Mainstorming - GS Test -1 Answer Key Explanation

Q.1 The poverty of the Indian people was the consequence of the
Government's land revenue and taxation policy. Discuss this statement
with reference to British rule in India in the 19th century. (10 marks)

19Th century Land revenue systems-Ryotwari and Mahalwari system

Consequences of land revenue and taxation – poverty

• High land revenue

• Heavy assessment of land
• Rigid means of collection
• In case of low harvest compelled to pay rent
• Population pressure on land increased due to destruction of handicrafts
• No swadeshi production because of deindustrialisation
• New system of administration-income tax

Q.2 The Mutiny was not inevitable in 1857, but it was inherent in the
constitution of the Empire. Comment. (10 marks)

• Colonies are dependent of empire

• Not willing to provide any provision to annexed territories or nations
• No equal treatment given to annexed nations
• British Empire always looked annexed nations for economic exploitation
• No economic generation opportunity for annexed nations
• They treat annexed nations culturally inferior to them
• They treated annexed nations with superiority mind set

Q.3 The Simla Conference (1945) afforded the last opportunity of the forces
of nationalism to fight a rearguard action to preserve the integrity of
the country and when the battle was lost, the waves of communalism
quickly engulfed it. (10 marks)

• The council was to have a ‘balanced representation’ of all Indians including

‘caste-Hindus’, Muslims, Depressed Classes, Sikhs, etc. Muslims were given
6 out of 14 members which accounted for more than their share of the
population (25%).
• A conference would be convened by the Viceroy to get a list of all the
members recommended to the Council from all parties concerned. In case a
joint list was not agreed upon, separate lists would be taken from the
parties. This was to be the Shimla Conference.

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 Mainstorming - GS Test -1 Answer Key Explanation

• Lord Wavell invited 21 political leaders including Mahatma Gandhi and M A

Jinnah to Shimla, the summer capital of British India to discuss the Wavell
Plan.
• The Shimla Conference took place on June 25, 1945.
• The conference was a failure because the League and the Congress could not
settle their differences.
• Jinnah insisted that only League members could be the Muslim
representatives in the Council, and opposed to the Congress nominating
Muslim members. This was because Jinnah wanted the League to be the
sole representative of Muslims in India. The Congress would never agree to
this demand.
• In the Wavell Plan, there were 6 Muslim representatives out of 14 members,
which was more than the Muslim share of population. Despite this, the
League wanted the power of veto to any constitutional proposal which it
believed was not in its interest. The Congress opposed this unreasonable
demand also.
• Jinnah refused to give the names to the council unless the government
acknowledged that only the Muslim League was the exclusive representative
of Indian Muslims.
• The Wavell Plan, thus, was dissolved with the failure of the conference.
• When the dead lock was not resolved on august 1946 lord Wavell invited the
congress to form interim government
• Muslim league announced august 16 1946 as direct action day in Bengal the
league ministry decleared a public holiday
• Quickly it resulted in the form of communalism where a lot of riot took place
in Calcutta , Sylhet, Noakhali and Tipperah
• There was abduction, forced marriage, rape, compulsory conversion and
destruction of families took place

Q.4 Imperialism and Colonialism have long been employed as instruments

of national policy.’ (10 marks)

• Colonialism and imperialism are often used interchangeably, but they are
two different words having different meaning. As both colonialism and
Imperialism means political and economic domination of the others
• Colonialism is where one nation assumes control over the other and
Imperialism refers to political or economic control, either formally or
informally
• National policy of European countries in late 19th century moved towards
realpolitik so it became a national policy of dominant states
• So they kept expansion policy as instruments of national policy. Expansion
in all sphere such as politically, socially, economic and culturally.

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 Mainstorming - GS Test -1 Answer Key Explanation

• As a result of this imperialism took place in African continent, Imperialism

in Asia took place.
• Imperialism and colonisation depends on needs of European countries such
as Political and economic imperialism-African countries, china, India etc
• Cultural imperialism-Missionary activity, Introduction of English education
• Social imperialism-Theory of social Darwinism

Q.5 Why is the extent of the Sahara desert west to east of Africa instead
confining only to the western side? (10 marks)

• Use Diagram to locate Sahara Desert in Africa

• Deserts in the tropics are located on the western side of continents owing to
the presence of cold currents.

• Cold currents reduce temperature of the surface air masses and contribute
to atmospheric stability. This reduces rainfall resulting in arid and semi-arid
conditions on the Western side.

• Use diagram for deserts on the western side of continents

• On the other hand, deserts are not found on the eastern side of continents
owing to easterly trade winds. Easterly trade winds are on-shore blowing
from sea to land causing rainfall.

• The above condition is not true for Sahara desert due to its location. To the
east of Sahara lies the Arabian Peninsula which is a land mass. Hence winds
which blow over Sahara are off-shore and not on-shore winds.

• Though Red Sea is a water body sandwiched between the two peninsulas,
the surface area of Red Sea is relatively low compared to the extent of
Northern Africa.

• Hence Sahara desert has a unique west to east extent.

Q.6 What do you mean by Isostacy? Explain the causes for its in-
equilibrium? (10 marks)

• Isostasy is the equilibrium between upstanding and low standing parts of

earth’s crust.

• The earth’s crust is situated over a semi-solid asthenosphere. The thickness

of the earth’s crust varies across regions. Isostasy is the balance among
multiple vertical blocks of the earth’s crust.

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 Mainstorming - GS Test -1 Answer Key Explanation

• Use Diagram for isostacy.

• Causes for disequilibrium could be classified into Natural and man-made

• Natural:

• The normal process of erosion from mountains and deposition in plains

affects the distribution of mass and affects isostacy.

• Tectonic activities like volcanic eruptions could disturb equilibrium.

• Man-made:

• Processes which bring about large scale change in land use causes
disequilibrium. Prominent ones include:

• Large scale deforestation, Underground explosions, Strip mining etc...

• Urbanization along coastal areas affects isostacy as a significant percentage

(40%) of human population is located 100 km from the coastline.

• Global warming contributes to glacial melting worldwide which affects

stability of continent regions. The Scandinavian region experiences rise in
landmass following the melting of glaciers.

Q.7 Discuss the role of Amazon forests in global climate. (10 marks)

• Amazon forests of South America are the largest continuum of tropical rain
forest on earth. They play a major role in global climate.

• They act as carbon sinks reducing the level of carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere thus regulating global warming.

• Play a major role in temperature regulation of the earth.

• Deforestation of the Amazon could result in severe impacts on the global

climate.

• Carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere becomes higher improving

global warming.

• This increases glacial melting thus releasing methane trapped in ice sheets
accelerating temperatures further.

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 Mainstorming - GS Test -1 Answer Key Explanation

• Rise in ocean temperatures result in increase in frequency of El-Nino further

affecting growth of the Amazon forest.

• Global climate processes are inter-linked and thus the ‘lungs of the earth’
hold a very important position in global climate.

Q.8 Why are Aluminium industries located only in high rainfall regions? (10
marks)

• Aluminium industries are located proximal to high rainfall regions owing to

the following reasons:

• Earth’s crust is primarily composed of Silica and Aluminium. In high rainfall

regions Silica is drained by runoff and concentration of Aluminium (Bauxite
ore) increases.

• Use diagram to highlight locations of Aluminium reserves in India and the

world

• Further, Aluminium production requires high amount of power compared to

manufacturing other metals. It requires ten times more energy than steel for
producing the same quantity.

• High rainfall areas have potential for large scale hydro electric power
generation which is indispensable for aluminium production.

• The above factors of location and power requirement restrict aluminium to

high rainfall regions of the earth.

Q.9 Describe how the Indian society has been largely assimilatory in nature.
(10 marks)

Q.10 Critically examine the causes and consequences of child marriage in

India and suggest innovative reforms to counter the same. (10 marks)

Q.11 1858 is the Great Divide in modern Indian history, as the policy,
practice and ideals of the government that followed differed
fundamentally from the government of the Company which it
displaced. Discuss. (15 marks)

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 Mainstorming - GS Test -1 Answer Key Explanation

• Political boundary of India fixed for first time

• No annexation of India states and assurances given to princely states under
crown the were become subordinate to British empire
• Dual system abolished replaced by council of Indian state under secretary of
state
• Special categories to Zamindars
• Social reform under took previous were given up and non intervention in
social matters culturally
• They promoted press freedom earlier after 1858 press restriction was
practiced
• No chance for Indians in council after 1858 ventilation for Indians and given
chance for them in council
• Increase in army ratio
• Economic exploitation underwent in the form of Financial capitalism

Q.12 Describe the nature of Indian Nationalism with special reference to the
character of its leadership from the period between 1885 and 1905. (15
marks)

• The phase was moderate nationalism

• Moderates like AO Hume, W.C. banergee, Surebranath Banergee, Feroza

Metha, Goklae

• All leaders were Thought in western ideas because of western education

• They were cherished in modern ideas like liberalism democracy and equality
• Moderates-Thought British as superiority not as destroyers
• Demand for increase participation
• Respecting the constitution-legal ideology
• Nationalism was not fully preserved because of no mass participation –since
congress is elite
• No Social or caste reform took because they were from upper caste
• Most of the were educated so the authored or editor of news paper-press
freedom
• Greater opportunities for Indians in higher posts by holding the ICS

Methodologies

• Petitions
• resolutions
• meetings
• pamphlets

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 Mainstorming - GS Test -1 Answer Key Explanation

• memorandum
• delegations

Q.13 India is classical example of unuse, misuse, underuse of water resources

rather than scarcity. Discuss. (15 marks)

• India is blessed with abundant water resources but improper usage has
resulted in scarcity.
• India receives an average annual rainfall of 120 cm. Of the total fresh water
resources available in India only one-fourth is utilized.
• Significant amount of water is lost as runoff.
• Underground water resource in India has large spatial variations across
multiple regions of India. In under-developed states they are under-utilized
due to absence of technology.
• Pollution affects the quality of water as sewage treatment capacity has not
evolved coherently with the development of industries.
• India experiences monsoon climate thus rainfall is available only for few
months in a year. Storage methodologies are underdeveloped to use water
efficiently.
• Indian water resource distribution has large spatial variations creating areas
of deficit and surplus.
• Agricultural practices are not oriented towards water requirements and
related to procurement prices and policy. Water guzzling crops are grown in
water scarce areas affecting water resources.
• Urban planning has not incorporated storm water management and rain
water harvesting as integral practices.
• Comprehensive water management can enable India to avoid conflicts for
water.

Q.14 Discuss the reason for the absence of volcanoes in the Himalayan
region and reason for its presence in the Andaman and Nicobar region.
(15 marks)

• Volcanoes are structures on the earth’s crust through which lava and gases
escape from the asthenosphere below the crust.
• Use diagrams for both Pacific ring of fire and Himalayas for comparison.
• They are present in regions where continental or oceanic plates, which are
components of the crust collide against each other. The Pacific Ring of Fire is
the largest extent of explosive volcanoes where hydrostatic pressure
accumulates owing to the presence of water in oceanic plate margins.
• The Himalayan region though is formed by collision of Eurasian and Indo
Indo-
Australian plates do not have water bodies for building hydrostatic pressure.

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 Mainstorming - GS Test -1 Answer Key Explanation

Further, Himalayas are young, complex fold mountains which makes them
impermeable for magma from below.
• Use Diagram for ANI.
• The Andaman and Nicobar islands have volcanoes owing to a combination of
factors. It is found on the subduction zone of the Indo-Australian plate with
the Sunda Plate. The subduction creates weak spots within the oceanic plate
leading to the formation of hot spots or intra-plate volcanoes. Thus it is a
combination of both convergence and mantle plumes arising within a plate.

Q.15 “Ambedkar’s cherished ideal, ‘the annihilation of caste’, remains to

this day an inspiring but vague destination without a reliable route
map.” Comment. (15 marks)

• It is comment question therefore one can go in line with the question or

against the statement or partially agree. The introduction should have a line
or two explanation of the “” mark statement.
• The answer can be structured on the basis of how Ambedkar thought caste
annihilation was possible but the way he suggested was difficult to follow
and so annihilation didn’t happen.
• Caste is both strengthening and weakening in India is a reality and this can
be written using

 Caste and social life (marriage, status, interaction untouchability,

etc.)

 Caste and religions other than Hinduism

 Caste and politics, administration, etc…

 Caste and jobs

 Caste and class interrelationship (urban and rural areas, among the
young and the old..)

Constitutional provisions are there, infact Ambedkar lead from the front the
long history of caste and the cultural influences, mindsets etc. are still road
blocks

Q.16 At different periods and at various levels, the National Movement

assumed social, cultural and economic dimensions. Amplify. (15 marks)

• Socio religious reform movement foundation for Indian nationalism

• After that movement took place sporadically like magar movement
jodhibapule, aryasamaj

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 Mainstorming - GS Test -1 Answer Key Explanation

• Indian national congress laid the foundation of early nationalism until

arrival of Gandhi but the congress platform was only by elite educated
Indians
• Swadeshi movement changed the character and it gave chance for swadeshi
goods and indigenous industries
• Gandian national movements gave chance for mass participation people
from all walk of life participated in movement
• Indian industries started to grow and Indian capitalism started- Gandhi
Irwin pact asked for reduction in export duties
• India art promoted through swadeshi movement and tribal participation

Q.17 With the outbreak of the French Revolution European history merges
into the history of one nation, one event and one man. Explain the
safety, interest and prosperity of British Empire in India during that
period. (15 marks)

• European History become one nation one event and one man
• French revolution started in 1789 and confined to France till 1794
• With the execution of Louis XVI France become republic
• After short period of time Napoleon become emperor of France
• Under Napoleon French empire expanded in all direction except Russia
entire Europe under Napoleonic Empire
• So entire Europe become one nation with one idea of French revolutionary
ideas like liberty equality and fraternity
• All this was become of one man Napoleon

Q.18 Origin of Atolls is more complicated than fringing and barrier reefs.
Explain. (15 marks)

• Atolls are a type of coral reef formation and are complex in origin compared
with fringing and barrier reefs.
• Use Diagrams for types of reefs.
• Fringing reefs are formed along the continental slopes as corals need
sunlight and food.
• Sea breezes accumulate sand deposits along the coastline clogging coral
reefs. Hence they branch outward parallel to the coast line taking the shape
of a barrier reef.
• A straightforward understanding of Atolls is not possible owing to its
structure. Atolls are coral structures which encircle an island. The question
arises whether reefs are formed in a land mass which is rising or undergoing
subsidence as finding evidences has been a challenge.

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 Mainstorming - GS Test -1 Answer Key Explanation

• If rising land mass is taken as a criteria, then they must be formed in all
areas where new land mass arises which is not true.
• Subsidence of land mass is also difficult to explain as barrier reefs and atolls
are found at the same sea level in the same region. This is true for South
East Asia region which submerged during deglaciation which has multiple
reefs of different types.
• Thus atolls are complicated than fringing and barrier reefs.

Q.19 “In Mediterranean climate, lands receive most of their precipitation in

winter”. Explain. (15 marks)

• Use diagram for shifting global winds, showing areas of Mediterranean

climate
• Mediterranean climate has a unique characteristic of maximum rainfall in
winter. This is quite unconventional as high temperatures enable the
formation of clouds contributing to rainfall.
• The climatic region acquires this characteristic as it is located in a set of
latitudes which are affected by change in global wind belt movements.
• The Inter Tropical Convergent Zone (ITCZ) is an area of intense low pressure
which is the zone which divides pressure belts in the Northern and Southern
Hemisphere. As the ITCZ moves with the apparent movement of the sun the
global wind belts move.
• During summer, the Mediterranean region is under the influence of off-shore
Trade Winds which blow from land to sea thus nullifying possibilities of
rainfall.
• But in the winter, the ITCZ moves south of equator enabling the
Mediterranean region to come under the influence of Westerlies which blow
from sea to land thus causing rainfall.

Q.20 What are the legal initiatives by the state since Independence,
addressing discrimination against women? Do you think giving a
constitutional status the National Commission for Women can
embolden the efforts of women empowerment? (15 marks)

• Legal Initiatives against discrimination – acts for protection of women

• Answers can be say on domestic or private space discrimination, public

space discrimination and work space discrimination

 Hindu Marriage Act, 1955

 Inheritance Act, 1956

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 Mainstorming - GS Test -1 Answer Key Explanation

 Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961

 MTP, 1971 (Indirect)

 Indecent Representation of Women

 PCPNDT, 1994 (Indirect)

 Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005

 The sexual harassment of women at workplace Prevention,

Prohibition, and Redressal Act 2013

etc….

• Regarding constitutional status, discuss on the role of NCW

• write for giving constitution status and say how it empower (or)

• write against constitution status and say how it might not create a
difference

• Whatever be the stand, the national commission for SC and ST and

OBC can be cited to illustrate the stand point.

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