GS1 2023 Q8 10 marks 150 words Indian Society

UPSC Mains 2023 GS1 Q8 — Indian Society

Do you think marriage as a sacrament is loosing its value in Modern India? (Answer in 150 words)

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Question Decoded — examiner's intent

Directive verbs
Do you think
Scope keywords
marriagesacramentloosing its valueModern India
Implicit sub-parts
  • What defines the traditional 'sacramental' nature of Indian marriage (indissolubility, religious rites, dharma)?
  • What are the contemporary indicators suggesting a shift toward a 'contractual' or individualistic model (divorce rates, live-in relationships, late marriages)?
  • What elements of the sacramental value still persist in modern Indian society despite changes?
  • A balanced conclusion on the 'evolution' rather than the 'erosion' of the institution.
Common pitfalls
  • Writing a generic essay on 'problems of Indian society' instead of focusing specifically on the 'sacrament vs. contract' debate.
  • Taking an overly pessimistic or moralistic stance that marriage is 'dying' without acknowledging its resilience.
  • Ignoring legal shifts like the Hindu Marriage Act or the Special Marriage Act which introduced the concept of civil dissolution.
  • Failing to mention the 'Big Fat Indian Wedding' as a paradox where ritualistic value remains high even if religious depth changes.
Dimensions required
SociologicalLegal/JurisprudentialHistorical/TraditionalGender-based (Patriarchy vs Agency)Economic/Urbanization
Marks allocation hint

Allocate 30 words to defining marriage as a 'Sanskara' or duty. Use 60 words to argue the decline (divorce, autonomy, secularization) and 40 words to argue its continuity (ritual importance, family sanction). Reserve 20 words for a balanced synthesis.

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