General Studies and Social Science (History, Geography, Polity, Economics)
Domain 5 - General Studies and Social Science
Four subjects share this domain: Indian history, Indian and world geography, Indian polity, and basic economics.
History
- Ancient: Indus Valley sites (Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Lothal, Kalibangan), Mauryan administration, Ashoka's edicts.
- Medieval: Delhi Sultanate dynasties, Mughal administration, Bhakti–Sufi movements.
- Modern: 1857 revolt, INC 1885, Partition of Bengal 1905, Gandhi's movements (Champaran 1917, Non-Cooperation 1920, Civil Disobedience 1930, Quit India 1942), Cabinet Mission 1946.
Geography
- Latitudes, longitudes, IST at 82°30′ E, monsoon mechanism, soil types, major rivers and their tributaries.
Polity
- Constitution adopted 26 November 1949, enforced 26 January 1950.
- Fundamental Rights in Articles 12–35; Article 14 equality, Article 17 abolition of untouchability, Article 21 life and liberty, Article 32 writs.
- 73rd and 74th Amendments - panchayats and municipalities.
Economics
- Basic concepts of demand, inflation, GDP, fiscal and monetary policy, RBI functions, GST.
Worked example
Which Article abolishes untouchability, and which Article empowers the Supreme Court to issue writs? Article 17 abolishes untouchability and makes it punishable. Article 32 gives the Supreme Court writ jurisdiction (habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, certiorari, quo warranto). High Courts hold similar power under Article 226, but that power is wider, not identical.
Traps
- Confusing Article 32 with Article 226.
- Mixing the adoption date (1949) with the enforcement date (1950).
- Mixing Fundamental Rights with Directive Principles.