MAINS DAILY QUESTIONS & MODEL ANSWERS
Q1. Describe how geographical considerations influenced the evolution of ancient India.
GS I – Geography-related issues
Introduction:
- Geographical elements were crucial in determining how ancient India developed. These included the varied topography, temperature, and natural resources of the nation, all of which had an impact on trade routes, farming methods, settlement patterns, and other activities.
Principal geographic variables and their effects:
- River systems: In India, perennial rivers like the Indus and Ganges sustained agriculture, facilitated trade and communication, and provided energy for urban civilizations like the Harappans.
- Mountain ranges: The Himalayas in the north provided river water, controlled the climate, and served as a natural barrier. However, passes like Khyber and Bolan encouraged migrations and cultural exchanges.
- Coastal plains: Trade with Southeast Asia, West Asia, and Africa was enhanced by the shores of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Cities that were major hubs for trade included Muziris and Lothal.
- Plateaus and forested areas: Dense forests provided animals, medicine, and timber. Mineral-rich regions such as Chotanagpur promoted mining and metallurgy. As centres of Buddhism, forested areas such as Nalanda and Bodh Gaya flourished.
- Desert and semi-arid areas: Despite its dry characteristics, the Thar Desert supported trade centres like Bikaner and Jaisalmer and served as a natural barrier against invasions.
Way Forward:
- The topography of ancient India influenced its civilization, culture, economy, and society; it also enhanced its legacy and affected its interactions with other parts of the world.
Q2. What aspects of nationalism and education did Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore vary from one another? (150 Words, Mains for UPSC 2023)
GS I – Modern Indian History
Introduction:
- Important players in India’s independence, Gandhi and Tagore, shared the desire to be free of British rule, but they approached nationalism and education differently.
Mahatma Gandhi and Tagore differed in:
Learning:
- Gandhi: Gandhi held the notion of “Nai Talim,” or “Basic Education,” to be true.
- He promoted an all-encompassing educational approach that developed intellectual, moral, and practical abilities.
- In an effort to close the gap between the elite and the masses, he supported practical education.
- Tagore: Tagore promoted an education that was more global and liberal.
- In order to foster the arts, creativity, and blending of cultures, he built Shantiniketan.
- His ideology aimed to develop well-rounded people who could appreciate and enhance the various cultures found around the world.
Nationalism:
- Gandhi: ‘Satyagraha’ and nonviolence were the cornerstones of his nationalism.
- Gandhi’s nationalism was firmly based on the concepts of Swaraj, independence, and self-sufficiency.
- He advocated for the boycott of British institutions and products as a means of undermining British authority.
- Tagore: Tagore took a less aggressive and more global perspective.
- He saw an international nationalism that prioritised harmony and cultural cohesion.
- He felt nationalism should bring India together within world civilization, not divide it, and that India’s history should serve as a bridge between the East and the West.
Way Forward:
- Gandhi’s nationalism was shaped by his emphasis on nonviolence and practical education. However, Tagore took a liberal stance and held a universalistic perspective on nationalism.
