Embarking on the journey of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination, aspirants often find solace in deciphering the patterns and trends of previous year questions. For those choosing Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) as their optional subject, understanding the evolution of questions is crucial. In this blog series, we delve into the comprehensive exploration of PSIR optional topic-wise previous year questions in UPSC Mains. Our focus is on the intriguing realm of Indian Nationalism, spanning the years 2013 to 2023. By unraveling the intricacies of these questions, aspirants can gain valuable insights into the examiner’s expectations, thematic variations, and the evolving dynamics of the subject. Whether you are a seasoned UPSC candidate or a newcomer to the realm of PSIR, this blog series aims to serve as a beacon, illuminating the path to a deeper understanding of Indian Nationalism within the context of UPSC Mains examinations.
As we navigate through the years, we will analyze the subtle shifts in emphasis, the recurring themes, and the nuanced perspectives that the UPSC has explored within the canvas of Indian Nationalism. Beyond mere memorization, this series seeks to empower aspirants with a conceptual understanding that transcends the boundaries of individual questions. Through this exploration, we aspire to equip UPSC aspirants with the tools necessary to approach Indian Nationalism with clarity, precision, and a strategic mindset, ultimately enhancing their performance in the UPSC Mains examination. Join us on this intellectual voyage, as we dissect and interpret a decade’s worth of PSIR optional questions, unraveling the intricacies of Indian Nationalism in the UPSC landscape.
Indian Nationalism – Previous Year Questions (UPSC CSE Mains PSIR Optional)
Political Strategies of India’s Freedom Struggle: Constitutionalism to mass Satyagraha, Non-cooperation, Civil Disobedience; Militant and Revolutionary movements, Peasant and Workers’ Movements.
1. Comment: Anarchism in Gandhi’s philosophy. (1993)
2. Comment: Swadeshi movement. (1996)
3. Comment: Jinnah’s two-nation theory. (1997)
4. Comment: Raja Ram Mohan Roy as a social reformer. (1998)
5. Comment: Ideas of Gokhale and Tilak and their impact on the Indian struggle for freedom. (1999)
6. Comment: ‘Dyarchy’ under Montague-Chelmsford Reforms. (2002)
7. Examine the salient features of the Indian Independence Act (1947) relating to the transfer of power. What specific provisions did this Act make for the lapse of paramountcy? (2002)
8. Comment: Simon Commission. (2003)
9. Comment: Gandhi’s concept of Truth and Non-violence. Why was he opposed to modern civilisation? (2003)
10. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru comes before us as a great Nationalist, Internationalist and Humanist. Piscuss. (2003)
11. Comment: Surat Split (1907). (2004)
12. Comment: The Government of India Act, 1919. (2004)
13. Highlight Mahatma Gandhi’s role in the Indian National Movement. (2004)
14. Comment: Views of Jaya Prakash Narayan on ‘Total Revolution’. (2005)
15. Explain the ‘federal scheme’ under the Government of India Act, 1935. Why could this scheme not be implemented? (2005)
16. Comment: “Swaraj is the culmination of Swadeshi and Sarvodaya”. (2008)
17. Comment: Indian nationalism as depicted in S.N. Banerjea’s ‘A Nation in the Making’. (2010)
18. Comment on views of Gandhi and Ambedkar on ‘social justice’. (2011)
19. Comment: Significance of the Civil Disobedience Movement. (2011)
20. Comment on the efficacy of Satyagraha as moral resistance to colonial rule. (2012)
21. Explain how peasant movements promoted nationalist ideas during the struggle for Indian independence. (2014)
22. Comment in 150 words: Satyagraha as a Strategy in the Indian National Movement. (2015)
23. The success of Mahatma Gandhi lay in transforming both political and non-political movements into a unified nationalist movement. Comment. (2017)
24. Differentiate Moderate Nationalism from Extremist/Militant Nationalism in terms of their objectives and means. (2017)
25. Comment in 150 words: Revolt of 1857 is a ‘Sepoy Mutiny’ or ‘First War of Independence’.(2018)
26. National movement in India was anti-imperialist and increasingly radical ·in its socio- economic and political programmes. Discuss. (2019)
27. Trace the role of militant and revolutionary movements in Indian national movement. (2020)
28. Analyze the workers’ movement in India in the pre-Independence period.(2022)
Perspectives on Indian National Movement: Liberal, Socialist and Marxist; Radical Humanist and Dalit.
1. Comment: Dalit perspective on Indian National Movement. (2011)
2. Comment in 150 words Marxist understanding of India’s freedom movement. (2013)
3. Critically examine the Radical Humanist perspective on Indian National Movement. (2016)
4. Dalit perspective on Indian national movement. Discuss. (2019)
5. Answer in 150 words: Role of Socialists in Indian National Movement. (2020)
6. Analyze the Marxist perspective of the nature of Indian National Movement. (150 words). (2021)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is Indian Nationalism, and how is it defined within the context of UPSC PSIR optional exams?
Answer: Indian Nationalism, in the UPSC PSIR context, refers to the socio-political ideology that emerged during India’s struggle for independence. It encompasses the diverse spectrum of beliefs, movements, and historical events that contributed to the formation of a unified Indian identity. In the UPSC PSIR optional exams, questions on Indian Nationalism may explore its evolution, key contributors, and the impact of various socio-cultural, economic, and political factors.
Q: How has Indian Nationalism evolved over the years, and what are the key themes that UPSC aspirants should focus on?
Answer: Indian Nationalism has undergone significant transformations from its inception to the present day. UPSC aspirants should concentrate on understanding the phases of nationalism, key leaders, and the ideological underpinnings that shaped its trajectory. Themes such as the role of Mahatma Gandhi, the impact of socio-economic factors, and the interplay between nationalism and religion are crucial areas of exploration.
Q: What role did socio-cultural and religious movements play in the development of Indian Nationalism?
Answer: Socio-cultural and religious movements were instrumental in shaping Indian Nationalism. UPSC may inquire about the contributions of leaders like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Vivekananda, or the impact of movements like the Bhakti and Sufi movements on nationalist sentiments. Aspirants should delve into the interconnections between cultural and religious dynamics and their role in fostering a collective national identity.
Q: How does Indian Nationalism relate to contemporary issues and challenges in India?
Answer: Indian Nationalism is not just a historical concept; it also has relevance in contemporary times. UPSC may pose questions that require aspirants to analyze how the principles of Indian Nationalism align with or challenge current socio-political issues. Understanding this linkage is crucial for aspirants to demonstrate a holistic comprehension of the subject.
Q: What are the key differences between Indian Nationalism and other forms of nationalism worldwide?
Answer: Comparative analysis is often a part of UPSC questions. Aspirants should be prepared to distinguish Indian Nationalism from other global nationalist movements. Understanding the unique features, challenges, and influences that set Indian Nationalism apart from its counterparts around the world is essential for providing nuanced and insightful answers in the examination.
In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.
For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
For Daily Updates and Study Material:
Join our Telegram Channel – Edukemy for IAS
- 1. Learn through Videos – here
- 2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs – here
- 3. Daily Newsletter – Get all your Current Affairs Covered – here
- 4. Mains Answer Writing Practice – here
