MPPSC MAINS 2015 Paper-I

Points to Remember: The challenges of integrating princely states into the Indian Union post-independence. The Instruments of Accession and their significance. The role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and V.P. Menon. The varying approaches used for integration (persuasion, pressure, and military action). The long-term implications of the integration process. Introduction: The integration of over 565 princely … Read more

Points to Remember: Aurangzeb’s religious policy was characterized by a strict adherence to Sunni Islam and a suppression of other religious groups. This policy led to widespread unrest and rebellion, weakening the Mughal Empire. The consequences of Aurangzeb’s religious policy are still debated by historians. Introduction: Aurangzeb Alamgir (1658-1707), the sixth Mughal emperor, is a … Read more

Points to Remember: Drain of Wealth Deindustrialization Famines Infrastructure Development (limited and biased) Introduction of new crops and technologies (with caveats) Creation of a modern economy (with inherent inequalities) Introduction: British colonial rule in India (1757-1947) profoundly impacted the Indian economy. While the British presented their policies as beneficial for India’s development, the reality was … Read more

Points to Remember: Subsidiary Alliance: Key features, objectives, impact on Indian states. Positive and negative consequences: Strengthening British power vs. loss of Indian sovereignty. Major states involved: Hyderabad, Mysore, Awadh, etc. Long-term implications for British rule in India. Introduction: Lord Wellesley’s Subsidiary Alliance system, implemented during his tenure as Governor-General of India (1798-1805), was a … Read more

Points to Remember: Swami Dayanand Saraswati’s philosophy and its impact on Indian society. The key tenets of Arya Samaj. Arya Samaj’s social reform movements. Arya Samaj’s educational and religious contributions. The lasting legacy of Swami Dayanand and Arya Samaj. Introduction: Swami Dayanand Saraswati (1824-1883) was a highly influential 19th-century Indian religious and social reformer. He … Read more

Points to Remember: Militarism: The excessive growth of armies and navies and the glorification of military power. Alliances: A system of interlocking treaties that obligated nations to defend one another, escalating smaller conflicts. Imperialism: Competition for colonies and resources fueled tensions between European powers. Nationalism: Intense patriotism and a belief in national superiority, often leading … Read more

Points to Remember: The Surat Split of 1907 was a major schism in the Indian National Congress. The split was primarily caused by ideological differences between the Moderates and the Extremists. The split weakened the Congress’s ability to effectively challenge British rule. The legacy of the Surat Split continues to influence Indian politics. Introduction: The … Read more

Points to Remember: Economic exploitation Political subjugation Cultural regeneration Role of education and the press Rise of extremist ideologies Impact of World War I Introduction: Indian nationalism, a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, wasn’t a spontaneous eruption but a gradual process fueled by various factors. It evolved from a sense of shared identity and grievances against … Read more

Points to Remember: Key Players: Identify the major powers involved in the Carnatic Wars. Causes: Understand the underlying reasons for the conflict. Outcomes: Analyze the significant consequences of the wars. Long-term Impact: Assess the lasting effects on the political landscape of India. Introduction: The Carnatic Wars (1746-1763) were a series of conflicts fought primarily in … Read more

Points to Remember: Asht Pradhan’s significance in the context of ancient Indian administration. The composition and functions of the Asht Pradhan. The strengths and weaknesses of the Asht Pradhan system. Its relevance to modern governance. Introduction: The Asht Pradhan (literally, “eight ministers”) constituted the council of ministers in the Maratha Empire under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. … Read more