Topic-Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues
1) An asset for India’s early effort at progress, starting in 1947, was the personal caliber of her leaders who played a great role in achieving the objectives set by the freedom struggle. Comment.(250 words)
“India after Gandhi”, by Ramachandra Guha
Directive word
Comment- here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.
Key demand of the question
The question wants us to delve into the detail of the quality of its leadership and the role it played in shaping India’s future and in achieving the objectives set by the freedom struggle. Here we should take a broad view and analyze all the political camps of that time.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– write a few lines on the plethora of social, economic, political problems faced by India in 1947, when it marked itself as an independent country- e.g The inadequacy of land reforms, large-scale landlessness in rural areas, high rate of population growth, gross inequalities, caste oppression, dysfunctional education system, secessionist demands, and movements etc. mention a few important goals of the national movement.
Body-
Mention that the quality, skills, and approach of the political leaders at the time of 1947 played a significant role in achieving the objectives set by the freedom struggle.
Express your knowledge and understanding on the issue- e.g they enjoyed tremendous popular support, had the capacity to communicate with the masses and enthuse them around national goals, could reflect the urges and aspirations of the people, provided them with strong leadership, they had confidence and faith in the people and in the democratic institutions and goals with which their power and legitimacy was linked, during the struggle for independence they had acquired the capacity to negotiate and accommodate the diverse interests and to work within a consensual framework etc.
Mention the names of a few great leaders of the time- for example, Pandit Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel, C Rajagopalachari, JB Kripalani, Shyam Prasad Mukherjee, BR Ambedkar, Acharya Narendra Dev etc.
Conclusion- sum up your discussion in a few lines and form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the above issue.
