UPSC Mains 2022 GS1 Q19 — Secularism and Society
Are tolerance, assimilation and pluralism the key elements in the making of an Indian form of secularism? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Justify
- Scope keywords
- toleranceassimilationpluralismkey elementsIndian form of secularism
- Implicit sub-parts
- How does the Indian concept of 'Sarva Dharma Sambhava' differ from the Western 'Wall of Separation'?
- In what ways have historical processes of assimilation shaped the unique inclusive character of Indian secularism?
- How do constitutional provisions (Articles 25-30) institutionalize pluralism and tolerance?
- Are there challenges or limitations to these three elements in the contemporary context?
- Common pitfalls
- Writing a generic essay on 'Unity in Diversity' without linking it specifically to the legal/political concept of secularism.
- Failing to distinguish between 'Tolerance' (passive acceptance) and 'Pluralism' (active recognition of diversity).
- Focusing entirely on Western secularism definitions rather than justifying the Indian model's sui generis nature.
- Neglecting the role of the State's 'principled distance' as a mechanism to enforce these three elements.
- Dimensions required
- HistoricalConstitutional/LegalPhilosophicalSociologicalComparative
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate approximately 50 words to defining the Indian model via 'Sarva Dharma Sambhava'. Spend 150 words justifying the three elements with specific historical examples (e.g., Bhakti-Sufi movement) and constitutional articles. Use the final 50 words to discuss how these elements ensure social cohesion despite the lack of strict church-state separation.
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