UPSC Mains Geography Previous Year Question Paper (1992)

PAPER- I

Q.1. On the map of India provided, mark the following and write in not more than ten words in your answer script, what you consider to be most important aspect of each one of them:
(a) Kalpakkam
(b) Shyok Valley
(c) Salsette Is
(d) Adam's Bridge
(e) Farakka Barrage
(f) Rajmahal Hills
(g) Itanagar
(h) Somnath
(i) Khetri
(j) Alignment of Konkan Railway under construction.

OR

On the map of the world provided, mark the following and write in not more than ten words in your answer script, what you consider to be most important aspect of each one of them:
(a) Appalachian Highlands
(b) Malagasy
(c) Lake Victoria
(d) Gobi Desert
(e) Pampas
(f) Labrador Current
(g) Tasmania
(h) Guiana Shield
(i) Mississippi-Missouri
(j) Leningrad

Q.2. Write short notes on any three of the following, (each answer should be in about 200 words):
(a) Classification of Earth Movements
(b) Concept of Ecosystem
(c) Land capability versus Land use efficiency
(d) Central place theory

SECTION A

Q.3. Explain the factors causing rejuvenation in landscape and describe the resultant landforms.

Q.4. Discuss the origin, movements and characteristics of air masses and explain their role in influencing world climates.

Q.5. Present a classification of the soils of the world and give their economic significance.

SECTION B

Q.6. Give a comparative assessment of the works of Humboldt and Ritter leading to the foundation of modern geographical thought.

Q.7. Citing suitable examples from India, explain the role of site and other physical factors in determining the types and patterns of rural settlements.

Q.8. Discuss the theories of Industrial location propounded by any two of the following: Weber: Hoover and Smith.

PAPER -II

SECTION A

Q.1. Answer any three of the following in about 200 word each:
(a) Explain the characteristics and productivity of the Regur black soils of India
(b) Discuss the role of social forestry in any one region of India
(c) Explain the distribution and characteristics of dry zone agriculture.
(d) What is meant by Green Revolution? Explain its successes and failures.

Q.2. Discuss the major characteristics of the Indian monsoon with special emphasis on the causative factors.

Q.3. Examine critically the major factors responsible for the growth of two highest population density zones in India.

Q.4. Explain the distribution of the major mineral resources of the Deccan plateau together with the extent of their exploitation.

SECTION B

Q.5. Write short notes in about 200 words each, on any three of the following:
(a) Types of rural industries and their basis in the Rajasthan Gujarat region.
(b) Major characteristics of the rural-urban fringe around metropolitan cities.
(c) Salient features of Tribal area planning
(d) Major issues involved in the sino-Indian boundary conflict.

Q.6. Discuss the basis on which the current network of Airways is built in India, highlighting its role in the overall transportation milieu.

Q.7. Describe briefly the internal structure of Indian cities, together with the ensuling problems. Illustrate your answer with specific examples.

Q.8. Examine critically the advantages and disadvantages of multi-level planning with special reference to India.