MAINS DAILY QUESTIONS & MODEL ANSWERS
Q1. Examine the impact of India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy on its diplomatic relations and economic engagement with South Asian countries. How has the allocation of development aid in the Union Budget 2024-25 reflected India’s strategic priorities under this policy?
GS II – International Relations
Introduction:
- India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, articulated in 2014, is aimed at enhancing diplomatic and economic ties with its immediate neighbours in South Asia. The policy underscores the importance of regional cooperation and the integration of economies to foster peace and stability.
Impact on Diplomatic Relations:
- Strengthening Bilateral Ties: The policy has led to more frequent high-level visits and dialogues, reinforcing India’s commitment to regional stability and mutual development. For instance, India’s relations with Bhutan have deepened, evidenced by the highest allocation of development aid in the 2024-25 budget.
- Managing Regional Challenges: The policy has enabled India to address regional security concerns, such as China’s growing influence in South Asia, through strategic partnerships and enhanced cooperation.
Economic Engagement:
- Increased Development Assistance: The Union Budget 2024-25 reflects India’s strategic focus on its neighbourhood, with significant aid allocated to countries like Bhutan, Nepal, and the Maldives. This aid is aimed at infrastructure development, energy projects, and capacity building, which are crucial for regional integration.
- Promoting Connectivity Projects: Investments in connectivity, such as road and rail links, and digital infrastructure, have been prioritized to enhance trade and people-to-people ties.
Strategic Priorities in Aid Allocation:
- Bhutan: Received the highest aid of ₹2,068.56 crore, reflecting its strategic importance as a stable and friendly neighbour.
- Maldives: Allocation of ₹400 crore highlights India’s focus on maritime security and countering China’s influence in the Indian Ocean.
- Other Neighbours: Smaller allocations to countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh indicate a focus on maintaining balanced relations across the region.
Conclusion:
- India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy has significantly shaped its diplomatic and economic engagement with South Asia, as reflected in the Union Budget 2024-25. By prioritizing development aid and connectivity projects, India aims to foster regional stability and counter external influences, thereby securing its strategic interests in the region. Continued focus on this policy is crucial for maintaining India’s leadership role in South Asia.
Q2. Analyze the impact of the Amravati School of Art on the development of Buddhist art and culture in ancient India. Discuss how the distinctive features of Amravati sculptures reflect the broader socio-political and religious milieu of the time.
GS I – Indian Culture
Introduction:
- The Amravati School of Art, flourishing during the 2nd century BCE to the 3rd century CE in the Andhra region, is one of the three major ancient Indian art styles, alongside the Gandhara and Mathura schools. Its contribution to Buddhist art is significant, with its distinctive sculptural techniques and iconography that influenced both regional and international art traditions.
Impact on Buddhist Art and Culture:
- Artistic Innovation: The Amravati School is renowned for its intricate carvings and use of the “Tribhanga” posture, which became a hallmark of Indian sculpture. These artistic innovations played a crucial role in shaping the visual representation of Buddhist narratives.
- Iconography and Symbolism: The sculptures from Amravati are characterized by their elaborate narrative panels that depict key events from the life of Buddha, including his birth, enlightenment, and miracles. This approach helped in spreading Buddhist teachings and practices across India and beyond.
- Cultural Integration: The art from Amravati reflects the integration of local artistic traditions with Buddhist themes, illustrating the adaptability and spread of Buddhism across diverse cultural landscapes.
Distinctive Features Reflecting Socio-Political and Religious Milieu:
- Religious Syncretism: The blend of indigenous motifs with Buddhist themes indicates a period of cultural and religious syncretism. The art not only served religious purposes but also demonstrated the influence of local traditions and the patronage of various regional dynasties.
- Political Patronage: The support of the Satavahana rulers, who were instrumental in the development of the Amravati School, underscores the role of political patronage in the flourishing of art. The rulers’ endorsement of Buddhism and the arts helped in the consolidation of their political power and religious legitimacy.
- Economic and Trade Influences: The stylistic elements and iconographic themes in Amravati art reveal influences from trade interactions with other regions, including Central Asia and the Mediterranean. These interactions facilitated the exchange of artistic ideas and materials, enriching the Amravati style.
Conclusion:
- The Amravati School of Art represents a significant phase in the evolution of Buddhist art in ancient India, reflecting the interplay between religious, political, and cultural forces. Its contributions not only enriched Buddhist iconography but also facilitated the dissemination of Buddhist art and culture across Asia. The art of Amravati serves as a testament to the vibrant cultural and artistic exchanges of its time, highlighting the dynamic nature of ancient Indian art and its role in shaping regional and global artistic traditions.
