Synopsis : Day 16 – July 18, 2024 – 75 Days Mains Revision Plan 2024 – GS 1

75 Days Mains Revision Plan 2024 – GS 1

GS 1

Q1. How does the grandeur of Chalukyan architecture combine with hybrid stylistic elements in temple construction? 10M

Key demand of the question

To identify and explain how Chalukyan architecture integrates hybrid stylistic elements into temple construction, highlighting the synthesis of various architectural influences.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Introduce Chalukyan architecture, emphasizing its significance in Indian architectural history and its distinctive features.

Body:

1. First, write the characteristics of Chalukyan architecture – structural elements like temple layout, shikhara design, Sculptural embellishments, material and construction techniques.
2. Afterwards, write about the hybrid stylistic elements in Chalukyan Architecture – Nagara and Dravida fusion, Local adaptations and preferences, Jain and Buddhist influences etc.

Conclusion

Highlight the enduring legacy of Chalukyan temples in showcasing India’s rich architectural heritage and their role in promoting artistic expression and religious devotion.

SYNOPSIS:

Introduction

The Chalukyas of Badami, renowned for their remarkable contributions to Indian art and architecture, ruled the southern Deccan region, particularly in Karnataka, until the mid-8th century. They were succeeded by the Western Chalukyas (also known as Kalyani Chalukyas) around the 11th century AD.

Body:

The Chalukyan temple architecture, characterized by the Vesara style, represents a unique hybrid style of temple construction, marked by several distinct features:

1. Temple Pillars: Chalukyan temple pillars in Karnataka exhibit similarities to the Sekhari and Bhumija styles of pillars found in northern India.
   1. g. the pillars at the Durga Temple in Aihole show intricate carvings and structural design similar to these northern styles.
2. Shrine Design: The layout of shrines, subsidiary shrines, and panchayatana style, along with the stepped diamond plan, show resemblance to the Nagara school of architecture.
   1. This is evident in the Lad Khan Temple at Aihole, which features a Nagara-style stepped diamond plan.
3. Eastern Nagara Influence: The vestibule plan that connects the sanctum to the mandapa in Chalukyan temples is similar to those in Orissa temples.
   1. g. the Mahakuta and Swarga Brahma temples at Alampur reflect a blend of northern styles from Odisha and Rajasthan.
4. Ornamentation: The decorative miniature towers and wall ornamentation in Chalukya temples combine elements of both Nagara and Dravida styles.
   1. g. The Virupaksha Temple at Pattadakal showcases such a combination, with its elaborate carvings and decorative motifs.
5. Vimana: Dravidian influence is particularly evident in the vimanas of early Chalukya temples.
   1. g. The Mallikarjuna Temple at Pattadakal features a distinctly Dravidian vimana.
6. Persian Influence: Arabesque art design featuring linear decorations with patterns of flowers, leaves, and twisted branches is found in the triangular spaces of Chalukyan temple ceilings.
   1. E. g. ceiling decorations of the Hucchimalli Gudi Temple at Aihole.

Chalukyan architecture also has distinct characteristics and grandeur, such as:

1. Characteristic Features: Key features include a small base design, horseshoe base, square garbhagriha, inner pradakshina patha, mukhamandapa, and a pyramidal shikhara on the garbhagriha.
   1. g.The Kadasiddhesvara Temple at Pattadakal
2. Unique Contributions: The construction of stambha mandapa (navaranga) and sukhanasi along with the garbhagriha was a unique Chalukyan innovation.
   1. g. Galaganatha Temple at Pattadakal
3. Entrance Hall: The entrance hall to Chalukyan temple shrines typically features two or more entrances, unlike the small closed mantapa in Nagara temples or the single enlarged mantapa in Dravida temples.
   1. g. Sangameshwara Temple at Pattadakal
4. Cave and Structured Temples: Chalukyan architecture includes both cave temple designs and structured temple designs. The doorway panels are highly decorated with pilasters, moulded lintels, and cornices, which serve both aesthetic and practical purposes.
   1. g. Badami Cave Temples
5. Chhajja: A double curved projective eave, known as chhajja, is commonly seen in Chalukyan temples, such as the Muktesvara Temple in Chaudayyadanapura.
6. Pillars: The pillars of Chalukya temples stand on a monolithic shaft, with their height determining the height of the mantapa and the temple.
   1. g. Bhutanatha Group of Temples at Badami feature such pillars.
7. Soapstone Carvings: The use of soapstone for wall carvings is a common feature in Chalukyan temples. The Kasivisvesvara Temple at Lakkundi exemplifies this use of soapstone for intricate carvings.

Conclusion

The Chalukyan temples, with their distinct architectural styles, stand as significant contributions to Indian temple architecture, earning their reputation as the ‘Cradle of Temple Architecture.‘

Q2. Discuss the impact of historical events and cultural factors on shaping the dynamics of the Arab-Israeli conflict. 15M

Key demand of the question

To analyze how specific historical events and cultural factors have contributed to the development, escalation, and resolution attempts of the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Introduce the Arab-Israeli conflict, its historical roots, and the significance of understanding the impact of historical events and cultural factors on shaping its dynamics.

Body:

1. First, write about the historical events shaping the Arab-Israeli Conflict – Balfour Declaration (1917), UN Partition Plan (1947), Israeli Independence and Palestinian Nakba, Arab-Israeli Wars (1948, 1967, 1973), Oslo Accords and Peace Initiatives.
2. Next mention the cultural factors Influencing the Arab-Israeli Conflict – Israeli Jewish Identity and Arab nationalism, religious significance of Jerusalem, diaspora and global Influences.

Conclusion

Emphasize the ongoing complexities, the role of identity narratives, and the necessity for continued international efforts towards a just and lasting resolution.

SYNOPSIS:

Introduction

The dynamics of the Arab-Israeli conflict have been profoundly shaped by a complex interplay of historical events and cultural factors, which have contributed to deep-seated tensions and varying perspectives on both sides.

Body:

Historical Events

1. Balfour Declaration (1917): was a public statement by government of Britain announcing its support for the establishment of a “national home for Jewish people” in Palestine, then an ottoman region with a small minority Jewish population fuelling Jewish immigration and settlement while causing unrest among the Arab population.
2. Partition and Creation of Israel (1948): The United Nations’ partition plan in 1947, leading to the establishment of Israel in 1948, marked a pivotal moment.
   1. g., it resulted in displacement (Nakba) and loss of territory, fostering a sense of dispossession and resentment. Conversely, for Jews, it represented the realization of long-held aspirations for a homeland.
3. Six-Day War (1967): Israel’s swift victory over Arab states (Egypt, Jordan, Syria) in 1967 led to the occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem.
   1. This intensified Palestinian grievances over land and sovereignty, while Israel saw these territories as strategically crucial for security.
4. Oslo Accords (1993): The Oslo Accords aimed at establishing Palestinian self-governance through the Palestinian Authority (PA) but left contentious issues like settlements and borders unresolved.
   1. This period saw increased Israeli settlements in the West Bank, complicating future negotiations and fostering Palestinian disillusionment.
5. Second Intifada (2000-2005): The uprising against Israeli occupation saw waves of violence and countermeasures, deepening mutual mistrust and hardening positions.
   1. It highlighted Palestinian frustration with the lack of progress toward statehood and Israeli concerns about security threats.
6. Gaza Wars and Blockade: Wars in Gaza, particularly in 2008-2009, 2014, and 2023-24 resulted in significant casualties and infrastructure damage.
   1. Israel’s blockade of Gaza, intended to weaken Hamas but criticized for humanitarian consequences, exacerbates tensions and fuels international scrutiny.

Cultural Factors

1. Religious Significance:
   1. Jerusalem: Both Israelis and Palestinians consider Jerusalem holy. Control over East Jerusalem (Old City) and its religious sites (Western Wall, Al-Aqsa Mosque) symbolizes national and religious identity, complicating negotiations on sovereignty and access.
2. Narratives and Identity: Historical narratives shape perceptions of victimhood and entitlement.
   1. For Palestinians, memories of displacement (Nakba) and ongoing occupation fuel resistance. Israelis cite historical persecution and the Holocaust as justification for statehood and security measures.
3. Political Leadership and Public Opinion: Israeli and Palestinian leaderships influence public discourse and policy.
   1. Peace efforts, stalled by domestic politics and leadership changes, reflect differing priorities and readiness for compromise.
4. Diaspora Influence: Jewish and Palestinian diasporas advocate for respective causes internationally, influencing diplomacy and public opinion.
   1. Pro-Israel lobbying in the United States contrasts with pro-Palestinian activism in Europe and the Middle East.

Conclusion

Efforts at peace, such as through negotiations and international mediation, often grapple with deeply ingrained perceptions and unresolved grievances. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for addressing the conflict’s underlying causes and fostering a sustainable resolution that accommodates the aspirations and security concerns of both Israelis and Palestinians.

ETHICS

Q3. Discuss the interplay between attitude, thought, and behaviour in shaping ethical decision-making in public administration. How can a positive attitude and ethical thought process influence the behaviour of civil servants in their professional roles? [10M, 150words]

Key Demand of question:

Analyse how Attitude influences our thoughts and behaviour.

 Structure of the answer: 

Introduction: Start with the definition of Attitude or start with attitude related quote.

 Body:

• First discuss the interconnection between thought, attitude, and behavior.
• Diagrammatic representation would be appreciated.
• Then write about how attitude and ethical thought processes influence behaviour in civil service.

Conclusion: Conclude by highlighting its significance.

SYNOPSIS:

Introduction:

Attitude refers to an expression of the way one feels. Behavior is the way that someone acts. Although the two are related, they are distinct from one another as attitude focuses on how one feels, and behavior deals with one’s actions.

Body:

The interplay between attitude, thought and behavior in shaping ethical decision-making are:

1. Attitude on thought and behavior:
   • Moral Attitudes: A public servant with a strong commitment to these values is more likely to make decisions that prioritize the public good over personal gain.
     • Eg: IAS Ramesh Gopal rescuing children from child labor in Jharkhand.
   • Cognitive Ethics: Thought processes, including critical thinking and ethical reasoning, are crucial in evaluating situations and determining the most ethical course of action.
2. Behaviour on thought and attitude:
   • Behavioral Integrity: The congruence between one’s ethical beliefs and actions, known as behavioral integrity. When public servants align their behavior with their ethical attitudes and thoughts, they demonstrate integrity and build public trust.
     • Eg: Pooja Khedkar’s IAS behavior demonstrates a lack of integrity.
   • Virtue Ethics: Cultivating virtues such as honesty, empathy, and courage influences both thought and behavior. These virtues guide public servants in making ethical decisions.
     • Eg: Gandham Chandrudu IAS officer of Anantpur “Girl is the Future” Campaign to sensitise girl education.

3. Thought impact on attitude and behavior:
   • The theory of reasoned action postulates that an individual’s attitude and its consequences for a particular course of action direct behavior through deliberate thought and conscious contemplation.

A positive attitude and ethical thought process significantly influence the behavior of civil servants in their professional roles in several ways:

1. Commitment to Public Service: Civil servants with a positive outlook are more likely to go above and beyond in their roles, striving to meet the needs of the community and enhance public welfare.
   • Eg: Assam rifle commitment in enforcement of law and order in Manipur.
2. Ethical Decision-Making: Ensures that civil servants consider the moral implications of their decisions and actions. This leads to more thoughtful decisions and prioritizing fairness, justice, and the public interest over personal or political gain.
3. Professional Conduct: A positive and ethical attitude influences civil servants to exhibit professional behavior such as honesty, reliability, and respect for others.
   • Eg: T N Sesan epitome of honesty in Election commission.
4. Public Trust: When civil servants consistently act ethically and positively, it reassures the public that their interests are being protected, enhancing the legitimacy and credibility of public institutions.
   • Eg: the Indian Army has a lot of public trust and respect among people.
5. Resilience and Adaptability: A positive attitude equips civil servants to handle challenges and setbacks more effectively. Combined with an ethical thought process, it ensures that they navigate difficulties without compromising on ethical standards.
   • Eg: Rahul Raj DC from Telangana promoted People’s Participation in Poshan Abhiyan.

Conclusion:

To inculcate a positive attitude, and foster a supportive and inclusive work environment that values teamwork and recognition. Provide continuous professional development and ethical training to reinforce commitment to public service values.

Q4. Ankit Sharma, a senior civil servant, has a reputation for his dedication to public service and ethical conduct. However, over the past year, his attitude towards his work and colleagues has significantly deteriorated due to personal issues and growing frustration with bureaucratic red tape. This change in attitude has started to affect his performance and behaviour at work.

Ankit was assigned to oversee a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving water supply in a drought-prone region. Despite the project’s importance, Ankit’s negative attitude led to frequent clashes with his team, delays in decision-making, and an overall decline in project progress. His team members felt demotivated and undervalued, which further exacerbated the situation.

During a crucial meeting with local community leaders, Ankit’s dismissive and abrasive attitude caused a rift between the administration and the community. The leaders felt disrespected and were reluctant to cooperate, jeopardizing the project’s success. Complaints from both the community and his team reached higher authorities, raising concerns about Ankit’s suitability for his role.

In the given circumstances, address the following:

1. Identify the stakeholders involved in this case and the issues they face due to Ankit Sharma’s attitude.
2. Suggest strategies and measures that can be implemented to help Ankit Sharma improve his attitude and restore his professional conduct. [20M]

Key Demand of the question:

Identify the issues in the case study and suggest measures to improve attitude in professional conduct.

Structure of the answer: 

Introduction:

Start with the nuances of the case study.

Body:

The answer body must have the following aspects covered

• Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues faced by them due to Ankith’s attitude.
• Discuss the measures that can help in improving Ankith’s attitude.

Conclusion: Conclude by mentioning the significance of attitude.

SYNOPSIS:

Introduction:

As the quote goes “The weakness of attitude becomes a weakness of character”. This given case depicts Ankit’s personal and professional life imbalance leading to damaging his true character.

Body:

1. a) The stakeholders involved in the given case are:

1. Ankit Sharma: The senior civil servant whose deteriorating attitude is the core issue.
2. Project Team Members: Colleagues working under Ankit on the infrastructure project.
3. Local Community Leaders: Representatives of the drought-prone region affected by the project.
4. Higher Authorities: Supervisors and senior officials overseeing the project and public service conduct.
5. General Public: Residents of the drought-prone region are dependent on the project’s success for improved water supply.

Issues faced by the stakeholders due to Ankit’s attitude are:

1. Ankit Sharma: Struggles with personal issues and bureaucratic frustration, leading to decreased motivation and ethical lapses.
2. Project Team Members: Experience demotivation and undervaluation, resulting in lower morale and productivity.
3. Local Community Leaders: Feel disrespected and distrustful, which hampers cooperation and jeopardizes the project’s success.
4. Higher Authorities: Concerned about project delays, stakeholder complaints, and Ankit’s suitability for his role.
5. General Public: Suffer from delayed project benefits, prolonging water supply issues in the drought-prone region.

1. b) Strategies and measures to improve Ankit Sharma’s attitude are:

1. Ethical Counseling and Support: Provide Ankit with access to counselling services to address personal issues and professional frustrations. Ethical counselling can help him re-align with his core values of public service and integrity.
2. Mentorship and Guidance: Assign a mentor to Ankit who exemplifies ethical leadership and can offer guidance on managing stress and bureaucratic challenges.
   • Eg: Raju Narayana Swamy IAS officer well-known for standing up against corruption and biased towards ethical conduct.
3. Ethical Training Programs: Enroll Ankit in continuous professional development programs focusing on ethical decision-making, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution.
   • Eg: Mission Karmayogi program for value enrichment.
4. Fostering a Supportive Work Environment: Create an inclusive and supportive work culture that values teamwork, recognition, and open communication.
   • Eg: Team get-together events and outings.
5. Implementing Feedback Mechanisms: Establish regular feedback sessions where team members and community leaders can express their concerns constructively.
   • Eg: Suggestion and feedback boxes at the office.
6. Performance Evaluation and Accountability: Conduct regular performance evaluations that focus on both professional achievements and ethical conduct.
7. Encouraging a Service-Oriented Philosophy: Reinforce the philosophy of public service as a duty to the community by invoking principles of utilitarianism (maximizing overall well-being) and deontology (duty to serve the public).

Conclusion:

“Achieving work-life balance is a never-ending journey, and your needs will change over time. The key is to make time for what you love and follow your passions relentlessly.” Adopting of Nish Kama Karma and Nish Swartha Seva is key to countering it.

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