Model Answer

Buddhism and Jainism in 6th Century BCE India

Socio-Religious Factors

• Varna System: Post-Vedic society’s division into varnas accentuated social tensions, prompting calls for alternative social structures.
• Caste Discrimination: Hierarchical caste norms based on ‘purity and pollution’ fostered discrimination and untouchability.
• Rituals and Ceremonies: Increasingly elaborate and expensive rituals alienated the populace, fueling dissatisfaction.
• Brahminic Supremacy: Brahmins’ perceived superiority and monopolization of Vedic education spurred the need for more inclusive religious practices.
• Use of Vernacular Language: Preaching in Pali and Prakrit languages instead of Sanskrit made Buddhism and Jainism accessible to the general public.

Economic Factors

• Growth of Trade: Enhanced trade bolstered the economic standing of the Vaishyas, motivating them to seek social advancement beyond Varna constraints.
• Money-Lending Practices: The necessity of money-lending for traders, though forbidden in the Vedas, aligned the merchant class with the new religions.
• Rise of Agricultural Economy: Conflicts with Vedic cattle sacrifices in the evolving agricultural economy made non-violence principles of Buddhism and Jainism appealing to traders and businessmen.

Conclusion

Buddhism and Jainism emerged in the 6th century BCE India as responses to evolving societal and economic circumstances, attracting followers across various societal strata. These religions symbolized the transformation of Indian society, marking a departure from traditional Vedic practices.

Model Answer

Importance of Maintaining Healthy Wetlands

Climate Mitigation and Adaptation

Wetlands play an essential role in climate change mitigation and adaptation. They act as natural buffers, helping to prevent floods and droughts by absorbing excess water during storms. Wetlands also contribute significantly to carbon storage—peatlands, for example, store more than twice the amount of carbon than all the world’s forests. This carbon sequestration helps mitigate the effects of climate change.

Biodiversity Conservation

Wetlands are biodiversity hotspots, serving as transition zones between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. These areas are crucial for various species, including threatened ones, and support vital habitats for migratory birds along routes like the Central Asian Flyway (CAF). Wetlands like Chilika Lake and Keibul Lamjao Lake are examples of such biodiversity-rich zones. They also help conserve traditional farming practices and indigenous plant varieties, particularly in floodplains.

Health-Related Services

Wetlands offer significant health-related benefits, such as purifying water by filtering pollutants, making it safe for human consumption. Furthermore, many wetland plants, such as Brahmi and Keerharnelli, have medicinal properties, earning wetlands the title of “nature’s pharmacy.”

Mechanisms for Wetland Conservation in India

Legislative Framework

India has implemented several laws to protect wetlands, including the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the Environment Protection Act, 1986. These laws provide the framework for the conservation and sustainable management of wetlands at both the central and state levels.

International Conventions

India is a signatory to the Ramsar Convention, which supports the scientific management and sustainable use of wetlands. Currently, India has 75 wetlands listed as Ramsar sites, reflecting its commitment to global wetland conservation efforts.

Assessment and Mapping
The National Wetland Inventory and Assessment (NWIA), along with the National Wetlands Change Atlas, uses GIS technology to map and assess the condition of wetlands across India. These tools help monitor changes in wetland health.

Wetlands Rejuvenation and National Wildlife Action Plan
India’s National Wildlife Action Plan emphasizes the conservation of inland aquatic ecosystems and recommends the creation of a National Wetlands Mission. Additionally, the Wetlands Rejuvenation Initiative involves rapid health assessments, stakeholder engagement, and management planning to ensure sustainable wetland restoration.

Despite these efforts, the degradation of wetlands in India, driven by pollution, over-exploitation, and climate change, highlights the need for continued prioritization and effective management.