Why is the South-West Monsoon called Purvaiys’ (easterly) in Bhojpur Region? How has this directional seasonal wind systems influenced the cultural ethos of the region?

Theme

T30 Monsoon, El Niño & drought

What UPSC asks in this theme

UPSC asks about monsoon mechanism and culture, monsoon Asia feeding half the world, changing monsoon due to human landscapes, El Niño's effects, and drought preparedness.

What to cover

• Monsoon mechanism: differential heating, ITCZ, jet streams, Tibetan plateau
• El Niño, La Niña, IOD and Indian rainfall
• Human-induced changes: land use, aerosols, urbanisation
• Drought as disaster: NDMA guidelines, monitoring, contingency crop plans
• Monsoon and culture (e.g. Purvaiya in Bhojpur)

Writing the answer

• Link the physical process to agriculture and food security in your conclusion

These notes are for the whole theme, built from all 5 of its PYQs. UPSC does not publish model answers.