Indian Society

Model Answer

Introduction

India’s secularism is characterized by a “principled distance” from religions rather than an “equi-distance.” This distinction highlights how the Indian State engages with various religions based on social needs and historical contexts.

Principled Distance in Practice

Indian secularism does not advocate for a complete separation of religion from the State. Instead, it embodies the philosophy of “Sarva Dharma Samabhava,” which means equal respect for all religions. The State maintains a principled distance, meaning that while it is institutionally separate from religion, it often intervenes in religious matters to uphold social justice and equality.

State Interference for Social Equality

For instance, to combat caste-based discrimination, the Indian State intervened in Hindu practices by abolishing untouchability under Article 17 of the Constitution. This demonstrates that the State may prioritize certain religions when promoting universal values like social equality.

Financial Support and Subsidies

Moreover, the State subsidizes religious pilgrimages differently. For example, financial assistance is provided to Sikhs traveling to Nankana Sahib, Hindus visiting Amarnath Cave, and Muslims going to Mecca for Hajj (before 2018). This selective financial support underscores that not all religions receive equal treatment, reflecting a principled rather than equi-distance approach.

Legal Reforms

The reform of Hindu personal laws, such as the prohibition of polygamy, further illustrates this point. While polygamy was deemed non-essential to Hinduism and abolished, it remains permissible in Muslim personal law.  Such discrepancies reveal the State’s nuanced engagement with different religions based on a context-sensitive approach.

Conclusion

In conclusion, India’s secularism operates on a model of principled distance, allowing the State to engage selectively and constructively with different religions. This approach aims to foster social harmony and address historical injustices, demonstrating that secularism in India is neither rigid nor uniform but rather adaptive to the needs of its diverse populace.

Model Answer

Introduction

Communalism, defined as an intense attachment to one’s own community that can lead to hostility towards others, emerged alongside nationalism in the late 19th century, threatening the unity of the Indian populace during the freedom struggle.

Factors Contributing to Communal Consciousness

1. Socio-Economic Reasons

The interests and aspirations of the middle classes were inadequately met, leading to communal competition for jobs and resources. The late emergence of political consciousness among Muslims, combined with the influence of traditional elements, skewed this competition towards communal lines (Rudolph & Rudolph, 1983).

2. British Policy of Divide and Rule

The British government, after the 1857 revolt, viewed Muslims with suspicion, leading to discriminatory practices. However, this changed with policies like the Communal Award, which granted concessions and reservations, further deepening communal divisions (Khan, 2005).

3. Revivalist Tendencies

Nationalist leaders infused religious elements into their movements, often emphasizing Hindu culture while sidelining Muslim contributions. Leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak promoted Hindu festivals as symbols of nationalism, which alienated Muslim communities (Chatterjee, 1986).

4. Communal View of History

Distorted historical narratives contributed to communal consciousness. Historians like James Mill categorized Indian history as Hindu or Muslim, fostering a divisive understanding of India’s past (Kumar, 2007).

Consequences of Communal Consciousness

1. Deterrent to Nationalism

The growing divide between the Muslim League and the Indian National Congress led to disagreements on key issues like the Cripps Mission and Cabinet Mission, undermining the national unity necessary for independence (Singh, 2010).

2. Threats to Internal Security

The 1920s saw an erosion of trust between Hindu and Muslim communities, resulting in frequent riots, particularly in Bengal and Punjab (Mohan, 2018).

3. Partition of the Country

The culmination of communal tensions resulted in the partition of India in 1947, marked by widespread violence and displacement (Menon, 2005).

4. Communalisation of Politics

The Communal Award encouraged political representation based on communal identities, fostering a culture of communal politics that prioritized sectarian interests over national unity (Desai, 1994).

Conclusion

The communal consciousness that developed during the freedom struggle has left a lasting impact on Indian society. Addressing this requires a concerted effort to promote inclusivity and mutual respect among communities.

Model Answer

Introduction

Globalization, as a transnational phenomenon, has significantly influenced various aspects of life in contemporary India, particularly the family size, structure, and relationships. The integration into the global market has brought about both positive and negative changes in family life.

Changes in Family Size and Structure

With globalization, Indian families have transitioned from traditional joint family systems to smaller nuclear households. The average family size has decreased, with many couples opting for one or two children. This shift has led to the emergence of modified extended families, where nuclear families maintain autonomy while still connecting with other relatives (Sharma, 2018).

Empowered Status of Women

The influx of women into the workforce and their rising educational attainment have transformed family dynamics. Increased family incomes and decreased reliance on male breadwinners have empowered women, yet this has also created tensions around traditional gender roles. As a result, there has been a rise in divorce rates and an increase in the average age of marriage (Nair, 2020).

Changing Demographics

Lower fertility rates and delayed marriages are reshaping the demographic landscape of India. This trend poses challenges, such as an aging population and shifts in demographic composition, which could have long-term implications for societal structures (World Bank, 2021).

Individualism and Changing Relationships

The younger generation prioritizes individual interests over collective family needs, fostering a culture of individualism. This shift is evident in changing definitions of marriage, with the rise of live-in relationships and same-sex marriages becoming more accepted (Choudhry, 2019).

Weakening Family Bonds

Globalization has contributed to the weakening of family bonds. Fast-paced lifestyles, increased mobility, and the outsourcing of caregiving roles have diminished emotional connections among family members. Responsibilities such as child-rearing and elder care are increasingly handled by external agencies instead of within the family (Kumar, 2017).

Conclusion

While globalization offers opportunities for empowerment and change, it also poses challenges to traditional family structures in India. Decisions regarding employment, marriage, and caregiving continue to be influenced by local culture, reflecting a complex interplay between globalization and family dynamics.