Embarking on the journey to crack the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a formidable task, and choosing the right optional subject is a crucial decision for aspirants. For those with a penchant for political science and international relations, the Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) optional has been a perennial favorite. Within the vast landscape of PSIR, the Indian Political Thought segment stands as a cornerstone, offering insights into the evolution of political ideas in the Indian context. In this blog series, we delve into the intricacies of the PSIR Optional Topic – Indian Political Thought, focusing specifically on the previous year questions from 2013 to 2023 in the UPSC Mains examination. Analyzing these questions not only provides a roadmap for aspirants to understand the exam’s pattern but also offers a deeper understanding of the evolution and dynamics of Indian political thought, a crucial aspect for aspirants aiming to ace the examination.
As we navigate through a decade of UPSC Mains questions, the intent is to unravel the nuances of Indian Political Thought that the examination demands. Each question is a window into the UPSC’s expectations from candidates, and dissecting them will equip aspirants with the knowledge and skills necessary to formulate articulate and comprehensive responses. Join us on this intellectual expedition, where we dissect the past to illuminate the path to success for future aspirants opting for PSIR as their optional subject in the UPSC examination.
Indian Political Thought – Previous Year Questions (UPSC CSE Mains PSIR Optional)
Manu
1. Comment: The main political ideas contained in the Manusmriti. (2003)
2. Comment: Four Purusharthas in Indian tradition. (2004)
Kautilya, Dharmashastra, Arthashastra and Buddhist Traditions
1. Comment: “Material well-being alone is supreme. For, spiritual good and sensual pleasures depends upon material well-being.” (Kautilya) (1993)
2. Comment: “Rulership can be successfully carried out (only) with the help of associates: one wheel alone does not turn.” (Kautilya) (1994)
3. Comment: Mandal theory. (2003)
4. Comment: “Of those (officers) the ways of embezzlement are forty.” (Kautilya) (2005)
5. Comment: “In the happiness of his subjects lies the king’s happiness; in their welfare his welfare.” (Kautilya) (2007)
6. Critically examine the ‘Sapta Prakriti’, of state as envisaged by Kautilya. (2007)
7. Compare and contrast Kautilya and Machiavelli on statecraft. (2009)
8. Compare and contrast Dharmasastra and Arthasastra with reference to State power. (2010)
9. Write a note on the Buddhist tradition in Indian political thought. (2012)
10. Examine the significance of Dharma in ancient Indian political thought. (2013)
11. Analyse, as per Kautilya, the Saptanga theory of the state. (2013)
12. Evaluate the contributions of Buddhist tradition to Indian political thought. (2014)
13. Compare and contrast the views of Kautilya and Machiavelli on Statecraft. (2015)
14. What do you understand by the notion of Statecraft? Discuss the theory of statecraft as given by Kautilya. (2017)
15. Discuss Kautilya views on the elements of the State. (2019)
16. Explain the sources of ancient Indian political thought. (2020)
17. Do you think that the Buddhist traditions have lent greater ethical, foundation to the ancient Indian political thought? Give your arguments. (2021)
Sri Aurobindo
1. Comment: Spiritual nationalism of Aurobindo Ghosh. (1991)
2. Comment in 150 words: Sri Aurobindo’s “idea of freedom” (2013)
3. Comment in 150 words: “Nationalism is not a mere political programme but, a way of life like religion.” (Aurobindo Ghose) (2014)
4. Discuss Shri Aurobindo’s views on Culture Nationalism. (2016)
5. According to Sri Aurobindo, Swaraj is a necessary condition for India to accomplish its destined goal. Comment. (2017)
M. N. Roy
1. Analyse M.N. Roy’s ideational journey from Marxism to Radical Humanism. (2002)
2. Comment on Radical Humanism. (2009)
3. Comment on the Marxist and Radical Humanist phases of M. N. Roy’s thought. (2012)
M. K. Gandhi
1. Comment: Validity of the statement that most prominent among Gandhian principles are non-violence, adherence to truth and dignity of labour. (2001)
2. What are the major components of Modern Indian Political Thought? Examine them with reference to Gandhi and M.N. Roy. (2001)
3. Comment: “The true source of right is duty. If we all discharge our duties, rights will not be far to seek.” (M. K. Gandhi) (2002)
4. Explain Gandhi’s ideas regarding State and highlight their relationship with modern democracy and principles of anarchism. (2006)
5. Comment: “Real rights are a ·result of performance of duty”. (Mahatma Gandhi) (2008)
6. Examine the Gandhian idea of village community as an ideal unit of self – governance. (2012)
7. Comment in 150 words: Gandhi’s Views on State. (2015)
8. Examine Gandhi’s critique of ‘Modernisation’. (2016)
9. Comment: M.K.Gandhi’s concept of Swaraj. (2019)
10. Explicate the ideological components of Gandhism. (2020)
11. “The Panchayats with gram Sabhas should be so organised as to identify the resources locally available for the development in agricultural and industrial sectors.” Examine the statement in the context of Gram Swaraj.(2022)
B. R. Ambedkar
1. Comment: Ambedkar’s Concept of Social Justice. (2006)
2. Examine Ambedkar’s critique of Marxism. (2013)
3. Comment: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s idea of state socialism. (2016)
4. Political democracy could not last unless social democracy lay at its base – B. R. Ambedkar. Comment. (2017)
5. Discuss Ambedkar’s ideas on ‘annihilation of caste’. (2018)
6. Comment in 150 words: Ambedkar’s ideas on constitutionalism. (2020)
7. Dr. Ambedkar’s idea of social justice leads to ‘egalitarian justice’ as compared to Rawls’ ‘justice as fairness’ which aims at the notion of ‘pure procedural justice’. Comment.(2022)
Sir Syed Ahmad Khan
1. Comment in 150 words: Syed Ahmed Khan as a modernizer. (2013)
2. “When a nation becomes devoid of arts and· learning, it invites poverty.” (Sir Syed Ahmad Khan). In the light of this statement, assess the role of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan as a reformer in modem India. (2021)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is Indian Political Thought and why is it important in the context of UPSC Civil Services Exam?
Indian Political Thought refers to the rich and diverse intellectual traditions that have shaped the political philosophy of India over centuries. It encompasses a wide range of ideas, from ancient texts like the Arthashastra and Manusmriti to modern thinkers like Gandhi and Ambedkar. Understanding Indian Political Thought is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it provides insights into the historical, cultural, and philosophical foundations of India’s political landscape. Questions related to this topic often appear in the UPSC Mains exam, making it essential for candidates to have a comprehensive grasp of Indian political ideologies.
Q: Which historical texts and philosophers are key to Indian Political Thought?
Indian Political Thought draws from a variety of ancient and medieval texts, such as the Rigveda, Arthashastra, Manusmriti, and Upanishads. Philosophers like Chanakya, Kautilya, and later thinkers like M.N. Roy, B.R. Ambedkar, and Mahatma Gandhi have significantly contributed to shaping political thought in India. Aspirants should be familiar with these texts and thinkers to effectively tackle questions on the evolution of political ideas in the Indian context.
Q: How does Indian Political Thought differ from Western political philosophy?
Indian Political Thought is distinct from Western political philosophy in its emphasis on dharma, karma, and the holistic approach to life. While Western political thought often focuses on individual rights and governance structures, Indian thought integrates spiritual and ethical dimensions into its political philosophy. Understanding these differences is vital for aspirants to provide nuanced answers in the UPSC exam.
Q: Are there contemporary applications of Indian Political Thought in today’s political landscape?
Yes, many principles from Indian Political Thought continue to influence contemporary politics. Concepts like ‘Dharma’ and ‘Sarvodaya’ find resonance in discussions on governance, social justice, and sustainable development. Aspirants should be able to connect historical ideologies with present-day challenges to showcase a holistic understanding of Indian Political Thought.
Q: How can one effectively prepare for Indian Political Thought as an optional subject in UPSC Mains?
To prepare for Indian Political Thought, aspirants should start by reading primary texts and gaining a deep understanding of the philosophical underpinnings. Additionally, studying the writings and contributions of key philosophers is essential. Regular revision and practice through solving previous years’ questions will enhance one’s analytical skills and boost confidence in tackling this optional subject in the UPSC Mains examination.
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