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Model Answer of Advance Test Series [12]

Q1: - The common need of metals and other resources during the ancient period
produced a network of communication between the different regions of the country
and outside the country also. Discuss [10 Marks,15 Words]

Answer: - Use of metal and other non-metal resources like silk, Betel leaves remained important
for survival and development of civilization. It produced a network of communication as in: -

Indus valley civilization

1. The civilisation has Trading colony in Afghanistan.
2. They brought lead and copper from Rajasthan, jade from China, and cedar wood from the
Himalayas.

Mauryan and later Maurya

1. Pearls of different varieties came from distant places like the Tamraparni river in the
Pandya country.
2. There was trade in fragrant woods like sandals. Most of these were the products of Assam.
3. Nepal is mentioned as a source of good blankets.
4. The route called Dakshinapatha and Uttarapatha connects North West and trading cities
of India.

Gupta period and southern state

1. India traded with both eastern and western countries and imported glass products from
the West, Chinese silk and ivory from East Africa.
2. Chola, Chera, Pandya have developed trade with Roman Kingdom especially Egypt.
3. Trade route connected India from east (south east Asia and china) and west (east Roman
empire).

Thus, the ancient period produced a network of communication between the different regions of
the country and outside the country also which still have its own soft value in today's
international relations.

Q2: - The age of Kushan and Satavahana was the most flourishing period in the history of
craft and commerce in India. Discuss. [10 Marks, 150 Words]

Answer: - The texts of Mahavastu, Milindpanho describe the rich craft and commerce which
flourished in the age of the Satavahanas and the Kushan’s (200 BCE – 200 CE).

Flourishing period During Kushan

1. Indian iron and steel, including cutlery, were exported to the Abyssinian ports, and they
enjoyed great prestige in western Asia.
2. Many products of crafts have been found as a result of digging in the Kushan complexes
like Indian ivories in Afghanistan and Rome. They are likened to ivory objects found in
excavations at Satavahana sites in the Deccan.
3. The period roughly between 200 BC and AD 300 evidences the largest number of coins, and
these were issued not only by Indian and Central Asian rulers but also by many cities and
tribes.

Flourishing period During Satavahana

1. In Telangana region of Andhra, in addition to weapons, balance rods, socketed axes and
hoes, sickles, ploughshares, razors, and ladles have been discovered in the Karimnagar
and Nalgonda districts of this region.
2. Amravati and Nagarjunkonda, a great piece of sculpture.
3. Trade was developed with the help of Guild and Three major ports like Paithan, Nasik and
Tagar.

From Indus valley civilization onward till Mughal, India kept a high share in global GDP with a
major role played by Kushans (control over silk road) and Satavahana (connections with Roman
Empire for trade and commerce).

Q3: - How far is it correct to say that the Administration of Maratha state under Shivaji was
designed similar to the setup of Deccan Sultans. Examine. [10 Marks, 150 Words]

Answer: - The Marathas were originally soldiers in the service of the neighbouring Muslim
kingdoms of Ahmednagar and Bijapur. Shivaji inherited the jagir of Poona from his father who
was general under the Bijapur Sultanate, where he learnt the art of administration and had their
first political training.

Designed on Deccan Sultans: -

· Central Administration:
1. The King was the supreme head of state who was assisted by a group of eight ministers
known as the ‘Ashtapradhan’.
2. Shivaji divided entire territory into three provinces which further divided into Prant,
Pargana, Taraf and village. Deccan was also divided into three subas.
· Revenue Administration:
1. The revenue system was patterned on the Kathi system of Malik Amber. According to this
system, every piece of land was measured by Rod or Kathi.
2. During Shivaji’s rule as well as in deccan administration, all these posts were neither
hereditary nor permanent. All executive officers were paid in cash or Jagir.
· Military Administration:
1. Important role of Forts.
2. The army consists of Infantry i.e., Mavali foot soldiers, and equipment holders, Navy.

Shivaji was the glory of the Marathas and the terror of the Mughal Empire. It is because of his
administration Marathas became a prominent political force under the regime of the Peshwas
during the years 1713 to 1761

Q4: - The Indian national movement developed a complex and sophisticated critique of the
basic features of India’s colonial economy. Discuss [10 Marks, 150 Words]

Answer: - The British made a moral case for India's colonialism by tying it to the 'White Man's
burden' and Moderate leaders such as Dada Bhai Naoroji [Drain Theory], RC Dutt, and MG Ranade,
in response, used solid economic arguments to demonstrate that British imperialism benefited
Britain at the expense of India's exploitation
According to them:

1. British Policies Making India Poor: like foreign capital replaced and suppressed instead of
augmenting and encouraging Indian capital.
2. Growth of Trade to Help Britain: The pattern of foreign trade brought India to a position of
importer of finished goods and exporter of raw materials and foodstuffs.
3. Growth of the railway was to enable foreign goods to dominate indigenous products.
4. One-Way Free Trade exposing the Indian handicrafts industry to premature, unequal, and
unfair competition.
5. Taxes were levied to overburden the poor, sparing British capitalists and the bureaucrats.
6. The government expenditure was meant to serve colonial needs only, while development and
welfare were ignored.
The concept of economic drain was easily grasped by the nation. The nationalist agitation on
economic issues served to undermine the ideological hegemony of foreign rule thus exposing the
myth of its moral foundations.

Q5: - Explorers, Traders and Missionaries played their respective role in the conquest of
Africa. Comment [10 Marks, 150 Words]

Answer: - The idea of colonisation of Africa was based on Exploration, trade, and proselytizing
often shaded into each other, and were frequently entangled with the use of military force and
the establishment of colonial rule.

Role in conquest:

Explorers 1. Explorers like Samuel Baker, Richard Burton led the voyages of
discovery and played key role in opening the interiors of Africa for trade
and missionaries.
2. They were motivated by
(a) the desire for scientific knowledge and
(b) also, the vested colonial interest of opening up new trade routes
and inland waterways in African interiors.

Traders 1. Traders mainly brought manufactured goods to Africa, in exchange of

palm oil, peanut oil, ivory and gold.
2. These European merchants and trading companies became immensely
wealthy and powerful.
3. To secure their economic interests, they even began to seek military
help from their countries, eventually becoming vehicles of colonialism.

Missionaries 1. Missionaries started playing an important role and having a diverse

reach in Africa since the 19th century.
2. They promoted commerce between Africa and Europe through their
activities.
3. Missionaries also played the evangelical role of winning Africans over to
the Christian faith.
4. They also promoted literacy, education, modern farming methods etc.

Therefore explorers, traders and missionaries together enabled the colonisation of nations in
Africa.
Q6: - If JP Movement was flawed in many respects, imposition of emergency was also not
infallible. [10 Marks, 150 Words]

Answer: - Emergency is considered one of the darkest moments of Indian democracy. In 1975
emergency was imposed on the basis of internal disturbance and it is still criticised.

JP movement, was flawed in many aspects Like: -

1. Despite all accusations, Indira Gandhi was a democratically elected Prime Minister. He should
have waited for the term to end and fought her off on election
2. The means used were extra Constitutional.
3. Incitement to the Army was a serious offense, which could have changed the history and
Polity of India forever.

However, imposition of emergency was also not infallible as justice shah found that: -
1. The commission found that there was no economic crisis and no crisis of law and order.
2. The commission decided that the decision to impose Emergency was made by prime minister
Indira Gandhi alone, without consulting her cabinet colleagues, and was not justified.
3. It led to many problems like forced sterilisation, eliminating freedom of press, political
opponents and independence of civil service compromise.

Thus, both the revolutionary and government were not totally right in their approach. However,
India learned from the events and the 44th amendment was brought to reduce the chances of
misuse of power.

Q7: - The judicial footprints of the British era in India remain ambiguous. Do you agree?
[10 Marks, 150 Words]

Answer: - With the Company’s transformation from a trading company into a ruling power, new
elements of the judicial system replaced the erstwhile existing Mughal legal system.

Warren Hastings (1772–85)

1. District Diwani Adalat’s were established in districts to try civil disputes.
2. District Fauzdari Adalat’s were set up to try criminal disputes and were placed under an
Indian officer assisted by Qazi’s and muftis
Cornwallis (1786–93)
1. Circuit courts were established at Calcutta, Dacca, Murshidabad, and Patna.
2. The Cornwallis Code was laid out
Remains ambiguous: -
 The judicial system became more and more complicated and expensive. The rich could
manipulate the system.
 There was ample scope for false evidence, deceit, and chicanery.
 Dragged out litigation meant delayed justice.
 Courts became overburdened as litigation increased.
 European subjects were brought under the jurisdiction, although in criminal cases, they could
be tried by European judges only.
 Often, the European judges were not familiar with the Indian usage and traditions.

The judicial footprints of the British era continue to have their impact on the Indian judiciary till
date with both its positive (integrated, uniform) and negative aspects (pending cases,
complicated legalities) engraved.
Q8: - Gandhi Irwin pact seen as "strategic break” had its own share of controversy. Describe.
[10 Marks, 150 Marks]

Answer: - Gandhi-Irwin Pact, was an agreement signed on March 5, 1931 marked the end of a
period of civil disobedience (satyagraha) in India against British rule that Gandhi and his
followers had initiated with the Salt March (March–April 1930)

Considered as a strategic break

1. The deal prepared the path for the Government of India Act 1935, which relaxed the
diarchy and permitted a larger number of Indian legislators to enter the two houses of the
central legislature.
2. The pact cemented the Indian National Congress’s status as a political force with the
support of millions of Indians.
3. Following the successful easing of the diarchy provision in 1935, elections in Indian
provinces in 1937 gave authority to elected Indian MPs.

Controversy
1. Gandhiji refused to make the Pact conditional on the commutation of the death sentences
of Bhagat Singh and his comrades.
2. The Pact is also criticized as Gandhiji succumbing to bourgeois pressure.
3. The pact did not immediately restore confiscated land. Therefore, peasants were not
happy with the pact signed.

But the Gandhi Irwin pact is an important event in the struggle for India's Independence.

Q9: - How did the Civil uprisings of the first half of 18th century establish strong and valuable
local traditions of resistance against British Rule? [10 Marks, 150 Words]

Answer: - The civil uprising was generally led by deposed native rulers or their descendants,
former zamindars etc., They establish strong resistance against British Rule as: -
1. Their demands became national demand in later times of organised revolt like low rate
of taxes, remission of duties in crisis time etc. For example, Indigo revolt,
2. Encouraged nationalist to raise the issue in assemblies, literature, newspapers.
3. Their methods were adopted by nationalist in later phases like social boycott, burning
biased contracts, picketing etc. For example, Deccan riots.
4. Their fight to safeguard their culture, resisting British socio-economic policies
became the norm for the national movement.
5. Their way of mobilisation using religious ideals, customary events, culture, created a
strong support to these movements which were later adopted in other movements. For
example, Munda revolt in later period religious symbols were used.

Despite localization they created strong and valuable resistance that remains a source for India
independence in terms of inspiration and methods.

Q10: - What is the Tashkent declaration? How the Tashkent Declaration marks a pivotal
point in Indo Pakistani ties? [10 Marks, 150 Words].

Answer: -The Tashkent Declaration was a peace agreement between India and Pakistan after
the Indo-Pakistan war of 1965 between the Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and
the Pakistani President Muhammad Ayub Khan
Pivotal in Indo-Pak ties
1. The Tashkent conference, under UN, American and Soviet pressure, compelled India to give
away the conquered region in Pakistan and maintain the 1949 ceasefire line in Kashmir.
2. Both sides agreed to withdraw from all occupied areas and return to their pre-war August
positions.
3. In the case of India this meant, removing troops from strategic Haji Pir pass, from which
Pakistani rangers could enter the Kashmir valley easily.
4. Both governments agreed to observe the Vienna Convention of 1961 on diplomatic
discourse and agreed to return their respective High Commissions to their posts.
5. They also agreed not to interfere in the internal matters of each other.

However, The Tashkent Declaration was criticised in India because of the omission of a no-war
pact. The Kashmir issue is yet to be resolved and fighting continues along the border.

Q11: - The Persian and Greek invasion in ancient period had a great impact on culture and
Politics of ancient period. Discuss. [15 Marks, 250 Words]

Answer: - Throughout history India has faced multiple invasions. Among the first who came to
India were Iranian and Greek invaders.
Result of Persian invasion
Political
1. It exposed the weakness of India defence in the region and paved the way for the conquest
for Alexander.
2. The satrapy system served as a model for later dynasties such as Sakas, Kushans.
Culture
1. Iranian scribes were brought to India in the form of writing which is known as Kharosthi
script. Example: Ashoka inscriptions in north west India were written in this script.
2. According to Megasthenes, Mauryan rulers adopted many Persian rituals and ceremonies.
Example: The ceremonial hair bath taken by the Mauryan emperor on his birthday.
IMPACT: -
Political
1. Alexander paved the way for expansion of the Mauryan Empire.
2. Chandragupta Maurya had learned the working of the military machine of Alexander. This
helped him in destroying the Nanda’s.
3. The most important result of this invasion was the establishment of direct contact between
India and Greece in different fields.
Cultural
1. The Indo Greeks were the first rulers in India who issued coins.
2. The Greek rulers introduced a feature of heliocentric art in north west India. Example:
Gandhara School of Art.
3. Greek contributed to the development of Indian theatre by introducing the use of curtains.
4. The famous book, MilindPanho served as an important source of knowledge of Buddhism.

However, it is not only the Greeks who influenced the Indian subcontinent. Alexander’s adventure
also helped the West to know something about Indian life and thinking. It has been said that the
ideas and notions of Indian philosophy and religion which filtered into the Roman empire flowed
through the channel opened by Alexander.

Q12: - The Chipko movement with its Gandhian methods remains exemplary for
environmentalism in India today. Comment. [15 Marks, 250 Words]

Answer: - Chipko movement was started in the early 1970s in the Garhwal Himalayas of
Uttarakhand and by the 1980s the movement had spread throughout India and led to the
formulation of people sensitive forest policies.

Gandhian in Nature: -
 Movement practised the methods of satyagraha and non-violent resistance, through the
act of hugging trees to protect them from being felled.
 Chipko’s most salient feature was the mass participation of female villagers.
 It increased ecological awareness and demonstrated the viability of people power. It
created precedent for non -violent protest.
 The movement took up economic issues of landless forest workers and asked for guarantees
of minimum wage for their products.

Exemplary for today's environmentalism

 The debate on Environment VS Development today needs active participation among the
people who hold the government accountable to themselves and the environment. Examples
include the Arah Forest protest in Mumbai.
 Women can dominate the environment discourse owing to being most impacted by it. Eco
feminist like Vandana shiva and Sunita Narayan are leading the way.
 Economic needs of the natural guards (Tribes, Locals) of the environment needs to be taken
into consideration. Niyamgiri protest in Odisha can be seen as an example.
 Public ecological awareness and activism is the need of the hour. Movement like Save
Buxwaha show the trend.

So, concerns about economy, ecology and political representation underlay the Chipko
movement which still stay relevant in the background of rising extremities of nature and India’s
commitment to Glasgow summit.

Q13: - The Industrial Revolution ensured that the industry did not stop in the continent,
instead, there was distribution to other places around the world, which paved the way for
Colonisation. Discuss [15 Marks, 250 Words]

Answer: - Industrial revolution refers to revolutionary gains made in machine made goods
production that began in Southern England in mid 1700s fuelled by Britain’s agricultural
Revolution, scientific discoveries like spinning jenny, steam engine and availability of finance
in an era of political stability

Distribution of Industrialisation to other places around the world:

1. Industrialisation spread from England to Germany which became the leader of the Second
Industrial Revolution.
2. In 1861 it spread to Russia owing to its rich natural resources.
3. Beyond the continent, it also spread to the United States of America, which had the same
resources that allowed Britain to industrialise.
4. It spread to Japan after the Meiji Restoration and having industries of coal, cement,
shipbuilding.
Paving the way for Colonisation:
1. The Industrial Revolution increased the production capacity of Western states
astronomically, there was an enormous hunger for raw materials to satisfy demands.
2. Thus, Western powers sought colonies where raw materials were abundant and where
they could be appropriated at little or no cost. For example, oil, ivory, rubber, wood, cotton,
cocoa beans etc from Africa.
3. Additionally, the colonies gave the Western powers a readymade market for their goods.
For example, Asia's textile market, especially India became markets for products of Britain.
4. The wealth and economic power also enabled the European countries to acquire military
power that ensured its colonial expansion and profitability.

Therefore, Industrialisation was emulated across and beyond the European continent to recreate
the British miracle of economic growth. The drives and demands of Industrialisation in turn
fuelled colonialism across the world.

Q14: - The Colonisation in Asia and Africa both happened in different phases, and for
different purposes and decolonisation was a mix of peaceful and violent struggle in these
continents. [15 Marks, 250 Words]

Answer: - Colonisation of Asia and Africa was primarily driven by the economic interests of the
colonial powers and was carried across centuries.
Different phases and purposes of colonisation in Asia and Africa

Asia Africa

Phases:

1. Oceanic voyage of Bartholomew Diaz, 1. In the Scramble for Africa, 10% of Africa
Vasco Da Gama marked the beginnings of
colonisation.
2. Portuguese monopoly was established
over trade in Indian Ocean under
Francisco De Almeida
3. Later Dutch and English traders and
explorers replaced Portuguese.
4. The British established control over
India and French in Indo-China.
was brought under formal colonial control
in 1870, which got increased to 90% by
1914 with only Ethiopia and Liberia
remaining independent.
2. Later even Ethiopia was invaded and
occupied by Italy from 1936 to 1941.

Purpose

1. To participate in profitable Indian Ocean 1. Africa as a market for Surplus capital.

Trade.
 2. Asian countries were also a source of raw 2. Raw materials like ivory, rubber, palm oil,
materials, for example cotton for cocoa, diamond, tea, tin etc.
factories of Manchester and Liverpool.
3. Gaining monopoly over spice trade of 3. Strategic rivalry to acquire military and
South East Asia was also a goal. naval bases.

Decolonisation as a mix of peaceful and violent struggles in Asia and Africa

1. The process of decolonisation in Asia and Africa was diverse and utilised various means to
achieve the goals of independence from colonial powers.
2. There were peaceful struggles like the French Protectorates in Morocco and Tunisia who
gained their independence in 1956 via negotiation.
3. There was also savage warfare and violence for example in Algeria from 1954 to the signing
of the Evian Accords in March 1962, as well as the diplomatic and military confrontation with
the Netherlands until Dutch government recognised the independence of Dutch East Indies.
4. There was also a fusion of peaceful and violent struggles, like in India, where there were
peaceful Gandhian Satyagraha’s as well as sporadic violence reaching its peak during the Quit
India Movement and the communal riots thereafter.

Therefore, both the colonisation and decolonisation process were marked by extreme diversity
in phases, purposes and methods across Asia and Africa.

Q15: - Indian partition though an attempt of Congress to have graceful solution to demands
of Muslim league, was bloody and heart wrenching process. What were the reasons for the
same? [15 Marks, 250 Words]

Answer: - The Indian Independence Act 1947 provided for the creation of two independent
dominions of India and Pakistan with effect from August 15, 1947.

Graceful solution
1. Lucknow Pact 1916: - approving one third representations of the Muslims on the basis of
their being a minority.
2. Cripps Mission: - The transfer of power and the rights of minorities would be safeguarded
by negotiations between the Constituent Assembly and the British government.
3. Gandhi Jinnah Talk: - Gandhi proposed that only the Muslims living in Baluchistan, Sindh,
N.W.F.P and parts of the Punjab, Bengal and Assam, who desired to lives in separation from
the rest of India, should form the new state.
Reasons for bloody and heart wrenching process
1. As World War II wound down and the British departure from its Indian territories became
apparent, different political groups of ideological nationhood’s — such as a Muslim-majority
Pakistan, a Sikh Khalistan, a secular vs Hindu India, among other ideas — were gaining
momentum
2. Territorial claims:(Radcliffe line) When the borders were finally drawn, Pakistan was not
happy as they got less area than that was demanded and Indians too were unhappy.
3. There were no institutionalised structures within which partition problems can be tackled.
4. Mountbatten wanted common Governor general but Jinnah wanted to have sole position for
himself.

The partition horrors were one of the black chapters in Indian history. The peaceful transfer of
power was attempted but partition horror still remains that could have been avoided. India
recently announced 14 August to be celebrated as Partition Horror Remembrance Day.
Q16: - The historic Dandi march, marked the launch of the Civil Disobedience Movement. In
this context explain the spread of the civil disobedience movement in terms of popular
response and regional patterns across India. [15 Marks, 250 Words]

Answer: - Civil Disobedience Movement was launched in response to an ultimatum to Viceroy

Lord Irwin on 31 January 1930, asking him to remove the evils of British rule.

Spread of the civil disobedience movement:

In terms of Popular Response:

1. The defiance of salt laws took place in different provinces under leadership of various
leaders. In Tamil Nadu, C Rajagopalachari led the Salt Satyagraha; K Kelappan headed in
Malabar and in Dharasana Salt Works (Gujarat) by Sarojini Naidu and Manilal Gandhi.
2. Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan raised the band of non-violent revolutionaries, the Khudai
Khidmatgars (Red Shirts) in the North West Frontier Province.
3. Women, young mothers, widowed and unmarried girls, played an important role in the
picketing of liquor shops and opium dens and stores selling foreign cloth.
4. They were ably supported by the students and youth in the boycott of foreign cloth and
liquor.

In terms of regional patterns across India:

1. In Bihar, anti-Chowkidari tax campaign was initiated where villages refused to pay
protection money to the local guards
2. In Gujarat, a no-tax movement took place against payment of land revenue.
3. Defiance of forest laws took place on a large scale in Maharashtra, Karnataka and the
Central Provinces.
4. In Assam, a powerful agitation led by students was launched against the ‘Cunningham
circular ‘.
5. In the United Provinces, a no-revenue, no-rent campaign was organized against the
government.
6. In Manipur and Nagaland, Rani Gaidinliu of Nagaland raised the banner of revolt against
foreign rule.

The civil disobedience movement of 1930-31, then marked a critically important stage in the
progress of the anti-imperialist struggle. The impact of the civil disobedience movement
reverberated far and wide.

Q17: - Congress ministries post 1937 elections were toothless tigers. How far do you agree?
[15 marks, 250 Words]

Answer: - The Government of India act, 1935 provided for direct provincial elections. Congress
has formed the popular government in 11 out of 17 provinces.

Toothless tigers
1. The ministries did not have adequate powers.
2. There was a financial crunch as the lion share was appropriated by the Government of India.
3. Zamindars also had to be conciliated as they have an important role in further struggle. So,
radical agrarian reforms were not possible.
4. There was a constraint of time since the logic of formation of ministries was to confront and
cooperate with colonialism. War clouds started mongering within a year of formation of
ministries.
5. The reactionary second chamber consisting of princes, moneylenders, stood in the way of
much legislation.
6. The agrarian structure was too complicated and complex.

But not completely

1. The contention that Indian self-government was necessary for radical social transformation
got confirmed. Ex: welfare of Harijans like temple entry
2. Congress men demonstrated that the movement could use state power to further its ends
without being diverted in other works. Ex: Emergency laws were repealed. Restrictions and
ban on press lifted.
3. Administrative work by Indians weakened the myth that Indians were not fit to rule.
4. The ministries were able to control communal riots.
5. Council work helped to neutralise many erstwhile hostile elements like landlords, etc.
6. Congress ministries failed in agrarian reforms because of constraints like less powers, less
financial resources, etc. but in other spheres they did very well. Ex: Prison reforms.

However, the Congress ministries resigned in 1939, in protest against Viceroy Lord Linlithgow’s
action of declaring India to be belligerent in the Second World War without consulting the Indian
people.

Q18: - What are the basic features of colonial structure in India and how much of this
structure is evident even today. Comment [15 Marks, 250 Words]

Answer: - Colonialism means a system of political and social relations between two countries
favouring one over other. Thus, it requires a structure encompassing economic, political, legal
and social aspects of ruled people.

The basic features of colonial structure were:

1. Administration: - Civil services, judiciary, revenue system was to fulfil British needs.
2. Governance: - Various act were passed like 1935 act, reserved and transfer list of subjects,
provincial assemblies, etc
3. Education: - They did little to promote analytic capacity or independent thinking and
produced a group of graduates who westernised to be alienated from their own culture.
4. Legal: - Acts like civil and criminal law and policies like caste census, divide and rule were
drafted to colonise the mind of Indians.

Many of these features evident even today in various forms like: -

1. During the British regime English served as the official language. Now it has created an
economic and social divide between Urban and Rural India
2. For Provision of law and order the bureaucracy, police and the army were the backbone of
the British Raj in India. The attitude of police with respect to common people still remains
colonial in nature.
3. Archaic Laws that were enacted during the British rule like IPC, CPC, sedition, adultery etc are
still followed.

However, India restructures the system to fulfil India's need like: -

1. A democratic Indian government endeavoured to invest more in the health and education of
citizens.
2. Freedom of press, strong independent institutions to safeguard India's democracy.
3. Grass root democracy, independent foreign policy, and citizen centric system with
independent and strong judiciary show India's quest for self-styled development.
Thus, India always brings changes as per needs like new education policy, dynamic foreign policy,
removing archaic Laws, etc are some of the instruments showing India's quest for self-discovery
of potential.

Q19: - The People of India demanded for a Responsible Government but what was introduced
by the Indian Council act 1909 was “Benevolent Despotism”. Comment [15 Marks, 250 Words]

Answer: - The Indian council act amended Indian council Act of 1861 and 1892 and widened the
scope of legislative council and placated the demands of moderates.
Demand of People from Britisher: -
 The Indian National Congress acknowledged the difficulties faced by the Indians to enter the
Civil Service. So, the Congress began to demand for representation of more Indians in the
Legislature.
 The moderates set forth certain demands to the government as the Extremism was expanding
within the Congress. The British government accepted certain demands in order to placate
the Moderates and they were introduced under the Morley – Minto reforms.
 Gopal Krishna Gokhale on behalf of Congress visited the Secretary of State John Morley and
demanded self- government in India.

Benevolent Despotism: -
 Colonial self-government (as demanded by the Congress) was not suitable for India, and he
was against introduction of parliamentary or responsible government in India.
 The position of the Governor- General remained unchanged and his veto power remained
undiluted and the Act successfully maintained relentless constitutional autocracy.
 The reforms were, in fact, aimed at dividing the nationalist ranks by confusing the Moderates
and at checking the growth of unity among Indians through the obnoxious instrument of
separate electorates.
 Unreasonable qualifications required to stand for elections.
 Members were able to discuss the budget, but they were unable to make any significant
changes to it.
 They could ask questions but not compel the executives to respond to the resolutions, which
were more like recommendations to the government.

The congress at its 1909 session welcomed the reforms but strongly opposed the creation of
separate electorates on the basis of religion. The Act could be seen as Britisher still considering
legislative councils as ‘durbars rather than parliaments’ and felt that Indians were not ready for
self-government.

Q20: - Shock therapy was really a shock for the countries which adopted it. Comment.
[15 Marks, 250 Words]

Answer: - After the USSR broke out, a number of independent states emerged. The model of
economic transition in these countries from a socialist authoritarian system to a democratic
capitalist system under the influence of World Bank and IMF came to be known as Shock
Therapy.

Elements of shock therapy

1. Complete privatisation of state assets and collective farms.
2. Countries were to follow a free trade regime and allow Foreign Direct Investment.
3. It also involved deregulating the economy and free-floating currency.
4. Existing trade alliances of these countries with each other were disallowed. Each state
was now to trade only with the west.
Shock therapy -A shock to adopting countries

1. Economic Breakdown: - The old system of social welfare was destroyed and subsidies
withdrawn throwing many into poverty and joblessness. It also resulted in emigration on
a large scale.
2. The industries of these countries collapsed. Government held that public sectors were
greatly undervalued and sold to the general public. Since, public did not have money to buy,
they eventually went into the hands of the mafia. It led to the rise of oligarchy.
3. The inflation was so high in Russia that people lost all their savings and about 1500 banks
and financial institutes became bankrupt.
4. The collective farm system disintegrated, generating a food crisis.
5. The construction of democratic institutions was not given attention. It resulted in the
coming of autocratic regimes in many of these countries.

Hence, hardly any positive benefits could be derived by these countries from Shock
Therapy. These economies finally began to revive in the 2000s when they adopted an
independent economic path.