GS1 Full
Q1. The Gupta dynasty’s patronage of scholars led to the creation of timeless literary works. Elucidate. (10M)
Introduction
The Gupta dynasty is an important dynasty which ruled ancient India between 4th century to 6th century. They have left amazing examples of their glorious reign which has been called the ‘Golden era’ of India’s history. During their rule art, sculpture, inventions, philosophy, mathematics and literature has flourished.
Body:
Gupta dynasty’s patronage of scholars led to the creation of timeless literary works; – The Gupta period is remarkable for the production of secular literature, which consisted of a fair degree of ornate court poetry.
- Literature: The Gupta era witnessed the composition and refinement of many literary classics.
- Kalidasa who lived in the second half of the fourth and the first half of the fifth century. He was the greatest poet of classical Sanskrit literature and wrote Abhijnanashakuntalam which is very highly regarded in world literature. His another masterpiece includes “Shakuntala” and “Meghaduta.”
- Scientific and Philosophical Treatises: The Gupta era also witnessed remarkable achievements in the realm of science and philosophy.
- In mathematics, the period saw, in the fifth century, a work called Aryabhatiya written by Aryabhata who belonged to Pataliputra. Astronomy made great progress during the age. Varahamihira and Aryabhatta were the major astronomers.
- The foundational texts of Indian philosophy, such as the Nyaya Sutras and the Yoga Sutras, were composed during this period.
- Plays: Bhasa was an important poet in the early phase of the Gupta period and wrote thirteen plays.
- Vishakhadatta had written two plays, namely Mudrarakshasa and
- This period is particularly memorable for the compilation of Amarakosha by Amarasimha, who was a luminary in the court of Chandragupta II.
- Religious literature: This period also shows an increase in the production of religious literature. The two great epics, namely the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, were almost completed by the fourth century AD.
- The Puranas follow the lines of the epics, and the earlier ones were finally compiled in Gupta times.
- The period also saw the compilation of various Smritis or the lawbooks in which social and religious norms were written in verse.
Conclusion
The Gupta dynasty’s recognition of the power of ideas, its nurturing of intellectual pursuits, and its investment in the cultivation of literary genius all contributed to the remarkable literary renaissance.
Q2. Changing strategies and ideologies of revolutionary movement reflected a broader shift in the political mindset of the time. Substantiate. (15M)
Introduction
The emergence of revolutionary ideology in India during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century was the result of several internal and external influences working on the minds of the youth.
Body:
Changing strategies and ideologies of revolutionary movement:
- Individual heroism: In Bengal, several societies such as ‘Anushilan Samiti’ and ‘Yugantar’ emerged, strategizing the assassination of disliked British officials.
- Figures like Khudiram Bose and Prafulla Chaki endeavored to eliminate unpopular British officials. During this initial period, the focus wasn’t on orchestrating a widespread armed revolution, but rather on individual acts of heroism.
- They were less organised and proper communication channel among its leaders was missing.
- They represented the disenchantment of youth towards the passive activities of larger political organisations like INC and Muslim League.
- Non-Cooperation Withdrawal and Radicalization: The early 1920s marked the onset of the second wave of revolutionary activities, spurred by the withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922.
- This withdrawal fuelled a heightened sense of radicalism among the youth.
- Organized Movements and Leadership: In North India, the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) galvanized revolutionaries, led by figures like Bhagat Singh and Chandrasekhar Azad.
- Meanwhile, Bengal saw a resurgence of revolutionary efforts under Surya Sen’s leadership.
- Shift Towards Mass Revolution: This phase marked a transition from individual heroism to collective action.
- Embracing the methods of Irish nationalists, they aimed to ignite national consciousness by attacking British officials and institutions.
- The aspiration shifted to orchestrating an armed mass revolution to expel the British from India.
- Influence of Socialism and Ideological Shift: Many revolutionaries were influenced by socialist principles, evident in the renaming of the organization to Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) in 1928.
- Their ideology emphasized socialist principles and mass-based revolution.
- Humanism, Secularism, and Vision for India: Distinguished by their humanist and secular ideals, revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh envisioned a secular, democratic republic for India.
- This inclusive vision contrasted with the early phase’s focus on heroism.
- Social Engagement and Unity: the last wave prioritized social causes such as education and untouchability, claiming to represent workers and peasants in their struggle.
- The camaraderie among revolutionaries fostered religious friendships, setting examples for the commoners.
- Integration of Arts and Communication: The incorporation of art forms like plays, songs, and poems illustrated the revolutionary movements’ responsiveness to changing communication dynamics.
- This shift showcased a realization of the importance of effectively connecting with the masses and disseminating ideas through innovative means.
Conclusion
These shifts reflected an evolving understanding of societal dynamics, the influence of global political currents, and the revolutionary leaders’ capacity to adapt to emerging challenges. As such, the revolutionary movements served as both products of and contributors to the changing political landscape of their era.
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