MAINS DAILY QUESTIONS & MODEL ANSWERS
Q1. What are the primary characteristics of Vedic religion and society? Do you believe that Indian society still exhibits some of these traits?
GS I – Indian Culture
Introduction:
- In Indian history, the Vedic era—which lasted from roughly 1500 BCE to 600 BCE—represents a critical turning point. It had an impact on Indian religion and society.
Among the principal characteristics were:
- Ritual Sacrifices (Yajnas): Rituals with mantras for deities and blessings.
- The Varna system, which gave rise to the caste system later, defined social roles according to ability and talents.
- notion of Dharma: Moral and ethical notion for distinct life stages and functions.
- Upanishads, or philosophical texts, discuss ideas such as the self (Atman), Brahman, the ultimate truth, and the path to enlightenment (Moksha).
- Samsara and Karma: Ritualistic, then spiritual notions of the law of cause and effect, and the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
India now still carries on the Vedic legacy:
- Festivals and Rituals: Vedic customs, such as Diwali, are an integral element of Indian culture and faith.
- Philosophy: Schools of thought such as Yoga and Vedanta were influenced by Vedic philosophy. A member of the Mundaka Upanishad is Satyamev Jayate.
- Natural Elements: It is deeply embedded in culture to show reverence for the natural world and holy rivers such as the Ganges.
- Festivals and Dance Styles: Classical dance styles that tell stories from Vedic literature include Odissi and Bharatanatyam.
- Ayurveda and Medicine: Ayurveda is an age-old medical system that is used in India. It is derived from Vedic knowledge.
Nonetheless, a few things have diminished Vedic customs:
- Urbanisation and modernization: These processes took precedence over the customs of agriculture and herding, which were fundamental to Vedic civilization.
- People were introduced to a greater variety of ideas by technology, such as the internet and social media.
- Globalisation: Worldviews and lifestyles have become more cosmopolitan as a result of exposure to diverse cultures and ideas.
- The way that old customs and modern influences coexist demonstrates how adaptable India can be while still maintaining its cultural identity. This is a reflection of its diversity and ability to adapt to change.
Q2. Is conscience a more trustworthy guide when making ethical decisions than laws, rules, and regulations? Analyze.
GS III – Ethics-related issues
Introduction:
- While conscience is our natural capacity to choose between good and wrong, law prescribes actions through due process for the benefit of society and imposes obligations. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and each is superior in certain situations.
Morality:
Advantages:
- Personal morality: An inbuilt moral compass that one can use to make moral decisions according to one’s own personal standards of good and wrong.
- Flexibility: Conscience values complexity and uniqueness, allowing for thoughtful assessment of specific situations beyond established laws.
Restrictions:
- Influence of Bias: A conscience tainted by cultural norms, upbringing, and biases may result in unethical behaviour.
- Inconsistent Application: As conscience changes, moral judgements may become inconsistent.
Laws, Guidelines, and Procedures:
Advantages:
- To put it clearly, they create moral standards for both organisations and society.
- Accountability: They discourage unethical behaviour by enforcing repercussions for misconduct.
- Protection of Rights: Individuals’ rights and the welfare of society at large can be safeguarded by laws and regulations.
Restrictions:
- Rigidity: Laws frequently find it difficult to adapt to shifting ethical standards and societal norms.
- Moral Blind Spots: Not every ethical conundrum is fully addressed by legal systems.
- Enforcement: It can be difficult to enforce the law, and there are ways for unethical behaviour to continue.
- In making ethical decisions, conscience and laws, norms, and regulations are important factors. Conscience is based on universal morality and bias control, whereas laws provide structure but must be updated frequently to maintain fairness.
