UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice — GS 1 : Question on Non-cooperation Movement and socio-cultural diversities among tribal communities (Week 61)

QUESTION 2

Discuss the socio-cultural diversities among tribal communities in India. How do these diversities impact their integration into the broader Indian society?

General points on the structure of the answers

Introduction

— The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction.

— It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts.

Body

— It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content.

— The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points.

— Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse.

QUESTION 1: Discuss the role of Mahatma Gandhi in shaping the Indian National Movement during the Non-cooperation Movement.

Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers.

Introduction:

— Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi returned to his home country in January 1915, after spending two decades abroad.

— Mahatma Gandhi developed the distinctive nonviolent protest techniques known as satyagraha in South Africa, advocated religious unity, and alerted upper-caste Indians to their unfair treatment of inferior castes and women.

— In India, he embarked on a rail tour to various sections of the country, attempting to understand the issues of farmers, peasants, and urban labourers and arranging rallies for them.

— Mahatma Gandhi made his first significant public appearance in February 1916, at the opening of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU).

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

— In 1917, Mahatma Gandhi spent time in Champaran before moving on to two campaigns in his home state of Gujarat in 1918.

— These actions in Champaran, Ahmedabad, and Kheda distinguished Gandhiji as a patriot with a strong concern for the poor.

— During the Great War of 1914-18, the British censored the press and allowed incarceration without trial.

— These harsh regulations were maintained following the suggestion of a commission convened by Sir Sidney Rowlatt. Gandhiji responded by calling for a nationwide movement against the “Rowlatt Act”.

— The protests were especially intense in Punjab, where many men had served on the British side of the war, expecting to be compensated for their efforts.

— Gandhiji was imprisoned while travelling to Punjab, and leading local Congressmen were arrested.

Non-Cooperation Movement

— The Rowlatt Satyagraha established Gandhiji as a true national leader. Gandhiji, emboldened by its success, launched a “non-cooperation” campaign against British rule.

— Indians who wanted colonialism to cease were told not to attend schools, colleges, or law courts, and to stop paying taxes. In summary, they were instructed to “renounce all voluntary association with the British government.”

— Gandhiji believed that by combining non-cooperation with Khilafat, India’s two major religious communities, Hindus and Muslims, could collectively bring an end to colonial rule.

— These uprisings undoubtedly sparked a wave of public action that was unprecedented in colonial India.

— Students stopped coming to government-run schools and institutions. Lawyers declined to attend court. The working class went on strike in a number of cities.

— The countryside was also rife with dissatisfaction. Hill tribes in northern Andhra violated forest rules. Farmers in Awadh did not pay their taxes. Peasants in Kumaun refused to carry loads for colonial officials. These protests were occasionally carried out in violation of the local nationalist leadership.

— The Non-Cooperation Movement shook the British Raj to its core for the first time since the Revolt of 1857.

Conclusion:

— In February 1922, a mob of peasants stormed and burned down a police station in Chauri Chaura, United Provinces.

— This act of violence forced Gandhiji to call the campaign off completely.

— During the Non-Cooperation Movement, hundreds of Indians were imprisoned. Gandhiji was arrested in March 1922 and charged with sedition.

(Source: indianexpress.com/about/mahatma-gandhi/, ncert.nic.in)

Points to Ponder

Civil Disobedience Movement

Quit India Movement

Related Previous Year Questions

Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement. (2021)

What was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach towards education and nationalism? (2023)

QUESTION 2: Discuss the socio-cultural diversities among tribal communities in India. How do these diversities impact their integration into the broader Indian society?

Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers.

Introduction:

— One of India’s most remarkable characteristics is its unity in diversity. The world’s second-largest tribal population is found in India.

— According to data from the 2011 Census, 8.9% of India’s population is classified as tribal.

— The indigenous people of the nation have distinctive lives and customs along with rich traditions, cultures, and heritage.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

— Tribal people around the country have rich traditions, cultures, and histories, as well as distinct lifestyles and customs. Despite considerable regional variance, tribes have many characteristics, such as living in relative geographical isolation and being more homogeneous and self-sufficient than non-tribal social groups.

— Tribal territories make up a major portion of the country’s underdeveloped areas. Tribal habitation is concentrated in the country’s northeastern states, which border China and Burma, as well as the highlands and plains of its centre and southern areas.

— There are also variations in the degree to which tribes interact with non-tribal populations. While the northeastern tribes are mainly separate societies, the tribes in peninsular India may occasionally interact with non-tribal people.

How do these diversities impact their integration into the broader Indian society?

— A tribal culture of a distinct race within the cauldron of the Northeast serves several identities. Tribals dominate the populations of states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland. They, in turn, have their own distinct characteristics.

— Assam, Manipur, Tripura, and Sikkim are home to individuals of numerous religious faiths, including Hindus, Christians, and Muslims, as well as a diverse range of local tribes and clans.

— Bengali and non-Bengali-speaking Hindus in Assam have distinct identities. Similarly, Nagas, Manipuris, Assamese, Muslims, and others coexist with various languages and traditions, striving to safeguard their identities and meet their distinct yet separate cultural and territorial objectives.

— In south India, social groups in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Kerala have distinct cultural identities and seek to be a part of the political framework to meet their various needs.

— In Tamil Nadu, intermediary castes such as the Vellalars, Chettiyars, Mudhaliyars, Naidus, Gounders, Thevars, and Vanniyars, among others, hope to have a significant impact on electoral outcomes.

— In Karnataka, the Vokkaligas, Lingayats, Muslims, and OBCs all have distinct cultural and electoral identities.

— Andhra Pradesh’s two politically powerful communities are the Reddys and the Kammas.

Conclusion:

— The Ministry of Tribal Affairs was established in 1999 as a distinct ministry with the aim of offering a more targeted approach to the integrated socio-economic development of the Scheduled Tribes (STs).

— Moreover, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first to visit Bhagwan Birsa’s birthplace, Ulihatu Village, on November 15, 2023. Furthermore, the PM announced the start of PM JANMAN, the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan, which aims to support the entire development of PVTGs, or particularly vulnerable tribal groups.

(Source: India’s diversity must never be used against it by Kapil Sibal, https://trifed.tribal.gov.in)

Points to Ponder

What are PVTGs?

Schemes for tribes

Tribes in news

Related Previous Year Questions

How did the colonial rule affect the tribals in India and what was the tribal response to the colonial oppression? (2023)

Given the diversities among tribal communities in India, in which specific contexts should they be considered as a single category? (2022)

Previous Mains Answer Practice

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 59)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 60)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 60)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 61)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 61)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 60)

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