Self Preparation for UPSC IAS

Differences between Kula, Potlatch and Moka system of Exchange Distribution, gift giving and exchanging constitute a big issue for archaic societies. In the Western world the natural monetary economy is based on the principle of achieving a material profit during every transaction. That does not mean, however, that it is applicable in all cultures that in an exchange trade both sides must obtain the same economic benefit.  In the 1950’s the economic historian Karl Polanyi developed a system for classifying the different modes of the distribution of commodities.  He identified three different types: reciprocity, redistribution and trade exchange .  Both redistribution and the existence of market are subject to the activities of the central power organisations and therefore these categories are typical of those societies with advanced power and economic hierarchies.  More interesting for us therefore will be the reciprocal relationships in archaic societies. Reciprocity refers to trans

  What is Melanin? Melanin is a major pigment present in vertebrates. The type and rate of melanin synthesized determines both skin and hair color. Melanin is a light absorbing polymer derived from the essential amino acid tyrosine, which scatters UV light and converts it into heat. Melanin’s ability to absorb light has many protective functions in vertebrates, including camouflage, protection from damaging solar UVA and UVB irradiation, and thermoregulation. Populations producing higher levels of epidermal melanin have lower rates of skin cancer, due to its photoprotective qualities. Human Skin: Melanin also acts as an antibiotic and free radical sink. Due to its wide range of functions, melanin is expressed in several areas of the human body, including the skin, hair, eyes and the brain. However, melanin’s specific roles within these tissues are poorly elucidated. The major types of melanin are: Pheomelanin – an orange to red pigment, expressed in the hair and skin. Low protective p

  T he true beauty of India is not found in towns and cities. It belongs to the indigenous people. One of the most remarkable aspects of their culture is their tribal lifestyle, arts, crafts, and architecture. The multiplicity of tribals in India provides a profound insight into the ethnography and anthropology of these mystic tribes, fulfilling your ideological curiosity. Many of these tribes have their own customs, festivals, music, and ways of expressing themselves artistically. Tribal tourism allows visitors to learn about these varied cultures and their traditions. The tribal trips in India are extremely revitalizing and energizing. Tribal tourism in India is a method to learn about the rich and diverse cultures of the indigenous peoples that reside throughout the country. There are around 600 tribal groups in India, each with its own language, religion, customs, and art forms. Some of India's most prominent tribal tourism locations include: Odisha:   Odisha has the most indig

The events before and after Operation Polo in Hyderabad post-Independence After the country won its freedom, Indian Army forces were sent in to overcome the kingdom’s troops.  The aftermath of this event on September 13, 1948, is still being researched, investigated and written about The Partition of India and Pakistan is a dark chapter in the history of humanity that led to the death, displacement and destruction of property of millions of people. A much more complex story, albeit on a smaller scale, unfolded in the princely kingdom of Hyderabad. Ruled by Nizam Osman Ali Khan who was as whimsical and unpredictable as they come, the kingdom had 81.17% Hindus and a 12.83% Muslim population according to the 1941 Census. When India became free on August 15, 1947, Hyderabad remained independent. Rather, it tried to stay independent citing the communal bonhomie, size of the kingdom and its infrastructure. But it was not to be. Beginning on September 13, 1948, at 4.30 a.m. the Indian Army at