UPSC - Past Paper GS 2013 | Free PDF Download -

Table of Contents

LEARNING THROUGH PYP

WHY THIS SERIES?

• Information Management: A major pain point for Aspirants.
• Too much Content and too many Sources and too many Advisors out there.
• Targeted Study.
• Understanding Paper Pattern
• Comparing questions across years.
• Action Words
FINAL OBJECTIVE: IMPROVE ANSWER WRITING

ROADMAP

• Discuss GS-1 from 2013 onwards to present.
• Discuss GS-2 from 2013 onwards to present.
• Discuss GS-3….
• Discuss GS-4….
Note: To understand Pattern across years.

ANSWER WRITING

• An Ideal Approach
• Answer Structure (Not to be confused with Model Answer)
• Maps/Diagrams if any
• Other Remarks

GS1_2013_%BREAKUP

• Questions from entire syllabus.
• Heavy on History
• Post Independence Heavy

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

• There are 25 questions.
• Word limit in questions wherever specified, should be adhered to.
• Content of the answer is more important than its length.
Q1. Though not very useful from the point of view of a connected political history of South India, the Sangam literature portrays the social and economic conditions of its time with remarkable vividness. Comment. (10 marks-200 words.)
Approach
• Time Period, Important Writers.
• Socio Economic Conditions through Literature Examples
• Conclude
Answer Structure
The Sangam Age constitutes an important chapter in the history of South India.
• The corpus of Sangam literature includes Tolkappiyam, Ettutogai, Pattuppattu, Pathinenkilkanakku.
• Silappathigaram written by Elango Adigal and Manimegalai by Sittalai Sattanar provides valuable information on the Sangam society.
Answer Structure
• Tolkappiyam refers to the five-fold division of lands.
• Tolkappiyam also refers to four castes.
• The festivals relating to God Murugan was mentioned in the Sangam literature.
• The practice of Sati was also prevalent in the higher strata of society.
• Agriculture was the chief occupation.
• Both internal and foreign trade was well organized and briskly carried on in the Sangam Age.
Q2 a. Discuss the Tandava dance as recorded in the early Indian inscriptions. (5
marks- 100 words.)
Approach
• What is Tandava?
• Ancient Hindu scriptures
Note: Very factual question. Such trend of asking questions not followed anymore.
Answer Structure
What is Tandava?
• Shiva is considered to have invented atleast 108 different dances- including the fiercely aggressive Tandava- where he destroys the world at the end of the cosmic cycle.
• Thus Tandava is meant to give symbolic expression to religious idea of Shiva being the Destroyer among the trinity of Gods.
Ancient Hindu scriptures narrate many incidents where Tandava was performed including:
• Shiva at the death of Sati, to express his grief and anger.
• Krishna on the head of serpent Kaliya
• Indra at the birth of Jain Tirthankara Rishabhdev
Q2 b. Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss. (5 marks- 100 words.)
Approach
• Intro
• Various temples (can make a table as well)
• Conclude
Answer Structure
The Dravidian style of art and architecture reached its perfection under the Cholas.
The chief feature of the Chola temple is the vimana.
Temples:
Gangaikondacholapuram Gangaikoinda Rajendra-1
Airavathesvara temple Tanjore
Brihadeeswara temple Tanjore Rajaraja-1 (a UNESCO WHS)
The walls of the Chola temples such as the Tanjore and Gangaikondacholapuram temples contain numerous icons of large size with fine execution.
Note: The bronzes of the Chola period are also world-famous.
Q3. Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian women became the torch bearer during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss. (10 marks-200 words)
Approach
• Intro: What kind of roles women played
• Examples –spanning from 1857 to 1947
• Conclude on a positive note.
Answer Structure
Similar to men, women participated immensely through-political participation, military participation, brave attitude, jail going, etc.
Examples:
• Rani Jhansi
• Sarojini Naidu
• Rani Gaidinliu
• Annie Besant
• Aruna Asaf Ali, Usha Mehta and Sucheta Kriplani
• Kalpana Dutt Joshi
• Preetilata Waddedar
• Madam Bhikaiji Cama
Conclude
Such women should act as a role model for present generation of women.
Q4. Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements. Analyse their role in the Indian struggle for freedom.( 10 marks-200 words)
Approach
• Intro: What kind of roles foreigners played
• Examples –spanning from 1857 to 1947
• Conclude on a positive note.
Answer Structure
Foreigns played a role during the freedom struggle through political participation, social reform
movements, spread of education, working for tribal rights, etc.
1. Annie Besant
2. Charles Freer “Dinbandhu” Andrews
1. English missionary philanthropist.
2. Criticized the British for their unjust and racial policies.
3. Miraben (Madelein Slade)
1. From aristocratic English family.
2. Influenced by Gandhian philosophy,
3. Joined Sabarmati Ashram.
4. Nalini Sengupta

Answer Structure
What not to mention!
• AO Hume
• Derozio
• William Jones
Q5. In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern India. Elaborate. (10 marks-200 words)
Approach
• Intro: Term of Dalhousie.
• Body: Areas of Administration.
• Conclusion: How those areas are pillars of Modern India
Answer Structure
Dalhousie served as viceroy from 1848-1856. Mainly famous for Doctrine of Lapse, he was also a noteworthy administrator.
1. Communication:
1. Railyways
2. Telegraphs
3. Postal Department
2. PWDs in presidency
3. Irrigation Works: Ganga Canal
4. Centralised State: Bengal got its own LG.
5. Woods Dispatch
Dalhousie is rightly called the founder of Modern India. The developments made by him hold vital for the contemporary India.
Q6. Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan and Gramdan movements initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave and their success. (10 marks-200 words)
Approach 1
• Intro: Definition of both with objectives
• Benefits of both
• Limitations of both (as critical evaluation is demanded)
• Conclusion
Approach 2
• Intro
• Bhoodan: Critical evaluation
• Gramdan: Critical evaluation
• Conclusion
Answer Structure
Bhoodan 1951 First Village in Andhra Donate Land
Gramdan 1952 First Village in UP Collective Village living
Bhoodan: It meant taking land from the rich zamindars and donating to landless farmers.
Gramdan: Gramdan may be defined as an experiment in collective village living
Answer Structure
Advantages
• Redistribution of land
• Distribution of income
• Economies of scale
• Removal of absentee landlordism
• Sarvodaya of entire village
Limitations
• big landlords donated those land which were unfit for cultivation
• Bhoodan movement created land hunger among landless.
• In some cases the donors took back their land from the Bhoodan workers for certain reasons.
Nevertheless, the contributions of Vinobha Bhave are noteworthy as this movement became pioneer for cooperative farming in India.
Q7. Write a critical note on the evolution and significance of the slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan”. (10 marks-200 words)
Approach
Intro: What is the meaning? When was the slogan given?
Why was the slogan given? (evolution)
Importance of the slogan (significance)
Answer Structure
Slogan to praise the Soldier and the Farmer. Given in 1965 by Shastri.
Why?
• India facing war with Pakistan.
• India faced consecutive droughts 1963-64, 1964-65.
Importance:
• To encourage the soldier.
• To encourage the farmer. The consequence was the Green Revolution under guidance of MS Swaminathan.
Advantages:
• Reduce defence expenditure.
• Reduce import dependency
• Improve socio-economic situation of the country.
Q8. Discuss the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to pre-and postindependent India.( 10 marks-200 words)
Approach
• Intro: he joined the INM in…
• Contributions-pre and post
• Conclusion
Note: 125th Anniversary in 2013
Answer Structure
Azad joined the INM through NCM in 1920.
Pre Independence
• Al Hilal and Al Balagh weeklies.
• presided over congress sessions-longest serving president, youngest president of INC
• Arrested during QIM.
• Violated salt laws during CDM
Post Independence
• Education: UGC, IIT, AICTE, CSIR
• Supporter of Research and Scientific Education
• Part of Constituent Assembly
• Bharat Ratna-posthumously
Most Important contribution is that to education which makes India proud.
Q9. Analyze the circumstances that led to the Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights of the agreement.( 10 marks-200 words)
Approach
• Introduce the Tashkent Agreement; when was it signed. Who mediated
• Background that led to the agreement
• Highlights of the agreement
• Conclusion
Answer Structure
The Tashkent declaration was an agreement between India (Shastri) and Pakistan (General Ayub Khan). The meet was moderated by Soviet Premier Alexei Kosygin.
Background:
A cease fire had been secure by the UNSC in 1965. This led to the signing of agreement.
Answer Structure
Highlights:
a. Indian and Pakistani forces would pull back to their pre-conflict positions, pre-August lines.
b. The nations would not interfere in each others internal affairs.
c. Economic and diplomatic relations would be restored.
d. Exchange of prisoners of war.
e. The two leaders shall work towards building good relations between the two countries.
The agreement was criticised in India as it did not contain a no-war pact or
renunciation of guerrilla warfare in Kashmir.
Q10. Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive role in the emergence of Bangladesh.( 10 marks-200 words)
Approach
• Background events
• Impact on India
• Action by India
Answer Structure
Background:
• Widespread genocide: Aimed at the minority Bengali Hindu population,
• Approx. 10 million people seeking refuge in the neighbouring states.
• The Indian government opened the East Pakistan–India border
• Neighbouring states established refugee camps.
Impact:
• It strained India’s already overburdened economy.
• Prime Minister Indira Gandhi thought it was economical to go to war.
Action:
• On 28 April 1971, the Gandhi cabinet had ordered the Chief of the Army Staff General Sam Manekshaw to “Go into East Pakistan”.
Q11. “Latecomer” Industrial revolution in Japan involved certain factors that were markedly different from what west had experience. (10 marks-200 words)
Approach
• Define IR
• IR of West vs IR of Japan (Comparison) (Use a table)
Answer Structure
The term is used to describe „revolution‟ that began in the late 18th century , leading to a tremendous change in the ways the world produced the things.
IR of West
1. From Feudalism to capitalism
2. Preceded by Agricultural Revolution
3. Started during the mid 18th century
4. Main concern was trade and commerce and exploration.
5. Port opening was fast as already had contact with colonies.
IR of Japan
1. From feudalism to centralised government.
2. Preceded by Meiji Restoration
3. Started during the later half of the 19th century
4. Craze for European goods and lifestyle
5. Port opening was forced under various treaties, so it was slow

Conclusion: Nevertheless, Japan defeated Russia and China.
Q12. Africa was chopped into states artificially created by accident of European competition. Analyze. (10 marks-200 words)
Approach
• Time Period when Africa was chopped.
• Background as to why Africa was imperialised.
• Entry of Europeans
• Berlin Conference of 1884-85
Answer Structure
• Africa was annexed during the period of new imperialism i.e. 1881-1914.
• Why? The richness of Africa in terms of resources was recognised by the missionaries.
• Prior to that, Africa was thought of as a Dark Continent.
• Consequence was competition among imperial powers.
• Bismarck organised the Berlin Congress.
• The congress was aimed at regulating trade with africa.
• However, africa was not a part of it.
Q13. American Revolution was an economic revolt against mercantilism. Substantiate. (10 marks-200 words)
Approach
• Define Mercantilism.
• How it impacted America?
• How America reacted?
Answer Structure
Adam Smith coined the term “mercantile system” to describe the system of political economy that sought to enrich the country by restraining imports and encouraging exports.
How it impacted America?
• No encouragement to colonies to develop an economic policy of their own.
• Prohibition of use of non-British ships by America.
• Goods like cotton, tobacco and sugar would be exported only to England
• Heavy import duties on imports.
• Restrictions on opening of certain industries like iron and silk.
• England was involved in numerous wars in Europe. Was burdened with debt.
Answer Structure
Impact:
Locke, Harrington and Milton proposed that people had certain fundamental rights which were not to be infringed even by colonial masters
Boston Tea Party: A group of Americans dressed as Red Indians protested and threw away tea bundles from the ship into the sea.
American Revolution was indeed an economic revolt against mercantilism.
Q14. What policy instruments were deployed to contain the great economic depression? (10 marks-200 words)
Approach
• What was the Great Depression?
• Causes (Very briefly)
• Way Out (Major Part)
• Conclude
Answer Structure
It was a severe worldwide economic depression which started in 1929.
Causes:
• Domestic Over-production
• Misdistribution of income
• Falling exports
• Speculation
Way Out:
• New Deal (3R: Relief, Recovery and Reform)
• Social Security Act
• Securities and Exchange Commission
• National Labour Relations Act
• Agri Adjustment Act
Finally, it was the 2nd WW which ended the depression.
Military production had increased manifold.
Q15. Discuss the various social problems which originated out of the speedy process of urbanization in India. 10 marks-200 words
Approach
• Intro: Data (Urbanisation figures over the years)
• Social Problems
• Way forward (end on a positive note)
Answer Structure
Process of society‟s transformation from a predominantly rural a predominantly urban population is called urbanisation.
Problems:
• Overcrowding
• Crime
• Unemployment
• Slums and Squatter Settlements
• Sewage problems and electricity problems
Some brownie points:
• Million Plus cities
• Urban Sprawl
• The cities of Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru have accounted for 16.2 percent, 9.5 percent and 8.1 percent respectively of the total crime reported from 35 mega cities.

Answer Structure
Way Forward:
• Balanced Regional Development
• PURA
• Development of Tier-2 cities.
Q16. Male membership needs to be encouraged in order to make women‟s organization free from gender bias. Comment. (10 marks-200 words.)
Approach
Note: A very tricky question. Don‟t take sides in such questions.
Give both views.
1. Yes, because..
2. No, Because…
3. Some Way out
Answer Structure
Gender bias is generally a product of perceptions of one gender towards another. Some reflections of gender bias include sati, dowry, female infanticide, etc. Yes, because:
Having male will add more perceptions to the organisations and give an opportunity to women to look at women related issues from both perspectives. No, because:
Some feminists believe that only women can understand women‟s problems and struggles. They believe membership should be only for women in social organizations and NGO‟s created to carry forward the fight against discrimination.
Way Out:
• Sensitisation of society at large;
• Women representation in Politico-administrative sphere;
• Support by govt to NGOs
Q17. Critically examine the effects of globalization on the aged population in
India. (10 marks-200 words)
Approach 1
• Define Globalisation
• Positive Effects
• Negative Effects
• Way Out (VVI in Critically discuss questions)
Approach 2
• Define Globalisation
• Pick up a sector: Write Positive Effects and Negative Effects
• Way Out
Answer Structure
Globalisation means interaction of nations and people in the form of products, services,
knowledge and cultural aspects.
Impact:
• Urbanisation and Individualistic Societies
• Pension System
• Dependency and Elderly Abuse
• Female Elderly
• Neglect from Society
• Health Sector
Definition of Elderly as per NPOP, 1999: The „elderly‟ or „senior citizen‟ is a person 60 and
above
Total number of Elderly (Census 2011): There are nearly 104 million elderly persons in India; 53 million females and 51 million males
Answer Structure
• Quality, affordable and accessible health
• Economic security for elderly
• Pension System revamp
• counsel families, sensitise community leader
The elderly are the fastest growing, underutilized resource that humanity has to address many other problems.
Note: The Elderly in India Report 2016 by MOSPI.
Q18. A growing feeling of regionalism is an important factor in the generation of demand for a separate state. Discuss. (10 marks-200 words)
Approach
• Regionalism Definition
• Why Growing?
• Examples.

• No need to give way ahead as it is a discuss question.
Answer Structure
Regionalism is an ideology and political movement that seeks to advance the causes of regions.
Why growing?
• Regional economic inequality.
• Rise of Political Parties.
• Language
• Ethnicity
• Inflow of Outsiders
Answer Structure
Examples:
1. Telangana Movement
2. Andhra was under direct rule of crown while Telangana was ruled by Nizam of Hyderabad, who was not so efficient ruler. So over time Andhra got more developed in comparison to Telangana.
3. Bodoland Demand within Assam: movements against the inflow of people from other countries and states.
4. Attacks on Bihar Labourers by the ULFA
5. The MNS Targeting North Indians
Conclusion: If the demands are genuine, then they cant harm india‟s unity. However, irrational demands should be suppressed.
Q19(a). What do you understand by the theory of continental drift? Discuss the prominent evidences in its support. 5 marks 100 words
Approach
• Intro: Wegner gave the theory. Main Postulate
• Evidences of CDT
• Diagram: V.V. Imp
Answer Structure
Theory was given by Alfred Wegner. The theory describes rifting and drifting of continents as a source of distribution of continents and oceans.
Evidence:
The following evidences support the concept of the existence of Pangaea during carboniferous period:
1. Jig-saw fit
2. Similarity between rocks and landforms located on the east coast of Americas and west coast of Europe and Africa.
3. Similarity between deposits on the east coast of Americas and west coast of Europe and Africa.
4. Similarity in the fossils and vegetation remains of S. America, Africa, Indian Peninsula, Antarctica and Australia.
5. Similarity in the Carboniferous glaciated landforms of S. America, Africa, Indian Peninsula, Antarctica and Australia.
Q19(b) The recent cyclone on the east coast of India was called “Phailin”. How are the tropical cyclones named across the world? Elaborate. (5 marks-100 words.)
Approach
• Define Tropical Cyclones
• Naming System
• Advantages of Naming
Answer Structure
• They are low pressure atmospheric systems of low latitudes. Their origin is limited to 5⁰N to 5⁰S in both hemispheres.
• Cyclones are named by five regional bodies of World meteorological organization (WMO), for their respective regions.
• For Tropical cyclones in North Indian Ocean region, the Regional body is IMD, New Delhi
• It maintains the list of names suggested by member countries.
Advantages of Naming
• Easy communication at grassroot level.
Q20(a) Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world. (5 marks 100 words)
Approach
• Define Heat Island
• Causes
• Diagram
Answer Structure
Temperature of a city centre being relatively high compared to surrounding country side
which is similar to the relatively high temperature of an island compared to
surrounding oceanic surface is called Urban Heat Island.
Causes:
1. Low Albedo-high rise buildings
2. Concrete, bitumen, glass structures, etc
3. Emission from industries, automobiles, commercial establishments, etc.
4. Concentration of GH gases in urban atmosphere
5. Absence of water bodies and green cover in cities
Q20(b) What do you understand by the phenomenon of temperature inversion in meteorology? How does it affect the weather and the habitants of the place?( 5
marks 100 words)
Approach
• Definition
• Affect on Weather and Habitat
• Diagram
Answer Structure
When temperature increase with increasing altitude, instead of decreasing- It is known as
Temperature inversion.
Occurs during winters in plains and common in mountain valleys.
Effects
• FOG: reduces visibility and affects day to day working
• SMOG: when fog is mixed with smoke. Causes health problems related to eyes and lungs.
• Atmospheric stability i.e. dry condition and no rain
Q21. Major hot deserts in northern hemisphere are located between 20-30-degree north and on the western side of the continents. Why? (10 marks-200 words).
Approach
• World Map showing tropical deserts
• Causes
• Diagrams
Answer Structure
West Coast of continents in sub tropical regions are dry throughout the year. They are
called as Tropical deserts.
Causes:
1. Sinking of air
2. Off shore Outflow of trade winds
3. Presence of cold oceanic cold currents

Q22(a) Bring out the causes for more frequent landslides in the Himalayas than
in Western Ghats. (5 marks 100 words)
Approach 1
• Define Landslides
• More in Himalaya because
• Less in Western Ghats because
Approach 2
• Define
• Anthropogenic Causes

Answer Structure
Landslides: The mass movement of soil/ rocks/debris from mountain slope during rainfall/rive stream/earth quake.
Causes:
1. Heavy snow fall in winter and melting.
2. Drifting of Indian plate causes frequent earth quakes.
Young fold mountains, steep slopes, etc.
3. Man-made activities:
I. grazing,
II. construction
III. cultivation
IV. hydropower projects
Q22(b) There is no formation of deltas by rivers of the Western Ghats. Why? (5 marks 100 words)
Approach
• Define Delta
• Causes of no delta formation
• Diagram of India showing flow of Himalayan rivers and West Flowing Peninsular rivers.
Answer Structure
Delta is a landform created by sediments of large rivers at its mouth.
1. Rivers of Western Ghats don‟t carry large amount of sediments to be deposited at their
mouths. Lack of slope is also a reason.
2. They receive less amount of rainfall compared to Himalayan Rivers.
3. West flowing rivers of Western Ghats are small streams. They can form estuaries and not deltas.
Q23(a) Do you agree that there is a growing trend of opening new sugar mills in the Southern states of India? Discuss with justification. (5 marks 100 words)
Approach
• Factors for shift
• Map (must) showing sugar industry of North and South
• Note: As it is a 5 marker, can skip intro. Focus more on factors.
Answer Structure
Factors for shift:
1. Peninsular India has tropical climate: gives higher yield
2. The sucrose content is also higher.
3. The crushing season is much longer in the south ( 8 months) than in the north (4
months)
4. Most of the mills in the south are new which are equipped with modern machinery.
5. Cooperative industry better in South.
6. Proximity to Ports at Chennai and Kochi
7. Labourers less unionized than Northern Counterparts

Q23(b) Analyse the factors for highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India. (5 marks 100 words)
Approach
• Traditional Location
• New Location and factors behind them
Answer Structure
Traditionally, cotton industry in India is largely concentrated in cotton growing areas of peninsula, Like Gujarat, Maharastra and Tamil Nadu.
Factors:
1. Demand: With tropical and sub-tropical climate
2. Labour: Cheap and skilled labour was readily available.
3. Market: New centres like Coimbatore, Madurai, Bengaluru, Nagpur, Indore, Solapur and Vadodara were more favourably located.
4. Hydroelectricity: growth of this industry in Coimbatore, Madurai and Tirunelveli is largely due Pykara dam.
NOTE: It is equally important to note that cotton is a pure raw material, in the sense that it does not lose much of its weight in the process of manufacturing
Q24. With the growing scarcity of fossil fuels, the atomic energy is gaining more and more significance in India. Discuss the availability of raw material required for the generation of atomic energy in India and in the world. (10 marks-200 words)
Approach
• Intro explaining the situation of fossil fuels in a single line.
• Stages of Atomic Energy in India (A box would highlight the same)
• Uranium and Thorium availability (India and International)
• Can even draw the map showing nuclear energy power plants (as action word is discussed!)
Answer Structure
Fossil fuel scarcity is a reality as growing population, growing demands, exhaustible
resources, etc.
Uranium
• Andhra: Tummalapalle in Kadapa District, one of the largest uranium
reserves in the world.
• Jharkhand: Hazaribaug, Jadugauda, Singhbhum.
• UP: Saharanpur
• Rajasthan: Udaipur, Jaipur
• Worldwide the leading producers are Australia, Canada, Russia, Kazakhstan, Namibia, Niger and Uzbekistan.

Indian Nuclear power program has three stage, first stage requires Uranium, second stagecreates plutonium from Uranium and third stage requires thorium.

Answer Structure
Thorium
• Largest deposits found in Malabar coast of Kerala. Sufficient to generate 3.5 lakh MW energy for 300 years.
• USA and South Africa are among other important regions for Thorium.

Q25. It is said the India has substantial reserves of shale oil and gas, which can feed the needs of country for quarter century. However, tapping of the resources doesn‟t appear to be high on the agenda. Discuss critically the availability and issues involved. (10 marks-200 words)
Approach
• Define Shale Gas
• Distribution of Shale Gas in India (Map)
• Issues in extraction
Answer Structure
Shale is Natural gas trapped within shale formations. Like Coalbed methane (locked in coal seams), Shale gas is locked in rock formation.
Distribution
Cambay Basin, Assam-Arakan, Gondwana, KrishnaGodavari basin, Kaveri basin and the Indo Gangetic plain.
Issues Involved:
1. Water Availability,
2. Land Availability, (well requires 80-160 acres)
3. Guar Gum Availability (fracking process requires Gum, very high price of Gum)
4. Technology Availability
5. Pollution of Underground water resources