Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues;
1. It was one thing for the Muslim League to demand Pakistan and the British to concede it because it was in harmony with the politics they had pursued. But why did the Congress, which had fought for unity for long years, give up its ideal of a united India. Examine. (250 words)
Reference: India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1.
Key Demand of the question:
To examine the various reasons as to why the Congress accepted partition.
Directive:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by mentioning about partition of India and widespread anarchy, communal clashes and mayhem caused by it.
Body:
In the first part, mention how the demand for Pakistan began with Muslim League and the identity politics played by it to achieve that end. `
In the next part, examine the reasons for the acceptance of Partition by Indian national Congress which it had vehemently opposed so far. a. One view is that the Congress leaders succumbed to the temptation of power – this has to be critically examined. Failure over the years to I bring the Muslim masses into the nationalist mainstream, failing to check the advancing tide of Muslim communalism, communal riots, possibility of a civil war and a hope to reverse it later.
Conclusion:
Pass a balanced judgement on the acceptance of partition by the Indian national congress.
