SECTION-A: Multiple Choice Questions (1 mark each)
1. Assertion(A):
The modern state had begun to take an active interest in the development of early forms of public health management, policing, and maintenance of law and order.
Reason(R):
This new and constantly expanding sphere of state activity required the systematic science of statistics.
Options:
a) A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true but R is false.
d) A is false and R is true.
Answer:
a) A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
2. Assertion(A):
For most of us who are born and live in India, social inequality and exclusion no longer are facts of our lives.
Reason(R):
The everydayness of social inequality and exclusion often make them appear inevitable, almost natural.
Options:
a) A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true but R is false.
d) A is false and R is true.
Answer:
d) A is false and R is true.
3. While population rises in geometric progression, agricultural production can only grow in arithmetic progression. Which of the following appropriately explains the progressions?
Options:
a) 2,4,8,16 and 2,4,6,8 respectively
b) 2,4,6,8 and 2,4,8,16 respectively
c) 3,6,12,24 and 3,6,9,12 respectively
d) 3,6,9,12 and 3,6,12,24 respectively
Answer:
a) 2,4,8,16 and 2,4,6,8 respectively
4. Assertion(A):
It was in the cultural and domestic spheres that caste has proved strongest.
Reason(R):
While some boundaries may have become more flexible or porous, the borders between groups of castes of similar socio-economic status are still heavily patrolled.
Options:
a) A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true but R is false.
d) A is false and R is true.
Answer:
a) A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
5. Which of the following statements is not true with regard to colonialism and caste?
Options:
a) All major social institutions and especially the institution of caste underwent major changes during the colonial period.
b) All of the changes brought about by colonialism were intended or deliberate.
c) Initially, the British administrators began by trying to understand the complexities of caste in an effort to learn how to govern the country efficiently.
d) The 1901 Census under the direction of Herbert Risley was particularly important as it sought to collect information on the social hierarchy of caste.
Answer:
b) All of the changes brought about by colonialism were intended or deliberate.
Passage 1:
“There is no necessary relationship between any specific form of community and the modern form of the state. Any of the many bases of community identity (like language, religion, ethnicity and so on) may or may not lead to nation formation – there are no guarantees.”
6. Cultural diversity can often be perceived as a source of threat to states because:
Options:
a) I. and IV. only
b) III. and IV. only
c) I., II., III. only
d) I., II., III., IV.
Answer:
c) I., II., III. only
7. Which of the following is not true for a community conflict?
Options:
a) Communities become reversed mirror images of each other in a community conflict.
b) People often react emotionally in case of any perceived threat to their community identity.
c) Community identities provide a sense of security and satisfaction to its members.
d) Community conflicts can be resolved easily.
Answer:
d) Community conflicts can be resolved easily.
8. Assertion(A):
Today, barring the North-Eastern states, there are no areas of the country that are inhabited exclusively by tribal people.
Reason(R):
The term Adivasi connotes political awareness and the assertion of rights.
Options:
a) A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true but R is false.
d) A is false and R is true.
Answer:
c) A is true but R is false.
Passage 2:
A great many students and office-workers around the world go to work only for five or six days and rest on the weekends. Yet, very few people who relax on their day off realise that this holiday is the outcome of a long struggle by workers. That the work-day should not exceed eight hours, that men and women should be paid equally for doing the same work, that workers are entitled to social security and pension — these and many other rights were gained through social movements. Social movements have shaped the world we live in and continue to do so.
9. Which of the following statements is incorrect?
Options:
a) The rights we enjoy just happened to exist.
b) Social movements not only change societies; they also inspire other social movements.
c) Movements are directed against the state and take the form of demanding changes in state policy or practice.
d) A social movement requires sustained collective action over time.
Answer:
a) The rights we enjoy just happened to exist.
10. Social Movements is an important subject matter of Sociology because:
Options:
a) I. and IV.
b) III. and IV.
c) II., IV. and III.
d) I., II., and III.
Answer:
c) II., IV. and III.
11. Which of the following statements is not true for the Indian government’s policy of liberalization?
Options:
a) Private companies, especially foreign firms, are encouraged to invest in sectors earlier reserved for the government.
b) Foreign products are now easily available in Indian shops.
c) Indian companies have ensured that they work within national boundaries.
d) Licenses are no longer required to open industries.
Answer:
c) Indian companies have ensured that they work within national boundaries.
12. Which of the following is not true for stereotypes?
Options:
a) In a country such as India, many of these stereotypes are partly colonial creations.
b) They are flexible characterisations of a group of people.
c) Stereotypes are often applied to ethnic and racial groups and to women.
d) Prejudices are often grounded in stereotypes.
Answer:
b) They are flexible characterisations of a group of people.
13. Assertion (A):
Sanskritisation normally presupposes either an improvement in the economic or political position of the group concerned or a higher group self-consciousness resulting from its contact with a source of the ‘Great Tradition’.
Reason (R):
In a highly unequal society such as India, there were and still are obstacles to any easy taking over of the customs of the higher castes by the lower.
Options:
a) A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true but R is false.
d) A is false and R is true.
Answer:
a) A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
14. Assertion (A):
No social group, howsoever weak or oppressed, is only a victim.
Reason (R):
Human beings are always capable of organising and acting on their own – often against very heavy odds – to struggle for justice and dignity.
Options:
a) A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true but R is false.
d) A is false and R is true.
Answer:
a) A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
15. Which of the following statements is true for the tea plantations established by the British in India?
Options:
a) The colonial administrators were clear that the measures taken on the plantation for labourers were different vis-à-vis the planters.
b) Coolies lived a comfortable life on the tea plantations.
c) Planters and coolies had a cordial relationship.
d) Colonial administration stuck to democratic norms.
Answer:
a) The colonial administrators were clear that the measures taken on the plantation for labourers were different vis-à-vis the planters.
16. Put the following statements in the correct order.
Options:
a) III., II., I., IV.
b) I., II., III., IV.
c) IV., III., II., I.
d) I., II., IV., III.
Answer:
a) III., II., I., IV.
SECTION-B
17. The dependency ratio is equal to the population below 15 or above 64, divided by population in the 15-64 age group. This is usually expressed as a percentage. In 2020, the average Indian was only 29 years old, compared with an average age of 37 in China and the United States, 45 in Western Europe, and 48 in Japan. What inference can you draw from this statement?
Answer:
The average age of Indians being lower than that of people in China, the United States, Western Europe, and Japan suggests that India has a relatively young population. This implies a higher proportion of people in the working-age group (15-64 years) compared to the dependent population (below 15 and above 64). This demographic structure can be seen as an advantage for economic growth, as the workforce is larger and the dependency ratio is relatively low.
18. Prejudice can be either positive or negative. Support the statement with suitable examples.
Answer:
Prejudice refers to preconceived opinions that are not based on actual experience or rational evidence. It can be either positive or negative.
- Positive Prejudice: An individual might assume that all members of a particular group are highly talented or intelligent, such as assuming that all Asians are good at mathematics.
- Negative Prejudice: This could involve assuming that a particular group, like people from a specific caste or ethnicity, is inherently inferior or less capable, such as racial discrimination against African Americans.
In both cases, prejudice is a generalization that leads to biased perceptions and treatment of individuals based on stereotypes.
OR
Discrimination can be very hard to prove because it may not be open or explicitly stated. Support the statement with suitable examples.
Answer:
Discrimination is often subtle and indirect, making it hard to prove in legal or social contexts.
- For example, a company may not explicitly say it does not hire women, but if there is a pattern of hiring only male employees for higher positions, it could indicate gender-based discrimination.
- Similarly, racial discrimination may occur in a way that is not openly stated, such as when a landlord refuses to rent an apartment to someone of a certain ethnic group without giving a clear reason, leaving the discrimination implicit.
19. State how communalism is all about politics, not about religion.
Answer:
Communalism is a political ideology that uses religion to promote division and conflict among different communities for political gain. It manipulates religious sentiments to create divisions in society, often for electoral advantage. For instance, political parties may seek to gain support from a particular religious community by making promises or taking actions that benefit them, regardless of the broader impact on social harmony or religious practices. Thus, communalism is more about the pursuit of political power and less about genuine religious beliefs or practices.
20. Give an example of an anomalous instance with regard to minority groups.
Answer:
An anomalous instance with regard to minority groups can be seen in the case of Dalits or Scheduled Castes (SCs) in India, who are considered a minority but often face discrimination and social exclusion. Despite constitutional guarantees and laws protecting their rights, they are still marginalized in many parts of the country.
- For example, Dalits may be legally protected against discrimination but still face untouchability practices or are economically deprived due to historical discrimination, which is an anomaly considering the constitutional safeguards.
OR
People constituting a nation may actually be citizens or residents of different states.
Answer:
An example of this can be seen in the European Union (EU), where people from different nations (like France, Germany, Spain, etc.) are considered citizens of a single political entity, even though they belong to separate countries with distinct cultures, languages, and histories. This example demonstrates that national identity can extend beyond the boundaries of traditional state-based citizenship.
21. Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain was born in a well-to-do Bengali Muslim family, and was lucky to have a husband who was very liberal in outlook and encouraged her education first in Urdu and later in Bengali and English. She was already a successful author in Urdu and Bengali when she wrote Sultana’s Dream to test her abilities in English. Why was Sultana’s Dream considered a remarkable short story, in context of struggle for women’s equality and rights?
Answer:
Sultana’s Dream is considered remarkable because it presents a visionary reversal of gender roles, where women are the dominant and progressive force in society, while men are relegated to the domestic sphere. It challenges the traditional norms of women’s oppression in society and advocates for women’s empowerment and equal rights. In the context of the struggle for women’s equality, the story reflects Begum Rokeya’s feminist beliefs, encouraging women to assert their rights and pursue education and independence.
22. Agrarian society can be understood in terms of its class structure. But we must also remember the structure is itself through the caste system. In rural areas, there is a complex relationship between caste and class. This relationship is not always straightforward. Give two examples to prove that the relationship is not straightforward.
Answer:
- Example 1: In rural India, a landowner from a higher caste may still be economically less well-off than a lower-caste tenant who controls more land through efficient agricultural practices or market access. This shows that class and caste do not always align.
- Example 2: A lower-caste individual may hold a political office or significant economic power in a region, while a member of a higher caste may be marginalized or economically disadvantaged. This demonstrates that caste-based hierarchy is not the only factor determining social mobility and economic success.
23. In the old social movements, the role of political parties was central. Political scientist Rajni Kothari attributes the surge of social movements in India in the 1970s to people’s growing dissatisfaction with parliamentary democracy. As a result of this people joined social movements or non-political party formations. What were the reasons for this growing dissatisfaction?
Answer:
The growing dissatisfaction with parliamentary democracy in the 1970s was due to:
- Failure of traditional political parties to address the needs of marginalized sections of society.
- Corruption and inefficiency in the functioning of the government.
- Unfulfilled promises of social and economic justice by the ruling elite.
- Concentration of power in the hands of a few political families, leaving people feeling disconnected from the democratic process.
This led people to join social movements, which often operated outside the realm of traditional political parties, seeking to address these issues more directly.
24. “You need energy. The eyes move, the neck, the legs and the hands, each part moves. Weaving is done under a continuous gaze – one cannot go anywhere, the focus must be on the machine. When four machines run all four must move together, they must not stop.” (Joshi 2003) The more mechanised an industry gets; the fewer people are employed.” What are the reasons for this?
Answer:
The statement suggests that with the increasing mechanization of industries, the need for human labor decreases as machines become more efficient and capable of performing tasks that were previously done manually.
- Increased automation: Machines can perform repetitive tasks more quickly and accurately, reducing the need for workers.
- Cost-cutting: Automation is a way for industries to reduce labor costs, as fewer workers are required to operate machines.
As a result, mechanization leads to job loss or reduced employment opportunities in industries where automation takes over manual labor.
SECTION-C
25. “Someone may be endowed with exceptional intelligence or talent, or may have worked very hard to achieve their wealth and status.” Does this statement reflect social stratification? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer:
Yes, this statement reflects social stratification because it highlights the unequal distribution of wealth, status, and opportunities based on individual characteristics or achievements. Social stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals in society based on factors such as class, wealth, education, and occupation. In this case, those with exceptional intelligence, talent, or hard work may achieve higher social status and wealth, while others without such attributes may remain at a lower status. This creates divisions in society and reinforces social inequality, which is a characteristic of social stratification.
Here are the questions from Section-C along with their respective answers:
26. “An alternative to the nation-state, then, is the ‘state nation’, where various ‘nations’—be they ethnic, religious, linguistic or indigenous identities—can co-exist peacefully and cooperatively in a single state polity.” What factors are required to build enduring state-nations?
Answer:
To build enduring state-nations, the following factors are essential:
- Recognition of Diversity: Acknowledging the various ethnic, linguistic, and religious identities within the state and ensuring their cultural rights and freedoms.
- Inclusive Governance: Promoting political participation from all groups, ensuring that all communities have a voice in decision-making and are represented fairly.
- Strong Legal Framework: Establishing laws and policies that safeguard the rights of minority groups and prevent discrimination.
- Shared National Identity: Fostering a sense of shared belonging among the different groups, emphasizing the common interests and goals that unite them, rather than focusing on differences.
27. “The present form of caste as a social institution has been shaped very strongly by both the colonial period as well as the rapid changes that have come about in independent India. The development activity of the state and the growth of private industry affected caste indirectly through the speeding up and intensification of economic change.” How has economic change affected caste?
Answer:
Economic change has influenced caste in several ways:
- Reduction of Traditional Occupations: Industrialization and modernization have reduced the significance of traditional caste-based occupations, leading to a diversification of job opportunities across caste groups.
- Social Mobility: With the growth of education and economic opportunities, people from lower castes have been able to access new careers and rise out of the traditional caste-based economic hierarchy.
- Shift in Caste Power Dynamics: Economic changes, such as the rise of industries and urbanization, have altered the traditional caste-based power structures, giving more power to those who control industries and commerce, rather than those born into high-caste families.
- Impact of State Development Programs: Government policies aimed at reducing caste-based discrimination, such as reservations in education and employment, have provided opportunities for lower-caste individuals, thus reducing economic disparities based on caste.
28. “In traditional India caste system operated within a religious framework. Belief systems of purity and pollution were central to its practice. Today it often functions as political pressure groups.” Illustrate the process of secularisation of caste.
Answer:
The secularization of caste has occurred in the following ways:
- Political Mobilization: Caste identities have increasingly become tools for political mobilization rather than being confined to religious or social norms. Political parties, especially in India, use caste-based voting blocks to gain power, making caste a political category.
- Social and Economic Reforms: Secular policies, such as affirmative action (reservations) and land reforms, have reduced the religious and ritualistic aspects of caste by offering opportunities based on socio-economic factors rather than religious purity.
- Urbanization and Education: With greater access to education and urbanization, caste-based discrimination based on religious practices has become less rigid, with people from different castes mixing more freely in schools, workplaces, and public life.
- Legal Framework: The Indian Constitution and various laws have outlawed caste-based discrimination, further secularizing caste by separating it from religious rituals and beliefs.
OR
“The term modernization has a long history. From the 19th and more so the 20th century, the term began to be associated with positive and desirable values. People and societies wanted to be modern. In the early years, modernization referred to improvement in technology and production processes. Increasingly, however, the term had a wider usage.” What, according to sociologists, constitutes the modernization process?
Answer:
According to sociologists, the process of modernization includes:
- Technological Advancement: Development and adoption of new technologies and industrial practices that increase productivity and economic growth.
- Urbanization: The shift from agrarian societies to urban, industrialized centers, fostering economic growth, social mobility, and cultural exchange.
- Social Change: Changes in social structures and norms, such as the decline of traditional authority and the rise of individualism, democracy, and secularism.
- Economic Transformation: A shift from traditional economies (agriculture-based) to industrial and service economies, leading to higher standards of living, greater economic diversification, and more efficient production methods.
- Cultural Modernization: The emergence of new cultural values, including rationality, individualism, and a focus on scientific and empirical knowledge over tradition.
29. “A significant change in rural society that is linked to the commercialization of agriculture has been the growth of migrant agricultural labour. As ‘traditional’ bonds of patronage between labourers or tenants and landlords broke down, and as the seasonal demand for agricultural labour increased in prosperous Green Revolution regions, a pattern of seasonal migration emerged.” Elaborate on this pattern of migration.
Answer:
The pattern of seasonal migration due to the commercialization of agriculture can be explained as follows:
- Breakdown of Traditional Patronage: In the past, agricultural laborers worked on the same land for generations, often under patronage systems where landowners provided land in exchange for labor. However, with the commercialization of agriculture and mechanization, these patronage systems eroded, and laborers had to seek work elsewhere.
- Seasonal Migration: In regions where the Green Revolution led to intensified agricultural production (e.g., Punjab, Haryana), the demand for seasonal labor during harvest and sowing periods increased. As a result, rural workers migrated temporarily to regions where labor was in demand, creating a pattern of seasonal migration for work.
- Economic Necessity: Many laborers and their families migrated to urban or peri-urban areas to work on commercial farms or in industries that required seasonal workers.
- Impact on Rural Families: This seasonal migration often resulted in family separation for extended periods, and laborers faced uncertain wages and working conditions. However, it also helped supplement family incomes in rural areas.
30. Enumerate the indicators of the process of globalization of agriculture.
Answer:
Indicators of the globalization of agriculture include:
- Global Trade in Agricultural Products: The increasing export and import of agricultural products across national borders.
- Foreign Investment in Agriculture: The involvement of multinational companies in the agricultural sector, from seed production to processing and distribution.
- Technological Transfer: The spread of modern agricultural technologies, such as genetically modified crops, irrigation methods, and farming machinery, across countries.
- Standardization of Agricultural Practices: Global agricultural practices, such as standardized crop varieties and farming methods, which are adopted in different regions of the world.
- Global Supply Chains: The integration of local farming systems into global supply chains for food processing and retail.
- Environmental and Policy Changes: International policies, such as trade agreements, that shape national agricultural policies and the global agricultural market.
31. Industrialisation in the West is associated with the growth of a middle class. Discuss the Indian experience of the growth of this middle class.
Answer:
In India, the growth of the middle class can be traced through several phases:
- Post-Independence Period: After independence, a mixed economy model was adopted with the government playing a key role in industrial development. This led to the growth of a small but significant middle class involved in government services, education, and private industries.
- Economic Liberalization (1991): With the liberalization of the economy in the 1990s, India’s middle class expanded significantly. Economic reforms, reduced trade barriers, and the rise of the IT sector created new employment opportunities, especially in urban areas, leading to the growth of a larger, more affluent middle class.
- Consumption and Urbanization: The growth of the middle class was marked by increasing consumption, including spending on education, technology, housing, and luxury goods. Additionally, urbanization contributed to the expansion of the middle class as more people moved to cities in search of better opportunities.
- Impact of Globalization: The integration of India into the global economy has allowed more people to access global markets and consumption patterns, further fueling the rise of the middle class.
- Challenges: Despite growth, the middle class in India faces challenges such as inequality, inflation, and uneven development, especially in rural areas.
32. “The argument for a tribe-caste distinction was founded on an assumed cultural difference between Hindu castes, with their beliefs in purity and pollution and hierarchical integration, and ‘animist’ tribals with their more egalitarian and kinship-based modes of social organisation.” Is this distinction between tribes and caste viable? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer:
The distinction between tribes and castes is not always viable for the following reasons:
- Overlap of Practices: In many regions, the practices of tribal communities have been influenced by Hindu caste norms, and vice versa. For instance, tribes have sometimes adopted caste-like hierarchies, especially in areas where they interact with mainstream Hindu society.
- Egalitarianism vs. Hierarchical Structure: While tribal communities are often portrayed as egalitarian, they also have their own internal hierarchies based on factors such as age, gender, or kinship, which resemble caste-like structures.
- Cultural Assimilation: Over time, many tribal communities have been assimilated into the broader Hindu social structure, especially through practices like Sanskritization, where tribes adopt caste-based practices to gain social mobility.
- External Interventions:External Interventions:
External factors, such as colonialism and state policies, have also played a significant role in shaping the relationship between tribes and castes. British colonial policies, for instance, categorized tribes as “criminal tribes” or “non-civilized” peoples, which often placed them in hierarchical relationships with the caste system. Post-independence, the Indian state’s policies of reservation and affirmative action, meant to uplift the lower castes, have also included certain tribal communities, leading to a merging of social categories in political and administrative contexts. As a result, the social and political identities of tribes have been increasingly shaped by caste-based categories, further blurring the distinction between the two. - Economic and Social Interactions:
The economic and social interactions between tribes and caste-based communities often lead to a gradual assimilation of caste-like structures within tribal societies. For example, tribes that come into contact with agricultural communities or urban populations may begin to adopt some aspects of the caste system in terms of division of labor, social interactions, and economic roles. This process can lead to the emergence of social hierarchies that are not strictly based on the traditional tribal structure but instead reflect caste-based divisions of labor and status.
SECTION-D
Q34. ‘Job recruitment as factory worker takes a different pattern’. Discuss (6 marks)
Answer:
The pattern of job recruitment for factory workers has evolved significantly over time, influenced by various economic, technological, and social factors. The changes can be broadly categorized into historical stages, highlighting the transformation in how factory jobs have been organized and the recruitment process has evolved.
1. Early Industrial Revolution (18th-19th Century):
- Mass Production & Manual Labor: During the Industrial Revolution, factory work was characterized by labor-intensive, repetitive tasks. The recruitment pattern focused on hiring workers who could perform simple, manual tasks on the shop floor.
- Low Skill Requirements: Factory workers were often recruited from rural areas where agricultural work was becoming less viable due to industrialization. These workers had little or no formal education, and the factories needed individuals who could operate machinery and work long hours in demanding conditions.
- Child Labor: Initially, factories recruited workers without much regard for age or gender. This led to the widespread use of child labor, which was cheap and easily available.
2. Technological Advancements (Early to Mid-20th Century):
- Introduction of Machinery and Specialized Skills: As industrial processes became more sophisticated with the introduction of machines like conveyor belts, production lines, and automated systems, the need for skilled workers increased.
- Shift Towards Skilled Labor: Recruitment patterns began to prioritize individuals who could operate machinery and manage more complex tasks. Industrial jobs began to require specialized skills and training. For example, workers who could repair and maintain machines or supervise operations in factories became valuable.
- Unionization and Worker Rights: As workers gained more rights through unionization, factory recruitment began to be influenced by labor laws. This led to better working conditions and a more formalized approach to hiring, including adherence to labor laws on working hours, wages, and safety.
3. Post-WWII Period (Mid-20th Century):
- Economic Growth & Standardization: After World War II, industrial growth surged, particularly in Western countries. The focus was on increasing productivity through standardized processes and mass production.
- Increased Labor Specialization: Factories now required workers with specialized knowledge or technical expertise, especially as industries such as automotive manufacturing, electronics, and chemicals grew.
- Gender & Diversity Inclusion: With the rise of gender equality movements, more women began to be recruited in factory jobs, particularly in sectors like textiles and electronics. Factories began to adopt policies aimed at providing equal opportunities for men and women.
4. Late 20th Century to Present (Globalization & Automation):
- Outsourcing & Globalization: As industries became globalized, factory jobs were increasingly outsourced to developing countries with cheaper labor. This global supply chain altered recruitment patterns, as multinational corporations began hiring workers in regions with low labor costs, often requiring basic training but less specialized skills.
- Rise of Automation and Robotics: The introduction of automation and robotics further transformed factory work. Many manual tasks are now carried out by robots, reducing the need for low-skilled labor. This shift led to a demand for workers with advanced technical skills, such as engineers, robotics specialists, and IT professionals who can maintain and manage automated systems.
- Flexible Work Arrangements: In some industries, particularly in the gig economy, there has been a move towards more flexible work arrangements where workers are hired on temporary or part-time contracts. This has created a pattern of recruitment that emphasizes adaptability and short-term labor.
5. Impact of Technology and Innovation:
- Smart Factories and Industry 4.0: With the rise of Industry 4.0, factory recruitment has evolved to require workers with knowledge of digital technologies. The introduction of Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics means that factories are now seeking workers who can operate digital technologies, troubleshoot software issues, and optimize production processes.
- Remote Monitoring & Management: As factories incorporate more technology for remote monitoring and management of production lines, the need for on-site, manual labor has decreased. Instead, recruitment focuses on individuals who can monitor systems remotely, analyze data, and make real-time decisions based on digital inputs.
Q35. How did peasant movements evolve from pre-colonial days to post-colonial times? (6 marks)
Answer: Peasant movements in India evolved over centuries, from the pre-colonial period through the colonial era to post-independence times, shaped by social, political, and economic factors.
- Pre-Colonial Period:
- During the pre-colonial period, peasants were often part of agrarian communities under the control of local rulers or feudal lords. Movements were more localized and sometimes involved resistance to oppressive land revenue systems or high taxation.
- An example is the Sannyasi Rebellion (1770s-1790s), where peasants and tribal communities, led by wandering ascetics, resisted British economic policies and land taxes.
- Colonial Period:
- The British colonial period saw significant peasant unrest due to exploitative land revenue systems (like the Permanent Settlement and Zamindari system), forced commercialization of agriculture, and widespread poverty.
- Notable movements during this period include:
- The Champaran Movement (1917) led by Mahatma Gandhi, where peasants protested against oppressive indigo plantation systems.
- The Bengal Tenancy Act (1885) and other similar acts were protested by peasants against the rigid tenancy laws imposed by the British.
- The Telangana Rebellion (1946-1951) against feudal landlords and the exploitative practices of the Nizam of Hyderabad.
- Post-Colonial Period:
- After India’s independence in 1947, peasant movements continued, though the focus shifted towards post-colonial agrarian reforms. Despite land reforms, the economic structure largely remained unchanged, and peasants continued to struggle with landlessness, exploitation, and poverty.
- In the post-independence era, peasants increasingly demanded:
- Land reforms (like the abolition of zamindari systems and redistribution of land).
- Improved wages, and the right to land ownership.
- Some of the key post-colonial peasant movements include:
- The Naxalite movement (1967 onwards), where peasants, especially in rural areas, turned to revolutionary ideologies, calling for agrarian reform and an end to feudal oppression.
- The Green Revolution (1960s-1980s), while successful in increasing food production, led to the displacement of smaller peasant groups, and movements like the Kisan Sabha emerged to address their concerns.