UPPSC 2022 (Mains General Studies Paper-1)

Ans. Mauryan art is an art created between the 4th and 2nd Centuries BC under the Mauryan Empire. Due to the popularity of Buddhism and Jainism, many stupas and viharas were constructed. Stupas consist of a cylindrical drum with a circular anda and a harmika and a chhatra on the top. Piprahwa Stupa in Uttar Pradesh is the oldest one.

The Mauryan pillars are rock-cut pillars. It mainly comprises Shaft, Capital, Abacus, and Capital Figure. The top portion of the pillar was carved with capital figures like the bull, the lion, the elephant, etc. Large statues of Yakshas and Yakhinis and terracotta pieces have been discovered at Mauryan sites. Northern Black Polished Ware was popular during the Mauryan eras. Thus, Mauryan Art and Architecture have an important role in the historical development of Ancient India.

Ans. Raja Rammohan Roy was a pivotal figure in the cultural awakening in India. He was called the “Father of the Indian Renaissance.” The first phase of India’s renaissance was embodied in socio-religious movements. The second stage was defined by an attempt to reconcile anti-colonial politics with the social quest for modernity.

In Uttar Pradesh, Sir Sayyid Ahmed Khan founded Aligarh Movement in the 1860s. Its mission was to spread western scientific education among India’s Muslim masses. Deoband Movement was founded in 1867 in Deoband, Uttar Pradesh, by theologians Muhammad Qasim Nanawatawi and Rashid Ahmad Gangohi. It was an anti-British movement that aimed to educate Muslims to lift them up.

In the face of the imperialistic disintegration of Indian society and culture, the Indian Renaissance instilled a sense of self-respect and new confidence.

Ans. The Vernacular Press Act (1878) was enacted in British India to limit the freedom of the Indian press and prevent the expression of criticism toward

British policies.

Bal Gangadhar Tilak opposed moderate ways and views and had a more radical and aggressive stance against British rule. Tilak founded two newspapers ‘Kesari’ in Marathi and ‘Mahratta’ in English. Both the newspapers actively propagated the cause of national freedom and stressed making the Indians aware to be self-reliant. He was tried for sedition several times. He spent 6 years in Mandalay prison from 1908 to 1914 for writing articles defending Prafulla Chaki and Khudiram Bose.

Tilak set a high example of boldness and sacrifice within the “old” style of confronting the rulers. This draconian act was later repealed by Lord Ripon.

Ans. The UN World Population Prospects (WPP), 2022, forecasts India becoming the most populous country by 2023, surpassing China, with a 140 crore population. India currently has 17.5% of the world’s population.

> Increase in Birth Rate

> Decrease in Death Rate

> Early Marriage

> Religious and Social Reasons

> Poverty

> Illiteracy

> Spreading of education

> Increasing awareness of the use of contraceptives

> Encouraging male sterilization

> Family planning

> Increasing welfare and status of women

The government must increase its investment in the health sector. Increasing public awareness and enlisting strict population control norms by the Government will lead the way for the country’s economic prosperity and control of the population.

Ans. Social empowerment is the process of developing a sense of autonomy and self-confidence, and acting individually and collectively to change social relationships and the institutions and discourses that exclude poor people and keep them in poverty.

The internet and IT has empowered people and communities, equipped them with knowledge, and provided opportunities. Now people are better aware of the local and global markets and can avail of services, new markets, and innovations. The internet has opened doors for next-gen digital services and industries like e-governance, e-education, social media, aggrotech, e-commerce, fintech, telehealth, etc.

Hate speech and Rumours, Fake News, Online Trolling and women’s Safety are some major concerns on Social media.

BharatNet project should be completed on time to ensure Broadband and internet services at Gram Panchayat levels for the rural population at affordable prices.

Ans. According to sociologist Daniel Patrick, the reason people are not getting out of the trap of poverty is their values.

We learn certain norms when we grow up in a poor family, and this shapes our life choices and opportunities. We internalize the values we grow up with, which explains why people who grow up poor often remain poor. There is a belief that if anyone tries to leave old methods and pursue new techniques for a better result, it will be the cause of mishappenings in future. Thus, sustained poverty generated a set of cultural attitudes, beliefs, values,

and practices, and this culture of poverty would tend to perpetuate itself over time, even if the structural conditions that originally gave rise to it were to change.

Ans. Uttar Pradesh Heritage Arc had been started on 24 February 2015. Under it, Agra, Lucknow, and Varanasi will be developed as a ‘heritage arc’ by improving infrastructure to attract tourists in a big way. The main aim of this

programme was to make sure that people visiting Agra would come and visit Lucknow and Varanasi as well.

Lucknow has a rich history of Nawabi rule and today also it carries the torch of Nawabi etiquette and manners. Varanasi is regarded as the cradle of the Hindu religion and this is why foreigners throng this holy city in search of their knowledge of Hinduism and Sanskrit.

Tourism has a direct impact on the economy, the image of the state, job creation and investments. Thus, this initiative is expected to increase the tourist inflow in Uttar Pradesh.

Ans. Smart Cities Mission is an urban renewal mission launched in June 2015 to transform 100 cities to provide the necessary core infrastructure and clean and sustainable environment to enable a decent quality of life for their citizens through the application of “Smart Solutions”.

Some of the cities in UP, selected under this scheme are Varanasi, Lucknow, Kanpur etc.

> Kanpur is known for leather goods, spices, hosiery, etc.

> Lucknow is an important centre for government, education, commerce, aerospace, finance, pharma, technology, etc.

> Varanasi has for centuries been an important industrial centre, famous for its muslin and silk fabrics and sculpture.

There is a need for cities that can cope with the challenges of urban living and also be magnets for investment. The announcement of 100 smart cities falls in line with this vision.

Ans. An irrigation project is an agricultural establishment which can supply controlled amounts of water to lands for growing crops. Saryu Canal National Project, Arjun Sahayak Canal Project, and Bansagar Project are irrigation projects benefitting farmers in Uttar Pradesh.

The length of the Saryu Canal National Project is 318 km, while 6623 km long canal systems have been constructed, which are linked to this project. This project connects Ghaghara, Saryu, Rapti, Banganga and Rohin Rivers respectively. With this project, more than 30 lakh farmers of 6,227 villages of Bahraich, Shravasti, Balrampur, Gonda, Siddharthnagar, Basti, Sant Kabir Nagar, Gorakhpur and Maharajganj districts of Uttar Pradesh will be benefited. In a move to double farmers’ income and alleviate the water crisis in the state, the government should complete impending irrigation projects in time bound manner.

Ans. Apart from its religious heritage, Uttar Pradesh is the land of a number of festivities and celebrations. Many festivities as per the religions of Hinduism and Buddhism are celebrated magnificently.

Festivals like Raksha Bandhan, Vaishakhi Purnima, Dussehra, Krishna Janmashtami, Ram Navami, Ganesha Chaturthi, Deepawali, Shivaratri, Holi, Eid, Shab-e-Barat, Christmas, Buddha Purnima, Guru Nanak’s Birthday etc. are celebrated in Uttar Pradesh with warm communal harmony.

Lath Maar Holi is another big festival which is only celebrated in Mathura city. The Taj Mahotsav is an initiative taken by the government of Uttar Pradesh to promote tourism.

Uttar Pradesh takes pride in celebrating all of India’s major festivals and religious occasions magnificently with all the glory present. Through these festivals, it communicates religious, cultural and traditional eminence and heritage to the outside world in a great way.

Ans. The Gupta age witnessed the political unification of India after a long period of more than 500 years after the decline of the Mauryans. The Gupta Empire lasted from 320 CE to 550 CE. It gave contributions extensively to the fields of arts, science and philosophy that helped in the development of Indian society.

> The contribution of Guptas:

> Aryabhata was one of the most renowned mathematicians and scientists of the era who determined that the earth revolves around the sun along with rotating on its axis.

> Aryabhatta displayed an awareness of both the zero system and the decimal system.

> Kalidasa, the great poet, composed great epics such as Abhijnanashaakuntalam, Kumarasambhavam, Meghadootam, etc.

> The celebrated Sanskrit drama Mṛcchakatika was composed by Shudraka during this time.

> Varahamihira was an astrologer. He wrote Brihatsamhita.

> The iron pillar at Mehrauli, Delhi is a marvellous creation of this period.

> Mural paintings of Ajanta depicting the life of the Buddha as told in the Jataka tales were created in this period.

According to Chinese traveller Fa-Hien, Magadh, the power centre of the Gupta empire was full of cities and rich people. Thus, the role in promoting comprehensive growth of Indian society made Gupta period the Golden Age in Indian history.

Ans. On the canvas of modern Indian history, politics and social thought, Bhagat Singh shines as one of the most illustrious and glorious revolutionary stars. He was a modern political thinker who adopted revolutionary progressivism in thought and adhered to it uncompromisingly in his political actions. Bhagat Singh made significant progress in broadening the definition and scope of revolution. The term “revolution” was no longer associated with militancy or violence.

His deep commitment to “Inquilab” was not merely political but also social as he wanted a revolution not only to free India from bondage but also the age-old discriminatory practices of caste, creed, religion and superstition. According to Bhagat Singh about the Assembly Bomb Case, “Individual vendetta has no place in the revolution, which does not always entail bloodshed. It isn’t a cult of the bomb and the gun. By revolution, we mean a change in the current order of things, which is based on manifest injustice.” Once he wrote “The peasants must liberate themselves not only from the yoke of foreign yoke bum but also from the yoke of landlords and capitalists.” Thus, Bhagat Singh’s revolutionary philosophy was for a secular, socialist, truly independent, just and egalitarian India wherein exploitation of humans by humans will eternally cease to exist.

Ans. Ancient India was technologically advanced in the fields of mathematics, medicine, physics etc in the presence of scientists like Varahamihir, Aryabhatta, and Nagarjuna. India was technically and economically selfsufficient and was the leader of the entire world as a Vishwaguru.

> The most prevalent number of the decimal system (0 to 9) in the present world was invented in India. The Yajurveda describes numbers up to 10 Kharab.

> Geometry is described in Vedang literature.

> The knowledge of trigonometry is given in Varahamihira’s ‘Surya Siddhanta’ (sixth century).

> Aryabhatta told the circular shape of the Earth and the principle of circling on its axis. After that, the famous German astronomer Copernicus give this theory.

> The use of astrology in Vedang literature was based on the principles of astronomy.

> Brahmagupta confirmed the Earth’s gravitational theory even before Sir Isaac Newton.

> ‘Sushruta Samhita’, and ‘Charaksamhita’ are world-renowned texts of the medical science of ancient India.

> The sage Kanad proved that every substance in the world is made up of atoms.

To reclaim our place as the leader in the realm of education and ideas, we must stop blindly aping the West. We must deepen our understanding of our intellectual heritage.

Ans. The essence of Indian society lies in harbouring diverse and distinct identities, ethnicities, languages, religions, and culinary preferences. Indian society has maintained continuity through:

1. Adaptability: Adaptability is the process of changing according to time, place, and period. Indian society has shown fluidity and has adjusted itself to changing times.

2. Unity in diversity: Despite inherent differences, Indian society celebrates unity in diversity which reflects in India’s constitutional ideals.

3. Tolerance: Indian society accepted and respected various religions and

ensured that there is a peaceful co-existence of religions.

4. Socialization: The institution of family has ensured that pass on from one generation to the next through socialization.

5. Marriages, sometimes inter-caste, have helped in preserving community values.

However, Indian society is changing under the influence of technological, political and economic forces. Education has not only brought about changes in the attitudes, beliefs, values and ideologies of the people but has also created and aroused individualistic feelings. The effect of industrialisation on the pattern of family relationships is also evident from the decline in the self-sufficiency of the family, and attitudinal changes toward family. The principle of Sarva Dharma Sambhava (equal respect for all religions) is rooted in India’s tradition and culture. However, Socially, politically, culturally and economically India and its people are moving through a period of rapid social changes.

Ans. Globalization is a process of interaction and integration among the people, companies, and governments of different nations, a process driven by international trade and investment and aided by information technology. The term globalisation is generally used to describe an increasing internationalisation of markets for goods and services, the means of production, financial systems, competition, corporations, technology and industries.

The objectives of globalisation are to promote global economic growth, create jobs, make companies more competitive, lowers prices for consumers, Help in the lifting of the economy through worldwide interaction etc.

The transfer of ownership, property or business from the government to the private sector is termed privatization. Privatization is considered to bring more efficiency and objectivity to the company, something that a government company is not concerned about.

Objectives of Privatisation are to provide strong momentum for the inflow of FDI and improve the efficiency of public sector undertakings (PSUS). The increased inflow of FDI improves the financial strength of the economy. The efficiency of PSUs is improved by giving them the autonomy to make decisions.

India’s New Economic Policy was announced on July 24, 1991, known as the LPG or Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation model. Globalisation has political, economic, and cultural expressions, all of which must be recognised.

Ans. The secularization of caste has made it possible for different castes to make political alliances. The castes which forge such formations may belong to different social rankings. But their secular interests – share in political power, economic opportunities or social justice motivate them to make cross-caste formations.

Following the introduction of democratic institutions as per the Indian Constitution, the Indian society has changed to a considerable extent. Caste and politics entered a relationship which has changed both. Consequently, the secularisation of caste has taken place. The secularisation of caste denotes that the caste’s role is not confined to its traditional role defined by principles of purity and impurity. It helps in the mobilisation of castes for secular interests such as power and employment.

The secularisation of caste through their political involvement alters the traditionally maintained rigid features and leads to a breakup of the primordial

identities. This enables to process of alignment and realignment of various strata and gradually embracing the process of social mobility. Thus, Caste alliances emanate from secular and political factors and do not spring from primordial identities. What needs to be appreciated is that these interests must be powerful enough for castes to overcome their natural repulsion towards each other to form united fronts.

Ans. Tropical cyclones are violent storms that originate over oceans in tropical areas and move over to the coastal areas bringing about large-scale destruction caused by violent winds, very heavy rainfall and storm surges. Tropical cyclones originate and intensify over warm tropical oceans. The causes for the formation of tropical storms are:

> Large sea surface with a temperature higher than 27° C.

> Presence of the Coriolis force.

> Small variations in the vertical wind speed.

> A pre-existing weak low-pressure area or low-level-cyclonic circulation.

> Upper divergence above the sea level system.

A mature tropical cyclone is characterized by the strong spirally circulating wind around the centre, called the eye. The diameter of the circulating system can vary between 150 and 250 km. The eye is a region of calm with subsiding air.

Around the eye is the eye wall, where there is a strong spiralling ascent of air to a greater height reaching the tropopause. The wind reaches maximum velocity in this region, reaching as high as 250 km per hour. Torrential rain occurs here. From the eye wall, rain bands may radiate and trains of cumulus and cumulonimbus clouds may drift into the outer region. Tropical cyclones originate over the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian ocean.

Ans. Rural settlement patterns reflect the way the houses are built, the size of the village, the surrounding topography, and the terrain influencing the shape and size of the village. According to 2011 Census figures, 68.84% or more than two-thirds of India’s population lives in more than 6.4 lakh villages. The largest number(more than 16.6%) is in Uttar Pradesh alone.

Pattern refers to the geometrical form and shape of the settlement. The most common patterns of rural settlements found in India are Linear pattern, Checkerboard Pattern, Rectangular pattern, Radial Pattern, Star-like pattern, Triangular pattern, Circular pattern, Semi-circular pattern, Arrow pattern, Nebular pattern, Terraced pattern, T-Shape pattern etc.

> Factors affecting rural settlement Patterns are:

> Shapes of Landform: hill slopes, hilly and undulating areas, a sharp bend of a meandering river or a lake, oxbow lakes, circular shape of a pond, lake or a crater, plains of north India.

> Physical factors: These include climate, drainage, relief, altitude, soil capability, groundwater level, etc.

> Communication networks: Road, railways, rivers

> Social factors: caste-based settlement, religious-based settlement The forms and patterns of rural life are constantly changing. Kinds and patterns witness the architectural and geometrical alteration and shifting of the paradigm of society and cultural way of life.

Ans. An earthquake in simple words is the shaking of the earth. It is caused due to release of energy, which generates waves that travel in all directions. An

instrument called a ‘seismograph’ records the waves reaching the surface. Bureau of Indian Standards grouped the country into four seismic zones namely Zone-II, Zone-III, Zone-IV and Zone-V. Of these, Zone V is seismically the most active region, while zone II is the least.

> Zone – V comprises entire northeastern India, parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, and part of North Bihar and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

> Zone – IV covers the remaining parts of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, the Union Territory of Delhi, Sikkim, Northern Parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal, parts of Gujarat and small portions of Maharashtra near the west coast and Rajasthan.

> Zone – III comprises Kerala, Goa, Lakshadweep islands, remaining parts of Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and West Bengal, Parts of Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu and Karnataka.

> Zone II covers the remaining parts of India.

Earthquakes are not predictable hence the only solution to minimise the loss of lives and properties is effective preparedness against the earthquake.

 

Ans. Purvanchal is a geographical region of the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh. It enjoys a rich heritage and culture.

The main feature of Purvanchal culture is a tradition of folk songs. Dhobiya, Kaharwa, Aalha, Pawanriya, Videshiya, Birha, Chanaini, Swang and Chaiti are popular folk songs of Purvanchal. Folk songs are performed at various festivals during the year. The Kaharwa is sung at Deepawali, the Alha, Kajari and Barahmasi during the rainy and winter nights, and the Phaag during Holi and Chaiti post-Holi. Some features of Folk songs are:

> There is repetition in the songs of folk music. The first line of the song is important and usually, the other lines are set to rhyme with it.

> The lyrics of a few folk songs are in the format of the questionnaires. A question is asked in the first verse and the subsequent verses are the answers to the question.

> Folk songs associate the mythological characters of various gods with real life.

> Folk songs encourage the most downtrodden to stand up and fight. A glimpse of the rural world can be seen in the folk songs of the villages. They are not only the medium of entertainment among the rural masses but also a reflection of rural society.

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