PRINCIPLES OF GEOGRAPHY(PAPER-l)

Section A

Physical Geography

● Geomorphology: Factors controlling landform development; endogenetic and exogenetic

forces; Origin and evolution of the earth’s crusts; Fundamentals of geomagnetism; Physical

conditions of the earth’s interior; Geosynclines; Continental drift; Isostasy; Plate tectonics;

Recent views on mountain building; Volcanicity; Earthquakes and Tsunamis; Concepts of

geomorphic cycles and Landscape development; Denudation chronology; Channel

morphology; Erosion surfaces; Slope development; Applied Geomorphology; Geomorphology,

economic geology and environment.

● Climatology: Temperature and pressure belts of the world; Heat budget of the earth;

Atmospheric circulation; Atmospheric stability and instability. Planetary and local winds;

Monsoons and jet streams; Air masses and fronts; Temperate and tropical cyclones; Types and

distribution of precipitation; Weather and Climate; Koppen’s Thornthwaite’s and Trewar

Tha’s classification of world climate; Hydrological cycle; Global climatic change, and role and

response of man in climatic changes Applied climatology and Urban climate.

● Oceanography: Bottom topography of the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans; Temperature

and salinity of the oceans; Heat and salt budgets, Ocean deposits; Waves, currents and tides;

Marine resources; biotic, mineral and energy resources; Coral reefs coral bleaching; Sea-level

changes; Law of the sea and marine pollution.

Prepared by "Aesthetic Wanderer"

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● Biogeography: Genesis of soils; Classification and distribution of soils; Soil profile; Soil

erosion, Degradation and conservation; Factors influencing world distribution of plants and

animals; Problems of deforestation and conservation measures; Social forestry, agro-forestry;

Wild life; Major gene pool centres.

● Environmental Geography: Principle ecology; Human ecological adaptations; Influence of

man on ecology and environment; Global and regional ecological changes and imbalances;

Ecosystem their management and conservation; Environmental degradation, management and

conservation; Biodiversity and sustainable development; Environmental policy; Environmental

hazards and remedial measures; Environmental education and legislation.

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 Paper 1

Geomorphology
Physical conditions of the earth’s interior;
1. Write short notes on Role of seismic waves in the study of earth’s interior. 10 Marks |2005|
2. Bring out the relevance of seismic study in determining the structure of the interior of the earth.
15 Marks |2010|

Fundamentals of geomagnetism;
1. Write short notes on Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism. 10 Marks |2011|

Origin and evolution of the earth’s crust; Continental drift; Plate tectonics;
1. Write short notes on the Impact of the Pleistocene Ice Age on the crust of Earth. 10 Marks |2013|
2. State, in detail, and appraise fully the arguments in favour of and against the theory of
Continental Drift. 20 Marks |1980|.
3. Critically evaluate the continental drift hypothesis of A. Wegner. 20 Marks |2006|
4. Write short notes on Paleozoic glacial evidence for Continental Drift. 10 Marks |2012|
5. Critically analyse the concept of plate tectonics and bring out the evidences to support it.
20 Marks |1988|
6. Write short notes on Plate tectonics. 10 Marks |1990|
7. Discuss the limitations of the theory of Continental Drift and show how the theory of plate
tectonics is an improvement over it. 20 Marks |1995|
8. Bring out the distinctions between the ‘continental drift’ theory and the ‘plate tectonics’ theory.
20 Marks |1999|
9. Write short notes on Seafloor spreading theory. 10 Marks |2008|
10. “Offshore Acoustic study helped the development of the concept of seafloor spreading.”
Explain. 20 Marks |2013|
11. Compare and contrast different types of plate boundaries. 15 Marks |2019|
12. Write an essay on the evolution of continents and oceans using various theories and models.
20 Marks |2020|
13. The concept of Plate tectonics has been derived from the isostasy and continental drift theory.
Elaborate citing suitable examples. 20 Marks |2021|
14. Evidence from paleomagnetism and seafloor spreading have validated that continents and ocean basins have
never been stationery. Elucidate with suitable diagrams. 20 marks 2023

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Isostasy
1. Present a critical analysis of the theory of Isostasy. 20 Marks |2001|
2. Define the concept of Isostasy and discuss the postulations of Airy and Pratt. 20 Marks |2007|
3. Explain the concept of Isostasy as postulated by Airy and Pratt. 20 Marks |2011|

Endogenetic and exogenetic forces;

1. Discuss the character of the main types of force and earth movements, involved in the
production of landforms. 20 Marks |1985|
2. Write short notes on Classification of Earth Movements. 10 Marks |1992|
3. Write short notes on Geomorphic processes. 10 Marks |1998|
4. Attempt a classification of geomorphic processes from a zonal point of view. 10 Marks |2015|
5. Discuss with examples, the influence of volcanism and diastrophism on the evolution of
landscape. 20 Marks |1993|
6. Describe the landforms which are products of endogenetic forces. 20 Marks |2004|
7. Discuss the processes of mechanical and chemical weathering and show their relationship with
soil formation. 20 Marks |1996|
8. Write short notes on Weathering and soil formation. 10 Marks |1997|
9. “Weathering is a complex phenomenon involving a number of processes and is influenced by
various factors.” Elaborate. 15 Marks |2010|
10. Name the climatically controlled agents of erosion. Explain how they differ in terms of
properties of matter. Compare the landforms produced by each one of them. 20 Marks |2011|
11. Explain weathering and mass wasting, and describe their geomorphic significance.
20 Marks |2014|

Geosynclines;
1. Write short notes on Geosyncline. 10 Marks |2002|

Recent views on mountain building;

1. Discuss the mountain building process in the world with a special reference to the origin of the
Himalayas. 20 Marks |1982|
2. Discuss the mountain-building processes with suitable examples. 20 Marks |1984|
3. With reference to the theory of Plate Tectonics, explain the origin and growth of young fold
mountain systems of the world. 20 Marks |2000|
4. State the concept of plate tectonics. How does it help in explaining the formation of the
Himalayas and Appalachian Mountains? 20 Marks |2014|
5. Evaluate how far Kober’s geosynclinal theory explains the mountain building process.
20 Marks |2018|
6. With the help of suitable sketches describe the mountain genesis and mountain types. Give
suitable examples from various mountain systems of the world. 15 Marks |2022|

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Vulcanicity; Earthquakes and Tsunamis;
1. Discuss the concept of vulcanicity and show how the theory of Plate Tectonics explains the
mechanism of volcanism and volcanic eruptions. 20 Marks |1998|
2. Write a note on pseudo volcanic features. 10 Marks |2017|
3. Describe the phreatic eruptions and their consequences. 10 Marks |2019|
4. Discuss the methods of measuring the intensity and magnitude of earthquakes. How are seismic
zones demarcated? 20 Marks |2019|

Concepts of geomorphic cycles and Landscape development;

1. Discuss the views of W.M. Davis and Walter Penck on the cycle of erosion. 20 Marks |1986|
2. Discuss the concept of cycle of erosion and bring out clearly the difference between the views
of Davis and Penck. 20 Marks |1994|
3. Provide a critique of the ‘geographical cycle’ model propounded by Davis. 20 Marks |2002|
4. Critically examine the concept of geomorphic cycle & discuss the views of W.M. Davis and W.
Penck. 20 Marks |2008|
5. Write short notes on differences between Normal cycle and Arid cycle of Davis. 10 Marks
|2013|
6. Explain the characteristics of the standard epigene cycle of erosion. 20 Marks |2012|
7. “In explaining the concept of ‘Pediplanation’, King combined the ideas of Davis, Penck and
Wood with his own.” Elaborate. 20 Marks |2016|
8. Discuss the contributions of the American School of Subaerial Denudation in geomorphology.
20 Marks |2015|
9. Write a short note on polycyclic landforms. 10 Marks |1983| 10. Write Short notes on Rejuvenated
landforms. 10 Marks |1989|
11. Write Short note on polycyclic landforms. 10 Marks |1991|
12. Explain the factors causing rejuvenation in landscape and describe the resultant landforms.
20 Marks |1992|
13. Discuss the concept of polycyclic landforms and present an analytical study of the polycyclic
landforms of a region. 20 Marks |1997|
14. Highlight the geomorphic features essentially found in topographies under the Second Cycle of
Erosion. 15 Marks |2009|
15. Define the term ‘meander’ and describe the basic characteristics of entrenched meander and
ingrown meander. 10 Marks |2014|
16. “Present-day landforms bear more complexity than simplicity.” Elucidate. 15 Marks |2015|
17. Write short notes on Treppen concept. 10 Marks |1993|
18. What is ‘Base level’? Explain types of base level. 15 Marks |2013|
19. Write a short note: The typical feature in a region of limestone rocks. 10 Marks |1981|
20. Analyse the sequential development of landforms in either karst or coastal region.

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20 Marks |1991|
21. Explain the sequential development of landforms associated with coastal areas. 20 Marks
|2003|
22. Write short notes on Karst landforms. 10 Marks |1984|
23. Write short notes on Karst landforms. 10 Marks |1988|
24. Write short notes on Essential conditions for the development of karst topography.
10 Marks |2010|
25. Define ‘speleothem’. Discuss the various forms and features of speleothems. 10 Marks |2022|
26. How are sandspits and tombolos formed? 10 Marks |2019|
27. Discuss the evolution and characteristics of the landforms of the glaciated regions.
20 Marks |1987|
28. Describe the “Basket of eggs topography”. 10 Marks |2016|
29. Discuss the concept of Periglacial cycle as propounded by Peltier. 20 Marks |2017|
30. Describe the concept of ‘Altiplanation’. 10 Marks |2021|
31. Write short notes on Systems approach to landform analysis. 10 Marks |2012|

Erosion surfaces; Denudation chronology;

1. Write short notes on Peneplain. 10 Marks |1982|
2. Write short notes on Peneplain. 10 Marks |2004|
3. State the concept of erosion surfaces and highlight the factors responsible for their development.
15 Marks |2014|
4. Discuss the problems of erosion surfaces and explain the different methods to identify them
with suitable diagrams. 20 Marks |2020|
5. Define peneplains. Describe the landscape features associated with peneplains under different geomorphic
cycles. 15 marks 2023

Slope development;
1. Analyse the differences in the models of slope evolution proposed by Davis and Penck. 20
Marks |1990|
2. Discuss views on slope development provided by L.C. King. 15 Marks |2009|
3. Explain how Bosche and Haldenhang lead to the Theory of Slope Replacement.
20 Marks |2012|
4. “The knowledge of slope analysis has limited field application in the slope management.”
Explain. 15 Marks |2017|

Channel morphology;
1. Explain with examples as to how channel dynamics has been responsible for the development
of alluvial fans and cones. 15 Marks |2015|
2. “Climate, slope gradient and rock structure influence the avulsion of channels.” Explain.

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15 Marks |2017|
3. Stream basins and drainage divides are important components to delineate a watershed area.
Explain. 15 Marks |2021|
4. Explain how various aspects of channel morphology are used in transportation, settlement and
land use planning, flood control and flood management? 15 Marks |2022|

Factors controlling landform development;

1. 'Landscape is the function of structure, process and stage.' Discuss. 20 Marks |1983|
2. “Landscape is a function of structure, process and stage.” Critique the statement. 10 Marks
|2018|
3. Structure is a dominant control factor in the evolution of landforms. Discuss with suitable
examples. 20 Marks |2005|
4. “Geological structure has a dominant control on landforms and is reflected on them.” Discuss.
15 Marks |2016|
5. Discuss the role of Slope, Altitude and Relief |SAR| in landscape development. 15 Marks
|2022|

Applied Geomorphology: Geohydrology, economic geology and environment

1. Why is mapping important for analysing geo-hydrological investigations? 10 Marks |2020|
2. What are the environmental implications of economic geology? Discuss. 10 marks 2023

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 Climatology
Temperature and pressure belts of the world; Heat budget of the earth; atmospheric
stability and instability; Atmospheric circulation
1. Discuss the complete mechanism by means of which the atmosphere is able to maintain its heat-
balance. Is the atmosphere getting progressively hotter, and if so, why? 20 Marks |1980|
2. Discuss the nature and composition of earth’s atmosphere. 20 Marks |1998|
3. Differentiate between insolation and temperature and explain anomalous temperature. 10 Marks
|2016|
4. Describe how short-term variations in temperature are related to the processes of receiving
energy from the sun to the Earth’s surface and dissipating it to the atmosphere. 15 Marks
|2022|
5. Write short notes on Tropical atmospheric instability. 10 Marks |2009|
6. Write short notes on Inversion of Temperature. 10 Marks |1995|
7. Write short notes on Inversion of temperature. 10 Marks |2010|
8. Discuss the forces which govern the air movement on the Earth’s surface. 20 Marks |2017|
9. Discuss the mechanism and significance of tricellular meridional circulation of atmosphere.
20 Marks |2003|
10. Explain the meridional circulation of the atmosphere and its importance in world climate.
15 Marks |2015|
11. Discuss in detail the tri-cellular model of atmospheric circulation. 20 Marks |2019|
12. How does inversion of temperature occur explain its significance on local weather with suitable examples. 15
marks 2023

Planetary and local winds;

1. Discuss the development of local winds and their influence on local weather, giving three
examples of the well-known local winds in the world. 20 Marks |2007|
2. With suitable examples, bring out the impact of local winds on the climate of an area.
20 Marks |2013|
3. Discuss the salient features of ‘sirocco’ and ‘mistral’. 10 Marks |2014|
4. Write a geographical note on Halloween Storm. 10 Marks |2020|
5. What is geostrophic wind? explain the relationship between barometric slope and air circulation. 10 marks
2023
6. What are the causes of the origin of local winds? discuss their significance and prevailing weather and climate
in various regions with suitable examples. 20 marks 2023

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 Monsoons and jet streams;
1. With particular reference to India, explain the origin of the "monsoon". Describe and account
for the World distribution of monsoon climates, bringing out the significant differences between
each of them. 20 Marks |1981|
2. Discuss the mechanism and origin of monsoon winds and explain the role of El Nino on
Monsoon circulation. 20 Marks |2008|
3. Discuss the nature and origin of Indian monsoon and recent techniques of its prediction.
20 Marks |2014|
4. Explain the origin, progress and retreat of Indian monsoon and discuss its impact on the Indian
economy. 20 Marks |2018|
5. Explain how various factors influence the origin and development of the Indian monsoon
system. 20 Marks |2020|
6. Write a short note on Jet stream. 10 Marks |1983|
7. Write short notes on Rossby waves and Jet Stream. 10 Marks |2011|

Air masses and frontogenesis,

1. Write a short note on Air masses. 10 Marks |1982|
2. Attempt a classification of air masses and give the characteristic features and associated weather
conditions of each class. 20 Marks |1988|
3. Discuss the origin, movements and characteristics of air masses and explain their role in
influencing world climates. 20 Marks |1992|
4. Define air masses. How do they originate? Classify them and state the characteristics of any one
type. 20 Marks |1997|
5. Discuss the concept of air masses and present their classification. 20 Marks |2001|
6. Classify airmasses and explain how ‘cP’ airmass affects global climate. 20 Marks |2012|
7. What are the important factors responsible for airmass modifications? 10 Marks |2021|
8. With suitable examples describe the impacts of movement of airmasses on weather and winds
in different parts of the continents. 15 Marks |2022|
9. Discuss the concept of warm and cold fronts and the weather associated with them.
20 Marks |1984|
10. Discuss as to how frontogenesis contributes to weather instability.
10 Marks |2015|
11. Explain the characteristic features of Frontogenesis and Frontolysis. 15 Marks |2020|

Types and distribution of precipitation;

1. Give an account of the types and distribution of precipitation on the surface of the earth.
20 Marks |2000|
2. Examine the various kinds of atmospheric humidity and their associated forms. 20 Marks

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|2010|
3. Give an account of global distribution of precipitation. 20 Marks |2011|
4. Discuss Dew point and the various forms of condensation. 15 Marks |2013|
5. Examine major influencing factors for varied patterns of precipitations on the continents.
20 Marks |2021|

Temperate and tropical cyclones;

1. Discuss critically the characteristics of tropical cyclones and analyse the extent to which they
differ from the temperate cyclones. 20 Marks |1987|
2. Explain the origin, characteristics and distribution of temperate cyclones. 20 Marks |1989|
3. Explain and illustrate the life-cycle of a temperate cyclone and also describe the weather
associated with it. 20 Marks |1995|
4. What is polar front and how does cyclone develop along this front? Describe the weather
conditions associated with it. 20 Marks |2010|
5. Explain the origin, characteristics and distribution of tropical cyclones. 20 Marks |1991|
6. Make a comparative study of the tropical and temperate cyclones. 20 Marks |1999|
7. Compare the structure and associated weather conditions of tropical cyclone with that of
temperate cyclone. 20 Marks |2006|
8. Compare and contrast tropical cyclone and temperate cyclone. 10 Marks |2012|
9. Compare the origin and weather conditions associated with the tropical and temperate cyclones.
15 Marks |2016|
10. Describe the origin and development of thunderstorms with examples. 15 Marks |2014|
11. Explain the characteristics and weather conditions associated with anticyclones giving suitable examples. 15
marks 2023

Hydrological cycle;
1. Write short notes on Hydrological Cycle. 10 Marks |1985|
2. Write short notes on Hydrological cycle. 10 Marks |1991|
3. Explain the role of evaporation in the hydrological cycle. 10 Marks |2018|

Koppen’s, Thornthwaite’s and Trewartha’s classification of world climates;

1. Compare the basis of the climatic classification of Koppen with that of Thornthwaite's
classification. 20 Marks |1986|
2. Explain the basis of Koppen’s classification of climates. Also mention its merits and limitations.
20 Marks |1994|
3. Write short notes on Cs type of climate, as per Koppen’s classification. 10 Marks |1999|
4. Discuss the main features of the climatic classification system evolved by Koppen. Also point
out its anomalies. 20 Marks |2005|
5. Discuss the basis of Koppen’s climatic classification. Bring out the salient characteristics of

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‘Cs’ type of climate. 20 Marks |2015|
6. Examine critically the drawbacks of Koppen’s classification of climates. Explain how
Thornthwaite attempted to overcome Koppen’s limitations. 20 Marks |1996|
7. Explain the basic criteria used in Thornthwaite’s 1948 classification of climates. 20 Marks
|1990|
8. Discuss the criteria which Thornthwaite adopted for his 1948 classification of world climates.
20 Marks |2002|
9. Write short notes on Potential evapotranspiration. 10 Marks |2004|
10. What is potential evapotranspiration? Explain how it is used in assessing the water balance in
an area. 15 Marks |2015|
11. Explain the techniques to calculate potential evapotranspiration suggested by Thornthwaite.
10 Marks |2019|
12. Critically examine the basis and scheme of climatic classification proposed by G.T. Trewartha.
15 Marks |2018|

Weather and Climate; Global climatic change and role and response of man in climatic
changes;
1. How would the impact of global warming differ from one part of the earth to another? Give a
reasoned account. 20 Marks |2004|
2. Give a reasoned account on how the impact of Global Warming differs from one part of the
Earth to the other. 15 Marks |2016|
3. Explain the factors contributing to global climate change. 15 Marks |2009|
4. Discuss the consequences of Climate Change on agriculture and food security, and on the
Coastal Zones of the World. 15 Marks |2009|
5. “Contemporary global climate change is an anthropogenic phenomenon.” Discuss.
20 Marks |2011|
6. Write about Impact of Cryosphere on global climate. 15 Marks |2012|
7. Discuss the significance of World Climate Research Programme and its core projects in the
understanding of climate change. 20 Marks |2016|
8. “Climate Change is a reality.” Explain with suitable examples. 20 Marks |2017|
9. Explaining the concept of carbon neutrality, describe the measures taken by carbon positive and
negative nations. 15 Marks |2021|
10. Rise of surface temperature brings severe consequences. Elaborate the potential changes and
threats associated with it in the world. 20 Marks |2022|

Applied climatology and urban climate.

1. How does Climate Change affect urban areas? 15 Marks |2009|
2. Explain the nature of urban climates and their impact on global environmental change. 15 Marks
|2019|

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3. What is pollution dome? Discuss its formation and impacts. 10 Marks |2022|

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 Oceanography
Bottom topography of the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans;
1. Give a reasoned account of the content of the Atlantic Ocean and their impact on the climatic
conditions of the coastal regions. 20 Marks |1987|
2. Write short notes on Ocean bottom relief. 10 Marks |1989|
3. Draw a hypsographic curve to represent the major physiographic units of the ocean and
comment on their permanency. 20 Marks |1991|
4. Explain and illustrate the ocean floor topography and give a detailed account of the mid-Atlantic
ridge. 20 Marks |1996|
5. Explain and illustrate the sub marine relief of the Atlantic Ocean. 20 Marks |1998|
6. Write short notes on Submarine canyons. 10 Marks |1999|
7. Discuss the mid-Atlantic ridge in terms of the origin, extent and relief. 20 Marks |2004|
8. Explain the scientifically sound methods of bathymetry and give an account of the bottom
topography of the Atlantic Ocean. 20 Marks |2010|
9. Present a concise account of bottom relief of the Indian Ocean. 20 Marks |2003|
10. Describe the configuration of the Pacific Ocean Floor. 15 Marks |2017|
11. Give a detailed account of bottom topography of the Pacific Ocean. 15 Marks |2021|

Temperature and salinity of the oceans; Heat and salt budgets;

1. Give a reasoned account of the distribution of salinity in the oceans and partially enclosed seas.
20 Marks |1993|
2. Write short notes on T-S diagram. 10 Marks |2000|
3. Write short notes on Salinity patterns in Indian Ocean. 10 Marks |2011|
4. Comment on marine heat budget and the oceanic circulation system. 15 Marks |2009|
5. Temperature, salinity and density differences in ocean water are the prime causes of ocean water
circulation. Elaborate. 20 Marks |2011|
6. Write short notes on Different layers of ocean water above abyssal plain. 10 Marks |2012|
7. Discuss the hazards associated with rise of sea-surface temperature. 10 Marks |2021|

Ocean deposits;
1. Present the classification of Oceanic deposits and account for the origin, types and distribution
of Pelagic deposits in the World Oceans. 20 Marks |1981|
2. Discuss the sources and nature of various deposit found on the floor of the oceans.
20 Marks |1985|
3. Write short notes on Pelagic deposits. 10 Marks |1986|
4. Write short notes on Pelagic deposits. 10 Marks |2004|

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 5. Discuss the different bases for classifying the ocean deposits and give a detailed account of
pelagic deposits of the oceans. 20 Marks |2007|
6. Write short notes on Ocean deposits. 10 Marks |2010|
7. Describe the characteristics of different types of pelagic deposits. 10 Marks |2015|

Marine resources: biotic, mineral and energy resources;

1. Discuss different types of marine resources and mention their possible utilization.
20 Marks |1983|
2. Write short notes on marine resources. 10 Marks |1984|
3. Give an account of marine resources and discuss their present-day utilization. 20 Marks |1986|
4. Write short notes on Food from the sea. 10 Marks |1995|
5. Write short notes on Marine resources, biotic, mineral and energy resources. 10 Marks |1997|
6. Analyse the reasons for a comparatively poorer development of fishing grounds in tropical
areas. 15 Marks |2013|
7. Bring out the various ecological problems associated with the exploitation and use of oceans
and their resources. 20 Marks |2016|
8. Describe the potential marine energy resources with reference to their benefits, harvestability,
environmental impacts. 20 Marks |2018|
9. Examine economic significance of the resources of the Continental Shelf of the Indian Ocean.
15 Marks |2009|
10. Marine resources are economically very significant. Discus citing suitable examples.
10 Marks |2020|
11. What is Ocean Ranching ? How are Aqua cowboys related to such activities? 10 marks 2023
12. Give an account of marine resources and their economic significance. How has marine pollution affected
such areas ? 20 marks 2023

Waves, currents and tides;

1. How are ocean waves formed? Distinguish between a wave of oscillation and wave of
translation. 15 Marks |2019|
2. Differentiate Storm Surges and Seiches. 10 Marks |2013|
3. Distinguish between low energy coasts and coral coasts. 10 Marks |2017|
4. Describe and account for the surface currents of the Indian Ocean and explain how and why
they differ from those of the Atlantic. 20 Marks |1980|
5. Write short note: Cold water coasts. 10 Marks |1981|
6. "In the northern part of the Indian ocean there is a complete reversal of currents between winter
and summer as a result of the alternating monsoon winds." Discuss. 20 Marks |1982|
7. “The relationship between the winds and the currents is best seen in the Indian Ocean.” Justify.
15 Marks |2016|
8. Write short notes on Ocean currents of the Northern Atlantic Ocean. 10 Marks |2006|

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9. Explain the currents of the North Atlantic Ocean and their significant role in the climate of
Western Europe. 15 Marks |2020|
10. Illustrate the origin and nature of Sargasso Sea and Lagoon. 10 Marks |2014|
11. Discuss the impacts of ocean currents on air mass behaviour. 10 Marks |2017|
12. What is the relationship between ocean currents and global surface wind systems? Explain with
examples how does the gyre in the Northern Hemisphere differ from the one in the Southern
Hemisphere. 15 Marks |2022|
13. How are ocean currents generated? Discuss their effects on coastal climates with special reference to the
Pacific Ocean. 15 marks 2023

Coral reefs, coral bleaching

1. Write short notes on coral reefs. 10 Marks |1988|
2. Discuss the theories of formation of coral reefs proposed by Daly, Darwin and Davis.
20 Marks |1990|
3. Examine critically the theories of the formation of coral reefs and atolls. 20 Marks |1997|
4. Write short notes on formation of coral reefs. 10 Marks |2001|
5. Describe the ideal conditions for coral reef formation and discuss the glacial control theory of
coral reef formation. 20 Marks |2008|
6. “Atolls present the most challenging explanation in the evolution of coral reefs.” Discuss.
15 Marks |2012|
7. Compare the Subsidence and Glacial control theories on the formation of coral reefs.
20 Marks |2013|
8. Give an account of recent observations on coral bleaching with reference to Clive Wilkinson’s
Report. 15 Marks |2014| 9. Discuss the concept of coral bleaching, its recovery and macroalgal regime shifts
due to this
process. 15 Marks |2020| 10. When corals are affected by stress it causes them to turn completely white. Explain
the reasons
of such an occurrence. 10 Marks |2022|

Sea-level changes;
1. Write short notes on Eustatic changes of Sea level. 10 Marks |2007|
2. Describe the causes and consequences of sea level changes. 10 Marks |2018|

law of the sea and marine pollution.

1. Discuss Maritime Zones. 10 Marks |2016|
2. Maritime security is being neglected. Indicate the major challenges and suggest solutions in the
context of Law of the Sea. 15 Marks |2021|
3. Give a critical account of reasons and consequences of marine pollution. 15 Marks |2014|

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 Biogeography
Genesis of soils; Soil profile;
1. Write short notes on Soil genesis. 10 Marks |1998|
2. Write short notes on Genesis of Soils. 10 Marks |2003|
3. Write short notes on Soil profile. 10 Marks |2000|
4. Well developed soils typically exhibit distinct layers in their soil profile. Elaborate. 10 Marks
|2022|
5. How are soil acidity and soil alkalinity related to soil fertility? 15 Marks |2019|
6. Explain the natural processes of soil enrichment and its impact on food production. 10 marks 2023
7. Differentiate between the characteristics of organic horizons and mineral horizons in a generalized soil profile.
15 marks 2023

Classification and distribution of soils;

1. Classify soils of the world and discuss the distribution and characteristics of each.
20 Marks |1985|
2. Present a classification of the soils of the world and give their economic significance.
20 Marks |1992|
3. Write short notes on distribution of soils. 10 Marks |2006|
4. Write short notes on Zonal and Azonal soils. 10 Marks |2009|
5. Write short notes on Soil profile in Zonal and Azonal soils. 10 Marks |2011|
6. Classify soils based on their zonal distribution and describe the characteristics of pedocals.
15 Marks |2015|
7. Distinguish between the characteristics of Chernozem and Seirozem soils. 15 Marks |2017|
8. Distinguish between intrazonal and azonal soils. Describe in brief the characteristics and
importance of azonal soils. 10 Marks |2018|

Soil erosion, Degradation and conservation;

1. Write short notes on Soil erosion and conservation. 10 Marks |2005|
2. “Land degradation is a threat to productivity and sustainable resource management.” Explain
with suitable examples from India. 15 Marks |2020|
3. Soil erosion and soil degradation are a threat to food supply. Discuss. 15 Marks |2021|
4. Write short notes on Desertification and its preventive measures. 10 Marks |1996|
5. Write short notes on Desertification as an environmental hazard. 10 Marks |2008|

Factors influencing world distribution of plants and animals; Wild life;

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1. Write short notes on the Types of endemic plants and their degree of vulnerability to extinction.
10 Marks |2013|
2. Bring out the relationship between climate and vegetation in the mountain biome.
15 Marks |2013|
3. Give a classification of plants based on the amount of water requirement.
15 Marks |2017|
4. Describe the characteristics of biological deserts. 10 Marks |2017|
5. Amensalism is a biotic factor that determines the geographic limits of the species. Explain.
10 Marks |2019|
6. Which factors influence the growth of wild plants in India? Discuss their economic significance.
10 Marks |2020|
7. Divide the world into major biotic regions giving the basis of your division. 20 Marks |1983|
8. Write short notes on World’s biotic regions. 10 Marks |1986|
9. Write short notes on characteristics of monsoon forests. 10 Marks |1987|
10. Divide the world into major biotic regions and explain the basis of your division. 20 Marks
|1989|
11. Indicate the major biotic regions of the world and discuss the ecological aspects of the Monsoon region. 20
Marks |1994|
12. Give a brief account of the principal land biomes and their latitudinal distribution.
15 Marks |2009|
13. Define the term biome. List the terrestrial biomes and describe the characteristics of Savanna
biome. 20 Marks |2011|
14. State the uniqueness of the Eurasian Steppe Biome. 10 Marks |2014|
15. Bring out the ecological significance of Tropical Rainforest Biome. 10 Marks |2016|
16. Land use/Land cover and soil types influence forage quantity and quality in semi-arid regions
of the world. Discuss with relevant examples. 15 Marks |2020|
17. Write short notes on Floristic kingdoms, based on their global distribution. 15 Marks |2010| 18. Describe
Newbigin’s scheme of Floristic regions of the world and explain the Mediterranean
Floristic Region. 15 Marks |2016|
19. Write short notes on the Uniqueness of fauna in the Notogean realm. 10 Marks |2013|
20. Write about Adaptation and distribution of animals in the Ethiopian realm. 15 Marks |2012|
21. Define zoogeographic region. Also describe the basic faunal makeup of the Neo-Arctic
zoogeographic region. 15 Marks |2014|
22. Plants and animals that exist in a particular ecosystem are those that have been successful in
adjusting to their habitat and environmental conditions. Elucidate with examples. 20 Marks
|2022|

Problems of deforestation and conservation measures; Social forestry; agroforestry;

1. Discuss the causes of degradation of tropical rainforests and suggest remedial measures for

P.A.G.E-17
their prevention, conservation and development. 15 Marks |2018|
2. Explain the effects and causes of deforestation, and its impact on the pattern of agriculture in
India. 15 Marks |2020|
3. Write short notes on Agroforestry. 10 Marks |2001|
4. Write short notes on social forestry and environmental conservation. 10 Marks |2007|

Major gene pool centers.

1. Gene pool centers are ‘Good Hope’ for biodiversity conservation. Elucidate. 10 Marks |2021|

P.A.G.E-18
 Environmental Geography
Principle of ecology;
1. Write short notes on Ecosystem Concept. 10 Marks |1985|
2. Write short notes on Concept of Ecosystem. 10 Marks |1992|
3. Discuss the concept, components and functioning of an ecosystem. 20 Marks |2001|
4. Give an account of the structure of the ecosystem and describe its functional aspects. 20 Marks
|2010|
5. Write in detail the concept of biosphere as an ecosystem. 20 Marks |2002|
6. Give an account of the nature of biosphere as an ecosystem. 10 Marks |2014|
7. Write short notes on Biotic succession. 10 Marks |1993|
8. Explain the characteristics of ecological succession. 10 Marks |2015|
9. “Human ecology is the study of mutual relationship of people and their environment both
natural and social.” Discuss in detail using ecological concepts. 15 Marks |2020|
10. How is Deep ecology as a concept different from shallow ecology explain. 10 marks 2023

Human ecological adaptations;

1. Discuss with suitable examples the influence of environment on productive occupation in the
world. 15 Marks |1982|
2. Explain the different stages of ecological adaptation of man and bring out the changing balance
between man and development. 20 Marks |2015|
3. With suitable examples, elaborate human ecological adaptations. Explain its impacts on ecology
and the environment in various parts of the world. 20 Marks |2021|

Influence of man on ecology and environment; Global and regional ecological changes
and imbalances;
1. Discuss in detail man’s impact on ecosystem as a result of the modern technological
advancement. 20 Marks |1988|
2. Define ecosystem and describe briefly its various components. Also discuss how and to what
extent the modern man has affected the various types of ecosystems. 20 Marks |1993|
3. ‘Man must realize the importance of maximizing agricultural production without destroying the ecological
basis on which our entire food production system rests.’ Explain with examples.
20 Marks |1995|
4. Examine the impact of advanced agricultural technology on the environment. Support your answer
with examples. 20 Marks |1998|
5. “Food productivity with purity of the ecosystem is the need of the hour.” Elaborate. 15 Marks

P.A.G.E-19
|2014|
6. Write short notes on Man, and Amazon rainforest. 10 Marks |1996|
7. Write a critical note on the tendency of “use and throw” in the context of economic status and
environment. 15 Marks |2016|
8. Write a short note on Ecological imbalance. 10 Marks |1983|
9. Discuss man's role in creating ecological imbalances taking examples from a geographical
region. 20 Marks |1984|
10. Examine the causes of ecological imbalances and briefly explain the measures taken to rectify
them. 20 Marks |1989|
11. Discuss the global ecological imbalances and their management. 20 Marks |2006|
12. Sequential changes in land use and land cover have brought global and regional ecological
changes and imbalances. Elucidate. 20 Marks |2022|
13. Write about Programmes initiated by the International Council of Science on Earth System
studies. 20 Marks |2012|
14. Write short notes on Major components of IGBP. 10 Marks |2012|
15. What are the factors affecting regional ecological changes? How do these affect human health ?15 marks
2023.

Ecosystem their management and conservation; Environmental degradation,

management and conservation;
1. Write short notes on the Buffer zone. 10 Marks |1997|
2. Write short notes on Marine Ecosystem. 10 Marks |2011|
3. What are the characteristics that make CHC a serious threat to the ecosystem? Give examples.
15 Marks |2013|
4. How do mountaineers constitute a threat to Mount Everest? 10 Marks |2019|
5. Discuss the causes and consequences of environmental degradation and highlight the related
conservation measures. 20 Marks |2000|
6. Discuss how different types of mining lead to different types of environmental problems.
15 Marks |2012|
7. Enumerate the major causes of increasing degradation of environment in hills and hillslopes,
and state its down-valley impact. 15 Marks |2014|
8. Explain the ecosystem approach to environmental management and highlight its advantages and
disadvantages. 15 Marks |2018|
9. “The web of life is seamless and the consequences of disruption to one part of the ecosystem
ripple through the whole”. Elaborate. 15 Marks |2019|
10. Explain the concept of micro carbon sink and its relevance. 10 Marks |2017|
11. Discuss the Perception, Attitude, Value and Emotion |PAVE| Theory of environmental
management. 15 Marks |2017|
12. Describe how ecosystem services of Himalaya are essential for Highland-Lowland

P.A.G.E-20
sustainability in Asia. 10 Marks |2021|

Biodiversity and sustainable development;

1. Write short notes on Biodiversity. 10 Marks |1994|
2. Write short notes on Sustainable development. 10 Marks |1994|
3. Write short notes on Sustainable development. 10 Marks |2006|
4. Explain the concept of sustainable development and propose a model for agricultural
development. 20 Marks |2007|
5. Discuss the relevance of ‘watershed’ as an ecosystem for the purpose of sustainable
development. 20 Marks |1999|
6. Discuss the methods of conserving biodiversity for sustainable development. 15 Marks |2015| 7. Why is it
necessary to conserve genetic diversity of species? Do protected areas serve any useful
purpose in this context? 20 Marks |2019|

Environmental hazards and remedial measures;

1. Write short notes on Natural hazards. 10 Marks |1995|
2. Write short notes on Environmental pollution. 10 Marks |2003|
3. Bring out major problems of environmental pollution at global scale and suggest measures to
check it. 20 Marks |2005|
4. Explain the levels of Noise pollution and the legislative measures to control it. 15 Marks |2013|
5. Explain the hydro- meteorological hazards in the Himalayas. 10 Marks |2016|
6. Explain the natural and anthropogenic causes and mitigation measures of frequent flooding in
Mumbai. 10 Marks |2018|
7. “Geomorphological changes are largely responsible for environmental hazards in the
Himalayan region.” Comment with relevant examples. 15 Marks |2018|
8. The impact of floods on life and property can be most effectively reduced by hazard mapping.
Comment. 15 Marks |2019|
9. Discuss the human response to and management of hazards and disasters in India.
15 Marks |2020|
10. Indicating the causes of lightning, describe the threats associated with it. 15 Marks |2021| 11. What are the
high altitude environmental hazards? Explain with suitable examples. 10 Marks
|2022|

Environmental policy; Environmental education and legislation.

1. “Controlling population growth is the sustainable solution to environmental problems.” Express your views
with suitable arguments. 15 Marks |2018|
2. Comment on the impact of environmental education on quality of life. 10 Marks |2015|
3. Discuss the objectives and principles of environmental education. Describe the basic concerns
of formal and non-formal environmental education in India. 15 Marks |2018|

P.A.G.E-21
P.A.G.E-22
 Section -B

Human Geography:

● Perspectives in Human Geography:Areal differentiation; Regional synthesis; Dichotomy

and dualism; Environmentalism; Quantitative revolution and locational analysis; Radical,

behavioral, human and welfare approaches; Languages, religions and secularisation; Cultural

regions of the world; Human development index.

● Economic Geography: World economic development: measurement and problems; World

resources and their distribution; Energy crisis; the limits to growth; World agriculture:

typology of agricultural regions; Agricultural inputs and productivity; Food and nutrition

problems; Food security; famine: causes, effects and remedies; World industries: location

patterns and problems; Patterns of world trade.

● Population and Settlement Geography: Growth and distribution of world population;

Demographic attributes; Causes and consequences of migration; Concepts of over-under-and

optimum population; Population theories, world population problems and policies, Social

well-being and quality of life; Population as social capital. Types and patterns of rural

settlements; Environmental issues in rural settlements; Hierarchy of urban settlements; Urban

morphology; Concept of primate city and rank-size rule; Functional classification of towns;

Sphere of urban influence; Rural-urban fringe; Satellite towns; Problems and remedies of

urbanisation; Sustainable development of cities.

● Regional Planning: Concept of a region; Types of regions and methods of regionalisation;

Growth centres and growth poles; Regional imbalances; Regional development strategies;

Environmental issues in regional planning; Planning for sustainable development.

● Models, Theories and Laws in Human Geography: System analysis in Human geography;

Malthusian, Marxian and demographic transition models; Central Place theories of Christaller

P.A.G.E-23
and Losch; Perroux and Boudeville; Von Thunen’s model of agricultural location; Weber’s

model of industrial location; Ostov’s model of stages of growth. Heartland and Rimland

theories; Laws of international boundaries and frontiers.

P.A.G.E-24
 Section-B

Perspectives in Human Geography

Development of geographical thought
1. What were the significant geographical ideas of the Arabs of the 10th and 12th centuries? How
did they differ from those of their Christian contemporaries? 20 Marks |1980|
2. Discuss the contributions of either Paul Vidal De La Blache or W.M. Davis in advancement of
our geographical knowledge. 15 Marks |1982|
3. Write an essay on the contribution of European geographers to the development of geographic
thought. 20 Marks |1989|
4. Explain the major contribution by Arab geographers of the early medieval period in the
development of geographic thought. 20 Marks |1991|
5. Give a comparative assessment of the works of Humboldt and Ritter leading to the foundation
of modern geographical thought. 20 Marks |1992|
6. Discuss the contributions of Al Beruni towards the development of geographical knowledge.
10 Marks |1995|

Dichotomy and dualism; Environmentalism

1. Discuss the scope of human geography. 20 Marks |1980|
2. Critically examine the concept of dualism with special reference to physical versus human
geography. 20 Marks |1997|
3. Write short notes: Dualism in geography. 10 Marks |2007|
4. Critically examine the development of determinism and possibilism in geography.
20 Marks |1984|
5. Write short notes on Environmental Determinism. 10 Marks |1988|
6. Examine critically the concepts of ‘determinism’ and ‘possibilism’. 10 Marks |1994|
7. Write short explanatory notes on Neo-determinism. 10 Marks |2010|
8. “Ellen Churchill Semple is an ardent supporter of Determinism”. Explain. 10 Marks |2013|
9. Discuss the relevance of ‘Stop and Go Determinism’ in the present-day context. 15 Marks
|2016|
10. Write short notes: Neo-environmentalism. 10 Marks |2002|
11. “There is a rejuvenation of environmentalism as a paradigm in geographical studies.” Comment.
20 Marks |2015|

Areal differentiation; regional synthesis;

P.A.G.E-25
1. Write short notes on Areal differentiation. 10 Marks |2005|
2. Critically examine the changing perspectives on the concept of areal differentiation.
15 Marks |2010|
3. “Areal differentiation forms the core theme in geography.” Explain. 10 Marks |2016|
4. “Areal differentiation has provided the theoretical justification for studying ‘regions’ and
‘regional geography’.” Comment. 20 Marks |2018|
5. “Regional synthesis is the crux of geographical studies.” Elaborate. 20 Marks |2015|
6. Explain the sequential development of areal differentiation as a fundamental concept in human geography. 10
marks 2023

Quantitative revolution and locational analysis;

1. Is the Quantitative method in Geography a means to an end or the Geographic method itself?
Discuss clearly bringing out the purpose of Geography. 10 Marks |1982|
2. Write a critical essay on the quantitative revolution in geography. 20 Marks |1983|
3. What is meant by quantitative revolution in geography? Discuss its impact on the development
of the subject. 20 Marks |1986|
4. What is understood by quantification in geography? Discuss the significance of quantification
in modern geographical studies with examples. 20 Marks |1998|
5. ‘Quantitative Revolution and model building provided an empirical basis for geographical
research’ - Elaborate. 15 Marks |2009|
6. Trace the origin and progress of Quantitative Revolution in Geography and bring out its merits
and demerits. 20 Marks |2016|
7. Discuss critically the manner in which quantitative revolution provided the methodological
foundation for models and modeling in geography. 15 Marks |2018|
8. Critically examine the significance of the Quantitative Revolution and its influence in the
development of Geography. 15 Marks |2022|

Radical, behavioural, human and welfare approaches;

1. Write short notes on Radical approach in human geography. 10 Marks |2001|
2. Discuss the contribution of geographers in the development of radical geography.
15 Marks |2014|
3. Why is radicalism seen as a major paradigm shift in geography? Explain its causes, approaches
and criticism. 20 Marks |2021|
4. Elaborate upon the influence of Marxist philosophy on geographical research, outline the key
themes addressed by Marxist geographers since the 1970’s. 15 Marks |2018|
5. Write short notes on quantitative and behavioural revolutions in geography. 10 Marks |1990| 6. “The
emergence of Behavioural Geography was due to disillusionment with axioms on which
models were based and the axioms were far removed from reality.” Comment.
20 Marks |1996|

P.A.G.E-26
7. Write short notes on Behavioural Geography. 10 Marks |2008|
8. Elaborate the concept of mental map. 10 Marks |2014|
9. Discuss the approaches to the study of behavioural geography. 15 Marks |2015|
10. Present a critical analysis of human and welfare approaches in human geography.
20 Marks |2003|
11. Provide a brief outline of ideas related to “sense of place” as propounded by Yi- Fu Tuan and
Relph in the humanistic geography that emerged in the 1970’s. 15 Marks |2018|
12. Distinguish between radical and welfare approaches in geographic studies. 20 Marks |2004| 13. Write short
explanatory notes on Welfare Approach in Human Geography. 10 Marks |2011| 14. “The welfare face of
geography makes it an inter-disciplinary subject.” Elaborate.
10 Marks
|2015|
15. Comment upon the contributions of D.M. Smith in outlining ‘welfare’ as a key focus in the
geographies of social well-being. 15 Marks |2018|
16. “Welfare geography emphasizes spatial inequality and territorial justice”. Comment with
reference the main ideas and scope of the subfield. 20 Marks |2018|
17. Describe the sequence of major paradigm shifts in geographic thought during the twentieth
century. 20 Marks |1999|
18. Discuss the impact of positivism in paradigm shift in Geography. 15 Marks |2011|
19. Discuss the contemporary paradigms of Geography. 20 Marks |2017|
20. “Geography is a contested and multiparadigmic discipline with a strong eurocentricity that has only
recently challenged.” Comment. 10 Marks |2018|

Languages, religions and secularisation; Cultural regions of the world;

1. Give a critical account of the cultural evolution of man. Illustrate your answer with suitable
examples. 20 Marks |1988|
2. Write short notes on Major cultural realms of the world. 10 Marks |1989|
3. Write short notes on Cultural regions of the World. 10 Marks |2006|
4. Provide a broad classification of world cultural regions. 20 Marks |2009|
5. Write short explanatory notes on Occidental cultural realm. 10 Marks |2010|
6. “Indo-Gangetic hearth is considered to be one of the world’s richest cultural realms.” Examine.
15 Marks |2014|
7. “Cultural regions are the most suited units to study the diversity of an area.” Comment.
15 Marks |2015|
8. “The traditional cultural identities are at loss with the growth of global connectivity.” Explain.
10 Marks |2017|
9. Globalisation can often subsume folk culture. What are its positive and negative effects?
15 Marks |2019|
10. “Culture is a dynamic concept”. Elucidate with examples. 20 Marks |2022|

P.A.G.E-27
 11. “A language originates at a particular place and diffuses to other location through the migration of its
speakers.” Examine this statement in the context of language hot spots and endangered
language hot spots. 10 Marks |2019|
12. Analyse the effects of Globalisation on languages. 10 Marks |2022|

Human development index.

1. Critically examine the method of deriving Human Development Index. 20 Marks |2010|
2. Explain the parameters for assessment and the spatial pattern of Human Development Index in
the World. 15 Marks |2013|
3. HDI has brought about a paradigm shift in the way people think about the development process. Critically
examine the inherent limitations of HDI. 20 Marks |2019|
4. What is the relation between gender equity and human development? Provide a list of commonly used general
related indices .15 marks 2023

Miscellaneous
1. Write short notes on Diffusion of innovation. 10 Marks |1986|
2. Explain the concept of Time – Geography. 10 Marks |2017|
3. The interrelationships between social and spatial structure are complex. Explain in the context
of socio-spatial dialectic. 10 Marks |2021|

P.A.G.E-28
 Economic Geography
World economic development: measurement and problems;
1. "The economic development of a country depends as much on the stage of development of the
people as on the able resources. Discuss this statement with examples.
20 Marks |1980|
2. Write short notes on Definition and Scope of Economic Geography. 10 Marks |1981|
3. How far do the patterns of economic development and those of human development correspond with each
other in the world? Illustrate your answer with examples. 20 Marks |1999|
4. To what extent do the regional patterns of economic development and human development in
the world correspond with each other? Highlight situations of departure, in particular. 20 Marks
|2002|
5. Write an essay on gender equity and equality in India in the context of balanced human
development. 15 Marks |2020|

World resources and their distribution;

1. Discuss the petroleum resources of the Middle East and its impact on international politics.
20 Marks |1984|
2. Oil has placed in the hands of Arab nations a tremendous geopolitical weapon with which to
wield power. Comment. 20 Marks |1994|
3. Write short notes on Land capability. 10 Marks |1990|
4. Write short notes on Land capability versus Land use efficiency. 10 Marks |1992|
5. Water is a scarce resource. Comment and discuss its importance in balanced habitat development. Support
your answers with examples from Asia. 20 Marks |1997|
6. Explain the term resource management. Discuss its relevance in the context of global resource
scarcity and the future of mankind. 20 Marks |1998|
7. Write short notes on the role of Venezuela in the production and the export of oil. 10 Marks |2013|
8. Discuss the environmental and economic problems associated with coal production.
15 Marks |2014|
9. “World is passing through a global resource dilemma.” Comment. 15 Marks |2014|

Energy crisis;
1. Write short notes on the World energy crisis. 10 Marks |1983|
2. Discuss the various sources of energy and their uses. Suggest the measures to overcome the
present-day energy crisis. 20 Marks |1988|
3. Write short notes on the World energy crisis. 10 Marks |1991|

P.A.G.E-29
 4. Write short notes on the countries most affected in case of shutdown of Nuclear power.
10 Marks |2013|
5. “Energy mix is a step towards sustainability.” Discuss. 10 Marks |2015|
6. “The intensity of the energy crisis varies regionally.” Explain. 15 Marks |2017|
7. Identify the causes and effects of energy crisis, and suggest suitable measures to solve the
problem. 10 Marks |2020|
8. How is energy transition seen as an instrument for achieving zero carbon by 2050?
10 Marks |2021|

The limits to growth;

1. Write short notes on Concept of limits to growth. 10 Marks |1991|
2. Write short notes on the limits to growth. 10 Marks |2000|
3. Write short notes on Concept of limits to growth. 10 Marks |2003|
4. Write short notes on the ‘Limits to Growth’ model. 10 Marks |2009|
5. Discuss in brief the main thesis in “Limits to Growth” |1972| and also provide a critique of the
same. 15 Marks |2018|
6. Explain population ,resource use and development Nexus in limits to growth model. Why has this model
been criticized intensively? 15 marks 2023

World agriculture: agricultural inputs and productivity; Typology of agricultural

regions;
1. Write short notes on Diffusion of innovation in agricultural technology. 10 Marks |1990|
2. Write short notes on Measures of agricultural efficiency. 10 Marks |1993|
3. Mention the types of farming commonly being practised in the tropics. Discuss their
significance and the present position in the international market. 20 Marks |1982|
4. Mention different types of world agriculture and describe the areas and salient features of each
type. 20 Marks |1985|
5. Give an account of the agricultural typology of the world as presented by Whittlesey and
critically examine the parameters used in its delineation. 20 Marks |1993|
6. Examine the bases of classification of agricultural regions as proposed by Whittlesey and
explain the causes for the essential difference between intensive subsistence tillage with rice
dominant and without rice in the crop association. 20 Marks |1996|
7. Write down main agricultural types and their associated features with special reference to
Whittlesey. 20 Marks |2006|
8. Mention the agricultural regions as classified by Whittlesey and discuss their relevance.
20 Marks |2011|
9. Elaborate the idea of ‘Compage’. 10 Marks |2016|
10. “Whittlesey’s agricultural regions are relevant even today.” Discuss. 10 Marks |2017|

P.A.G.E-30
11. Write short notes on Dry land farming. 10 Marks |1995| 12. Write short notes on Types of farming. 10
Marks |1998|
13. Write about impact of failure of Monsoon on Gujarat Agro-climatic zone. 15 Marks |2012| 14. Protected
cultivation assists in healthier and a large produce. Justify with examples.
10 Marks |2021|

Food and nutrition problems; Food security; famine: causes, effects and remedies;
1. Assess the nature of the "food problem" of India, both qualitatively and quantitatively at the
present time. What practical suggestions can you offer towards its solutions? 20 Marks |1980|
2. Discuss the food and nutrition problems of the world. 20 Marks |1983|
3. Give an account of spatial pattern of world food production and analyse the related problems of
malnutrition and malnutrition diseases. 20 Marks |1990|
4. Provide a geographical account of global production and distribution of food. 20 Marks |2009|
5. Define stunting and wasting. Why are these more prevalent among children in developing
countries? 10 Marks |2019|
6. Write short notes on growth of population and food resources of the world. 10 Marks |1996| 7. Write short
explanatory notes on Population and Food Security. 10 Marks |2011|
8. Give an account of food security issues in developing countries. 10 Marks |2014|
9. Analyse India’s food security in the context of population growth. 10 Marks |2020|
10. Describe the role of accessibility and affordability in food security of developing world.
15 Marks |2021|
11. “Climate change is a serious problem to global food security and poverty eradication.” Critically examine.
20 Marks |2022|
12. “Famine, to considerable extent, is a man-made hazard.” Elaborate. 15 Marks |2010|
13. “Man-induced famines are becoming more common than nature induced ones.” Comment.
15 Marks |2015|
14. “Famine is a social phenomenon rooted in institutional and political economic arrangements,
which determine access to food by different classes and strata.” Comment. 20 Marks |2018|
15. Discuss critically food and nutrition problems associated with the development world. 10 marks 2023

World industries: locational patterns and problems;

1. Analyse the factors of localization of the Iron and Steel industry with special reference to India.
Suggest an ideal location for this industry in India and make a comparative assessment of the
advantages and disadvantages of Visakhapatnam and Salem steel plants. 20 Marks |1980|
2. Analyse the factors of localization of the cotton-textile industries, and assess how far their
location has been influenced by the availability of indigenous raw materials and proximity to
the markets. 20 Marks |1981|
3. Discuss the general distributional pattern of industrial development in the world and its

P.A.G.E-31
associated problems. 20 Marks |1984| 4. Examine the world patterns of industrial development and explain the
problems of industrial
development at national levels. 20 Marks |1991|
5. “A large-scale global shift in manufacturing is the outcome of deindustrialization in the
developed world matched by industrialization in the developing world.” Analyse this statement.
15 Marks |2019|
6. Write about Locational significance of Rotterdam in European economy.
15 Marks |2012|
7. Write short notes on Problems faced by industries which developed due to inertia.
10 Marks |2012|
8. Discuss the degree of importance of transportation costs as a factor of industrial location with
respect to “footloose industries”. 10 Marks |2018|
9. Analyse the dynamics of industrial location in the metropolitan cities of India. 15 Marks |2020|

Patterns of world trade.

1. Give an account of the pattern of international trade and examine the linkages between resource
endowed regions and resource utilizing regions. 20 Marks |1987|
2. “Linkages between resources endowed regions and resource utilizing regions determine the
pattern of international trade.” Elaborate with suitable examples. 15 Marks |2016|
3. Discuss the role of World Trade Organization in determining the pattern of world trade.
15 Marks |2010|
4. Write short notes on Globalization of trade and industry. 10 Marks |1996|
5. Analyse the causes for changes in the pattern of World trade. 20 Marks |2013|
6. Discuss the changing pattern of production and export of Coffee in the world. 10 Marks |2013|
7. “Shifting global trade patterns create new opportunities”. Examine this statement. 10 Marks
|2022|
8. “Automation is rapidly changing the economies of labour and will affect trade patterns in
significant ways”. Clarify. 15 Marks |2022|

P.A.G.E-32
 Population and Settlement Geography
Growth and distribution of world population; demographic attributes; world population
problems and policies;
1. What are the determinants of population growth? Discuss comparatively the trends in
population growth in the developed and the developing countries of the world, mentioning the
socio-economic implications of these trends in each case. 20 Marks |1980|
2. Give an account of existing distributional pattern of population in the world and give your
assessment regarding the importance of geographical factors for such a pattern.
20 Marks |1987|
3. Trace and account for the various trends of population growth in the world during the present
century. 20 Marks |1991|
13. “Huge populations of developing countries are not a curse. These may be and also are an asset,
if situations are properly managed.” Elaborate on this assertion. 20 Marks |2010|
4. Write short notes on Similarities in the population distribution of southern continents and
reasons for the same. 10 Marks |2012|
5. Write short notes on Status of infant mortality rate in the world. 10 Marks |2012|
6. Discuss the impact of changing fertility ratio on world population distribution. 15 Marks
|2012|
7.What is Geriatrics? What are the problems associated with Geriatric population? 20 Marks
|2013|
8. Describe the regional pattern of Life Expectancy in the world and bring out the challenges faced
by developing countries due to increasing life expectancy. 20 Marks |2016|
9.“There are considerable demographic similarities between West European nations and Japan.”
Explain. 15 marks |2017|
10. Explain the relationship between net reproductive rate |NRR| and true replacement level of
population. 10 Marks |2019|
11. Citing examples from Asia and Europe, comment upon the contexts within which pronatalist
population policies advanced. What could be the implications of these policies on women’s
workforce participation? 15 Marks |2018|
12. Assess the challenges for countries with largest shares of aged populations. 15 Marks |2019|
13. Ageing population has adverse social and economic consequences. Explain with examples.
15 Marks |2021| .

Concepts of over, under-and optimum population; Population theories

1. Write short notes on Demographic Transition. 10 Marks |1981|

P.A.G.E-33
2. Write short notes on Demographic transition. 10 Marks |1986|
3. Critically examine the concept of optimum population. 10 Marks |1982|
4. Write short notes on Concept of optimum population. 10 Marks |2001|
5. Examine the theories about population control and explain the relative merits of these theories
in limiting population growth. 20 Marks |1995|
6. Write a note on the parameters used to describe the demographic transitions in the developing
countries like India. 20 Marks |2007|
7. Discuss the social and economic theories of population growth. 20 Marks |2008|
8.Write short explanatory notes on Optimum population. 10 Marks |2010|
9. “Marx’s view on population is more humanistic.” Comment. 10 Marks |2015|
10. Compare and contrast the Malthusian and Neo-Malthusian perspectives in the context of
population growth, resource use and environmental impact. 20 Marks |2020|
11.Provide an account of world population transition in the context of fertility decline and socio-
economic development. 15 Marks |2020|
12. Has Malthusian theory been discredited in contemporary times ? justify your answer. 10 marks |2023|
13. "The stages of demographic transition are a reflection of uneven economic development across the
globe".explain with suitable examples. 15 marks |2023|

Causes and consequences of migration

1. Examine the role of pull and push factors in the migration of population. 20 Marks |1981|
2. Discuss the causes and consequences of major international migrations of the present time. 20 Marks |1985|
3. Examine the causes of international migration of the last 50 years or so and the socio economic and political
problems generated by them. 20 Marks |1990|
4. Discuss the major international streams of migration in the world in recent times and account for the
relationship that exists between population pressure areas and migration prospects. 20 Marks |1993|
5. Discuss the causes and consequences of population migration in the world. 20 Marks |2000|
6. Write short notes on Impact of migration on urban demography. 10 Marks |2012|
7.Critically examine the theories on population migration. 15 Marks |2015|
8. Discuss the application of Gravity model in Geographical studies. 10 Marks |2016|
9. Examine the causes and consequences of forced migration of population in the present context.
15Marks|2017|
10.What do you mean by ‘climate migrants’? Suggest appropriate policies and programmes for their
resettlement. 15 Marks |2019|
11. Distinguish between mobility and migration. What are the causes and consequences of rural to urban
migration in India? 10 Marks |2020|
12. How migration is affected by push and pull factors? Explain how these factors play a role in understanding
new settlement patterns. 20 Marks |2022|
13. Human migration is a reflection of the balance between push and pull factors .Elaborate with reference to
the most recent diaspora. 10 Marks |2023|

P.A.G.E-34
Social wellbeing and quality of life; Population as social capital.
1. Define the quality of life and explain its parameters with adequate examples. 15 Marks |2017|
2. Explain the concept of social capital in relation to India. 15 Marks |2017|

Types and patterns of rural settlements; Environmental issues in rural settlements;

1. Write short notes on rural settlements patterns. 10 Marks |1985|
2. Citing suitable examples from India, explain the role of site and other physical factors in
determining the types and patterns of rural settlements. 20 marks |1992|
3. Discuss the role of site in determining the types and patterns of rural settlements. 15 Marks |2016|
4. Rural settlements are expressions of the basic relationship between human beings and their physical and social
environment. Discuss. 20 marks 2023

Hierarchy of urban settlements; urban morphology:

1. Discuss with examples the factors of origin and growth of towns and cities. 20 Marks |1980|
2. Examine the morphological factors that influence the origin and growth of towns. 10 Marks
|2022|
3. What is meant by Urban Functions? How are they different from Rural Functions?
10 Marks |1982|
4. Briefly discuss the trend of urbanisation in the world since the beginning of the present century.
20 Marks |1983|
5. Write about Regional shifts in the world urbanization after 1950 and the varied characteristics
of urban process. 20 Marks |2012|
6. “Colonial forces resulted in the primate pattern of urban process in most Southeast Asian
countries.” Discuss. 20 Marks |2012|
7. Examine the various theories concerning the internal structure of cities and discuss how they
are applicable to Indian cities. 20 Marks |1987|
8. Enumerate the different models of the internal structure of cities. Choose one of them and
discuss it in its application to a particular city. 20 Marks |1990|
9. Explain and illustrate the models of internal structure of cities as proposed by Burgess and Hoyt.
Mention also the limitations of these models. 20 Marks |1995|
10. Bring out the sequential improvements in models of city structure by E.W. Burgess, Homer
Hoyt, and Harris and Ullman. 20 Marks |2010|
11. Write short notes on Central Business District. 10 Marks |1981|
12. Discuss the major characteristics of ‘CBD’. 10 Marks |2016|
13. Bring out the contrast between the internal structure of the pre-industrial and industrial cities.
20 Marks |1999|

Concepts of primate city and rank-size rule; Functional classification of towns;

P.A.G.E-35
1. Write short notes on Primate city. 10 Marks |1999|
2. Write short notes on Concept of primate city. 10 Marks |2005|
3. Write short notes on Primate Cities. 10 Marks |2008|
4. Write short notes on Rank-size rule. 10 Marks |2000|
5. In Urban Geography what are the concepts of Primate city and Rank size rule? Discuss in detail.
20 Marks |2006|
6. Discuss the concept of ‘Rank-Size-Rule’ given by G.K. Zipf. Is this rule relevant in Indian
context? 15 Marks |2022|
7. Write short notes on Classification of cities. 10 Marks |1989|
8. Discuss Nelson’s method of functional classification of towns. 10 Marks |2015|
9. Elaborate the concept of Megapolis and discuss the characteristics and problems related to such
regions selecting one each from North America and Europe. 20 Marks |2009|
10. Explain the concepts of “megapolis” and “exopolis” with regard to the growth of cities
indicating whether the two can and do overlap. 10 Marks |2018|
11. “Urban Geography is nothing but city “in” area and city “as” area.” Elaborate. 20 Marks |2013|
12. Small number of mega cities are playing a key role in organisation of global economics and
culture. Explain. 15 Marks |2021|
13. Write short notes on Relevance of distance decay principle in Indian cities. 10 Marks |2012|
14. Evaluate the various models on population density distribution in urban centers.
20 Marks |2012|

Sphere of urban influence; Rural - urban fringe; Satellite towns;

1. Write short notes on urban sphere of influence. 10 Marks |1984|
2. Define the urban sphere of influence and discuss different methods of determining the spheres
of influence of cities. 20 Marks |1986|
3. Define umland and discuss with specific examples, the criteria for its delimitation.
20 Marks |1993|
4. Examine the concept of sphere of urban influence and discuss the qualitative and quantitative
methods used in its delimitation. 20 Marks |2003|
5. Explain the qualitative and quantitative methods of delineation of the sphere of urban influence.
20 Marks |2014|
6. Write short notes on Rural-urban fringe. 10 Marks |1997|
7. Write short notes on Delineation of Urban Fringe. 10 Marks |2007|
8. Write short notes on the Misra’s theoretical stages of Rural- Urban process. 10 Marks |2013|
9. Write short explanatory notes on Secondary cities in the context of urbanization in developing
world. 10 Marks |2011|
10. Explain the problems and prospects of urban expansion in the context of urban Fringe in developed and
developing nations. 20 marks 2023

P.A.G.E-36
Problems and remedies of urbanization; Sustainable development of cities.
1. Write short notes on Slums and Squatter settlements. 10 Marks |1994|
2. Discuss the factors responsible for counter urbanization. 10 Marks |2014|
3. Discuss the problems associated with the living environment in million plus cities in India. How
can these be managed? 10 Marks |2020|
4. “Though 70% of Indian population is rural, urban planning is crucial to the development of
India.” Discuss. 15 Marks |2012|
5. “Urban Solid Waste Management poses the greatest challenge in Metropolitan planning”.
Elaborate. 20 Marks |2013|
6. What changes in the current planning, management and governance of the human settlements
are needed to face the changing environment including climate change and disaster
vulnerabilities in cities? 20 Marks |2019|
7. Discuss the concept of urban resilience in the context of planning for sustainable development
with reference to towns and cities of India. 20 Marks |2020|
8. “Overcrowding leads to chronic problem of shortage of housing in Indian cities”. Explain citing
relevant examples. 15 Marks |2022|.

P.A.G.E-37
 Regional Planning
Concept of a region; Types of regions and methods of regionalisation;
1. Write short notes on regional concept in Geography. 10 Marks |1985|
2. Bring out the significance of regional concept. 10 Marks |1994|
3. What is a region? Discuss the types of regions and methods of regionalization. 20 Marks |2000|
4. What is a region? Discuss the methods of regionalization. 20 Marks |2005|
5. What is the concept of a region? Discuss the types of regions. 20 Marks |2006|
6. What is a ‘region’? Describe ‘Thiessen’ polygon method of regional delimitation. 15 Marks
|2016|
7. What are natural regions? How are they different from planning regions? 10 Marks |2019|
8. Suggest criteria, indicators and techniques for delimitation of formal regions. 20 Marks |2021|
9. Describe the concept of planning region. Explain the environmental and economic factors in the creation of
such religions. 15 marks 2023

Growth centres and growth poles;

1. Critically examine the role of growth centers and growth poles in regional development
process. 20 Marks |2001|
2. Write short notes on Growth pole. 10 Marks |2004|
3. Write short explanatory notes on Growth poles. 10 Marks |2010|

Regional imbalances; regional development strategies;

1. Examine the spatial patterns of development disparity prevailing in the world. 20 Marks |2001|
2. Write short notes on Regional imbalances. 10 Marks |2003|
3. “Geographical traits lead to regional imbalances.” Examine. 15 Marks |2015|
4. Explain in detail the impact of regional disparities on economic development. 15 Marks |2022|
5. What is regional survey? How does it lead to planning? Discuss with suitable examples.
20 Marks |1982|
6. Discuss various strategies for correcting regional imbalances. 20 Marks |2004|
7. Enumerate alternative strategies of planning for backward regions. 20 Marks |2011|
8. Write about Salient features of watershed planning and its advantages and disadvantages.
20 Marks |2012|
9. Explain the relevance of bottom-up and top-down approaches in the development of agrarian
economy. 10 Marks |2014|
10. “Rural sustainability is necessary for urban sustainability”. Discuss the statement in the
backdrop of integrated development approach. 20 Marks |2014|
11. “Vital statistics are necessary ingredients for development planning.” Elaborate. 15 Marks

P.A.G.E-38
|2015|
12. Examine the role of small towns in the regional development process. 15 Marks |2017|
13. “Where economic growth is sustained over long time periods, its incidence works towards a
progressive integration of the space economy.” Elucidate. 10 Marks |2020|
14. Explain the processes of contagion and hierarchical diffusion in addressing regional imbalances.
10 Marks |2021|
15. Discuss the role of transportation accessibility in regional development. 10 Marks |2022|

Environmental issues in regional planning; Planning for sustainable development.

1. Highlight the significance of environmental issues in Regional Planning. 15 Marks |2009|
2. “Development planning has a component of environmental cost.” Discuss. 10 Marks |2015| 3. The
environmental issues are not adequately addressed in the regional planning. Comment.
15 Marks |2021|
4. Development-induced displacement poses serious challenges. Mention its causes, consequences
and solutions. 20 Marks |2021|
5. In what ways can geographers contribute towards optimal land use planning in a region?
15 Marks |2016|
6. Write an essay on sustainable development from the perspective of geography. 20 Marks
|2002|
7. Write short explanatory notes on Ingredients of Sustainable development. 10 Marks |2011|
8. Give an account on sustainable development and its components. 10 Marks |2017|
9. How can sustainable land management harmonize the complementary goals of environmental, economic and
social opportunities? Discuss. 15 marks 2023

P.A.G.E-39
 Models, Theories and Laws in Human
Geography
Systems analysis in Human geography;
1. Write short notes on systems approach in geography. 10 Marks |1987|
2. Write short notes on System approach in Geography. 10 Marks |1993|
3. Discuss the concept and application of systems analysis in human geography. 20 Marks |2001| 4. Discuss
Systems Approach and its applicability in Geography. 20 Marks |2011|
5. Giving suitable examples, describe the importance of system analysis in geographical studies.
15 Marks |2014|
6. Write an explanatory note on geographical systems. 10 Marks |2017|
7. Write short notes on Models in Geography. 10 Marks |1994|
8. Critically analyse the application of models in Geography. 10 Marks |2014|

Central Place theories of Christaller and Losch;

1. Analyse Christaller’s Central Place theory and the modifications introduced in it and examine
its relevance in the present-day context. 20 Marks |1988|
2. Write short notes on Central place theory. 10 Marks |1992|
3. Explain the basis and applicability of Christaller’s Central Place Theory. Bring out the recent
modifications. 20 Marks |2000|
4. Bring out the main points of difference between the Central Place theories of Christaller and
Losch. 20 Marks |2002|
5. Give an account of the functional bases of central place hierarchy. 20 Marks |2007|
6. Critically examine the salient features of Central Place Theory propounded by Christaller and
Losch. 20 Marks |2011|
7. What are the basic postulates in the Central Place Model of Christaller? 20 Marks |2013|
8. Give a critical account of Losch’s theory of central places. 20 Marks |2016|
9. Discuss the applicability of Christaller’s Central Place Theory. 20 Marks |2017|
10. Examine the relevance of Central Place Theory of Christaller in the present context.
10 Marks |2021|
11. Explain with suitable diagrams losch's model of theory of location related to Central places. Why has this
been criticized? 20 marks 2023

P.A.G.E-40
Perroux and Boudeville
1. Write a note on “forward and backward linkages” in Perroux’s thesis of economic growth and
regional development. 10 Marks |2018|
2. “Growth is not uniform in different places”. Critically examine this statement in the context of
growth pole theory. 15 Marks |2019|
3. Discuss the different types of polarization induced spatial inequalities and imbalances associated with growth
poles. 10 marks 2023

Von Thunen’s model of agricultural location;

1. Write short notes on Theories of agricultural location. 10 Marks |1987|
2. Discuss von Thunen’s model of agricultural land use and examine if the model is applicable to
India. 20 Marks |1994|
3. Write short notes on Isolated states. 10 Marks |2002|
4. Discuss the views of von Thunen on agricultural location. 20 Marks |2008|
5. Write short explanatory notes on von Thunen’s concept of economic rent. 10 Marks |2010|
6. Discuss the relevance of Von Thunen’s model on agricultural location in the contemporary
context. 20 Marks |2015|
7. Write a note on the relevance of von Thunen’s agricultural location theory in the present context.
10 Marks |2020|
8. Explain the relevance and applicability of Von Thunen theory of Agriculture-location in today’s
world. 15 Marks |2022|

Weber’s model of industrial location;

1. Review in detail the various theories of location of industries. 20 Marks |1989|
2. Discuss the theories of industrial location propounded by any two of the following: Weber;
Hoover; Smith. 20 Marks |1992|
3. Critically examine Alfred Weber’s Theory of the Location of Industries. 20 Marks |1997|
4. Write short notes on Location Triangle. 10 Marks |1998|
5. Discuss Weber’s theory of industrial location and assess its relevance in the present-day context.
20 Marks |2005|
6. Write short notes on Weight Triangle. 10 Marks |2009|
7. Write short explanatory notes on Isodapane in the Theory of Industrial Location.
10 Marks |2011|
8. Explain ‘Isodapane’. 10 Marks |2016|
9. Distinguish between ‘isodapanes’ and ‘isotims’. Critically examine the least cost theory of
industrial location given by Alfred Weber. 20 Marks |2019|
10. Present a critical account of Alfred Weber Theory of industrial location. 15 Marks |2021|

Rostov’s model of stages of growth;

P.A.G.E-41
 1. Critically examine the stages of Economic Growth Model propounded by Rostov. Illustrate your Answer
with suitable examples. 20 Marks |2003|
2. Explain the necessary conditions of takeoff and subsequent stages of development of a nation
as propounded by Rostov. 20 Marks |2014|
3. Outline briefly the “age of mass consumption” as described by Rostov in his ‘multi stage theory
of growth’. 10 Marks |2018|

Heartland and Rimland theories;

1. Is it true to say that Mackinder's "Citadel of land power" stands mightier than ever, even at the
present day? 20 Marks |1980|
2. Discuss the concepts of heartland and rimland and examine their present-day validity.
20 Marks |1985|
3. Write short notes on Geopolitics. 10 Marks |1988|
4. Discuss in detail the Heartland concept of Mackinder and the criticism it has attracted in recent
years. 20 Marks |1989|
5. Examine Heartland Theory and assess its merits and demerits. 20 Marks |2005|
6. “The Heartland Theory is gaining importance once again.” Comment. 20 Marks |2017|
7. Write short notes on the Relevance of Heartland theory in Contemporary world.
10 Marks |2013|
8. Discuss how and why Mackinder modified his concept of Pivot Area after the World Wars.
20 Marks |2020|
9. Without Mediterranean Europe could not be held, without Middle East the Mediterranean could
not be held. Discuss. 20 Marks |1996|
10. Write short notes on Rimland Theory. 10 Marks |2002|
11. To what extent are the Heartland and Rimland theories helpful in understanding the world
political situation today? Express your opinion clearly. 20 Marks |2004|
12. Examine the relevance of the ‘rimland theory’ in the contemporary world. 15 Marks |2019|

Laws of international boundaries and frontiers

1. With suitable examples selected from different part of the World, discuss, in detail, the problems
in using either language or religion as a criterion for boundary determinations. 20 Marks |1981| 2. Discuss the
genetic classification of international boundaries. How does it differ from the
morphological classification? 20 Marks |1986|
3. Describe the laws of international boundaries and frontiers. 20 Marks |2008|
4. Distinguish between boundaries and frontiers. Identify different types of boundaries. 20 Marks
|2011|
5. Define and differentiate between boundaries and frontiers. Describe the geometrical boundaries
with suitable examples. 15 Marks |2016|
6. Discuss the genetic classification of boundaries suggested by Hartshorne. 10 Marks |2019|

P.A.G.E-42
 7. In the modern world, most of the frontiers have been replaced by boundaries. Explain the
reasons. 15 Marks |2020|
8. Boundaries are important in geopolitics. Explain. What issues develop from the inclusionary
and exclusionary aspects of borders? 15 Marks |2021|
9. Explain the geometrical boundaries with examples. 10 Marks |2022|
10. Boundaries and frontiers have different meanings in geographical literature. Substantiate your answer in the
present context. 15 marks 2023

P.A.G.E-43
 GEOGRAPHY OF INDIA(PAPER-II)

● Physical Setting: Space relationship of India with neighbouring countries; Structure and

relief; Drainage system and watersheds; Physiographic regions; Mechanism of Indian

monsoons and rainfall patterns; Tropical cyclones and western disturbances; Floods and

droughts; Climatic regions; Natural vegetation, Soil types and their distributions.

● Resources: Land, surface and groundwater, energy, minerals, biotic and marine resources,

Forest and wildlife resources and their conservation; Energy crisis.

● Agriculture: Infrastructure: irrigation, seeds, fertilisers, power; Institutional factors; land

holdings, land tenure and land reforms; Cropping pattern, agricultural productivity,

agricultural intensity, crop combination, land capability; Agro and social-forestry; Green

revolution and its socio-economic and ecological implications; Significance of dry farming;

Livestock resources and white revolution; Aqua-culture; Sericulture, Agriculture and poultry;

Agricultural regionalisation; Agro-climatic zones; Agro-ecological regions.

● Industry: Evolution of industries; Locational factors of cotton, jute, textile, iron and steel,

aluminium, fertiliser, paper, chemical and pharmaceutical, automobile, cottage and ago-based

industries; Industrial houses and complexes including public sector underkings; Industrial

regionalisation; New industrial policy; Multinationals and liberalisation; Special Economic

Zones; Tourism including ecotourism.

● Transport, Communication and Trade:Road, railway, waterway, airway and pipeline

networks and their complementary roles in regional development; Growing importance of

ports on national and foreign trade; Trade balance; Trade Policy; Export processing zones;

Developments in communication and information technology and their impacts on economy

and society; Indian space programme.

P.A.G.E-44
● Cultural Setting: Historical Perspective of Indian Society; Racial linguistic and ethnic

diversities; religious minorities; Major tribes, tribal areas and their problems; Cultural regions;

Growth, distribution and density of population; Demographic attributes: sex-ratio, age

structure, literacy rate, work-force, dependency ratio, longevity; migration (inter-regional,

intraregional and international) and associated problems; Population problems and policies;

Health indicators.

● Settlements: Types, patterns and morphology of rural settlements; Urban developments;

Morphology of Indian cities; Functional classification of Indian cities; Conurbations and

metropolitan regions; Urban sprawl; Slums and associated problems; Town planning;

Problems of urbanisation and remedies.

● Regional Development and Planning: Experience of regional planning in India; Five Year

Plans; Integrated rural development programmes; Panchayati Raj and decentralised planning;

Command area development; Watershed management; Planning for backward area, desert,

drought-prone, hill tribal area development; Multi-level planning; Regional planning and

development of island territories.

● Political Aspects: Geographical basis of Indian federalism; State reorganisation; Emergence of

new states; Regional consciousness and inter-state issues; International boundary of India and

related issues; Cross-border terrorism; India’s role in world affairs; Geopolitics of South Asia

and Indian Ocean realm.

● Contemporary Issues: Ecological issues: Environmental hazards: landslides, earthquakes,

Tsunamis, floods and droughts, epidemics; Issues related to environmental pollution; Changes

in patterns of land use; Principles of environmental impact assessment and environmental

management; Population explosion and food security; Environmental degradation;

Deforestation, desertification and soil erosion; Problems of agrarian and industrial unrest;

Regional disparities in economic development; Concept of sustainable growth and

development; Environmental awareness; Linkage of rivers; Globalisation and Indian economy.

P.A.G.E-45
 Paper-II

Physical Setting
Space relationship of India with neighboring countries
1. Bring out the role of terrain in determining India’s political influence over neighbouring
countries. 10 Marks |2014|
2. Mention the space relationship of India with neighbouring countries. 10 Marks |2016|

Structure and relief; Physiographic regions;

1. Discuss the structure and evolution of the Himalayas. 20 Marks |1980|
2. Give an ideal geographical regionalization of India. 20 Marks |1980|
3. Write short notes on bases of geographical regionalization of India. 10 Marks |1981|
4. Discuss the structure of the Peninsular India. 15 Marks |1982|
5. Divide India into its natural regions. State the basis which you have adopted. 20 Marks |1982| 6. Examine the
origin of the Deccan lavas and describe the scenery associated with it. 15 Marks
|1983|
7. Describe the physiographic characteristics of the Western Himalayas. 10 Marks |1985|
8. Give the salient features of the Aravallis with respect to geological structure, relief and impact
on human settlements. 15 Marks |1987|
9. Explain the salient features of the structure, relief and drainage of the Himalayas. 20 Marks
|1988|
10. Give an outline of the geological history of the Peninsular India and in its terms Explain the
salient features of the relief of the areas. 20 Marks |1989|
11. Draw a sketch map in your answer book to delineate the main physiographic regions of India
and provide a reasoned account of the relief and structure of the Himalayan region. 20 Marks
|1995|
12. Discuss the origin and main geomorphic features of Thar Desert of India. 15 Marks |1997|
13. Explain the raise of the Himalayan ranges. 10 Marks |1999|
14. Describe the structure and relief features of Peninsular India. 20 Marks |2000|
15. Discuss the relief features of Indian Northern Plains. 20 Marks |2001|
16. Give a brief account of the second-order regions of India’s Peninsular Plateau. 10 Marks |2001| 17. Explain
the different views put forth about the origin of Himalayas and divide Himalayas into
vertical divisions. 20 Marks |2007|
18. Distinguish between the West and East coasts of India in terms of their evolution, present
topography and drainage pattern. 20 Marks |2009|

P.A.G.E-46
19. Explain Himalayan Orogeny and illustrate how the process has affected the geomorphic
characteristics of Macro divisions of Himalayas. 20 Marks |2010|
20. Write about Karewa Deposits and their economic significance. 10 Marks |2011|
21. Explain the structural characteristics of the Deccan plateau. 15 Marks |2012|
22. Explain the topographical and structural characteristics of the Siwalik range. 10 Marks |2013| 23. Justify the
inclusion of Meghalaya in Peninsular India and discuss its vegetation and soil types.
15 Marks |2017|
24. Distinguish the geographical aspects of North-Western lava plateau and Chotanagpur plateau
of peninsular India. 20 Marks |2018|
25. Describe the structure and relief features of Deccan Plateau. 15 Marks |2021|
26.Describe the origin, distribution and economic significance of Gondwana system
of rocks in India.10 marks|2023|
27. Discuss the geostrategic significance of Indian Islands. 15 March |2023|
28. Explain the geological characteristics and ecological significance of the eastern ghats. 10 marks 2023

Drainage system and watersheds;

1. The drainage systems of the two regions, Peninsular and extra-Peninsular India are very
different in their character. What are these differences and why? 15 Marks |1986|
2. Elucidate the character of the Himalayan Rivers and examine their role in the Indian Plains.
20 Marks |1991|
3. Explain the drainage characteristics of Peninsular India. 15 Marks |1994|
4. Examine the origin and characteristics of the antecedent drainage system of the Himalayas.
15 Marks |1996|
5. Highlight the salient differences between the Himalayan and Peninsular drainage systems.
20 Marks |2003|
6. Distinguish between the Himalayan and the peninsular drainage systems. 20 Marks |2008|
7. Present a comparative analysis of the regimes of Himalayan and peninsular rivers of India and
examine their implications in the irrigation system of the country. 20 Marks |2011|
8. How is the drainage pattern determined by the water divide? 10 Marks |2014|
9. Highlight the socioeconomic and ecological roles of River Cauvery in its riverine tract.
20 Marks |2014|
10. Explain the shifting of river courses and river capturing in the Himalayas. 10 Marks |2016|
11. Drainage pattern in Peninsular India is a result of its geological structure and topography.
Elaborate. 15 Marks |2017|
12. Explain the changing river courses and their impacts on the riparian population in India with
suitable examples. 10 Marks |2018|
13. Present the salient features of West flowing rivers of India. 10 Marks |2019|
14. Describe the salient features of east-flowing rivers of India. 15 Marks |2021|

P.A.G.E-47
 Mechanism of Indian monsoons and rainfall patterns, Tropical cyclones and western
disturbances;
1. India's budget is a gamble with the Monsoon. Elaborate the statement. How far does the
variability of rainfall influence agriculture? What remedies have been affected? 20 Marks
|1982|
2. Write short notes on Mountains as climatic barriers and their effect on the Indian Monsoons.
10 Marks |1984|
3. Analyse the mechanism of Indian Monsoon. How are the spatial temporal variations and
vicissitudes in precipitation related to this mechanism? 20 Marks |1987|
4. Explain some of the important theories of the origin of the South-West monsoon in India.
Evaluate the impact of its characteristics with occurrence of floods and droughts in different
parts of our country. 20 Marks |1990|
5. Discuss the major characteristics of the Indian monsoon with special emphasis on causative
factors. 20 Marks |1992|
6. Discuss the recent theories put forward to explain the origin and mechanism of the Indian
Monsoon. 20 Marks |1994|
7. Explain the factors responsible for uneven distribution of rainfall of in India. 15 Marks |1995| 8. Elucidate
the mechanism of Indian Monsoon. 10 Marks |1999|
9. Explain the origin, mechanism and characteristics of Summer Monsoon in India. 20 Marks
|2002|
10. Give a critical account of the recent theories of origin of Indian monsoon with special reference
to Jet Stream Theory. 20 Marks |2006|
11. Give reasons as to why rainfall variability is a characteristic feature of India’s monsoons.
15 Marks |2009|
12. Discuss the mechanism of Indian Monsoon. 10 Marks |2013|
13. Explain the pattern of winter rainfall in India. 10 Marks |2015| 14. Give a reasoned account of unusual
pattern of distribution of monsoonal rainfall in India in
2017. 10 Marks |2017|
15. Why is the Indian Monsoon erratic in nature? Explain. 10 Marks |2019| 16. Climate change has unsettled
the rhythm of seasons. Comment with examples and empirical
evidences. 10 Marks |2020|
17. Describe the problems of cloud burst in India giving suitable examples. 10 Marks |2021|
18. Examine the impact of tropical cyclones and western disturbances on the climate of India.
20 Marks |2021|
19. Critically examine the factors affecting the unpredictability of South-West Monsoon system in
India. 20 Marks |2022|

Floods and droughts;

1. Why do rivers flood? State the areas of occurrence of floods in India. 15 Marks |1984|

P.A.G.E-48
 2. Delineate the flood prone areas of India by drawing a sketch map in the answer book and
discuss the causes and consequences of floods in North Indian plains. 20 Marks |1993|
3. Explain the criteria used in the identification of drought-prone areas in India. 10 Marks |1996| 4. Give a
reasoned account of either flood hazards or drought hazards occurring in India and also
suggest measures for controlling them. 20 Marks |2000|
5. Explain the causes, impacts and remedial measures of flood-hazards in the Middle and Lower
Ganga plain. 20 Marks |2004|
6. Give an account of the distribution of flood-prone areas of India and the programmes and policy
of controlling the impact of floods in the country. 20 Marks |2005|
7. Giving reasons, identify the chronic drought-prone areas of India. 15 Marks |2009|
8. Explain the causes, impact and remedial measures of flood-hazards in the middle Ganga plain.
Represent the flood affected areas of middle Ganga plain on a sketch map in your answer-book.
20 Marks |2012|
9. Comment on the criteria of identifying Drought Prone Areas in India
. 10 Marks |2014|10. Account for the growing frequency and intensity of floods in India and suggest short- and
long-
term remedial measures indicating the chronically flood-prone areas. 20 Marks |2015|
11. Describe the flood-prone areas and their management problems in the Ganga Plains. 15 Marks
|2016|
12. Appraise why drought is one of the most common climatic extremes in India. 15 Marks |2021|
13. Incidence of extreme rainfall events and flash floods in recent times have led to devastating
consequences for people living in low-lying areas and flood plains of the country. Comment.
15 Marks |2022|
14. Discuss the problems of floods and their management with special reference to Indo gangetic plains 15
marks. |2023|

Climatic regions
1. Attempt a division of India into climatic regions and describe their characteristics and floral
conditions. 20 Marks |1985|
2. Evaluate the Koppen’s scheme of climatic regionalisation of India. 15 Marks |1988|
3. Draw a sketch-map in your answer book to delineate the main climatic regions of India and
discuss the important climatic characteristics of each region. 20 Marks |1996|
4. Discuss the role of spatial pattern of rainfall and temperature in the delimitation of climatic
regions of India, especially with reference to Stamp’s climatic regionalisation. 20 Marks |2004|
5. Discuss the role of spatial pattern of rainfall and temperature in the delimitation of climatic
regions of India, especially with reference to stamp’s climatic regionalization. 20 Marks |2012|
6. Describe the salient climatological characteristics of Rayalaseema region. 20 Marks |2014|
7. Discuss the role of spatial pattern of rainfall and temperature in the delimitation of climatic
regions of India especially with reference to Stamp’s climatic regionalization. 20 Marks |2016|

P.A.G.E-49
Natural vegetation;
1. Explain the geographical factors responsible for the growth of mangrove vegetation in India
and discuss its role in coastal ecology. 15 Marks |1993|
2. Discuss the distribution and characteristics of the evergreen forest in India. 10 Marks |1996|
3. Explain the sequence of vegetation zones of the Himalayas. 10 Marks |2001|
4. Discuss the spatial distribution of Natural Vegetation in India with the help of a sketched map.
20 Marks |2010|
5. Discuss the rainfall pattern and correlate it with special distribution of natural vegetation in
India. 15 Marks |2019|

Soil types and their distributions:

1. Describe major soil types of India. 20 Marks |1981|
2. Explain the characteristics and productivity of the Regur black soils of India. 10 Marks |1992|
3. Examine the origin and characteristics of the soils of the North Indian Plain. 15 Marks |1995|
4. Discuss the formation and their distribution of the major soil types of India. 20 Marks |2009| 5. Bring out the
distribution of Laterite soils in India and their specific use for agriculture.
20 Marks |2014|
6. How does natural vegetation affect the formation of in situ soils? 10 Marks |2015|
7. Describe the distribution of black soils in India and their specific use for agriculture. 15 Marks
|2016|
8. Soil types in India, classified on the basis of colour, possess specific chemical and mineral
characteristics. Discuss. 15 Marks |2020|
9. Discuss the economic significance of volcanic soils of India. 10 Marks |2021|
10. Soils of India, are clear reflections of the structure and process. Comment. 15 Marks |2022|

P.A.G.E-50
 Resources
Land resources,
1. The pattern of growing ecological foot-prints is uneven in nature. Analyse with reference to
land resources in India. 10 Marks |2020|

surface and ground water resources

1. Discuss the ecological problems associated with the use of river water resources in India.
15 Marks |1987|
2. Analyse the spatial patterns of the utilization of ground water for tube well irrigation in
different parts of India. 15 Marks |1989|
3. Discuss the need of conservation and utility of water resource in India. 20 Marks |2007|
4. Discuss the emerging pattern of surface water utilization in India. 20 Marks |2010|
5. Account for the geographical distribution of ground water resources of India. How serious is
its depletion in recent decades? 20 Marks |2015|
6. Discuss the fresh water crisis in India and prepare a blueprint for its sustainable management.
20 Marks |2017|
7. Make a critical appraisal of the factors affecting river water quality in India. 10 Marks |2018|
8. Illustrate with suitable examples the endeavors undertaken in augmenting conservation of
water and vegetation in India. 20 Marks |2018|
9. Examine the major causes of groundwater depletion in India. 10 Marks |2019|
10. Examine the critical issues of groundwater resources in India. 15 Marks |2021|

mineral resources
1. Assess the iron ore resources of India. 15 Marks |1982|
2. Discuss the quality distribution and utilisation of coal in India. 20 Marks |1985|
3. Discuss briefly the utilization, distribution and production of manganese in India. 15 Marks
|1986|
4. Explain the distribution of the major mineral resources of the Deccan Plateau together with the
extent of their utilization. 20 Marks |1992|
5. Critically examine the metalliferous mineral resources of India with particular reference to their
present and future demands. 20 Marks |1996|
6. Bring out the present-day position of exploitation and processing of nuclear minerals in India.
15 Marks |1998|
7. Examine the pattern of distribution and mode of exploitation of bauxite in India. 20 Marks
|1998|
8. Delineate the mineral belts of India and mention their distinctive features. 20 Marks |2012|

P.A.G.E-51
9. India is bestowed with rich mineral resources due to its geological structure. Correlate the
above statement with large mineral belts of India. 20 Marks |2022|
10. Why are critical minerals essential for the economic development and national security in India? 10 marks
2023

energy resources, Energy crisis;

1. Make an assessment of the relative significance of renewable and non-renewable energy
resources of India. What suggestions would you give for solving the energy crisis in India?
20 Marks |1981|
2. Give a brief account of the Power Resources of India and indicate how far they are developed.
20 Marks |1982|
3. Give a brief account of the petroleum resources of India. 15 Marks |1983|
4. Discuss the utilization and conservation of coal resources of India. 15 Marks |1988|
5. Assess the fossil fuel resources of India in terms of current and future demands for energy.
Examine the present and future prospects of their utilization. 20 Marks |1990|
6. Examine the fossil fuel resources of India with particular reference to the present and future
demands for energy. 20 Marks |1995|
7. “Non-conventional energy is the energy of the future in India”. Justify this statement. 20 Marks
|2005|
8. Suggest appropriate energy policy for minimising energy crisis in India. 15 Marks |2008|
9. Delineate the coalfields of India and mention their distinctive features. 15 Marks |2013|
10. Location of thermal power plants and coal fields in India are not mutually conducive. Analyse.
10 Marks |2014|
11. Give an account of the development of renewable resources of India. 15 Marks |2016|
12. Why has solar energy in India not been developed to desired level in spite of its high potential?
15 Marks |2017|
13. Keeping the recent developments in view, how can the energy crisis of India be circumvented
by harnessing non-conventional energy resources? 10 Marks |2018|
14. Discuss the importance of solar energy in future economic development of India. 20 Marks
|2021|
15. Discuss the reserves, distribution and production of all varieties of coal in India. 20 Marks
|2021|
16. The peninsular location of India provides scope for harnessing non-conventional energy
resources. Discuss with examples. 15 Marks |2022|

biotic resources; Forest and wildlife resources and their conservation

1. Describe the programmes for management and development of forests in India under the
Nation Forest Policy. Mention briefly the roles of other institutions in the development of
forestry in the country. 15 Marks |1986|

P.A.G.E-52
2. Analyse the ecological significance of forests in different regions of India indicating the
impact of rapid deforestation. 20 Marks |1988|
3. Examine the forest resources of India and explain the principles of conservation which could
be applied to improve the forest wealth of India. 20 Marks |1994|
4. Examine the need for conservation of biotic resources in India. 15 Marks |1999|
5. Examine the National Forest Policy of India. 15 Marks |2000|
6. Identify important biotic resource regions of India. Highlight in brief the problems and
remedial measures of biotic-resource conservation in India. 20 Marks |2004|
7. How does the formation of a National Park help ecological restoration and conservation?
Explain with suitable examples. 15 Marks |2010|
8. Identify the major biosphere reserves of India and discuss their role in conservation of forest
and wildlife. 15 Marks |2011|
9. Suggest the measures for wild-life conservation with reference to extinction of rare species.
15 Marks |2014|
10. Outline the Government of India’s strategies of conservation of the Western Ghats. 15 Marks
|2015|
11. Identify the important biotic resource regions of India and highlight their problems. 20 Marks
|2016|
12. Discuss the problems of wildlife conservation and management in India. 10 Marks |2019|
13. Discuss the salient features of Project Tiger in India. 10 Marks |2021|
14. How do the physiography and climate of India explain the biological diversity of the country?
10 Marks |2022|

marine resources
1. Write short notes on the sea as a source of raw materials. 10 Marks |1984|
2. Assess the fish resources of India and examine the present and future prospects of their
exploitation. 15 Marks |1989|
3. Critically examine the marine resources of India and discuss the problems encountered in their
development. 20 Marks |1993|
4. Write about offshore oilfields and coastal ecology. 15 Marks |2010|
5. Give an account of potentiality and prospects of development of marine resources of India.
15 Marks |2011|

P.A.G.E-53
 Agriculture
Infrastructure: irrigation, seeds, fertilizers, power;
1. Write an account of the growth and utilisation of irrigation potential in India with particular
reference to canal irrigation. 20 Marks |1985|
2. Discuss the spatial variation in the developmental levels of canal irrigation in India in relation
to the physical setting. 15 Marks |1990|
3. Explain the salient features of Sardar Sarovar Project and elucidate the controversy related to
its implementation. 15 Marks |1994|
4. Discuss the role of infrastructural, scientific and technological developments in the recent
transformation of Indian agriculture. 20 Marks |1995|
5. Discuss the importance of irrigation in Indian agriculture and describe the methods of irrigation practised in
either the Ganga Valley or the Karnataka- Maharashtra region. 20 Marks |1996|
6. Assess as to how surface water utilization affects food production and food security in the
country. 15 Marks |2010|
7. Discuss the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides in agriculture and its impact
on human health. 20 Marks |2019|
8. Elucidate the benefits of neem coated urea scheme for Indian agriculture. 10 Marks |2020|

Institutional factors: land holdings, land tenure and land reforms;

1. Discuss the concept of land reform and indicate its importance for promoting agricultural
development in India. 20 Marks |1985|
2. Outline the impact of land reform measures on agricultural development in India. 15 Marks
|1987|
3. Formulate a suitable agricultural land-use policy that will achieve the twin goals of optimum
agricultural efficiency and crop productivity. 20 Marks |1989|
4. Explain the role of institutional factors in the development of agriculture in India. 15 Marks
|1993|
5. Discuss the role of institutional factors in the efficiency and productivity of agriculture in India.
15 Marks |1998|
6. Critically examine the role of infrastructural and institutional factors in the recent
transformation of Indian Agriculture. 20 Marks |1999|
7. Write about impact of land tenure on agricultural productivity in India. 10 Marks |2011|
8. Discuss the role of institutional factors in shaping the pattern of Indian agriculture. 15 Marks
|2013|
9. Explain how modernization of Indian agriculture is affected by unfavourable institutional
factors with suitable examples. 15 Marks |2015|

P.A.G.E-54
10. Land reform is a key to modern agriculture in India. Describe various measures taken in this
direction after Independence. 15 Marks |2017|
11. Discuss the recent changes brought about in institutional frameworks of agriculture in India.
Evaluate its impact on the agrarian economy of the country. 20 Marks |2022|

Cropping pattern, agricultural productivity, agricultural intensity, crop combination,

1. Discuss the effect of relief and climate on the distribution of crops in India. 20 Marks |1981| 2. "There is a
gulf between rainfall statistics and water availability." Elucidate this statement with
reference to the agricultural efficiency of any region in India. 15 Marks |1983|
3. Discuss the factors which interact to limit the area within which a crop may be successfully
grown commercially in India. Give examples to justify your arguments. 20 Marks |1983|
4. Discuss the value of a quantitative analysis of crop combinations for an agricultural
regionalization of India. Illustrate your answer from an area of which you have personal
knowledge. 20 Marks |1984|
5. Describe the problems of production and distribution of food crops in India from the regional
point of view. 20 Marks |1986|
6. Analyse the relationship between cropping intensity and agricultural productivity and throw
light on the measures of increasing the cropping intensity in India. 20 Marks |1988|
7. Analyse critically whether the existing cropping in different parts of India would need any
change for better agriculture performance in future. 20 Marks |1990|
8. Differentiate between agricultural efficiency and agricultural productivity and discuss the
methods used in the determination of agricultural efficiency in India. 20 Marks |1994|
9. “The institutional factors have grip over the crop pattern and crop productivity on Indian
agriculture”. Justify. 20 Marks |2007|
10. Explain the method of delineating crop-association regions with reference to India. 10 Marks
|2013|
11. Define agricultural productivity. Mention the methods of its measurement and bring out the
disparities in its regional distribution. 15 Marks |2013|
12. Distinguish between ‘agricultural productivity’ and ‘agricultural efficiency’, and bring out the
disparity in regional distribution of agricultural efficiency. 20 Marks |2015|
13. Define agricultural intensity and bring out its regional distribution in India. 10 Marks |2016| 14. Explain
the contemporary agricultural scenario in the context of rapid urbanization in India.
15 Marks |2018|
15. Examine the ongoing process of agricultural diversification and its implications for food
security in India. 20 Marks |2018|
16. Canal irrigation has led to monocropping in India. Explain with suitable examples. 10 Marks
|2020|
17. Why are millets considered as nutri serials and climate resilient ?discuss the constraint and opportunities of
millet cultivation in India. 15 marks| 2023|

P.A.G.E-55
18. Discuss the significance of organic farming for sustainable agricultural development in India. 15 March 2023
19. Why India lags behind many other countries in agriculture productivity? Suggest suitable measures to raise
productivity across the regions in a sustainable manner. 20 marks 2023

land capability;
1. What is the significance of land capability classification in land use planning? Explain the method
of land capability classification adopted by the All-India land use and soil survey organization.
15 Marks |1990|

Agro and social-forestry;

1. Comment on the role of social forestry in the economy of India. 15 Marks |1983|
2. Discuss the role of social forestry in any one region of India. 10 Marks |1992|
3. Examine the significance of social forestry in the rural economy of India. 10 Marks |1997|
4. Write about Agroforestry in India. 10 Marks |2011|
5. Why has agro and social forestry has failed to achieve its objectives? 10 Marks |2014|

Green revolution and its socio- economic and ecological implications;

1. Give a critical account of the recent changes in agriculture in India which have contributed to
the agricultural development in general, and the green revolution in particular. 20 Marks |1980| 2. To what
extent has the high yielding variety programme helped agricultural development in
India? 10 Marks |1985|
3. What is meant by Green Revolution? Explain its successes and failures. 15 Marks |1992|
4. Discuss the impact of green revolution on the agricultural production in India. 10 Marks |1997|
5. Critically evaluate the dual impacts of green revolution in India. 20 Marks |2002|
6. ‘In spite of various negative impacts of Green Revolution, there is a demand for New Green
Revolution’. Elaborate. 15 Marks |2014|
7. “India has paid heavily for achievement of Green Revolution in the form of economic, social
and ecological cost”. Discuss. 15 Marks |2016|

Significance of dry farming;

1. Discuss the problems of agricultural development in the arid and semi-arid regions of India.
20 Marks |1984|
2. Give an account of the infrastructural factors necessary for prompting agricultural development
in the dry zones of India with specific examples. 20 Marks |1986|
3. Explain the distribution and characteristics of dry zone agriculture. 15 Marks |1992|
4. Discuss the problems and prospects of dry zone agriculture in India and highlight strategies
and schemes for its development. 20 Marks |2006|
5. With the help of a map, indicate the principal areas of dryland farming in the country and
account for farmers’ suicides mainly in those areas. 15 Marks |2015|

P.A.G.E-56
6. Explain the significance of dry farming in drought prone areas of India. 10 Marks |2019|
7. Discuss the importance of ‘Dry-land’ farming in the drought prone regions of India. 15 Marks
|2022|

Livestock resources and white revolution;

1. Discuss the problems of livestock raising in India. 15 Marks |1983|
2. Write short notes on Dairy Industry in India. 10 Marks |1984|
3. What is meant by ‘Operation Flood’? Discuss the manner of its implementation and its success
in India. 15 Marks |1991|
4. Discuss the role of animal husbandry in the agricultural economy of India with special
reference to any one region. 20 Marks |1991|
5. Write an essay on the role of animal husbandry and household industries in the development
of rural economy in India. 20 Marks |1999|
6. Present an account of the success and constraints of White Revolution in India. 20 Marks
|2005|
7. Discuss the scope of replication of ‘White Revolution’ in India. 15 Marks |2015|

aqua - culture; sericulture, apiculture and poultry;

1. Why has attention been given to the development of marine fisheries in India? Describe the
efforts that have been directed for their development. 15 Marks |1985|
2. Give an account of the success and prospects of Blue Revolution with comments on its impact
on rural economy of India. 20 Marks |2003|
3. Discuss the potentiality and status of aquaculture in the Ganga Plain. 15 Marks |2011|
4. Write about the prospects of Rainbow Revolution in India. 10 Marks |2011|
5. India's poultry sector has become one of the fastest growing areas of the country's agriculture sector. Examine
its opportunities and challenges. 15 marks 2023

Agricultural regionalisation; agro-climatic zones; agro- ecological regions

. 1. Outline the agricultural regions of India indicating the bases of regionalization. Bring out the
factors responsible for the emergence of different crop combination in different regions.
20 Marks |1987|
2. Divide Peninsular India into agricultural regions. Explain the basis of such a regionalization.
20 Marks |1997|
3. Discuss the cropping patterns in different agricultural regions of India. 20 Marks |1998|
4. Examine the geographical basis of agro-climatic planning regions of India. 20 Marks |2001|
5. Discuss the bases of identifying agro-climatic zones and explain the core-strategies for
agricultural development. 20 Marks |2008|
6. Divide India into agricultural regions and critically examine the role of ecological and human
factors responsible for transformation of agricultural economy in any one region. 20 Marks

P.A.G.E-57
|2012|
7. Discuss the potentiality and present status of horticulture in the Western and Central Himalaya.
20 Marks |2013|
8. Correlate agro-climatic zones with agro-ecological regions of India. 20 Marks |2019|
9. How do agro-climatic and land capability indicators assist in macro-agricultural regionalization
of India? Illustrate with an appropriate map. 20 Marks |2022|

P.A.G.E-58
 Industry
Evolution of industries
1. Write short notes on Industrial development in India during the Second and Third Plans.
10 Marks |1985|
2. Identify the important periods of industrialization in India and analyse the character of its two
most developed industrial regions. 20 Marks |1993|

Locational Factors of industries

1. Asses the comparative geographical importance of the power resources in the development of
industrial landscape of India. 15 Marks |1980|
2. Discuss the impact of the development of electrical power in India on its industrialisation.
15 Marks |1984|

Locational factors of cotton, jute, textile industries

1. What are the problems of the Cotton Textile Industry in India? 15 Marks |1982|
2. Discuss the location of and the modern trends in, the cotton textile industry of India. 20 Marks
|1984|
3. Discuss the location, present situation and future prospects of the Jute industry in India.
20 Marks |1986|
4. Analyse the factors for the localization of either cotton textile or sugar industry in India and
note the recent trends in the industry. 20 Marks |1996|
5. Discuss the factors for the localization of either the cement or the cotton textile industry in
India and analyse the pattern of its distribution. 20 Marks |1999|
6. Describe the development of textile industry in India. 15 Marks |2012|
7. Analyze the location, distributional pattern and problems of cotton textile industries in India.
20 Marks |2016|

Locational factors of iron and steel, aluminium, automobile industries

1. What are the factors influencing the localization of industry? Illustrate your answer with
reference to the Iron and Steel industry of India. 20 Marks |1983|
2. Write short notes on Aluminum industry in India. 10 Marks |1986|
3. Attempt a spatial analysis of the development of minerals-based industries in relation to
mineral resource potentialities and their exploitation in different states of India. 20 Marks
|1989|
4. Examine critically the factors for the localization of iron and steel industry in India with special
reference to the newer centers of steel production. 20 Marks |1995|

P.A.G.E-59
5. Discuss the growth, location and distribution of Iron and Steel Industry in India. 20 Marks
|2000|
6. Explain the factors promoting the rapid growth and development of the automobile industry in
India, giving suitable examples. 20 Marks |2008|
7. Examine the role of raw materials in the location of the Iron and Steel Industry in India.
Illustrate your answer with suitable examples. 20 Marks |2009|
8. Mini steel plants can act as an instrument of decentralization of iron and steel industry in India.
Explain. 10 Marks |2017|

Locational factors of paper, fertilizer, chemical and pharmaceutical industries

1. Write short notes on Fertilizer industry of India. 10 Marks |1984|
2. Write an account of the raw materials, location, present situation and future prospects of the
paper industry in India. 20 Marks |1985|
3. Write short note on Location and growth of Fertilizer Industry in India. 10 Marks |1988|
4. Write short notes on Location and development of cement industry. 15 Marks |1990|
5. Analyse the locational pattern of cement industry in India. 10 Marks |1997|
6. Critically examine the locational pattern and trend of production of forest-based industries in
India. 20 Marks |1997|
7. Bring out the trends in the development of fertilizer industry in India. 15 Marks |1998|
8. Assess the scope and development of Pharmaceutical Industry in India. 15 Marks |2011|
9. Why does the pharmaceutical industry concentrate largely in the western region of the country?
10 Marks |2015|
10. The pharmaceutical industry in India depends on the import of raw materials. Evaluate this
statement in view of the Indo-Chinese relationship. 15 Marks |2020|
11. Indian Pharma industry has to move from volume to value leadership to capture global market. Discuss 20
marks| 2023|

Locational factors of cottage and agro - based industries;

1. Write short notes on Agro-based Industries of India. 10 Marks |1987|
2. Give an account of the major groups of agro based industries of India. Critically examine their
contribution to regional economy and rural employment. 15 Marks |1991|
3. Write short notes on types of rural industries and their basis in the Rajasthan- Gujarat region.
15 Marks |1992|
4. Write short notes on growth of agro-based industries in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. 10 Marks
|1993|
5. Explain the factors responsible for the distribution of Sugar Industry in India. 15 Marks |2009| 6. Examine
the problems and prospects of agro-based industries in Bihar. 15 Marks |2010|
7. Identify the spatial pattern of agro-industrial regions of India. Analyse the potentiality of
Malwa as an important agro-industrial region of the future. 15 Marks |2012|

P.A.G.E-60
8. Describe the problems of agro-based industries in India in general and cotton textiles in
particular. 15 Marks |2014|
9. What are the desired possible changes in our trade policy to promote the development of
cottage industry? 15 Marks |2014|
10. Why is the traditional crafts industry in India on the decline? 15 Marks |2015|
11. Identify oilseeds producing areas in India and discuss the measures to promote edible oil
industry. 15 Marks |2020|
12. Give a reasoned account of difference between sugar industry of North and Peninsular India.
10 Marks |2021|
13. Identified the jute producing areas and discuss the major causes of decline of the jute mill industry in India.
10 marks 2023

Industrial houses and complexes including public sector undertakings; Industrial

regionalisation;
1. What is an industrial complex? Describe the growth, problems and prospects of any major
industrial complex in India. 20 Marks |1986|
2. Indicate the criteria of identification, demarcate the industrially backward areas of India and
enumerate the main hurdles in their development. 15 Marks |1987|
3. Demarcate the major industrial regions of India and analyse the structure and contribution to
the national economy of any one of them. 20 Marks |1988|
4. Construct a spatial pattern of industrial development in our country. Identify the industrially
back ward areas and asses their potentialities for future development. 20 Marks |1990|
5. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Industrial Centralisation with specific examples.
15 Marks |1991|
6. Write short notes on identification of industrially backward areas and problems in their
development. 15 Marks |1994|
7. Draw a sketch map to delineate the major industrial complexes of India and discuss their
important characteristics. 20 Marks |1994|
8. Examine the importance of industrial estates in India. 10 Marks |1998|
9. Describe the growth, characteristics and distribution pattern of India’s industrial regions.
20 Marks |2001|
10. Identify the main industrial clusters of India and account for their development. 10 Marks
|2013|
11. Distributional pattern of industries in India does not provide requisite basis for division of the
country into distinct industrial regions. Elaborate. 20 Marks |2013|
12. “The Bokaro Iron and Steel Plant is an example of Industrial Complex.” Explain. 10 Marks
|2016|
13. Name the major industrial regions of India indicating the bases of their identification.
Highlight their basic problems. 20 Marks |2017|

P.A.G.E-61
14. Identify the major industrial corridors of India and discuss the characteristics of Bengaluru-
Mumbai Corridor. 15 Marks |2021|
15. Discuss the salient characteristics of industrial complexes of Western India. Examine the
impact of SEZ policy on the region. 20 Marks |2022|

New industrial policies; Multinationals and liberalization; Special Economic Zones;

1. Trace the evolution of Industrial policy in India and bring on its impact on industrial
development of the country. 20 Marks |1987|
2. Write short notes on recent changes in India’s basic industrial policy. 10 Marks |1995|
3. Analyse the role of the policy of liberalization on the industrial landscape of India. 15 Marks |2002|
4. Trace the evolution of industries in India and evaluate the role of multinationals and
liberalization policies in this context. 20 Marks |2006|
5. Bring out the impact of multinationals and liberalization on the Industrial Economy/Pattern of
India. 20 Marks |2007|
6. Explain the role of multinationals in globalization of industries in India. 15 Marks |2013|
7. Discuss the problems in realization of benefits of globalization and liberalization in industrial
sector of India. 15 Marks |2013|
8. Explain the concept of ‘Make in India’ and indicate the essential inputs for its success.
15 Marks |2014|
9. Explain the New Industrial Policies in India. 15 Marks |2016|
10. Assess the suitability of Special Economic Zones |SEZs| for the sustainable economic
development in India. 15 Marks |2018|
11. Startups may play an important role in giving fillip to economic growth in India. Illustrate with
examples. 15 Marks |2018|
12. Critically analyse the role of multinational corporations in India’s economic development with
suitable examples. 15 Marks |2019|
13. Assess the growth of multinational corporations in the liberalized economic environment of India. 15
Marks |2021|

Tourism industry including eco -tourism.

1. Explain how eco-tourism activities could be important livelihood options in the Himalayan and
North-Eastern regions of the country. 10 Marks |2014|
2. How may tourism in hilly areas of India be developed as an important source of Economy?
15 Marks |2017|
3. Give a critical account of region-specific constraints of sustainable tourism in India.
15 Marks |2018|
4. Explain the relevance of green tourism for sustainable development of mountain environment
in India. 15 Marks |2019|
5. What are the characteristics of Blue Flag certified beaches? Discuss their significance for beach

P.A.G.E-62
tourism in India. 15 Marks |2020|
6. Examine the significance of ecotourism in relation to socio-economic development and
biodiversity conservation in India. 15 Marks |2021|

P.A.G.E-63
 Transport, Communication and Trade
Road, railway, waterway, airway and pipeline networks and their complementary roles
in regional development;
1. The inadequacy of transport is the major obstacle to the trade and production of India.
Comment. 15 Marks |1983|
2. Write short notes on Importance of road transport in India-Development under the Plans.
15 Marks |1985|
3. Write short notes on development of Railway transport in India during different plan periods.
15 Marks |1986|
4. Discuss the significance, traffic flow pattern, emerging trends and problems of road transport
in India. 20 Marks |1987|
5. Write short notes on Significance of inland waterways in the development of transportation
and trade. 10 Marks |1989|
6. Analyse the role of different types of transport in the commodity flows of the Delta regions of
East India. 20 Marks |1991|
7. Discuss the basis on which the current network of Airways is built in India, highlighting its
role in the overall transportation milieu. 20 Marks |1992|
8. Write short notes on competitive and complementary character of Indian rail-route and road
network. 10 Marks |1994|
9. Write short notes on geographical impediments in the development of inland waterways in
India. 10 Marks |1996|
10. Explain the role of railways as a unifying factor in Indian economy. 10 Marks |1998|
11. Critically examine the complementary and competitive character of the Indian rail-routes and
the road network. 20 Marks |1999|
12. Discuss the oil and natural gas pipeline networks in India. Highlight their complementary role
in regional development. 20 Marks |2002|
13. Give a comparative account of the development of River Water Transport in pre-colonial and
post-independence periods in India. Highlight the role of River Transport in regional
development. 20 Marks |2004|
14. What is the Golden Quadrilateral? Discuss the Progress made in its execution and impacts on
Indian Economy. 20 Marks |2005|
15. What is the role of Triplet Transport System in the regional development of India? 15 Marks
|2009|
16. Assess the growing importance of air transport in India and examine its role in the regional
development of the country. 15 Marks |2011|
17. Examine the role of road transport in regional development taking suitable examples from an

P.A.G.E-64
area you have studied in detail. 15 Marks |2012|
18. Discuss the problems and prospects of National Waterway No.1. 15 Marks |2014|
19. Bring out the development of river water transport in India and its role in regional development. 20 Marks
|2016|
20. Explain with suitable examples the role of road transport in agricultural development in India.
15 Marks |2016|
21. Critically examine the feasibility of development of a comprehensive network of airways in
India. 15 Marks |2017|
22. Integrated development of road and rail networks in a complementary is a prerequisite for
regional development. Explain with reference to North-Eastern Region of India. 20 Marks
|2017|
23. Explain the pipeline network across India and its impact on regional development. 20 Marks
|2018|

Growing importance of ports on national and foreign trade;

1. Write short notes on importance of coastal shipping in India. 10 Marks |1984|
2. Evaluate the contribution of the major ports of India to its international trade. 20 Marks |1990| 3. Discuss
the growing importance of ports in foreign trade of India. 20 Marks |2003|
4. Describe the salient features of Sagar Mala Project and highlight its role in port-led
development of coastal regions in India. 15 Marks |2017|
5. Discuss the changing composition of international trade through major seaports of India.
15 Marks |2018| 6. Discuss the significance of new ports on the Western Coast of India on the external trade of
the country. 10 Marks |2022|

Trade balance; Trade Policy; Export processing zones;

1. Discuss briefly the overall pattern of inter-regional trade in India. 20 Marks |1993|
2. Write short notes on role of rural market centers in promoting intra and inter-regional trade.
15 Marks |1995|
3. Discuss the nature of commodity flows in India. 10 Marks |1997|
4. Write short notes on role of rural market centres in fostering intra and inter-regional trade in
India. 15 Marks |1999|
5. Analyse the recent trends in Indian International Trade. 10 Marks |2000|
6. Analyse the pattern of India’s trade with the S-E Asian countries. 10 Marks |2016|
7. Account for the persisting negative trade balance of India. 15 Marks |2018|
8. With special reference to India examine the changes in the nature and patterns of international
trade. Mention the major influencing factors. 20 Marks |2019|
9. Critically assess the status of balance of trade in India and suggest some measures to combat
the issues. 15 Marks |2021|

P.A.G.E-65
10. Highlight the salient features of India's foreign policy. Discuss the status of India's balance of trade with
China. 15 Marks| 2023|

Developments in communication and information technology and their impacts on

economy and society;
1. Write about factors affecting innovation diffusion. 10 Marks |2012|
2. Evaluate the contribution of Communication and Information Technology to the development
of economy and society, and examine the relevance of the recently launched ‘Digital India’
programme. 15 Marks |2015|
3. Examine the development of Information technology in India and its influence on work culture and society.
15 Marks |2019|
4. Digital Divide in India needs quick redressal to reduce regional disparity in development.
Elaborate with suitable examples. 20 Marks |2020|
5. Examine how information and communication technology has boosted the development of
certain regions of India. 20 Marks |2021|

Indian space programme.

1. Bring out the significance of Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System |IRNSS|. 10 Marks
|2017|
2. Examine ongoing space programmes of India and their implications for national security in
future.15 Marks |2019|
3. India has opened-up its space to private sector for satellite-based activities. Critically examine
its implications indicating the major security concerns. 20 Marks |2020|
4. Critically examine the role of IRNSS-NavIC programme on the satellite navigation system of
India. 15 Marks |2022|
5. Examine the role of Indian Earth Observation Satellite Technology in enhancing
Weather Forecasting and disaster management.10 marks|2023|

P.A.G.E-66
 Cultural setting
Historical Perspective of Indian Society; Racial, linguistic and ethnic diversities;
religious minorities; cultural regions;
1. Linguistic regions in India may have a cultural reality but no economic base. Examine this view
illustrate your answer with suitable examples. 20 Marks |1983|
2. ‘India presents an example of unity in diversity’. Elucidate this statement in this context of
India’s physical and human aspects. 20 Marks |1993|
3. Elucidate the genesis of ethnic and cultural diversities in India. 10 Marks |1996|
4. Examine the genesis of racial diversity in India. 10 Marks |1997|
5. Discuss the genesis of ethnic and racial diversities in India. 10 Marks |1999|
6. In what way the language, religion and tradition can form the basis of cultural regionalisation
of India. Elaborate. 20 Marks |2002|
7. Write about ethnic diversity of North-eastern States. 15 Marks |2010|
8. Write about linguistic diversity in North-eastern states. 10 Marks |2012|
9. Describe the impact of linguistic diversity on the development of various regions of India.
15 Marks |2013|
10. Point out the ethnic disparities in the N-E India. 15 Marks |2016|
11. “Linguistic diversity is an asset as well as a challenge in India”. Explain the statement focusing
on the distribution of languages and the major steps taken to address the related issues.
15 Marks |2017|
12. Religious minorities are largely concentrated in border States of India. Discuss its causes and
consequences. 15 Marks |2017|
13. Critically assess the vanishing ethnic linguistic plurality of India. 15 Marks |2018|
14. Explain the cultural regions of India based on their cultural attributes. 10 marks 2023

major tribes, tribal areas and their problems

1. Write short notes on the Naga Tribes. 10 Marks |1982|
2. Write short notes on problems involved in the economic development of tribal areas of India.
15 Marks |1984|
3. Discuss the problems of the tribal areas and suggest measures for solving them. 15 Marks
|1989|
4. Identify the major tribal communities in India by regions and examine the problems common
to all of them and the ways of their solution. 20 Marks |1991|
5. Discuss the problems of tribal areas in India. 15 Marks |1995|
6. Critically examine the problems and prospects of tribal areas in India. 20 Marks |1998|
7. Identify the tribal areas of India and highlight their important problems. 15 Marks |2005|

P.A.G.E-67
8. Present an account of tribals, tribal areas and their problems in India. 20 Marks |2006|
9. Describe the major tribal regions of India and their problems. 15 Marks |2016|
10. Discuss the impact of Forest Rights Act, 2006 on the local forest communities in India.
10 Marks |2022|

Growth, distribution and density of population;

1. “The density of population is, as it were, the synthesis of all geographical phenomena.” Examine
this statement with reference to the spatial patterns of population distribution and density in
India. 20 Marks |1980|
2. Describe the trend of Population Growth in India since 1901, and also significant contributing
factors. 20 Marks |1981|
3. Discuss the distribution pattern of population in India. State how geographic factors have
influenced it. 20 Marks |1982|
4. Analyse the recent trends in the growth and density of population of India and evaluate the
socio-economic and environmental problems generated by them. 20 Marks |1989|
5. Examine critically the major factors responsible for the growth of two highest population
density zones in India. 20 Marks |1992|
6. Elucidate the population density types in India. 15 Marks |1994|
7. Name the million cities of India according to 1991 census and critically examine the factors for
unprecedented growth in their population in the last 40 years. 20 Marks |1996|
8. Critically examine the factors affecting the distributional pattern of population in India.
20 Marks |1997|
9. Analyse the distribution of population in India in the perspective of natural resources and
identify the over-populated and under-populated regions in the country. 20 Marks |2000|
10. Account for the present distributional pattern of population density in India. 15 Marks |2002|
11. “Economic characteristics of an area exert a much more direct effect upon its population
patterns than do the physical characteristics”. Explain with examples. 20 Marks |2004|
12. Explain how Demographic Transition created Demographic Divide in Contemporary India.
15 Marks |2010|
13. The process of demographic transition is not uniform in India. Examine this statement in the
context of demographic transition theory. 15 Marks |2020|

Demographic attributes: sex-ratio, age structure, literacy rate, work-force, dependency

ratio, longevity; Health indicators.
1. Analyse the causes of the low literacy rate of India. Suggest feasible measures for raising the
literacy level. 15 Marks |1990|
2. Analyse the changes in the literacy rate during the post-independence period in India. 15 Marks
|1993|
3. Elucidate the sex and age structure of the population of India. 10 Marks |2001|

P.A.G.E-68
4. Discuss the causes and consequences of sex-ratio variations in India. 15 Marks |2006|
5. Describe and explain the spatial patterns of literacy in India. 15 Marks |2008|
6. Write about geographical reasons for the variation in literacy from state to state in India.
10 Marks |2012|
7. How age structure affects dependency ratio? Explain with suitable examples. 15 Marks |2012|
8. What do you understand by ‘Young India’? How can the present state of population
composition be converted into an asset for the country? 15 Marks |2013|
9. Write on demographic dividend and its implications on Indian socio-economic environment.
10 Marks |2013|
10. Highlight the implications of declining child sex ratio in India. 10 Marks |2014|
11. “Age-sex pyramid is representative of the history of a region”. Explain 10 Marks |2015|
12. Discuss the social and spatial ramifications of increasing longevity. 10 Marks |2015|
13. Discuss the factors influencing the distribution of sex ratio in India. 10 Marks |2016|
14. Explain the present status of age-structure and availability of workforce in India. 15 Marks
|2019|
15. Analyse the changing nature of workforce composition vis-à-vis rural-urban divide in India.
20 Marks |2020|
16. How would decline in Total Fertility Rate |TFR| below the replacement level, in many states
of India affect the future population structure of the country? 10 Marks |2022|
17. Describe the regional variations of health indicators among the Indian states. 15 marks |2023|

Migration |inter-regional, intra- regional and international| and associated problems;

1. Explain the causes and consequences of migration. 15 Marks |2007|
2. Discuss the spatial pattern of intra-regional migration in India and examine its implications in
regional development. 15 Marks |2011|
3. Discuss the trends in emigration focusing on its major thrust. 20 Marks |2014|
4. Discuss the socio-economic problems associated with the left behind families of international
migrants from India. 10 Marks |2018|
5. Analyse the role of interstate migration in regional disparity in India. 20 Marks |2019|
6. Critically examine the relevance of Ravenstein’s law of population migration with reference
to India. 10 Marks |2021|

Population problems and policies;

1. Explain the various population problems of India and suggest as to how this large human
resource can be made useful in the economic development of the country. 20 Marks |1981|
2. Describe the impact of the rise in population density on economic development in India.
15 Marks |1985|
3. Discuss the population problem of India in regional perspective and make specific suggestions
for tackling the problem with respect to the broad population regions. 20 Marks |1987|

P.A.G.E-69
4. Elucidate the current population policy of India and comment on its effectiveness. 15 Marks
|1993|
5. Elucidate the measures taken to limit the growth of population in India. 15 Marks |1995|
6. Evaluate the population policy of India and examine its relevance to the nation’s population
control. 15 Marks |2004|
7. Evaluate the population policy of India and examine its relevance to the nation’s population
control. 15 Marks |2012|
8. In population planning, the thrust of the Government has been ‘planning the population’ not
‘plan for the population’. Elaborate. 15 Marks |2015|.
9.With falling fertility rate and rising median age, how can India translate demographic dividend to economic
dividend. 20 marks |2023|

P.A.G.E-70
 Settlements
Types, patterns and morphology of rural settlements
1. Write short notes on Rural settlement patterns in the Ganga Valley. 10 Marks |1985|
2. Explain the basis and characteristics of Dispersed Settlements in the N.E. Region of India.
15 Marks |1991|
3. Explain, with the help of suitable examples and illustrations, the distribution of various patterns
of rural settlements in India. 20 Marks |1995|
4. Discuss the geographical control of rural settlement pattern in India. 10 Marks |1998|
5. Explain with suitable examples and sketch maps, the distribution of various patterns of rural
settlements in India. 20 Marks |1999|
6. Discuss briefly the principal types of rural settlements in India. 15 Marks |2005|
7. State the geographical factors which influence rural house types in India. 15 Marks |2009|
8. Write about morphological characteristics of villages situated in hilly regions. 10 Marks |2012| 9. Give an
account of geographical conditions responsible for the development of different types
of rural settlements in India. 15 Marks |2012|
10. Present a comparative analysis of geographical factors responsible for distribution of human
settlements in Rajasthan desert and North-Eastern regions of India. 20 Marks |2016|
11. Describe the changing regional morphology of rural settlements in India. 20 Marks |2018|
12. Give a reasoned geographical account of changing rural folk houses in India. 15 Marks |2020|

Morphology of Indian cities;

1. Indian cities are lacking in layout and function. How far is this true and what historical and
cultural factors are responsible for these features? 20 Marks |1983|
2. Describe briefly the internal structure of Indian cities, together with the ensuing problems.
Illustrate your answer with specific examples. 20 Marks |1992|
3. Write short notes on internal structure of an Indian city. 10 Marks |1994|
4. Describe the salient characteristics of the morphology of Indian cities. 20 Marks |2000|
5. Explain the morphology of Indian cities in the background of existing morphological models.
20 Marks |2006|
6. Examine the driving forces of changing urban morphology of million-plus cities of India with
suitable examples. 20 Marks |2018|
7. A large number of Indian cities have a complex morphological characteristics due to their historical evolution.
Elucidate.20 marks 2023

Functional classification of Indian cities; Conurbations and metropolitan regions;

1. Write short notes on Functional and hierarchical patterns of Indian Cities. 15 Marks |1986|

P.A.G.E-71
2. Write short notes on Functional and Morphological Typology of Indian cities. 10 Marks
|1987|
3. Write short notes on Function, Classification and hierarchy of urban settlements. 15 Marks
|1990|
4. Explain the hierarchical pattern of Indian cities and discuss their growth and distribution.
20 Marks |1991|
5. Examine the census concept of urban areas in India. 10 Marks |1997|
6. Write short notes on hierarchical pattern of Indian towns. 10 Marks |1999|
7. Provide the geographical background and characteristics of the distribution of Hill Stations in
India. 10 Marks |2001|
8. Discuss the census definition of urban areas in India. 10 Marks |2003|
9. Differentiate between conurbations and metropolitan regions. Give a reasoned account of
emerging conurbations in India. 15 Marks |2011|
10. “Mono-functional towns are economically vulnerable.” Discuss. 10 Marks |2015|
11. Mention various methods of functional classification of towns in India and explain the method applied by
Ashok Mitra. 20 Marks |2017|
12. Provide a reasoned account on emerging conurbations in India and explain with suitable
examples the problems associated with it. 15 Marks |2019|
13. Discuss Ashok Mitra’s classification method of Indian cities. 10 Marks |2021|

urban sprawl
1. Comment on factors contributing to the growth of the urban fringe of either Calcutta or
Bombay. 15 Marks |1983|
2. Write short notes on characteristics of Rural -Urban Fringe in India. 10 Marks |1988|
3. Write short notes on major characteristics of rural-urban fringe around metropolitan cities.
10 Marks |1992|
4. Write short notes on Land-use characteristics of the rural urban fringe in India.
10 Marks |1995|
5. Discuss the concept of city region and referring to Indian cities, examine critically functional
indicators used for delimiting the city region. 20 Marks |1998|
6. “There is no sharp divide where an urban settlement stops and rural area begins”. Analyse the
statement with reference to the sprawl of Indian cities. 20 Marks |2009|
7. Write on city-regions as territorial unit for regional planning and development. 10 Marks
|2013|
8. Urban sprawl around planned cities evolve leading to emergence of squatter settlements.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of such outgrowth. 15 Marks |2020|
9. What are the drivers of urban sprawl around the major cities of the country? How have new
investments in transportation projects supported sprawl development? 15 Marks |2022|

P.A.G.E-72
Slums and associated problems;
1. Write short notes on Problems of slums and urban development with particular reference to
any metropolis in India. 15 Marks |1985|
2. Write short notes on Growth of urban slums and problems associated with them. 10 Marks
|1990|
3. Write short notes on distinguishing features of an urban slum and its position in metropolitan
area. 15 Marks |1993|
4. Write short notes on factors for the growth of slums in the metropolitan cities of India.
10 Marks |1996|
5. Discuss the environmental impact of the growth of slums in Indian cities. 10 Marks |2000|
6. How do Slums develop? Give concrete suggestions for their improvement. 15 Marks |2004|
7. “Slums are urban menace”. Elucidate with Indian cities as example. 20 Marks |2007|
8. How does the ‘push’ and ‘pull’ factors operate for the emergence of slums in the metropolises
of India? 15 Marks |2009|
9. Define slums and explain their problems. 15 Marks |2013|
10. How do slums develop? Give concrete suggestions for their improvement. 10 Marks |2016| 11. Correlate
the price of land, vertical growth of cities and the growth of slums in large cities of
India. 10 Marks |2019|
12. Examine the role of high population concentration in Indian slums in making them more
vulnerable during pandemic conditions like the COVID-19. 15 Marks |2022|

Urban developments, Problems of urbanization and remedies. town planning;

1. What contribution has the geographer to make to an understanding of the problems of land use
in big cities? 15 Marks |1984|
2. Discuss the process, pattern and impact of urbanisation in India. 20 Marks |1988|
3. Discuss the recent trends in urbanisation in India and briefly describe the main characteristics
and problems of the major Indian cities. 20 Marks |1989|
4. Analyse the extent of urban population growth in India in last four decades. 15 Marks |1991| 5. Bring out
the salient characteristics of Indian urbanization with suitable examples. 20 Marks
|1994|
6. Discuss the elements and approaches of town planning in India. 15 Marks |2006|
7. ‘Unplanned urban development has created numerous problems.’ Comment. 20 Marks |2008| 8. Outline
the role of Class I and Class II towns in the urban process of India and indicate their
contribution towards balanced urban development. 15 Marks |2010|
9. Write a note on the emergence of National Settlement System in colonial India and discuss the
factors contributing to urbanization in the post-independence period. 20 Marks |2013|
10. Analyse the feasibility of ‘Smart Towns’ Development in India. 10 Marks |2014|
11. Account for the multiple problems of urban agglomerations. 15 Marks |2014|

P.A.G.E-73
12. How has an inappropriate urban land use policy accounted for undesirable development in and around
metropolitan cities? 15 Marks |2014|
13. Describe the causes and effects of urbanization in India and explain its impact on rural
landscape and urban ecology. 20 Marks |2016|
14. Small towns in India have problems and prospects of their own. Elaborate. 10 Marks |2017| 15.
Peri-urbanization has created enormous environment problems. Discuss their and
consequences with reference to National Capital Region |N.C.R.| of India. 15 Marks |2018|
16. Identify challenges faced by generative and parasitic towns in India and their possible
remedies. 10 Marks |2020|
17. Critically examine the importance of Smart Cities Programme for solving urban problems in
India. 15 Marks |2021|.
18. Examine the environmental challenges caused by the solid waste in metropolitan regions of India and discuss
the efforts to overcome it.20 marks |2023|
19. Poor quality of urban planning in India is a huge constraint in realizing the two economic potentials of
urbanization. Critically examine 15 marks| 2023|
20. Urban built environment in big cities of India creates key challenges in the biophysical character of the
landscape. Discuss. 10 marks 2023

P.A.G.E-74
 Regional Development and Planning
Experience of regional planning in India; Five Year Plans;
1. Comment on "Core Areas" for successful regional planning in India. 15 Marks |1983|
2. Write short notes on Regional Planning in India. 10 Marks |1986|
3. Analyse the prevailing patterns of regional disparities in the socio-economic development of
India and evaluate the role of the five-year plans in reducing them. 20 Marks |1989|
4. Discuss the changes brought about in Indian agriculture by the successive Five-Year Plans,
mentioning their successes and failures. 20 Marks |1991|
5. Discuss the growth of regional planning in India and account for regional disparities in
development. 20 Marks |1994|
6. Examine the regional development policy of India in various Five-Year Plans. 20 Marks |2004| 7. Examine the
relationship between geography and regional planning. 20 Marks |2005|
8. Discuss the experience of regional planning in India in the context of the National Capital
Region. 20 Marks |2005|

Panchayati Raj and decentralised planning; multilevel planning

1. Write short notes on Centre-State relations and multi-level planning in India. 10 Marks |1987| 2. Write short
notes on Significance of District Planning in India. 10 Marks |1988|
3. Examine critically the advantages and disadvantages of multi-level planning with specific
reference to India. 20 Marks |1992|
4. Give the hierarchy of planning regions and bring about the role of metropolitan planning in
fostering regional development in India. 20 Marks |1995|
5. Evaluate the benefits of Block Level development planning in India. 15 Marks |1997|
6. Write short notes on nature and utility of multilevel planning in India. 15 Marks |1999|
7. Explain the concept of multi-level planning in India. 10 Marks |2000|
8. Discuss Panchayati Raj as a measure of decentralised planning in India. 15 Marks |2005|
9. Critically examine the Panchayati Raj setup. 15 Marks |2007|
10. Decentralized planning through the strengthening of Panchayat system is the focus of Planning in India in
recent times. Suggest a blueprint for an integrated regional development plan.
20 Marks |2015|
11. Discuss the concept of multi-level planning as practised in India, and explain the implications
of 73 rd and 74 th Constitutional Amendments in this respect. 20 Marks |2015|
12. “An effective three-tier Panchayat Raj System will strengthen the bottom-up approach to
multilevel planning in India”. Explain. 20 Marks |2017|
13. Examine the role of people’s participation in successful decentralised planning in India.
10 Marks |2018|

P.A.G.E-75
14. The success of Panchayati Raj depends upon meaningful participation of people at grassroot
level. Examine. 10 Marks |2020|
15. Critically examine how Panchayati Raj system is a catalyst in decentralized planning in India.
20 Marks |2021|
16. Can the Panchayat Raj institutions play a role in grassroot level planning in India? If yes,
discuss how. 10 Marks |2022|

Command area development; Watershed management; Planning for desert, drought

prone area development
1. Write short notes on Rajasthan Canal Project. 10 Marks |1981|
2. Discuss the value of the Narmada Irrigation Project in economic development of Western India. 15 Marks
|1982|
3. Differentiate between River Basin and Command Area. Discuss the advantages and
disadvantages of River Basin as planning regions in India. Give concrete examples. 20 Marks
|1988|
4. Draw a sketch map of India showing major river basins. Examine the feasibility of the concept
of river basins as a planning unit. 20 Marks |1997|
5. Explain the concept of watershed and its utility in land management. 20 Marks |2001|
6. Explain the concept of Command Area Development in respect of Multi-Purpose Projects of
India. 15 Marks |2003|
7. Identify the drought-prone areas of India and discuss the measures of their development.
15 Marks |2003|
8. Discuss the programmes and policy of development of dry areas in India. 20 Marks |2003|
9. Present an account of the experience of regional planning in India in the context of Damodar
Valley. 20 Marks |2003|
10. Discuss the problems and prospects of development of catchment and command areas.
20 Marks |2008|
11. Discuss the concept of Command Area Development and evaluate its success with reference
to Indira Gandhi Canal. 15 Marks |2014|
12. Discuss the relationship of watershed approach to village level planning. 10 Marks |2015|
13. Discuss how watershed management has become a tool in eradication of rural poverty in India.
15 Marks |2019|
14. Discuss the role of watershed management for soil and water conservation in hilly regions of
India. 10 Marks |2021|
15. Discuss the Command Area Development Programme and its impact on eliminating regional
inequalities in India. 15 Marks |2021|
16. Critically examine the ecological and economic impact of Indira Gandhi canal command area development.
15 Marks 2023

P.A.G.E-76
 Integrated rural development programmes; Planning for backward area, hill, tribal area
development;
1. Discuss the geographical bases for rural industrialization for rural development. 15 Marks
|1986|
2. Bring out the role of irrigation in rural development of India. 15 Marks |1988|
3. Write short notes on Role of rural markets in regional development. 10 Marks |1989|
4. What is meant by integrated rural development planning? What are its components? What has
been the extent of its success in relation to its objectives? 20 Marks |1990|
5. Write short notes on the role and characteristics of rural market centers in different parts of India.
15 Marks |1993|
6. Write short notes on salient features of Tribal area planning. 10 Marks |1992|
7. Explain the salient features of the tribal development programme with particular reference to
either Dandakaranya or Chhotanagpur. 20 Marks |1996|
8. Elucidate the role of Tribal Development Blocks in the development of Tribal areas. 10 Marks
|2002|
9. Discuss the policies and programmes of Integrated Rural Development Programmes in India.
15 Marks |2007|
10. Elucidate the role of Tribal Development Blocks in the development of Tribal areas. 15 Marks
|2012|
11. Write on planning and development of ‘Tribal Regions’ in India. 10 Marks |2013|
12. Discuss the objectives of ‘Vision 2020’ in creation of viable village complex in India for
‘Inclusive Rural Development’ programme. 15 Marks |2013|
13. Evaluate the Backward Regions Grant Fund Programme. 15 Marks |2014|
14. How can a meaningful skill development programme contribute to the economic growth of
hill areas? 20 Marks |2014|
15. Is planning for a cluster of villages a viable option, when planning for backward areas of the
country? Discuss with suitable examples. 15 Marks |2015|
16. Identify the Naxal-affected areas in India and discuss their socio-economic problems.
15 Marks |2017|
17. Explain the role of ‘Hill Transport Subsidy Scheme’ in reducing regional imbalances in areas
identified by the Government of India. 10 Marks |2017|
18. Assess the importance of foot-loose industries in the development of backward regions in
India. 10 Marks |2019|
19. Identifying areas covered under tribal-sub plan, discuss the programmes initiated to address
their problems. 20 Marks |2020|
20. What kind of skill development programmes have been initiated for job deficient regions in
India. 15 Marks |2020|

Regional planning and development of island territories.

P.A.G.E-77
 1. Examine the resources of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. 15 Marks |1998|
2. Discuss the strategies of integrated development of island territories in India. 15 Marks |2018|
3. Access the eco tourism potential of Andaman and Nicobar. Lakshadweep Islands and highlight the challenges
associated with the sustainable development of island territories. 15 marks 2023

P.A.G.E-78
 Political Aspects
Geographical basis of Indian federalism; State reorganization; Emergence of new states;
1. Unity and diversity are both inherent in Federalism. Discuss. 15 Marks |1984|
2. Give the geographical cases of unity and diversity in India. 15 Marks |1988|
3. Examine critically the geographical basis of the Indian federation. 20 Marks |1993|
4. Write short notes on geographical basis of Indian Federation. 10 Marks |1996|
5. Explain the basis and consequences of the establishment and implementation of
recommendations of the State Re-organisation Commission in India since 1950’s. 20 Marks
|1997|
6. Examine the geographical basis of Indian federalism. 15 Marks |2006|
7. Critically examine the bases of state reorganization in India since independence. 20 Marks
|2008|
8. Comment on the basis of creation of new States in India in 2000. 15 Marks |2013|
9. Discuss the political aspects of Himalaya. Explain how it has affected the geo-strategy, geo-
politics and regional consciousness of Indian Federalism. 20 Marks |2019|
10. How regional aspiration of the people of Jammu and Kashmir been addressed through re-
organisation of the state? Make an assessment. 10 Marks |2020|
11. Discuss the emergence of linguistic regions and states in India. 15 Marks |2022|

Regional consciousness and interstate issues;

1. Examine the geographical bases for growth of regional consciousness and regionalism during
last three decades. 20 Marks |1986|
2. Write short notes on regional consciousness and national integration. 10 Marks |1989|
3. Critically examine the political consequences of the regionalisation of our country on the basis
of language. 15 Marks |1990|
4. Discuss the role of languages in regional consciousness and national integration in India.
20 Marks |1998|
5. Write short notes on regional consciousness versus national integration in India.
10 Marks |1999|
6. Discuss the salient features of Cauvery Water Award. 10 Marks |2002|
7. Write a critical note on the Cauvery River Dispute. 10 Marks |2007|
8. What is Regionalism? Discuss how regionalism affects the developmental process with
suitable example. 20 Marks |2010|
9. Give a reasoned account of river water disputes related to the River Krishna. 15 Marks |2015| 10. Explain the
inter-State issues involved in implementation of the Satluj-Yamuna Link Canal
Project. 10 Marks |2017|

P.A.G.E-79
11. Why setting up of Water Management Boards is a controversial issue in India? 10 Marks
|2018|
12. Critically examine the problems of inter-State border disputes in India. 15 Marks |2021|
13. Discuss the continuing disputes on water sharing between the riparian states of North-West
India. 15 Marks |2022|

international boundary of India and related issues; Cross border terrorism

1. Write short notes on Indo-Pakistan border problem. 10 Marks |1982|
2. Comment on the North Western Frontiers of India and the related political problem. 15 marks
|1983|
3. Write short notes on The Sino-Indian Boundary. 10 Marks |1988|
4. Write short notes on the international boundary of India and related issues. 10 Marks |1990|
5. Discuss the political issues involved in the Tin Bigha or Siachen dispute. 10 Marks |1991|
6. Write short notes on major issues involved in the Sino-Indian boundary conflict. 10 Marks
|1992|
7. Write short notes on problems of militancy in India’s Border States. 10 Marks |1994|
8. Discuss the geopolitical importance of India’s Land Boundaries. 20 Marks |2001|
9. Write an essay on, the origin, dimensions and implications of Sino-Indian border dispute.
15 Marks |2004|
10. Write about role of physiography in cross border terrorism. 15 Marks |2010|
11. Examine the origin, dimensions and implications of the Sino-Indian border dispute.
15 Marks |2012|
12. India is involved in a number of border disputes. Explain the reasons and remedies. 20 Marks
|2014|
13. Explain the origin, dimension and implications of Sino-Indian border dispute. 15 Marks |2016|
14. Bring out the geopolitical implications of Doklam dispute in the context of Indo-China
relations. 10 Marks |2017|
15. Cross border terrorism has implications on border area development in India. Examine it with suitable
examples. 15 Marks |2018|
16. Is the land boundary of India with its neighbouring countries a cultural divide or divided
culture? Explain with suitable examples. 15 Marks |2018|
17. Border area development is an important national priority. What are the resilient steps needed
for peaceful borders? 20 Marks |2020
| 18. Kalapani dispute has opened a new front on the India-Nepal international border. Explain.
10 Marks |2022|

India’s role in world affairs; Geopolitics of South Asia and Indian Ocean realm
1. How far is it true to say that the Indian Ocean is actually and potentially a major focus of
international relations and dispute? 20 Marks |1983|

P.A.G.E-80
 2. Write short notes on Geopolitical significance of the Indian Ocean. 10 Marks |1987|
3. Write short notes on importance of India in the geopolitics of Indian Ocean realm. 10 Marks
|1995|
4. Discuss the geopolitical importance of Indian Ocean area. 10 Marks |1998|
5. Analyse the role of India in the geopolitics of the Indian Ocean. 20 Marks |2000|
6. Make an appraisal of the role of India in the geopolitics of the Indian Ocean. 15 Marks |2003|
7. Assess the geopolitical significance of Indian Ocean. 15 Marks |2008|
8. Write a note on geopolitics of the Indian Ocean realm. 20 Marks |2013|
9. Discuss the implications of India’s strategic location with reference to the Indian Ocean.
15 Marks |2014|
10. How has India’s ‘Look East’ policy taken shape in the past two decades and how it may affect
India’s external trade? 15 Marks |2015|
11. Explain the role of India in the geo-politics of South Asia. 10 Marks |2016|
12. Discuss the emerging geo-political scenario of Indian Ocean Realm. 15 Marks |2018|
13. “India is emerging as global power in relation to Indian Ocean realm”. Elaborate. 15 Marks
|2019|
14. Describe the economic, maritime and strategic interests of India in South China Sea. 15 Marks
|2020|
15. Discuss the geo-political impact of bilateral relationship between India and Bhutan. 10 Marks
|2021|
16. Discuss the geopolitical significance of Quad in the Indo-Pacific realm with reference to marine
trade in the region. 15 Marks |2022|
17. Critically examine the role of petroleum energy resources on international geopolitics with special reference
to India. 15 marks |2023|
18. Examine in the geopolitical impact of bilateral relationship between Indian Sri Lanka. 15 Marks 2023

P.A.G.E-81
 Contemporary Issues
Ecological issues: Environmental hazards: landslides, earthquakes, Tsunamis, floods
and droughts
1. Explain the origin and consequences of earthquakes in the Himalayas with special reference to
the Uttarkashi earthquake 1991. 15 Marks |1991|
2. Evaluate the nature of ecological problems in India and suggest measures for their
management. 20 Marks |1997|
3. Explain the geographical characteristics of the regional distribution of earthquakes in India.
20 Marks |2001|
4. Explain the causes, impacts and remedial measures of earthquake disaster. 20 Marks |2002|
5. Identify Tsunami affected areas and give their management problems in India. 10 Marks |2012| 6. Identify
earthquake-prone zones and suggest strategy for their management. 20 Marks |2013|
7. Differentiate between the ‘intensity’ and ‘magnitude’ of an earthquake and explain its varying
impact in different parts of India. 15 Marks |2014|
8. Indian island territories are vulnerable to the sea level rise. Explain. 15 Marks |2015|
9. Explain the unusual intensity of dust storms and thunder storms across India in the pre-
monsoon period of year 2018. 10 Marks |2018|
10. Examine the problems of Glacial Lake Outburst Flood |GLOF| in India. 10 Marks |2019|
11. Describe the altitudinal and spatial geo-environmental hazards in the Himalayas. 15 Marks
|2019|
12. Avalanche is a major hazard in the Himalayas. What are its causes and mitigation measures?
15 Marks |2020|
13. Demarcating the seismic zones of India, suggest suitable interventions required in most
sensitive seismic zones for sustainable human settlements. 20 Marks |2020|
14. Landslides are a major problem in Himalayan region. Discuss its causes and mitigation measures.
20 Marks |2021|

epidemics;
1. Define an ‘Epidemic’ and discuss the occurrence of Chikungunya in India. 15 Marks |2010| 2. Identify the
regions affected by Chikungunya with the help of a sketched map and bring out
the regional pattern of the disease. 15 Marks |2010|
3. Describe the socio-spatial consequences of the recent Nipah viral encephalitis in India.
10 Marks |2018|

Population explosion and food security;

1. Write an essay on the population explosion and food security in India. 15 Marks |2006|

P.A.G.E-82
 2. Write on snags in the Food Security Policy of India. 10 Marks |2013|
3. Stunting and wasting among the children are major consequences of food insecurity. Discuss
various schemes of Government of India to address these problems and their achievements.
15 Marks |2020|
4. Evaluate the role of the National Food Security Act, 2013 in providing access of food to the
poor in India. 15 Marks |2022|

Changes in patterns of land use;

1. Explain how change in land use can promote eco-development at different levels in the country.
10 Marks |2015|

Principles of environmental impact assessment and environmental management;

Environmental awareness; ---- Issues relating to environmental pollution; Environmental
degradation; Deforestation
1. Discuss the environmental problems regarding industrial pollution in India. 15 Marks |1986| 2. Critically
examine the relationship between deforestation and environmental degradation with
specific examples from any one region in India. 15 Marks |1991|
3. Examine the nature and extent of environmental degradation in the Himalayas.15 Marks |1994| 4. Discuss
the environmental problems of India in the context of rapid economic development
and population growth. 20 Marks |2007|
5. What are the causes and consequences of environmental degradation in India’s industrial areas?
Give specific examples. 20 Marks |2009|
6. Discuss the problems of environmental degradation generated by urban wastes in India.
15 Marks |2011|
7. Describe how urbanization creates air and water pollution in India. 15 Marks |2013|
8. Explain the impact of economic development on environmental degradation in India. 15 Marks
|2016|
9. What do you understand by soil pollution? Delineate the areas vulnerable to it in India and
suggest remedial measures. 15 Marks |2017|
10. Give a reasoned account of high level of pollution in North Indian cities as compared to South
Indian cities. 15 Marks |2019|
11. Discuss the methods of crop residue management in rural India to reduce pollution. 10 Marks
|2020|
12. Why has extreme particulate pollution remained a festering issue in Delhi NCR region?
10 Marks |2022|
13. Groundwater contamination in the fast expanding urban landscape of India appears to have
become a major public health issue. Discuss. 15 Marks |2022|
14.Discuss the Impact of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 on forest conservation in India.10 marks|2023|
15 Discuss the green energy initiatives of India as a signatory nation to the Paris agreement. 20 marks 2023

P.A.G.E-83
desertification and soil erosion;
1. Explain the causes of soil erosion occurring over extensive areas in certain parts of India. What
measures would you suggest for solving this problem? 15 Marks |1989|
2. Write about spatial pattern of soil erosion in India. 15 Marks |2010|
3. Identify the ravine-affected areas in India and discuss the environmental and economic impacts
of their reclamation. 15 Marks |2011|
4. Analyse the causes of desertification in India. Represent the desertified areas of the country on
a sketch map and suggest remedial measures to control it. 15 Marks |2011|
5. How does climate change affect the process of desertification of India? 15 Marks |2015|
6. The process of desertification leads to soil desiccation and soil loss. Explain. 10 Marks |2022|

Problems of agrarian and industrial unrest;

1. Farmers’ suicide is one of the major agrarian problems in India. Bring out its causes and
suggest the remedial measures with special reference to Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and
Punjab. 15 Marks |2017|
2. The Essential Commodities |Amendment| Bill 2020 aims to deregulate the production, supply
and distribution of farm produce. Critically examine its spatial consequences. 15 Marks |2020|

Regional disparities in economic development

1. Discuss the regional disparities in the growth of manufacturing industries in India. Suggest
remedies. 20 Marks |1985|
2. Analyse the causes and consequences of regional disparity in the economic development of
India and outline measures to reduce disparity. 20 Marks |1987|
3. Write short notes on Decentralization of industries for achieving regional balance in economic
growth. 10 Marks |1989|
4. Write short notes on major causes for regional disparities in the development of India.
10 Marks |1993|
5. Write short notes on magnitude of regional imbalances in economic development of India.
10 Marks |1996|
6. Analyse the causes of regional disparities in the economic development of India and suggest
measures for their removal. 20 Marks |1999|
7. Give a reasoned account of regional disparities in economic development in India and bring
out the contribution of decentralized planning in solving this problem. 20 Marks |2002|
8. Explain the causes of regional disparities in economic development of India. 20 Marks |2003| 9. Explain the
processes and patterns of regional disparities in India and suggest suitable
measures for bringing about the regional balances. 20 Marks |2006|
10. Enumerate the basic indicators of development explain their application in identification of
spatial diversity in development in India. 15 Marks |2013|

P.A.G.E-84
11. Reduction in regional disparities has been one of the priority goals of national planning in
India. How the proposed new Smart urban centers may contribute to the process. 20 Marks
|2015|
12. Examine the causes of regional disparities in economic development in India. 15 Marks |2016| 13. Goods
and Services Tax |GST| has differential impact on developed and backward states of
the country. How and why? 10 Marks |2017|
14. Analyse the incentive-oriented programmes for removing regional imbalances in socio-
economic development of India. 15 Marks |2019|
15. Why do disparities in development and incomes between regions persist in large countries like
India? How does the recent ADP plan address the issue? 20 Marks |2022|

Concept of sustainable growth and development;

1. Evaluate the concept of sustainable growth and development. 15 Marks |2004|
2. Elucidate the concept of sustainable growth and development. 15 Marks |2005|
3. Explain the concept of sustainable development and examine its relevance. 15 Marks |2008|
4. Evaluate the impact of technology on resource utilization in India. 15 Marks |2016|

Linkage of rivers;
1. Evaluate the feasibility of the proposed Ganga-Cauvery drainage link. 10 Marks |1998|
2. Examine the relevance of linkage of rivers in India with special reference to Ganga-Cauvery
linkage canal. 15 Marks |2012|
3. Comment on the feasibility of interlinking of rivers of India and its possible contribution to
resolution of water crisis. 20 Marks |2013|
4. Interlinking of rivers may serve as a major source of assured irrigation and all-weather inland
navigation in India. Comment on its feasibility taking into account physical, economic and
ecological implication. 20 Marks |2017|
5. “Intrabasins linkages of rivers are more feasible economically, socially and ecologically”.
Discuss with suitable examples from India. 20 Marks |2019|
6. Discuss the ecological and economic challenges of river linking in India. 15 Marks |2021|

Globalisation and Indian economy.

1. Discuss the impact of globalization on India’s industry and agriculture sectors. 20 Marks
|2009|1980

P.A.G.E-85