General Studies 2023 GS Paper I 10 marks 150 words Compulsory Explain

Q7

Why is the South-West Monsoon called 'Purvaiya' (easterly) in Bhojpur Region? How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultural ethos of the region? (Answer in 150 words) 10

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

दक्षिण-पश्चिम मानसून भोजपुर क्षेत्र में 'पूर्वैया' (पूर्वी) क्यों कहलाता है? इस दिशापरक मौसमी पवन प्रणाली ने क्षेत्र के सांस्कृतिक लोकाचार को कैसे प्रभावित किया है? (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)

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Directive word: Explain

This question asks you to explain. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

The directive 'explain' requires clarifying the meteorological basis for the term 'Purvaiya' and demonstrating causal linkages between monsoon patterns and cultural practices. Structure: brief introduction defining Purvaiya → first part explaining directional origin (SW monsoon deflection) → second part tracing cultural influences (agriculture, festivals, folklore) → concise conclusion synthesizing human-environment interaction.

Key points expected

Explanation of topographic deflection: SW monsoon winds strike the Chotanagpur plateau and deflect eastward, entering Bhojpur (western Bihar) from easterly direction
Clarification that 'Purvaiya' derives from 'Purva' (east), describing apparent wind direction experienced locally, not source region
Agricultural influence: timing of sowing (kharif), crop selection (paddy cultivation), and rain-dependent farming calendar
Cultural manifestations: Chhath Puja's monsoon-timed rituals, folk songs (Kajari) celebrating easterly winds, and traditional rain forecasting
Settlement and vernacular architecture: courtyard designs, water harvesting structures responding to Purvaiya rainfall patterns

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	20%	2	Clearly addresses both 'why' (meteorological explanation of directional deflection) and 'how' (cultural influence pathways); treats 'Purvaiya' as locally experienced easterly flow, not contradicting SW monsoon source	Addresses both parts but conflates directional terminology or provides weak linkage between wind pattern and cultural effects	Misinterprets 'Purvaiya' as separate monsoon system, ignores either the directional explanation or cultural dimension entirely
Content depth & accuracy	20%	2	Precise meteorological mechanism (Chotanagpur plateau deflection, local topographic channeling); accurate cultural linkages specific to Bhojpur-Awadh region; distinguishes between apparent wind direction and monsoon origin	General description of monsoon without specific deflection mechanism; generic cultural references applicable to any monsoon region; minor geographical inaccuracies	Fundamental errors (confusing NE and SW monsoon, placing Bhojpur in wrong state); stereotyped or irrelevant cultural references; confusion between 'Purvaiya' and western disturbances
Structure & flow	20%	2	Logical two-part structure with clear transition from physical to cultural geography; maintains 150-word discipline; each paragraph advances the explanatory narrative without repetition	Both parts present but with abrupt transitions; some redundancy between explanation and illustration; minor deviations from word limit	Disorganized or lopsided treatment (heavily weighted to one part); no clear paragraph breaks; significantly over/under word limit; circular reasoning
Examples / case-law / data	20%	2	Specific Bhojpur cultural markers: Kajari folk tradition, Chhath Puja's monsoon connection, local proverbs about Purvaiya winds; vernacular terms demonstrating indigenous meteorological knowledge	Generic Indian monsoon festivals (Diwali, Holi) without Bhojpur specificity; common agricultural practices without regional distinction; missing local cultural markers	No concrete examples; irrelevant examples from other regions (Kerala, Tamil Nadu); fabricated or clearly erroneous cultural references
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	2	Synthesizes directional paradox (SW origin, easterly local experience) with cultural adaptation; offers insight on indigenous knowledge systems or contemporary relevance (climate change impacts on Purvaiya reliability)	Simple summary of points without synthesis; generic statement about monsoon importance to Indian culture; no analytical progression	No conclusion; abrupt ending; contradictory final statement; conclusion introducing entirely new unsubstantiated claims

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