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Chapter 5 | Mauryan Period (400BC – 200BC)

Areas of Interest: North India NORTH INDIA I. Political Background The period from the sixth to the late fourth century BC witnessed the rise of territorial polities-mahajanapadas in North India. This culminated in the establishment of the Mauryan Empire in about 325 BC. The Mauryan Empire was a pan-Indian empire founded by Chandragupta Maurya. Ashoka… Continue reading Chapter 5 | Mauryan Period (400BC – 200BC)

Chapter 4 | Vedic and Later Vedic Period (1500BC – 600BC)

Note4Students It is important to understand the transformations that occur from the Vedic to the Later Vedic period as many of them are carried forward. During this time, the class-divided society transformed into a caste-divided one, polytheistic religion into a sacrificial ritual-dominated one, the condition of women deteriorated, and simple tribal polity transformed into a… Continue reading Chapter 4 | Vedic and Later Vedic Period (1500BC – 600BC)

Case Study | Ajanta and Ellora Caves

Rock-cut cave architecture occupies a very important place in the Indian Art tradition. From the humble beginnings at the Barabar Caves, they evolve into spectacular caves at Ajanta and Ellora. Both these caves have been accorded the UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Table summing up the contrasting features are as follows Ajanta Caves Ellora/ Elura/Verul… Continue reading Case Study | Ajanta and Ellora Caves

Chapter 2 | Chalcolithic Age

Note4Students This chapter, again, is not important from UPSC perspective. Make a note of various cultures that developed in this period and the regions they were confined to. Some predate Harappan sites while others postdate Harappan sites. Ahar Culture oldest Malwa Culture(1700BC-1200BC) Jorwe Culture (1400BC-700BC) – newest East – UP, Bihar and Bengal Location South… Continue reading Chapter 2 | Chalcolithic Age

Chapter 1 | Stone Age – Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic

Note4Students This topic is not one of UPSC’s favorites. A deeper understanding is not required. You need to make a note of 2 things. 1. Understand the evolution of tool technology, memorize which technology(flint, flakes, microliths) corresponds to which age. 2. Refer to the table at the end. Memorize what started in which age. Paleolithic… Continue reading Chapter 1 | Stone Age – Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic

Terms and Definitions

Defining all the recurring themes in one place.   1. Stupas These are hemispherical dome structures originally built over the relics of Buddha after his death. There were 8 of them in distributed in places where Buddha seemed to have lived – Rajagraha, Vaishali, Kapilvastu, Allakapa, Ramagrama, Vethadipa, Pava, Kushinagar. We see stupas being built… Continue reading Terms and Definitions

India – ASEAN | Origins, member countries, trade history and the growing geo politic discourses

Backgrounder Despite India’s geographical proximity to South-East Asia, sharing over 1,600 km of land boundary with Myanmar and maritime boundaries with Myanmar, Thailand and Indonesia, South-East Asia was hardly a priority area in Indian foreign policy before the 1990s. Initiated in the early part of the 1990s, India’s ‘Look East’ policy has been directed to… Continue reading India – ASEAN | Origins, member countries, trade history and the growing geo politic discourses

14 Aug 2017 | GS 4 | In India under-utilisation and misutilisation of public funds and their implications is a serious concern. Discuss the role of effective utilization of public funds in meeting development goals. Suggest with examples how public funds can be effectively utilised.

GS Paper 4: Ethics & Integrity Q.4) In India under-utilisation and misutilisation of public funds and their implications is a serious concern. Discuss the role of effective utilization of public funds in meeting development goals. Suggest with examples how public funds can be effectively utilised.

14 Aug 2017 | GS 3 | “A more appropriate exchange rate would stimulate exports and dampen imports, just as it would help domestic manufacturing firms to be more competitive.” Upto what extent, this statement is correct from Indian Economy perspective.

GS Paper 3: Indian Economy Q.3) “A more appropriate exchange rate would stimulate exports and dampen imports, just as it would help domestic manufacturing firms to be more competitive.” Upto what extent, this statement is correct from Indian Economy perspective.   Source: http://www.livemint.com/Opinion/Iwsgmu6mIxf1eo0AYABdmL/A-strong-rupee-hurts-the-economy.html

14 Aug 2017 | GS 2 | Do you think article 35A should be abolished? Critically comment.

GS Paper 2: Polity & Governance Q.2) Do you think Article 35A should be abolished? Critically comment. Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2017/08/07/why-its-dangerous-for-the-centre-to-tamper-with-article-35a-in_a_23068270/ http://www.firstpost.com/india/article-35a-apart-a-larger-debate-over-article-370-is-needed-for-permanent-solution-to-kashmir-problem-3907729.html https://swarajyamag.com/politics/why-article-35-a-has-to-go-and-go-now-

[Official Review] 12 Aug 2017 | Target Mains: GS Questions With Official Answers

World Geography: GS Paper 1 Q.1) Why Commercial fishing industry of the world concentrated around North America, Europe, Norway & Japan only? What are the geographical factors affecting it?   (a) Plankton availability Fishes eat plankton. Phytoplankton require sunlight = they can develop well in continental shelves and shallow seas because of Sunlight penetration and minerals… Continue reading [Official Review] 12 Aug 2017 | Target Mains: GS Questions With Official Answers

12 Aug 2017 | GS 4 | While visiting a red light area in the heart of a metropolitan city, which is often known for several illegal activities besides flesh trade, a District Magistrate is appalled by the plight of the sex workers. He wants to do something for the uplift of the sex workers, but finds that there are many powerful vested interests which would make the task impossible. Some of his colleagues advise him that he should desist from putting his hand into the matter otherwise his peace and calm would be disturbed. He cannot do anything to change an age old practice and he should accept his helplessness. The District Magistrate is clueless what to do. What course of action on his part do you suggest for him and why?

Ethics & Integrity: GS paper 4 Q.4) While visiting a red light area in the heart of a metropolitan city, which is often known for several illegal activities besides flesh trade, a District Magistrate is appalled by the plight of the sex workers. He wants to do something for the uplift of the sex workers, but… Continue reading 12 Aug 2017 | GS 4 | While visiting a red light area in the heart of a metropolitan city, which is often known for several illegal activities besides flesh trade, a District Magistrate is appalled by the plight of the sex workers. He wants to do something for the uplift of the sex workers, but finds that there are many powerful vested interests which would make the task impossible. Some of his colleagues advise him that he should desist from putting his hand into the matter otherwise his peace and calm would be disturbed. He cannot do anything to change an age old practice and he should accept his helplessness. The District Magistrate is clueless what to do. What course of action on his part do you suggest for him and why?

12 Aug 2017 | GS 3 | As a premier think-tank of the Government of India, NITI provides critical knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurial support to the country. Critically evaluate the working of NITI Aayog since its inception.

Indian Economy: GS Paper 3 Q.3) As a premier think-tank of the Government of India, NITI provides critical knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurial support to the country. Critically evaluate the working of NITI Aayog since its inception. Source: http://www.livemint.com/Opinion/EpV8XyCfKKTdndWWiqrMZL/NITI-Aayog-An-institution-to-fix-implementation-issues.html https://www.examrace.com/Current-Affairs/NEWS-NITI-Aayog-A-Critical-Appraisal.htm

12 Aug 2017 | GS 2 | Critically analyse the status of Surrogacy in India and the key features of the surrogacy Regulation Bill 2016 introduced in the Parliament recently.

Polity and Governance: GS Paper 2 Q.2) Critically analyse the status of Surrogacy in India and the key features of the surrogacy Regulation Bill 2016 introduced in the Parliament recently. Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2016/08/24/9-things-you-should-know-about-the-proposed-surrogacy-bill-in-in_a_21457931/ http://indianexpress.com/article/research/karan-johar-surrogate-children-yash-roohi-what-are-the-surrogacy-in-laws-in-india-here-is-everything-you-need-to-know-4555077/ http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/Why-the-Surrogacy-Bill-is-necessary/article14593359.ece

10 Aug 2017 | Target Mains: GS Questions With Official Answers

GS Paper 1: World History Q.1) Explain How Second World war gave a boost to the process of Decolonization? NCERT   GS Paper 2: Polity and Governance Q.2) How do you think the RTE should be amended to improve learning outcome? http://www.livemint.com/Opinion/mVZ1aJ6jGe3zUTHa8gND6O/RTEs-heart-is-in-the-right-placebut-not-its-head.html https://thewire.in/121455/rte-implementation-sonipat-haryana/     GS Paper 3: Science & Technology Q.3) Discuss the need… Continue reading 10 Aug 2017 | Target Mains: GS Questions With Official Answers

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