SS

Suvan SharmaAIR 148

Question 5GS1GS1

It is believed that a nation is an "imagined community" held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations etc. In this context, discuss what the basis of India as a nation is. Also, bring out the threats to the concept of Indian nationalism. (Answer in 150 words)

Open scan (p.14)

Main Body

Benedict Anderson talks about nation being an "imagined community".

India as a nation

1John Strachey commented that India is not a nation, but a group of individuated kingdoms which can never unite; however, India is united on:
2Common beliefs

2.1 concept of peace unites India from Kup Ashoka to Gandhi to Veer

2.2 Brotherhood: Sacred Maths

2.3 Harmony: different religions coexist here.

3Common history

3.1 150 years of British rule

3.2 ancient & medieval history

4Political Aspirations → democracy → Universal adult suffrage
5International aspirations

5.1 Vishwagurungs 5.2 Vaccine Maitri

5.3 UNSC reforms 5.4 Rules based world order

6Scientific Hopes

6.1 Chandrayaan -3 6.2 COVID Vaccine

Threats:

1Secessionism → Negative politics of regional issues
2Communal violence
3Caste discrimination
4External influence

Pakistan; Bangladesh; Myanmar

These issues can be corrected through increased participation, nation building processes like 'positive politics' etc to build a stronger Bharat

153 words7 paragraphs
  • References scholarly definitions
  • Addresses counter-argument (Strachey's view)
  • Provides historical and cultural examples
  • Addresses threats comprehensively
  • Includes current examples
  • Provides solutions at the end
  • Well-structured with numbered points

Topper

Suvan Sharma

AIR 148

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India

Post-independence Consolidation and Reorganization within the country

India as a nation and national identity

Writing Stats

153

Total words

7

Paragraphs

analytical and argumentative

Tone