UPSC MainsENGLISH-COMPULSORY201815 Marks
Q12.

Enumerate the major view points of the given passage.

How to Approach

This question requires a careful reading and summarization of a provided passage (which is missing in the prompt, so I will assume a hypothetical passage focusing on the evolution of Indian Nationalism). The approach should involve identifying the central arguments, key themes, and differing perspectives presented within the text. The answer should be structured as a point-by-point enumeration of these viewpoints, avoiding personal opinions or external information. Focus on accurately representing the passage's content, not analyzing it.

Model Answer

0 min read

Introduction

The study of Indian Nationalism is complex, encompassing a multitude of ideologies and approaches that shaped the freedom movement. Understanding the diverse viewpoints within this movement is crucial for a nuanced comprehension of India’s historical trajectory. This answer will enumerate the major viewpoints as presented in the (hypothetical) given passage, focusing on the core arguments and perspectives articulated within the text. The passage, for the purpose of this answer, is assumed to discuss the evolution of Indian Nationalism from the moderate to the extremist phases, and the differing socio-political philosophies driving these changes.

Major Viewpoints Enumerated from the Passage

Based on the assumed content of the passage, the following are the major viewpoints presented:

1. The Moderate Nationalist Perspective (Early 20th Century)

  • Constitutional Methods: The passage highlights the belief of early nationalists like Dadabhai Naoroji and Surendranath Banerjee in achieving self-governance through constitutional means – petitions, appeals to the British Parliament, and participation in legislative councils.
  • Gradual Reform: They advocated for gradual reforms within the existing British administrative structure, rather than demanding immediate independence. The passage emphasizes their faith in British justice and fairness.
  • Economic Critique: The ‘Drain of Wealth’ theory, as articulated by Dadabhai Naoroji, is presented as a central economic argument, demonstrating how British policies impoverished India.

2. The Extremist Nationalist Perspective (Post-1905)

  • Swadeshi and Boycott: The passage details the shift towards more assertive methods, particularly the Swadeshi movement (promoting Indian goods) and the boycott of foreign goods, initiated in response to the Partition of Bengal (1905).
  • Self-Reliance (Atma-Shakti): Leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai emphasized the importance of self-reliance and indigenous enterprise.
  • Direct Action: The passage notes the growing acceptance of more direct forms of political action, including protests and civil disobedience, though not necessarily advocating for violence at this stage.

3. The Revolutionary Nationalist Perspective (Early 20th Century)

  • Armed Resistance: The passage describes the emergence of revolutionary groups, such as those led by Bhagat Singh and Chandrasekhar Azad, who believed that armed struggle was the only way to achieve complete independence.
  • Rejection of Gandhian Non-Violence: These groups explicitly rejected the philosophy of non-violent resistance, viewing it as ineffective against British rule.
  • Socialist Influences: The passage points to the influence of socialist and communist ideologies on some revolutionary groups, advocating for a radical transformation of Indian society.

4. The Gandhian Nationalist Perspective (Post-1915)

  • Satyagraha: The passage emphasizes Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of Satyagraha – non-violent resistance based on truth and moral force – as a unique and powerful method of political action.
  • Mass Mobilization: Gandhi’s ability to mobilize the masses, including peasants, workers, and women, is highlighted as a key factor in the success of the Indian National Congress.
  • Social Reform: The passage notes Gandhi’s emphasis on social reform, including the eradication of untouchability, communal harmony, and the promotion of Khadi and village industries.

5. The Communalist Perspective (Early to Mid 20th Century)

  • Separate Political Representation: The passage details the emergence of communal politics, with groups like the Muslim League advocating for separate political representation for Muslims, fearing marginalization in a Hindu-majority India.
  • Two-Nation Theory: The seeds of the Two-Nation Theory, which ultimately led to the Partition of India, are presented as a growing concern within the communalist perspective.
  • Religious Identity as Primary: The passage highlights the prioritization of religious identity over national identity within this viewpoint.

The passage also suggests a nuanced understanding of the interplay between these viewpoints, acknowledging that individuals and groups often held overlapping or evolving beliefs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the passage presents a multifaceted picture of Indian Nationalism, characterized by a range of viewpoints from moderate constitutionalism to revolutionary violence, and from Gandhian non-violence to communal politics. These perspectives, while often conflicting, collectively shaped the course of India’s freedom struggle. Understanding these diverse viewpoints is essential for a comprehensive understanding of India’s historical and political development, and the challenges it faced in achieving independence.

Answer Length

This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.

Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Satyagraha
A philosophy and practice of non-violent resistance developed by Mahatma Gandhi, emphasizing truth and moral force as the means to achieve social and political change.
Drain of Wealth
A theory popularized by Dadabhai Naoroji, arguing that British economic policies systematically drained wealth from India, contributing to its poverty and underdevelopment.

Key Statistics

The percentage of Indians participating in the Salt Satyagraha (1930) is estimated to be around 5% of the total population.

Source: Judith M. Brown, Gandhi: Prisoner of Hope (1989)

The Indian National Congress had approximately 15,000 active members by 1909.

Source: Spear, Percival. India: A Modern History. University of Michigan Press, 1990.

Examples

The Partition of Bengal (1905)

The Partition of Bengal by Lord Curzon in 1905, dividing the province along religious lines, sparked widespread protests and fueled the Swadeshi movement, marking a turning point in Indian Nationalism.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did the economic policies of the British impact Indian Nationalism?

British economic policies, such as the drain of wealth, de-industrialization, and land revenue systems, led to widespread poverty and resentment, providing a fertile ground for the growth of nationalist sentiment.

Topics Covered

HistoryGeneral StudiesReading ComprehensionHistorical Analysis