1.Discuss the factors responsible for the formation of the Indian National Congress. What were the British policies towards early nationalists? (38 Marks)
Ans: The Indian National Congress was formed in 1885 by a British civil servant, Allan Octavian Hume, along with a group of Indian nationalists, as a platform for Indians to voice their grievances and demand greater participation in the administration of their own country. The formation of the Congress was a response to the growing discontent among educated Indians with British colonial rule and their lack of representation in government.
The British policies towards early nationalists were primarily one of repression and suppression. The British government viewed Indian nationalism movements as a threat to their rule and thus, they implemented policies such as the Rowlatt Act and the Defence of India Act, which allowed for arbitrary arrests and prolonged detention without trial of nationalist leaders. British also prohibited public gatherings, press censorship and had strict surveillance on leaders, these policies further fuelled the resentment among Indians towards British rule.
The British also implemented a divide and rule policy, which aimed to prevent the unity of different ethnic and religious groups in India, thus making it difficult for Indian nationalists to mobilize large numbers of people in their struggle for independence.
Overall, the Indian National Congress was formed as a response to the growing discontent among educated Indians with British colonial rule, and British policies towards early nationalists were primarily one of repression and suppression.
Q2. Trace the course of expansion of Western and technical education in Bihar between 1857-1947.
Ans: The expansion of Western and technical education in Bihar between 1857 and 1947 was a gradual process that was shaped by a variety of factors, including British colonial policies, the actions of Indian reformers, and the social and economic conditions of the region.
During the early years of British rule, the colonial government in India focused primarily on expanding primary education in the form of vernacular schools, which were intended to teach basic literacy skills to the population. However, access to Western-style education was limited and only available to a small elite group of Indians.
In the late 19th century, a number of Indian reformers, including Raja Ram Mohan Roy, began to advocate for the expansion of Western-style education in India. They believed that education was necessary for the progress and modernization of Indian society. This led to the establishment of a number of schools and colleges in Bihar, such as Patna College and the Prince of Wales Medical College.
During the late 19th and early 20th century, the British government in India also began to focus more on expanding technical education in the region. This was in response to the growing need for skilled workers in fields such as engineering, agriculture, and medicine. As a result, a number of technical institutes were established in Bihar, including the Bihar School of Engineering and the Agricultural College and Research Institute.
However, despite these efforts, the expansion of Western and technical education in Bihar was hindered by a number of factors, including poverty, lack of resources, and social and cultural resistance. As a result, access to education remained limited for the majority of the population.
After the Indian independence in 1947, the newly formed Indian government made education a priority and many efforts were made in direction to expand education, literacy and vocational education in Bihar and other parts of India.
Q3. Critical analyze the factors responsible for the emergence of Gandhiji as an eminent nationalist leader.
Ans: Mahatma Gandhi’s emergence as an eminent nationalist leader in India was the result of a complex interplay of factors, including his personal beliefs and experiences, the political and social conditions of the time, and his unique leadership style and strategies.
Firstly, Gandhi’s personal beliefs and experiences played a significant role in his emergence as a leader. Gandhi was deeply influenced by the principles of nonviolence, civil disobedience, and truth, which he had learned from Indian and Western philosophers. He also had experiences of discrimination and racism when he was practicing law in South Africa, which further strengthened his resolve to fight for the rights of the oppressed.
Secondly, the political and social conditions of the time were also conducive to the emergence of a leader like Gandhi. The Indian population was growing discontent with British colonial rule, and were looking for a leader who could mobilize and unite them in their struggle for independence. Gandhi’s message of nonviolence and civil disobedience resonated with the Indian people, and he was able to mobilize large numbers of people in support of the independence movement.
Finally, Gandhi’s unique leadership style and strategies also contributed to his emergence as a leader. He was a master of mass mobilization and was able to inspire and lead large numbers of people through his speeches and writings. He also employed innovative tactics such as the salt march and the non-cooperation movement, which drew widespread attention to the Indian independence movement and helped to build momentum for it.
Overall, Gandhi’s emergence as an eminent nationalist leader in India was the result of a complex interplay of factors, including his personal beliefs and experiences, the political and social conditions of the time, and his unique leadership style and strategies.
Q4. Write an essay on the Quit India Movement of 1942. Was it a spontaneous movement?
Ans: The Quit India Movement of 1942 was a major political movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress, calling for an immediate end to British colonial rule in India. The movement was launched in response to the growing dissatisfaction among Indians with British rule, as well as the increasing difficulties faced by the Indian people as a result of World War II.
The Quit India Movement was officially launched on August 8, 1942, with a speech by Gandhi in Bombay, in which he called on the British government to “Quit India” and to transfer power to the Indian people. The speech was met with widespread support, and protests and demonstrations erupted across the country. The British government responded by immediately arresting Gandhi and other Congress leaders, and declaring a nationwide crackdown on the movement.
The Quit India Movement was characterized by widespread acts of civil disobedience and non-violent resistance, including strikes, boycotts, and peaceful protests. The movement was particularly strong in rural areas, where the majority of the Indian population lived, and where the British government’s control was relatively weak.
Despite the arrests of its leaders and the repression of the movement by the British government, the Quit India Movement continued to gain momentum, and it became one of the largest and most widespread movements of civil disobedience in Indian history. The movement was particularly significant as it was able to bring together people from different regions and communities, who were united in their demand for freedom from British rule.
The Quit India Movement was not a spontaneous movement, but rather a well-planned and well-coordinated effort by the Indian National Congress to mobilize the Indian people in their struggle for independence. The Congress had been preparing for the movement for several years and had been building support among the people through various means, such as public speeches, demonstrations, and writings.
In conclusion, the Quit India Movement of 1942 was a major political movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress, calling for an immediate end to British colonial rule in India. The movement was characterized by widespread acts of civil disobedience and non-violent resistance, and it brought together people from different regions and communities, united in their demand for freedom from British rule. Despite the repression by the British government, the movement was able to gain momentum and became one of the largest and most widespread movements of civil disobedience in Indian history.
Q.5 Describe the chief characteristics of Mauryan art.
Ans: The art of the Mauryan Empire, which existed in ancient India between 321 and 185 BCE, is notable for its highly developed stone carving, metalworking, and architectural techniques. Some of the chief characteristics of Mauryan art include:
- Realism: The Mauryan artists were skilled at depicting realistic figures and objects in their artwork. They used detailed and accurate representations of animals, plants, and people in their sculptures, which were highly valued for their naturalistic qualities.
- Use of stone and metal: The Mauryan artists were proficient in working with a variety of materials, including stone and metal. They created intricate sculptures and reliefs using mainly hard stones such as granite, sandstone and limestone. They also worked with metal, mainly bronze, to create statues and other decorative objects.
- Architectural achievements: The Mauryan Empire was notable for its architectural achievements, particularly its rock-cut architecture. The most famous examples of this are the rock-cut temples and monasteries at Barabar and Nagarjuni hills, near Gaya, Bihar, that are considered to be the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India.
- Ornate and elaborate details: Mauryan art is known for its ornate and elaborate details. The sculptures and reliefs from this period are characterized by their intricate designs and decorations, which often include geometric patterns and intricate carvings of animals and human figures.
- Use of symbolism: Mauryan art often includes symbols and motifs that were believed to have religious or spiritual significance. For example, the depiction of the lion, a symbol of power and strength, is a common motif in Mauryan art.
Overall, the art of the Mauryan Empire is notable for its realism, use of stone and metal, architectural achievements, ornate and elaborate details, and use of symbolism. The Mauryan Empire was a period of great artistic achievement in India, and the art produced during this time continues to be admired and studied by scholars and art lovers alike.
Q6. Write short notes on any two of the following: (19×2=38 Marks)
(a) Santhal Uprising
(b) Champaran Satyagraha
(c) Rabindranath Tagore’s Contribution to the Freedom Movement
Ans: (a) Santhal Uprising
The Santhal Uprising was a rebellion that took place in 1855 in the present-day states of Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal in India. The rebellion was led by the Santhal community, who were a marginalized and oppressed group of people living in the region. The uprising was sparked by a number of factors, including the British colonial government’s policies of land acquisition and forced labor, as well as the exploitation and oppression of the Santhal people by local landlords and moneylenders.
The rebellion began in the Damin-i-koh region in present-day Jharkhand, and quickly spread to other parts of the region. The Santhal rebels, led by their leaders Sidhu and Kanhu, used guerrilla tactics to attack British colonial officials, landlords, and moneylenders. They also destroyed records of land ownership and revenue to disrupt the British administration.
The British colonial government responded to the rebellion with a brutal crackdown, using military force to suppress the rebellion. Many Santhal leaders and participants were killed, and thousands of Santhal people were forced to flee their homes.
Despite the suppression of the rebellion, the Santhal Uprising is considered to be a significant event in Indian history as it highlighted the resistance of the marginalized communities and the exploitation and oppression they faced under British colonial rule. Furthermore, it also brought attention to the need for land reform and the rights of the indigenous people.
(b) Champaran Satyagraha
The Champaran Satyagraha was a non-violent resistance movement in the Indian state of Bihar led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1917. The movement was sparked by the exploitation of indigo farmers by British planters, who forced them to grow indigo on a portion of their land and sell it at a fixed price. Gandhi organized a nonviolent resistance campaign and a system of constructive work, including the establishment of schools and medical clinics, to empower the farmers and improve their living conditions.
The movement ultimately led to the British government passing legislation to improve the rights of the farmers. The Champaran Satyagraha is considered an important milestone in the Indian independence movement and a major influence on Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance.
(c) Rabindranath Tagore’s Contribution to the Freedom Movement
Rabindranath Tagore, a Bengali poet, philosopher, and polymath, made significant contributions to India’s freedom movement. He was a vocal critic of British colonial rule in India and advocated for Indian independence through his writings, speeches, and political activities.
Tagore was a strong advocate of education as a means to bring about social and political change. He established the Visva-Bharati University, a residential university in West Bengal, which served as a center for the promotion of Indian culture and education. He also wrote extensively on the subject of education and the need for a new system that would foster creativity and critical thinking, rather than just rote learning.
Tagore was also an influential voice in the Indian National Congress, the main organization leading the Indian independence movement. He served as the President of the Indian National Congress in 1915 and used this platform to speak out against British colonial policies. He also helped to organize the boycott of British goods, which was an important tactic used in the freedom movement.
In addition to his political activities, Tagore’s literary works, including his poetry and plays, also played a role in the freedom movement. His works were widely read and discussed, and his ideas and messages of nationalism, humanism and universal brotherhood, inspired many freedom fighters.
In 1913 Tagore became the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, and he was knighted by King George V in 1915. He, later on, renounced the knighthood in 1919 as a protest against the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the British colonial policies in India.
In short, Rabindranath Tagore played a significant role in India’s freedom movement through his writings, speeches, political activities, and educational reforms. His ideas and works continue to inspire people and his legacy is still remembered today.
PART B
Q7. Discuss the origin, membership, development and objectives of ‘QUAD’. What is its significance for India? (38 Marks)
Ans: The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or simply the Quad, is a strategic forum that includes the United States, Japan, Australia, and India. It was first established in 2007 as a way for these four countries to coordinate their efforts to promote security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Quad’s origins can be traced back to the early 2000s, when the United States and Japan began holding informal consultations on regional security issues. These consultations expanded to include Australia in 2007, and India joined the group in 2008. The Quad has been revived in 2017, with the first leaders-level meeting held in November 2017 in Manila.
The Quad’s membership is limited to these four countries, and there are no plans to expand it to include other nations. The Quad is not a formal organization, and it does not have a permanent secretariat or official headquarters. Instead, it is a forum for regular consultations and coordination on regional security issues.
The Quad’s objectives are to promote security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, to counterbalance China’s growing assertiveness, and to uphold a rules-based international order. The Quad countries have emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation, respect for international law, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. They also have emphasized the importance of economic and development cooperation in the region.
The Quad is significant for India for several reasons. First, it provides India with an opportunity to work closely with other major powers in the region to promote security and stability. This is particularly important as India seeks to counterbalance China’s growing influence in the region. Additionally, India’s participation in the Quad aligns with its broader foreign policy objectives of fostering a multipolar world and promoting a rules-based international order. Finally, the Quad provides India with an opportunity to promote its economic and development agenda in the region, which is in line with its aim to be a key player in shaping the global order.
However, it’s worth noting that the Quad is still an informal dialogue and has not officially announced as an alliance. It also faces some challenges, particularly from China, which views the Quad as an attempt to contain its rise and has warned against any moves to formalize the grouping.
Q8. ‘Agnipath’ is a path towards development or destruction? Comment. (38 Marks)
Q9. Discuss the concept of ‘One Nation One Election’ in Indian context and give your argument for and against it. (38 Marks)
Ans: The concept of “One Nation One Election” in the Indian context refers to the idea of holding simultaneous elections for the national government and state governments at the same time, instead of holding them separately as is currently done. The idea is that this would save time, money, and resources and reduce the disruptions caused by frequent elections.
Arguments in favor of “One Nation One Election” include:
- Efficiency: Holding simultaneous elections would save time and resources as the same polling stations, security personnel and other logistics would be used. This would also reduce the burden on the electorate, who would not have to vote multiple times in a short period.
- Reduced Disruption: By reducing the frequency of elections, “One Nation One Election” would reduce the disruptions caused by campaigning and polling in different parts of the country at different times. This would help to minimize the impact on businesses and other activities.
- Reduced Cost: Conducting simultaneous elections would reduce the costs associated with frequent elections, such as the expenses incurred by political parties and the government on campaigning and polling.
Arguments against “One Nation One Election” include:
- Federalism: India is a federal country, and state governments have significant autonomy in many areas. Holding simultaneous elections would require state governments to align their election cycles with the national government, which could be seen as a violation of federal principles and the rights of the states.
- Representation: The timing of elections for the national government and state governments may not always align, and this could lead to a situation where the elected government does not have a mandate to govern in certain states. This could undermine the principle of representation.
- Political considerations: Holding simultaneous elections would require the alignment of political cycles, which could be difficult to achieve given the different political considerations of different states. It could also lead to a situation where a ruling party at the center may not have a majority in the state and vice versa, which would lead to a difficult governance.
- Constitutional issues: The Election Commission has to conduct the election as per the constitutional provisions, and it may be difficult to align state assembly elections with the Lok Sabha elections as the tenure of the assembly is five years and the tenure of Lok Sabha is five years.
It’s worth noting that One Nation One Election is still a debated topic in India, the government has proposed it several times, but it has not yet been implemented. The suggestion of the simultaneous polls has been examined by the Law Commission of India and the Election Commission of India (ECI) and both have recommended that it is not advisable to hold simultaneous polls at this stage.
Q10. What is the root cause of war between Russia and Ukraine? Discuss its impact upon the nations of the world with special reference to India. (38 Marks)
Ans: The root cause of the war between Russia and Ukraine is complex and multifaceted, with deep historical, political, and economic roots. The main causes of the conflict can be traced back to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, which led to the emergence of independent states in Eastern Europe, including Ukraine.
One of the key causes of the conflict is the issue of national identity and the question of whether Ukraine should align itself more closely with the West or with Russia. This has led to a power struggle between pro-Western and pro-Russian factions in Ukraine, with Russia supporting pro-Russian separatists in the eastern regions of the country.
Another key cause of the conflict is the issue of Crimea, a region in southern Ukraine that has a majority ethnic Russian population and is of strategic importance to Russia. In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea, citing the need to protect the rights of ethnic Russians in the region. This move was widely condemned by the international community, and it led to increased tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
The war between Russia and Ukraine has had a significant impact on the nations of the world, particularly on Europe, which has been deeply divided over how to respond to the crisis. The war has also had an impact on India, as it is a major trading partner of Russia and Ukraine. The war has led to an increase in tensions between Russia and the West, which has affected India’s economic and strategic interests in the region.
India has tried to maintain a neutral stance on the issue and has called for the peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue. India has been a member of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Ukraine and has provided humanitarian assistance to the people affected by the conflict.
In conclusion, the root cause of the war between Russia and Ukraine is complex and multifaceted, with deep historical, political, and economic roots. The war has had a significant impact on the nations of the world and has affected India’s economic and strategic interests in the region. India has been trying to maintain a neutral stance and has called for the peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue.
Q11. It is generally alleged that ruling party misuses the Constitutional Institutions for its vested interests. Do you agree with this view? Give arguments in support of your answer. (38 Marks)
Part-C (Statistical Analysis, Graphs, and Diagrams)
Q12. Questions based on data on percentage marks obtained by seven students in six different subjects. (36 Marks)
Q13. Questions based on data presented in pie charts. (36 Marks)
Q14. Questions based on graphical chart. (36 Marks)
Q15. Questions based on bar graphs. (36 Marks)
Table of Contents
GS 2
Part A
Q1. “The Indian Parliament is not a sovereign legislature. It has vast but not unlimited powers.” Comment on this statement and highlight as to why the Indian Parliament cannot be equated with its British counterpart. (38 Marks)
Ans: The Indian Parliament and the British Parliament are both legislative bodies, but there are several key differences between the two that prevent them from being considered equivalent.
Firstly, the Indian Parliament is a federal institution, with two houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), while the British Parliament is a unitary institution, with only one house, the House of Commons.
Additionally, India has a written constitution, which lays out the powers and responsibilities of the government and the limits on those powers, while the British system is based on unwritten constitutional conventions.
Another major difference is that the Indian Parliament has more power over the country’s finances, as the Constitution empowers the Lok Sabha to pass the budget and other financial legislation and any money bill can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha.
Lastly, India has a system of parliamentary democracy, where the executive is accountable to the legislature, and the head of the executive is appointed from the members of the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha. In contrast, the British system is a constitutional monarchy, where the monarch is the head of state, and the executive is accountable to the monarch and not to the parliament.
In summary, the Indian Parliament is a bicameral federal institution with a written Constitution and more financial powers, while the British Parliament is a unicameral unitary institution with unwritten constitutional conventions, and the head of the executive is accountable to the monarchy rather than the parliament.
Q2. Discuss the problem of Centre-State relations in India and its prospects in future, with special reference to Bihar. Examine as to how the problem can be constructively handled in tune with cooperate federalism. (38 Marks)
Ans: The problem of Centre-State relations in India is a complex issue that has been a source of tension and conflict throughout the country’s history. The Constitution of India establishes a federal system of government, in which powers are divided between the central government and the state governments. However, in practice, the central government has often been accused of encroaching on the powers of the state governments and of not adequately consulting or cooperating with them.
One of the key areas of tension between the Centre and the states is in the allocation of financial resources. States have often complained that they do not receive a fair share of the taxes collected by the central government and that they are not adequately compensated for the costs of implementing central government policies. In addition, state governments have also been frustrated by the lack of autonomy in decision-making, especially in areas like law and order, land acquisition, and public distribution systems.
With reference to Bihar, the state has had a long-standing demand for special category status, which would have provided it with additional financial resources and tax exemptions to help it develop its economy and infrastructure. However, this demand has not been met by the central government.
To address these issues and to constructively handle Centre-State relations, some propose the adoption of a cooperative federalism approach. This approach would involve a greater degree of consultation and cooperation between the Centre and the states, with the central government taking a more hands-off approach to state-level decision-making. Additionally, a more equitable distribution of resources and greater autonomy for the states would be implemented, allowing states to develop their own policies and programs to address the specific needs of their citizens.
Another possible solution is to ensure better communication, coordination, and collaboration between the Centre and the states. This could be achieved by setting up more formal channels of communication and consultation, such as inter-governmental councils, to ensure that the views of the states are taken into account in the development of central government policies.
In conclusion, the problem of Centre-State relations in India is a complex issue that has been a source of tension and conflict throughout the country’s history. A cooperative federalism approach would be a constructive solution which would involve a greater degree of consultation and cooperation between the Centre and the states, with the central government taking a more hands-off approach and providing more autonomy for the states to develop their own policies and programs to address the specific needs of their citizens.