APPSC Group 1 Mains PYQs

Comment on the Effectiveness of Mahatma Gandhi’s Methods to Mobilize the Masses Introduction: Mahatma Gandhi’s success in mobilizing the Indian masses against British rule is unparalleled in history. His methods, often termed “Satyagraha” (truth force), were a unique blend of philosophical principles and practical strategies. While some scholars debate the extent of his influence on … Read more

The Enduring Relevance of Constitutional Methods: Dr. Ambedkar’s Vision and its Contemporary Significance Introduction: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, famously stated, “We must hold fast to constitutional methods for achieving our social and economic objectives.” This statement encapsulates his profound belief in the power of democratic processes and the rule … Read more

The Revolt of 1857: Nature, Significance, and the “First War of Independence” Debate Introduction: The year 1857 witnessed a widespread rebellion against the British East India Company’s rule in India. While often referred to as the “Sepoy Mutiny” by the British, the event encompassed far more than a mere mutiny of soldiers. It involved diverse … Read more

The Moderates and the Indian Freedom Struggle (1885-1905): A Period of Foundation Introduction: The period between 1885 and 1905 witnessed the emergence and consolidation of the Indian National Congress (INC), largely dominated by “moderates” or “early nationalists.” This era, while not characterized by aggressive revolutionary action, laid the crucial groundwork for the later, more radical … Read more

The Flourishing of Art Schools in Post-Mauryan India: A Survey of Key Features Introduction: The post-Mauryan period in India (c. 185 BCE – 320 CE), encompassing the Shunga, Satavahana, and Kushan dynasties, witnessed a significant shift in artistic expression. While the Mauryan period emphasized monumental grandeur and imperial power, the post-Mauryan era saw a blossoming … Read more

The Cultural Contribution of the Vijayanagar Empire Introduction: The Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1646 CE), meaning “City of Victory,” ruled a vast area of South India. Its cultural legacy is profound and multifaceted, leaving an indelible mark on art, architecture, literature, and religious practices. While its political history is well-documented, the empire’s cultural contributions often receive less … Read more

Major Contributions of the Great Mughals to Indian Architecture Introduction: The Mughal Empire, spanning from the 16th to the 19th centuries, left an indelible mark on the Indian subcontinent, particularly in the realm of architecture. Their architectural contributions represent a unique fusion of Persian, Central Asian, and Indian styles, resulting in magnificent structures that continue … Read more

Comparing Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism: Rise and Fall of a Religion Introduction: Buddhism, originating in ancient India with Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) in the 6th century BCE, evolved into diverse schools of thought. Two major branches, Hinayana (Theravada) and Mahayana, represent distinct interpretations of the Buddha’s teachings and paths to enlightenment. While both share core … Read more