UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice — GS 1 : Questions on Pallavas of Kanchi and ocean currents (Week 73)

QUESTION 2

What are ocean currents and what is the difference between cold and warm ocean currents? Discuss how they affect the activities of humans directly or indirectly.

General points on the structure of the answers

Introduction

— The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction.

— It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts.

Body

— It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content.

— The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points.

— Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse.

QUESTION 1: Discuss the contribution of Pallavas of Kanchi to the village administration in South India.

Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers.

Introduction:

— One of the greatest dynasties, the Pallavas dominated a sizable portion of South India and the Deccan. Tondaimandalam was the name of the region they governed.

— The Pallavas created Kanchi, which is now known as Kanchipuram, their capital. Kanchi developed into a city of temples and Vedic education during their rule. The Pallavas dynasty governed from the third to the seventh century CE, as evidenced by the inscriptions left by its kings in Prakrit and Sanskrit on copper plates and stone.

— The Pallava King Narasimhavarman I (630–668) was renowned as Mamallan, or “great warrior,” which is whence the name Mamallapuram originates. The Chinese Buddhist monk-traveler Hiuen Tsang visited the Pallava capital at Kanchipuram during his rule.

— Narasimhavarman, who ushered in the era of great governmental expansion, brought the Pallavas to their pinnacle of power around the close of the sixth century CE. Indeed, the Pallavas dynasty had a big impact on the Deccan and South India’s political, social, and cultural history.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer:

Village administration

— Local legislatures, such as the Sabhas and the Nagarattaras, were in charge of running cities and villages.

— In cities and villages, steps were taken to conduct a thorough land survey in addition to crucial local projects like water supply.

— By the time of Pallavas, the economic, judicial, and general village administration functions were handled by village organisations. The effectiveness of the land survey departments at the village level is demonstrated by the early Sanskrit inscriptions that recorded the specifics of the gifted properties. This kind of thorough land survey is exemplified by the Umvapalli plates.

— The way the hamlet was run shows how organised and bureaucratic the Pallavas’ system of governance and administration was, even at the smallest level.

— According to historical records, the village and the central government kept up with the upkeep of all the wastelands and arable land, as well as tanks, lakes, rivers, wells, rocks, and even trees.

— In particular, the Pallavas took great care to maintain irrigation. The village government had the right to pay the Viyavan, the village headman who was active in local administration.

Conclusion:

— Under the Pallavas, a new type of administration emerged, imposing a superstructure of the northern ideal of government on southern local institutions, as evidenced by the Hirahadalli Copper plates of Sivaskandavarmam, Omgodu plates of Vijayaskandavarman, Rayakota plates of Skandasisya, and Kuram plates of Paramesvaravarman.

(Source: Explained: Going back 1300 years, the story of Mahabalipuram’s China connection, cbc.gov.in)

Points to Ponder

Taxation and Revenue and Pallavas

Administrative officials and functions of Pallavas

Related Previous Year Questions

Estimate the contribution of Pallavas of Kanchi for the development of art and literature of South India. (2024)

Discuss the main contributions of Gupta period and Chola period to Indian heritage and culture. (2022)

QUESTION 2: What are ocean currents and what is the difference between cold and warm ocean currents? Discuss how they affect the activities of humans directly or indirectly.

Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers.

Introduction:

— Oceanic currents refer to the movement of water from one location to another. Wind, changes in water density, and tides contribute to ocean currents.

— Tides cause currents in the oceans, which are strongest along the beach and in bays and estuaries along the coastline while winds propel currents at or near the ocean’s surface.

— Cold Ocean Currents: These currents transport cold water to warm water locations. These currents are typically found on the west coast of continents in low and intermediate latitudes, and on the east coast in higher latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere.

— Warm Ocean Currents: These currents transport warm water to cold water areas and are typically found on the east coasts of continents in low and middle latitudes. In the northern hemisphere, they can be found on the western shores of continents at high latitude.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer:

— Ocean currents have numerous direct and indirect effects on human activities.

— Cool waters border the west coasts of continents at tropical and subtropical latitudes. Their average temperatures are relatively modest, with limited diurnal and yearly fluctuations. There is fog, although the landscapes are mostly arid.

— Warm waters border the west coastlines of continents at middle and higher latitudes, resulting in a distinct marine climate. They have pleasant summers, generally warm winters, and a narrow yearly temperature range. Warm currents move parallel to the continents’ east coasts in tropical and subtropical latitudes.

— Mixing warm and cold currents helps to replenish oxygen and promotes the growth of plankton, the principal food source for fish populations.

— The best fishing grounds in the world are primarily found in these mixing zones.

(Source: Is Indian Ocean helping Atlantic currents?, ncert.nic.in)

Points to Ponder

Important warm and cold ocean currents

How do mixing cold and warm water currents help fishing?

Characteristics of Ocean Currents

Related Previous Year Questions

What are the forces that influence ocean currents? Describe their role in fishing industry of the world. (2022)

Explain the factors responsible for the origin of ocean currents? How do they influence regional climates, fishing and navigation? (2015)

Previous Mains Answer Practice

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 71)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 72)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 73)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 71)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 71)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 73)

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