UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice — GS 1 : Questions on significance of Piprahwa relics and consequences of unscientific mining in the Himalayan region (Week 114)

QUESTION 1

Discuss the geomorphological and environmental consequences of unscientific mining in the fragile Himalayan region.

QUESTION 2

Discuss the recent discoveries related to the Piprahwa relics, highlighting their archaeological and spiritual significance. With reference to Buddhism, how has India in recent years facilitated significant cultural exchanges through such heritage initiatives?

General points on the structure of the answers for UPSC Mains

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 geomorphological and environmental consequences of unscientific mining in the fragile Himalayan region.

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

Introduction:

— A report submitted to the National Green Tribunal found that soapstone mining in Uttarakhand causes ground deformations, fissures, land subsidence (sinking), and rockslides.

— The report was prepared by a committee established by the state government. The Bageshwar region is in seismic zone V, which has the highest danger of earthquakes, and the activities there make it prone to landslides. The assessment stated that steep excavation operations, a lack of proper slope support, dumping waste into water sources, and intruding on agricultural and residential areas had all contributed to the risk.

Body:

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

Geomorphological and environmental consequences of unscientific mining in the fragile Himalayan region

— According to the report, several houses had developed cracks, and water resources in certain villages were drying up owing to land subsidence (sinking of land caused by subterranean material movement).

— There is a possibility of landslides and slope instability.

— According to the assessment, erosion will undercut hillsides, making the surrounding communities more vulnerable to landslides.

— It can cause land subsidence.

— There are several more difficulties, including groundwater depletion and soil erosion.

Conclusion:

— Aside from sustainable mining techniques, the committee has recommended a geo-referenced database of each mine’s lease borders to assess mining risks in the district. A slope stability analysis was also recommended to identify the optimal bench height for safe mining, as well as regular on-site monitoring in conjunction with slope monitoring.

— Engineering measures should safeguard recharge zones from biotic interferences, including grazing, tree falling, vegetation cutting, mining, and wildfires.

(Source: Mining in Uttarakhand’s Bageshwar increasing landslides risk: What a govt-commissioned report has flagged, moef.gov.in)

Points to Ponder

Read more about mining in Himalayas

Read about sustainable mining techniques

Related Previous Year Questions

“In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development”. Discuss. (2017)

“The Himalayas are highly prone to landslides.” Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation. (2016)

QUESTION 2: 

Discuss the recent discoveries related to the Piprahwa relics, highlighting their archaeological and spiritual significance. With reference to Buddhism, how has India in recent years facilitated significant cultural exchanges through such heritage initiatives?

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

Introduction:

— The Piprahwa Gems, Buddhist relics stolen in 1898 by an Englishman from their resting place in India, have been returned to the country. The Ministry of Culture made it feasible by forming a public-private collaboration. These relics have long held tremendous spiritual value for the global Buddhist community, and they are one of the most significant archaeological finds in Indian history.

— These Buddhist relics have brought Piprahwa to limelight.

Body:

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

— The sacred Piprahwa relics are among the most spiritual and archaeologically significant items ever uncovered. Repatriated after 127 years, these artefacts are more than just bits of the past; they are a strong emblem of India’s ongoing cultural legacy and soft power diplomacy.

— The Piprahwa relics, discovered in 1898 by British civil engineer William Claxton Peppé in Piprahwa, Uttar Pradesh, are thought to contain Lord Buddha’s mortal remains which include bone fragments thought to be those of Lord Buddha, crystal caskets, gold ornaments, diamonds, and a sandstone coffer.

— An inscription in Brahmi script on one of the caskets directly connects the relics to the Sakya clan, to which Buddha belonged, implying that his supporters housed these bones around the third century BC. Between 1971 and 1977, the Archaeological Survey of India excavated more steatite caskets holding 22 sacred bone relics, which are now housed at the National Museum in Delhi.

Conclusion:

— In recent years, India has facilitated considerable cultural exchanges by displaying Buddhist relics in Thailand and Vietnam for public devotion. This increases the spiritual links between these cultures.

— Furthermore, in 2022, four Holy Relics of Lord Buddha were displayed in Mongolia for an 11-day public exhibition as a significant gesture towards the rebirth of cultural and spiritual relations between India and Mongolia.

— India, the birthplace of Buddhism, exhibits its continuous dedication to preserving and propagating the Buddha Dhamma through government-organized events such as summits and commemoration programs, which ensure the global dissemination of the Buddha’s teachings of peace, compassion, and mindfulness.

(Source: How the Buddhist relics Piprahwa Gems returned to India)

Points to Ponder

Read more about Buddhism

Read about India’s Buddhist Heritage

Related Previous Year Questions

Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate. (2020)

Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate. (2016)

Previous Mains Answer Practice

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 114)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 113)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 114)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 113)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 112)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 113)

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