2023 :

1. Explain why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian society.

2. Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialization of
children.
3. What are the main features of Vedic society and religion? Do you think some of the features are still
prevailing in Indian society?
4. Does urbanization lead to more segregation and/or marginalization of the poor in Indian metropolises?
5. Why is caste identity in India both fluid and static?
6. Discuss the impact of post-liberal economy on ethnic identity and communalism.

2022 :

1. Explore and evaluate the impact of ‘Work From Home’ on family relationships.
2. How is the growth of Tier 2 Cities related to the rise of a new middle class with an emphasis on the
culture of consumption?
3. Given the diversities among tribal communities in India, in which specific contexts should they be
considered as a single category?
4. Analyse the salience of ‘sect’ in Indian society vis-a-vis caste, region and religion.
5. Are tolerance, assimilation and pluralism the key elements in the making of an Indian form of
secularism? Justify your answer.
6. Elucidate the relationship between globalization and new technology in a world of scarce resources,
with special reference to India.

2021 :

1. Examine the uniqueness of tribal knowledge systems when compared with mainstream knowledge and
cultural systems.
2. Examine the role of ‘Gig Economy’ in the process of empowerment of women in India.
3. Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in
India in detail.
4. What is Cryptocurrency? How does it affect global society? Has it been affecting Indian society also?
5. How does Indian society maintain continuity in traditional social values? Enumerate the changes taking
place in it.
2020 :
1. Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi-cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answer
with illustrations.
2. COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment.
3. Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness?
Argue
4. Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalization? Justify your answer.
5. Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree?
6. How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the
country? Elaborate your answer.

2019 :

1. “Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence caste system cannot be
eradicated in India.” Comment.
2. ‘Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in India,
poverty is still existing’. Explain by giving reasons.
3. How the Indian concept of secularism is different from the western model of secularism? Discuss.
4. ‘Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata.’
Substantiate your view.
5. ‘Globalization is generally said to promote cultural homogenization but due to this cultural specificities
appear to be strengthened in the Indian Society.’ Elucidate.
6. ‘Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation’. Argue by giving suitable
illustrations.
1. Explain why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian society.
A. Every hour, one Indian woman of age 15-39 years takes her own life. As per the National Crime
Records Bureau (NCRB), the suicide rate for young Indian women has risen from 12.7 per 1,00,000 in
2011 to 17.5 per 1,00,000 in 2021. This trend calls for urgent action as we seem to be losing the battle
to protect the mental health and well-being of our future generation.

Factors Causing the Rise of Suicides Among Young Women in India

 Feeling of Relative Deprivation: Increased education and empowerment of young women are
clashing with rigid societal norms, causing conflict and suicidal tendencies.
o For example, in South India, despite high female literacy, there is a clash with traditional
norms, leading to attempt of suicide.
 Impact of modernity on marriage: The rise of love marriages, particularly inter-caste and inter-
faith marriages and live-in relationships has led to individualism but also has increased loneliness
in young aspirational women, raising the risk of suicide.
 Change in Family System: A decrease in joint families makes young housewives more
vulnerable to mental health issues and suicide. Over 50% of female suicides are housewives.
  Sustained Patriarchy and Gender Discrimination: Indian society has remained largely
patriarchal with systemic discrimination against women starting from birth.
o For instance, compulsory marriage, subsequent domestic violence, marital rape and
dowry harassment are still prevalent in the Indian society.
 Domestic Violence: As per NFHS-5 data, 31% of married women faced spousal violence. The
trauma of physical, emotional and sexual abuse in marital homes leads to mental health issues
and suicidal tendencies.
 Vulnerability of young women: Due to their age group (15-39), young women are
comparatively more vulnerable to the social customs and traditions due to their female sexual
identity.
o For example, over 60% of rape victims are aged 18-30 years. Stigma and lack of support
aggravate psychological distress.
 Early Marriage: Child marriage remains widespread with 23.3% of Indian women aged 20-24
married before age 18 (NFHS-5). Early marriage truncates education and exposes young girls to
abusive marital relationships.
o For instance, suicide is the leading cause of death for girls aged 15-19 in India
(UNICEF).
 Limited Opportunities: Lack of social and financial independence coupled with restrictions on
movement outside homes increases hopelessness among young women.
o For example, in 2021, unemployment was cited as a cause of 5% of total suicides by
women as per NCRB data.
 Technology: While connecting young people, excessive social media use leads to unrealistic
comparisons, cyberbullying and isolation - increasing depression and suicidal tendencies.
Combating India's rising female suicide rate requires a multi-pronged approach - gender sensitization
programs, expanding counselling services and women's helplines, along systemic efforts to promote
education, financial independence and social liberty for women. Collective efforts from family
members, health planners, policymakers, and NGOs are essential to prevent these suicides.

2. Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the
socialization of children.

A. In the fast-changing digital world, child cuddling faces competition from ubiquitous mobile
phones. This shift in caregiving patterns is redefining how children socialize, offering both
opportunities and challenges.

Body
Negative Impacts:
  Reduced Emotional Bonding: Diminished physical touch and eye contact can hinder
secure attachment formation, potentially leading to emotional insecurities.
 Delayed Social Skills: Excessive screen time can impede the development of essential
interpersonal skills, affecting children's ability to interact effectively.
 Physical Health Concerns: Prolonged screen time is linked to health issues, reducing
physical activities and limiting peer interactions.
 Increased Impulsivity: Overstimulating mobile apps may foster impulsivity, impacting
focus and meaningful conversations.
Positive Impacts:
 Facilitating Family Connections: Mobile phones enable virtual visits, strengthening
family bonds and expanding social networks.
 Language Exposure: Educational apps expose children to diverse languages, enhancing
linguistic and cognitive development.
 Tech-Savviness: Children become digital natives with strong digital literacy skills, vital
in a tech-driven world.
 Accessibility Tools: Mobile devices offer accessibility features for children with special
needs, aiding communication and learning.
Conclusion
Balancing mobile device usage with physical interactions, including cuddling, ensures
comprehensive child development, harnessing both technological engagement and the timeless
comfort of physical affection.

3. What are the main features of Vedic society and religion? Do you think some of the
features are still prevailing in Indian society?
A. The Vedic period, spanning from approximately 1500 BCE to 600 BCE, stands as a significant
milestone in the annals of Indian history. It influenced India’s society and religion.

Body
Some major features were:
 Ritual Sacrifices (Yajnas): Rituals with mantras for deities and benefits.
 Varna System: Roles in society based on skills and aptitude, later becoming the caste
system.
 Concept of Dharma: Moral and ethical concept for different life stages and roles.
 Philosophical Texts (Upanishads): Texts on concepts like the self (Atman), the ultimate
reality (Brahman), and the path to enlightenment (Moksha).
 Concepts of Samsara and Karma: Ideas of the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth and the
law of cause and effect, first ritualistic, then spiritual.
 In modern India, the Vedic legacy remains:
 Rituals and Festivals: Vedic rituals, like Diwali, are part of culture and spirituality.
 Philosophy: Vedic philosophy influenced schools of thought, like Vedanta and
Yoga. Satyamev Jayate is from the Mundaka Upanishad.
 Natural Elements: Reverence for natural elements and sacred rivers, like the Ganges, is
ingrained in culture.
 Celebrations and Dance Forms: Classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and
Odissi depict stories from Vedic texts.
 Ayurveda and Medicine: Ayurveda, an ancient medicine system based on Vedic
knowledge, is practiced in India.
However, some factors have reduced Vedic traditions:
 Urbanization and Modernization: It shifted priorities from traditional practices of
agricultural and pastoral practices, which were integral to Vedic society.
o Technology, including the internet and social media, exposed people to a wider
range of ideas.
 Globalization: Exposure to global cultures and ideas led to more cosmopolitan lifestyles
and worldviews.
Conclusion
The interplay between ancient traditions and contemporary influences shows India’s ability to
adapt while preserving its heritage. This reflects its cultural richness and its capacity to evolve
and embrace change.

4. Does urbanization lead to more segregation and/or marginalization of the

poor in Indian metropolises?
A. Urbanization in India has become an inescapable ordeal.The model of building a developed city
comprises unplanned development, which only bolsters the dichotomy prevailing in urban cities
between the rich and the poor. Although segregation and marginalization differ from region to
region.

Body
How Urbanisation lead to segregation of poor:
 Income Disparities: Urbanization often results in income inequalities, with
limited affordable housing options for the poor, leading to spatial segregation.
 Inadequate Housing Policies: Poorly planned urbanization and inadequate housing
policies can lead to the concentration of slums
 Employment Opportunities: The concentration of employment opportunities in specific
urban areas can force the poor to settle in marginalized neighborhoods due to job proximity.
  Social Stigma: Social biases and stigma can play a role in segregating the poor as they are
often pushed to the peripheries of urban centers.
How urbanization leads to marginalization:
 Lack of Social Services: Inadequate provision of essential
services like healthcare, education, and sanitation in urban slums further marginalizes the
urban poor.
 Land Displacement: Urban development projects often displace poor communities
without proper compensation or alternative housing options.
 Health Disparities: Overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions in slums contribute to
health issues, with limited access to quality healthcare exacerbating the problem.
 Social Discrimination: The urban poor may face discrimination and social
exclusion based on their economic status and background.
Government Initiatives to tackle segregation and marginalization of poor:
 Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana
 Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation
 Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana
Conclusion
Though steps are being taken at various levels, success of these will depend on better policy
implementation ,community participation and continuous advocacy for the rights of the
urban poor.

5. Discuss the impact of post-liberal economy on ethnic identity and

communalism.
A. The concept of a post-liberal economy in India, characterized by economic reforms and
liberalization that commenced in the early 1990s, has given rise to a complex and multifaceted
phenomenon, particularly in relation to its influence on ethnic identity and communalism, in the
backdrop of globalization.

Impact on Ethnic Identity:

Positive:
 Economic Empowerment: Increased access to economic opportunities has allowed
individuals from various ethnic backgrounds to improve their socio-economic status.
 Cultural Exchange: Post-liberal economy has facilitated greater cultural exchange due
to increased trade, tourism, and connectivity, leading to greater intercultural
understanding.
 Entrepreneurship and Regional Identity: Economic liberalization has encouraged
entrepreneurship, allowing regions with distinct ethnic identities to promote their unique
products and traditions.
Negative:
 Economic Disparities: Economic growth has not been uniform across ethnic groups,
leading to income disparities and potential marginalization of certain communities.
 Cultural Homogenization: The spread of global consumer culture through liberalization
can erode traditional ethnic customs and identities.
 Regional Disparities: Economic liberalization may concentrate
wealth and development in certain regions, leaving others economically disadvantaged.
Impact on Communalism:
Positives:
 Urbanization and Migration: Promote social integration and reduce the influence of
communalism.
 Education and Awareness: Access to better education and information can foster a more
informed and tolerant society, diminishing communal tensions.
Negative:
 Media and Technology: Can be used to propagate divisive ideologies and amplify
communal tensions.
 Rural-Urban Divide: Economic liberalization can lead to a rural-urban divide, with rural
areas feeling left behind, potentially fueling communal sentiments.
 Consumerism: Materialistic values associated with consumerism may overshadow
cultural and social values, contributing to a breakdown in community cohesion.
Therefore if on one hand post liberal economy has ushered the country into the era of development
and prosperity but at the same time its effect on ethnic identity and communalism has created new
faultlines. It needs to be tackled following the value of brotherhood as mentioned in the preamble.