Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
1) Buddhism remains a key anchor for Asian identity and a phenomenon of unprecedented Pan-Asian importance, especially in terms of spiritual connectivity among nations with enduring impact. With special reference to India, discuss the statement. (250 Words)
Why this question?
This question can be asked in GS-2 as well. This question is very important due to PM’s ‘Buddhist Diplomacy’ and China’s growing fears about India’s usage of Buddhism in culture battle.
Key demand of the question:
As it’s asked in GS-1, its key demand is how and why Buddhism remains a key anchor of Asian identity (in terms of Asian values and art) and how India is trying to leverage its Buddhist legacy.
Directive Word:
Discuss – You should discuss important dimensions – How Buddhism became Asian identity, why it remains so; India’s Buddhist connectivity despite it’s not being major religion here and how India is trying to use it its advantage (to counter China).
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction, you should highlight both cultural and diplomatic aspects of Buddhism, especially from India’s perspective.
In the body, there should be TWO mains parts. In the first part, divide it into sub-parts to highlight how and why Buddhism is an Asias identity and phenomenon (focus on cultural aspects – art, spirituality, values etc). In the second part, divide into sub-parts to write about India’s Buddhist heritage and its use for India to wield its soft-power diplomacy in Asia.
In the conclusion, write if Buddhist diplomacy will be advantageous for India or not. (you can draw many conclusions – From China perspective; ASEAN perspective etc)
