Geography
Principles of Geography ( Paper – I )
Physical Geography
1. Geomorphology
Controlling factors of geomorphic development endogenous and exogenous forces origin and evolution of the Earth’s crust principles of geomagnetism natural conditions of the Earth’s interior geomorphic processes continental drift isostasy plate tectonics new ideas on orogeny volcanism earthquakes and tsunamis concepts of geomorphic cycles and landscape development chronosequence fluvial morphology erosional surfaces slope development applied geomorphology hydrogeology, economic geology, and environment.
2. Climatology
Global temperature and pressure belts Earth’s heat budget atmospheric circulation atmospheric stability and instability global and local winds monsoons and jet streams air masses and frontogenesis world climate classifications by Köppen, Thornthwaite, and Trewartha hydrological cycle global climatic changes and the role and response of humans in climate change applied climatology and urban climate.
3. Oceanography
Floor configurations of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans ocean temperature and salinity heat and salt budgets ocean deposits wave currents and tides marine resources – biological, mineral, and energy resources coral reefs, coral bleaching sea level changes marine laws and marine pollution.
4. Biogeography
Soil origin classification and distribution of soils soil profiles soil erosion degradation and conservation factors affecting global distribution of flora and fauna problems of deforestation and conservation measures social forestry agroforestry wildlife major gene pool centers.
5. Environmental Geography
Principles of ecology human ecological adaptation human impact on ecology and environment global and regional ecological changes and imbalances ecosystems, their management, and conservation environmental degradation, management, and conservation biodiversity and sustainable development environmental education and legislation.
Human Geography
1. Perspectives in Human Geography
Regional differentiation territorial synthesis dichotomy and dualism environmentalism quantitative revolution and locational analysis radical, behavioral, humanistic, and welfare approaches languages, religions, and secularism cultural regions of the world human development index.
2. Economic Geography
World economic development – measurement and problems resources of the world and their distribution energy crisis 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 world trade patterns.
3. Population and Settlement Geography
Growth and distribution of world population demographic attributes causes and consequences of migration concepts of overpopulation, underpopulation, and optimum population theories of population world population problems and policies social wellbeing and quality of life population as social capital types and patterns of rural settlements environmental issues in rural settlements urban settlement hierarchy urban morphology major cities and rank – size rule functional classification of towns urban impact zones rural – urban fringe satellite towns urbanization problems and remedies sustainable urban development.
4. Regional Planning
Concept of a region types and methods of regionalization growth centers and growth poles regional imbalances regional development strategies environmental issues in regional planning planning for sustainable development.
5. Models, Theories, and Laws in Human Geography
System analysis in human geography Malthus, Marx, and demographic transition models central place theories of Christaller and Lösch Perroux and Boudeville Von Thünen’s model of agricultural location Weber’s model of industrial location Rostow’s stages of growth model core-periphery model laws of international boundaries and frontier zones.
Geography of India ( Paper 2 )
1. Physical Setting
India’s spatial relationship with neighboring countries structure and relief drainage systems and watersheds geomorphic regions Indian monsoon and rainfall patterns tropical cyclones and western disturbances floods and droughts climatic regions natural vegetation soil types and their distribution.
2. Resources
Land, surface and groundwater, energy, minerals, biological, and marine resources forest and wildlife resources and their conservation energy crisis.
3. Agriculture
Infrastructure – irrigation, seeds, fertilizers, power institutional factors – landholdings, land tenure, and land reforms cropping patterns, agricultural productivity, agricultural intensity, crop combinations, land capability agricultural and social forestry green revolution and its socio-economic and ecological implications significance of dry farming livestock resources and white revolution aquaculture, sericulture, apiculture, and poultry farming agricultural regionalization agro – climatic zones agricultural ecological regions.
4. Industries
Development of industries location factors for cotton, jute, textile, iron and steel, aluminum, fertilizer, paper, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries automobile, cottage, and agro-based industries industrial complexes including public sector undertakings industrial regionalization new industrial policy multinational corporations and liberalization special economic zones eco-tourism including tourism.
5. Transport, Communication, and Trade
Road, rail, waterways, airways, and pipeline networks and their complementary roles in regional development increasing importance of ports in national and foreign trade trade balance trade policies export processing zones advancements in communication and information technology and their impact on the economy and society Indian space program.
6. Cultural Setting
Historical perspective of Indian society racial, linguistic, and ethnic diversities religious minorities major tribes, tribal regions, and their problems cultural regions growth, distribution, and density of population demographic characteristics – sex ratio, age structure, literacy rate, workforce, dependency ratio, life expectancy migration (intra-regional, inter-regional, and international) and associated problems population problems and policies health indicators.
7. Settlement
Types, patterns, and morphology of rural settlements urban development; morphology of Indian cities functional classification of Indian cities satellite towns and metropolitan regions urban sprawl slums and associated problems urban planning urbanization problems and solutions.
Regional Development and Planning
Experience of regional planning in India five-year plans integrated rural development programs Panchayati Raj and decentralized planning command area development watershed management planning for backward, desert, drought-prone, hill, and tribal area development multilevel planning regional planning for island development.
8. Political Aspects
Geographical basis of Indian federalism state reorganization emergence of new states regional consciousness and interstate issues India’s international boundaries and related issues cross – border terrorism India’s role in global affairs geopolitics of South Asia and the Indian Ocean realm.
9. Contemporary Issues
Ecological issues – environmental hazards such as landslides, earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, and droughts issues related to environmental pollution changes in land-use patterns principles of environmental impact assessment and management population explosion and food security environmental degradation, deforestation, desertification, and soil erosion problems of agrarian and industrial unrest regional disparities in economic development concepts of sustainable growth and development environmental awareness river interlinking globalization and the Indian economy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose Geography as an optional subject for competitive exams?
Geography is a balanced subject, combining science, humanities, and practical aspects.
It has significant overlap with General Studies papers in topics like environment, disaster management, economics, and Indian geography.
Geography is a scoring subject due to its conceptual clarity and availability of diagrams/maps to enrich answers.
What are the key areas to focus on while preparing for Geography?
Physical Geography: Geomorphology, climatology, oceanography, and biogeography.
Human Geography: Economic geography, population studies, and settlement patterns.
Indian Geography: Resources, agriculture, industries, transportation, and regional planning.
Current Issues: Climate change, disaster management, urbanization, and sustainable development.
How can I improve my map-based answers in Geography?
Practice map marking daily, focusing on locations, physical features, resources, and industries.
Use maps effectively in answers to showcase data, trends, or regional variations.
Include diagrams like climatic patterns, ocean currents, or settlement structures to add visual appeal.
What are the common challenges faced while preparing for Geography?
Vast Syllabus: Balancing physical, human, and Indian geography.
Conceptual Understanding: Topics like plate tectonics, climate systems, and industrial location theories require deeper clarity.
Integration with Current Affairs: Connecting geographical concepts with real-world issues like urban floods, deforestation, or water disputes.
Which resources are recommended for Geography preparation?
Standard Books:Physical Geography by Savindra Singh
Human Geography by Majid Husain
Indian Geography by G.C. Leong and D.R. Khullar
Atlases: Oxford or Orient BlackSwan Atlas.
Current Affairs: Regularly follow environmental reports, government policies, and international developments.
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