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Disha DhankharAIR 235· 2025

Question 4GS2GS2

Discuss the long-term impact of the Indian independence movement.

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Answer

Main Body

Mahatma Phule was a 19th century social reformer who laid the ideological groundwork for social justice & equality.

Role in laying foundation for inclusive national movement:

1. Anti-caste movement & social equality:

He authored 'Gulamgiri' and critiqued the varna system, comparing it to sexual slavery
He inspired anti-caste movement thinkers, including Dr. BR Ambedkar and anti-caste Brahmin movements
He established Satyashodhak Samaj - a society that worked for emancipation of Balits & promote the ideal of equality

2. Education:

Along with his wife Savitribai Phule he opened the first school for girls & lower castes
This inspired the emancipatory power of education & the state it can play in breaking shackles of caste
This inspired late nationalist discourse under Gandhi & Nehru

3. Women's stigma:

Campaigned against child marriage, dati & widow oppression and he advocated for widow remarriage
This promoted equal rights & dignity for women
India later became one of the few to grant universal adult franchise at independence

4. Peasant consciousness:

He called for agrarian justice & called for reforms in the agricultural sector
This shaped peasant resistance movements such as Deccan riots & later Kisan Sabhas
201 words6 paragraphs11 bullet points

Conclusion

If you want to serve humanity, begin with the oppressed' - these are the words of Mahatma Phule that demonstrate his philosophy completely. He laid the foundation of egalitarianism that the later leaders built upon.

35 words

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Examiner score
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Page 29

Topper

Disha Dhankhar

AIR 2352025

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Indian Constitution - Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure

Historical Underpinnings

Social Reformers and Movements

Writing Stats

236

Total words

6

Paragraphs

11

Bullets

analytical

Tone