Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues
1) What might have happened to India if Subhash Chandra Bose had survived the plane crash and lived? Critically comment. (250 Words)
Why this question?
There was a similar question is UPSC CSM-2015 (How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss). Also Netaji Bose is in news. Moreover, every year there will be a question on one of the prominent freedom fighters. Important question for Mains.
Key demand of the question:
You should use your imagination and knowledge of India’s freedom struggle to give a different picture of India that would have been shaped under the leadership of Netaji Bose. Restrict your imagination to period between 1945 to early 1950s.
Directive Word:
Critically comment– As this answer demands your imagination and opinion, you should objectively write your views based on facts.
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction, write 1-2 lines about the towering role Netaji Bose played in the Indian national movement and how his demise was a great loss to the struggling nation. Then address the demand of question in one line (like, how his life would have altered course of independence, partition or the Constitution)
In the body, divide answer into 4-5 categories, and comment on these broad categories (Secularism, Freedom, Democracy etc) Refer article for more examples.
In the conclusion, end with a praise for Bose. You may also end with a note on Nehru as well (like, he largely succeeded in implementing some of Bose’s vision)
(Related questions asked by Insights previously – Here and Here)
