SOCIETY
1. Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India
What are the most dominant unifying factors that have knit India together despite her
tremendous social diversity? Examine.
In diversity there is beauty and there is strength – Maya Angelou
India is a land of “Unity in diversity”. The high mountain ranges, vast seas , large river-irrigated
lands, countless rivers and streams, dark forests, sandy deserts, all these have adorned India with an
exceptional diversity. Among the people there are numerous races, castes, creeds, religions and
languages. But with all these diversities we live together as there is a fundamental unity among us.
There are many factors that are contributing for the unification of India, but the most dominant are
1. Geographical factor: India has its own fixed natural boundary, At broadest level, the country
can be divided into several regions viz. Himalaya, northern plains,plateau of central India and
Deccan, Western & Eastern Ghats, Thar Desert etc. Despite of this diversity, India has been
defined as a distinct geographical unit since ages. A sloka in Vishnu Purana defines Bharata as
the land which is south of snowy mountains and north of ocean.
2. Religious factor: There has been an under-current of religious unity among the various
religious sects in the country. India has multitude of religions including majority Hinduism and
minority Islam, Sikhism, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Bahá’í
Faith and so on. All these religions have some common principles like principles of
benevolence, honesty, faith in an invisible power, value of life etc. The concept of ‘One in
Many’ and of universal morality as essence of religion has provided the essence of religious
unity.
3. Cultural factor: The Cultural unity in diversity of India is generally denoted with the phrase
“Ganga-Jamuni Tahjeeb” or India’s composite culture. Despite of diversity, there are numerous
cultural elements and factors that have shaped India’s composite culture. There has been a basic
unity of literary ideas, philosophy, conventions and outlook of the people throughout the
country. there has been close socio-cultural cooperation among the followers of different creeds
and communities. The composite culture of India is a living example of her fundamental
cultural unity.
4. Linguistic factor: Side by side with this linguistic variety operates the unifying influence of
Sanskrit, the mother of most of the Indian Languages. Sanskrit has been acknowledged as the
one sacred language by all sections of the people irrespective of their race, rank or creed. Most
of the Indian Languages have been influenced by Sanskrit, which may be regarded as a ‘Mother
Language’ of India. English emerged as lingua franca of the country and serves as medium of
communication between two people who have different mother tongue.
5. Political factor: The rulers of India tried to establish their way over the whole country and
, fostered its unity. The term ‘Ekrat’ is more significant as applying to the “King Ruling over the
whole country”. The geographical conception of the identity and individuality of the country in
all its vastness and variety led to the attainment of its political unification under various
sovereigns. After independence, India adopted democratic system of politics which demands
political unification at all its levels.
6. Racial factor: India has a great power of fusion and assimilation. From the earliest time India
has invaded by different races such as Aryans, Shaks, Huns etc. But with the passage of time
they have merged completely with the local population and culture. Innumerable number of
tribes and races coming to India were all absorbed in the broad cultural mainstream of the
country. Racial diversity gave a variety to Indian culture, which is its unique feature.
7. Spirit of Nationalism: There is an emotional bond of patriotism in India that binds all the
members of the nation. The very word Bharat Varsha binds all Indians and emotionally they
become closer to one another. They can also sacrifice their lives to protect India from any
foreign power.
5. India’s diversity is a huge capital. Do you agree? Substantiate.
“Diversity may be the hardest thing for a society to live with, but perhaps the most dangerous thing to
live without” – MF Hussain.
Diversity as a huge capital:
Geographical diversity: India has almost every possible climate in the world.
This makes India robust enough to indulge in all kinds of agricultural and allied sectors.
This has led to development in sugar industries, wheat industries, tea industry, fruit
industry and industries depending on the cash crops of the subsequent crops. Also,
India is leading producer of Milk and milk products, meat industry etc.,
Further, it is responsible for huge natural capital (Flora and Fauna). The minor forest
produce, forest products generates a huge revenue for the government as well as the
tribal people.
Furthermore, Water resources: The diversity in availability of water forms capital in
terms of activities like fishing as well as in hydroelectric projects etc.,
Racial diversity: Indian race consists of all major races of the world which forms the human
capital especially in mobilization of people across the world (Indian diaspora and ancestral link).
Linguistic diversity: India has around 20 major languages and more than 200 dialects used in
the sub-continent. The literature out of them form a huge capital within and outside the country.
Tribal diversity: Tribal handicrafts (whether it is Dhokra metal technique of West Bengal or
Bidri technique of Karnataka), Tribal dances, etc., forms a huge capital for India.
Medicinal diversity: The traditional medicinal practices and medicinal plants forms a major
capital specially in terms of patents. Also, practices like Yoga, Ayurveda, Homeopathy etc., are
gaining importance at the global level (E.g. Yoga is being introduced to fight climate change).
Diversity for soft power: India with population of major races, religions, languages fares good
, in soft power which adds up to the diplomatic capital of the country. E.g. Bollywood movies
famous in South Asia, Indian food being popular in almost every continent.
Diversity of culture translates into diversity of ideas and innovations. Diverse problems and
society bring in custom made ideas. E.g. the concept of Ice stupa in Ladakh by Sonam
Wangchuk, Zero budget natural farming etc.,
The historical diversity has added to India’s rich heritage and culture which is a reflection of
diverse historical monuments, architecture forming the cultural capital of the country. For
instance, we have centuries old churches as well as millennium old temples and mosques.
Tourism: diverse cultures in practicing religion, traditions, cuisines, manners and clothing
attract all the visitors and tourists from globe to India. Being origin of major religion like
Jainism, Buddhism also attracts visitors from countries like ASEAN countries.
Differential Breed of Profession:Diversity has added to diverse professions ranging from
Software engineers as well as literature pandits.
Social capital: Riding under the principle of ‘Unity in Diversity’, Indian diversity upholds the
principle of secularism, national integration, intermingling of people forming huge social capital.
This can be seen in the fact that India is one of the few countries in south and west Asia which
hasn’t seen toppling of democracy or civil war.
Do you think India’s multilingual society creates social and political tension? Critically
comment.
Multilingual society creating social and political tension:
North-south divide: There is a north-south divide mainly due to attempts of imposition of Hindi as the link-
language of India. Opposition to Hindi as a national language from representatives from southern states was
fierce. When 1965 came around, the debate on national language had transformed into a movement against
Hindi imposition.
Narrow and parochial outlook: Politicians, possessing narrow and parochial outlook and certain regional
political parties create linguistic feeling among the people of a locality and exploit their sentiments at the
time of election and in matters of various political issues.
Politics with Language-in-Education: The centre’s order in April 2017 making Hindi compulsory in all
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) affiliated schools till the secondary level evoked various
responses. Some asserted that the policy was contradictory to the right to education, which gives the student
the right to choose their set of languages.
Regionalism: Linguism has promoted local identity. The regional differences have come in the way of
national integration. Extreme sense of regionalism has resulted in parochialism and ethno centricism.
Erosion of national feeling: Linguistic loyalty has come in the way of national integration. Thus, interstate
boundary dispute, river dispute has become common. Example Difference of opinion among people
speaking Kannada and Marathi in Belgaum.
Demand for separate states: Extreme sense of Linguism has caused linguistic conflicts. Such conflicts are
quite often supported by politicians. For Example, Demand for a separate state by people of “north
1. Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India
What are the most dominant unifying factors that have knit India together despite her
tremendous social diversity? Examine.
In diversity there is beauty and there is strength – Maya Angelou
India is a land of “Unity in diversity”. The high mountain ranges, vast seas , large river-irrigated
lands, countless rivers and streams, dark forests, sandy deserts, all these have adorned India with an
exceptional diversity. Among the people there are numerous races, castes, creeds, religions and
languages. But with all these diversities we live together as there is a fundamental unity among us.
There are many factors that are contributing for the unification of India, but the most dominant are
1. Geographical factor: India has its own fixed natural boundary, At broadest level, the country
can be divided into several regions viz. Himalaya, northern plains,plateau of central India and
Deccan, Western & Eastern Ghats, Thar Desert etc. Despite of this diversity, India has been
defined as a distinct geographical unit since ages. A sloka in Vishnu Purana defines Bharata as
the land which is south of snowy mountains and north of ocean.
2. Religious factor: There has been an under-current of religious unity among the various
religious sects in the country. India has multitude of religions including majority Hinduism and
minority Islam, Sikhism, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Bahá’í
Faith and so on. All these religions have some common principles like principles of
benevolence, honesty, faith in an invisible power, value of life etc. The concept of ‘One in
Many’ and of universal morality as essence of religion has provided the essence of religious
unity.
3. Cultural factor: The Cultural unity in diversity of India is generally denoted with the phrase
“Ganga-Jamuni Tahjeeb” or India’s composite culture. Despite of diversity, there are numerous
cultural elements and factors that have shaped India’s composite culture. There has been a basic
unity of literary ideas, philosophy, conventions and outlook of the people throughout the
country. there has been close socio-cultural cooperation among the followers of different creeds
and communities. The composite culture of India is a living example of her fundamental
cultural unity.
4. Linguistic factor: Side by side with this linguistic variety operates the unifying influence of
Sanskrit, the mother of most of the Indian Languages. Sanskrit has been acknowledged as the
one sacred language by all sections of the people irrespective of their race, rank or creed. Most
of the Indian Languages have been influenced by Sanskrit, which may be regarded as a ‘Mother
Language’ of India. English emerged as lingua franca of the country and serves as medium of
communication between two people who have different mother tongue.
5. Political factor: The rulers of India tried to establish their way over the whole country and
, fostered its unity. The term ‘Ekrat’ is more significant as applying to the “King Ruling over the
whole country”. The geographical conception of the identity and individuality of the country in
all its vastness and variety led to the attainment of its political unification under various
sovereigns. After independence, India adopted democratic system of politics which demands
political unification at all its levels.
6. Racial factor: India has a great power of fusion and assimilation. From the earliest time India
has invaded by different races such as Aryans, Shaks, Huns etc. But with the passage of time
they have merged completely with the local population and culture. Innumerable number of
tribes and races coming to India were all absorbed in the broad cultural mainstream of the
country. Racial diversity gave a variety to Indian culture, which is its unique feature.
7. Spirit of Nationalism: There is an emotional bond of patriotism in India that binds all the
members of the nation. The very word Bharat Varsha binds all Indians and emotionally they
become closer to one another. They can also sacrifice their lives to protect India from any
foreign power.
5. India’s diversity is a huge capital. Do you agree? Substantiate.
“Diversity may be the hardest thing for a society to live with, but perhaps the most dangerous thing to
live without” – MF Hussain.
Diversity as a huge capital:
Geographical diversity: India has almost every possible climate in the world.
This makes India robust enough to indulge in all kinds of agricultural and allied sectors.
This has led to development in sugar industries, wheat industries, tea industry, fruit
industry and industries depending on the cash crops of the subsequent crops. Also,
India is leading producer of Milk and milk products, meat industry etc.,
Further, it is responsible for huge natural capital (Flora and Fauna). The minor forest
produce, forest products generates a huge revenue for the government as well as the
tribal people.
Furthermore, Water resources: The diversity in availability of water forms capital in
terms of activities like fishing as well as in hydroelectric projects etc.,
Racial diversity: Indian race consists of all major races of the world which forms the human
capital especially in mobilization of people across the world (Indian diaspora and ancestral link).
Linguistic diversity: India has around 20 major languages and more than 200 dialects used in
the sub-continent. The literature out of them form a huge capital within and outside the country.
Tribal diversity: Tribal handicrafts (whether it is Dhokra metal technique of West Bengal or
Bidri technique of Karnataka), Tribal dances, etc., forms a huge capital for India.
Medicinal diversity: The traditional medicinal practices and medicinal plants forms a major
capital specially in terms of patents. Also, practices like Yoga, Ayurveda, Homeopathy etc., are
gaining importance at the global level (E.g. Yoga is being introduced to fight climate change).
Diversity for soft power: India with population of major races, religions, languages fares good
, in soft power which adds up to the diplomatic capital of the country. E.g. Bollywood movies
famous in South Asia, Indian food being popular in almost every continent.
Diversity of culture translates into diversity of ideas and innovations. Diverse problems and
society bring in custom made ideas. E.g. the concept of Ice stupa in Ladakh by Sonam
Wangchuk, Zero budget natural farming etc.,
The historical diversity has added to India’s rich heritage and culture which is a reflection of
diverse historical monuments, architecture forming the cultural capital of the country. For
instance, we have centuries old churches as well as millennium old temples and mosques.
Tourism: diverse cultures in practicing religion, traditions, cuisines, manners and clothing
attract all the visitors and tourists from globe to India. Being origin of major religion like
Jainism, Buddhism also attracts visitors from countries like ASEAN countries.
Differential Breed of Profession:Diversity has added to diverse professions ranging from
Software engineers as well as literature pandits.
Social capital: Riding under the principle of ‘Unity in Diversity’, Indian diversity upholds the
principle of secularism, national integration, intermingling of people forming huge social capital.
This can be seen in the fact that India is one of the few countries in south and west Asia which
hasn’t seen toppling of democracy or civil war.
Do you think India’s multilingual society creates social and political tension? Critically
comment.
Multilingual society creating social and political tension:
North-south divide: There is a north-south divide mainly due to attempts of imposition of Hindi as the link-
language of India. Opposition to Hindi as a national language from representatives from southern states was
fierce. When 1965 came around, the debate on national language had transformed into a movement against
Hindi imposition.
Narrow and parochial outlook: Politicians, possessing narrow and parochial outlook and certain regional
political parties create linguistic feeling among the people of a locality and exploit their sentiments at the
time of election and in matters of various political issues.
Politics with Language-in-Education: The centre’s order in April 2017 making Hindi compulsory in all
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) affiliated schools till the secondary level evoked various
responses. Some asserted that the policy was contradictory to the right to education, which gives the student
the right to choose their set of languages.
Regionalism: Linguism has promoted local identity. The regional differences have come in the way of
national integration. Extreme sense of regionalism has resulted in parochialism and ethno centricism.
Erosion of national feeling: Linguistic loyalty has come in the way of national integration. Thus, interstate
boundary dispute, river dispute has become common. Example Difference of opinion among people
speaking Kannada and Marathi in Belgaum.
Demand for separate states: Extreme sense of Linguism has caused linguistic conflicts. Such conflicts are
quite often supported by politicians. For Example, Demand for a separate state by people of “north
