Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present significant events, personalities, issues.
Q1. Examine the contribution of Jawaharlal Nehru towards laying the foundations of modern India. Discuss the role of democratic institutions in this process. Analyse the major challenges encountered in implementing the Nehruvian vision of nation-building. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question
Jawaharlal Nehru’s death anniversary has revived debates on his role in shaping India’s democratic, secular and developmental foundations in the post-Independence period.
Key Demand of the question
The question demands an examination of Nehru’s contribution towards building modern India, the role played by democratic institutions in that process, and the major challenges faced in implementing the Nehruvian vision of nation-building.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Briefly mention the post-1947 challenges before India and Nehru’s role in giving institutional and developmental direction to the newly independent nation.
Body
- Foundations of modern India: Mention contributions related to democracy, industrialisation, scientific temper, secularism, planning and foreign policy.
- Role of democratic institutions: Mention role of Parliament, judiciary, Election Commission, federalism and planning institutions in sustaining democratic nation-building.
- Challenges in implementing Nehruvian vision: Mention issues such as poverty, weak land reforms, over-centralisation, defence failures and social inequalities.
Conclusion
Conclude by highlighting that despite limitations, Nehru’s institutional vision ensured democratic continuity and laid the long-term foundations of India’s modern state.
