GS Paper - I Model Answers (2022) - 1 | UPSC Mains Answer Writing: Practice PDF Download

Q1: How will you explain that Medieval Indian temple sculptures represent the social life of those days?
Ans: Sculpture serves a multifaceted purpose beyond mere decoration. It is employed to represent and explore politics, culture, history, religion, rituals, and tributes to the past in various contexts. The nature of sculptural work evolves over time and across different locations, as it is a tangible art form existing in the same space as its viewers. Whether in the form of bronze busts, grand statues, or intricate stone carvings, sculptures accurately capture images and concepts from ancient cultures.
One of the significant roles of sculpture is to convey a civilization's religious beliefs. Early Buddhism, for example, symbolically portrayed Buddha through footprints, stupas, lotus thrones, and chakras, signifying worship, respect, or historical events. Jataka stories also played a crucial role in sculptural embellishments, with the chakra motif representing the Dhammachakra in Buddhist art. This wheel symbolizes the Dharma, Buddha's teachings, with its center swirls representing the three jewels of Buddhism: the Buddha, Dharma, and sangha (community).
The Gurjara-Pratihara culture is exemplified by sculptures, carved panels, and open pavilion-style temples, particularly at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khajuraho. These structures symbolize core Hindu values through their design, structure, and component placement. Rajasthan, notably Vasantgarh, Devangarh, Palta, Osian, Dilwara, Chittor, and Mandor, continued sculptural activities, showcasing the Gurjara Pratiharas' cultural renaissance in the 8th to 10th centuries.
Sculptures like Mahishasuramardini, Girigovardhana panel, Arjuna's penance, Trivikrama Vishnu, Gajalakshmi, and Anantasayanam reflect society's faith and beliefs. In Gandhara, the convergence of Bactria, Parthia, and local Gandhara traditions shaped the region's sculptural heritage. Similarly, Mathura's strong sculptural tradition spread to northern India, evident in stupa sculptures found in Sanghol, Punjab. Images of Vaishnava and Shaiva faiths at Mathura depict societal religious beliefs.
Chola sculptures, particularly the Nataraja image, exemplify bronze casting from the tenth century onwards. These sculptures depict everyday life scenarios and are inspired by immediate surroundings. In essence, all works of art, including sculptures, aim to convey messages, whether they depict ideas, religious beliefs, historical events, or mythical tales of heroism.

Q2: 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.
Ans: Indians were enlisted into the British East India Company's army due to their familiarity with Indian conditions and willingness to accept lower wages. Consequently, the company's overall expenses were lower than those incurred when hiring British soldiers. The vast distance between Britain and India prevented the British people from relocating to India. To consolidate their authority, the English utilized various military and administrative tactics.
The British possessed superior military technology, such as advanced cannons and assault rifles with greater range and firing speed than Indian weapons. While some Indian rulers acquired European arms, they lacked the strategic expertise of the British.
British authorities ensured regular income and strict codes of conduct, ensuring loyalty among commanders and soldiers. In contrast, Indian rulers struggled to make consistent salary payments, relying on unreliable mercenaries for personal protection.
Exceptional leaders like Robert Clive, Warren Hastings, Elphinstone, and others, supported by second-line commanders like Sir Eyre Coote and Arthur Wellesley, played a pivotal role. On the Indian side, commanders like Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan existed, but they lacked a strong secondary leadership.
The British benefited from substantial wealth generated through trade, which funded their military efforts. Indian rulers lacked unified political nationalism, allowing the British to exploit divisions and incite civil conflicts. The East India Company utilized its private army to impose heavy taxes, engage in plundering, subjugate Indian governments, and exploit both skilled and unskilled Indian laborers.

Q3: Why was there a sudden spurt in famines in colonial India since the mid-eighteenth century? Give reasons.
Ans: The term "famine" originates from the Latin word "Fames," meaning "hunger." It refers to a state of severe hunger experienced by a population due to a lack of regular food supply in a region.
The Bengal famine of 1769-70 was exacerbated by erratic rainfall and a smallpox epidemic, while the 1783-84 famine followed widespread crop failures.
Causes:

• Drought: In 1770, excessive rainfall worsened drought conditions, causing river overflow and damaging crops. Famine resulted from sharp food price increases, leading to reduced wages, starvation, malnutrition, and epidemics among agricultural laborers.
• Rural Indebtedness: Heavy rural debt, amplified by exorbitant rents and unfair British taxation, burdened peasants. Severe drought-like conditions further worsened this debt, contributing to famines.
• British Policy: Colonial exploitation, repression, and oppression inflicted by the British Government were primary causes of devastating famines. Mass export of agricultural produce to England led to food shortages in India. The 1793 introduction of permanent settlement dispossessed peasants of land ownership, making zamindars and talukdars the true landowners. Famines during colonial rule negatively impacted population growth and hindered economic development, influencing India's economy and culture significantly.

Q4: Describe the characteristics and types of primary rocks.
Ans: Igneous rocks are referred to as primary rocks because they are the first to form in the rock cycle and lack organic remains. They develop when hot, molten rock crystallizes and solidifies.
These rocks can be categorized into two types based on where the molten rock solidifies:

• Intrusive Igneous Rocks: These rocks form deep inside the Earth when magma cools slowly over thousands or millions of years, allowing mineral grains to grow to a large size. Examples include Diabase, Granite, Pegmatite, and Peridotite. They have a coarse-grained texture due to slow cooling.
• Extrusive Igneous Rocks: These rocks are created when magma exits and cools near the Earth's surface. They form during volcanic eruptions, where molten rock rapidly cools and solidifies upon exposure to the atmosphere. As a result of quick cooling, these rocks have a fine-grained or glassy texture. They may also exhibit a bubbly, vesicular texture due to trapped gas bubbles. Examples include Basalt, Pumice, Obsidian, and Andesite.

Q5: Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India Meteorological Department.
Ans: The IMD employs a system of color-coded weather warnings to convey the severity of weather conditions and notify the public about potential widespread disruption or danger to life:

• Green (All Clear): No advisory is issued; conditions are normal and safe.
• Yellow (Be Aware): Indicates prolonged adverse weather conditions spanning multiple days. It warns of possible worsening weather, leading to disruptions in daily activities.
• Orange (Be Prepared): Issued as a caution for extremely severe weather that may disrupt travel, with road and rail closures, and potential power outages.
• Red (Take Action): Indicates certainty of extremely severe weather conditions that will disrupt travel, power supply, and pose significant risks to life and safety.

In cyclone-prone areas, the IMD issues warnings to state government officials in four stages:

• Pre-Cyclone Watch: Issued 72 hours in advance, providing early warnings about the development of a cyclonic disturbance in the north Indian Ocean.
• Cyclone Alert: Issued at least 48 hours prior to the expected onset of adverse weather over coastal areas, denoted by a yellow alert.
• Cyclone Warning: Issued at least 24 hours in advance, indicating the forecasted landfall point, denoted by an orange alert.
• Post Landfall Outlook: Issued at least 12 hours before the expected time of landfall, providing information about the likely direction of the cyclone's movement after making landfall, represented by a red alert.

Q6: Discuss the natural resource potentials of ‘Deccan Trap’.
Ans: The Deccan Trap, a vast expanse of thick basaltic rock situated in west-central India, is linked to one of Earth's most significant volcanic eruptions. Encompassing substantial portions of Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, and parts of Madhya Pradesh and southern Rajasthan, this region boasts diverse natural resources:
Soil & Rocks:

• Black Soil: Also referred to as "Regur Soil" or "Black Cotton Soil," it is rich in iron, lime, aluminum, and magnesium, yet lacks nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter. Cultivation in this soil includes cotton, pulses, millets, castor, tobacco, sugarcane, citrus fruits, and linseed.
• Rocks: The Deccan basalts have been carved into ancient cave temples, such as the Elephanta Caves off Mumbai.

Minerals:

• Non-Ferrous Minerals: Bauxite, found in abundance in regions like Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Uttar Pradesh, ensures India's self-reliance.
• Ferrous Minerals: India possesses substantial iron ore reserves, especially in Maharashtra and Goa.
• Natural Gas: Extracted alongside oil in various fields, exclusive reserves have been identified in locations like the eastern coast, Tripura, Rajasthan, and offshore wells in Gujarat and Maharashtra. Recent discoveries in the Deccan region, spanning parts of Telangana, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, have been noted by the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI).
• Geothermal Energy: The Western Ghats, part of the volcanic Deccan traps, boasts numerous hot springs.
• Nuclear Energy: Utilizing minerals like uranium and thorium, nuclear energy projects, including Tarapur in Maharashtra and Rawatbhata near Kota in Rajasthan, have gained prominence recently.

Q7: Examine the potential of wind energy in India and explain the reasons for their limited spatial spread.
Ans: 

• Rewritten:
  The kinetic energy of moving air is harnessed by using wind to generate electricity. This conversion of wind energy into electrical power is achieved through the use of wind turbines or wind energy conversion systems.
• Potential:
  India possesses a significant wind energy potential, estimated at approximately 60 GW. This capacity is expected to increase significantly over time as older, low-capacity wind power stations are potentially replaced by higher-capacity wind turbines. Another untapped source of wind energy lies in India's coastal regions, particularly in the ocean. Worldwide, exploration in this area is still in its early stages. The eastern coast of India is prone to cyclones, making it an ideal location for wind energy harnessing. India's extensive coastline, spanning approximately 7,516.6 km, provides ample opportunities for wind energy development in all of its exclusive economic zones. Research conducted by the National Institute for Wind Energy in Chennai indicates that the western states of India offer a greater potential for stable, consistent, and swift wind flows. As of 2022, Tamil Nadu stands out as one of the leading producers of wind energy in the country.
• Reasons:
  Wind energy must contend with competition from other, more cost-effective energy sources. Wind power installations have the potential to impact local wildlife, and public opposition can arise if a wind farm encroaches on culturally or historically significant lands. Additionally, a lack of infrastructure and research institutions dedicated to Research and Development (R&D) for wind energy can pose challenges in the industry's growth and innovation.

Q8: Explore and evaluate the impact of ‘Work From Home’ on family relationships.
Ans: The surge in the Covid-19 outbreak in India compelled businesses across the nation to widely adopt the 'work from home' model. This approach became imperative to sustain economic activities while curbing the virus's spread.
Impact of Work from Home on Family Relationships:

• Strengthened Bonds: Remote work allowed individuals to spend more time with their families, fostering stronger family ties.
• Quality Time with Children: Parents had the opportunity to spend quality time with their children, enhancing parent-child relationships.
• Care for the Elderly: Working from home enabled younger generations to better care for their elderly parents, ensuring they received the necessary attention.
• Challenges in Domestic Sphere: However, the increased proximity of family members working from home led to challenges such as domestic disputes, clashes in work schedules, and shared resources like internet and computers.
• Negative Impact on Marital Relations: Prolonged periods of togetherness strained marital relationships, often exacerbating existing tensions.
• Rise in Domestic Violence: Shockingly, there was a significant surge in domestic violence complaints during the lockdown, with the National Commission for Women reporting a 2.5-fold increase.
• Frustration and Stress: Some individuals found remote work frustrating due to inadequate infrastructure, leading to stress and dissatisfaction.
• Disruption of Routine Chores: Simultaneous work schedules of spouses led to neglect of household chores, creating stressful situations within households.

While work from home offered flexibility and family time, it also brought about challenges, especially concerning domestic harmony and mental well-being.

Q9: 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?
Ans: According to the government of India, cities with populations ranging from 50,000 to 1,00,000 are classified as tier 2 cities in the country.
The middle class refers to individuals and households positioned between the working class and upper class in the socio-economic hierarchy. In Western societies, the middle class typically possesses a higher percentage of college degrees, more disposable income, and may own property. They often work in professional, managerial, or civil service roles.
The connection between the new middle class and tier 2 cities in India is evident in several ways:

• Rise in Entrepreneurship: The era of liberalization, privatization, and globalization (LPG) led to a surge in white-collar jobs in tier 2 cities due to increased entrepreneurial activities. The service sector, contributing over 50% to India's GDP and employing more than 64% of the workforce in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, expanded significantly due to globalization.
• Increased Income and Westernization: Higher wages, digital advancements, and globalization-induced western cultural influences reshaped the consumption patterns of the middle class. Government initiatives like Make in India, Stand up India, Startup India, and others boosted disposable incomes, further promoting a culture of consumption.
• Growth of Tier 2 Cities: Cities like Jaipur, Patna, Indore, and Surat experienced economic growth rates exceeding 40%. By 2030, 80% of households are projected to have middle-class incomes, leading to increased disposable income. In India, consumer behavior is heavily influenced by value for money.
• E-commerce: India has over 15 million traditional "kirana" stores, constituting 88% of the retail market. Families frequently visit these stores for fresh produce, fostering a culture of consumption.
• Employment Opportunities: Tier 2 cities attract talent from rural areas, providing diverse employment options. The availability of jobs encourages consumption, driving economic growth.
• Affordability: The relatively lower cost of living in tier 2 cities enables a better lifestyle for residents, encouraging increased consumption.

In summary, the rise of the new middle class and the growth of tier 2 cities in India are intertwined, driven by entrepreneurship, government initiatives, increased income, employment opportunities, and affordability, all of which contribute to a thriving culture of consumption and economic development.

Q10: Given the diversities among tribal communities in India, in which specific contexts should they be considered as a single category?
Ans: The Government of India Act 1935 incorporated individuals from communities residing in or dependent on forests into a unified category known as Scheduled Tribes (STs).
Tribal communities in India exhibit significant diversity, including matriarchal societies like the Khasis in Meghalaya and patriarchal tribes in Rajasthan and Gujarat. They also vary in terms of their origins, with groups like the African-origin Siddis in Gujarat and indigenous tribes such as the Sentinels in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Beyond the constitutional and legal provisions for their classification as STs, there are numerous socio-economic factors that bind these communities together as a single category:

• Geographical Isolation: They are often geographically isolated.
• Religious Practices: They share similar religious practices such as the use of tattoos, amulets, jewelry, and a belief in magic.
• Ancestral Worship: Many engage in the worship of common ancestors, and nature worship is prevalent among them.
• Forest Dependence: They rely heavily on forests for their livelihoods and maintain a strong connection with nature to ensure environmental balance.
• Egalitarian Social Structure: These communities generally have less stratified social structures compared to caste-based societies and tend to have more egalitarian structures.
• Animistic Belief System: They often follow an animistic belief system.
• Territorial Loyalty: Most are dedicated to their own tribal culture and maintain strong territorial loyalty.
• Primitive Occupations: Many engage in primitive occupations like shifting cultivation.
• Indigenous Political Organizations: They typically have indigenous political systems, such as councils of elders, reminiscent of sabhas and samitis from the Vedic period.
• Self-Reliance: Their societies are typically self-reliant and self-sufficient.
• Distinct from Mainstream Society: They often differ significantly from the mainstream society in terms of culture, traditions, and way of life.

Dr. Ambedkar also advocated for the recognition of their unique socio-religious and cultural practices and called for their inclusion in a separate, distinct category.