Geography Mains 2012 (Paper 1)

Geography Paper 1 SECTION A

1. Write short notes on the following in about 150 words each:
1. Palaeozoic glacial evidence for Continental Drift.
2. Systems approach to landform analysis.
3. Compare and contrast tropical cyclone and temperature cyclone.
4. Major components of IGBP.
5. Different layers of ocean water
2. 400 words each:
1. Explain how Bosche and Haldenhang lead to the Theory of Slope Replacement.
2. Classify airmasses and explain how cP airmass affects global climate.
3. 250 words each:
1. Discuss how different types of mining lead to different types of environmental problems.
2. Adaptation and distribution of animals in the Ethiopian realm.
3. Impact of Cryopsphare on global climate.
4. 250 words each:
1. Characteristics of the standard epigene cycle of erosion.
2. Programmes initiated by the International Council of Science on Earth System studies.
3. Atolls present the most challenging explaination in the evolution of coral reefs, Discuss.

Geography Paper 1 SECTION B

5. Write short note on the following in about 150 words each:
1. Relevance of distance decay principle in Indian cities.
2. Impact of migration on urban demography.
3. Similarities in the population distribution of southern continents and reasons for the same.
4. Status of infant morality rate in the world.
5. Problem faced by industries which developed due to inertia.
6. 400 words each:
1. Evaluate the various models on population density distribution in urban centres.
2. Though 70% of Indian population is rural, urban planning is crucial to the development of India.
Discuss.
7. 250 words each:
1. Salient features of watershed planning and its advantages and disadvantages.
2. Impact of changing fertility ratio on world population
3. Colonial forces resulted in the primate pattern of urban process in most Southern Asian countries.
Discuss.
8. 250 words each:
1. Regional shifts in the world urbanization after 1950 and the varied characteristics of urban process.
2. Impact of failure of Monsoon on Gujarat Agro-climate zone.
3. Locational significance of Rotterdam in European economy.

Geography Mains 2012 (Paper II)

Geography Paper 2 SECTION A
Q 1. Places
1. Manas
2. Bachau
3. Ganga river waterway from Allahabad
4. Indravati river
5. Amravati river

6. Pir Panjal Range

7. Narkondam Island
8. Kharkai river
9. Kalahandi
10. Kakarapara
11. Murshidabad
12. Khetri
13. Pawapuri
14. Kolhan highland
15. North Koel river
Q 2.
1. Explain the structure characteristics of the Deccan plateau.
2. Discuss the role of spatial pattern of rainfall and temperature in the delimitation of climatic region of
India, specially with reference to stamps climatic regionalization.
Q 3.
1. Delineate the mineral belts of India and mention their distinctive features.
2. 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.
Q 4. Write about following in about 200 words each:
1. Describe the development of textile industry in India.
2. Examine the role of road transport in regional development taking suitable examples from an area
you have studied in detail.
3. Identify the spatial pattern of agro-industrial regions of India. Analyse the potentiality of Malwa as an
important agro-industrial region of the future.

Geography Paper 2 Section B

Q 5. Write about following in about 150 words each:
1. Factors affecting innovation diffusion.
2. Linguistic diversity in North-eastern states.
3. Geographical reason for the variation in literacy from state to state in India.
4. Identity Tsunami affected areas and give their management problems in India.
5. Morphological characteristics of villages situated in hilly regions.
Q 6.
1. Evaluate the population policy of India and examine its relevance to the nations population control.
2. Give an account of geographical conditions responsible for the development of different types of
rural settlement in India.
Q 7.
1. Examine the origin, dimensions and implications of the Sino-Indian border dispute.
2. Exaplain 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.
Q 8. Write about the following in about 200 words each:
1. Examine the relevance of linkage of rivers in India with special reference to Ganga-Cauveri linkage
canal.
2. How age structure affects dependency ratio? Explain with suitable examples.
3. Elucidate the role of Tribal Development Blocks in the development of Tribal area.

Geography Mains 2013 Geography Paper I Section A

Question 1 (Compulsory)
Write short notes on the following in about 150 words each: 10 marks x 5 = 50

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Differences between Normal cycle and Arid cycle of Davis.

Differentiate Storm Surges and Seiches.
Uniqueness of fauna in the Notogean realm.
Impact of Pleistocene Ice Age on the crust of the Earth.
Types of endemic plants and their degree of vulnerability to extinction.

Question 2
Answer the following in about 250 words each:
1. With suitable examples, bring out the impact of local winds on the climate of an area. 20
2. What are the characteristics that make CHC a serious threat to the ecosystem? Give examples. 15
3. What is Base level? Explain the types of base level. 15

Question 3
Answer the following in about 250 words each:
1. Offshore Acoustic Study helped the development of the concept of sea floor spreading. Explain.20
2. Discuss Dew point and the various forms of condensation. 15
3. Bring out the relationship between climate and vegetation in the Mountain Biome.15

Question 4
Answer the following in about 400 words each: 25 x 2=50
1. Compare the Subsidence and Glacial control theories on the formation of coral reefs. 25
2. Explain the levels of Noise pollution and the legislative measures to control it. 25

Geography Paper 1: SECTION B

Question 5 (Compulsory)
Write short notes on the following in about 150 words each: 10 marks x 5 = 50 marks
1. Ellen Churchill Semple is an ardent supporter of Determinism. Explain.
2. Role of Venezuela in the production and export of oil.
3. Misras theoretical stages of Rural Urban Process.
4. Countries most affected in case of shut-down of Nuclear power.
5. Relevance of Heartland theory in Contemporary world.

Question 6
Answer the following in about 250 words each:
1. What is Geriatrics? What are the problems associated with Geriatric population? 20
2. Discuss the changing pattern of production and export of Coffee in the world. 10
3. What are the basic postulates in the Central Place Model of Christaller? 20

Question 7
Answer the following in about 250 words each :
1. Urban Solid Waste Management poses the greatest challenge in Metropolitan planning. Elaborate.
2. Analyse the reasons for a comparatively poorer development of fishing grounds in tropical areas.
3. Explain the parameters for assessment and the spatial pattern of Human Development Index in the
world.

Question 8
Write about the following in about 400 words each. 25 Marks x 2 = 50 marks
1. Urban Geography is nothing but city in area and city as area. Elaborate.
2. Analyse the causes for changes in the pattern of world trade.
the end of paper one, here comes paper 2 with same instructions (5 out 8)

Geography Mains 2013 Geography Paper II Section A

Question 1 (Compulsory)
1. On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the location of all of the following. Write in
your Booklet the significance of these locations, whether
physical/commercial/economic/ecological/environmental/cultural, in not more than 30 words for each
entry : 25=10
a. Mishmi Hills
b. Lipulekh Pass
c. Bees River
d. Rihand Dam
2. Explain the topographical and structural characteristics of the Siwalik Range. (10 marks| 150 words)
3. Discuss the mechanism of Indian Monsoon. (10 marks| 150 words)
4. Identify the main industrial clusters of India and account for their development. (10 marks| 150
words)
5. Explain the method of delineating crop-association regions with reference to India. (10 marks| 150
words)

Question 2
1. Discuss the potentiality and present status of horticulture in the Western and Central Himalaya.
(20m|250 words)
2. Delineate the coalfields of India and mention their distinctive features. (15|150 words)
3. Explain the role of multinationals in globalization of industries India. (15m|150 words)

Question 3
1. Distributional pattern of industries in India does not provide requisite basis for division of the country
into distinct Industrial regions. Elaborate. (25m| 250 words)
2. Discuss the role of institutional factors in shaping the pattern of Indian agriculture. (15m| 150 words)
3. What do you understand by Young India? How can the present state of population composition be
converted into an asset for the country? (15m| 150 words)

Question 4
1. Comment on the feasibility of interlinking of rivers of India and its possible contribution to resolution
of water crisis. (20m| 250 words)
2. Define agricultural productivity. Mention the methods of its measurement and bring out the
disparities in its regional distribution. (15m| 150 words)
3. Discuss the problems in realization of benefits of globalization and liberalization in industrial sector
of India. (15m| 150 words)

Geography Paper 2: Section B

Question 5 (Compulsory)
150 words each. 10 marks x 5 = 50 marks.
1. City-regions as territorial unit for regional planning and development
2. Snags in the Food Security Policy of India
3. Demographic dividend and its implications on environment
4. Planning and development of Tribal Regions in India
5. On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the location of all of the following. Write in your
QCA Booklet the significance of these locations, whether
physical/commercial/economic/ecological/environmental/cultural, in not more than 30 words for each
entry.
a. Rajgir
b. Sindri
c. National Highway No. 24
d. Churk
e. Indira Gandhi Canal

Question 6

1. Write a note on geopolitics of the Indian Ocean realm. (20m| 250 words)
2. Comment on the basis of creation of new States in India in 2000. (15m| 150 words)
3. Enumerate the basic indicators of development and explain their application in identification of the
spatial diversity in development in India. (15m| 150 words)

Question 7
1. Write a note on the emergence of National Settlement System in colonial India and discuss the
factors contributing to urbanization in post-independence period. (20m| 250 words)
2. Define slums and explain their problems. (15m | 150 words)
3. Discuss the objectives of Vision 2020 in creation of viable village complex in India for Inclusive
Rural Development programme. (15m| 150 words)

Question 8
1. Identify the earthquake-prone zones and suggest strategy for their management. (20m| 250 words)
2. Describe the impact of linguistic diversity on the development of various regions of India. (15m| 150
words)
3. Describe how urbanization creates air and water pollution in India. (15m | 150 words)

Geography Mains 2014 Geography Optional Paper 1: SECTION A

Q1. Answer the following: 150 each: 10 x 5 = 50 marks
I. Define the term meander and describe the basic characteristics of entrenched meander and
ingrown meander.
II. Discuss the salient features of sirocco and mistral.
III. Discuss an account of the nature of biosphere as an ecosystem.
IV.
State the uniqueness of the Eurasian Steppe Biome.
V.
Illustrate the origin and nature of Sargasso Sea and Lagoon
Q2. Answer following (20 + 15 + 15 marks)
I. State the concept of plate tectonics. How does it help in explaining the formation of Himalayas and
Appalachain Mountains.
II. Describe the origin and development of thunderstorms with examples.
III. Enumerate the major causes of increasing degradation of environment in hills and hillslopes, and
state its down-valley impact.
Q3. Answer following (20 + 15 + 15 marks)
I. Discuss the nature and origin of Indian monsoon and recent techniques of its prediction.
II. State the concept of erosion surfaces and highlight the factors responsible for their development.
III. Give a critical account of reasons and consequences of marine pollution.
Q4. Answer following (20 + 15 + 15 marks)
I. Explain weathering and mass wasting, and describe their geomorphic significance.
II. Define zoogeographic region.Also describe he basic faunal makeup of the Neo-Arctic
zoogeographic region.
III. Give an account of recent observation on coral bleaching with reference to Clive Wilkinsons Report.

Geography Optional Paper 1: SECTION B

Q5. Answer the following: 150 words each. 10 x 5 = 50 marks
I. Elaborate the concept of mental map.
II. Give an account of food security issues in developing countries.
III. Discuss the factors responsible for counter-urbanisation.
IV.
Explain the relevance of bottom-up and top-down approaches in the development of agrarian
economy.
V.
Critically analyse application of models in geography.
Q6. Answer following (20 + 15 + 15 marks)

I.
II.
III.

Explain the necessary conditions of takeoff and subsequent stages of development of a nation as
propounded by Rostow.
Discuss environmental and economic problems associated with coal production.
Discuss the contribution of geographers in the development of radical geography.

Q7. Answer following (20 + 15 + 15 marks)

I. Giving suitable examples, describe the importance of system analysis in geographical studies.
II. Rural sustainability is necessary for urban sustainability. Discuss the statement in the backdrop of
integrated development approach.
III. Indo-Gangetic hearth is considered to be one of the worlds richest cultural realms. Examine.
Q8. Answer following (20 + 15 + 15 marks)
I. Explain the qualitative and quantitative methods of delineation of sphere of urban influence.
II. World is passing through a global resource dilemma. Comment
III. Food productivity with purity of the ecosystem is the need of the hour. Elaborate.

Geography Mains 2014 Geography Optional: Paper 2: SECTION A

Q1. Answer following. 5 x 10 = 50 marks.
1. On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the location of all of the following. Write in your
QCA Booklet the significance of the locations, whether
physical/commercial/economic/ecological/environmental/cultural in not more than 30 words for each
entry: (2 x 5 =10 marks)
A. Guru Shikhar
B. Bhor Ghat
C. Shravanabelagola
D. Kalibangan
E. Ganga Sagar
2. Explain how eco-tourism, activities could be important livelihood options in the Himalayan and NorthEastern regions of the country.
3. How is drainage pattern determined by the water divide?
4. Location of thermal power plants and coal fields in India are mot mutually conducive. Analyse.
5. Why has agro and social forestry has failed to achieve its objectives?
Q2. Answer following (20 + 15 + 15 marks)
I. Bring out the distribution of Laterite soils in India and their specific use for agriculture.
II. Suggest the measures of wild-life conservation with reference to extinction of rare species.
III. Describe the problems of agro-based industries in India in general and cotton textiles in particular.
Q3. Answer following (20 + 15 + 15 marks)
I. Highlight the socio-economic and ecological roles of River Cauvery in its riverine tract.
II. Discuss the problems and prospects of National Waterway No. 1.
III. Explain the concept of Make in India and indicate the essential inputs for its success.
Q4. Answer following (20 + 15 + 15 marks)
I. Describe the salient climatological characteristics of Rayalseema region.
II. In spite of various negative impacts of Green Revolution, there is a demand for New Green
Revolution. Elaborate.
III. What are the desired possible changes in our trade policy to promote the development of cottage
industry?

Geography Optional Paper 2: SECTION B

Q5. Answer following: 5 x 10 = 50 marks.
I. On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the location of all of the following. Write in your
QCA Booklet the significance of these locations, whether
physical/commercial/economic/ecological/environmental/cultural in not more than 30 words for each
entry: (2 x 5 = 10 marks)

II.
III.
IV.
V.

A.
Mundra Port
B.
Chandipur
C.
Mahendragiri
D.
Hazira
E.
Vembanad Lake
Highlight the implications of declining child sex ratio in India.
Analyse the feasibility of Smart Towns Development in India.
Comment on the criteria of identifying Drought Prone Areas in India.
Bring out the role of terrain in determining Indias political influence over neighbouring countries.

Q6. Answer following (20 + 15 + 15 marks)

I. Discuss the trends in emigration focusing on its major thrust.
II. Account for the multiple problems of urban agglomerations.
III. Evaluate the Backward Regions Grant Fund Programme.
Q7. Answer following (20 + 15 + 15 marks)
I. How can a meaningful skill development programme contribute to the economic growth of hill areas?
II. Differentiate between intensity and magnitude of an earthquake and explain its varying impact in
different parts of India.
III. Discuss the implications of Indias strategic location with reference to the Indian Ocean.
Q8. Answer following (20 + 15 + 15 marks)
I. India is involved in a number of border disputes. Explain the reasons and remedies.
II. Discuss the concept of Command Area Development and evaluate its success with reference to
Indira Gandhi Canal.
III. How has an inappropriate urban land use policy accounted for undesirable development in and
around metropolitan cities.