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General Studies 2024 GS Paper I 10 marks 150 words Compulsory Estimate

GS Paper I — Q2

Estimate the contribution of Pallavas of Kanchi for the development of art and literature of South India. (Answer in 150 words) 10

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

दक्षिण भारत में कला व साहित्य के विकास में कांची के पल्लवों के योगदान का मूल्यांकन कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)

Q2 of the 2024 UPSC Mains General Studies GS Paper I, as printed
The question as printed in the 2024 General Studies paper
Model answer coming soon See all 2024 General Studies questions

What "Estimate" is asking you to do

Arrive at a defensible figure or appraisal that the data does not give directly, and make the basis explicit. What you assume, and how far the answer depends on it, is marked alongside the answer itself.

Structure that answers it

What is being estimated → assumptions and basis adopted → method of approximation → the estimate → its range, or the qualification it carries

Where marks are lost

Presenting an approximation as exact, or quoting it to decimals the method cannot support. Leaving the one assumption that drives the result unstated costs more than an imprecise figure.

All UPSC directive words, compared →

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

Framework: GS1 History/Culture: Art & Literature Analysis. evaluate: criteria > evidence > balanced judgment Full marks: Precise examples of art/lit with clear analysis of their contribution.

Key points expected

  • Identify Kailasanatha temple as a Pallava masterpiece
  • Mention transition from rock-cut to structural architecture
  • Cite specific Pallava literary works (e.g., Bhavabhuti)
  • Link patronage to the development of Dravidian style

Evaluation rubric

Each sub-part is marked on its own, against the marks and word limit printed on the paper.

  1. The answer Assess the specific impact of Pallavas on South Indian art and literature. 10 marks · 150 words

    evaluate— criteria → evidence → balanced judgment

    Must cover

    • Identify Kailasanatha temple as a Pallava masterpiece
    • Mention transition from rock-cut to structural architecture
    • Cite specific Pallava literary works (e.g., Bhavabhuti)
    • Link patronage to the development of Dravidian style

    Loses marks

    • Narrating general history of Pallavas without art focus
    • Confusing Pallava art with Chola art
    • Ignoring the 'literature' component of the question

    Earns more

    • Reference to specific kings (Mahendravarman, Narasimhavarman)
    • Mention of specific literary genres (Bhakti, Sanskrit)
    • Comparison with earlier Satavahana or Chola styles
    • Mention of specific sculptures (Descent of Ganga)

    Extra mark

    • 30-second sketch of Kailasanatha temple
    • Specific date of a major Pallava work

Model answer coming soon

Every evaluation on this site is marked against a verified model answer. This question's answer is still being written; evaluation opens the moment it lands.

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