[Mission 2023] Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 11 January 2023

NOTE: Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They are NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing is content that both meets demand of the question and at the same

General Studies – 1

Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.

1. Though the battle of Plassey was won with deceit and treachery, it had deep ramifications on the political set up on mid eighteenth century. Comment. (250 words).

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

Mir Jafar, had actually tried to do was pretty routine in politics, and, historically speaking, the charge of treachery does not really stick.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the consequences of battle of Plassey.

Directive word:

Comment– here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Briefly give context about the battle of Plassey and reasons as to why it was fought.

Body:

First, highlight that how the battle was won by the British through deceit and treachery and Siraj ousted as nawab of Bengal.

Next, write about the long term and short political consequences in the Indian political set up following the battle of Plassey.

Conclusion:

Comment on the significance of the consequences of battle of Plassey.

Introduction

The Battle of Plassey was a war fought between the British East India Company and the Nawab of Bengal and his close allies, who were mainly the French troops. The Battle of Plassey was fought at Palashi, on the banks of the Bhagirathi River near Calcutta and Murshidabad which was the public capital of Bengal. It was more of skirmishes than a battle according to some historians, who were part of the seven years’ war fought in India by the British.

Body

Battle of Plassey was won with deceit and treachery

On 22 June, 1757, he received a message from Mir Jafar that Robert Clive should attack the Nawab immediately and Jafar would side with the British.
The English had a traitor on their side. A man trusted by the Nawab with more than 10,000 soldiers under his command had formalised a deal with the English.
The battle was fought on June 23, 1757, Robert Clive with his visibly ‘small army’ challenged a mighty army of the Nawab at the battlefield.
This visibly ‘large Indian army’ was divided into three sections.
One section, with 12,000 soldiers, was commanded by Mir Murdan, another section was led by Rai Durlab and the third was under the command of Mir Jafar. Interestingly, only one of three commanders, Mir Murdan, was loyal to the Nawab.
Rai Durlab and Mir Jafar had already secretly finalised deals with the English.
When the battle started the Indian army under Mir Murdan charged upon the English army with vigour until Murdan fell to a grapeshot in the battlefield.
His death was decisive as the other two commanders were already sold out.
Mir Jafar and Rai Durlab, with their soldiers, just stood and watched Murdan’s men, who were only loyal soldiers, getting destroyed by the English.
The war ended with an Indian defeat, where only six European soldiers and fourteen Indian sepoys of English army were killed as against more than 500 deaths in the Indian camp.
Nawab was later captured and put to death as Mir Jafar was installed as a puppet Nawab.
The battle opened the gates for the British control of India. For the next 190 years India remained under the exploitative colonial regime of the British.

Financial and Political consequences

The Company was granted undisputed right to free trade in Bengal, Bihar and Orissa.
It also received the Zamindari of the 24 Parganas near Calcutta.
The new Nawab, Mir Jaffar, was dependent on the British for the maintenance of his position in Bengal. An English army of 6000 troops was maintained in Bengal.
The wealth paid to British immediately after Plassey was a sum of £800,000
Mir Jaffar regretted the deal that he struck with British later when he was reduced to a puppet leader only.
Prior to 1757 the English trade in Bengal was largely financed through import of bullion from England; but after that year not only bullion import stopped, but bullion was exported from Bengal to China and other parts of India, which gave a competitive advantage to the English Company over its European rivals.

Position of British after the Battle

The battle of Plassey was of immense historical importance. It paved way for British Mastery of Bengal and eventually the whole of India.
It boosted British prestige and at a single stroke raised them to the status of major contender for the Indian Empire. Before the battle, it was only just another European company trading in Bengal. But after Plassey they monopolized trade of Bengal.
Plassey had brought about a gradual transformation in the character of the Company. In the context of the then politics, military control was synonymous with political body. Thus, the Company played a role of commercial-cum-military-cum- political body.
The rich revenues of Bengal enabled them to organize a strong army and meet the cost of conquest of the rest of the country.
Control over Bengal played a decisive role in the Anglo French struggle where British were finally victorious.
The victory of Plassey enabled the Company with its servants to amass untold wealth at the cost of helpless people of Bengal.
The conflict at Plassey was also crucial for the East India company’s triumph over its French rivals.

Conclusion

Robert Clive became the Baron of Plassey. Affairs that occurred after the victory at the Battle of Plassey had changed the British East India Company from a trading company to a central power. Thus, the Battle of Plassey marked the beginning of political supremacy of the English East India Company in India.

Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.

2. Throw light on the administration of the Maratha’s under Shivaji with a special emphasis on his agricultural policy. What lessons can the present-day policy makers learn from it? (250 words).

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The way Shivaji handled all aspects of administration, especially the agriculture sector, can be the guiding spirit for the modern-day administrators and policymakers of India.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about administration of Shivaji, his agricultural policy and lessons for present day administrators.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Start by giving context of Shivaji as the first Maratha king and an able administrator.

Body:

First, write about the key aspects of the overall administration of Shivaji and his organisation of administration.

Next, write about the Shivaji’s agricultural policy and its various features.

Next, write about the key lessons that can be drawn by the present-day policy makers form the administration of Shivaji. Cite examples to substantiate.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising

Introduction

Shivaji’s administration was greatly inspired from the Deccan style of administration. Most of the administrative reforms were inspired from Malik Amber reforms in Ahmednagar. The King was the supreme head of state who was assisted by a group of eight ministers known as the ‘Ashtapradhan’. The peshwa, also known as the mukhya pradhan, originally headed the advisory council of the raja Shivaji.

Body

Shivaji was a great administrator. He laid the foundations of a sound system of administration. The king was the pivot of the government. He was assisted by a council of ministers called Ashtapradhan. However, each minister was directly responsible to Shivaji.

System of administration and officials under Shivaji’s Maratha Kingdom

Most of the administrative reforms of Shivaji were based on the practices of the Deccan sultanates. For example, Peshwa was the Persian title. The revenue system of Shivaji was based on that of Malik Amber of Ahmadnagar.
Official setup
- Peshwa: Finance and general administration. Later he became the prime minister.
- Sar-i-Naubat or Senapati: Military commander, an honorary post.
- Amatya: Accountant General.
- Waqenavis: Intelligence, posts and household affairs.
- Sachiv:
- Sumanta: Master of ceremonies.
- Nyayadish:
- Panditarao: Charities and religious administration.
The forts played an important role in the military operations of the Marathas. By the end of his reign, Shivaji had about 240 forts. Each fort was put under the charge of three officers of equal rank as a precaution against treachery.
Shivaji was really a constructive genius and nation-builder.
His rise from jagirdar to Chatrapathi was spectacular.
He unified the Marathas and remained a great enemy of the Mughal empire. He was a daring soldier and a brilliant administrator.

Agricultural policy of Shivaji

Lands were measured by using the measuring rod called kathi. Lands were also classified into three categories – paddy fields, garden lands and hilly tracks.
He reduced the powers of the existing deshmuks and kulkarnis.
He explicitly ordered a decree to support farmers and bring wasteland under cultivation and increase the revenue.
If a farmer could continue agriculture but unable to pay arrears of dues and is therefore in dire straits, then the realisation of dues was suspended.
He also ordered his officials to provide seeds and oxen to farmers who could not afford it or did not already have the adequate resources. Such grants were also interest free in nature.
A lot of support with respect to trade was also done to increase the price of produce, but levying customs duties wherever required.

Lessons for modern India

Those who are offering blanket freebies in present day India in terms of waivers of farm loans can probably take a leaf out of Shivaji’s administrative book in terms of following the principle of economic prudence while taking care of the interests of the farmers.
- The money advanced for oxen and grain should subsequently be realized, gradually, and according to his ability without charging an interest.
Ensuring benefits reach to farmers directly through the government, without any middlemen in the fray.
- The direct benefit transfer is a good example of this.
- In the coming time, fertiliser subsidy must also be done away with and appropriate cash transfers must happen to prevent any leakage.
Market system: Bringing efficient trade policy, levying proportionate duties on imports, ensuring free trade through ports and removing restrictions are good measures that can be emulated.
Aid and regulation: In times of drought and monsoon failures, handholding of farmers is required to help their livelihood income.
Infrastructure creation: This will benefit all farmers from farmgate to plate, and help realise more income for their products. It includes cold storage, warehouses, water for crops, reefer trucks, mandi’s etc.

Conclusion

Shivaji had an able administrative setup which brought in efficiency and productivity. He has the acumen to encourage farmers to bring in more land under cultivation. For this he had dedicated lot of resources and personnel to assist the farmers. The same vision for Indian farmers today can surely help in achieving the aim of doubling their incomes.

General Studies – 4

Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values.

3. What does this quote mean to you in the present context? “Religion is as necessary to reason as reason is to religion. The one cannot exist without the other” (10M).

Difficulty level: Easy

Why the question:

Rising irrationality in society in recent times.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Define religion in a brief manner.

Body:

Try to deconstruct the statement in a simple manner. This could be done through examples. Ex: Emphasis on Neem in Indian customs is based on scientific principle, on the other side we have certain regressive practices such as female genital mutilation, etc.

Identify what makes people neglect rationalism while practicing religion

Explore if religion and reason could be reconciled in the present times.

Conclusion:

Suggest a way forward to reconcile them adequately.

Introduction

Religion and reason are both sources of authority upon which beliefs can rest. Reason generally is understood as the principles for a methodological inquiry, whether intellectual, moral, aesthetic, or religious. Religions are “social systems whose participants avow belief in a supernatural agent or agents whose approval is to be sought.”.

Body

Religion and reason are complementary to each other

It has been generally presumed that faith and reason are in conflict with each other.
In reality, faith and reason work together seamlessly to help us understand the world and beyond in a better way.
In fact, faith is a prerequisite for the reason.
For instance, even doctors at times are surprised when a terminally ill patient gets cured. ISRO takes a small scale prototype of their actual rockets and get it blessed before their actual launch.
In order to reason about anything, we must have faith that there are laws of logic which correctly prescribe the correct chain of reasoning.
Since laws of logic cannot be observed with the senses, our confidence in them is a type of faith.
Since reason would be impossible without logic, which stems from the faith, we have a very good reason for our faith: without our faith, we could not reason.
Though the role of reason is secondary for getting religious knowledge, its role is necessary.
It is necessary for keeping blind faith from religion and attaching values to religion.
Religion-based terrorism is increasing due to the negative impact of reason.

Conclusion

Hence, reason and faith are not counter but complementary to each other. There is a need to spread more rational views of religion and try to weed out the irrational customs and rituals which discriminate people in the name of religion.

Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values.

4. What does this quote mean to you? “When you are in the service of your fellow beings you are in the service of God. – Anonymous” (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by Lexicon Publications.

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 in Mission-2022 Secure.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about how the importance of Service to human is considered equivalent to the service of God.

Directive:

Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by explaining the quote.

Body:

Elaborate upon how service is a defining and fulfilling act which can help one to understand himself and explore as a human being

Elaborate on how an individual is not delineated by an identity, but defined by ability, compassion, connection and love which are the basic human values.

Substantiate the above by giving examples.

Conclusion:

Conclude by stressing why this quote is more relevant the ever in the current circumstances.

Introduction

Mahatma Gandhi, once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

The above quote means that when solely focusing on other people, one can often find qualities in a needy person that they may also find in themselves. Not only that, but serving others can be humbling and allow people to see things from a different perspective. Serving others can lead to finding oneself as well as changing oneself for the better.

Body

Serving others allows one to find themselves, subconsciously. In my experience, I noticed that when I volunteered at a food drive I was at my happiest. I vividly remember how appreciative they were for a meal, something I took for granted. I realized that I was at my happiest, not when I was focusing on myself and only what benefits me, but when I was acting compassionately to help others.

Furthermore, I came to realize that I truly cared about helping others who cannot help themselves, as opposed to only caring about money and material things. In summation, serving others can allow one to find themselves and what they truly care about.

Those who are more fortunate tend to take things for granted. For instance, many people do not think much about helping people in need. I realized this when my aunt was sick in the hospital. I appreciate every second I spend with her, as she is such a humble person and does not take anything for granted. Even with her difficult situation, she is still the happiest person I know. She changed my outlook on life and made me realize, that being humble and content with your situation is the most important thing that you can do. By being with, and caring for, my aunt, I came to terms with myself and found deeper meaning within my own actions.

One could argue that when helping others, the person serving is solely thinking about the other person. Therefore, one cannot find themselves if they are not even thinking about themselves. However, looking within yourself and being at your own devices is not the only way to find inner meaning. Many people are afraid or too hesitant to go out and help others. Without this experience of giving yourself up to others, some individuals will never reach their full potential in finding their true selves and devoting their time to caring for the less fortunate.

Conclusion

Mahatma Gandhi’s quote was humbling and impactful. Helping others will lead you to see new qualities in people, leading you to discover new qualities in yourself and others. Gandhi’s quote is humbling, it allows us to see from a different perspective. Assisting those in need brings opportunities to open our eyes to a new world we have not seen before. It leads us to being more accepting by taking on a new view on life. When you lose yourself in helping people, you are completely absorbed into their world. This quote allows you to learn a few things about yourself in the end.