GS paper 1 2023 Model

Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world?

• Tranquil landscapes: Fjords often provide tranquil and serene landscapes. The deep, calm waters, surrounded by steep cliffs or lush forests, create a sense of peace and tranquillity.
• Biodiversity: The combination of marine and terrestrial ecosystems in and around fjords results in a wide variety of flora and fauna.
• Contrast of water and steep cliffs: Steep cliffs or towering mountains often rise abruptly from the water’s edge. This stark contrast between the vertical rock faces and the calm, reflective waters creates a visually striking and awe-inspiring scene.
• Reflective water: They reflect the surrounding landscape, including the rugged cliffs, dense forests, and pristine skies. This reflection enhances the visual appeal of fjords, creating symmetrical and breathtaking views.
• Cultural and recreational significance: Many communities and settlements are situated along their shores, offering visitors insights into local cultures and traditions. Additionally, fjords provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, and wildlife watching, making them attractive destinations.

Thus, fjords stand as some of the most picturesque and captivating areas on our planet. Their picturesque charm encourages us to appreciate the splendour of the natural world and to strive for its protection.

Q7. Why is the South-West monsoon called ‘Purvaiya’ (easterly) in Bhojpur Region? How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultural ethos of the region? (Answer in 150 words) 

The southwest monsoon is a climatic phenomenon of great significance in India as the carrier of rains, and its various regional names often reflect its local importance and cultural influence. In the Bhojpur region, which spans parts of Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, the southwest monsoon is commonly referred to as ‘Purvaiya,’ which translates to ‘easterly.’

South-West Monsoon called Purvaiya’ (easterly) in Bhojpur Region:

Monsoonal winds: The southwest monsoon is characterized by prevailing winds that bring moisture-laden air from the southwest.

Turning westwards: As these monsoonal winds progress across the Eastern Indian subcontinent, they turn westwards and gradually change direction due to presence of the relief barriers like the Meghalaya plateau and the Purvanchal Himalayas.

Relative direction: Therefore, the winds blowing over the Bhojpur region come from the east rather than their actual origin in the southwest. Locally, “Purva” means east and so these easterlies are called ‘Purvaiya’.

How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultural ethos of the region?

Agriculture: The arrival of the “Purvaiya” marks the beginning of the monsoon season which is culturally significant in an agrarian society, and farmers eagerly await this event for sowing their crops.

Festivals: Rain-related festivals, such as Teej and Sawan, are common in the region. These festivals involve prayers and rituals for the well-being of crops and agricultural prosperity. Other important festivals like Chhath puja also coincide in time.

Songs: Many traditional songs and lyrics revolve around the arrival of the “Purvaiya” and its impact on farming and rural life.

Cuisine: Seasonal and monsoon-specific dishes like ghughni, perukia et al are prepared using ingredients that thrive during this period.

Architecture: Traditional architecture in the Bhojpur Region is adapted to the monsoon’s climatic conditions. For example, houses may have sloping roofs to shed rainwater efficiently.

Thus, the southwest monsoon, affectionately referred to as “Purvaiya” in the Bhojpur Region, is much more than a meteorological event; it is an integral part of the region’s cultural fabric and way of life.

Q8. Do you think marriage as a sacrament is losing its value in Modern India?  (Answer in 150 words) 

In India, marriage is traditionally seen as a sacrament, a sacred institution steeped in religious and cultural significance. This understanding of marriage holds it as an unbreakable bond forged not just between two individuals but also their families.

Marriage as a Sacrament Losing Value in Modern India

Traditionally, marriage in India has been considered a sacrament (sanskar)—a lifelong, spiritual, and indissoluble union. However, in modern India, this sacred institution is witnessing significant changes, leading some to argue that its sacramental nature is diminishing.

How Marriage as a Sacrament is Losing Value:

• Rise in Divorce Rates: Increasing number of divorces, especially in urban areas, indicates a shift from permanence to compatibility.
• Delayed or No Marriages: Youth are prioritizing education, careers, and personal freedom over early or compulsory marriage.
• Changing Social Norms: Acceptance of live-in relationships, same-sex partnerships, and inter-caste marriages challenge the traditional sanctity.
• Erosion of Rituals: In many cases, marriages are now more of social events than spiritual ceremonies.
• Legal and Contractual View: Legal frameworks have made marriage more of a contractual agreement than a religious duty.

Counter-Arguments:

• Rural and Traditional Stronghold: In rural India, marriage still retains its religious and social sanctity.
• Cultural Continuity: Religious rituals and large-scale traditional weddings are still widely observed.
• Institutional Relevance: Despite modern views, most Indians still see marriage as essential for family and social order.
• Emerging Equality: Redefinition of marriage focuses on mutual respect and equality, not necessarily its decline.

Way Ahead:

• Balanced Perspective: Respecting individual choices while preserving the emotional and cultural depth of marriage.
• Marriage Counseling and Education: To help couples build resilient, respectful relationships.
• Legal and Social Support: Laws and institutions should support both traditional and evolving models of marriage.
• Promote Informed Choices: Young people must be empowered to choose when, whom, and how to marry with understanding, not compulsion.

While modern India sees a shift in the practice and perception of marriage, it is not necessarily a decline of values but a transformation aligned with changing aspirations and rights.

Q9.Explain why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian Society. (Answer in 150 words)

Every hour, one Indian woman of age 15-39 years takes her own life. As per the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the suicide rate for young Indian women has risen from 12.7 per 1,00,000 in 2011 to 17.5 per 1,00,000 in 2021. This trend calls for urgent action as we seem to be losing the battle to protect the mental health and well-being of our future generation.

Factors Causing the Rise of Suicides Among Young Women in India

• Feeling of Relative Deprivation: Increased education and empowerment of young women are clashing with rigid societal norms, causing conflict and suicidal tendencies.
  • For example, in South India, despite high female literacy, there is a clash with traditional norms, leading to attempt of suicide.
• Impact of modernity on marriage: The rise of love marriages, particularly inter-caste and inter-faith marriages,; and live-in relationships has led to individualism but also has increased loneliness in young aspirational women, raising the risk of suicide.
• Change in Family System: A decrease in joint families makes young housewives more vulnerable to mental health issues and suicide. Over 50% of female suicides are housewives.
• Sustained Patriarchy and Gender Discrimination: Indian society has remained largely patriarchal with systemic discrimination against women starting from birth.
  • For instance, compulsory marriage, subsequent domestic violence, marital rape and dowry harassment are still prevalent in the Indian society.
• Domestic Violence: As per NFHS-5 data, 31% of married women faced spousal violence. The trauma of physical, emotional and sexual abuse in marital homes leads to mental health issues and suicidal tendencies.
• Vulnerability of young women: Due to their age group (15-39), young women are comparatively more vulnerable to the social customs and traditions due to their female sexual identity.
  • For example, over 60% of rape victims are aged 18-30 years. Stigma and lack of support aggravate psychological distress.
• Early Marriage: Child marriage remains widespread with 23.3% of Indian women aged 20-24 married before age 18 (NFHS-5). Early marriage truncates education and exposes young girls to abusive marital relationships.
  • For instance, suicide is the leading cause of death for girls aged 15-19 in India (UNICEF).
• Limited Opportunities: Lack of social and financial independence coupled with restrictions on movement outside homes increases hopelessness among young women.
  • For example, in 2021, unemployment was cited as a cause of 5% of total suicides by women as per NCRB data.
• Technology: While connecting young people, excessive social media use leads to unrealistic comparisons, cyberbullying and isolation – increasing depression and suicidal tendencies.

Combating India’s rising female suicide rate requires a multi-pronged approach – gender sensitization programs, expanding counselling services and women’s helplines, along systemic efforts to promote education, financial independence and social liberty for women. Collective efforts from family members, health planners, policymakers, and NGOs are essential to prevent these suicides.

Q10. Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialization of children. (Answer in 150 words)

Child cuddling, traditionally encompassing physical affection and close, nurturing interactions between caregivers and children, has played a pivotal role in child socialization, aiding in emotional and psychological development. 

Why Child Cuddling is Replaced by Mobile Phones

• Increased Screen Time: The growing availability and accessibility of smartphones and tablets lead to children spending more time on screens rather than engaging in physical interactions.
  • Example: Children often play video games or watch videos rather than playing or interacting with family members.
• Busy Lifestyles: Parents, especially in urban areas, are increasingly busy with work, leaving mobile phones as a quick tool to keep children entertained.
  • Example: Parents use phones to distract children during daily routines like commuting or shopping.
• Technology Integration: Mobile devices have become integral to modern life, even for young children, who often have access to apps and games meant for entertainment or education.

Impact on the Socialization of Children

• Reduced Face-to-Face Interaction: Children miss out on vital bonding time with parents, which impacts their emotional development.
  • Example: Lack of emotional attachment can lead to behavioral problems or difficulty forming relationships.
• Weakened Communication Skills: Over-reliance on screens hinders verbal communication and social skills development.
  • Example: Limited interaction with peers and adults reduces social empathy.
• Increased Isolation: Mobile phones can isolate children from family activities, fostering loneliness or withdrawal from real-world connections.

While technology is inevitable, balanced interaction with parents is essential for healthy emotional and social development.

Q11. What are the main features of Vedic society and religion? Do you think some of the features are still prevailing in Indian society? (Answer in 250 words) 

The Vedic Civilisation, also known as the Vedic culture or the Vedic period, was a complex and varied civilisation that arose in ancient India between 1500 and 600 BCE. It was distinguished by the practice of Vedic religion and the composition of the Vedas, a collection of sacred texts that serve as the foundation of Hinduism.

• Family: The family was the basic unit of the Rigvedic society. It was patriarchal in nature. The family structure was too large to be called a joint family.
• Varna System: Towards the end of Vedic civilisation, Vedic society was divided into four varnas, i.e., Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras.
• Marriage: Monogamous marriages were preferred in the Vedic Society.
• Language: Sanskrit was mainly used in Vedic Society.
• Importance of the Vedas: Vedic Society gave a large importance to Vedic literature.
• Nature: Vedic society was pastoral in nature, which later on transformed into agriculturists.
• Property Rights: Vedic Society did not believe in private property but in community ownership.
• Occupation: The division of social groups was based on occupation alone and one’s occupation did not depend on birth.

• Source of religious practices: Vedas were the primary source of religious practices.
• Naturalistic polytheism: Vedic Society believed in naturalistic gods. Thus, there were as many gods as natural phenomena.
  • For example, Indra was the god of rain and thunder. There arose a number of Rigvedic Gods like Rudra, Soma, Varuna, Vishnu etc.
• Rituals and sacrifices: Sacrifices were an important part of rituals.
  • For the sacrifices, Yajnas were performed for which hymns and prayers were recited.
  • Yajnas were typically performed by priests.
  • Important yajnas included ashvamedha, vajapeya, and rajasuya.

• Patriarchy: Though Indian society is marching towards modernisation, the patriarchy still persists, especially in religious and cultural matters.
• Polytheism: Vedic society believed in a number of Gods like Indra, Rudra, Varuna, Soma and Vishnu. The belief in these Gods is still prevalent in modern Indian society.
• Agriculture: A large portion of Indian society is still agriculturist similar to the Vedic people.
• Family: Indian society still follows the joint family structure.
• Marriage: Like Vedic Society monogamous marriages are still prevalent in Indian society.

As Vedic society and religion still hold importance in modern Indian society, some ideal features of the Vedic society like no to idol worship, respectable position of women etc. should be adopted while shedding the negative features of it.

Q12.What were the major technological changes introduced during the Sultanate period? How did those technological changes influence the Indian society?(Answer in 250 words)

The Sultanate period, spanning from the early 13th century to the 16th century, marks a significant epoch in Indian history characterized by the rule of Islamic sultans. This era brought about a cultural and technological renaissance.

Major Technological Changes During the Sultanate Period

• Introduction of New Military Technology
  • Archery and Cavalry Tactics: The Delhi Sultanate introduced new forms of cavalry and archery tactics, which were more efficient in warfare.
  • Example: The use of the Turkish cavalry played a significant role in establishing and expanding Sultanate rule.
• Introduction of Gunpowder and Firearms
  • Gunpowder Technology: The Sultanate introduced gunpowder, cannons, and early firearms to Indian warfare.
  • Example: The use of cannonry during the First Battle of Panipat (1526) by Babur, although after the Sultanate period, the technology had spread.
• Architectural Innovations
  • Use of Arch and Dome: The Sultanate period saw the introduction of Persian architectural techniques such as arches, domes, and minarets, which led to the distinct Indo-Islamic architecture.
  • Example: The Qutb Minar and Alai Darwaza are examples of architectural advancements during this time.
• Introduction of Persian and Central Asian Crafts
  • Carpets, Textiles, and Metalwork: The Sultanate brought Persian weaving techniques, textiles, and metalwork to India.
  • Example: Persian carpets became highly prized and influenced Indian handicrafts.
• Agricultural Innovations
  • Introduction of New Crops and Irrigation Systems: The Sultanate period introduced new crops like cotton, sugarcane, and irrigation techniques that were improved through Persian influence.

Impact on Indian Society

• Military and Political Changes: The introduction of advanced military technology made the Sultanate stronger and facilitated the consolidation of their empire, changing India’s political landscape.
• Cultural and Architectural Impact: New architectural styles blended with traditional Indian art, influencing later Mughal architecture. The fusion created a distinctive Indo-Islamic cultural identity.
• Economic Changes: The introduction of new agricultural practices led to more productive farming, boosting trade and commerce. Persian textiles and craftsmanship became highly valued, fostering a cultural exchange.
• Social Impact: The technological innovations impacted social hierarchies by contributing to the integration of Indian society with broader Islamic and Central Asian practices.

The technological innovations during the Sultanate period reshaped the military, cultural, architectural, and economic frameworks of Indian society, leaving a lasting legacy that influenced later dynasties like the Mughals.

Q13. How did the colonial rule affect the tribals in India and what was the tribal response to the colonial oppression?(Answer in 250 words)

Colonial rule affected almost all sections of society in India and tribals were no exception. With the pursuance of increasing economic interest of the British government led to introduction of various policy measures in tribal regions which affected their very existence.

Impact of Colonial Rule on Tribals in India

• Loss of Land and Resources
  • Colonial policies led to widespread land alienation, as tribals were often displaced from their ancestral lands for agriculture, mining, and forest exploitation.
  • Example: The forest laws (1865 and 1878) restricted tribal access to forests, which were crucial for their livelihoods.
• Economic Exploitation
  • The introduction of cash crops and commercialization of agriculture disrupted traditional tribal economy, pushing them into debt and poverty.
  • Example: The Santhal Parganas region saw the tribals increasingly indebted to moneylenders and forced into exploitative agricultural systems.
• Introduction of Revenue and Taxation
  • The introduction of land revenue systems like the Permanent Settlement impacted tribal lands, leading to the loss of land under colonial land revenue policies.
  • Example: The Munda Rebellion (1899-1900) was partly a response to high taxes imposed on tribal lands by colonial authorities.
• Social and Cultural Disruption
  • British policies undermined tribal social structures and customs. Tribal chiefs and their authority were weakened, causing fragmentation of their societies.

Tribal Response to Colonial Oppression

• Rebellions and Uprisings
  • Tribals revolted against colonial exploitation and loss of autonomy through numerous uprisings.
  • Example: The Santhal Rebellion (1855-56) against oppressive landlords and the British was one of the first major tribal revolts.
• The Munda Rebellion (1899-1900)
  • Led by Birsa Munda, this was an attempt to revive tribal identity and resist the alienation of land and forest resources.
• Formation of Tribal Movements
  • Tribals organized themselves into movements for self-rule and preservation of traditional ways of life.
  • Example: The Munda Movement aimed to restore tribal control over their lands and resist forced conversion to Christianity.
• Cultural Resilience
  • Despite colonial repression, tribals maintained their cultural practices, languages, and customs, ensuring survival of their identity.

Colonial rule severely affected tribals by exploiting their land and resources, disrupting their economic systems, and undermining their social structures. In response, tribals initiated multiple uprisings and movements to resist colonial oppression, highlighting their resilience and determination to preserve their identity.

Q14.  Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastline of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas.(Answer in 250 words) 

India has a coastline of 7,517 km, including the mainland and island territories. This offers immense opportunities for livelihoods and economic development through the sustainable harnessing of coastal and marine resources.

Resource Potentials of India’s Long Coastline

• Rich Marine Resources
  • India’s coastline, stretching over 7,500 km, is rich in marine resources, providing abundant fishery and aquaculture potential.
  • Example: The Gulf of Mannar and Kochi are famous for their thriving marine biodiversity and fisheries.
• Oil and Natural Gas Reserves
  • The coastline is home to offshore oil and gas reserves, particularly in regions like the Mumbai High and Krishna-Godavari basin, crucial for India’s energy security.
  • Example: The Mumbai High oil fields are one of India’s major sources of offshore petroleum.
• Port and Shipping Potential
  • India’s extensive coastline supports a network of ports that are central to international trade, including major ports like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.
  • Example: The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) is one of the busiest ports in India, facilitating trade and commerce.
• Tourism Potential
  • Coastal areas are a significant draw for tourism, with scenic beaches, resorts, and heritage sites.
  • Example: Goa, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh attract millions of domestic and international tourists.