SS

SURAMYA SHARMAAIR 359· 2025

Question Q.1GS1GS1

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

Open scan (p.1)

Introduction

Public bathing refers to the practice of collective bathing in public water reservoirs, spirits and lakes as part of religious, spiritual and cultural practices.

24 words

Main Body

Public bathing refers to the practice of collective bathing in public water reservoirs, spirits and lakes as part of religious, spiritual and cultural practices.

Recurring practice across cultures societies:

1Great bath tradition at Indus Valley Civilization- shows some sort of ritualistic practice (eg; Mohenjo daro bath)
2Religious practices and spiritual significance - eg; Gho Ganga ones at Biwni; Prayagraj is Kumbh.
3Philosophical values attached such as purification from cycle of birth and death eg; Yamuna bath on 'Yama Dvitiya'.
4Fair and festival related collective activity.

eg; Pushkar bath is Pushkar Fair—

5Belief systems based on health and curing abilities of water. eg; Manikaran Geothermal springs.
6Purification rituals and beliefs eg; After death in family.
7Geographical disease - clearing to water bodies and heat of summer seasons; eg; Ponds in villages as still used.

These water bodies need to be encroached as well—

1Not dumping organic waste discharges to water.
2Restrictions on flow of sewage to adjacent areas.
3Limit sewas development.

Other auntried practices like public bathing net only hold spiritual significance but also effects of nature conservation.

187 words15 paragraphs

Conclusion

Other auntried practices like public bathing net only hold spiritual significance but also effects of nature conservation.

17 words

  • Good use of specific historical and contemporary examples
  • Connected cultural practices to conservation aspects
  • Addressed multiple dimensions: religious, spiritual, health, and philosophical

Topper

SURAMYA SHARMA

AIR 3592025

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India

Social and Cultural Practices

Public Bathing Practices

Writing Stats

228

Total words

15

Paragraphs

Analytical

Tone