Mains answer practice — GS 1 : Questions on significance of the Ambubachi festival and jet streams (Week 109)
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Discuss the role of Ambubachi festival in shaping religious tourism and local economies in North-East India.
Discuss the formation, characteristics, and seasonal variability of jet streams. How does modern aviation strategically utilises these atmospheric currents, citing their benefits and potential hazards?
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.
QUESTION 1: Discuss the role of Ambubachi festival in shaping religious tourism and local economies in North-East India.
Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers.
Introduction:
— The event takes place during the monsoon season, usually in June, at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, which is a shrine to the Goddess Kamakhya and one of the most prominent Tantrik Shakti centres.
— The event is associated with fertility, the beginning of the monsoon season, and the common historical connotation of a fertile woman among nations on Earth. The name 'Ambubachi' literally means 'water flowing.'
Body:
You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer:
— During Ambubachi, devotees at this spot are said to have access to the creative and nurturing power of mother Earth's'menses' during monsoon rain. During this time, all agricultural activities, including ploughing and sowing, are suspended.
— The Kamakhya Temple has a long and complicated history, reaching back at least to the early years of the Common Era, but its beginnings are thought to be far older. It has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, most notably in the 16th century by Koch monarch Naranarayana, giving the current edifice a mix of ancient and mediaeval architecture.
— 'Ambubachi' means 'spoken with water,' and it signifies that the rains expected this month would make the ground fruitful and suitable for conception. Daily worship is halted at this time. All agricultural activities, including digging, ploughing, sowing, and transplanting crops, are outlawed.
— The concept of Ambubachi thus has formative effects, as well as components of agricultural, social, and religious beliefs that have led to the phenomenon's emergence. It is thus symbolic and religiously sanctioned.
Conclusion:
— The Ambubachi period is thought to correspond to the goddess's annual menstruation, and the shrine is shuttered during this time. At the end of the period, the shrine's doors are ceremonially opened, and devotees flock to see the deity. This year, the shrine remained closed from June 22 to 25, then reopened on June 26.
(Source: Ambubachi Mela at Kamakhya temple: Significance of major Assam religious festival, directortourism.assam.gov.in)
Points to Ponder
Read about other important festivals of North-East India
Related Previous Year Questions
How does Indian society maintain continuity in traditional social values? Enumerate the changes taking place in it. (2021)
QUESTION 2: Discuss the formation, characteristics, and seasonal variability of jet streams. How does modern aviation strategically utilises these atmospheric currents, citing their benefits and potential hazards?
Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers.
Introduction:
— Jet streams are narrow bands of high winds that travel thousands of miles from west to east. Major jet streams are found near the higher regions of the atmosphere, around 9 to 16 kilometres above the earth's surface, and can reach speeds of over 320 kph.
— The jet streams move to the north or south depending on the season. During the winter, the wind current is strongest. They are also closer to the equator in the winter.
— The three main jet streams are the Polar Front, Subtropical, and Tropical jet streams. In India, the tropical jet stream influences the origin and duration of the summer monsoon.
Body:
You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer:
Formation of Jet Streams
— They are generated because of two key ingredients: rotation and heating.
— The earth is unevenly heated due to the disproportionate concentration of solar heating in the tropics and the absence of warmth at the poles. This causes the atmosphere to move, as some particles of air become warmer and more buoyant than others. But the globe also rotates, which limits the resulting fluid flow, notably in the north-south direction. These two elements cause the ensuing flow to spread west-eastward and produce jet streams.
Characteristics of Jet Streams
— These are narrow bands of strong winds blowing from west to east.
— They follow the boundary between hot and cold air.
— During the winter months in both the northern and southern hemispheres, jet streams are at their fiercest.
Conclusion:
How does modern aviation utilise atmospheric currents?
— Most commercial flights fly at jet stream altitude, and a strong jet stream can offer a powerful tailwind to a trip heading from west to east, such as the British Airways journey from New York to London. This helps to minimise travel time for such planes by increasing their speeds.
— Modern aviation takes advantage of air currents in several important ways:
— Jet streams, or high-altitude winds, can considerably cut flight time and fuel consumption when flown with, whereas turbulence, another atmospheric phenomenon, necessitates careful management and mitigation measures.
— Airlines intentionally plan routes to use jet streams for eastward trips, decreasing travel time and fuel consumption. They avoid regions of known turbulence to protect passenger comfort and safety.
(Source: What is a jet stream, which helped a flight beat speed record?, http://www.climate.gov)
Points to Ponder
Read about polar vortices, and atmospheric rivers
What are Rossby waves?
Related Previous Year Questions
What is the phenomenon of 'Cloudbursts'? Explain. (2024)
What is the concept of a 'demographic winter'? Is the world moving towards such a situation? Elaborate. (2024)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 108)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 109)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 108)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 109)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 108)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 107)
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Mains answer practice — GS 1 : Questions on Chola empire and relationship between extreme rainfall, landslides, and flash floods (Week 115)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative for the practice of Mains answer writing. It covers essential topics of static and dynamic parts of the UPSC Civil Services syllabus covered under various GS papers. This answer-writing practice is designed to help you as a value addition to your UPSC CSE Mains. Attempt today's answer writing on questions related to topics of GS-1 to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for July 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Discuss the strategies adopted by the Chola rulers to consolidate political control on land and assert dominance across maritime trade networks. Explain the factors that make the relationship between extreme rainfall, landslides, and flash floods in the Himalayan region complex. 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. QUESTION 1: Discuss the strategies adopted by the Chola rulers to consolidate political control on land and assert dominance across maritime trade networks. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — The Chola empire is known to have reached its peak under Rajaraja I and his son and successor Rajendra Chola I. The doyen of South Indian history, Nilakanta Sastri, has written in his book The Cholas (1955) that under Rajaraja I and his successors, the Chola empire had reached the capacity of 'Byzantine royalty', 'with its numerous palaces, officials and ceremonials and its majestic display of the concentrated resources of an extensive empire'. — Rajaraja I was born to King Parantaka II in 947 CE. Records from copper plate inscriptions have revealed that upon his birth, he was named Arulmozhivarman. Upon accession to the throne in 985 CE, he adopted the regnal title 'Rajaraja' or king of kings. At the time he came to power, Rajaraja I had inherited a tiny kingdom centred around the Thanjavur-Tiruchirapalli region that was still recovering from the disasters of the Rashtrakuta invasions. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — The first military achievement of Rajaraja I's reign was the campaign in the Kerala region. Under his rule, the Chola Empire expanded all along the eastern coast, up to Kalinga in the north. The Cholas soon gained the upper hand over the Pandyas, who were another great dynasty in the Tamil region at the time and one of their biggest rivals. Consequently, the Cholas emerged as the primary power in the northern and eastern parts of the Tamil country. — The rule of Rajaraja I was the predominance of maritime trade. 'Rajaraja Chola understood that domination of lucrative trade routes was a sure way to distinguish himself and his court from the other fragmented polities of the Tamil country,' writes public historian Anirudh Kanisetti in his book, Lords of the Deccan: Southern India from the Chalukyas to the Cholas (2022). — Rajaraja I established himself as one of the most smart and sharp political leaders to emerge from South India. He conquered all Pandya territories before moving to Sri Lanka, where he plundered several Buddhist Viharas and rebuilt Shiva temples to establish the Cholas' empire. — Rajaraja I's personal abilities paved the way for the successes of his son and successor, Rajendra Chola, commonly known as Rajendra the Great. The Chola kingdom rose to its pinnacle and expanded its reach beyond the seas during his reign. — Rajendra Chola first seized royal power in 1012 CE as his father's co-regent, and he became king after Rajaraja I died in 1014 CE. Rajendra inherited his father's vast kingdom, which included all of present-day Chennai and Andhra Pradesh, as well as parts of Mysuru and Sri Lanka. He had profited from a well-established, powerful administration, a robust army, and a thriving trading system. — Rajendra became one of the few Indian monarchs to conquer land beyond the Indian subcontinent. In 1025 CE, he sent a naval expedition to Indochina, the Malay Peninsula, and the Srivijaya Empire, which is today's Indonesia. The expedition attempted to capture vital trade routes in the Indian Ocean region, which had previously been controlled by the Srivijaya Empire. Conclusion: — Chola emperors Rajaraja I and Rajendra Chola I will soon have statues erected in honour of their rich legacy. Recalling the glorious contribution of the 10th-century Chola empire in South India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently said that the statues 'would serve as modern pillars of India's historical consciousness' and hailed the two rulers as 'synonymous with India's identity and pride'. (Source: Rajaraja I and Rajendra Chola: The 2 emperors who made the Cholas one of the greatest South Indian powers) Points to Ponder Read more about Chola Empire Read about contribution of Chola towards architecture Related Previous Year Questions Though the great Cholas are no more yet their name is still remembered with great pride because of their highest achievements in the domain of art and architecture. Comment. (2024) Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss. (2013) QUESTION 2: Explain the factors that make the relationship between extreme rainfall, landslides, and flash floods in the Himalayan region complex. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — Flash floods are usually triggered by extreme rainfall events that lead to landslides or mudslides with large amounts of debris ending up in streams or rivers. The debris flows down steep slopes with the surging water, its great force sweeping away buildings, vegetation, and roads in its path. — For instance, the Dharali incident indicates the rising risk of such disasters in these ecologically fragile regions, and the increasing uncertainty around their occurrence. This is making the task of installing early warning systems and taking mitigation measures even more difficult. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — A cloudburst has a specific definition in meteorology. The IMD categorises an extreme rainfall event as a cloudburst if a small area, roughly 10 km x 10 km in size, receives at least 100 mm of rain in about an hour. — During a cloudburst occurrence, extremely heavy rainfall raises the likelihood of a landslip. Cloudburst-like phenomena, even if they do not meet the exact definition of a cloudburst, are frequently responsible for flash floods in hill states. Many recent instances in Himachal Pradesh were caused by cloudburst-like events. — Heavy rains, landslides, and flash floods have no direct cause-and-effect link. — Not every cloudburst-like event causes a flash flood or calamity. Not all flash floods are caused by heavy rainfall. — A flash flood-like situation requires a number of factors to come together. In most situations, significant rainfall is followed by landslides or mudslides, which cause runoff into rivers. However, significant rainfall events do not always cause landslides, and even when they do, the debris does not necessarily end up in a river or stream. — Furthermore, the location where this occurs may not necessarily be on a steep enough slope to allow the collected material to descend forcefully. — But, again, landslides are not required to generate flash flooding. In certain circumstances, severe rainfall alone can accomplish this. Conclusion: — The Himalayas are comparatively young mountains. The rocks are not totally cemented, and there are many rather weak geological formations. The region is hence more vulnerable to landslides and flash floods than, instance, the older Aravali highlands. — The Himalayas are also earthquake prone. Continuous seismic activity increases the region's vulnerability to extreme rainfall events. Large-scale construction activities and heavy motor traffic are also major causes. — Certain mitigation measures can certainly be implemented. These might include avoiding construction activity near riverbanks, relocating villages and people away from rivers, and storing and disposing of huge rocks and construction waste in a way that prevents them from being carried into rivers. (Source: Dharali disaster: the complex, uncertain relationship between extreme rain, landslides & flash floods) Points to Ponder Read about cloudburst and flash floods How sustainable construction can be done in the Himalayan region? 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