Discuss the features of Mughal architecture and examine the influence of Hindu elements on it.

Mughal Architecture: A Blend of Persian Grandeur and Indian Heritage Introduction: Mughal architecture, flourishing in India from the 16th to the 19th centuries, represents a unique synthesis of Persian, Central Asian, and Indian architectural styles. The Mughal emperors, descendants of Timur and Babur, brought with them a sophisticated architectural tradition rooted in Persianate aesthetics, characterized … Read more

Explain Alauddin Khilji’s market regulations and discuss their impact.

Alauddin Khilji’s Market Regulations: A Study in State Control and its Impact Introduction: Alauddin Khilji (1296-1316 CE), the second ruler of the Khilji dynasty in Delhi Sultanate, is renowned for his ambitious and often ruthless policies, particularly his extensive market regulations. These interventions, implemented during a period of significant economic growth and population expansion, aimed … Read more

Examine the manner in which the Chola village administration contributed to the growth of village autonomy as indicated by the Uttaramerur/Uttaramallur inscriptions.

The Chola Village Administration and the Growth of Village Autonomy: Evidence from Uttaramerur/Uttaramallur Inscriptions Introduction: The Chola dynasty (c. 9th-13th centuries CE) in South India is renowned for its sophisticated administrative system. While the empire maintained centralized control, it also fostered a significant degree of village autonomy, particularly evident in the functioning of village assemblies. … Read more

Examine the socio-religious life and administration of early India with respect to the writings of Chinese travellers such as Fa-Hien, Hiuen-Tsang, and I-Tsang.

Examining Socio-Religious Life and Administration of Early India through the Lens of Chinese Travellers Introduction: Early India, spanning roughly from the 4th to the 7th centuries CE, witnessed a vibrant socio-religious landscape and a complex administrative system. Our understanding of this period is significantly enriched by the firsthand accounts of Chinese Buddhist pilgrims, notably Fa-Hien … Read more

Examine the survival and continuity of Harappan culture in the present times.

Examining the Survival and Continuity of Harappan Culture in Present Times Introduction: The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, flourished in the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent from approximately 3300 to 1300 BCE. Its sophisticated urban planning, standardized weights and measures, and advanced drainage systems stand as testaments to its remarkable … Read more

Explain the regulation of agricultural markets in India. Discuss the scope of farmer-market linkages with a special mention of the e-National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) in India.

Regulation of Agricultural Markets in India and Farmer-Market Linkages: A Focus on e-NAM Introduction: India’s agricultural sector, employing over half its population, is crucial to its economy. However, historically, Indian farmers faced significant challenges in accessing fair prices for their produce due to fragmented markets, exploitative intermediaries, and lack of market information. Regulation of agricultural … Read more

Explain the impact of the Rainbow Revolution in India. Discuss the scope for Industrial Transformation in Indian Agriculture.

The Rainbow Revolution and Industrial Transformation in Indian Agriculture Introduction: The “Rainbow Revolution” in India refers to the diversification of agricultural production beyond traditional crops like rice and wheat to include horticulture, floriculture, and other high-value crops. This diversification aims to enhance farmers’ incomes, improve nutritional security, and boost export potential. Simultaneously, the push for … Read more

The focus of the government has shifted from women development to women-led development. Examine this statement in the context of Education, Skilling, and Microfinance.

From Women Development to Women-Led Development: A Shift in Focus Introduction: The traditional approach to women’s development often focused on treating women as beneficiaries of welfare programs, aiming to uplift them through targeted interventions. This “women development” approach, while well-intentioned, often lacked agency and empowerment at its core. Recently, there’s been a perceptible shift towards … Read more

Explain the reasons leading to higher Public Debt in India. Discuss the scope of public debt sustainability in India.

India’s Rising Public Debt: Causes and Sustainability Introduction: India’s public debt, the total amount owed by the central and state governments, has been steadily increasing over the past few decades. While some level of public debt is considered normal for financing public goods and services, excessive debt can hinder economic growth and stability. Understanding the … Read more

What are the factors that spur foreign investment in India? Explain the major features of India’s Consolidated Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy. Briefly discuss the present situation of FDI equity inflows in India.

Factors Spurring Foreign Investment in India and India’s FDI Policy Introduction: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) plays a crucial role in a nation’s economic growth, contributing to capital formation, technology transfer, and job creation. India, with its large and diverse market, has attracted significant FDI over the years. However, the inflow isn’t uniform and depends on … Read more