“Study Through Maps: प्रीलिम्स परीक्षा पे विशेष फोकस के साथ”

“Study Through maps: प्रीलिम्स परीक्षा पे विशेष फोकस के साथ”

In this series, maps are discussed in the backdrop of the UPSC syllabus requisites. The sessions’ objective is to retain map information via integrating contemporary events. So that aspirants do not find it monotonous, at the same time, conceptual clarity can be brought in.

 Schedule

How and what to cover to prepare maps for UPSC CSE?

This is one of the most asked questions among the UPSC fraternity, which prepares for the most coveted exam. Here are the following key areas one should consider for adequate coverage.

World Geography

• Key areas that are resurfaced in recent current affairs, especially zones and countries in the news.
• Trade hotspots: Areas such as canals, sea routes, essential territories, and their locations on the map hold great strategic relevance.
• Important latitudes and longitudes: Keep a tab on countries and special zones through which these lines pass. Important ones are Equator, Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn, and Greenwich Meridian line etc.

Indian Geography

As far as mapping practice is concerned, it is advisable to draw India's maps and rehearse them thoroughly. It will help secure an edge in Prelims and Mains and General Studies Paper I and Paper-II. Some of the important aspects concerning the preparation of GS topics through maps:

1. Always know in detail about the neighbouring countries like their territories, locations, states, and the natural boundaries shared with them. Do not forget to understand aspects related to the rivers that flow in and out of India, the oceanic region around coastal states, countries near India's island territories, etc.
2. Important longitudes and latitudes that cross the Indian subcontinent and the number of states and regions crossed by them, such as Tropic of Cancer, Standard meridian and the important cities that fall on these lines.
3. One should plot and mark important cities or locations and their neighbouring states on the map if need be, especially in writing the Mains answers.
4. The geographical regions and natural streams like rivers, their origin, tributaries and distributaries, flow routes of all major rivers in India. It is requisite to know about the left bank and right bank tributaries.
5. One should plot-important lakes, mountains, national parks, climatic patterns- monsoon cycles, natural vegetation, and heritage sites on the map.

Maps can also be used to express better in terms of answer scripts for UPSC Mains. Let us briefly understand the importance of learning maps for UPSC other than geography. Some of these are as follows:

1. World History: The events in world history generally makes more sense when they are studies alongside the maps and understand the geographical regions where the events happened in the past. For example, understanding the silk route and its passage through various countries clarifies why and how some of the kingdoms and trade routes flourished around it.
2. Indian History: Remember, the geographical conditions and prevailing climatic conditions have greatly influenced kingdoms' settlement and the evolution of historical events around them. The choice of the route for the foreigner invaders has largely been north-west other than the sea-route. With map-practice, it becomes easy to grasp the underlying factors that govern such scenarios. Therefore, it is advisable to keep an atlas handy for a better understanding of Indian History.
3. International Relations: Reflecting on maps in case of any international event with great significance for the Indian context, like President visits, Prime Minister's visits to other countries is incomplete without having a look at the map. Therefore, whenever one studies report, it is advisable to club it with the country's learning location in discussions. Try plotting the country on the map multiple times and revise it until it is retained in the pictographic memory. To better understand bilateral relations between different countries, their geographical understanding clarifies the general ongoing issues.
4. Current Affairs: Contemporary developments at all levels, be it socio-economic, geographical, bilateral or any scientific development of security-related aspects, without the clarity of the territorial regions, it is incomplete.

Here are the links:

Daily Current Affairs

Daily Editorial Analysis

IAS 2021 Ranker's Series- Complete Roadmap for Prelims & Main

Lakshya EPFO 2020

Gist of Rajya Sabha TV for UPSC Exams

Daily PIB Summary for UPSC Exams

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