The Daily Answer Writing Practice
[Question 78, 1 October, 2020][#GS1 #History]

The Gupta period has often been referred to as “Golden Age” due to its cultural heritage. Elaborate. (15 markes, 250 words)

Answer

The Gupta period is called as “Golden Age” due to its great accomplishments in the field of art and architecture, language and literature. It stands out as a significant departure from previous historical periods, particularly in the cultural history of India due to impressive standards achieved by artistic and literary expressions of this time. The Gupta sovereigns supported cultural pursuits on a large scale and its result is evident in the form of both literary and archaeological masterpieces.

Architecture
Gupta period reflects creative enthusiasm and deep sense and awareness of beauty in architecture. (eg Dashaavataara temple at Deogarh, Bhitargaon temple near Kanpur, Vishnu temple at Tigawa, Shiva temple at Bhumara, Parvati temple at Nachna-Kuthara) Some of them are adorned with beautiful sculptural panels.
The Gupta temple-building activity represents evolution from the earlier tradition of rock-cut shrines. However, the high and elaborately carved shikharas on top of the temples were yet to appear. Therefore, Gupta period marks the formative phase of temple construction in India, but it was a significant phase that continued to influence temple-building right up to the medieval period.

Language
Classical Sanskrit developed during the Guptas. Sanskrit was widely patronised by the Gupta rulers, making it the official language of their court. All their inscriptions are written in Sanskrit. Ignored earlier under the influence of the Buddhist and Jaina traditions that encouraged vernacular dialects like Pali, Prakrit and Ardhamaagadhi, Sanskrit saw its revival under the Guptas. Even Buddhist scholars, particularly those of Mahayana Buddhism, began composing their scriptures in Sanskrit.

Literature
The epics Ramayana and Mahabharata are believed to have been compiled and given their final form around 4th-5th century CE. The great Kalidasa – one of the Navaratnas – wrote dramas like Abhijnana-Shakuntalam, Malavikagnimitram, Vikramorvashiyam and poetic works such as Raghuvamsham, Kumarasambhavam and Meghadutam which show the excellent literary standards.

Science and Technology
Varahamihira wrote Brihat Samhitaa that deals with scientific subjects like astronomy and botany. Aryabhatta wrote Aryabhattiyam: a famous work on geometry, algebra, arithmetic and trigonometry. The notable creations on medicine include Charaka Samhitaa and Sushruta Samhitaa.

Thus, an all-round cultural progress was manifest during this time.

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The Daily Answer Writing Practice
[Question 79, 2 October, 2020][#GS1 #History]

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Discuss the role of intellectuals in the emergence of Indian nationalism. (15 marks, 250 words)

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The Daily Answer Writing Practice
[Question 79, 2 October, 2020][#GS1 #History]

Discuss the role of intellectuals in the emergence of Indian nationalism. (15 markes, 250 words)

Answer

In the presidencies of Bengal, Bombay and Madras, where the British first established its foothold, the new intelligentsia who were the beneficiaries of western education became critical of the exploitative character of the colonial rule. Education, the press, and European racism and economic oppression were arousing a new political consciousness. Initiatives to form provincial political associations first came from this elite section of society.

1. Spread of English educated umemployment
In 1817 with the establishment of the Hindu college at Calcutta Indian elite got opportunity to learn English language and western science. English was made the official language in place of Persian language in 1835 and the rising elite saw in learning English the key to employment and power under British regime.
But the new graduates with ambition very soon found them left out in the race for coveted administrative posts in government. There were competitions within Indian elites for shares of power and resources. It is argued that a sense of frustration due to limited employment opportunity gave birth to anti-British sentiments.

2. Changing attitude of the intelligentsia
In the initial years of British rule educated Indians were generally appreciative of the beneficial aspects of colonial rule and looked towards the west for new ideas and scientific education. The trend began to change from the second half of nineteenth century after realising the exploitative nature of colonial rule and the growing misery of Indian masses.

Racist arrogance and denial of equal rights to Indians further alienated educated Indians and contributed towards the development of consciousness as Indian nation. Liberal, democratic and egalitarian ideas of the west opened the eyes of educated Indians to become critics of British domination and influenced them to look back to Indian civilisation for its unique power of assimilation.

3. Print, press and modern public sphere
The period since 1860s witnessed significant increase in the literary production in vernacular languages. Vernacular press was also developing with great importance and had great influence in shaping Indian opinion against British rule. (eg during Indigo Revolt)

4. Economic Nationalism
The intelligentsia did not initially question the legitimacy of the continuation of British rule, but by 1870s their faith in British governance was shaken because of several famines caused by British rule. Dadabhai Naoroji and Ramesh Chunder Dutt strongly criticised economic exploitation of India by British rule.

5. Formation of Association
The formation of political associations to put forward demands of Indians to British government marked the beginning of new political consciousness of Indians. The new intelligentsia played significant role in these associations like Indian Association, Bombay Presidency Association, Poona Sarvajanik Sabha, Madras Mahajan Sabha etc which took up issues of political-administrative reform, civil rights, economic policy and even foreign relations.

All these provincial associations, in spite of having its limited social base and limited objectives gave momentum to political activity by providing confidence to Indians to organise political opposition. Transcending the ties of family, caste, religion and locality, these associations were the first overt sign of a social and political revolution in India.

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The Daily Answer Writing Practice
[Question 80, 03 October, 2020]

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Please find below today’s question for Daily Answer Writing Practice

The second world war gave a great stimulus to the process of decolonisation. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)

#History #GS1

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Dear students
You all have worked very hard through out the year. Just maintain the calm and don't get anxious. What all you need is a good functioning mind to tackle the questions.
Remember it's the hard work already done, one or two days are not going to change anything for sure. Stick to your daily routine and sleep at the right time.Its very natural that you might feel you are forgetting things , but that's completely okay.
Remember one thing you have to maximise your marks not attempts.
By that I mean , be sure on answers you are solving, cross check them and if you think you may not score on a certain question don't go for it.
Apply the critical thinking that you have developed in the course of solving so many questions. Just be focused.
All the very best.
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The Daily Answer Writing Practice
[Question 80, 03 October, 2020][ #History #GS1]

The second world war gave a great stimulus to the process of decolonisation. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)

Answer:
The second world war gave a great impetus to the demise of colonial powers. A number of countries like India, Sri Lanka, South East Asian counties like Indonesia, Malaysia and African countries won their independence. A number of factors after the second world war contributed to this process:

• Confidence to fight against the European powers: Japanese success in the early part of the war showed that it was possible for non-Europeans to defeat the European armies. The armies which fought for the Allied powers against the Axis powers in World war had no intention of accepting European rule again and resorted to guerrilla tactics and revolts to gain independence. This was seen in Indo- China, The Dutch East Indies, Malaya and Burma.

• Social and Political awareness: Soldiers who had fought overseas, were appalled at the contrast between the primitive conditions in Africa and their respective colonies. Similarly, leaders who supported Allied powers like Japan gained experience to govern occupied areas. E.g. Dr Sukarno supported Japan against Dutch and governed parts of Indonesia during the war. Later he led the nationalist struggle and became the President of Indonesia.

• Policies of Colonial power after the war: The colonial people were shocked when their demand of independence were rejected by the colonial powers even after full cooperation in the war. Further Atlantic Charter, which called for decolonisation after the war was mis-interpreted as applying only to colonies of Allied powers. This shook the hopes of colonies and gave stimulus to struggle for independence.

• Weakened European states post WWII: WWII led to immense financial and military loss to the colonial powers. They were not in a position to hold on to their empires. Eg British independence to India and later Gold coast.

• External pressure: Post world war, colonial powers became weak and there was constant external pressure to give up the colonies. USA stressed on following Atlantic Charter for decolonisation and wanted its influence over colonies. United Nations, under US influence, came out firmly against imperialism and demanded a step by step programme for decolonisation. This encouraged the nationalist to intensify their campaign against colonisation.

• Enhanced public sentiment: Immense devastation caused by WWII created an anti-war sentiment among the people. Many civil society groups and media believed imperialism as the key cause of war. Therefore, public pressure in home countries and media awareness also encouraged nationalist in colonies to strengthen their struggle for freedom.

Conclusion:
The role of Nationalist leaders and the long-fought struggle for decolonisation cannot be undermined. However, the conditions created after the war definitely provided confidence to the colonies and provided stimulus to the decolonisation campaign.


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The Daily Answer Writing Practice
[Question 81, 04 October, 2020]


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While the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has emerged as an important player in Indian environmental regulation, it has also been subject of criticism for overreach into the domains of constitutional courts and the executive. Critically analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)

#polity #governance #GS2

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The Daily Answer Writing Practice
[Question 81, 04 October, 2020]


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Please find below today’s answer for Daily Answer Writing Practice


While the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has emerged as an important player in Indian environmental regulation, it has also been subject of criticism for overreach into the domains of constitutional courts and the executive. Critically analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)

In the pursuit of economic development, the impact on environment was being ignored. With activists moving the courts, the Supreme Court in a series of judgements highlighted the need to set up special environmental courts as these cases raised issues which required technical knowledge and expertise, speedy disposal, and continuous monitoring.
The NGT:
The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 provided for the establishment of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) as a quasi-judicial body for the effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection. The Tribunal has original and appellate jurisdiction with regard to the implementation of seven environmental laws.
Since its formation, NGT has played an important role in environment regulation, as seen in cases related to Yamuna conservation zone, cancellation of coal block in Chhattisgarh forest etc. However, in its zeal to handle all things related to environment, the NGT has been accused of overeaching into the domain of the executive and the judiciary.
Overreach in judicial domain:
• The power of suomotu - NGT has taken up cases on its own motion (suo motu) like Rohtang Pass issue etc. However, Madras High Court said that it has no suo motu powers like those of higher judiciary.
• Conflict with High Courts: Conflicts are brewing between NGT and High Courts over jurisdiction for appeals. As per the NGT Act, appeals from NGT can only go to the Supreme Court, thus by-passing the high courts. But the Madras High Court said that appeals of tribunals must go to the High Courts first.
• Judicial review - NGT had given itself the power to review parent statute also. However, the SC rejected it and held that such Tribunals, being creatures of a statute, are not entitled to entertain the vires of their parent statutes.
Overreach in executive domain:
NGT has often ventured into the policy domain of the executive resulting in conflicts with government and appeals in the Supreme Court.
Examples:
• NGT had declared a "silence zone" in the Amarnath cave shrine. The order was set aside by the Supreme Court.
• NGT directed ten State Governments regarding appointments of Chairmen to the SPCBs and laid down guidelines. The SC had set aside the order noting that NGT had exceeded its jurisdiction.
There are numerous appeals against NGT orders by the Central and State governments accusing it of exceeding its jurisdiction.

Tribunals are created for specific purposes, and its parent statute leaves enough ambiguity for it to overreach, and government could explore amending it to clarify its jurisdiction. There also needs to be fresh debate on Subramiam committee's recommendation to set up special district-level courts to deal with infringement of environmental laws and an administrative tribunal (not a judicial one) to review clearances.


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The Daily Answer Writing Practice
[Question 82, 05 October, 2020]


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Please find below today’s question for Daily Answer Writing Practice

“An ethical law can be universal if everybody wishes to follow it equally.” Elucidate the statement with suitable examples in the light of Kant’s categorical imperative.
(150 Words, 10 marks)

#Ethics #GS4

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The Daily Answer Writing Practice
[Question 82, 05 October, 2020]


Dear Students,
Please find below today’s answer for Daily Answer Writing Practice

“An ethical law can be universal if everybody wishes to follow it equally.” Elucidate the statement with suitable examples in the light of Kant’s categorical imperative.
(150 Words, 10 marks)

Ethical Law is a set of principles, values and virtues accepted by the society or community at large. It instructs and controls individual behaviour and aims to achieve common good.
There are certain practices which claim to be ethical but are not universal. There are three dimensions of universal consistency – space, time and situation/conditionality.
• For example, practices like sati were considered ethical conduct for the woman in the past whereas today they are considered atrocious. Similarly, caste system was an accepted social norm in the past and inter-dining and inter-marriage were considered unethical whereas today following such restrictions are considered unethical.
• Similarly, in some communities like Inuit, senicide (killing of elders) is an ethical practice while in rest of the world any killing considered unethical.
• The third dimension of situation/condition can be illustrated with the help of legal killing – a soldier kills the enemy combatant or there is a capital punishment for certain gruesome crimes or a person kills in self defence. Even though killing is not at all ethical, certain conditions make it palatable somehow.
On the other hand, there are examples where some conducts have always been considered ethical irrespective of the time, space as well as situation. For example, stealing has always been considered unethical by all people all the time. The same goes for lying wherein honesty has always been the ethical law. Therefore, these ethical laws are truly universal in nature.
According to Kant’s concept of Categorical Imperative, ethical moral conduct flows from the ability of a human being to Reason. It is categorical because it’s absolute, independent of individual and it is imperative because is the ultimate commandment of the Reason. This Reason is not a commonplace cause-effect reason, but the rationality that every human possesses by virtue of being human. It is intrinsic and not borrowed. As per Kant, it is reasonable to conclude that a human being will treat others the way she wants others to treat her. And this imperative is accepted by all equally; hence it is universal in nature. If it has to the ethical law, it has to universal because it flows from the human reason.


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