General Studies 2023 GS Paper IV 20 marks 150 words Compulsory Explain

Q6

(a) What were the major teachings of Guru Nanak? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world. (Answer in 150 words) 10 (b) Explain the term social capital. How does it enhance good governance? (Answer in 150 words) 10

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

(a) गुरु नानक की प्रमुख शिक्षाएं क्या थीं? समकालीन दुनिया में उनकी प्रासंगिकता की व्याख्या कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए) 10 (b) सामाजिक पूंजी की व्याख्या कीजिए। यह सुशासन में वृद्धि कैसे करती है? (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए) 10

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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 clear exposition with causal reasoning. For part (a), spend ~75 words on Guru Nanak's core teachings (Ik Onkar, equality, honest labor, community kitchen) and ~75 words on contemporary relevance (secularism, gender justice, sustainable development). For part (b), allocate ~50 words defining social capital (Putnam/Bourdieu) and ~100 words on governance linkages (participation, trust, reduced transaction costs). Structure: direct definitions → thematic elaboration → integrated conclusion.

Key points expected

  • Part (a): Core teachings of Guru Nanak — monotheism (Ik Onkar), rejection of idolatry and caste, equality of gender and religion, dignity of labor (kirat karo), sharing (vand chhako), and community welfare (sangat and pangat)
  • Part (a): Contemporary relevance — pluralism and communal harmony, gender equality (women in leadership), dignity of labor (SDG-8), environmental consciousness (sustainable living), and social inclusion
  • Part (b): Definition of social capital — networks, norms of reciprocity, and trust that facilitate collective action (citing Putnam, Bourdieu, or World Bank framework)
  • Part (b): Governance mechanisms — enhanced citizen participation, reduced corruption through trust, effective service delivery, participatory democracy, and resilience in crisis management
  • Part (b): Indian examples — Self-Help Groups (SHGs), gram sabha functioning, Kerala's high social capital, or COVID-19 community response

Evaluation rubric

DimensionWeightMax marksExcellentAveragePoor
Demand-directive understanding20%4For (a), explains 'what' teachings are and 'why' they matter today with causal logic; for (b), moves beyond definition to explicate mechanisms linking social capital to governance outcomesDefines both terms adequately but treats relevance/linkages superficially without explanatory depthMisinterprets 'explain' as mere listing or description; confuses social capital with human capital or economic capital
Content depth & accuracy20%4Accurately identifies Nanak's theological and social innovations; correctly distinguishes bonding/bridging/linking social capital and their differential governance impactsCovers major teachings and basic social capital types but with gaps (e.g., omits kirat karo or conflates social capital types)Factual errors (e.g., attributing teachings to later Gurus, equating social capital with physical infrastructure)
Structure & flow20%4Clear demarcation between (a) and (b); within each, logical progression from concept to application; smooth transitions maintaining 150-word discipline per partBoth parts addressed but uneven weightage or abrupt shifts; some organizational clarity but lacks tight integrationDisorganized response; parts merged confusingly or one part severely underdeveloped; exceeds word limit significantly
Examples / case-law / data20%4For (a): cites specific practices (langar, Guru Granth Sahib's inclusive composition); for (b): uses Indian evidence (Kudumbashree SHGs, JFM committees, or World Bank Social Capital Assessment Tool findings)Generic references (e.g., 'India has social capital') or only theoretical examples without Indian specificityNo examples or irrelevant illustrations (e.g., discussing Mughal architecture for Nanak's teachings)
Conclusion & analytical edge20%4Synthesizes both parts to show convergence — Nanak's teachings as foundation for social capital in Indian tradition; or critical insight on risks (exclusionary bonding capital, majoritarianism)Separate conclusions for each part without synthesis; standard summative ending without analytical depthMissing conclusion or abrupt ending; purely descriptive closure without evaluative or forward-looking element

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