Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
1. What was Dhamma? Critically analyse its nature and purpose. Why did it decline? (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: TN History – Class 11th Textbook (New Edition)
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2023 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about Dhamma, its nature and purpose and reasons for its decline.
Directive:
Critically examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to 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. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a fair judgment.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining Dhamma.
Body:
First, mention about the various components of Dhamma as propounded by Ashoka.
Next, write about its natures and analyse its pros and cons.
Next, write about the purpose of the Dhamma – various interpretations behind its rise.
Next, write about the factors that caused the decline of Dhamma.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing the legacy of dhamma.
