Daily Answer Writing

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

Social Reformers’

Raja Ram Mohan Roy

• Established Atmiya Sabha and Brahmo Samaj, denouncing polytheism, idol worship, and Sati.
• Advocated against faith in incarnations and criticized the caste system, emphasizing human reason over scriptures.

Keshab Chandra Sen

• A member of Brahmo Samaj, opposed caste practices and supported inter-caste marriages.

Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar

• Pioneered women’s higher education, advocated for widow remarriages’ legalization, and fought against child marriage and polygamy.

Swami Dayananda Saraswati

• Founded Arya Samaj, led the Shuddhi movement to purify Hinduism, and aimed for a casteless, classless society.
• Criticized Hindu orthodoxy, caste rigidities, untouchability, idolatry, and polytheism.

Balshastri Jambhekar

• Initiated social reform through journalism in Bombay, challenging Brahmanical orthodoxy and popular Hindu practices.

Jyotirao Phule

• Fought against upper caste dominance, advocated for women’s education, and challenged Brahmanical supremacy.

Swami Vivekananda

• Promoted the oneness of God and advocated for secular and spiritual knowledge among the masses.

Sree Narayana Guru Dharma Paripalana

• Started among the Ezhavas of Kerala, condemned caste-based discrimination, upheld equality among religions, and rejected animal sacrifice.

These reformers aimed to rejuvenate society post-colonial conquest, blending reform with revivalism to boost cultural consciousness and instill confidence among the populace.

Model Answer

Gandhiji’s Initiatives in Champaran

Gandhiji’s initiatives in Champaran, Ahmedabad, and Kheda profoundly established him as a nationalist with deep sympathy for the underprivileged. These movements not only highlighted his commitment to social justice but also demonstrated his unique approach to leadership through Satyagraha.

Champaran Satyagraha (1917)

In Champaran, the exploitation of indigo farmers by European planters under the tinkathia system compelled Gandhiji to act. The planters forced farmers to grow indigo on a substantial portion of their land, despite the emergence of synthetic dyes threatening the indigo market. Gandhiji’s intervention led to the formation of an Enquiry Committee, resulting in the Champaran Agrarian Act, which abolished the tinkathia system and addressed tenant grievances (Source: National Archives of India).

Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1918)

In Ahmedabad, Gandhiji advocated for better working conditions for textile mill workers. When mill owners breached an agreement for wage increases, Gandhiji organized a strike and undertook a fast to unite the workers. This effort resulted in a 35% wage increase, showcasing his dedication to labor rights and his ability to rally marginalized communities (Source: “Gandhi: A Biography” by Indian author, Joseph Lelyveld).

Kheda Tax Resistance (1918)

In Kheda, after crop failures, Gandhiji joined farmers in demanding tax remission. Leading the Gujarat Sabha, he encouraged peasants to withhold tax payments, prompting the government to allow tax recovery only from those who could afford it. This action demonstrated his profound empathy for the agrarian community and his commitment to their welfare (Source: “The Story of My Experiments with Truth” by Mahatma Gandhi).

Conclusion

Through these initiatives, Gandhiji connected deeply with the common people, employing vernacular language and embodying their struggles. His actions consolidated a powerful following, establishing him as a compassionate leader who prioritized the welfare of the poor, thus setting the stage for future national movements against British oppression

मॉडल उत्तर

प्रस्तावना

प्रथम विश्व युद्ध (1914-1919) के पीछे कई अंतर्निहित कारण थे, जो यूरोपीय साम्राज्यवादी देशों के बीच बढ़ती प्रतिस्पर्धा और संघर्ष से संबंधित थे। इन कारणों ने युद्ध के तात्कालिक कारण की भूमिका निभाई, जिससे वैश्विक संघर्ष का आगाज़ हुआ।

1. ऐतिहासिक संकट

• मोरक्को संकट (1905-06): इस संकट के दौरान, जर्मनी को फ्रांस के खिलाफ समर्थन प्राप्त करने के लिए अन्य शक्तियों से हारे हुए संधि की स्थिति का सामना करना पड़ा। (Source: “The Origins of the First World War” by James Joll)
• बोस्निया संकट (1908): ऑस्ट्रिया-हंगरी ने बोस्निया का अधिग्रहण किया, जिससे रूस का अपमान हुआ और उसने सैन्यीकरण की प्रक्रिया शुरू की।

2. गठबंधन प्रणालियाँ

• ट्रिपल एलायंस और एंटेंट कॉर्डियल: जर्मनी, ऑस्ट्रिया-हंगरी और इटली के ट्रिपल एलायंस के विरुद्ध, फ्रांस, रूस और ब्रिटेन के बीच एंटेंट का गठन हुआ। इसने यूरोप को दो प्रतिकूल गुटों में विभाजित कर दिया। (Source: “Europe’s Last Summer” by David Fromkin)

3. सैन्यवाद और हथियारों की दौड़

• यूरोप के देशों ने सैन्यवाद को बढ़ावा देते हुए अपने सैन्य संसाधनों को बढ़ाया, जिससे भय और संदेह की स्थिति उत्पन्न हुई, विशेषकर ब्रिटेन और जर्मनी के बीच।

4. औपनिवेशिक प्रतिद्वंद्विता

• यूरोप के साम्राज्यवादी राष्ट्रों ने अफ्रीका और एशिया में नए बाजारों और संसाधनों के लिए एक-दूसरे के खिलाफ प्रतिस्पर्धा की। यह प्रतिद्वंद्विता युद्ध का एक महत्वपूर्ण कारण बनी।

5. राष्ट्रवाद

• यूरोप में उभरते राष्ट्रवाद ने विभिन्न देशों के बीच की राजनैतिक तनाव को बढ़ाया। फ्रांस और जर्मनी के बीच के संबंधों में खटास आई, जो कि युद्ध का एक अन्य कारण बना।

निष्कर्ष

इन सभी अंतर्निहित कारणों ने प्रथम विश्व युद्ध की तैयारी को तेज किया और अंततः एक विनाशकारी संघर्ष का रूप ले लिया, जिसमें लाखों लोगों की जान गई और वैश्विक अर्थव्यवस्था को गंभीर नुकसान हुआ।

इस प्रकार, साम्राज्यवादी प्रतिस्पर्धा, ऐतिहासिक संकट, गठबंधन प्रणालियाँ, सैन्यवाद और राष्ट्रवाद सभी ने मिलकर युद्ध की पृष्ठभूमि तैयार की।