Insights Secure – 2015 Compilations: General Studies - 1
Insights Secure – 2015
General Studies Paper – 1
29 December 2014 to 3 January 2015
[THE UNDERCOVER GROUP]
Compiled By:
Urstruly KArtheek Deepak Thurwal Anand vardhan Hatas Engineer Devil Baba LuV
Source:
http://www.insightsonindia.com
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Table of Contents General Studies – 1 ...... 4 Q) Discuss, with examples, the distinctive features of Mughal chronicles. (200 Words) ...... 4 Q) Examine the factors that led to the raise of jotedars in rural Bengal. Also explain how different they were from zamindars in their power and influence. (200 Words) ...... 5 Q) On October 14, 1956, Babasaheb Ambedkar, along with several hundred thousand “untouchables”, embraced Buddhism. Critically examine the ideological bases and other reasons which convinced Dr Ambedkar to embrace Buddhism. (200 Words) ...... 6 Q) Compare and contrast the picture of Indian culture depicted by Arabian and European travellers respectively. (200 Words) ...... 7 Q) Discuss salient features of the temple architecture of Vijayanagar Empire. (150 Words) 8 Q) Discuss the development in sculpture and architecture associated with the rise of Vaishnavism and Shaivism. (200 Words) ...... 9 Q) To what extent do you think the architecture of mosques in the subcontinent reflects a combination of universal ideals and local traditions? (150 Words) ...... 10 Q) Examine How did the American Civil War affect the lives of ryots in India in the mid – nineteenth century. (200 Words) ...... 12 Q) Critically examine how differently the British and the nationalist sources analysed the 1857 sepoy revolt. (200 Words) ...... 13 Q) Describe the role played by women in agricultural production in medieval India. Critically examine how her role has changed in modern India. (200 Words) ...... 15 Q) Gandhara sculpture owed as much to the Romans as to the Greeks. Explain. (150 Words, CSE-14) ...... 15 Q) With suitable examples, critically comment on the effect of state and market’s intervention on the culture of some of the important tribal communities of India. (200 Words) ...... 17 Q) Discuss the major beliefs and practices that characterised Sufism. (150 Words) ...... 18 Q) It is being reported that many parts of North India are suffering from severe cold waves. Examine the causes and nature of these cold waves. (150 Words) ...... 19
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General Studies – 1
Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Q) Discuss, with examples, the distinctive features of Mughal chronicles. (200 Words)
Chapter – 9
Ans:
The chronicles are mouthpiece of Mughal dynasty with distinctive characteristics.
Royal insignia The very name of every chronicle like padshah nama; babar nama indicates that they are illuminating symbol of Mughal emperor firming the magnanimity of emperor.
Emperor as divine origin The illustrations of most of the chronicles establishes emperor as descendent of allah depicting magical characteristics. A halo or divine light is presented to sigmify emperor. In most of the illustrations of the jahangir nama; emperor is presented with a halo.
Story becomes live The popular belief about india that trees also talks becomes enliven with miniature paintings of chronicles. Persian; turkish elements with naturalism under akbar and naturalism with European subjects gets vividity in the paintings of chronicles under jahangir.
Religious tolerance The idea of surkh i ul and harmony among various communities are presented in most chronicles of Akbar's time.
Overridden of prejudice The most chronicles present allah in natural form against the prohibition of ulema. Abul fazal vehemently protested against the prejudices of Ulema.
Sufi influence The sufi ideology of presenting emperor as symbol of allah and giving respect to him with devotion is presented in most chronicles. Abul fazal presents this ideology in akbar nama.
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Political history Chronicles like ain e akbari; padshah nama gives detail description about the political chronology of time.
Reflection of inner conflicts: Humayun nama presents the Inner confliction of women mind in harem and genuine political conspiracy in court of the time.
Depiction of contemporary life The court scenes; Battle scenes; busy roads and bazaars etc are depicted in illustrations in the chronicles.
Depiction of peculiar rituals The free roaming of lion and lamb depicted below the emperors feet in jahangir nama symbolises Justice.kornisg ; axix mundi and many other rituals are narrated in darbar i Akbari.
Vivid description of indian flaura and fauna Along with many other chronicles the tazuk i babari is the specimen of this aspect.
Thus Mughal chronicles are enriched with multifarious characteristics.
General Studies – 1
Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues
Q) Examine the factors that led to the raise of jotedars in rural Bengal. Also explain how different they were from zamindars in their power and influence. (200 Words)
Theme 10 (i.e. chapter 10)
Ans:
Jotedars were a class of rich peasants that emerged in the late eighteenth century bengal. They were a rich ryot who owned vast areas of land and often rented them to under ryots. they also controlled trade and money lending in villages. The emergence of jotedars to an extent can be attributed to the system of permanent settlement. Various other possible factors are, * Acquisition of large tracts of lands gave immense wealth and power to these class of peasants in the villages. *The inablity of big zamindars to directly deal with the local tenants in lending credit and local trade necessitated raise of jotedars who could directly lend money to poor cultivators and collect their harvest in markets . * The constant efforts by company to undermine authority of zamindars and regulate them lead to decrease in zamindar power paving way for the jotedars and http://www.insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page 5
Insights Secure – 2015 Compilations: General Studies - 1 village headmen as alternative power house. Acts like auctioning of zamindari estates were on such example.
Zamindars and jotedars differed in their responsibilties, ways of functioning, power they weileded and influnce over the local village folks. * foremost difference being the zamindars often residing in urban areas far from the reality of villages but jotedars being one among the village ryots had a strong presence and weileded considerably more power over the village men. * Zamindars control pertained to only collecting rent/revenue through his officers, though he could take defaulters to courts but the litigations would be drawn forever weakening the system. But Jotedar would involve in direct trade with ryots, lend money, rent lands to share croppers thereby directly influencing villagers. * Jotedars often tried to undermine authority of zamindars by willful default of revenue dues, mobilizing the locals against payment of revenues. This often leading to auctioning of estates by government and jotedars again emerging as purchasers at such auctions. By early nineteenth century,depresion in prices being over zamindars again consolidated their power but only to collapse during the great depression of 1930's thereby again leading to emerence of powerful jotedars.
General Studies – 1
Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues
Q) On October 14, 1956, Babasaheb Ambedkar, along with several hundred thousand “untouchables”, embraced Buddhism. Critically examine the ideological bases and other reasons which convinced Dr Ambedkar to embrace Buddhism. (200 Words)
Frontline
Ans:
The decision of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar to embrace Buddhism was not an impulsive decision rather it was after years of comprehensive study of different religions that inspired him to adopt Buddhism. The ideological basis and other reasons for adopting Buddhism are:
1. Upliftment of Untouchables and Depressed Class of Society: Dr. B.R Ambedkar believes that the upliftment of the Depressed class in the social stratum is possible only through adoption of Buddhism as this religion is based on principle of karma, mankind and equality.
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2. Purpose to unite Depressed class: To unite all untouchables of India, it was important to adopt one common religion, as untouchables and depressed class are themselves divided into various small sub-classes.
3. “Pressure Tactics”: Initially B.R Ambedkar use proselytisation issue as a tool to gain attention of Radical Hindus to adopt liberal principles of equality and natural justice for backward classes. Through conversion politics he wants to convert depressed class into “pressuregroup”. Through this strategy he succeeded in reserving seats for depressed class in Poona pact.
4. Eradication of “Untouchability and Caste System”: Being himself a victim of untouchability and caste system, Dr. B.R Ambedkar wants to end such practises from the society.
5. Rational & Scientific Principles of Buddhism: Buddhism principles of Prajna(understandings against superstition & supernaturalism), Karuna (love) and Samata(equality) appeals him a lot. He believes Buddhism is the only religion which will give them “equal status, equal right and fair treatment”.
6. Attempt of turning Buddhism into a social reform movement: Dr. Ambedkar tried to convert backward class to neo-Buddhist as a symbol of mass social reform movement for elevating their social status.
Thus, Dr. Ambedkar adoption of Buddhism and his process of proselytization of untouchables and depressed class can be seen as a process of social upliftment of backward class.
Topic: NCERT Class XII, Themes in Indian History – II, Theme 5 and 6
Q) Compare and contrast the picture of Indian culture depicted by Arabian and European travellers respectively. (200 Words)
Theme – 5
Ans:
There is an interesting juxtaposition of Arabic and European description of India. Both Arabic sources of Biruni and specifically Battuta approach the subject in a systematic manner, never dismissing the subject. The W. European experience however was far more critical focusing on political and socio-economic customs of the time.
Batuta & Biruni describe significant portions of their life being spent whilst travelling through the subcontinent. Essentially travelogues and court-descriptions, the authours' choose to associate with the subject in a constructive and analytical manner. The description of the caste system was compared to ancient Persian http://www.insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page 7
Insights Secure – 2015 Compilations: General Studies - 1 hierarchy, and although criticized, it was never fully dismissed. One should note that the the in-depth description the language and public services like the postal service has been done to demonstrate the efficiency of such services. Similarly, European subject-matter chose to describe socio-economic and political customs. Merchant communities and guilds were given their due, pertaining to the importance of the mercantile class in Europe at the time. An established middle class missing from the Indian context, was theoretically portrayed by the elaborate descriptions of guilds in European writing.
Contrasting this with the effort of the authors in approaching the subject matter. Sanskrit was described as alien however a systematic manner was used in assessing the barriers to the difficulties of learning it. Batuta's dictation chose to enumerate the wonder he faced in foods and customs.
However, European writings focused on descriptions that were unflattering, establishing Oriental despotism that sought to critique social customs and individual rights. Sati and women's rights were constantly critiqued. It is clear from its critique of Mughal emperors, that Bernier demonstrated an evolving polity in Europe at the time. A polity with a king ruling within a constitutional monarchy, where land rights were recognized as a step towards attaining liberty and economic independence. Both schools dismissed the varna system recognizing it as unnatural.
Both schools were highly influenced by their own understanding of Indian customs and their manner of approaching the subject delves into the psyche of not only the writer, but the importance given the field of respective disciplines during the periods.
Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times
Q) Discuss salient features of the temple architecture of Vijayanagar Empire. (150 Words)
Chapter – 7
Ans:
The Emperors of Vijayanagar whose empire compromised of almost the whole of peninsular India, were great builders and spent lavishly on works of public utility palaces and temples. In temple building they continued the traditions and styles of the Chalukyas, Cholas and Pandyas.
Salient features:
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-Created their own architecture style named Provida style which plays a lot of emphasis on piers and pillars.
-Built of hard stone, the temples are large structures with spacious Mandapas and lofty Gopurams .
-Exquisitely carved pillars and the massive solid granite rathas with three huge wheels in the open courtyard with exceptional carvings and murals both within and on the outer walls.
-Inscribed stories of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata on the walls of the various temples.
-Depiction of animal like horses and elephants on the walls were common figures.
-Important temples were Vithalswami and Hazara temples at Hampi, Tadapatri and Parvati temples at Chidambaramand Varadraja and Ekambarnatha temples at Kanchipuram.
General Studies – 1
Topic: Themes in Indian History – I, Class XII, Chapter Four
Q) Discuss the development in sculpture and architecture associated with the rise of Vaishnavism and Shaivism. (200 Words)
Theme Four
Ans:
The evolution of both cults Shaivism and Vaishnavism portrayed an increasing complexity in their figurines. Themes were diverse with multiple actors united on a single rock face or in a figurine recounting good vs. evil, or complex temple structures that exhibited a sense of regal opulence.
As compared to Buddhism where centrality of human action was emphasized in thematic representation of Buddha's life, the stage for both cults shared an emphasis on divine intervention. This led to the representation of gods in anthropomorphic form in mythic settings such as Varaha or Durga, consistently focused on defeating evil incarnates.The unifying factors of these various incarnations are proof of a rich tapestry where the dichotomy of good vs. evil was central.
Although one comes across simple iconography as the Linga for Shaivites, the choice to portray a religious figurine in such a form when intricate sculptures already existed, is proof of complex state of beliefs. The linga is the physical manifestation of male fertility and at the same time the patriarch that binds the sect together. http://www.insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page 9
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With each successive iteration the level of story-telling and scenes became greater. Again, compared to the Buddhist stupa which was of uniform design from its inception, the temple structure in Hinduism continued to evolve.
From the simple Garbagriha with a singular door, it became an elaborate structure with central halls for the amassing of larger crowds. Such choice in architecture again emphasized the communal nature of worship, where collective rituals would gain popularity. Also, the facade of the temple became more elaborate with multiple towering shikharas built so to draw the eye to the pinnacle of these structures.
Such structures would strike awe and reverence into the hearts of worshipers. Headdresses, ornaments and weapons on multiple hands emphasized the multiple roles that a single deity could play therefore uniting the local deities into central figures. Addition of these factors made each manifestation of the deity even richer. Whether it was Vishnu reclining at Deogarh or a simple linga, both sects added a rich body of work to Indian culture.
Topic: NCERT Class XII, Themes in Indian History – II, Theme 5 and 6
Q) To what extent do you think the architecture of mosques in the subcontinent reflects a combination of universal ideals and local traditions? (150 Words)
Theme – 6
Ans:
From the first mosque established in medina by prophet muhhamad to the present time ; mosque architecture shows variation responding to regional climate; available elements etc.
Universal elements in mosques of subcontinent
Direction of prayer The direction of " musallah' instructed by "mihrab " towards mecca is univeral element.
Qibla wall The niche presented here shows direction of mecca.
Tower of azan It is the minerat tower that calls people for prayer. It also signifies strong dominance of muslim as made high visible from distance.
Domes Domes with symbolic decoration are present in most of the mosques.
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Ablution purpose The presence of water tank is noticeable in all the misques.
Convenience of light The hanging lamp; roofed part and open part to sky are common elements in mosque
Presence of minbar It is the place from where imam delivers " khutba" ;is present in all the big mosques
Dikha It is the place from which rituals of imam are performed towards the devotees.
Lecturn It is situated next to " dikha" where " quoran" is situated
Calligraphy The calligraphy which are mostly quoranic verses are common feature in qibla wall of mosques.
Regional influence Climatic variance Responding to this factor structure of mosques varies. The most of the mosques in kerala and kashmir are constructed responding to climatic variation and so roofed part and open part to sky varies depending upon availability of sunshine. The heritage mosque Aali mosque in srinagar is noticeable for its wooden structure.
Place of mihrab In india the direction of mecca is west giving regional element to the construction of mihrab wall.
Combination of regional motifs The jami nosque of ahmedabad bears kalash shaped roof; lotus shaped dome and hanging bell that specifies influence of hindu and jain temple.
Functional variation The structure of minerate; dome; arch varies responding to regional interest.
Moorish mosque This mosque in punjab imbibes the character of Malaysian mosques.
Aesthetic variance The decoration of archs and decoration of minerate and dome with flute with gold or brass finial by mughal in most of the north indian mosques gives regional variety to mosques.
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Decoration The use of pietra dura and many other regional invention gives variety to many mosques.
Regional variety in fatehpur sikri The mosque here shows blend of hindu and jain architecture and are made from locally available sandstone called " sikri sandstone".
Thus both universal representing common Islamic faith and regional representing varied interest; climatic influence are seen in the mosques of the subcontinent.
Q) Examine How did the American Civil War affect the lives of ryots in India in the mid – nineteenth century. (200 Words) Ans –
The American civil war had touched the every aspect of Indian ryots that can be enumerated as following ways
Economic aspects
" king cotton" slogan and a ray of hope The diplomatic stance of some of the cotton producing states of America to stop supply of cotton to England and subsequent civil war of America turned the eyes of British towards india for expanding market of cotton. It changed the life of ryots of india especially of deccan with a new profit in Cotton production.
Credit extension With the booming cotton market in india caused by american civil war; merchants extended credit to cotton farmers. Thus farmers got profited with investment in farming and thereby profit.
Social aspects
A spasm Only rich farmers got credit thus making a gap between rich and poor ryots.
Regional disparity The Deccan soil was much suitable to cotton production thus giving frustration to ryots of other areas.
Debt trap Caused by the stop of civil war the merchants stopped giving credit to farmers. To fulfil the increased revenue demand ; farmers were compelled to enter into new debt thus increasing the evil.
A period of awareness
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Discovery of evils of moneylenders Aftermath of American civil war; when ryots went to the lenders; they discovered that the moneylenders especially used fictitious bond and did not return receipts. It led to revolt in Deccan and ryots burnt the receipts of lenders.
A change in law American civil war and related economic slump in Cotton market in India and subsequent Deccan ryot revolt compelled the British to reform in lending law that the maximum lending period is three years.
Thus, American civil war brought an economic prosperity; regional disparity and a upcoming recession to Indian ryots.
Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues (GS1)
Q) Critically examine how differently the British and the nationalist sources analysed the 1857 sepoy revolt. (200 Words)
NCERT
Ans:
The sepoy revolt; revolt of first popular uprising against british; has been analysed by british and nationalist Indian different ways.
British view
Critical views
Exclusive sepoy mutiny According to one stream; it was only a revolt of sepoy without participation of mass. Sir john seeley says- '" ..a wholy unpatriotic and selfish sepoy mutiny with no native leadership and no popular support."
A revolt with pathetic leadership As opined by some British british officers; this revolt shows the petty leadership quality of indians. Johh Lawrence says -".. Had a single leader of ability arisen among them we must have been lost beyond redemption."
Revolt due piecemeal causes Some opine that it is far to be recognized as a revolt by wholesome cause. It just assimilated with the other causes of civil society instead of a lynchpin cause to be considered as wholesome revolt.
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A comparatively optimistic view Praise of indian lady Hugh rose says-"here lay the woman who was the only man among the rebels." It is a great respect to indian lady in the mouth of a foreign officer.
Recognition of the depth Stanley wolpert says-" it was far more than a mutiny;..yet much less than a first war of independence". It shows the gravity of the revolt.
Regardless of different views; it shook the base of british administration in india and make them thought to respect indian values.
Nationalist view
Moderate view Moderate nationalist considers it as the source of indian nationalism.
Extremist view Extremist consider it as the remarkable effort to abdicate imperial power. Savarkar considers it as the first war of independence.
Marxist view They view the revolt as uprising of peasants and mutiny against landlord and imperial power.
Nationalist; thus; shows greast respect to mutiny. But; it is undeniable fact that; still the mutiny lacked the basic characters of a popular successful rebellion.
A comparison
British view
Brutal rebellion British artists view the rebellion as crude ; atrocious event and depicts British as saviour. The painting "in memorium " by joseph noel explicitly depicts this view.
Nationalist artistic view
Khoob lari mardani wo to jhandi wali rani thi It is the view of poet subhadra chauhan about the heroic depiction of revolt. Many nationalist literature is dedicated to the name of the revolt.
Thus, revolt of 1857 can be seen from different perspectives which are complete opposite of each other.
Topic: Salient features of Indian Society
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Q) Describe the role played by women in agricultural production in medieval India. Critically examine how her role has changed in modern India. (200 Words)
Chapter 8
Ans:
Role of women in medieval India:
Women were an invaluable resource. 1. they contributed to low skilled jobs, by sowing, weeding and harvesting. 2. They were child bearers, i.e. future source of labour. 3. Additionally, they worked in the houses of their employer and went to the markets. 4. As the household was the unit of production, gendered segregation was not possible. But, even so, women were discriminated on the basis of their biological functions. e.g. menstruating women were not allowed enter betel field in Bengal.
Role of women in Modern India:
1. It dependents on her class and caste status. 2. For small and marginal farming households, women participation is crucial in agricultural labour, and they participate in low skilled jobs. 3. Some households, esp. of higher caste/class, prefer women in a role of seclusion away from public eye. Here, there is no participation in agricultural labour and they are confined to household activities. 4. Discrimination still continues as it is seen that inspite of equal participation of women to labour, they are still given secondary status in the household.
Q) Gandhara sculpture owed as much to the Romans as to the Greeks. Explain. (150 Words, CSE-14)
Theme Four
Ans:
Gandhar art; developed in pakistan; Afghanistan; india; is an excellent combination of both greek and Roman influences.
Roman influence: Artistic interpretation: The legendary interpretation of buddha is sometimes presented through roman motifs like triton.
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Artistic techniques: In artistic interpretation; buddha of gandhar is sometimes presented through roman art techniques using vine scroll; cherub wearing Garland
Anthropomorphic tradition The tradition of representation of buddha in human form is inspired from roman anthropomorphic tradition .
Dresses The outer robe of buddha of gandhar like ka aya; antarvasa resembles to attire of roman gods.
Greek influences Greek god as protector In many images of buddha in gandhar ; he is seen under the protection of greek god Herculeus.
Vajrapani Vajrapani found in the right hand of future buddha is told as transformed symbol of herculeus who is seen as protector of buddha.
Greek architectural influence Sime images of buddha in gandhar are presented in greek architectural environment bearing the affinity of Corinthian.
Coins Many coins found in gandhar bears greek script and greek divinity.
Pantheon of greek gods Boreas ; atlas and such other greek gods are artistically combined to pantheon of buddh as found in gandhar.
Artistic beauty The Apollo like face of buddha; natural realism; wavy hair as seen in images of buddha in gandhar resembles to Hellenistic tradition.
Intellectual affinity The hello and bun of Gandhar Buddha signifies intellectual imbibitions of buddha from Greek.
Thus; it is proved that both roman and Greek tradition enriches gandhara art.
Topic: Effects of globalization on Indian society (GS1)
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Q) With suitable examples, critically comment on the effect of state and market’s intervention on the culture of some of the important tribal communities of India. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Ans:
State and market interventions are done with the purpose of overall development of the country and to help tribal communities participate in the development process.
But it often leads to assimilation instead of integration, downplaying tribal culture and imposition of mainstream culture, and often forceful and brutal suppression of tribal rights.
Positive effects: 1. It can help in integration of tribals with the mainstream economy. 2. Help tribal communities preserve their identity and cultural intellectual property by modern methods. 3. It can help bring modern medicine and education to raise the standard of living of tribals and empower them.
The positive effects are visible in some tribal groups like the Meenas of Rajasthan, and some North east tribal groups who have successfully integrated into the mainstream and taken advantage of the development process.
Negative effects: 1. It can forceful impose the mainstream culture on the tribals. e.g. by educating in the mainstream language instead of tribal language to the Dongria Kondh tribe in Orrisa. 2. It can take away forest rights or disturb traditional common property rights. Individual property and money too leads to conflict in tribal communities which were peaceful till now. 3. Most of the time, the tribals end up in the fringes of society when they are forced to migrate to cities and are one of the most poor and marginalized sections. 4. The mining and development works can forcefully take away the land from tribals due to ineffective tribal councils and state and market collusion. Such cases have come to the fore like Vedanta vs Dongria Kongh, in which the tribal group successful won the legal battle.
Thus, reforming existing institution and laws for effective implementation and protection of tribal rights for integration rather than assimilation is of utmost importance
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Topic: NCERT Class XII, Themes in Indian History – II, Theme 5 and 6
Q) Discuss the major beliefs and practices that characterised Sufism. (150 Words)
Theme – 6
Ans:
Sufism; one of the most crucial bhakti movements medieval india; are enriched with lots of extraordinary beliefs and practices
Sufi beliefs
Isq allah muhabbat allah: Sufism belives that god is lover and god is beloved. Love is the foundation of sufism. Showing love to the world is the way to find god.
Multidimensionality of universe Sufi believes 7 planes of existence. The most important is the abode of god and he maintains the entire existence through affection.
Tasawwuf Wool and its garments are regarded as dresses of ascetic in sufism.
Asceticism and social life Early sufism believed in extreme celibacy but later they began to lead social life also.
Mysticism Sufism believe it as the way to unite with god.
Music Music is regarded in Sufism as one of the ways to assimilate with god.
Utmost place of god Tawakul (absolute trust in god) and tawhind ( there is no deity except god) are firmly rooted belief In sufism. They believe in " baqi bi allah" or assimilation with god.
Spiritual quality Sufism believes in acquiring spiritual knowledge like self annihilation to unite with god; inner knowledge etc. They believe --" he who cognizes himself cognizes with god".
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Sheikh Sufism believe in spreading sufi teachings from generation to generation through a sheikh.
Sufi practices
Teaching under a pir Sufism practices spiritual learning under pir through special path.
Hymn or dhikr Sufism practice spiritual prayer through special chanting of name of allah.
Sama Sufi practice this mystic recital of poetry and music to unite with god.
Use of narcotics Some sufi sects used narcotics in past as part of sama as a mystic drug.
Zikr Sufism practice this musical and dancing method to get assimilated with god.
Psycho spiritual practice Whirling and devishes are some practices performed with dance; music; mantra where one gets utmost spirituality and comes out of consciousness
Thus, sufism is enriched with various spiritual; musical ; psychological beliefs and practices.
Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena GS1
Q) It is being reported that many parts of North India are suffering from severe cold waves. Examine the causes and nature of these cold waves. (150 Words)
The Indian Express
Ans:
India has a monsoon type of climate with seasonal reversal of wind system due to interplay of a number of factors like circumpolar whirl, jet streams,movement of sun to north and south of equator,tropical and temperate cyclones.
The cold wave that establishes over northern india is a temporary phenomena but can remain active for a number of days. The main reasons for this cold wave are: 1)formation of temperate cyclones in area around Mediterranean sea and their movement towards east under influence of westerly jet stream. 2)southward movement of circum polar whirl due to sothward movement of sun. http://www.insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page 19
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3)bifurcation of circum polar whirl by himalayas and establishment of anticyclonic conditions over multan and karachi area of pakistan.
The southward movement of sun causes fall in temperature over north western and northern india . this causes formation of high pressure area in this region.The anticyclonic wind circulation in upper atmosphere due to southern branch of circumpolar whirl intensifies the subsidence of air in this area.
Now the temperate cyclones which are brought by jet stream to this area donot get chance to rise upward due to subsiding air and further decrease the temperature of this area causing cold wave.But as soon as these temperate cyclones also called as western disturbances gets a chance to rise due to weakening of subsidence of air, they cause winter rainfall in northern and north-western India. Thus the nature of these cold waves is temporary.
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