UPSC Mains 2015 GS1 Q6 — Industrial Revolution
Why did the industrial revolution first occur in England ? Discuss the quality of life of the people there during the industrialization. How does it compare with that in India at present ? (Answer in not more than 200 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- WhyDiscussHow does it compare
- Scope keywords
- industrial revolutionfirst occur in Englandquality of life of the peopleduring the industrializationcompare with that in India at present
- Implicit sub-parts
- Geographical and resource advantages specific to 18th-century Britain (coal, iron, island status).
- Socio-political factors including the Enclosure Movement and colonial capital.
- The 'Standard of Living' debate: short-term misery vs. long-term gains in Victorian England.
- A comparative analysis of contemporary Indian labor conditions, urban slums, and welfare state mechanisms versus early British laissez-faire.
- Common pitfalls
- Writing too much on the 'causes' of the Revolution and running out of words for the Indian comparison.
- Failing to address the 'Quality of Life' aspect, focusing only on economic growth figures.
- Providing a generic description of India's economy instead of a direct comparative analysis of 'quality of life' indicators like housing and sanitation.
- Ignoring the role of colonial exploitation of India as a factor that funded the British Industrial Revolution.
- Dimensions required
- HistoricalSocio-economicComparative GeographyLabor RightsEnvironmental/Urban Health
- Marks allocation hint
Spend 60-70 words on the specific reasons for England's lead (Geography/Capital/Policy). Devote 60 words to the harsh realities of early industrial life (slums, child labor). Use the final 70 words for a sharp comparison with modern India, highlighting that while India faces similar urban stressors, it has modern labor laws and a democratic welfare framework that early Britain lacked.
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