Legacy IAS Academy

#1535, 39th Cross Road, Kottapalaya,

Jayanagar 4th ‘T’ Block, Bangalore- 560041.

Q) Examine the manifestation of cultural traditions from

diverse regions of India in regional music, providing
illustrative examples.
(10 marks, 150 words) [GS-1: Art & Culture]
Regional music serves as an integral part of India's diverse cultural heritage and plays a
significant role in the daily lives of its people.

Body:
Each region in India boasts a unique cultural tradition, and this distinctiveness is
beautifully reflected in the regional music of that area.

Rasiya Geet - Braj Region:

• Rasiya Geet, a rich singing tradition in the Braj region, is intricately interwoven into
the daily life and routines of its people.
• It is not confined to any particular festival but is an integral part of their cultural
expression.
• These songs often narrate tales of divine love, especially that of Lord Krishna and
Radha.
• Example: During the festival of Holi, the air is filled with the melodious tunes of
Rasiya Geet, celebrating the immortal love between Krishna and Radha.

Pankhida - Rajasthan:

• In the arid lands of Rajasthan, the peasants sing and play the algoza and manjira while
working in the fields.
• Pankhida songs accompany the rhythm of their daily labor and add vibrancy to their
otherwise mundane tasks.
• Example: The melodious tunes of Pankhida resonate through the fields as the farmers
toil, creating a unique cultural experience.

Sohar - Uttar Pradesh:

 Legacy IAS Academy
#1535, 39th Cross Road, Kottapalaya,
Jayanagar 4th ‘T’ Block, Bangalore- 560041.
• North India boasts a strong tradition of singing 'Sohar' songs to celebrate the birth of a
son in a family.
• This cultural practice has also influenced the Muslim communities in some regions of
Uttar Pradesh, leading to the emergence of a Muslim form of 'Sohar' song.
• Example: The amalgamation of cultures is evident in these songs, reflecting the shared
cultural exchanges between communities.

Basant Geet - Garhwal:

• The arrival of the spring season, Basant Panchami, is celebrated uniquely in Garhwal.
• Folk songs are sung, and colorful floor designs are made to welcome the season of
abundance and rejuvenation.
• Example: The melodious Basant Geet fills the air as people come together to celebrate
nature's renewal during Basant Panchami.

Ghasiyari Geet - Garhwal:

• Ghasiyari Geet highlights the significance of labor, especially the women's

contribution, in the hilly regions.
• Young women singing and dancing while collecting grass for cattle exemplify the
harmony between culture and livelihood.
• Example: The uplifting Ghasiyari Geet captures the spirit of hard work and
appreciation for nature's gifts.

Mando - Goa:

• Mando is a slow verse and refrain composition that reflects themes of love, tragedy,
social injustice, and political resistance during the Portuguese presence in Goa.
• It serves as a powerful means of expressing emotions and recounting historical events.
• Example: Mando songs echo the struggles and aspirations of the Goan people during a
pivotal era in their history.

Bhuta Song - Kerala:

• Bhuta songs are rooted in superstitions and are performed during rituals to ward off
evil spirits.
• The music has a piercing and eerie character, adding to the mystical ambiance of the
ritual.
 Legacy IAS Academy
#1535, 39th Cross Road, Kottapalaya,
Jayanagar 4th ‘T’ Block, Bangalore- 560041.
• Example: The intense and captivating Bhuta song adds an otherworldly dimension to
Kerala's cultural practices.

Saikuti Zai - Mizoram:

• The Mizo community is known for its rich singing tradition, and Saikuti Zai, composed
by the poetess Saikuti, praises warriors, hunters, and aspiring heroes.
• These songs celebrate bravery and valor and preserve the cultural identity of the Mizo
people.
• Example: Saikuti Zai keeps alive the tales of courage and honor, passing down the
legacy to future generations.

Sukar ke Biah - Bhojpuri Song:

• Sukar ke Biah is a song that recounts the story of Shukra and Brihaspati and their
wedding.
• It highlights societal values and the significance of rice, symbolizing prosperity and
humility.
• Example: This timeless Bhojpuri song narrates a tale of humility and selflessness,
resonating with audiences across generations.

Ammanaivari - Tamil Nadu:

• Ammanaivari songs are sung in praise of the Chola monarch and are accompanied by
the rhythmic play of a wooden ball called Ammanai.
• These songs represent a unique form of musical expression within Tamil Nadu's
cultural landscape.
• Example: Ammanaivari songs exemplify the cultural reverence for royalty and add a
distinct charm to Tamil Nadu's musical heritage.

Conclusion:

The diversity of India's regional music serves as a testament to the rich cultural tapestry
that makes the nation a harmonious amalgamation of traditions. Each region's unique
cultural practices find a melodious expression in their respective music styles,
encapsulating the essence of their people's lives and heritage. These examples highlight
the significance of regional music in preserving and promoting India's cultural identity.
 Legacy IAS Academy
#1535, 39th Cross Road, Kottapalaya,
Jayanagar 4th ‘T’ Block, Bangalore- 560041.

Q) Describe the manner in which the Non-Aligned

Movement (NAM) served as a strong ideological and
strategic foundation for India's approach to foreign policy.
(10 marks, 150 words) [GS-1: Post Independent India]
The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is a forum of countries that emerged during the
context of decolonization and the Cold War, refusing to align with either of the two power
blocs. It provided India with a strong ideological basis, promoting peace, self-
determination, and strategic autonomy in its foreign policy.

Body:
Ideological Basis for India's Foreign Policy through NAM:

• Balancing Dichotomy: NAM helped India, a democratic nation with a socialist

economic system, navigate the complexities of the Cold War by avoiding alignment
with either the USA or the USSR, thus maintaining its non-aligned status.
• Example: India's socialist economic policies and commitment to democracy were
compatible with NAM's principles, allowing it to avoid ideological confrontation with
either superpower.
• Defense of Democracy: NAM emphasized the defense and consolidation of
democracy, ensuring the free will of all states and safeguarding their independence
from external pressures.
• Example: India, as a democratic nation, found common ground with NAM in
advocating for the protection of democratic principles on the global stage.
• Recognition of Equality: NAM promoted the equality of all races, religions, cultures,
and nations, irrespective of their size or power, aligning with India's commitment to
inclusivity and respect for diversity.
• Example: India's pluralistic society and commitment to secularism resonated with
NAM's emphasis on recognizing the equal worth of all nations.
• Promotion of Tolerance and Freedom: NAM encouraged dialogue between different
cultures, civilizations, and religions to foster tolerance and freedom of belief, reflecting
India's secular and pluralistic ethos.
• Example: India's history of embracing various cultures and religions found
commonality with NAM's goal of promoting understanding and harmony among
nations.
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Jayanagar 4th ‘T’ Block, Bangalore- 560041.
Strategic Basis for India's Foreign Policy through NAM:

• Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity: NAM upheld the principles of sovereignty,

sovereign equality, and territorial integrity for all states, regardless of their size or
geopolitical influence.
• Example: India, as a nation deeply valuing its independence, found support in NAM's
stance on respecting the sovereignty of all nations.
• Right to Self-Defense: NAM recognized the inherent right of individual or collective
self-defense, in line with the United Nations Charter, providing India with a strategic
platform to safeguard its security interests.
• Example: India's focus on maintaining a strong defense capability and its commitment
to non-aggression aligned with NAM's principle of self-defense.
• Peaceful Conflict Resolution: NAM emphasized the peaceful settlement of
international conflicts, in accordance with the United Nations Charter, enabling India to
advocate for diplomacy and dialogue in resolving disputes.
• Example: India's role as a promoter of peace and mediation efforts found support
within NAM's commitment to peaceful conflict resolution.
• Strategic Autonomy: NAM offered India a strategic space to pursue actions in its
national interest independently, avoiding entanglements in great power rivalries during
the Cold War.
• Example: India's decision to maintain non-alignment allowed it to pursue policies
based on its own interests, irrespective of the pressures from major power blocs.

Points of Convergence between NAM and India's World View:

• Non-adherence to Military Pacts: NAM countries avoided joining multilateral

military pacts to prevent being drawn into power struggles between superpowers.
• Example: India's refusal to join military alliances and its pursuit of strategic autonomy
resonated with NAM's stance on avoiding military entanglements.
• Independence from Power Politics: NAM nations sought to remain independent from
influences of major power blocs and assert their own interests.
• Example: India's commitment to non-alignment and its pursuit of an independent
foreign policy aligned with NAM's objective of avoiding power politics.
• Pursuit of Disarmament: Both NAM and India emphasized the importance of
disarmament and the establishment of zones of peace.
• Example: India's calls for nuclear disarmament and support for arms control mirrored
NAM's commitment to disarmament initiatives.
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#1535, 39th Cross Road, Kottapalaya,
Jayanagar 4th ‘T’ Block, Bangalore- 560041.
• Opposition to Colonialism and Foreign Occupation: NAM and India shared a
common stance against colonialism, neo-colonialism, and foreign occupation.
• Example: India's historical struggle for independence and its support for decolonization
found resonance within NAM's anti-colonial principles.

Controversies and Challenges with NAM's Utility:

• Accusations of Bias: India faced criticism from the West, particularly during the Cold
War, for allegedly using NAM as a platform to favor the Soviet Union.
• Example: The India-USSR Friendship Treaty was seen as evidence of India's pro-
Soviet tilt, drawing objections from the United States.
• Weakness in Afro-Asian Unity: The 1962 Sino-Indian war revealed some weaknesses
in the concept of Afro-Asian unity within NAM, as some member countries supported
China against India.
• Example: Indonesia and Ghana's support for China during the conflict showcased
divisions within NAM's solidarity.
• Violations of NAM Principles: In the 1965 India-Pakistan war, Indonesia supplied
arms to Pakistan, contradicting NAM's principles of non-interference and peaceful
conflict resolution.
• Example: Indonesia's actions highlighted challenges in enforcing NAM's principles
uniformly among member nations.
• Divergent Positions: During the 1971 Bangladesh liberation war, certain NAM
countries, like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Libya, and Kuwait, took a pro-Pakistan position,
demonstrating disagreements within NAM.
• Example: Differences among NAM members during a crucial international event raised
questions about the movement's effectiveness in achieving collective goals.

Conclusion:

Despite controversies and challenges, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) served as a

crucial ideological and strategic basis for India's foreign policy during the Cold War era.
Its principles of peace, self-determination, and strategic autonomy resonated with India's
values and objectives. While the relevance of NAM has been questioned post the collapse
of the USSR, in the face of contemporary global challenges, movements like NAM retain
significance, providing avenues for countries to cooperate horizontally on critical issues
such as migration, pandemics, terrorism, nuclear proliferation, and global warming.