UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 22)

QUESTION 2

How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world? (PYQ 2023)

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 gives you an edge over other candidates and enhances presentation of the answer.

— Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be used 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: India’s puppetry tradition is a subject as varied as India’s cultural traditions.

Body:

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

— A puppet is one of man’s most remarkable and ingenious inventions. It has been said that a puppet has to be more than his live counterpart for it is the suggestive element that is more captivating and enduring in a puppet.

— The Latin word “Pupa,” which means “doll,” is where the term “puppet” originates. Puppetry is thought to have originated in India, but the country has not yet realized all of its potential. Written in the first or second century B.C., the Tamil classic “Silappadikaaram” contains the earliest mention of the art of puppetry.

Different types of Puppet in India

— String Puppets

— Shadow Puppets

— Rod Puppets

— Glove Puppets

— The puppetry across India is performed in 18 different traditions, including ‘Chamadyache Bahulya’ (leather puppets) of Maharashtra, ‘Beni Putul’ (glove puppets) of West Bengal, ‘Tholu Bommalata’ (shadow puppets) of Andhra Pradesh, ‘Tholpavakoothu’ (shadow puppetry) of Kerala and the traditional ‘Kathputli’ of Rajasthan.

Kathputli, Rajasthan

— It is carved from a single piece of wood, these puppets are like large dolls that are colourfully dressed.

— The costumes and headgears are designed in the medieval Rajasthani style of dress.

— The Kathputli is accompanied by a highly dramatised version of the regional music.

Kundhei, Odisha

— It is made of light wood, the Odisha puppets have no legs but wear long flowing skirts.

— They have more joints and are, therefore, more versatile, articulate and easy to manipulate.

Gombeyatta, Karnataka

— The string puppets of Karnataka are called Gombeyatta.

— They are styled and designed like the characters of Yakshagana, the traditional theater form of the region.

Bommalattam, Tamil Nadu

— They are made of wood and the strings for manipulation are tied to an iron ring which the puppeteer wears like a crown on his head.

Chitrakathi puppetry – Maharashtra

Shadow puppeteers – Kerala

(Source: World Puppetry Day: Tradition on a string, some thrive, others barely survive, ccrtindia.gov.in)

Points to Ponder

Other forms of Art

Different Puppetry Form

Related Previous Year Questions

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

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

QUESTION 2: How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world? (PYQ 2023)

Introduction:

— A fjord is a long, deep, narrow body of water that reaches far inland. Fjords are often set in a U-shaped valley with steep walls of rock on either side.

— Glaciated valleys are trough-like and U-shaped with broad floors and relatively smooth, and steep sides. The valleys may contain littered debris or debris shaped as moraines with swampy appearance.

— There can be hanging valleys at an elevation on one or both sides of the main glacial valley. The faces of divides or spurs of such hanging valleys opening into main glacial valleys are quite often truncated to give them an appearance like triangular facets. Very deep glacial troughs filled with sea water and making up shorelines (in high latitudes) are called fjords/fiords.

Body:

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

Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world?

— Fjords are found mainly in Norway, Chile, New Zealand, Canada, Greenland, and the U.S.

— Bergen, ringed by seven mountains and fjords

— Fjords were created by glaciers. Glaciers move very slowly over time, and can greatly alter the landscape once they have moved through an area. This process is called glaciation.

Some of the reasons why they constitute most picturesque areas of the world:

— Wildlife

— Waterfall

— Biodiversity

— Landscapes

— Cliff

(Source: Greenland to stay in daylight saving time forever, education.nationalgeographic.org, ncert.nic.in)

Note: You can research more about them and write in detail (if required)

Points to Ponder

Cirques

Hanging Valley

Moraines

Glacial Till

Related Previous Year Questions

How far do you agree that the behaviour of the Indian monsoon has been changing due to humanizing landscapes? Discuss. (2015)

How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water resources of India?

Previous Mains Answer Practice

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 20)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 21)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 21)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 22)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 21)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 22)

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