Subject: GS 1
Syllabus: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
Questions
- India is the most diverse country in the world, which has held on even after 75 years since its independence. Bring out the cohesive and divisive factors with regard to diversity in India. (250 Words, 15 Marks)
- There are many fairs and festivals celebrated in different parts of India according to the harvest season and changing weather patterns. Discuss. (150 Words, 10 Marks)
Model Structure
1. India is the most diverse country in the world, which has held on even after 75 years since its independence. Bring out the cohesive and divisive factors with regard to diversity in India. (250 Words, 15 Marks)
Model Structure
Introduction
- India is a land of diversity with bonds of unity underlying diversity in languages, customs, dresses, music, dance, architecture, etc. Our composite culture is an amalgamation of these diverse subcultures which differ from place to place.
Main Body
- Various elements of diversity in India which unify the country as a whole include-
- Religion and caste - India is a secular country allowing people to practice all religions of the world. Societies are also divided based on caste system, which also affects their food habits, attire, festivals, etc.
- Linguistic - India is home to the highest number of languages and dialects in the world. There are provisions like the 8th schedule of the constitution, state languages and other cultural schemes which help preserve these languages.
- Architecture - Northern region has Nagara, central has Vesara whereas Southern region has Dravida style of temple architecture but worshiping of all gods pan India act as unifying factor.
- Geographical - Climatic factors and terrain is diverse across the length and breadth of the country. But factors like monsoons, MSP for crops, etc act as unifying factors.
- Biodiversity like richness of flora and fauna, soil and vegetation helps overall development of agriculture, tourism, mining and pharmaceutical industry.
- Diverse India is the source of India’s biggest soft power in the form of Yoga which is practiced not just in India but globally.
- But at times, this diversity has proved to be a hindrance in progress because-
- Co-existence of multiple religions has given rise to communal tendencies which is at times exploited by political parties for vote bank politics.
- Political instability due to alienation of minorities and diverse interests of different groups makes policy making difficult.
- Ethnic and caste based violence destroy sensitive social fabric and at times become violent to damage public property.
- Diversity can at times lead to centrifugal tendencies which result in regionalism. Inter state river water disputes, secessionist tendencies, insurgency etc are some fallouts of such regionalism.
Conclusion
- Diversity of India in itself is a big asset for the country. However the handling of this diversity should be effective so that it continues to be a boon for the country. Inclusive and equitable development should be focused upon.
2. There are many fairs and festivals celebrated in different parts of India according to the harvest season and changing weather patterns. Discuss. (150 Words, 10 Marks)
Model Structure
Introduction
- India has a diversity of cultures cutting across religion, language and region because of which many different festivals are celebrated across the country even during the same time. This reflects specific beliefs and practices which make people engage in these fairs and celebrate these festivals with devotion.
Main Body
- Every fair and festival has got its historical significance and their celebration is a method of paying gratitude to the deity related to these festivals. Some of these festivals include-
- Baisakhi is a new year festival in Punjab also celebrated for the harvest of wheat in April month.
- Makar Sankranti of North India is a festival celebrated for the transition of planets from bad phase into good phase which is marked by Kumbh Mela.
- Onam is a harvest festival celebrated in Kerala which marks the return of King Mahabali.
- Bihu is celebrated in Assam, West Bengal and Odisha by different names, but all signify changing of seasons.
- Gudi Padwa is celebrated as a new year and harvest festival in the month of April in states like Maharashtra, Goa etc.
- Pongal is a thanksgiving season for good harvest celebrated in Tamil Nadu.
- Other festivals include Lohri, Basant Panchmi, Wangla, Nuakhai etc.
- Similarly, there are fairs also celebrated for the same reason. Some of them are-
- Pushkar fair for trade of livestock in Rajasthan is held on Kartik Purnima and attracts a lot of tourists.
- Ambubachi mela in Kamakhya temple, Assam.
- Rann Utsav in Rann of Kutch, Gujarat is held to celebrate ethnic diversity of this area.
- Baneshwar fair of tribals in Rajasthan is also called Kumbh mela of Bhil tribe.
Conclusion
- India has a rich heritage with civilizational values going back to thousands of years. These fairs and festivals are a product of our tradition and add to our soft power and tourism potential.
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