UPSC Mains 2023 GS1 Q7 — Indian Monsoon
Why is the South-West Monsoon called ‘Purvaiya’ (easterly) in Bhojpur Region? How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultured ethos of the region? (Answer in 150 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- WhyHow
- Scope keywords
- South-West MonsoonPurvaiyaBhojpur Regiondirectional seasonal wind systemcultured ethos
- Implicit sub-parts
- The geographical mechanism causing the Bay of Bengal branch of the Monsoon to deflect and enter the Indo-Gangetic plain from the east.
- The transition from a 'physical phenomenon' to a 'cultural identity' within the Bhojpuri-speaking belt.
- Impact of these winds on the specific agricultural calendar, folk music (Kajri, Chaiti), and literature of the region.
- Common pitfalls
- Spending too much time on the general mechanism of the Monsoon instead of the specific deflection in the Bhojpur region.
- Failing to define the geographical boundaries of the 'Bhojpur Region' (Eastern UP and Western Bihar).
- Ignoring the 'Purvaiya' terminology and just writing a generic essay on Bihar's culture.
- Omitting the link between the relief of the Himalayas/Arakan Mountains and the change in wind direction.
- Dimensions required
- Climatological/GeographicalSociological/CulturalAgricultural/EconomicLinguistic/Literary
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate approximately 40-50 words to the geographical explanation of the Bay of Bengal branch's deflection (4 marks). Devote the remaining 100 words to the cultural ethos, specifically citing folk traditions like Kajri and the emotional significance of the wind in local migration narratives (6 marks).
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