SY

SURABHI YADAVAIR 14· 2025

Question Q.1GS1GS1

Why has public bathing been a recurring practice across cultures and societies? Discuss with examples.

Open scan (p.2)

Introduction

Gathering of over 100 million people in Kumbh Mela (2021) in Prayagraj, UP, highlighted the significance of public gathering and bathing.

21 words

Main Body

Gathering of over 100 million people in Kumbh Mela (2021) in Prayagraj, UP, highlighted the significance of public gathering and bathing.

Reasons for Public Bathing as a Recurring Practice across Cultures:

1Identifying a sense of community (eg) Ardh Kumbh & Make Kumbh.
2Spiritual significance → (eg) Belief that you sins are forgiven
3Historic/Ritualistic significance (eg) Great Bath, Mohenjedaro may be for similar purpose
4Collective conscience & Memory across (eg) Baths across Delhi or Rami ki vav have collective significance.
83 words6 paragraphs
Answer continues on next page
  • Uses contemporary example (Kumbh Mela 2021 with specific attendance figures)
  • Identifies multiple dimensions: spiritual, historical, collective memory
  • Connects to UNESCO heritage sites (Rami ki vav)

Topper

SURABHI YADAV

AIR 142025

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times

Culture and Society

Public Bathing Practices

Writing Stats

104

Total words

6

Paragraphs

structured with enumeration

Tone