5 Years' GS Mains Papers : Analysis & Insights
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5 Years’ GS Mains Papers : Analysis & Insights MODERN INDIA & INDIAN CULTURE Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert Indian Culture UPSC Mains Syllabus - Indian Heritage & Culture Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert Number of Questions Topic of Syllabus No. of Marks Questions Indian Culture 3 32.5 Art Forms 4 37.5 Literature 2 22.5 Architecture 3 27.5 TOTAL 12 120 Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert 3- Questions from Indian Culture Q1. Taxila university was one of the oldest universities of the world with which were associated a number of renowned learned personalities of different disciplines. Its strategic location caused its fame to flourish, but unlike Nalanda, it is not considered as a university in the modern sense. Discuss (10 marks) - 2014 Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert Motivation to ask this Question Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert In Sept 2014 it was opened – Amartya Sen , Chairman of the University’s Governing Council Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert Approach – • In the introduction one can briefly give references of scholars / renowned personalities associated with Taxila University and highlight how its strategic location made it more popular. • In the body part – despite the above citing reasons why Taxila unlike Nalanda cannot be considered as a University in modern sense. • Conclusion – citing the relevance of both and linking the current affairs dimension Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert Answer Hints – • Introduction – Taxila University had been associated with renowned scholars belonging to different disciplines like Chanakya ( wrote – Arthashastra in Taxila itself) , Panini (language & grammar), Jivak ( medicine & Surgery), Charvaka (Ayurveda) etc. Also its strategic location at the crossroads of major trade routes i.e, Uttarapath ( GT road – connected Gandhara in the west to Magadha in the East); The Sindh route from Kashmir to Central Asia caused its fame to flourish. • However, despite of the above Nalanda University is regarded as a university in the modern sense due to following reasons – 1. Subjects /Curriculum – Taxila primarily an imp centre of Hindu and Buddhist learning with focusing on teaching of Vedic literature and art skills like archery and hunting only. Whereas Nalanda University taught more secular subjects like Economics, Politics Astronomy, Mathematics, Science, etc. 2. Students – Nalanda University‟s strong Buddhist curriculum attracted large no. of students from outside India like Korea, Turkey, Mongolia, Tibet, Japan ,etc enabling cross-cultural intellectual discourse . Whereas, Taxila University had mostly students from Indian Janpadas and adjoining areas. Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert 3. Infrastructure – Nalanda- multiple classrooms, extensive library , accomodation for students and teachers, etc Whereas, Taxila – didn‟t have lecture halls nor it provided residential quarters for both students and teachers as most of the learning was given by teachers at their houses privately. 4. System of Education - Nalanda – formal and centralised system of education . Taxila – no formal education , flexible and modified acc to student‟s capabilities. Teachers at Taxila taught according to their perspective because of the absence of centralised learning and in the process forming their own schools of learning. Also unlike in Nalanda, there was no formal degrees at the end of the course in Taxila. Conclusion – Both Taxila and Nalanda were great centres of learning of their times which had a profound impact on Indian culture and knowledge. Also, recently Nalanda University has opened up after 800 years is testimony to the fact that its importance in education and culture is immense. Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert Q2. Sufis and medieval saints failed to modify either religious ideas and practices or the outward structure of Hindu/Muslim societies to any appreciable extent. Comment. (10 marks) – 2014 Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert Approach – • Introduction –Rise of Bhakti & Sufi Movt. & their basic objective or philosophy • Taking a view either in support of the statement given that they failed to modify the Hindu/Muslim societies or taking the support of the view that they helped in modifying society. • Based on the view taken concluding the answer by briefly highlighting the weakness or strength of Bhakti/Sufi Movt. Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert Answer Hints – • Sufi and medieval mystic saints evolved as a reaction to orthodox, ceremonial, superstitious, and tyrannical practices prevalent in the society. They gained popularity due to the messages of divine peace, harmony, love, humanity and attainability of God. • It attracted the common men, as their main aim was to spend pious life recite name of Gods and get rid of evil practices. The impact of Sufism on Indian society and culture is undeniable in many ways – 1. Bhakti/Sufis & State – association with rulers – Akbar , etc 2. Bhakti/Sufis & Society – propagation of progressive ideas like equality, brotherhood, service to mankind – social harmony 3. Bhakti/Sufis & Religion – conversion of low caste hindus into their fold as they were driven by ideas of equality; harmony btw orthodoxy and liberal ideas. 4. Bhakti/Sufis & Economy – through Urs & Ziyarat – eg Ajmer imp. Pilgrimage; planted gardens & cultivated lands; Sufis lived austere life 5. Bhakti/Sufis & Literature – spreading of their ideas in regional, Persian & Urdu 6. Bhakti/Sufis & Composite culture – harmony, art & architecure Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert View 2 : How Sufi movt was not able to modify societies – 1. Promotion of orthodox ideas like by Naqshbandi silsilah, refuted progressive and syncretic ideas like Tauhid-i-ilahi 2. Ideological differences among them – Beshara, Ba-shara, etc absence of unity of ideology - factionalism 3. Status of women deteriorated , no special efforts to modify status of women – purdah system, polygamy, etc 4. Most of the followers of the sufi and bhakti movement came from the lower strata of the society. It was much difficult for such sections to break the shackles of the religious and social customs and form a new cult of their own. 5. Absence of institutional structure – spread of their message limited; personality cult. Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert Q3. The ancient civilization in Indian sub continent differed from those of Egypt , Mesopotamia and Greece in that its culture and traditions have been preserved without breakdown to the present day. Comment. ( 12.5 marks ) 2015 Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert Approach – • Introduce the answer by giving examples how the ancient past of Egypt, Mesopotamia( modern Iraq) andGreece ( Europe) had a complete break with the past, as evident with the changes seen in terms of religion, culture, values, etc • Then, give examples how ancient Indian Civilization ( Harappan and Vedic) – has continuity with modern times. • Finally conclude. Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert Answer Hints – The ancient past of Egypt, Mesopotamia( modern Iraq) and Greece ( Europe) had a complete break with the past, as evident with the changes seen in terms of religion, culture, values, etc In Egypt, construction of large structures called „pyramids‟ have now almost disappeared. It has now got Islamized while in the past it was dominated by varying polytheistic beliefs and Christianity. Mesopotamia produced multiple empires and civilizations rather than any single civilization. The ancient Greeks were a deeply religious people. They worshipped many gods in human form eg Zeus, Athena, but Religion in modern Greece is dominated by Greek Orthodox Church( role of Church) Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert Ancient Indian Civilization ( Harappan and Vedic) – continuity in modern times. • Religion- mother goddess, fertility cult, proto-shiva, worship of trees(pipal) Fire altars found at lothal and Kalibangan during Harappan Civilization and increasing significance of „yajnas‟ or sacrifices from Vedic age till today. • Cultural life and dressing styles- pottery , game of dice, chess, comb, beaded necklaces, saree type clothing, bangles, etc. • Agriculture- wheels, bullock cart, grains( barley, wheat, rice, etc) • Urban towns- harappan times- citadel, granary, streets, weights and measures, etc.- house plans, drainage system came to be followed in later times as well. • Social inequality existed in towns – in Vedic pd- inequalities reinforced- Varna system. Family system- patriarchal values,etc. • knowledge of vedas , Upanishads, etc transmitted from generation to generation. • Significance of „ritual bathing‟ and holy bath traced back to Harrapan times ( „Great Bath- Mohenjodaro) is continued till today eg taking dip in Holy Ganges, Yamuna, etc is still practiced by people. Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert Art Forms