UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice — GS 1 : Questions on Pallavas of Kanchi and ocean currents (Week 73)Sign In to read

UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative for the practice of Mains answer writing. It covers essential topics of static and dynamic parts of the UPSC Civil Services syllabus covered under various GS papers. This answer-writing practice is designed to help you as a value addition to your UPSC CSE Mains. Attempt today’s answer writing on questions related to topics of GS-1 to check your progress.

Discuss the contribution of Pallavas of Kanchi to the village administration in South India.

What are ocean currents and what is the difference between cold and warm ocean currents? Discuss how they affect the activities of humans directly or indirectly.

Introduction

— The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction.

— It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts.

Body

— It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content.

— The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points.

— Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse.

— Underlining keywords gives you an edge over other candidates and enhances presentation of the answer.

— Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be used logically and only where it is required.

Way forward/ conclusion

— The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel that an important problem must be highlighted, you may add it in your conclusion. Try not to repeat any point from body or introduction.

— You may use the findings of reports or surveys conducted at national and international levels, quotes etc. in your answers.

Self Evaluation

— It is the most important part of our Mains answer writing practice. UPSC Essentials will provide some guiding points or ideas as a thought process that will help you to evaluate your answers.

QUESTION 1: Discuss the contribution of Pallavas of Kanchi to the village administration in South India.

Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers.

Introduction:

— One of the greatest dynasties, the Pallavas dominated a sizable portion of South India and the Deccan. Tondaimandalam was the name of the region they governed.

— The Pallavas created Kanchi, which is now known as Kanchipuram, their capital. Kanchi developed into a city of temples and Vedic education during their rule. The Pallavas dynasty governed from the third to the seventh century CE, as evidenced by the inscriptions left by its kings in Prakrit and Sanskrit on copper plates and stone.

— The Pallava King Narasimhavarman I (630–668) was renowned as Mamallan, or “great warrior,” which is whence the name Mamallapuram originates. The Chinese Buddhist monk-traveler Hiuen Tsang visited the Pallava capital at Kanchipuram during his rule.

— Narasimhavarman, who ushered in the era of great governmental expansion, brought the Pallavas to their pinnacle of power around the close of the sixth century CE. Indeed, the Pallavas dynasty had a big impact on the Deccan and South India’s political, social, and cultural history.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer:

Village administration

— Local legislatures, such as the Sabhas and the Nagarattaras, were in charge of running cities and villages.

— In cities and villages, steps were taken to conduct a thorough land survey in addition to crucial local projects like water supply.

— By the time of Pallavas, the economic, judicial, and general village administration functions were handled by village organisations. The effectiveness of the land survey departments at the village level is demonstrated by the early Sanskrit inscriptions that recorded the specifics of the gifted properties. This kind of thorough land survey is exemplified by the Umvapalli plates.

— The way the hamlet was run shows how organised and bureaucratic the Pallavas’ system of governance and administration was, even at the smallest level.

— According to historical records, the village and the central government kept up with the upkeep of all the wastelands and arable land, as well as tanks, lakes, rivers, wells, rocks, and even trees.

— In particular, the Pallavas took great care to maintain irrigation. The village government had the right to pay the Viyavan, the village headman who was active in local administration.

Conclusion:

— Under the Pallavas, a new type of administration emerged, imposing a superstructure of the northern ideal of government on southern local institutions, as evidenced by the Hirahadalli Copper plates of Sivaskandavarmam, Omgodu plates of Vijayaskandavarman, Rayakota plates of Skandasisya, and Kuram plates of Paramesvaravarman.

(Source: Explained: Going back 1300 years, the story of Mahabalipuram’s China connection, cbc.gov.in)

Points to Ponder

Taxation and Revenue and Pallavas

Administrative officials and functions of Pallavas