Topic : Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.
2. Indian nationalism was territorial rather than ethnic or religious, but it was plural, non-coercive and civil. Analyse. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Tough.
Reference: Chapter-10 – A Brief History of Modern India by Rajiv Ahir (Spectrum Publishers)
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 as mentioned in Mission-2022 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the nature of Indian nationalism and various facets if it.
Directive word:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin your answer by defining Nationalism.
Body:
Elaborate on the vast diversity of India in terms of religion, language, cultural differences and how many British scholars expressed that the political idea of India as a nation to be farce.
Write about how despite the vast cultural and ethnic differences, the idea of territory called India was one of the common bonds on which early Indian nationalism was based.
Further, analyse as to how Indian nationalism rose under the common exploitation of the British and elaborate on its features of plurality and civility.
Conclusion:
After discussing the nature of Indian Nationalism, conclude by highlighting its multi-cultural and non-coercive facet and led Indian Independence.
