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Q1) "What is the basis of regionalism? Is it that unequal distribution of benefits of

development on a regional basis eventually promotes regionalism?

Answer:

Introduction:

Regionalism is a process of drawing identity on a regional basis. It advocates political loyalty

or love for one’s region of birth and residence above other regions. While the unequal
distribution of development benefits is a significant factor promoting regionalism, it is not the
sole reason.

Approach for the Body: STAPLE Approach

Body:

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 Factor Role and Examples

Unequal Distribution of Development Benefits

Economic Disparities ● It leads to feelings of neglect and marginalization. Regions that

lag in development often feel they are not receiving their fair
share of national resources.
Eg, The disparity between the economically prosperous Western
India (Maharashtra, Gujarat) and less developed regions like
Eastern India (Bihar, Odisha) has fueled regional discontent.

Infrastructure and ● Unequal access to infrastructure such as roads, schools, and

Services hospitals, as well as public services, can exacerbate regional
grievances.
Eg, The northeastern states of India, such as Arunachal Pradesh
and Nagaland, often experience underdeveloped road and rail
networks compared to the more developed infrastructure in
western states like Gujarat and Maharashtra, fostering feelings of
neglect.

Other factors:

Social Factors

Social Inequalities ● Relative deprivation, including caste and class disparities, often
intersect with regional issues to fuel regionalism.
Eg, The indigenous tribes (Adivasis) and lower castes in the
Chotanagpur plateau region felt socio-economic marginalization
and exploitation by the upper-caste landowners and industrialists
(Jharkhand bifurcation).

Migration and ● Migration and demographic changes can lead to tensions

Demographic between local and migrant populations, fostering regionalism.
Changes Eg, Anti-migrant sentiments in states like Assam and
Maharashtra illustrate how demographic changes contribute to
regionalism

Technological factors

Social Media ● Echo Chambers: They reinforce personal viewpoints and also
amplify politically motivated narratives.
Eg, Social media and local news outlets in states like Assam and
Meghalaya amplified fears and opposition to the CAA, creating a
strong regional narrative against the act. The echo chambers
intensified regionalism, with people in the Northeast uniting
against the perceived threats

Administrative Factors

Special Status to ● Article 370 granted special autonomous status to the state of
Jammu and Kashmir Jammu and Kashmir, allowing it to have its constitution and
(Article 370) significant autonomy over internal matters.
Eg, While intended to integrate the state into India while

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 respecting its unique status, Article 370 also reinforced a distinct
regional identity and fueled regionalism. The special status
created a sense of separateness from the rest of India,
contributing to long-standing regional tensions.

State Reorganization ● The States Reorganization Act of 1956 restructured Indian states
on Linguistic Lines based on linguistic lines to address demands for greater cultural
(1956) and administrative coherence.
Eg, Creation of states like Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and
Gujarat strengthened regional consciousness, sometimes at the
expense of broader national unity.

Political Factors

Regional Political ● Regional political parties often capitalize on regional issues to

Parties gain support, thereby reinforcing regionalism. This in turn leads
to popularization of Son of the Soil Theory.
Eg, Parties like the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra and the Telugu
Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh focus on regional pride and
development issues, strengthening regional sentiments.

Identity Politics ● Political movements centered around ethnic, linguistic, or cultural

identity can drive regionalism.
Eg, The rise of the Gorkhaland movement in West Bengal.

Environmental and Geographical Factors

Natural Resources ● Control over natural resources can be a basis for regionalism,
and Geographical
Isolation
with regions seeking greater autonomy to manage their
resources. Geographical isolation and difficult terrain can lead to
feelings of neglect and foster regionalism.
Eg, Resource-rich regions like Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh
have demanded more control over their mineral wealth,
contributing to regionalism.
The North-Eastern states of India, which have historically felt
isolated from the mainland, have strong regional sentiments due
to perceived neglect.

Economic inequality still no Regionalism: Economic inequality does not essentially lead
to Regionalism.
Eg, Nuh (Haryana): Nuh's economic inequality is driven by a combination of educational
disparities, dependence on agriculture, lack of industrial development, inadequate
healthcare, and social discrimination. However, There is no development of regionalism in
the area.

Conclusion:

To curb regionalism, the Indian government has implemented initiatives like the Backward
Regions Grant Fund (BRGF) to financially support underdeveloped areas and the
Bharatmala Pariyojana to enhance connectivity. The creation of new states such as

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 Telangana addresses regional grievances, while schemes like Ayushman Bharat improve
healthcare access in rural regions. These efforts aim to ensure balanced development and
reduce regional disparities, promoting national unity.

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 Q2) Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation. Argue
by giving suitable illustrations.

Answer:

Introduction:

Communalism refers to the divisive ideologies, practices, or actions that promote the
interests of a particular religious or ethnic community over the larger society, often
resulting in social, cultural, or political conflicts and tensions.

Approach for the Body:

Body:
Dimension Power Struggle as a Basis for Communalism

Assimilationist ● Power struggles can lead to efforts by dominant groups to

assimilate minority communities to consolidate their power.
Eg, The policy of Sinhalese majoritarianism in Sri Lanka, where the
Sinhalese government sought to assimilate the Tamil minority by
imposing the Sinhala language and Buddhist religion, leading to
ethnic tensions and the Sri Lankan Civil War.

Welfarist ● Political power struggles can result in welfare policies that favor one
community over others, exacerbating communal tensions.
Eg, The apartheid regime in South Africa, which implemented
policies that provided extensive benefits to the white minority while
severely discriminating against the black majority, leading to intense
communal strife and eventual violent resistance.

Retreatist ● Minority communities may retreat from mainstream society due to

power struggles, leading to segregation and isolation.
Eg, The Jewish ghettos in Europe, particularly during the Nazi
regime, where Jews were forcibly segregated and isolated from the
broader society, leading to profound social and economic
disenfranchisement.

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 Retaliatory ● Power struggles can provoke retaliatory actions between
communities, escalating violence and deepening communal divides.
Eg, The Rwandan Genocide in 1994, where political leaders from
the Hutu majority exploited ethnic tensions to incite violence against
the Tutsi minority, resulting in retaliatory violence and mass
atrocities.

Separatist ● Struggles for political power can fuel demands for regional
autonomy or separation to escape perceived oppression.
Eg, The Basque separatist movement in Spain, where the
Basque people have sought greater autonomy or independence
from the Spanish state due to historical grievances and cultural
identity

Secessionist ● Extreme power struggles can lead to calls for complete secession
from the state or country, aiming for independent governance.
Eg, The South Sudanese independence movement, which
resulted in South Sudan seceding from Sudan in 2011 after
decades of conflict driven by ethnic, religious, and political power
struggles.

Dimension Relative Deprivation as a Basis for Communalism

Assimilationist ● Relative deprivation can lead to minority groups feeling pressured to
assimilate into the dominant culture to gain economic or social
benefits, often at the expense of their own cultural identity.
Eg, The forced assimilation policies towards Indigenous peoples in
Canada, including residential schools, led to long-term socio-economic
disadvantages and cultural loss among Indigenous communities.
Welfarist ● Policies aimed at welfare can create a sense of relative deprivation if
certain groups feel they are not receiving their fair share, leading to
communal tensions.
Eg, In the UK, perceived preferential treatment in social housing and
welfare benefits for immigrant communities has sometimes led to
tensions and resentment among native British citizens.
Retreatist ● Feeling deprived, some minority communities may retreat from
mainstream society, leading to self-segregation and isolation.
Eg, The Roma community in Europe often faces severe
socio-economic deprivation, leading to their marginalization and
self-segregation from broader European societies.
Retaliatory ● Relative deprivation can provoke retaliatory actions between
communities, escalating violence and deepening communal divides.
Eg, The sectarian violence in Northern Ireland, known as "The
Troubles," (1960s to 1998) where perceived deprivation and
discrimination against Catholics led to retaliatory violence between
Catholic and Protestant communities.
Separatist ● Feelings of deprivation can fuel demands for regional autonomy or
separation to escape perceived oppression and improve
socio-economic conditions.
Eg, The Catalan independence movement in Spain, driven by

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 economic grievances and cultural differences, seeks to establish an
independent Catalonia separate from Spain.
Secessionist ● Extreme deprivation can lead to calls for complete secession from the
state or country, aiming for independent governance to address
socio-economic inequities.
Eg, The Biafra secessionist movement in Nigeria, where the Igbo
people sought to create an independent state of Biafra due to
economic and political marginalization by the Nigerian government.

Interplay of Power Struggle and Relative Deprivation

Mutual ● The ethnic clashes in Assam between Bodos and Bengali-speaking
Reinforcement Muslims were driven by long-standing socio-economic and political
issues.
● Communalism: The Bodo community's sense of relative deprivation
and fear of losing political control, combined with power struggles,
fueled the violence.
● Outcome: The clashes resulted in significant loss of life and
displacement, exacerbating communal tensions and highlighting the
interplay of power struggles and relative deprivation.
Escalation of ● The combination of power struggles and relative deprivation can
Conflict escalate conflicts, leading to prolonged violence and instability.
Eg, In the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the relative deprivation of
Palestinians, combined with power struggles between Israeli and
Palestinian leadership, has perpetuated the conflict.
Cycle of Retaliation ● The interplay of power struggles and relative deprivation can create a
cycle of retaliation, where actions by one group provoke responses
from another, leading to ongoing conflict.
Exploitation by ● Political elites can exploit feelings of relative deprivation to gain or
Political Elites maintain power, often at the expense of communal harmony.
Eg, In Myanmar, the military and political leaders have exploited the
relative deprivation of the Rohingya minority to consolidate power,
leading to severe communal violence and a humanitarian crisis.
Deepening of ● The interaction between power struggles and relative deprivation can
Sectarian Divides deepen sectarian divides, making reconciliation and peace-building
efforts more challenging.
Eg, In the Iraq conflict, the Sunni-Shia divide has been exacerbated
by power struggles and relative deprivation, leading to prolonged
sectarian violence and instability.

Conclusion:
Under Article 51A, it is the fundamental duty of Indian citizens to foster harmony and a spirit
of common brotherhood among all citizens, transcending differences of religion, language,
region, or caste.

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 Q3) Why is caste identity in India both fluid and static?

Answer:

Introduction:

As per Christophe Jaffrelot, "India is a country where modernity and tradition coexist. The
caste system has shown a remarkable capacity to adapt, but its fundamental inequalities still
resist change.”

Approach for the Body:

Body:

Caste identity in India is static Caste identity in India is fluid

Segmental ● Settlement Pattern: ● Settlement Pattern:

division. Persistence of caste Buildings and Apartments
based settlement patterns are breaking caste based
in rural areas. norms and leading to
breaking of traditional
settlement patterns.

Lack of choice ● Caste-based ● Changes in caste based

of occupations Occupations: Traditional Occupation patterns:
in those occupations linked to Caste-based occupation
divisions. specific castes patterns in India are
perpetuate the static evolving due to educational
nature of caste identities. opportunities, economic
Eg, 95% of manual reforms, government
scavengers are from policies, technological
SC/ST communities: advancements, and
NCSK changing social norms.
Eg, The rise in the number
of students from

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Purity and ● In rural areas, certain
pollution based caste based occupations
on occupation. are still considered
impure and face
marginalization.
Hierarchy ● Traditional hierarchy
structures are still visible
in certain areas such as
marriage, persistence of
caste panchayats.
Civil/religious ● Caste based privileges:
disabilities/privi Caste acting as a social
leges of groups capital leading to better
economic opportunity.
Eg, Access to capital in
Tirupur to Gaunder
Community leading to
better economic status
(World Development
Report, 2002)
Restrictions on ● Endogamy and Social
marriage. Segregation: Social
norms like endogamy
(marriage within the
caste) and caste-based
segregation in villages
reinforce static caste
identities. These
practices ensure that
caste boundaries remain
clear and distinct.
Eg, Caste based
searches on matrimonial
sites.
Conclusion:
Hutton, the Census Commissioner of 1931, that “caste was in the air” in India. However, The
Caste System has undergone some changes, but the essence of caste based identity has
continued to exist with its varied forms.
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marginalized communities
graduating from prestigious
institutions like IITs and
IIMs.
● Article 16 prohibits
discrimination in
employment in any
government office based on
Caste. This detachs the
notion of purity and
pollution from occupation.
● The caste based identity is
shifting towards class
based.
● Caste based atrocities
and privileges: These are
in decline due to legal
provisions such as
Prevention of Atrocities Act,
and Right to Equality.
● Inter-caste Marriages:
Increasing instances of
inter-caste marriages are
contributing to the fluidity of
caste identities, especially
among younger
generations.
Eg, As of the 2011 census,
5.8% of the marriages in
India were inter-caste
marriages
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 Q4). Are we losing our local identity for the global identity? Discuss. (2019)

Related Questions:
● ‘Globalization is generally said to promote cultural homogenization but due to
this cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in the Indian Society.
Elucidate. (2018)
● To what extent globalization has influenced the core of cultural diversity in
India? Explain. (2016)

Introduction:

As per Anthony Giddens, Globalization is “the intensification of worldwide social relations

which link distant localities in such a way that local happenings are shaped by events
occurring many miles away and vice versa”, thereby changing all aspects of our everyday
life.

Approach for the Body:

Body:
Impact of Globalization on Culture

Homogenisation Hybridisation Revival of Local

Food McDonaldization Navaratra Thali Chicken Tikka

Masala (popular in
England)

Dress Western dress (seen as Jeans and Kurta, Popularisation of

a sign of freedom) Indo-Western Chikankari and
Bandhani handicrafts

Language English as a lingua Hinglish, Hollywood movies Global release of

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 franca dubbed in regional Indian regional
languages movies (Kennedy of
Anurag Kashyap
screened at Cannes)

Performing Replaced by Indian Characters in Worli Paintings,

Arts Hollywood Movies (Rajesh Kalbelia, Classical
Traditional Movies in The Big Bang Theory), Songs, Grammy
Stories Indie Pop, Bhangra Fusion award to Zakir
Hussain, Yoga, GI
Classical Hip Hop Tags, Religious
revivalism (Tourism),
Dance Salsa Cultural Exchanges

Family Single parent family, Functionally joint and

disintegration of family, structurally nuclear families
same sex marriages,
Dual earner families,
Nuclearisation of
families (51.7% (2001)
to 52.1% (2011) :
Census

Marriage Confluent, Contractual, Caste based searches on Indian Marriages of

Same sex marriages, shadi.com, Western style Hollywood celebrities.
Intercaste and interfaith Indian weddings (Ring
marriages, Exchange ceremony, Cake
cutting, walking down the
aisle)

Kinship Decreasing importance Reorientation of Kinship

ties (Friends and Family
constitute kinship)

Festival Replacement of Gift giving in Diwali, Digital Deepawali Day Act in

traditional festivals by Rakhis. US Congress to
western festivals. Eg, recognise it as a
New year, Halloween federal holiday

Values Rationalisation, Cultural Resilience Cultural Revival

Secularism,
Commodification, Social
Media, Consumerism

Conclusion: Quote based

“Globalization is not a monolithic force but an evolving set of consequences - some good,
some bad, and some unintended. It is the new reality." - John B. Larson

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 Q5. Critically examine the effect of globalization on the aged population in India.
[2013]

Answer:

Introduction:

As per Anthony Giddens, Globalization is “the intensification of worldwide social relations

which link distant localities in such a way that local happenings are shaped by events
occurring many miles away and vice versa”, thereby changing all aspects of our everyday
life. The aged population is experiencing the far-reaching effects of globalization bringing
both opportunities and challenges.

Approach for the Body:

Body:
Aspect Positive Effects Negative Effects

Social ● Improved Healthcare ● Erosion of Traditional Family

Access: Globalization has
improved access to
advanced medical
technologies and services.
Eg, Telemedicine services,
modern diagnostic
tools.<br> - Dimension:
Increase in average life
expectancies.
Structures: Decline of the joint
family system due to urbanization
and migration.
Eg, According to the report,
Currently, there are 728 old age
homes in India, and by the end of
2023, it is expected to be 1000+ old
age homes
● Loss of traditional values, family
cohesion. Globalization and
urbanization weaken traditional joint
family systems, increasing loneliness
and neglect.

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 Technological ● Enhanced Connectivity:
Technology enables better
connectivity through digital
platforms.
Eg, Social engagement
opportunities (Vidyanjali
Portal,
olderwisewiser.com).
Administrative ● Improved Services:
Better administrative
services due to
globalization.
Eg, National health
schemes like Ayushman
Bharat.
Political ● Influence of Global Best
Practices: Globalization
influences policy-making,
leading to programs aimed
at improving elderly
welfare.
Eg, The National
Programme for Health Care
of the Elderly (NPHCE)
inspired by international
standards.
Legal ● Legal Protections:
Development of legal
frameworks for elderly
rights based on
international standards.
Eg, Maintenance and
Welfare of Parents and
Senior Citizens Act, 2007
influenced by Madrid
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● Digital Divide: Lack of digital literacy
among the elderly.
Eg, Struggle to use smartphones,
computers.
● Cultural Shock: The feeling of
disorientation experienced by the
elderly when exposed to rapid
technological and societal changes
they are unfamiliar with.
● Sense of Alienation: The emotional
state where elderly individuals feel
isolated and disconnected from the
modern digital world and its
advancements.
● Bureaucratic Challenges:
Globalized Administrative Systems:
The adoption of global standards
and practices in administrative
services has led to more complex
and digitalized procedures, making it
difficult for the elderly to navigate
and access the benefits and services
they are entitled to.
Eg, The transition to online portals
for pension applications and
healthcare services can be
challenging for elderly individuals
who are not familiar with digital
platforms.
● Implementation Gaps: Gaps in
policy implementation and
enforcement.
Eg, Insufficient coverage under
social security schemes.
● Complex Legal Processes: The
integration of international legal
standards can complicate domestic
legal systems, making it harder for
the elderly to navigate and assert
their rights.
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 International Plan of
Action on Ageing.

Economic ● Increased Opportunities: ● Economic Vulnerability: Increased

New economic economic disparities, financial
opportunities for the elderly. insecurity leading to faster inflation,
Eg, Re-employment for erosion of savings.
retiree initiative by Agewell
Foundation.
● Increased Remittances:
Globalization has facilitated
migration, leading to higher
remittances from family
members working abroad,
which supports the financial
stability of elderly relatives
in India.

Conclusion:

In the spirit of Globalization, Following the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing,
India should focus on ensuring the inclusion of older persons in development, advancing
health and well-being into old age, and ensuring enabling and supportive environments.

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 Q6. How is the Indian concept of secularism different from the western model of
secularism? Discuss. [2018]

Answer:

Introduction:

A secular state is one which in theocratic, has no formal legal alliance with any religion and
some principles and goals are derived from non-religious sources. To promote these ends
the state must be separated from organised religion and its institutions for the sake
of some of these values. The nature and extent of separation may take different forms,
depending upon the specific values it is meant to promote and the way in which these
values are spelt out.

Approach for the Body:

Body:

Indian Secularism Western Secularism

Relation ● The state maintains an ● There is a strict separation

between inclusive and balanced between state and religion,
State and relationship with all adhering to the principle of mutual
Religion religions, promoting Sarva exclusion, where the state does

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 Dharma Sambhava (equal
respect and disrespect for
all religions). It can
intervene in religious
matters to promote social
reform and equality.
Eg, Judicial orders on triple
talaq, Sabarimala temple
entry, abolition of Sati.
Domination ● Addresses both
inter-religious and
intra-religious domination to
ensure harmony and
equality among all religions
and within religious
communities.
Eg, Laws against
caste-based discrimination
and support for
marginalized communities
within religions.
Tolerance ● Promotes active respect
and acceptance of all
religions, beyond mere
tolerance. The state
supports and recognizes
various religious practices
and festivals.
Eg, Government support
for religious pilgrimages like
Haj and Amarnath.
Focus: ● Balances individual rights
Individual or with community rights,
Communities providing protections and
support to religious
minorities.
Eg, Financial aid to
educational institutions of
religious minorities,
separate personal laws for
different communities.
Public ● Allows the public display
Sphere and expression of religion,
with state support for
religious activities in public
spaces.
Eg, Public holidays for
major festivals of different
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not interfere in religious matters
and vice versa.
Eg, The First Amendment in the
United States Constitution ensures
separation of church and state.
● Primarily focuses on preventing
the domination of one religion over
others in public and state affairs.
Eg, France’s principle of laïcité
preventing religious influence in
public institutions.
● Ensures tolerance through
non-interference, maintaining a
neutral stance towards all religions
without state support for religious
practices.
● Eg, The UK allows diverse
religious expressions like wearing
hijabs or turbans.
● Emphasizes individual rights and
freedoms, often without special
accommodations for religious
communities.
Eg, Uniform application of laws
without special provisions for
religious minorities.
● Restricts religious expression to
the private sphere, preventing
religious displays in public
institutions and spaces.
Eg, Bans on religious symbols in
public schools in France.
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 religions, religious
processions.

Conclusion:

The Indian model of secularism emphasizes equal respect for all religions, legal pluralism,
and state intervention to promote social equity, fostering inter-religious harmony and
inclusivity. Western nations can learn from India's approach to managing religious diversity
while ensuring constitutional guarantees for religious freedom.

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 Q7. Are tolerance, assimilation and pluralism the key elements in the making of an
Indian form of secularism? Justify your answer. [2022]
Answer:
Introduction:
In a world where the West's secularism is shaped by diversity, the success of Indian
secularism is under close scrutiny. India's unique approach to secularism is pivotal in
showcasing harmonious coexistence amidst vast cultural and religious pluralism.
Approach for the Body: Comparative Approach
Body:
Concept Meaning
Tolerance ● Definition: Willingness of
people from diverse religious,
cultural, and linguistic
backgrounds to coexist
peacefully and tolerate each
other's beliefs and practices.
Eg, The United Kingdom
allows and respects multiple
religious practices, such as
wearing hijabs or turbans in
public institutions.
Assimilation ● Definition: Process by which
people from different
backgrounds gradually adopt
the customs and traditions of
the host culture, often entailing
cultural subjugation.
Eg, The United States'
"melting pot" approach, where
immigrants are expected to
assimilate into the dominant
American culture, sometimes
at the expense of their own
cultural identities.
Pluralism ● Definition: Phenomenon
where minority groups
participate fully in the
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Indian Context
● Indian secularism goes beyond
tolerance, involving equal
respect and disrespect of all
religions.
Eg, Government support for
religious pilgrimages like Haj and
Amarnath.
Indian secularism not only
tolerates but also intervenes in
unreasonable practices, ensuring
social reform while respecting
religious diversity (e.g., abolition
of Sati, banning of Triple Talaq).
● Indian secularism is based on
integration rather than forced
assimilation. Different religions
and sects coexist without losing
their unique identities. Multiple
religions and sects are not forcibly
assimilated into Hinduism but
exist in their own space,
demonstrating India's inclusive
approach.
Eg, Tribal Panchsheel and mutual
exchange of beliefs, such as the
influence of tribal festivals like
Narali Purnima on mainstream
Hindu festivals like Raksha
Bandhan.
● Indian secularism is rooted in
multiculturalism, where no single
religion or culture dominates.
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 dominant society while
maintaining their cultural
differences.
Eg, Canada’s official policy of
multiculturalism (as in
Canadian Multiculturalism Act ,
1988) promotes the
preservation of cultural
identities within a cohesive
national framework.
Coexistence of more than eight
religions alongside numerically
dominant Hinduism.
● Indian pluralism allows religiously
clashing beliefs to coexist
peacefully, as seen in diverse
food habits, cultural clothing, and
festivals.
● This concept ensures that minority
religions have equal space and
recognition in the socio-cultural
fabric.

Conclusion:

The Indian model of secularism emphasizes equal respect for all religions, legal pluralism,
and state intervention to promote social equity, fostering inter-religious harmony and
inclusivity. Western nations can learn from India's approach to managing religious diversity
while ensuring constitutional guarantees for religious freedom.

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 Q8) Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree?

Answer:

Introduction:

Customs are long-established practices or habitual actions that are characteristic of a

particular community or society. They often dictate social behavior, rituals, and ceremonies
passed down through generations.
Traditions are the inherited beliefs, practices, and cultural rituals that are passed down
within a community or group, forming a crucial part of their identity and heritage. They
provide continuity and a sense of belonging across generations.

Customs and traditions have played a significant role in shaping Indian society. While they
provide a sense of identity and continuity, they can also act as barriers to rational thinking
and progress.

Approach for the Body:

Body:

Disagreeing with the Assertion

Agreeing with the Assertion

Individual Level

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 ● Cognitive Bias: In India, many
individuals follow customs and
traditions without questioning their
relevance or rationality. This
adherence can lead to cognitive
biases and hinder critical thinking.
Eg, Considering women as impure
during Mensturation
Community Level
● Social Pressure: In Indian
communities, there is often
significant social pressure to
conform to traditional practices,
discouraging individuals from
adopting rational approaches or
questioning harmful customs.
Eg, The practice of untouchability,
though legally abolished, still
persists in some communities,
perpetuating social exclusion and
discrimination.
● 95% of manual scavengers are from
SC/ST communities: NCSK
Regional Level
● Regional Practices: Certain
regional customs can resist modern,
rational approaches to issues like
health and education, perpetuating
outdated and sometimes harmful
practices.
Eg, The reluctance to adopt modern
medical practices in favor of
traditional remedies in some rural
areas can hinder healthcare
advancements.
Unskilled birth attendance: High
rural MMR, IMR
Devadasi System in Karnataka and
Maharashtra
National Level
● Policy Resistance: National
policies influenced by traditional
views can resist progressive reforms
in areas such as gender equality
and scientific research.
Eg, The opposition to sex education
in schools, based on traditional
beliefs, impacts public health
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● Creating Awareness: Costumes
are increasingly being used to
promote awareness on key social
issues.
Eg, Ambubachi Mela used to
promote awareness around the
taboo of menstruation.
● Social Cohesion: Customs and
traditions can foster social cohesion
and a sense of community, which
are essential for collective
well-being.
Eg, Community festivals and rituals,
such as Diwali and Eid, bring people
together, fostering unity and mutual
support.
● Cultural Heritage: Preserving
regional customs and traditions is
crucial for maintaining cultural
heritage, which can be used for
environmental conservation.
Eg, Joint Forest Manageiroment,
Preservation of Sacred Grooves
● National Identity: Customs and
traditions contribute to a strong
national identity, fostering unity and
patriotism.
Eg, The celebration of
Independence Day and Republic
Day, steeped in traditional
ceremonies, reinforces national
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 initiatives and awareness. pride and collective memory.
Child Marriage, Dowry etc

Global Level

● Global Progress: Adherence to ● Cultural Diversity: India's rich

traditional practices can hinder
India's participation in global
progress and innovation, creating a
perception of backwardness.
Eg, Female Genital Mutilation
(FGM) in Africa and the Middle East,
Anti-Vaccine Movements in the
United States and Europe, Foot
binding in china etc
tapestry of customs and traditions
contributes to global cultural
diversity, which is celebrated
worldwide.
Eg, Indian cuisine, festivals, and
traditional attire like sarees and
turbans are embraced globally,
enhancing cultural exchange and
appreciation.

Conclusion:

In the Indian context, customs and traditions can both suppress reason and lead to
obscurantism while also fostering social cohesion, cultural identity, and national pride. It is
essential to strike a balance, respecting cultural heritage while promoting rational,
progressive thought to ensure holistic development. This nuanced perspective
acknowledges the dual impact of customs and traditions on Indian society.

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