General Studies 2024 GS Paper I 15 marks 250 words Compulsory Comment

Q11

"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. (Answer in 250 words) 15

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

"हालांकि महान चोल शासक अभी मौजूद नहीं हैं लेकिन उनकी कला व वास्तुकला के क्षेत्र में उत्कृष्ट उपलब्धियों के कारण अभी भी उन्हें बहुत गर्व से याद किया जाता है।" टिप्पणी कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)

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Directive word: Comment

This question asks you to comment. 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 'Comment' requires a balanced appraisal that acknowledges the premise while offering nuanced assessment. Begin with a brief contextual introduction on Chola imperial expansion (9th-13th century CE), then systematically examine their architectural innovations (temple architecture, bronze sculpture) and artistic achievements, substantiating with specific monuments. Conclude by critically reflecting on why this legacy endures in contemporary cultural memory and national identity.

Key points expected

Dravidian temple architecture evolution: vimana, gopuram, mandapa innovations and the shift from rock-cut to structural stone temples
Brihadeeswarar Temple (Thanjavur, 1010 CE) and Gangaikonda Cholapuram as UNESCO World Heritage monuments exemplifying Chola architectural zenith
Chola bronze sculptures: Nataraja iconography, lost-wax (cire perdue) technique, and aesthetic principles of tribhanga posture
Integration of art with statecraft: rajasimha (royal lion) symbolism, temple as economic and administrative centre
Continuity and influence on subsequent Vijayanagara and Nayaka styles; living heritage in contemporary Tamil culture and temple rituals

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	20%	3	Demonstrates precise grasp of 'Comment' by validating the statement with substantive evidence while maintaining critical distance—acknowledging regional variations or limitations without contradicting the core premise	Accepts the statement largely at face value with superficial validation; misses opportunity for nuanced appraisal or treats it as pure 'Describe' question	Misinterprets directive as 'Discuss' or 'Enumerate'; either uncritically eulogizes or unjustifiably disputes the premise without evidence
Content depth & accuracy	20%	3	Accurately dates Chola period (850-1279 CE), distinguishes Early/Middle/Late Chola phases, correctly identifies architectural terminology (kumbhapanjaras, upapithas), and notes specific sculptural attributes like abhaya-hasta mudra	Broadly correct chronology but vague on periodization; mixes Chola with Pallava or Pandya contributions; generic references to 'South Indian temple architecture'	Major factual errors (confusing Chola with Chera/Pallava); anachronistic claims; misidentifies key monuments or attributes wrong builders to iconic structures
Structure & flow	20%	3	Logical progression: contextual establishment → architectural achievements (temples) → artistic achievements (bronzes) → socio-political significance → reflective conclusion; smooth transitions with thematic linking sentences	Functional structure but mechanical listing; abrupt shifts between architecture and sculpture without integrative framing; conclusion merely restates introduction	Disorganized or haphazard arrangement; no discernible introduction or conclusion; repetitive or circular argumentation within limited word count
Examples / case-law / data	20%	3	Specific, diverse examples: Thanjavur Brihadeeswarar (Rajaraja I), Gangaikonda Cholapuram (Rajendra I), Airavatesvara Temple (Darasuram); bronze Nataraja of Thiruvelangadu; mentions UNESCO World Heritage Group of Monuments designation (1987)	Only Thanjavur temple mentioned repeatedly; generic 'Chola bronzes' without specific exemplars; no awareness of World Heritage status or archaeological documentation	No concrete examples or incorrect attributions (e.g., citing Mahabalipuram as Chola); purely descriptive without locational or chronological specificity
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	3	Synthesizes by connecting Chola achievements to living tradition (continued worship, festival processions), national heritage consciousness, or comparative assessment with other Indian temple traditions; addresses 'why remembered with pride' explicitly	Summary restatement of points without synthesis; generic statement about 'glorious past' without specific linkage to contemporary relevance or analytical insight	Missing or abrupt conclusion; introduces new unconnected information; or concludes with irrelevant personal opinion without evidentiary basis

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