CGPSC MAINS 2018 Paper-3

Points to Remember: Origin and historical context of Turkan-i-Chahalghani. Key characteristics and features. Significance and impact. Modern relevance (if any). Introduction: “Turkan-i-Chahalghani” refers to a legendary figure in Persian and Central Asian folklore. While the exact historical basis, if any, remains debated, the narratives surrounding this character offer insights into the cultural values, social structures, … Read more

Points to Remember: Military weaknesses of the French Superior British strategy and alliances Lack of French support from the homeland Internal conflicts and lack of unity among French allies Introduction: The French presence in India, though initially promising, ultimately ended in failure. While the French East India Company established trading posts and briefly enjoyed military … Read more

Points to Remember: The four main principles of Din-i-Ilahi were designed to promote religious harmony and a unified empire under Akbar. These principles were not strictly enforced and coexisted with other religious practices. Din-i-Ilahi’s impact on religious tolerance in India is a subject of ongoing debate. The principles were more of a philosophical framework than … Read more

Points to Remember: The question requires the names of four Chishti saints. The approach is purely factual. Introduction: The Chishti Order is a prominent Sufi order in South Asia, known for its emphasis on love, compassion, and tolerance. Founded by Khwaja Abu Ishaq Shami in the 12th century, the order spread rapidly, influencing the religious … Read more

Points to Remember: Political vacuum: The decline of the Mughal Empire created opportunities for regional powers. Military prowess: The Maratha army was highly skilled and effective. Effective leadership: Shivaji Maharaj’s leadership and administrative skills were crucial. Socio-religious factors: A sense of regional identity and religious tolerance contributed to their rise. Introduction: The rise of the … Read more

Points to Remember: Lothal’s strategic location and port facilities. Evidence of advanced urban planning and sophisticated craftsmanship. Insights into the Indus Valley Civilization’s trade networks and economy. Lothal’s contribution to our understanding of Indus script and culture. The site’s vulnerability and the need for preservation efforts. Introduction: The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), flourishing between 3300 … Read more

Points to Remember: Similarities: Focus on shared philosophical concepts and practices. Dissimilarities: Highlight key doctrinal differences and approaches to spiritual liberation. Introduction: Jainism and Buddhism, two prominent ancient Indian religions, share a common geographical and historical context, emerging in India around the same period (6th-5th centuries BCE). Both advocate non-violence (ahimsa) as a central tenet … Read more

Points to Remember: Varuna’s role as a cosmic and moral order upholder. His association with water, truth, and cosmic justice. His influence on social order and the king’s authority. The decline of Varuna’s prominence in later Vedic texts. Introduction: Varuna, a prominent deity in the early Vedic period (c. 1500-500 BCE), holds a significant place … Read more