Landslides are the movement of mass of debris, earth or rock, sliding down under the effect of gravity. Landslides are a common problem across the Himalayas and Western Ghats. However, the factors for the two differ, as seen in the following table:   Western Ghats   Himalayan region   Heavy mining activities in the western ghat region is a major factor leading to landslides.   Deforestation… Continue reading [Answered] Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats.

India being a part of Gondwanaland, is richly endowed with mineral wealth such as coal, iron, mica, aluminium etc., however, mining sector of India contributes only 2.2% to 2.5% to the GDP of the country. Reasons for low contribution are as under:   Minerals are located in forested tribal areas. Democratic polity with a mandate for welfare creates conflicting priority of mineral exploitation and tribal development.  Multiple clearances… Continue reading [Answered] Despite India being one of the countries of the Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss.

Integration of princely states into India on eve of independence was crucial last step towards realising the dream of an independent Republic of India. But the difference in conditions, issues and aspirations provided difficulties that required stoic attention.   Following administrative issues hindered integration of princely states:   Territorial Contiguity or lack of it such as in Patiala, Kapurthala etc. which were combined into PEPSU, or Jammu and… Continue reading [Answered] Assess the main administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration process of Indian Princely States.

Socio-religious reform movements arose in India during 19th century not only facilitated by but also as a reaction to colonial rule, after the establishment of British political supremacy in India. Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj represent two important points of these reformist movements.   The rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements in India can be traced in following points:   People from elite class who were educated through modern English education provided the backbone of… Continue reading [Answered]Trace the rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements with special reference to Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj.

Bhakti literature represents the legacy of a socio-religious reform movement that prevailed from 8th century to 17th century CE.  It was characterised by use of local languages and socially inclusive outlook.   Nature of Bhakti literature is as follows:   Devotional: Kirtana Ghosha of Shankardeva (Vaishnava devotional songs); Thirumurais (Tamil songs in praise of Shiva) etc.   Non-sectarian: In Bhakti poems, Radha-Shyam is supposed to be the equivalent of Seeta-Ram.   Inter-regional appeal: Ramacharitsmanas and Hanuman Chalisa written in Awadh gained popularity across the length and… Continue reading [Answered] Evaluate the nature Of the Bhakti literature and its contribution to Indian culture.