Q6
(a) A large number of Indian cities have a complex morphological characteristics due to their historical evolution. Elucidate. 20 (b) Discuss the significance of organic farming for sustainable agricultural development in India. 15 (c) Examine the geopolitical impact of bilateral relationship between India and Sri Lanka. 15
हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें
(a) बड़ी संख्या में भारतीय शहरों में उनके ऐतिहासिक विकास के कारण जटिल रूपात्मक विशेषताएँ होती हैं। स्पष्ट कीजिए। 20 (b) भारत में सतत कृषि विकास के लिए जैविक खेती के महत्व की विवेचना कीजिए। 15 (c) भारत एवं श्रीलंका के बीच द्विपक्षीय संबंध के भू-राजनीतिक प्रभाव का परीक्षण कीजिए। 15
Directive word: Elucidate
This question asks you to elucidate. 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 'elucidate' demands clear explanation with examples. For part (a) (20 marks), spend ~40% of word budget tracing historical layers from ancient to colonial to post-independence phases. For (b) (15 marks), 'discuss' requires balanced coverage of significance and challenges of organic farming. For (c) (15 marks), 'examine' calls for critical analysis of geopolitical dimensions including maritime security, ethnic ties, and Chinese influence. Structure: brief composite introduction → three distinct body sections → integrated conclusion on spatial interconnectedness.
Key points expected
- Part (a): Evolution of Indian urban morphology through successive cultural layers—Indo-Gangetic ancient cities (Varanasi, Pataliputra), medieval Islamic urbanism (Shahjahanabad), colonial grid patterns (Madras, Bombay Fort), and post-independence sprawl; mention concentric zone vs. sector models applied to Indian context
- Part (a): Specific morphological elements—fort-cities, katras, havelis, cantonments, civil lines, and their spatial segregation creating dual cities
- Part (b): Significance of organic farming for sustainable agriculture—soil health restoration (Jhum to settled agriculture in NE), water conservation, biodiversity preservation, carbon sequestration, and premium export markets (Sikkim as first organic state)
- Part (b): Challenges and policy support—PKVY, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, low yields during transition, certification costs, and market linkages
- Part (c): Geopolitical impact—Palk Strait maritime security, fishermen disputes, ethnic Tamil question affecting India's domestic politics, Chinese port development (Hambantota, Colombo), and India's counter-strategy through connectivity projects
- Part (c): Strategic significance of Sri Lanka for India's maritime domain awareness, energy security (Sagar Mala), and as node in Indo-Pacific strategy
Evaluation rubric
| Dimension | Weight | Max marks | Excellent | Average | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concept correctness | 20% | 10 | Accurately applies urban morphology theories (Mumford, Hoskins) for (a); correctly defines organic farming standards (NPOP, PGS-India) and sustainable agriculture pillars for (b); precisely identifies geopolitical concepts—string of pearls, maritime chokepoints, Exclusive Economic Zones—for (c) | Basic definitions correct but conflates morphological types or confuses organic with natural farming; geopolitical analysis lacks conceptual framework | Fundamental errors—describes urban morphology as only physical planning, equates organic farming with traditional farming, or reduces India-Sri Lanka relations to only bilateral trade |
| Map / diagram | 15% | 7.5 | For (a): sketch of layered city cross-section (e.g., Delhi showing Shahjahanabad, Lutyens, post-1947 rings) or annotated morphology map; for (c): map showing Palk Strait, maritime boundaries, Chinese port locations, and Indian strategic projects; diagrams enhance argument | One generic urban map or no map for (c); diagrams present but not integrated with textual analysis | No maps or diagrams; or irrelevant sketches that do not illustrate morphological evolution, organic farming zones, or maritime geopolitics |
| Indian regional examples | 25% | 12.5 | For (a): specific cities—Varanasi (ghat morphology), Madurai (temple-centric), Jaipur (grid-plan), Chandigarh (modernist); for (b): Sikkim (100% organic), Andhra Pradesh (natural farming), ZBNF in Karnataka; for (c): specific incidents—IPKF, 2009 civilian casualties, fishermen arrests, Colombo Port City | Mentions Delhi and Mumbai for (a); generic reference to 'some states' for organic farming; only general reference to Tamil issue for (c) | No Indian examples or inappropriate foreign examples; confuses Sri Lanka with Maldives or Nepal in geopolitical analysis |
| Spatial analysis | 25% | 12.5 | For (a): analyzes spatial segregation, core-periphery relations, and changing CBD locations; for (b): spatial distribution of organic farming potential (Himalayan, NE, dryland areas) and agro-climatic suitability; for (c): critical analysis of maritime geography, proximity effects, and projection of power across Palk Strait | Describes spatial patterns without explaining processes; limited integration of physical and human geography across parts | No spatial perspective—treats urban morphology as history, organic farming as economics, and bilateral relations as pure politics without geographical embeddedness |
| Application / policy | 15% | 7.5 | For (a): links to Smart Cities Mission, heritage conservation policies; for (b): evaluates PKVY, PM-KUSUM, organic export potential; for (c): assesses SAGAR doctrine, maritime security cooperation, and infrastructure diplomacy effectiveness | Lists policies without evaluation; generic mention of 'government schemes' without specificity | No policy content; or irrelevant policies cited; fails to connect academic concepts to contemporary governance challenges |
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