their effect on society

“There arose a serious challenge to the Democratic State System between the two World Wars.” Evaluate the statement. (250 words) “दोनों विश्व युद्धों के बिच लोकतंत्रीय राज्य प्रणाली के लिए एक गंभीर चुनौती उत्पन्न हुई।” इस कथन का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।	2021
Explain how the foundations of the modern world were laid by the American and French revolution. (स्पष्ट कीजिए की अमरीकी एवं फ्रांसीसी क्रांतियों ने आधुनिक विश्व की आधारशिलाएं किस प्रकार निर्मित की थीं \|) (15m,250 words)	2019
Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to other colonies? Have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there?	2018
What problems were germane to the decolonization process of Malay Peninsula.	2017
The anti-colonial struggles in West Africa were led by the new elite of Western-educated Africans. Examine.	2016
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?	2015
To what extent can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars? Discuss critically	2015
What were the major political, economic and social developments in the world which motivated the anti-colonial struggle in India?	2014
What were the events that led to the Suez Crisis in 1956? How did it deal a final blow to Britain’s self-image as a world power?	2014
The New Economic Policy – 1921 of Lenin had influenced the policies adopted by India soon after independence. Evaluate.	2014
“Latecomer” Industrial revolution in Japan involved certain factors that were markedly different from what west had experience.	2013
Africa was chopped into states artificially created by accident of European competition. Analyse.	2013
American Revolution was an economic revolt against mercantilism. Substantiate.	2013
What policy instruments were deployed to contain the great economic depression?	2013

[Block-2] Social Science

Social Science: Caste, Religion, Region, Globalization

GS1 Syllabus Topic:

Communalism, Regionalism, Secularism; Social Empowerment
Salient features of Indian Society; Diversity of India;

Given the diversities among tribal communities in India, in which specific contexts should they be considered as a single category ? (भारत के जनजातीय समुदायों की विविधताओं को देखते हुए किस विशिष्ट सन्दर्भ के अन्तर्गत उन्हें किसी एकल श्रेणी में माना जाना चाहिए ?)	2022
Are tolerance, assimilation and pluralism the key elements in the making of an Indian form of secularism ? Justify your answer. (क्या सहिष्णुता, सम्मिलन एवं बहुलता मुख्य तत्त्व हैं जो धर्मनिरपेक्षता के भारतीय रूप का निर्माण करते हैं ? तर्कसंगत उत्तर दें।)	2022
Analyse the salience of ‘sect’ in Indian society vis-a-vis caste, region and religion. (भारतीय समाज में जाति, क्षेत्र तथा धर्म के समानांतर ‘पंथ’ की विशेषता की विवेचना कीजिए ।)	2022
Examine the uniqueness of tribal knowledge system when compared with mainstream knowledge and cultural systems. (150 words) मुख्यधारा के ज्ञान और सांस्कृतिक प्रणालियों की तुलना में आदिवासी ज्ञान प्रणाली की विशिष्टता की जांच कीजिए।	2021
How does Indian society maintain continuity in traditional social values? Enumerate the changes taking place in it. (250 words) भारत समाज पारम्परिक सामाजिक मूल्यों में निरंतरता कैसे बनाए रखता है ? इनमें होने वाले परिवर्तनों का विवरण दीजिए।	2021
Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi-cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations. (बहु-सांस्कृतिक भारतीय समाज को समझने में क्या जाती की प्रासंगिकता समाप्त हो गई है? उदाहरों सहित विस्तृत उत्तर दीजिए l)	2020
Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalisation? Justify your answer. (क्या भारत में विविधता एवं बहुलवाद वैश्वीकरण के कारण संकट में है? औचित्यपूर्ण उत्तर दीजिए l)	2020
Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue. (क्या आप सहमत है की भारत में क्षेत्रीयता बढ़ती हुई सांस्कृतिक मुखरता का परिणाम परतीत होती है? तर्क कीजिए l )	2020
Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree? (रीती-रिवाजों एवं परम्पराओं द्वारा तर्क को दबाने से प्रगतिविरोध उत्पन्न हुआ है l क्या आप इससे सहमत हैं ?)	2020
“Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment.	2018
How the Indian concept of secularism is different from the western model of secularism? Discuss.	2018
‘Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation. Argue by giving suitable illustrations.	2018
The spirit tolerance and love is not only an interesting feature of Indian society from very early times, but it is also playing an important part at the present. Elaborate.	2017
Distinguish between religiousness/religiosity and communalism giving one example of how the former has got transformed into the latter in independent India.	2017
In the context of diversity of India, can it be said that the regions form cultural units rather than the States? Give reasons with examples for your viewpoint.	2017
What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence, addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs)?	2017
Has the formation of linguistic States strengthened the cause of Indian Unity?	2016
Why are the tribals in India referred to as the Scheduled Tribes? Indicate the major provisions enshrined in the Constitution of India for their upliftment.	2016
What is the basis of regionalism? Is it that unequal distribution of benefits of development on regional basis eventually promotes regionalism? Substantiate your answer.	2016
Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate.	2015
Describe any four cultural elements of diversity in India and rate their relative significance in building a national identity.	2015
Debate the issue of whether and how contemporary movements for assertion of Dalit identity work towards annihilation of caste.	2015
How do the Indian debates on secularism differ from the debates in the West?	2014
Growing feeling of regionalism is an important factor in the generation of demand for a separate state. Discuss.	2013

Social Science: Poverty, Population, Globalization

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Poverty, Population; Development and associated issues

Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (250 words) जनसंख्या शिक्षा के प्रमुख उद्देश्यों की विवेचना करते हुए भारत में इन्हें प्राप्त करने के उपायों पर विस्तृत प्रकाश डालिए।	2021
COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment. (कोविद-19 महामारी ने भारत में वर्ग असमानताओं एवं गरीबी को गति दे दी है l टिपण्णी कीजिए l)	2020
How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the educational system in the country? Elaborate your answer. (भारत में डिजिटल पहल ने किस प्रकार से देश की शिक्षा व्यवस्था के संचालन में योगदान किया है? विस्तृत उत्तर दीजिए l)	2020
What makes Indian society unique in sustaining its culture? Discuss. (क्या बात है जो भारतीय समाज को अपनी संस्कृति को जीवित रखने में अद्वितीय बना देती है ? चर्चा कीजिए \| ) (10m,150 words)	2019
What are the challenges to our cultural practices in the name of secularism. (धर्मनिरपेक्षता के नाम पर हमारी सांस्कृतिक प्रथाओं के सामने क्या-क्या चुनौतियां हैं ?) (10m,150 words)	2019
Do we have cultural pockets of small India all over the nation? Elaborate with examples. (क्या हमारे राष्ट्र में सर्वत्र लघु भारत के सांस्कृतिक क्षेत्र हैं ? उदाहरणों के साथ सविस्तार स्पष्ट कीजिए \| ) (15m,250 words)	2019
‘Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existing.’ Explain by giving reasons.	2018
Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the economy of India.	2018
Mention core strategies for the transformation of aspirational districts in India and explain the nature of convergence, collaboration and competition for its success.	2018
“An essential condition to eradicate poverty is to liberate the poor from deprivation.” Substantiate this statement with suitable examples	2016
Critically examine whether growing population is the cause of poverty OR poverty is the main cause of population increase in India.	2015
Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades.	2015
The life cycle of a joint family depends on economic factors rather than social values. Discuss.	2014

Social Science: Globalization

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Globalisation (effects on Indian society)

Explore and evaluate the impact of ‘Work From Home’ on family relationships. (पारिवारिक सम्बन्धों पर ‘वर्क फ्रॉम होम’ के असर की छानबीन तथा मूल्यांकन करें ।)	2022
What is Cryptocurrency? How does it affect global society? Has it been affecting Indian society also? (250 words) क्रिप्टोकरेंसी क्या है ? वैश्विक समाज को यह कैसे प्रभावित करती है ? क्या यह भारतीय समाज को भी प्रभावित कर रही है ?	2021
Are we losing our local identity for the global identity? Discuss. (क्या हम वैश्विक पहचान के लिए अपनी स्थानीय पहचान को खोते जा रहे हैं ? चर्चा कीजिए \| ) (15m,250 words)	2019
‘Globalization is generally said to promote cultural homogenization but due to this cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in the Indian Society. Elucidate.	2018
Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization on women in India. (2013, Asked about Globalization effect on Elderly)	2015
To what extent globalization has influenced the core of cultural diversity in India? Explain.	2016
Critically examine the effects of globalization on the aged population in India.	2013

Social Science: Women

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Role of women and women’s organisation;
Although some of the following questions fall under population and globalization categories, but if a person cultivates habit of noting down women related topics under one head, it’ll benefit in both GS1, GS2 and Essay.

Examine the role of ‘Gig Economy’ in the process of empowerment of women in India. (150 words) भारत में महिलाओं के सशक्तिकरण की प्रक्रिया में ‘गिग इकोनॉमी’ की भूमिका का परिक्षण कीजिए।	2021
“Empowering women is the key to control population growth”. Discuss (“महिला सशक्तिकरण जनसंख्या संवृद्धि को नियंत्रित करने की कुंजी है \|” चर्चा कीजिए \| ) (10m,150 words)	2019
What are the continued challenges for women in India against time and space? (भारत में महिलाओं के समक्ष समय और स्थान संबंधित निरंतर चुनोतियाँ क्या-क्या है ?) (15m,250 words)	2019
‘Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata. Substantiate your view.	2018
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?	2015
How does patriarchy impact the position of a middle class working woman in India?	2014
Discuss the various economic and socio-cultural forces that are driving increasing feminization of agriculture in India.	2014
Why do some of the most prosperous regions of India have an adverse sex ratio for women? Give your arguments.	2014
Male membership needs to be encouraged in order to make women’s organization free from gender bias. Comment.	2013

[Block-3] Geography

Geography: Physical

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Salient Features of World Physical Geography; Important Geophysical phenomena (earthquakes, tsunami, volcanoes, cyclones); Geographical features and location;

Describe the characteristics and types of primary rocks. (प्राथमिक चट्टानों की विशेषताओं एवं प्रकारों का वर्णन कीजिए।)	2022
Troposphere is a very significant atmospheric layer that determines weather processes. How? ( क्षोभमंडल वायुमंडल का एक महत्त्वपूर्ण परत है जो मौसम प्रक्रियाओं को निर्धारित करता है। कैसे ?)	2022
Mention the significance of straits and isthmus in international trade. (अंतर्राष्ट्रीय व्यापार में जलसंधि व स्थलसंधि के महत्त्व का उल्लेख कीजिए ।.)	2022
What are the forces that influence ocean currents? Describe their role in fishing industry of the world. (समुद्री धाराओं को प्रभावित करने वाली शक्तियाँ कौन सी है ? विश्व के मत्स्य उद्योग में इनके योगदान का वर्णन करें )	2022
Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats. (150 words) हिमालय क्षेत्र तथा पश्चिमी घाटों में भू-स्खलनों के विभिन्न कारणों का अंतर स्पष्ट कीजिए।	2021
Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional environment. (150 words) 2021 में घटित ज्वालामुखी विस्फोटों की वैश्विक घटनाओं का उल्लेख करते हुए क्षेत्रीय पर्यावरण पर उनके द्वारा पड़े प्रभाव को बताइए।	2021
Why is India considered as a subcontinent? Elaborate your answer. (150 words) भारत को एक उपमहाद्वीप क्यों माना जाता है ? विस्तारपूर्वक उत्तर दीजिए।	2021
Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world and explain their impact on local weather conditions, with examples. (250 words) विश्व की प्रमुख पर्वत शृंख्लाओं के संरेखण का संक्षिप्त उल्लेख कीजिए तथा उनके स्थानीय मौसम पर पड़ें प्रभावों का सोदाहरण वर्णन कीजिए।	2021
Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum-Pacific Zone. (परी-प्रशांत क्षेत्र के भू-भौतिकीय अभिलक्षणों का विवेचन कीजिए l)	2020
The process of desertification does not have climatic boundaries. Justify with examples. (मरुशलीकरण के प्रक्रम की जलवायविक सीमाएँ नहीं होती है l उदाहरणों सहित औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए l)	2020
Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation?	2018
Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics.	2018
How does the Juno Mission of NASA help to understand the origin and evolution of the Earth?	2017
“The Himalayas are highly prone to landslides.” Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation.	2016
Explain the formation of thousands of islands in Indonesian and Philippines archipelagos.	2014
Why are the world’s fold mountain systems located along the margins of continents? Bring out the association between the global distribution of Fold Mountains and the earthquakes and volcanoes.	2014
What do you understand by the theory of continental drift? Discuss the prominent evidences in its support.	2013
There is no formation of deltas by rivers of the Western Ghat. Why?	2013
Major hot deserts in northern hemisphere are located between 20-30 degree north and on the western side of the continents. Why?	2013
Bring out the causes for more frequent landslides in the Himalayas than in Western Ghats	2013

Geography: Climate, Disaster related

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Critical geographical features, flora, fauna (changes and effects thereof)

Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India Meteorological Department. (भारतीय मौसम विज्ञान विभाग द्वारा चक्रवात प्रवण क्षेत्रों के लिए मौसम सम्बन्धी चेतावनियों के लिए निर्धारित रंग-संकेत के अर्थ की चर्चा करें।)	2022
How do the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain. (250 words) आर्कटिक की बर्फ़ और अंटार्टिक के ग्लेशियरों का पिघलना किस तरह अलग-अलग ढंग से पृथ्वी पर मौसम के स्वरूप और मनुष्य की गतिविधियों पर प्रभाव डालते हैं? स्पष्ट कीजिए।	2021
How will the meeting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water resources of India? (हिमालय के हिमनदों के पिघलने का भारत के जल-संसाधनों पर किस प्रकार दूरगामी प्रभाव होगा ?)	2020
Assess the impact of global warming on coral life system with examples. (वैश्विक तापन का प्रवाल जीवन तंत्र पर प्रभाव का, उदाहरणों के साथ, आकलन कीजिए \| ) (10m,150 words)	2019
How do ocean currents and water masses differ in their impacts on marine life and the coastal environment? Give suitable examples? (महासागर धाराएँ और जल राशियाँ समुद्री जीवन और तटीय पर्यावरण पर अपने प्रभावों में किस-किस प्रकार परस्पर भिन्न हैं ? उपयुक्त उदहारण दीजिए \| ) (15m,250 words)	2019
Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology. (मैंग्रोवों के रिक्तीकरण के कारणों पर चर्चा कीजिए और तटीय पारिस्थितिकी का अनुरक्षण करने में इनके महत्व को स्पष्ट कीजिए \| ) (10m,150 words)	2019
How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism? (पर्वत पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र को विकास पहलों और पर्यटन के ऋणात्मक प्रभाव से किस प्रकार पूण:स्थापित किया जा सकता है ? ) (15m,250 words)	2019
What is water stress? How and why does it differ regionally in India? (जल प्रतिबल (वाटर स्ट्रैस) का क्या मतलब है ? भारत में यह किस प्रकार और किस कारन प्रादेशिकत: भिन्न-भिन्न है ?) (15m,250 words)	2019
What are the consequences of spreading of ‘Dead Zones’ on marine ecosystem?	2018
In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development.” Discuss.	2017
Mention the advantages of the cultivation of pulse because of which the year 2016 was declared as the International Year of Pulses by the United Nations.	2017
How does the cryosphere affect global climate?	2017
Account for variations in oceanic salinity and discuss its multi-dimensional effects.	2017
In what way can flood be converted into a sustainable source of irrigation and all-weather inland navigation in India?	2017
What characteristics can be assigned to monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding more than 50 percent of the won population residing in Monsoon Asia?	2017
Discuss the concept of air mass and explain its role in macro-climatic changes.	2016
Explain the factors responsible for the origin of ocean currents. How do they influence regional climates, fishing and navigation?	2015
How far do you agree that the behavior of the Indian monsoon has been changing due to humanizing landscapes? Discuss.	2015
Tropical cyclones are largely confined to South China Sea, Bay of Bengal and Gulf of Mexico. Why?	2014
Most of the unusual climatic happenings are explained as an outcome of the El-Nino effect. Do you agree?	2014
Bring out the relationship between the shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the symptoms of climate change in the Indian sub-continent.	2014
The recent cyclone on the east coast of India was called “Phailin”. How are the tropical cyclones named across the world?	2013
Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world.	2013
What do you understand by the phenomenon of temperature inversion in meteorology? How does it affect the weather and the habitants of the place?	2013

Geography: Resources Distribution

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Distribution of key Natural Resources (world, S. Asia, Indian subcontinent)

Examine the potential of wind energy in India and explain the reasons for their limited spatial spread. (भारत में पवन ऊर्जा की संभावना का परीक्षण कीजिए एवं उनके सीमित क्षेत्रीय विस्तार के कारणों को समझाइए\|)	2022
Discuss the natural resource potentials of ‘Deccan Trap’. ( ‘दक्कन ट्रैप’ की प्राकृतिक संसाधन सम्भावनाओं की चर्चा कीजिए।)	2022
Elucidate the relationship between globalization and new technology in a world of scarce resources, with special reference to India. (अपर्याप्त संसाधनों की दुनिया में भूमंडलीकरण एवं नए तकनीक के रिश्ते को भारत के विशेष सन्दर्भ में स्पष्ट करें। )	2022
Describing the distribution of rubber producing countries, indicate the major environmental issues faced by them. (रबर उत्पादक देशों के वितरण का वर्णन करते हुए उनके द्वारा सामना किए जाने वाले प्रमुख पर्यावरणीय मुद्दों को इंगित कीजिए।)	2022
Despite India being one of the countries of the Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss. (150 words) गोंडवानालैंड के देशों में से एक होने के बावजूद भारत के खनन उद्योग अपने सकल घरेलु उत्पाद (जी. डी. पी.) में बहुत कम प्रतिशत का योगदान देते हैं। विवेचना कीजिए।	2021
What are the environmental implications of the reclamation of water bodies into urban land use? Explain with examples. (150 words) शहरी भूमि उपयोग के लिए जल निकायों से भूमि-उद्धार के पर्यावर्णीय प्रभाव क्या है ? उदाहरणों सहित समझाइए।	2021
Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of mineral oil in the world. (250 words) विश्व में खनिज तेल के असमान वितरण के बहुआयामी प्रभावों की विवेचना कीजिए।	2021
The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods and interrupted navigation. Critically examine. (नदियों को आपस में जोड़ना सूखा, बाढ़ और बाधित जल-परिवहन जैसी बहु-आयामी अन्तर्सम्बन्धित समस्याओं का व्यवहार्य समाधान दे सकता है l आलोचनात्मक परिक्षण कीजिए l)	2020
India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its development. Elaborate. (भारत में सौर ऊर्जा की प्रचुर संभावनाएँ हैं हालाँकि इसके विकास में क्षेतिया भिन्नताएँ हैं l विस्तृत वर्णन कीजिए l)	2020
Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change. (भारत संसाधनों की स्तिथि एवं जलवायु परिवर्तन पर उसके परिणामी प्रभावों का परिक्षण कीजिए l)	2020
Can the strategy of regional-resource based manufacturing help in promoting employment in India? (क्या प्रादेशिक संसाधन-आधारित विनिर्माण की रणनीति भारत में रोज़गार की प्रोन्नति करने में सहायक हो सकती है ?) (10m,150 words)	2019
Why is India taking keen interest in resources of Arctic Region?	2018
The effective management of land and water resources will drastically reduce the human miseries. Explain	2016
South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Comment.	2016
Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic and political implications in the context of changing bilateral relations.	2016
Enumerate the problems and prospects of inland water transport in India.	2016
In what way micro-watershed Development projects help in water conservation in drought prone and semi-arid regions of India.	2016
What are the economic significances of discovery of oil in Arctic Sea and its possible environmental consequences?	2015
India is well endowed with fresh water resources. Critically examine why it still suffers from water scarcity.	2015
The states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand reaching the limits of their ecological carrying capacity due to tourism. Critically evaluate.	2015
Critically evaluate the various resources of the oceans which can be harnessed to meet the resource crisis in the world.	2014
How does India see its place in the economic space of rising natural resource rich Africa?	2014
With growing scarcity of fossil fuels, the 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.	2013
It is said the India has substantial reserves of shale oil and gas, which can feed the needs of country for quarter century. However, tapping of the resources doesn’t appear to be high on the agenda. Discuss critically the availability and issues involved.	2013

Geography: factors affecting industrial locations

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Factors responsible for location of Industries (primary, secondary, tertiary; India, world)


Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples. (वर्तमान में लोह एवं इस्पात उद्योगों की कच्चे माल के स्त्रोत से दूर स्तिथि का उदाहरणों सहित कारन बताइए l)	2020
Discuss the factors for localization of agro-based food processing industries of North-West India. (उत्तर-पश्चिमी भारत के कृषि-आधारित खाद्य प्रक्रमण उद्योगों के स्थाणुयकरण के कारकों पर चर्चा कीजिए \| ) (10m,150 words)	2019
Define blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India.	2018
What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identify industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics.	2018
Petroleum refineries are not necessarily located nearer to crude oil producing areas, particularly in many of the developing countries. Explain its implications.	2017
Whereas the British planters had developed tea gardens all along the Shivaliks and Lesser Himalayas from Assam to Himachal Pradesh, in effect they did not succeed beyond the Darjeeling area. Explain.	2014
Account for the change in the spatial pattern of the Iron and Steel industry in the world.	2014
Why did the Green Revolution in India virtually by-pass the eastern region despite fertile soil and good availability of water?	2014
Do you agree that there is a growing trend of opening new sugar mills in the Southern states of India? Discuss with justification	2013
Analyze the factors for highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India	2013

Geography: Urbanization / Society: Urbanization

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Urbanization: problems and remedies

How is the growth of Tier 2 cities related to the rise of a new middle class with an emphasis on the culture of consumption ? (उपभोक्ता संस्कृति के विशेष परिप्रेक्ष्य में नव मध्यवर्ग के उभार से टीयर 2 शहरों का विकास किस तरह सम्बन्धित है ?)	2022
What are the main socio-economic implications arising out of the development of IT industries in major cities of India? (250 words) भारत के प्रमुख शहरों में आई. टी. उद्योगों के विकास से उत्तपन्न होने वाले मुख्या सामाजिक-आर्थिक प्रभाव क्या हैं ?	2021
Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures. (भारत में दशलक्षीय नगरों जिनमे हैदराबाद एवं पुणे जैसे स्मार्ट सिटीज भी सम्मिलित हैं, में व्यापक बाढ़ के कारन बताइए l स्थायी निराकरण के उपाय भी सुजाइए l)	2020
How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development of India? (दक्ष और किफायती (अफोर्डेबल) शहरी सार्वजनिक परिवहन किस प्रकार भारत के द्रुत आर्थिक विकास की कुंजी है ?) (15m,250 words)	2019
“The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting system.” How can it be made effective in urban areas?	2018
The growth of cities as I.T. hubs has opened up new avenues employment but has also created new problems. Substantiate this statement with examples. Urbanization	2017
With a brief background of quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of the ‘Smart City Programme’.	2016
Major cities of India are becoming more vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss.	2016
Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three mega cities of the country but the air pollution is much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so?	2015
Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart villages. Discuss this statement in the backdrop of rural urban integration.	2015
Discussion the various social problems which originated out of the speedy process of urbanization in India.	2013

Appendix: Linear paper of 2022-GSM1

How will you explain that medieval Indian temple sculptures represent the social life of those days ? (स्पष्ट करें कि मध्यकालीन भारतीय मंदिरों की मूर्तिकला उस दौर के सामाजिक जीवन का प्रतिनिधित्व करती है। ) 10m 150w
Why did the armies of the British East India Company – mostly comprising of Indian soldiers – win consistently against the more numerous and better equipped armies of the then Indian rulers ? Give reasons. (अधिकांश भारतीय सिपाहियों वाली ईस्ट इंडिया की सेना क्यों तत्कालीन भारतीय शासकों की संख्याबल में अधिक और बेहतर सुसज्जित सेना से लगातार जीतती रही ? कारण बताएँ ।) 10m 150w
Why was there a sudden spurt in famines in colonial India since the mid-eighteenth century ? Give reasons. (औपनिवेशिक भारत की अठारहवीं शताब्दी के मध्य से क्यों अकाल पड़ने में अचानक वृद्धि देखने को मिलती है? कारण बताएं।) 10m 150w
Describe the characteristics and types of primary rocks. (प्राथमिक चट्टानों की विशेषताओं एवं प्रकारों का वर्णन कीजिए।) 10m 150w
Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India Meteorological Department. (भारतीय मौसम विज्ञान विभाग द्वारा चक्रवात प्रवण क्षेत्रों के लिए मौसम सम्बन्धी चेतावनियों के लिए निर्धारित रंग-संकेत के अर्थ की चर्चा करें।) 10m 150w
Discuss the natural resource potentials of ‘Deccan Trap’. ( ‘दक्कन ट्रैप’ की प्राकृतिक संसाधन सम्भावनाओं की चर्चा कीजिए।) 10m 150w
Examine the potential of wind energy in India and explain the reasons for their limited spatial spread. (भारत में पवन ऊर्जा की संभावना का परीक्षण कीजिए एवं उनके सीमित क्षेत्रीय विस्तार के कारणों को समझाइए|) 10m 150w
Explore and evaluate the impact of ‘Work From Home’ on family relationships. (पारिवारिक सम्बन्धों पर ‘वर्क फ्रॉम होम’ के असर की छानबीन तथा मूल्यांकन करें ।) 10m 150w
How is the growth of Tier 2 cities related to the rise of a new middle class with an emphasis on the culture of consumption ? (उपभोक्ता संस्कृति के विशेष परिप्रेक्ष्य में नव मध्यवर्ग के उभार से टीयर 2 शहरों का विकास किस तरह सम्बन्धित है ?) 10m 150w
Given the diversities among tribal communities in India, in which specific contexts should they be considered as a single category ? (भारत के जनजातीय समुदायों की विविधताओं को देखते हुए किस विशिष्ट सन्दर्भ के अन्तर्गत उन्हें किसी एकल श्रेणी में माना जाना चाहिए ?) 10m 150w
The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has been a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with examples. (राज्यों एवं प्रदेशों का राजनीतिक और प्रशासनिक पुनर्गठन उन्नीसवीं शताब्दी के मध्य में निरंतर चल रही एक प्रक्रिया है। उदाहरण सहित विचार करें।) 15m 250w
Discuss the main contributions of Gupta period and Chola period to Indian heritage and culture. (भारतीय परम्परा और संस्कृति में गुप्त-काल और चोल काल के योगदान पर चर्चा करें।) 15m 250w
Discuss the significance of the lion and bull figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture. (भारतीय मिथक कला और वास्तुकला में सिंह एवं वृषभ की आकृतियों के महत्व पर विचार करें।) 15m 250w
What are the forces that influence ocean currents? Describe their role in fishing industry of the world. (समुद्री धाराओं को प्रभावित करने वाली शक्तियाँ कौन सी है ? विश्व के मत्स्य उद्योग में इनके योगदान का वर्णन करें ) 15m 250w
Describing the distribution of rubber producing countries, indicate the major environmental issues faced by them. (रबर उत्पादक देशों के वितरण का वर्णन करते हुए उनके द्वारा सामना किए जाने वाले प्रमुख पर्यावरणीय मुद्दों को इंगित कीजिए।) 15m 250w
Mention the significance of straits and isthmus in international trade. (अंतर्राष्ट्रीय व्यापार में जलसंधि व स्थलसंधि के महत्त्व का उल्लेख कीजिए ।.) 15m 250w
Troposphere is a very significant atmospheric layer that determines weather processes. How? ( क्षोभमंडल वायुमंडल का एक महत्त्वपूर्ण परत है जो मौसम प्रक्रियाओं को निर्धारित करता है। कैसे ?) 15m 250w
Analyse the salience of ‘sect’ in Indian society vis-a-vis caste, region and religion. (भारतीय समाज में जाति, क्षेत्र तथा धर्म के समानांतर ‘पंथ’ की विशेषता की विवेचना कीजिए ।) 15m 250w
Are tolerance, assimilation and pluralism the key elements in the making of an Indian form of secularism ? Justify your answer. (क्या सहिष्णुता, सम्मिलन एवं बहुलता मुख्य तत्त्व हैं जो धर्मनिरपेक्षता के भारतीय रूप का निर्माण करते हैं ? तर्कसंगत उत्तर दें।) 15m 250w
Elucidate the relationship between globalization and new technology in a world of scarce resources, with special reference to India. (अपर्याप्त संसाधनों की दुनिया में भूमंडलीकरण एवं नए तकनीक के रिश्ते को भारत के विशेष सन्दर्भ में स्पष्ट करें। ) 15m 250w

Appendix: Model Answer pe Free Lecture & Powerpoint

Free Lecture: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYR7WJw1-QWw2l-GA5DVW0EThFRkORf8
Free Powerpoint: https://unacademy.com/content/upsc/mains-paper-analysis/

Appendix: Syllabus of UPSC Mains-GSM1 General Studies Paper1

1) Salient aspects of Art, Architecture,
2) literature from Ancient to Modern Times
Mid-18th century – Present (significant events, personalities, issues); Freedom Struggle (various stages, important contributors from different parts of the country)
Post-Independence (consolidation and reorganisation within country)
18th century events (e.g. Ind’l revo, WWs, redrawn boundaries, colonisation, decolonisation); Political philosophies (e.g. communism, capitalism, socialism) and their effect on society
Communalism, Regionalism, Secularism; Social Empowerment
Poverty, Population; Development and associated issues
Salient features of Indian Society; Diversity of India; Globalisation (effects on Indian society)
Role of women and women’s organisation;
Critical geographical features, flora, fauna (changes and effects therof)
Factors responsible for location of Industries (primary, secondary, tertiary; India, world)
Salient Features of World Physical Geography; Important Geophysical phenomena (earthquakes, tsunami, volcanoes, cyclones); Geographical features and location;
Distribution of key Natural Resources (world, S. Asia, Indian subcontinent)
Urbanisation: problems and remedies