UKPSC 2012 Paper II

Points to Remember: Decentralized administration with a balance of central control. Provincial governors (Subedars/Nawabs) with varying degrees of autonomy. Revenue collection as a primary function. Military responsibilities and maintenance of law and order. Influence of local customs and traditions. Introduction: The Mughal Empire, spanning centuries (1526-1857), was characterized by a vast and complex administrative system. … Read more Discuss the main features of the provincial administration of the Mughals.

Points to Remember: Location and historical context of the Kailāsha temple. Architectural style and its uniqueness. Rock-cut technique and its engineering marvel. Iconography and religious significance. State of preservation and conservation efforts. Introduction: The Kailāsha temple at Ellora, Maharashtra, India, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of rock-cut architecture. Carved out of … Read more Bring out the salient features of Ellora’s Kailāsha temple.

Points to Remember: Syādvāda is a central tenet of Jain philosophy. It emphasizes the multifaceted nature of reality and the limitations of human perception. It promotes intellectual humility and tolerance of diverse viewpoints. It uses a system of seven predications to express the complexities of truth. Introduction: Syādvāda, meaning “the theory of many-sidedness” or “conditional … Read more Discuss the Syādvāda theory in Jainism.

Points to Remember: Akbar’s Rajput policy was a cornerstone of his reign, significantly impacting the Mughal empire’s consolidation and expansion. The policy involved a complex interplay of military alliances, matrimonial ties, and religious tolerance. Successes and failures of the policy need to be analyzed to understand its long-term impact. Introduction: Akbar’s reign (1556-1605) witnessed the … Read more Evaluate the Rajput Policy of Akbar.

Points to Remember: Declining indigenous production: The rise of British textile mills led to a significant decline in India’s handloom industry. Shift in production: Focus shifted from high-quality textiles for domestic and export markets to raw cotton production for British mills. Economic exploitation: The industry’s growth benefited Britain disproportionately, leading to deindustrialization and economic hardship … Read more Give an outline of the growth of the cotton textile industry in 19th century India.

Points to Remember: Jhora-Chanchri is a traditional system of informal credit in rural India. It involves a network of lenders and borrowers, often within a village community. It has both advantages and disadvantages for participants. Its existence highlights the need for formal financial inclusion in rural areas. Introduction: Jhora-Chanchri represents a significant aspect of India’s … Read more Write a short note on Jhora–Chānchri.

Points to Remember: Date: August 9, 1925 Location: Kakori, Uttar Pradesh, India Participants: Members of the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) Goal: To loot the government treasury and fund revolutionary activities. Outcome: Several revolutionaries arrested, tried, and sentenced; some executed. Significance: A landmark event in India’s struggle for independence, showcasing the growing militancy of the freedom … Read more Give a brief account of the Kakori Conspiracy.

Points to Remember: Land alienation Exploitation by Zamindars and moneylenders Imposition of laws and taxes Lack of representation and voice Triggering incident of the indigo planters Introduction: The Santhal revolt, which erupted in 1855-56, was a significant tribal uprising in the Bengal Presidency of British India. It stemmed from decades of simmering discontent among the … Read more Enumerate the causes of the Santhal revolt.

Points to Remember: Life and teachings of Shaikh Muinuddin Chishti. His contribution to Sufism and its spread in India. The significance of his dargah in Ajmer. The socio-religious impact of his legacy. Introduction: Shaikh Muinuddin Chishti (c. 1141 – 1236 CE), also known as Gharib Nawaz (“The Benefactor of the Poor”), was a prominent Sufi … Read more Write a note on Shaikh Muinuddin Chishti of Ajmer.

Points to Remember: Alvars and Nayanmars: Both were saint-poets who played a crucial role in shaping the Bhakti movement in South India. Religious Affiliation: Alvars were Vaishnava saints (devotees of Vishnu), while Nayanmars were Shaiva saints (devotees of Shiva). Geographical Focus: Both groups had a significant presence in Tamil Nadu, but their specific regions of … Read more Distinguish between Ālvārs and Nāyanārs.