UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 2)

QUESTION 1

Rural Craft in India has a strong cultural and religious significance. Comment.  (250 Words, 15 Marks)

QUESTION 2

What do you understand by land subsidence? What are the factors that are responsible for land subsidence? (150 Words, 10 Marks)

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.

— Underlining keywords give you an edge over the other candidates and helps in the better presentation of the answer.

— Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be use logically and only where it is required.

Way forward/ Conclusion

— The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel that an important problem must be highlighted, you may add it in your conclusion. Try not to repeat any point from body or introduction.

— You may use the findings of reports or surveys conducted at national and international levels, quotes etc. in your answers.

Self Evaluation

— It is the most important part of our Mains answer writing practice. UPSC Essentials will provide some guiding points or ideas as a thought process that will help you to evaluate your answers.

THOUGHT PROCESS

You may enrich your answers by some of the following points

QUESTION 1: Rural Craft in India has a strong cultural and religious significance. Comment.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about crafts and India followed by examples.

— Crafts are closely related to form, pattern, design, and usage concepts, leading to their total aesthetic quality. They are rooted in the traditions of the communities and have become a part of cultural heritage. For example, pottery, paintings, idol making, weaving, etc.

— India has been greatly blessed by having a many-layered, culturally diverse, rich heritage of craft skills influenced by historical events combined with local practices and religious beliefs.

Body:

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

Cultural Significance

— The earliest evidence of rural crafts in India dates back to Indus Valley Civilisation which has revealed evidence of pottery making, weaving, jewelry making and metalwork which are still used and practiced today.

— During Maurya Period, textile production with specialised workshops for weaving and dying fabrics were promoted, facilitating a well-developed network.

— The textile industry was also witnessed during the Mughals period such as block printing, zardozi work, etc.

— Craft is also influenced by the silk route which brought demands and resources from the Middle East and Central Asia to the Far East up to China.

— The tribal communities of mountains like Gujjars and Bakarwals spend their lives crossing over from one side of the mountains to the other in search of grass for their sheep and goats. Their jewellery, blankets, embroidered caps and tunics, saddle bags and sundry animal accessories are similar to the artifacts of the people of Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq and the smaller countries of Central Asia.

— The various tribes inhabiting northeast India live among the rich bamboo forests where the finest skill in weaving bamboo can be seen. This group links itself culturally to the people of Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Japan, and China, where mat-weaving and basketry are of the highest quality.

Religious Significance

— The Vedic period saw the importance of textiles in religious and social customs with reference to different types of fabrics and their colours mentioned in the Vedas.

— The element of religion in the practice of craftwork spans vast regions and many communities. The silken temple cloths in South India are woven to drape the stone images of the gods.

— The traditional forms of shadow puppetry, Tholpavakoothu and Tholu bommalata originated in South India. These puppets are used to tell stories drawn from Hindu mythology. Over time, these forms of puppetry become an integral part of cultural festivals.

— The Kondapalli toys, which originated during the Vijaynagar Empire, are used to display Bommala Koluvu. It involves arranging dolls and figurines of deities, and mythological creatures on a wooden platform.

NOTE: Do not make the body overloaded with facts and data. Select points that you think are most essential.

Conclusion:

Your concluding remark should be short and should encapsulate both parts of the answer i.e., cultural and religious.

— Rural crafts in India continue to play a significant role in the cultural and economic landscape. The evolution of crafts reflects social, cultural and economic changes over time.

— The answer can be concluded by the recent happenings along the line of the G20 meeting. (where the Indian Prime Minister gifted various crafts from different parts of India to the heads of the other members of G20). 

Source: (PM’s gifts for G20 leaders: Who got what by Divya A, ncert.nic.in)

QUESTION 2: What do you understand by land subsidence? Discuss the factors that are responsible for land subsidence.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a basic definition from a reliable source for example:

— According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), subsidence is the “sinking of the ground because of underground material movement”.

— Land subsidence occurs when large amounts of groundwater have been withdrawn from certain types of rocks, such as fine-grained sediments. The rock compacts because the water is partly responsible for holding the ground up. When the water is withdrawn, the rocks fall in on itself. 

Body:

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

Factors Responsible for Land Subsidence

— Removal of groundwater, oil, or natural resources.

— Mining activities

— Earthquakes

— Soil erosion

— Soil compaction

Note: In this question, for every factor just write two-three sentences. Do not elaborate on any one or two factors. The word limit should be strictly followed as these types of questions have a lot of data available. Strict your answer to the demand of the question.

Conclusion:

Your concluding remark should be short and end on a positive note such as:

— The government needs to work on well-preparedness and strong climate change mitigation policies that can reduce the effect of land subsidence.

— The government is working in collaboration with scientists from the National Disaster Management Authority, Geological Survey of India, and National Institute of Hydrology to develop a “risk-sensitive urban developmental plan”.

Source: (What is land subsidence and why does it happen?)

Points to Ponder

— Plate Tectonics

— Seismic Zones of India (Earthquake)

Related Previous Year Question

Describe the various causes and the effects of landslides. Mention the important components of the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy. (2021)

Previous Mains Answer Practice:

GS 1 (Week 1)

GS 2 (Week 1)

GS 3 (Week 2)

GS 4 (Week 2)

Post your inputs and answers to points to ponder in the comment box below and engage with other aspirants too. All the best!

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