Indian Society is a critical subject for UPSC aspirants as it provides an in-depth understanding of the social, cultural, and economic fabric of India. The subject encompasses various aspects, such as social stratification, gender, caste, religion, and modernization. In the previous year’s mains examination, several questions related to Indian Society were asked, highlighting the importance of this subject for the exam. Therefore, aspirants must have a comprehensive understanding of the topic to score well in the exam.
To excel in the Indian Society section of the UPSC Mains exam, aspirants must focus on building a strong foundation. A thorough understanding of the various social, cultural, and economic dimensions of Indian Society is essential. Additionally, aspirants must keep themselves updated with the latest developments in the field of Indian Society, such as new trends and changes in society. Regular practice of answering previous year’s questions and mock tests can also help in developing the necessary writing skills required to ace the exam. With consistent efforts, dedication, and a passion for Indian Society, aspirants can undoubtedly excel in this section of the UPSC Mains exam.
2023
- Do you think marriage as a sacrament is losing its value in Modern India?
- Explain why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian society.
- Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialization of children.
- Why is caste identity in India both fluid and static?
- Discuss the impact of the post-liberal economy on ethnic identity and communalism.
2022
- Given the diversities among tribal communities in India, in which specific contexts should they be considered as a single category?
- Are tolerance, assimilation, and pluralism the key elements in the making of an Indian form of secularism? Justify your answer.
- Analyze the salience of ‘sect’ in Indian society vis-a-vis caste, region, and religion.
2021
- Examine the uniqueness of tribal knowledge systems when compared with mainstream knowledge and cultural systems. (150 words)
- How does Indian society maintain continuity in traditional social values? Enumerate the changes taking place in it. (250 words)
2020
- Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi-cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations.
- The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment.
- Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue.
- Are diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalization? Justify your answer.
- Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree?
- How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate on your answer.
2019
- “Empowering women is the key to controlling population growth”. Discuss.
- What are the challenges to our cultural practices in the name of secularism?
- Do we have cultural pockets of small India all over the nation? Elaborate with examples.
- What are the continued challenges for women in India against time and space?
- Are we losing our local identity for the global identity? Discuss.
2018
- “The caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, the caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment.
- ‘Despite the implementation of various programs for eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existing’. Explain by giving reasons.
- How is the Indian concept of secularism different from the Western model of secularism? Discuss.
- ‘Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata.’ Substantiate your view.
- ‘Globalisation is generally said to promote cultural homogenization but due to this cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in the Indian society.’ Elucidate.
- ‘Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation.’ Argue by giving suitable illustrations.
2017
- In the context of the diversity of India, can it be said that the regions form cultural units rather than the States? Give reasons with examples for your viewpoint.
- What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes(STs)?
- The spirit of tolerance and love is not only an interesting feature of Indian society from very early times, but it is also playing an important part in the present. Elaborate.
- The women’s questions arose in modern India as a part of the 19th-century social reform movement. What are the major issues and debates concerning women in that period?
- Distinguish between religiousness/religiosity and communalism giving one example of how the former has got transformed into the latter in independent India.
2016
- Has the formation of linguistic states strengthened the cause of Indian unity?
- To what extent has globalization influenced the core of cultural diversity in India? Explain.
- “An essential condition to eradicate poverty is to liberate the poor from the process of deprivation.” Substantiate this statement with suitable examples.
- Why are the tribals in India referred to as ‘the Scheduled Tribes’? Indicate the major provisions enshrined in the Constitution of India for their upliftment.
- With a brief background of the quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of the ‘Smart City Programme.”
- What is the basis of regionalism? Is it that the unequal distribution of benefits of development on a regional basis eventually promotes regionalism? Substantiate your answer.
2015
- Describe any four cultural elements of diversity in India and rate their relative significance in building a national identity.
- Critically examine whether a growing population is the cause of poverty OR poverty is the mains cause of population increase in India.
- How do you explain the statistics that show that the sex ratio in Tribes in India is more favorable to women than the sex ratio among Scheduled Castes?
- Discuss the changes in the trends of labor migration within and outside India in the last four decades.
- Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization on women in India.
- Debate the issue of whether and how contemporary movements for the assertion of Dalit identity work towards the annihilation of caste.
2014
- How does patriarchy impact the position of a middle-class working woman in India?
- Why do some of the most prosperous regions of India have an adverse sex ratio for women? Give your arguments.
- The life cycle of a joint family depends on economic factors rather than social values. Discuss.
- How do the Indian debates on secularism differ from the debates in the West?
2013
- Discussion the various social problems which originated out of the speedy process of urbanization in India.
- Male membership needs to be encouraged in order to make women’s organization free from gender bias. Comment.
- Critically examine the effects of globalization on the aged population in India.
- Growing feeling of regionalism is an important factor in the generation of demand for a separate state. Discuss.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Question: How has globalization impacted Indian society?
Answer: Globalization has significantly influenced Indian society by fostering economic integration, cultural exchange, and technological advancements. While it has opened avenues for economic growth and innovation, it has also led to socio-economic disparities, cultural homogenization, and challenges to traditional livelihoods. A balanced approach is essential to harness the benefits of globalization while addressing its negative consequences.
2. Question: Discuss the role of women in shaping contemporary Indian society.
Answer: The role of women in Indian society has evolved over the years. From being confined to traditional gender roles, women are now actively participating in various spheres, including politics, education, and the workforce. However, challenges like gender-based violence, unequal representation, and societal norms persist. Empowering women through education, legal reforms, and societal awareness is crucial for achieving gender equality.
3. Question: Examine the impact of caste-based reservations on social equality in India.
Answer: Caste-based reservations have played a pivotal role in addressing historical injustices and promoting social equality in India. While reservations have increased representation for marginalized communities in education and employment, challenges such as creamy layer issues and caste-based politics persist. A comprehensive approach that combines affirmative action with broader social reforms is necessary to ensure sustained progress.
4. Question: How has urbanization affected the social fabric of Indian villages?
Answer: Urbanization has led to significant changes in the social dynamics of Indian villages. Migration to urban areas has resulted in the transformation of traditional agrarian societies, with implications for livelihoods, social relationships, and cultural practices. Balancing the benefits of urbanization with the preservation of rural traditions requires strategic planning, infrastructure development, and inclusive policies.
5. Question: Analyze the impact of information technology on social connectivity in India.
Answer: Information technology has revolutionized social connectivity in India, breaking geographical barriers and enabling instant communication. While this has facilitated economic growth, education, and awareness, it has also raised concerns about digital divides, privacy, and cyber threats. Policymakers need to formulate regulations that harness the positive aspects of technology while addressing its potential negative consequences.
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