Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.
1. Akbar was a great social reformer and these social reforms helped him to get the legitimacy from the Indian masses. Comment.(250 words)
Reference: Class XI NCERT – Medieval Indian history
Why this question:
The question is from the static portions of GS paper I and is based on the significance of Mughal ruler Akbar and his contributions.
Key demand of the question:
Explain in what way Akbar was a great social reformer and how these social reforms helped him to get the legitimacy from the Indian masses.
Directive:
Comment– here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Present brief background of Akbar’s reign.
Body:
To start with explain the fact that in addition to proclaiming a state based on universal peace and justice, Akbar took steps to create a better understanding of different religions among the subjects; he set up a translation bureau to translate works in Sanskrit, Arabic, Greek, etc. into Persian. Enlist various social reforms taken by him – prohibited slavery, allowed Widow remarriage, prostitution was regulated, and immoral trafficking of women brought under control, Sati of Hindu women was prohibited etc. Explain how these social reforms helped him build better society and gain legitimacy from the Indian masses.
Conclusion:
Conclude with importance of such rulers and well thought social reforms in the past.
