Indian History UPSC previous year paper Questions.

 Modern History

2019

1. The 1857 Uprising was the culmination of the recurrent big and small local rebellions that had occurred in the preceding hundred years of British rule.

2018

1. Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to other colonies? Have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there?

2017

1. Clarify how mid-eighteenth century India was beset with the specter of a fragmented polity.

Freedom Struggle

2019

1. Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian phase. Elaborate.

2017

1. Why did the ‘Moderates’ fail to carry conviction with the nation about their proclaimed ideology and political goals by the end of the nineteenth century?
2. The women’s questions arose in modern India as a part of the 19th-century social reform movement. What are the major issues and debates concerning women in that period?

2016

1. Explain how the Uprising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British policies towards colonial India.
2. Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase.
3. Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom.

2015

1. How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss.
2. It would have been difficult for the Constituent Assembly to complete its historic task of drafting the Constitution for Independent India in just three years but for the experience gained with the Government of India Act, 1935. Discuss.

2014

1. The third battle of Panipat was fought in 1761. Why were so many empire-shaking battles fought at Panipat?
2. Examine critically the various facets of economic policies of the British in India from mid-eighteenth century till independence.
3. In what ways did the naval mutiny prove to be the last nail in the coffin of British colonial aspirations in India?

2013

1. Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian women became the torch bearer during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss.
2. Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements. Analyze their role in the Indian struggle for freedom.
3. In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern India. Elaborate.

Post-Independence 

2019

1. Examine the linkages between the nineteenth century’s “Indian Renaissance” and the emergence of national identity.

2018

1. Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times.
2. Discuss whether the formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the economy of India.

2017

1. Highlight the importance of the new objectives that got added to the vision of Indian Independence since the twenties of the last century.
2. Distinguish between religiousness/religiosity and communalism giving one example of how the former has got transformed into the latter in independent India.

2013

1. Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan and Gramdan movements initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave and their success.
2. Write a critical note on the evolution and significance of the slogan “Jai Jawana Jai Kisan”.
3. Discuss the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to pre-and post-independent India.
4. Analyze the circumstances that led to Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights of the agreement.
5. Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play decisive roles in the emergence of Bangladesh.

 

Contributions of Qutubshahis to Telugu Language and Literature

 Q) Comment on the contributions of Qutubshahis to telugu language and Literature? 2016, G-I.

 

 

Ans:- 

 

Qutubshahis were third rulers after Satavahanas and kakatiyas to rule entire Telugu-Speaking region. Their ruled Andhra with both Iron Fist and benevolent heart between 1512-1687. They gave immense importance telugu language. 

 

Ibrahim Qutub shah, the third king -  While taking exile in the court of the Aliya Raya of Vijayanagara Kingdom, he learned telugu language & Literature from ashtadiggajas like bhattumurthy. After taking reigns of Golconda, he started patronizing Telugu Poets and Scholars. 

 

Under his reign, Addanki Gangadahrudu, Kandukuri Rudra kavi, Ponneganti Telagayya and many other poets penned great telugu literatures. Addanki gangadharudu wrote tapati samvaranopakhyanam and dedicated this work to Ibrahim qutub shah. Kandukuri rudra kavi wrote Nirukusopakhyanam and Sugriva vijayam, which a yaksha ganam. Sugriva Vijayam is said to be the first telugu yakshaganam. [Yakshaganamu is a form of poetry in which an event or a series of events are narrated, intended to be chanted with action (on stage)]. Ponneganti Telagayya wrote Yayati Charitra, Which was a Acchha telugu Kavyam. 

Mohammad quli gave away Chintalapalem as a gift to Kandukuri Rudrakavi. Due to his patronage to telugu Literature, Kavis of that time called him “Malkhabirama”, which was a rare recognition to a Muslim Ruler of that time. 

 

His son Mohammad Quli qutub shah, who is son of a Telugu Queen, Bhagirathi and Husband of a telugu queen, Bhagmati, was eloquent in telugu language. Under his patronage, Sarangi Thammayya, An accountant of Golconda(karanam) wrote Vijayanthi Vilasam. Nebathi Krishnayyamatyudu wrote Rajaneti Ratnakaram. Another poet Raja Malla reddy wrote siva dharmottaram and padma puranam during the reigns of Muhammad quli qutub shah. 

 

His Successor Abdullah Hussein Qutub shah patronized Kshetrayya, who perfected Pada Kavitvam. He composed padas on Gopala swamy. Those padas became popular as Muvva Gopala Padas. 

 

 

Abul Hassan Tanishah last king of Golconda also patronized telugu culture. He gave away Kuchipudi village as a gift to kuchupudi dancers. During his reign, Bhakta Ramadasu, who was incarcerated by tanishah king, wrote Dasarathi Satakam. 

 

 

In this way, Qutubshahis developed telugu literature. Even though their mother tongue was not telugu, they patronized telugu and wrote and spoke to common people in telugu language. 

 

 

 

 

Q) What is e-Governance? Discuss its advantages?

What is e-Governance?

 

Electronic governance or e-governance implies government functioning with the application of ICT (Information and Communications Technology). Hence e-Governance is basically a move towards SMART governance implying: simple, moral, accountable, responsive and transparent governance.

 

 

What is SMART Governance?

 

• Simple — implies simplification of rules and regulations of the government and avoiding complex processes with the application of ICTs and therefore, providing a user-friendly government.
• Moral — meaning the emergence of a new system in the administrative and political machinery with technology interventions to improve the efficiency of various government agencies.
• Accountable — develop effective information management systems and other performance measurement mechanisms to ensure the accountability of public service functionaries.
• Responsive — Speed up processes by streamlining them, hence making the system more responsive.
• Transparent — providing information in the public domain like websites or various portals hence making functions and processes of the government transparent.

 

Interactions in e-Governance

 

There are 4 kinds of interactions in e-governance, namely:

1.   G2C (Government to Citizens) — Interaction between the government and the citizens.

·       This enables citizens to benefit from the efficient delivery of a large range of public services.

·       Expands the accessibility and availability of government services and also improves the quality of services

·       The primary aim is to make government citizen-friendly.

2.   G2B (Government to Business):

·       It enables the business community to interact with the government by using e-governance tools.

·       The objective is to cut red-tapism which will save time and reduce operational costs. This will also create a more transparent business environment when dealing with the government.

·       The G2B initiatives help in services such as licensing, procurement, permits and revenue collection.

3.   G2G (Government to Government)

·       Enables seamless interaction between various government entities.

·       This kind of interaction can be between various departments and agencies within government or between two governments like the union and state governments or between state governments.

·       The primary aim is to increase efficiency, performance and output.

4.   G2E (Government to Employees)

·       This kind of interaction is between the government and its employees.

·       ICT tools help in making these interactions fast and efficient and thus increases the satisfaction levels of employees.

 

Advantages of e-Governance

• Improves delivery and efficiency of government services
• Improved government interactions with business and industry
• Citizen empowerment through access to information
• More efficient government management
• Less corruption in the administration
• Increased transparency in administration
• Greater convenience to citizens and businesses
• Cost reductions and revenue growth
• Increased legitimacy of government
• Flattens organisational structure (less hierarchic)
• Reduces paperwork and red-tapism in the administrative process which results in better planning and coordination between different levels of government
• Improved relations between the public authorities and civil society
• Re-structuring of administrative processes

Source:- Byjus 

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) - its importance, advantages and challenges

 

Information and Communication technology, also called “ICT’ in short form is a common term that includes all forms of technology used to create, store, exchange, and use information in various forms. 

The term Information Technology was given by Jim Domsic of Michigan in November 1981.

ICT is the convergence of telephone networks and audio visual systems with computer networks through a single cable network etc. Such link system provides large economic incentives due to huge cost savings.

 

Components of Information and Communication Technology

• Computer Technology: Computer technology lead to immense growth in the information transformation process and the developments in computer and communication technologies has enabled smooth management of information.

• Communication Technology: the rapid growth in Communication Technology has revolutionized the ICT sector. Modern technology such as fiber optics, silicon chip internet, telephone, television etc., constitute an important component of the communication network.

• Optical communication systems: optical communications are used in long distance digital networks which have revolutionized the telecommunication sector. Light is used as the career of information and optical fibers act as the medium of transmitting these light signals.

• Satellite communication systems: satellite communication system has become one of the most popular and extensively used technology in the ICT sector. Satellite communication systems enable transmission of information even in the difficult geographical areas such as mountains etc.

 

Applications of ICT in Daily life 

• Education: ICT has enabled students, teachers and researchers to gain knowledge with the help of computers and the internet. Internet, digital libraries and electronic sources of information are becoming more popular among students all over the world. ICT has opened new opportunities in the education sector such as Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) etc.

• Banking: ICT has become the center of the banking system. The rise of electronic banking services which includes services such as electronic fund transfer, automated teller machine (ATM), internet banking, Unified Payment Interface (UPI) etc., have been made possible due to the contribution of the ICT sector.

• Industry: ICT has contributed in the industrial sector right from production, planning, control systems, supply chain and management etc. Buying and selling of bonds in the stock markets have been made possible only due to the contribution of the ICT sector. Research and development activities utilise the latest computer technologies and the information available from different sources such as internet etc.

• Science and engineering: In present development in science and engineering largely rely on computers and telecommunication technologies. For example, Computer aided design (CAD) and Computer aided manufacturing (CAM) programs are used in many fields of engineering and manufacturing processes. It helps engineers in analysing and designing complex structures such as thermal power plants, automotive vehicles etc.

• Business and Commerce: computers are used for managing the financial and business records, databases of workers and employees etc. Digital Technologies, sophisticated hardware, software and communication technologies are extensively used in day to day commerce and business transactions.

• E-commerce: the online buying and selling of products and services through E-Commerce platforms have been made possible by the use of Information and Communication Technologies. Computers, internet, software and telecommunication technologies are utilised for connecting the customers and suppliers for carrying out e-commerce transactions.

• Governance: Information and Communication Technologies have made governance easier, smoother, and citizen centric. The provision of e-government services such as online post matric scholarships, online filing of income tax returns etc., have been made possible through the application of Information and Communication Technologies.

• Medicine: application of ICT in the field of medicine has immense possibilities. For example, MRI, in which the computer combines the pictures and produces 3D images of bodies organs. New Emerging Technologies such as robotic surgeries performed by specialists from remote locations utilise Information and Communication Technologies.

• Entertainment: ICT has also provided a boom to the entertainment industry. Various entertainment options such as online games, streaming music, digital television broadcast, satellite radio, etc have been made possible with the help of internet connections via computers, mobile phones, cable connections or through Wi-Fi, 4G technologies etc.

 

Advantages of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

• Faster communication: in the past, transmission of messages and news took a longer time to reach its destination. However, with the advent of the internet and other ICT options, communication became faster and more efficient. Messages sent via emails, messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram etc became faster and at an instant.

• Lower cost of communication: use of internet became more cost effective than the traditional modes of communication such as postal service, courier service or traditional telephones. Large amount of data can be accessed at very low cost due reduction in the cost of internet services due to development of ICT Technologies such as 4G internet services etc.

• Reliable mode of communication: internet and other ICT services have emerged as one of the most reliable mode of communication as the information could be accessed and retrieved at any time from anywhere. With the advent of new modes of communication such as video conferencing, email, databases, it has become easier to perform different business transactions.

• Better data storage and file management: with the advent of ICT services such as cloud hosting etc., data storage, file management, storing backup business data have become more efficient and easier. It has reduced the amount of paperwork required for any work and has made transfer and access of data to remote locations more efficient.

• Efficient sharing of information: ICT has made the sharing of information much more efficient and effective for all the people around the world. People can share news and information, exchange opinions through ICT services such as the Internet, online forums, discussion groups on WhatsApp, Telegram etc. All these developments are contributing to the development of a knowledge-based society.

• Paperless environment: the advancement of ICT has led to the development of a paperless environment in which information can be stored and retrieved digitally instead of paper. Communication through emails, online chat and instant messaging services are contributing towards a paperless environment.

• Effective business to consumer relationship: ICT services are now being adopted by the business houses which has improved their interaction with their consumers. This has lead to a strong business to consumer relationship resulting in business development. Customer care call centers are examples of the improved interaction with the customers.

• Improvements in Innovation and research: ICT services are assisting in various research and development initiatives. ICT services are been widely utilised for innovation and research in various fields such as space technology, robotics, artificial intelligence etc.

• Better entertainment: ICT has improved the options of entertainment for people all over the world. New modes of entertainment have emerged such as cable television, online video streaming, online games etc.

• Improved social connectivity: ICT services have led to the emergence of various social networking websites such as Facebook, Twitter, and various social networking applications such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram etc. All these have improved the social interaction among the people and now it is easier to connect with our friends and relatives through these social networking websites and apps.

• Borderless world: the fast means of communication through internet offers fast information retrieval, accessibility and versatility. All these have created borderless sources for services, information and communication, and are contributing to the emergence of a borderless world.

 

Negative impacts of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

• Social problems: the advent of ICT also had some negative impacts on the society. Nowadays a trend is emerging that online communication is getting priority over real time conversations. People are becoming more individualistic and introvert which is creating social problems in society.
• Health issues: long exposure to computers may have negative impacts on health. Users can suffer from bad posture, eye strain, physical and mental stress etc. To deal with these issues ergonomic environment can be created such as an ergonomic chair for reducing back strain, and screen filter for reducing eye strain.
• Implementation expenses: implementation of ICT is quite expensive and small scale firms are unable to afford this expensive technology which puts them in disadvantage. Even the Government of India's digital India mission has huge implementation costs.

• Job losses: ICT Technology has substituted many positions which were occupied by humans. This is leading to huge job losses and has created unemployment in many sectors. For example, Google's driverless cars can cause job losses for the drivers.

• Cyber crimes: the advent of ICT has also led to a serious problem of cyber crimes such as hacking, cyber snooping, cyber frauds such as the hacking of bank accounts, cyber blackmailing, hacking of government websites and other important websites etc. Hackers use the loopholes of technology for committing different cyber crimes. Managing and strengthening the cyber security is necessary for optimising the benefits of ICT introducing its classes.

• Privacy: privacy of individuals and entities using ICT services has emerged as a major challenge. Personal information of users is connected through cookies, electronic profile, and spyware etc. Cookies are used for identifying users by webcasting, e-commerce and web applications. Electronic profile includes personal details such as age, address, marital status etc., which are preserved in a database and can be sold to the interested parties. Spyware collects user information without user’s knowledge by sneaking in like a computer virus.