Question Q.20GS1GS1

Though important elements of group identity, religion and region also run the risk of deepening communal cleavages. Comment.

Open scan (p.48)

Answer Strengths Gaps Keywords

Introduction

Religion & region provide a sense of group solidarity & identity.

11 words

Main Body

Religion & region provide a sense of group solidarity & identity.

Group identityreligion & region important elements.

(A) Religion & beliefs

1Religion practices create a form of collective conscience.

3Gives norms, sanctions leading to social control.

(B) Region

a) Coincides with other cultural markers like language

b) Sense of belonging & origin.

c) Local traditions bind people eglocal cuisine, dance, art, literature egSangam literature in South India.

Communal cleavages

a) Religion

1Vested interest can exploit religious identity to gain power.

2Relative deprivation & lack of development, coinciding with religion can fuel divide.

(b) Region

1Sense of soil syndrome to keep local resource for region's people only.

2Perceive: Perceived internal colonialism → subjugating local culture by yokshard lack of development eg Vidarbha, Maharashtra.

3Used by second political parties for vote bank.

One must be guided by value of secularism & nationalism to Procure unity in diversity.

3Colonial policy of divide & rule eg → separate electorates in Cat Act 1909 created divisions.

(b) Region

1Sense of soil syndrome to keep local resource for region's people only.

2Perceive: Perceived internal colonialism → subjugating local culture by backward lack of development eg Vidarbha, Maharashtra.

3Used by second political parties for vote bank.

One must be guided by value of secularism & nationalism to Procure unity in diversity.

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Comment on the following in light of changing Indian society:

One must be guided by value of secularism & nationalism to procure unity in diversity.

274 words26 paragraphs

Conclusion

One must be guided by value of secularism & nationalism to procure unity in diversity.

15 words

Balanced presentation of both positive and negative aspects
Structured approach with clear categorization (Religion vs Region)
Specific examples provided (Sangam literature, local traditions)
Connects identity to collective conscience and social control
Links socioeconomic factors to communal tensions
Addresses regional dimension of communal cleavages
Provides specific example (Vidarbha, Maharashtra)
Links political opportunism to communal tensions
Concludes with normative vision of unity in diversity
Invokes constitutional values (secularism, nationalism)
Uses historical precedent (Cat Act 1909) to support argument
Connects colonial strategies to contemporary communal issues
Links regional aspiration to development deficits
Comprehensive answer covering multiple dimensions

Open original scan

Page 48

Topper

Aayushi Bansal

AIR 72024

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Society and Social Dynamics

Communalism and Identity

Religion, Region and Group Identity

Writing Stats

300

Total words

Paragraphs

Analytical and structured

Tone