Mains Practice Questions

Q. “Gandhara and Mathura schools of art represent two distinct yet interconnected artistic traditions of ancient India”. How did these schools contribute to the evolution of Indian sculptural art? (150 words)

Q. Compare and contrast the Permanent Settlement and the Ryotwari Settlement introduced by the British in India. How did these land revenue systems impact agrarian society and the overall economy? (250 words)

Q. "Folk traditions have played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting cultural heritage in India." Discuss with examples. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the causes and consequences of soil degradation in different parts of India. Suggest suitable conservation measures. (250 words)

Q. Discuss the significance of Sangam literature in understanding early Tamil society, economy, and polity. (150 words)

Q. Explain the causes of increasing occurrences of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in the Himalayas. Suggest strategies for mitigation and early warning systems.(250 words)

Q. How has the increasing commercialization of agricultural practices influenced rural social structures and gender relations? (150 words)

Q. "The tribal revolts in colonial India were not just acts of resistance but also expressions of indigenous identity and autonomy." Discuss with examples. (250 words)

Q. What are earthquake swarms? How do they differ from typical mainshock-aftershock sequences? (150 words)

Q. The decline of the Mughal Empire has often been attributed to Aurangzeb's policies. To what extent is this assessment justified? Examine other factors that contributed to the empire's disintegration. (250 words)

Q. "Tribal communities in India face the dual challenge of preservation of their cultural identity and integration with mainstream development." Discuss this statement with suitable examples. (250 words)

Q. Discuss how the syncretic traditions of the Deccan, particularly under the Bahmani and Vijayanagara kingdoms, contributed to India's composite culture. (150 words)

Q. Climate and vegetation are interdependent. Analyze how different climatic regions of the world influence their natural vegetation patterns with examples from major climatic zones. (250 words)

Q. Compare and contrast the contributions of Subhas Chandra Bose and Sardar Patel to India's independence and nation-building. (150 words)

Q ."The press played a catalytic role in mobilizing public opinion during India’s struggle for independence." Examine how colonial policies sought to suppress this voice of dissent.
(250 words)

Q. "The emergence of a new middle class in India has created unique forms of social capital while simultaneously deepening existing inequalities." Discuss with suitable examples. (250 words)

Q. "The commercialization of traditional art forms has both preserved and distorted India's cultural heritage." Discuss. (150 words)

Q. The British response to the Revolt of 1857 marked a fundamental shift not just in administration, but in the entire ideological framework of colonial rule in India. Comment (250 words)

Q. In what ways did the patronage of Gupta rulers contribute to the 'Golden Age' of Indian art and culture? Analyze with specific examples from literature, art, and architecture. (250 words).

Q. How do Himalayan rivers maintain their flow throughout the year while peninsular rivers show significant seasonal variations?(150 words)

Q. Examine how the physiography of peninsular India influences its drainage patterns, climate, and economic activities. (250 words)

Q. The emergence of the Bhakti movement in medieval India was not merely a religious reformation but a comprehensive socio-cultural revolution. Discuss. (150 words)

Q. How do societal attitudes towards women, shaped by cultural norms and gender stereotypes, perpetuate gender inequality in everyday life? (150 words)

Q. "The Industrial Revolution not only revolutionized production but also fueled the expansion of European colonialism." Discuss the interconnectedness of industrial growth and imperialism. (250 words)

Q. Discuss the contribution of Mathura and Gandhara schools in the evolution of Buddhist art in India. (150 words)

Q. Why is the Bay of Bengal more prone to cyclones compared to the Arabian Sea? Discuss this phenomenon with reference to recent cyclones in India. (250 words)

Q. "Plateaus are often termed 'treasure houses of minerals.' Discuss this statement with reference to the major plateaus of the world. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the transformation of Indian miniature painting from court art to a global artistic medium. How do these paintings reflect socio-political narratives across different historical periods ? (250 words)

Q. Assess the role of constitutional mechanisms in addressing social inequalities and maintaining social harmony. Analyze their effectiveness and limitations. (250 words)

Q. Discuss the role of handicrafts and traditional artisan communities in preserving India's cultural heritage. (150 words)