UKPSC 2012 Paper II

Points to Remember: Leadership: Mahatma Gandhi’s first major Satyagraha in India. Cause: Exploitation of indigo farmers by British planters. Method: Non-violent resistance, fact-finding, and legal recourse. Impact: Empowered farmers, boosted the Indian independence movement, and established Gandhi’s leadership. Significance: A turning point in the Indian freedom struggle, showcasing the power of non-violent resistance. Introduction: The … Read more Bring out the salient features of the Champaran Satyāgraha.

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: 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: 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: 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: Agricultural productivity and revenue generation Trade and commerce (internal and external) Urbanization and infrastructure development Mining and resource extraction Social stratification and economic inequality Monetary system and fiscal policies Impact of warfare and political instability Introduction: The Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1646 CE) flourished in South India, leaving behind a rich legacy in architecture, … Read more Examine the economic condition of the Vijayanagar Empire.