1. Harappan artists had a keen sense of understanding and execution of art objects.

Discuss.
Ans. Harappan Culture belongs to the Bronze age. People of Harappan Civilisation were
well acquainted with manufactures and use of bronze. Bronze smiths produced many
utensils, tools and weapons.
The artists and artisans of Harappan period produced highly refined art objects such
as sculptures, seals, beads etc in different materials including bronze, stone, sea
shell, ivory and terracotta.
Among metal objects reference may be made to bronze sculptures from Daimabad,
apart from the Dancing Girl from Mohenjodaro. These sculptures were made by
using the technique of lost wax method - a technique which came to be followed by
later artists (for eg. Red sandstone male torso).
As for the art in stone, apart from the stone sculptures of Priest from Mohenjodaro
and a torso from Harappa, reference may be made to beads of agate and carnelian
which involved not only cutting, etching and polishing but also the special skill of
drilling. Harappans were pioneers in the world of this technique. Seals made of
steatite (soap stone) with beautifully carved letters in Harappan script and
naturalistically drawn animals should also be mentioned.
Terracotta female figurines with grand hair styles and jewellery: toy carts and rattles
etc. for children; fine wheel turned pottery with beautiful paintings of peepal leaves
and peacock should also be referred to. Piece of woven cotton from Mohenjodaro
also has been found.
In short, the Harappan artists excelled in producing all types of art objects keeping in
mind the need, requirement and taste of different segments of society.

2. We must at present do our best to form a class who may be interpreters between us
and the millions whom we govern; a class of persons, Indians in blood and colour,
but English in taste, in opinions, in morals and in intellect. Critically analyse.
Ans. The above statement was made by Lord Macaulay, the Law member of the
Governor-Generals Council. This was at a time when the Orientalist and Anglicist
controversy centred around the question as to what should be the medium of
instruction in the schools. Ultimately, Macaulay issued his famous Minutes on Indian
Education, which became the blueprint for the introduction of English education in
India.
Macaulay had contempt for Oriental learning. What he therefore advocated, for the
Indians was an education in European Literature and Sciences, inculcated through
the medium of English language. Thus, a new education system was introduced in
India. In this system the task of producing knowledge was assigned to the
metropolitan country, while its reproduction, replication and dissemination were left
for the colonised people. This was the beginning of the new modernisation project for
India.
This new education system, the imperial masters believed, would inculcate an
appropriate training in morality, ethics and correct behaviour. Thus, it would
incorporate a group of nations into the structure of colonial rule, which was the main
political agenda of Anglicism. The major feature of this new English education policy
was therefore the theory of downward filtration. It was not meant for the masses but
for the rich, the learned and the men of business.
The statement clearly reflects the real motive behind the introduction of modern
education in India. The government wanted to economise the cost of administration
 by gathering a cheap supply of educated Indians to administer the large and
increasing number of subordinate posts in the government. The government also
believed that educated Indians would help expand the market for British
manufactures in India.

3. The Berlin Congress prepared the ground while the Balkan Wars provoked the First
World War. Comment.
Ans. The Turkey-Russia war in 1878 led to the Treaty of San Stefano giving Russia an
upper hand and chance to extend its sphere of influence in Balkan Peninsula. The
extension of Russian influence in Balkans was considered to be detrimental by both
England and Austria for their own political ambitions. Hence both pressurized Russia
to put the Eastern Question before the Congress of European Powers which was
known as Berlin Congress. The Congress which met in 1878 drew up the Treaty of
Berlin by which three Balkan states namely Serbia, Rumania and Montenegro were
declared entirely independent of Turkey.
The diplomats of Berlin were not farsighted enough to see that Treaty of Berlin
contained within itself the seeds of future war. While they held back one power i.e.
Russia from the Balkans they let loose another i.e. Austria. Austria was allowed to
commit herself to the policy of acquiring territory in Balkans in direct opposition to the
Russian interests and Serbian national feelings.
Austrias occupation of Bosnia and Herzegovina embittered her relations with Serbia
and Russia. Slavs of Bosnia and Herzegovina desired the union with fellow slaves of
Serbia. This set off Austria Serbia rivalry while the division of Big Bulgaria offended
the Bulgar nationalistic sentiments. All these events gave rise to the complications
which in long run proved harmful for European peace.
Even though Germany under Bismarck played the role of peace broker it supported
Austria at the cost of Russia which led Russia joining the Dual Alliance of Britain and
France. Thus big European powers got divided into two camps. Lastly, the
Macedonian problem where cruel and inhuman treatment was meted out to
Macedonian Christians by the Turks led to the Balkan Wars of 1912 and 1913.
Thus instead of bringing peace, Berlin Congress actually increased the unrest and
friction among the Balkan people, which eventually resulted in First World War.

4. Nehru laid down a strong foundation of Independent India. Explain with examples.
Ans. India became independent in 1947 and this infant country was facing troubles from all
the sides like economic crisis, aggressive neighbours, communalism etc. In such
circumstances when Strachians (followers of John Stracheys view) were of the
opinion that India will not survive as a nation, Nehru proved all of them wrong and
gave a strong foundation of India.
In the field of economy he opted for 5 year plans giving priority to agriculture in 1st
plan and industries in the 2nd plan. In a situation when zamindari had strong roots he
went for supporting Bhoodan movement. In foreign policy he came out with NAM and
Panchsheel which was to establish peace, stability and active role in world politics
without being involved in cold war. He came out with Panchsheel Tribal Policy which
talked about self empowerment through self-contribution. He efficiently and
pragmatically handled Kashmir problem and also handled the two wars of 1948 &
1962. Irrespective of all odds India got acceptance in the world community which
became evident by Indias presence and behaviour in Belgrade conference of 1961.
 Though he did not get desired result everywhere like Bhoodan Movement failed to
attract the zamindar class completely but they created a good base for Independent
India.

5. Discuss the inconvenient truths of the historic Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
Ans. Paris agreement on Climate change is a historic agreement. For the first time, all
countries have taken on mitigation targets earlier this was the main responsibility of
developed countries. But the historic agreement is riddled with many inconvenient
truths:
1. Poor and vague language on climate finance. Eg. It is not clear whether
developmental aid can be counted as climate finance.
2. The agreement also removes all liabilities of developed countries for the loss and
damage suffered by the poor of the world due to climate change.
3. We will now have a universal, though voluntary, carbon market through which
countries will meet their emission reduction targets. Now everyone can trade in
carbon credits with whosoever is willing to trade.
4. For the first time, forests in the developing countries will be used to generate
carbon credits to offset emissions from vehicles, factories and power plants.
5. For developing countries, IPR barriers to transfer technology from rich countries
were important. But the Paris text is more about cooperation in technology.
These inconvenient aspects of the Paris Agreement need to be discussed critically.
From now on, the burden of mitigating, as well as paying for the impacts of climate
change, has decisively shifted to developing countries. Importantly in the post Paris
scenario, developed countries will have no legal targets on emission cuts.

6. Explain the origin and significance of Coriolis Effect. Why does it increase from
equator to poles?
Ans. All free-moving objects or fluids, including the wind appear to be deflected to the right
of their path of motion in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern
Hemisphere. The reason for the apparent deflection is rotation of earth. The apparent
deflection is called Coriolis Effect.
The long range movement can be significantly influenced by the Coriolis Effect. The
accurate firing of artillery shells or launching of rockets and spacecraft requires
careful compensation for the Coriolis Effect if the projectiles are to reach their targets.
The major influence of the Coriolis Effect in climate involves its influence on winds
and ocean currents. The Coriolis Effect deflection is a factor associated with the
upwelling of cold water that takes place in sub-tropical latitudes where cool currents
veer away from continental coastlines. The surface water that moves away from the
shore is replaced by cold water rising from below.
The tropical cyclones always originate a few degree north or south of equator as near
equator Coriolis Force/Effect is not sufficient to provide cyclonic curvature to winds.
The Coriolis Effect is proportional to the speed of the object. Therefore a fast-moving
object is deflected more that a slower one. The Coriolis Effect influences direction of
movement only: it has no influence on speed.
The Coriolis Effect increases from equator to poles the reason being the
progressive rate of decrease in earths rotational speed from equator to poles
because of its spherical shape.
7. Critically comment on the statement: the difference between agriculture as a
commercial occupation and as a means of abolishing hunger and malnutrition would
have to be clearly articulated at the international forums like WTO.
Ans. Agriculture is essentially a commercial occupation in developed countries where
hardly five percent of the population depends on the sector for livelihood. On the
other hand, agriculture is many developing countries, including India, is the principal
occupation of a majority of rural families who depend on crops, animal husbandry,
fisheries, forestry and agro-processing for their livelihood and household food
security. Also, the farm size is small and the marketable surplus is low. As a result,
farm families require social protection. It is wrong to designate the limited support
given to them as subsidy. It will be more appropriate to refer to the assistance given
as support to sustainable farming.
Developed countries have safeguarded the extensive financial support they are
giving to their farmers through the green box provision. It is high time that there was
also a food security box which can help countries adopt farm support policies.
Countries like India have now come to a stage of giving legal right to food through
National Food Security Act (FSA), 2013. To fulfil this commitment, we have to give
concurrent attention to production, procurement and public distribution. Industrialised
countries should understand the human dimensions of trade in food grains. This will
help achieve the zero-hunger challenge launched by the UN Secretary-General. This
will be an important step in mitigating agrarian distress.
There is a need to clearly articulate at the international forums like WTO about the
difference between agriculture as a commercial occupation and as a means of
abolishing hunger and malnutrition.

8. Why are Tsunamis called Tsunamis? List the characteristic features of Tsunamis.
Ans. Occasionally, major oceanic wave systems are triggered by a sudden disruption of
the ocean floor. These waves are called tsunami (from the Japanese word tsu for
harbour and nami for waves). Most tsunamis are a consequence of abrupt
movement along an ocean floor fault. Tsunamis may also result from underwater
volcanic eruptions and major underwater and coastal landslides.
Most tsunamis arrive at the coast as a very rapidly advancing surge of water,
sometimes upto 40 metres high and immediately behind the wave crest of a tsunami
is an enormous volume of water that can surge great distances inland before
receding. Tsunamis normally pass harmlessly under fragile boats in open water (i.e
away from the coast) but can wreak devastation on even the hardest rock of a
shoreline. In other words, a wave of oscillation is a relatively gentle phenomenon, but
a wave of translation can be a powerful force of destruction in the harbour this is
why tsunami are called so.
Characteristic features of a typical tsunami in open water are: (a) wavelength greater
than or equal to 200 km, (b) speed greater than or equal to 700 kmph, (c) immense
energy, (d) can travel long distances and (e) wave height less than 1 metre (usually
0.6 metre) therefore not easily observable in the open water. When tsunami reach
shallow water, however, they change considerably. As a tsunami approaches a
coast, it slows as do all waves causing the wavelength to decrease and the wave
height to increase. As the crest of a tsunami approaches the shore, it appears as a
rapid rise in sea-level with a turbulent and chaotic surface.
 The first warning of an approaching tsunami is often the rapid withdrawal of water
from beaches (the result of the trough of the first large wave preceding the crest).

9. States of India are experiencing different stages of demographic transition.

Explain with examples.
Ans. Demographic Transition indicates that every society moves from high fertility/mortality
rate to low fertility/mortality rate. An analysis of the Indian state level trends in fertility
and mortality reveals that the demographic transition has not occurred at a uniform
pace, nor have the period and pattern been identical in different parts of the country.
India is in the third stage of demographic transition while its states are at different
stages of demographic transition. On an average, the peninsular India is ahead of its
counterpart in the north with respect to the transition. On the one extreme, states like
Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Goa are on the verge of completing the transition by
achieving replacement level. In addition, some of the smaller states like Manipur,
Mizoram, Tripura and UTs of Chandigarh and Pondicherry are close to the
completion of the transition. These states with higher literacy rates show rapid
decline in fertility and mortality rate.
On the other extreme, the BIMARU states Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and
Uttar Pradesh are still in the early expanding stage of transition. Though, death rates
in these states have come very close to 10 per thousand persons in Bihar and
Rajasthan the rates are even lower than this birth rates are still over 30 per
thousand. As a result of this, the natural rate of growth in these states is still above
2.1 per cent per annum.
The 15 major states of the country have been grouped in three categories
representing roughly three stages of transition. Group I comprises the states of
Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Group II includes nine states: Andhra Pradesh, Assam,
Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa, Punjab and West Bengal. Finally,
Group III is represented by four states, namely, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan
and Uttar Pradesh.
Indias unique diversity is also reflected in its demographic situation of its different
states with some achieving replacement level while others are still registering
population growth at higher rate.

10. Caste in India has its own merits and demerits. What are they?
Ans. Caste System is one of the salient features of Indian society. It refers to hereditary
endogamous status group practicing specific traditional occupation. Its merits were
It provided social recognition by providing identity to an individual on the basis of
his/her birth in different caste.
It provided job security by attaching different occupations with different castes
which were hereditary in nature.
It helped in socialization as each caste has its own rules and regulations to
control behaviour of its members.
It helped in preservation of culture through rules of caste endogamy.
It protected individuals from economic exploitation as caste system acted as a
guild system.
However, Caste system has many demerits:
 Caste creates social obstacles by directing society into many groups with limited
or no interactions.
It restricts economic growth as it denies social and occupational mobility to
people from lower caste. It results into unequal distribution of wealth.
It leads to inter caste conflict, caste tension and caste rivalry resulting into social
disorganization. (Eg. Tamil Nadu, Bihar)
Caste system leads to political status quo by fixing only group i.e. Kshatriya
entitled for holding political authority.
Caste system is responsible for lower status of women with various rules like
prohibition of widow remarriage, denying education and property rights etc.
Caste system was responsible for continuity of evil practice of Untouchability.
Existence of Khap or Caste Panchayats. (Haryana and Tamil Nadu)
In this way, Caste system as an institution had its merit in the past but now different
roles of caste system are being taken over by other institutions like government
which is responsible for jobs etc. So at present, caste system has more demerits
than merits.