General Studies 2025 GS Paper I 10 marks 150 words Compulsory Discuss

Q1

Discuss the salient features of the Harappan architecture. (Answer in 150 words) 10

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

हड़प्पा कालीन वास्तुकला के विशेष पहलुओं की चर्चा कीजिए । (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए) 10

Evaluate your answer to this question → See all 2025 General Studies questions

Directive word: Discuss

This question asks you to discuss. 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 'discuss' requires a comprehensive treatment covering multiple dimensions of Harappan architecture rather than mere description. Structure the answer with a brief introduction on the urban nature of Harappan civilization, followed by a body covering town planning, building materials and techniques, and distinctive structures, using specific site examples. Conclude with the legacy or uniqueness of Harappan architectural achievement within the bronze age world.

Key points expected

Grid-pattern town planning with citadel-lower town division (Mohenjodaro, Harappa)
Use of burnt bricks (unique to the region) and standardized brick ratios (4:2:1)
Sophisticated drainage system including Great Bath at Mohenjodaro and covered drains
Public structures: granaries (Harappa, Lothal), dockyard (Lothal), assembly hall
Residential architecture: courtyard houses, wells, bathrooms with soak pits
Absence of monumental temples/palaces indicating civic rather than religious/monarchical focus

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	20%	2	Covers multiple facets of architecture—planning, materials, construction techniques, and building types—rather than listing features; demonstrates awareness that 'discuss' requires synthesis and interconnection between elements.	Provides a descriptive list of architectural features without integrating them into a coherent discussion of what makes Harappan architecture distinctive as a system.	Misinterprets 'discuss' as mere enumeration or confuses architecture with other Harappan aspects like art or economy; treats the question as 'describe' or 'list'.
Content depth & accuracy	20%	2	Accurately identifies unique elements (standardized burnt bricks, grid planning, drainage sophistication) and correctly notes their significance; avoids anachronistic comparisons or factual errors about sites.	Covers major features but with minor inaccuracies (e.g., confusing baked and sun-dried bricks, misattributing structures to wrong sites) or superficial treatment of technical aspects.	Contains significant factual errors (e.g., claiming stone was primary material, confusing Harappan with Mauryan architecture) or omits defining characteristics like the citadel-lower town division.
Structure & flow	20%	2	Logical progression from urban planning → construction materials → public and private architecture → concluding significance; smooth transitions between sections within tight word limit.	Generally organized but with some repetition or abrupt shifts between topics; introduction and conclusion present but underdeveloped.	Disorganized or haphazard arrangement of points; no clear introduction or conclusion; poor paragraphing that obscures relationships between architectural elements.
Examples / case-law / data	20%	2	Uses specific, accurate site references (Great Bath at Mohenjodaro, dockyard at Lothal, granary at Harappa, DK-G area houses) to illustrate each architectural feature; demonstrates familiarity with ASI excavation findings.	Mentions 1-2 major sites (Mohenjodaro, Harappa) but with generic references; examples not tightly linked to specific architectural features being discussed.	No specific site examples or incorrect attributions (e.g., mentioning structures from other civilizations); relies entirely on vague generalizations like 'they had good drains'.
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	2	Concludes with analytical insight—comparing Harappan achievements with contemporary Mesopotamian/Egyptian architecture, noting the democratic/civic nature of their architecture, or reflecting on reasons for standardization (possible state control).	Brief concluding statement summarizing features without analytical depth; or generic observation about Harappan greatness without specific architectural focus.	No conclusion; or abrupt ending; or conclusion that introduces new unsubstantiated claims; or purely descriptive summary without any evaluative or comparative element.

Practice this exact question

Write your answer, then get a detailed evaluation from our AI trained on UPSC's answer-writing standards. Free first evaluation — no signup needed to start.

Evaluate my answer →