STUDENT PORTAL

SYLLABUS - MAINS

PAPER 01 (GS 01)

NOTE: This is not the complete syllabus. Here we have covered only those topics which UPSC has asked very frequently in past 20 years. To clear the mains exam and register your name in the fianl list, one cannot leave these topics and super consolidation these topics can easily bring your name in the final list and make your hardwork and struggle fruitful.

HISTORY

Art & Culture

Art Forms

Classical Dance Forms

  • Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu): Origin, costume, music, and famous exponents.
  • Kathak (North India): Mughal influence, storytelling aspects, and prominent dancers.
  • Kathakali (Kerala): Elaborate makeup, characters, and ritualistic performance.
  • Manipuri (Manipur): Connection with Raas Lila, costumes, and spiritual themes.
  • Odissi (Odisha): Sculptural poses, themes from the life of Krishna, and development.
  • Sattriya (Assam): Vaishnavite origins, performance context, and recent recognition as a classical form.
  • Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh): Origins in drama, unique elements like Tarangam, and famous practitioners.
  • Mohiniyattam (Kerala): Lyrical movements, themes of femininity, and costume details.

Folk and Tribal Dance Forms

  • Regional variations and significance, including dances like Garba (Gujarat), Bhangra (Punjab), and Ghoomar (Rajasthan).

Music Forms

  • Classical Music: Differences between Hindustani and Carnatic music, prominent instruments, and maestros.
  • Folk Music: Varieties across states, instruments used, and socio-cultural contexts.

Literature

Ancient Literature

  • Vedas and Upanishads: Philosophical content and socio-religious impact.
  • Epics: Ramayana and Mahabharata, different versions and their regional impacts, including the Ramcharitmanas in the north and Kamba Ramayanam in the south.
  • Sangam Literature: Themes, language (Tamil), and depiction of the Tamil life.

Medieval Literature

  • Bhakti and Sufi Traditions: Saints like Kabir, Meera, and their teachings.
  • Regional Literatures: Development of literature in languages like Bengali (Chaitanya Mahaprabhu), Marathi (Sant Tukaram), and others.

Modern Literature

  • Colonial Impact: Rise of prose in Indian languages, reform and revival movements.
  • Major Literary Figures and Movements: Rabindranath Tagore, R.K. Narayan, the Progressive Writers’ Movement.

Architecture

Ancient

  • Harappan Civilization: Urban planning, drainage systems.
  • Buddhist Architecture: Stupas (Sanchi), rock-cut caves (Ajanta and Ellora).
  • Temple Architecture: Dravidian (Brihadeshwara Temple), Nagara (Kandariya Mahadeva), and Vesara styles (Hoysaleswara Temple).

Medieval

  • Islamic Architecture: Features of Mughal architecture like the use of domes and minarets, and prominent structures like the Taj Mahal and Red Fort.
  • Regional Kingdoms: Architecture of Vijayanagara (Hampi), Marathas (Shaniwar Wada).

Modern

  • Colonial Architecture: Indo-Saracenic (Victoria Memorial), Gothic revival (Mumbai CST station).
  • Post-Independence: Modernist and post-modernist influences, works of architects like Le Corbusier (Chandigarh) and Charles Correa (Bharat Bhavan).

Preservation and Promotion

  • Role of institutions like ASI, efforts like Intangible Cultural Heritage list (UNESCO), and festivals promoting arts (Khajuraho Festival, Konark Dance Festival).

Modern Indian History

Middle of the eighteenth century until the present

Establishment of British Power

  • Battle of Plassey (1757): Marked the beginning of British political control in India.
  • Battle of Buxar (1764): Solidified British dominance in Bengal and paved the way for expansion across India.
  • Doctrine of Lapse and Subsidiary Alliance: Policies used by the British to annex Indian states.

Economic Impact of British Rule

  • Deindustrialization: Decline of traditional handicrafts due to the influx of British manufactured goods.
  • Land Revenue Systems: Permanent Settlement, Ryotwari, and Mahalwari systems and their socio-economic impacts.
  • Famines: Major famines during British rule, their causes, and effects on the population.

Socio-Religious Reform Movements

  • Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj, Ramakrishna Mission: Aims, objectives, and impacts.
  • Reformers: Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Vivekananda, Dayanand Saraswati, and their contributions.

Rise of Nationalism

  • Formation of Indian National Congress (1885): Early leadership and moderate phase.
  • Partition of Bengal (1905): Nationalist response and Swadeshi Movement.
  • Gandhian Era: Non-cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, Quit India Movement.

Significant Personalities

  • Mahatma Gandhi: Philosophy of non-violence and Satyagraha.
  • Jawaharlal Nehru: Role in the freedom movement and as the first Prime Minister.
  • Subhas Chandra Bose: INA and his radical approach to freedom struggle.
  • Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: Fight for Dalit rights and role in framing the Constitution.

Independence and Partition

  • Cabinet Mission Plan (1946): Proposals for transfer of power.
  • Mountbatten Plan (1947): Direct plan for partition and independence.
  • Effects of Partition: Communal violence, refugee crisis, and socio-political aftermath.

Post-Independence Consolidation

  • Integration of Princely States: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s role.
  • Reorganisation of States (1956): On a linguistic basis, following the demand from various regions.
  • Economic Planning: Launch of Five-Year Plans, focusing on industrialization.

Challenges in Modern India

  • Wars with Pakistan (1948, 1965, 1971) and China (1962): Causes and consequences.
  • Economic Reforms (1991): Liberalization, privatization, and globalization.
  • Recent Issues: Communalism, regionalism, and emerging social challenges.

Important Amendments and Acts

  • 42nd Amendment, 1976: Made India a "Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic."
  • 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments: Panchayati Raj institutions and urban local bodies.

The Freedom Struggle

Early Resistance (1757-1857)

  • Revolt of 1857: Often termed the First War of Indian Independence; involved significant figures like Mangal Pandey, Rani Lakshmibai, Bahadur Shah Zafar, and Tantia Tope.
  • Earlier Revolts: Various local and regional uprisings such as the Polygar Wars in Tamil Nadu, the Paika Rebellion in Odisha, and the Santhal Rebellion in Jharkhand.

Rise of Organized National Movements (Post-1857)

  • Formation of the Indian National Congress (1885): Initially a platform for civic dialogue, it became the spearhead of the national movement.
  • Moderate Phase (1885-1905): Leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Surendranath Banerjee emphasized dialogue and petitions.
  • Extremist Phase: Advocated by leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bipin Chandra Pal, pushing for Swaraj or self-rule.

The Partition of Bengal (1905)

  • Swadeshi Movement: Response to the partition, involving mass protests, boycotts of British goods, and the promotion of indigenous industries.

Gandhian Era (1915-1947)

  • Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922): A non-violent refusal to cooperate with the British authorities.
  • Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934): Marked by the Salt March, challenging the salt laws.
  • Quit India Movement (1942): A mass protest demanding an end to British rule in India.

Regional Contributions

  • North India: Leaders like Bhagat Singh, and Chandrashekhar Azad, and movements such as the Kisan Sabha movement influenced the freedom struggle.
  • East India: Subhas Chandra Bose from Bengal, and the formation of the Indian National Army (INA) were pivotal.
  • South India: E.V. Ramasamy 'Periyar', C. Rajagopalachari and the Justice Party played significant roles.
  • West India: The Rowlatt Satyagraha saw strong participation from Maharashtra and Gujarat, with leaders like Mohandas Gandhi at the forefront.
  • Central India: Rani Gaidinliu from the Northeast fought against British rule and worked to promote Naga tribal interests.

Contributions from Women

  • Role of Women: Women like Sarojini Naidu, Kasturba Gandhi, and Annie Besant were instrumental in the freedom movement, participating in protests and leading initiatives.

Post-1947 Contributions to Freedom

  • Integration of Princely States: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and V.P. Menon played critical roles in integrating over 500 princely states into the Indian Union.
  • Constitutional Development: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, was pivotal in framing the Constitution of India.

Communal and Partition Issues

  • Direct Action Day (1946): Led to widespread communal riots, underlining the intense communal tensions that accompanied the demand for Pakistan.

Post Independence India

Integration of Princely States

  • Role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: As the Home Minister, Patel played a crucial role in the diplomatic and sometimes forceful integration of over 560 princely states into the Union of India. His strategies, coupled with V.P. Menon's administrative acumen, were instrumental in this process.
  • Notable Integrations:
    • Hyderabad: Operation Polo, the military operation to integrate Hyderabad after the Nizam opted to remain independent.
    • Junagadh: Initially acceded to Pakistan but later integrated into India following a plebiscite.
    • Kashmir: The signing of the Instrument of Accession by Maharaja Hari Singh under the threat of invasion from tribal raiders supported by Pakistan.

Reorganization of States

  • Linguistic Reorganization: Following prolonged agitations, notably the hunger strike and subsequent death of Potti Sriramulu for an Andhra state for Telugu-speaking people, the States Reorganization Act was passed in 1956. This Act reorganized state boundaries primarily on linguistic lines.
  • Formation of New States: Over the years, demands for new states based on ethnic, cultural, and economic reasons led to the creation of states like Nagaland (1963), Haryana (1966), Himachal Pradesh (1971), and several others in the later years, such as Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh in 2000.

Constitutional Developments

  • Adoption of the Constitution: Drafted by the Constituent Assembly with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, the Indian Constitution was adopted on 26th January 1950, making India a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic.
  • Important Amendments:
    • First Amendment (1951): Addressed issues of land reform and the curtailment of certain freedoms to implement the government's development agenda.
    • 42nd Amendment (1976): Known as the "Mini-Constitution", it brought about significant changes to the Constitution during the Emergency, including the declaration of India as a "Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic" and the addition of Fundamental Duties.

Socio-Economic Reforms

  • Land Reforms: Abolition of Zamindari and other feudal land tenure systems, aimed at reducing rural inequality and promoting agricultural productivity.
  • Economic Planning: Introduction of Five-Year Plans starting in 1951, focusing on industrialisation, energy, and later on, liberalisation and market reforms.

Challenges and Responses

  • Communal Harmony: Efforts to maintain communal harmony amidst various challenges, including the resettlement and integration of refugees following the partition.
  • Language Policy: The adoption of Hindi as the official language of the Union faced opposition, leading to the passage of the Official Languages Act in 1963, allowing the continued use of English alongside Hindi for official purposes.

World History

Industrial Revolution (Late 18th to Early 19th Century)

  • Origins: Began in Britain with major advancements in textile machinery, steam power, and iron production.
  • Impact: Transformed agricultural societies into industrial powerhouses, leading to urbanization, changes in labour systems, and the emergence of the factory system.
  • Global Spread: Spread to Western Europe, North America, and eventually to other parts of the world, influencing global economic and social structures.

World Wars

  • World War I (1914-1918): Triggered by the complex interplay of alliances and conflicts, culminating in the Treaty of Versailles. Major themes include trench warfare, technological advancements, and massive civilian and military casualties.
  • World War II (1939-1945): Sparked by fascist aggressions and resulting in significant geopolitical shifts, the Holocaust, and the use of nuclear weapons in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It ended with the establishment of the United Nations.

Redrawal of National Boundaries

  • Post-WWI: Treaty of Versailles, creation of new nations in Europe such as Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia, and mandates in the Middle East.
  • Post-WWII: Division of Germany, changes in borders in Eastern Europe, decolonization of Africa and Asia leading to new nation-states.

Colonization and Decolonization

  • Colonization: European powers colonized vast regions in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, exploiting resources and native populations.
  • Decolonization: Accelerated after World War II due to economic strains on colonial powers and rising nationalist movements, leading to the independence of nations across Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean.

Political Philosophies and Their Impact

  • Communism: Advocated for a classless society and the abolition of private property; prominently adopted by the Soviet Union and later China, Cuba, and other states.
  • Capitalism: Based on private ownership and free markets; championed by the United States and Western Europe, leading to significant economic growth and also criticisms regarding inequality and environmental degradation.
  • Socialism: Seeks to reduce inequalities through significant state intervention in the economy; variations of socialism have been adopted in various forms in countries like Sweden, India (especially in the early post-independence period), and Brazil.

Effects on Society

  • Economic Disparities: Both capitalism and communism have been criticized for creating or perpetuating economic disparities.
  • Cultural Exchanges and Conflicts: Global conflicts and the spread of political ideologies have led to cultural exchanges, conflicts, and transformations across societies.
  • Technological and Scientific Advancements: The competitive nature of these ideologies often spurred technological and scientific growth, including the space race and nuclear arms development.

Modern Implications

Globalization: The legacy of these historical processes is evident in today's globalized world, where economic and cultural exchanges are intensified, but so are issues like economic inequality and cultural homogenization.

SOCIETY

Salient Features of Indian Society

  • Social Hierarchy: The traditional caste system, though less rigid now, continues to influence social interactions and access to resources.
  • Diverse Religions and Ethnic Groups: India is home to a multitude of religious and ethnic groups, including Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, and various tribal communities, each with their own cultural practices and societal norms.
  • Patriarchy and Gender Roles: Indian society is predominantly patriarchal, with varying degrees of gender inequality affecting aspects of life such as education, employment, and rights.
  • Joint Family System: Despite a gradual shift towards nuclear families, especially in urban areas, the joint family system remains a significant aspect of Indian culture, emphasizing collective living and mutual support.
  • Marriage and Kinship Ties: Arranged marriages are still prevalent, and kinship ties continue to play a crucial role in social networks and economic relationships.
  • Cultural Syncretism: India exhibits a remarkable blend of cultures, where different religious and cultural backgrounds have intermixed, leading to shared festivals, architectural styles, and culinary traditions.

Diversity of India

  • Linguistic Diversity: India officially recognizes 22 languages under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, with hundreds of dialects and languages spoken across the country, reflecting its complex linguistic landscape.
  • Regional Diversity: Each region in India has distinct cultural identities, evident in its festivals, languages, culinary preferences, and daily lifestyles. This diversity often extends to social norms and economic practices.
  • Cultural Practices and Festivals: Diverse cultural practices are evident in widespread and region-specific festivals such as Diwali, Eid, Christmas, Pongal, Bihu, Navratri, and many others, celebrated with much fervour.
  • Socio-Economic Diversity: India's society ranges from tribal and rural communities with traditional lifestyles to urban populations experiencing rapid modernization and globalization. This disparity is also reflected in varying levels of economic development and education.
  • Geographical Diversity: The physical geography of India, from the Himalayas in the north to the coastal regions in the south, and from the deserts in the west to the rainforests in the east, supports a wide range of agricultural practices, lifestyles, and economic activities.

Challenges Arising from Diversity

  • Social Stratification: The diversity and complexity of Indian society also result in challenges like caste-based discrimination, religious conflicts, and regional disparities.
  • Integration and National Unity: Managing such diversity while promoting national unity and integration is a continuous challenge for India's governance and social fabric.
  • Economic Inequality: Diverse socio-economic backgrounds lead to significant disparities in access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.

Role of Women and Women’s Organizations

  • Historical Context: Traditionally, Indian women had limited public influence and were primarily involved in household duties. Post-independence, women's roles have gradually evolved due to education and social reforms.
  • Women’s Organizations: Organizations like All India Women's Education Fund Association, Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), and National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW) play pivotal roles in advocating for women’s rights, employment, and education.
  • Legislative Framework: Laws such as the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (2005), Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act (2013), and the Dowry Prohibition Act (1961) aim to protect and empower women.
  • Women in Leadership: Increase in participation in politics and business, exemplified by figures like Indira Gandhi, Kiran Bedi, and Indra Nooyi, showcases the evolving role of women in Indian society.

Population and Associated Issues

  • Overpopulation: India is the second most populous country, which presents challenges such as resource depletion, employment scarcity, and infrastructural overload.
  • Demographic Dividend: A significant proportion of India’s population is young, which can be advantageous if harnessed with adequate education and employment opportunities.
  • Policies: Initiatives like the National Population Policy (2000) aim to stabilize the population growth by promoting family planning methods and improving healthcare and education.

Poverty and Developmental Issues

  • Extent of Poverty: A significant percentage of India’s population lives below the poverty line, struggling with inadequate access to basic necessities like food, clean water, and shelter.
  • Causes: Include economic policies, limited industrial growth, insufficient agricultural productivity, and unequal resource distribution.
  • Government Initiatives: Programs like Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (for financial inclusion), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (to improve rural connectivity), and MGNREGA (providing rural employment) are aimed at alleviating poverty.

Urbanization: Problems and Remedies

  • Rapid Urbanization: Leads to overburdened infrastructure, inadequate housing, increased pollution, and slums.
  • Challenges: Include waste management, water scarcity, traffic congestion, and socio-economic disparities.
  • Smart Cities Mission: Aims to create 100 smart cities across India that promote sustainable and inclusive development using technology-driven solutions.
  • Urban Planning: Effective urban planning and policy reforms are crucial for addressing issues of housing, transportation, and public health.

Remedies for Developmental Issues

  • Inclusive Growth: Policies must focus on inclusive growth that benefits all sections of society, particularly the underprivileged.
  • Sustainability: Emphasizing sustainable development practices that protect the environment while promoting economic growth.
  • Education and Skill Development: Investing in education and vocational training to improve employability and productivity.

Effects of Globalization on Indian society

Concept of Globalization

  • Definition and Understanding: Understanding what globalization means in the context of Indian society.
  • Historical Context: How globalization started affecting India, particularly post-1991 economic reforms.

Economic Effects

  • Impact on the Indian Economy: Changes in trade, investment flows, and economic growth patterns.
  • Employment Trends: Changes in employment patterns, including the rise of the service sector and IT industry.
  • Agriculture and Industry: Impact on small-scale and large industries, agricultural exports, and farmer incomes.
  • Economic Disparities: Influence on income distribution, regional disparities, and the wealth gap.

Social Effects

  • Cultural Impact: Influence on Indian culture, changes in lifestyle, consumer behaviour, and cultural homogenization.
  • Education and Health: Accessibility and quality of healthcare and education due to global influences and private investment.
  • Social Mobility: Effects on different social classes and communities, including opportunities for upward social mobility.

Political and Administrative Impacts

  • Policy Making: How global pressures affect Indian domestic policies, including economic, environmental, and social policies.
  • Governance and Public Services: Changes in governance models due to global best practices.

Impacts on Women and Other Vulnerable Sections

  • Women Empowerment and Challenges: Job opportunities for women, impact on women's rights, and instances of exploitation.
  • Impact on Minorities and Marginalized Communities: How globalization has affected these groups differently.

Challenges and Negative Impacts

  • Erosion of Traditional Industries: How traditional crafts and industries have been impacted.
  • Environmental Issues: Globalization's impact on environmental degradation and climate change.
  • Cultural Erosion: Loss of cultural identity and traditional practices.

Technological Impact

  • Digital Divide: Accessibility of technology across different strata of society.
  • Technology Transfer and Adaptation: How India has adapted to and absorbed global technological changes.

Responses to Globalization

  • Adaptation Strategies: How Indian society and governments have adapted to the challenges posed by globalization.
  • Resistance and Criticism: Social movements or groups resisting certain aspects of globalization.

Social Empowerment

  • Definition and Scope: Understanding what constitutes social empowerment in the Indian context.
  • Mechanisms and Strategies: Government schemes and NGOs' roles in empowering socially and economically disadvantaged groups.
  • Education and Employment: Focus on access to education and job opportunities as tools for empowerment.
  • Case Studies: Specific instances of successful social empowerment projects.

Communalism

  • Definition and Origins: Understanding communalism as an ideology and its historical roots in India.
  • Communal Violence: Analysis of major communal riots, their causes, and impacts.
  • Government Policies and Laws: Role of government policies, law enforcement, and the judiciary in controlling communalism.
  • Case Studies: Examination of specific incidents to understand the pattern and impact of communalism.

Regionalism

  • Definition and Causes: What fuels regionalism in India, including linguistic, ethnic, and economic factors.
  • Movements and Demands: Major regional movements, their demands, and outcomes.
  • Impact on National Politics: How regionalism affects the broader political discourse and national unity.
  • Case Studies: Specific examples of regionalism and its impact on local and national politics.

Secularism

  • Indian Secularism: Definition and how it differs from the Western model of secularism.
  • Challenges and Threats: Issues facing secularism in India, including majoritarianism and religious nationalism.
  • Legal and Constitutional Framework: Role of the Constitution, Supreme Court judgments, and laws in upholding secularism.
  • Case Studies: Specific instances where secularism was challenged or upheld in India.

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