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NOTE: Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They are NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing is content that both meets demand of the question and at the same time gives you extra points in the form of background information.
Art and Culture
Q1. Discuss the contribution of the Kakatiya dynasty to Indian art and architecture. 10M
Introduction
The Kakatiya dynasty (12th to 14th centuries) ruled most of the eastern Deccan region comprising present-day Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. They were known for notable Vesara-style temple building architecture. Most temples and temple complexes of Kakatiyas have a distinct style, technology and decoration.
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Kakatiya’s contribution to Indian art and architecture.
- Temple style: Most of the Kakatiya architecture is influenced by later Chalukya architecture (fusion of Dravidian and Nagara architecture).
- g. Thousand Pillar Temple, Ramappa Temple (UNESCO world heritage site)- Hanamakonda and Warangal.
- Kakatiya’s temple plans are of five main designs; 1) Ekakuta 2) Dwikuta 3) TriKuta 4) Chatuskuta and 5) Panchakuta.
- Some of the temples premises also consist of Sabha Mandapa, the Nandi Mandapa, Pakashala, kalyana mandapa, ranga mandapa and dwara mandapa.
- Innovative construction: Depending on the geographical location the Kakatiyas used both stones and bricks for the construction of temple complexes.
- Unique gateway: E.g. Keerthi Thoranas is the distinct style of Kakatiya’s for the gateways to temple complexes.
- The iconic Kakatiya Thoranam (Warangal Gateway) was built in the 12th Century are ornamental gateways to the Warangal Fort. This ornate arch is said to have many similarities with the gateways at the Sanchi Stupa and is also the emblem of Telangana.
- Use of Technology: Kakatiya’s built great constructions that can withstand severe earthquakes.g. 1000 Pillar Temple and Ramappa Temple are some of such great earthquake-resistant constructions that were built using sandbox technology.
- Use of floating bricks: It was used to build the roof so that there is no load on the foundation.
- Irrigation Reservoir: Kakatiyas built around 5000 irrigation reservoirs which helped in the development of the sparsely populated dry areas.
- Many of these edifices, often called “tanks”, including the large examples at Pakala and Ramappa, are still used today.
- These reservoirs were made keeping in mind the soil type and topography of the place.
- Unique craftsmanship: g. there are more than 500 elephants on the frieze of the Ramappa temple, but each one is carved differently from the other.
- Such was the unique craftsmanship of the Ramappa temple that it was named after its architect ‘Ramappa’ and not the chief deity.
Conclusion
Thus Kakatiyas contribution to arts and architecture was not only unique to its times but also resilient enough to have lasted this long. Recognizing this UNESCO awarded the world heritage tag to the Ramppa temple last year.
Q2. In what way did Vedanta philosophy contribute to the Indian renaissance? Substantiate your answer with examples. 15M
Introduction
Vedanta or Uttara Mimansa Philosophy is the last or 6th orthodox school of Indian philosophy, others were Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaishesika and Purva Mimansa. The six systems of philosophy were developed over many generations with contributions made by individual thinkers. However, today, we find an underlying harmony in their understanding of truth and their contribution to the Indian renaissance (a rapid social and religious awakening).
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Vedanta Philosophy :
It is the Summary of Vedas and this school concentrates on the philosophical teachings of the Upanishads (mystic or spiritual contemplations within the Vedas), rather than the Brahmanas (instructions for ritual and sacrifice).
Its contribution to Indian Renaissance through:
- Questioning: Vedānta discusses in detail the various questions of the human mind such as who I am, why and where we originate from, what is the cause of all these creations, what is the reason for this world, etc.
- Showing the path of salvation: E.g. Advaita (Adi Shankara):It states that both the individual self (Atman) and Brahman are the same, and the rest of the world is Maya or Illusion. He considers Knowledge to be the means to attain salvation.
- Against discrimination: Vedanta logically tries to convey that all life forms whether humans or animals, Hindu or Muslims, Brahman or Shudra, are the manifestation of the same divine consciousness.
- It logically repudiates any distinction in society.
- g. ‘Aham Brahmasmi’, applies to all religions, castes, sex etc.
- Against Vedic rituals: The rituals and sacrifices of the earlier sections of the Vedas and the dominance of related ritualists were contested and challenged by Vedanta scholars.
- Six prominent sub-schools, each interpreting the texts in its own way and producing its own series of sub-commentaries arose.
- Education: Shankara was said to have established four mathas at strategic points in India as bulwarks for Hindu missionary activity and education.
- Religious Bhakti movements: E.g.
- Sri Vaishnavism of south and southeastern India is based on Ramanuja’s Vishishtadvaita Vedanta.
- Ramananda (vishishtadvaita) led to the Vaishnav Bhakti Movement in the north, east, central and west of India.
- A large number of devotional Vaishnavism traditions of east India, north India (particularly the Braj region), west and central India are based on various sub-schools of Bhedabheda Vedanta
- Cultural revival during the British Period: During the 18th century and 19th century, especially under British rule, India reasonably faced a radical change in almost all its fields and faced a cultural vacuum as Britishers’ tried to superimpose western culture.
- Vedanta showed the great Indian culture that Indians could see for themselves. It demonstrated the true logical views and mystical depth of knowledge.
- Influenced various personalities:
- Rajaram Mohan Roy preached monotheism and the thought of Vedanta primarily in Bengal through Brahma Samaaj. Inspired by Vedanta Philosophy he also worked towards the elimination of social evils like the Banning Sati system.
- Dayanand Saraswati under the Arya Samaj preached that the one and unique God is nameless, formless and featureless. This impersonal self–existent divine God can be achieved over the pure heart controlled by Yoga and meditation.
- Sri Ramakṛiṣṇa Paramahamsa professed the extreme non-dual Vedantic views which describe this universe and the whole of creation as only the Maya.
- Swami Vivekananda introduced Eastern Vedantic thought and uplifted national spirituality in the western country. And he wanted to reform existing Hindusim rather than establishing a new religion known as Neo – Hinduism.
- Mahatma Gandhi promoted new ideas in the fields of religious, social, political, and educational philosophy. He considers nature as the expression of God. He says God manifests himself in innumerable forms in this universe and it is the evidence of the all-pervasive reality.
- Influenced the western world: Vedanta also influenced western religiosity. E.g. The first translation of Upanishads significantly influenced Arthur Schopenhauer, who called them the consolation of his life.
Conclusion
Thus, Vedantic philosophy was based on humanism and impartiality and tried to bring a mass renaissance in society by the way of rational thinking, changes in the education system, and changes in Societal nature.
Additional Points:
Ethics:
Q3.Can government policies and programs determine or influence the ethical behaviour of the general population? Critically examine. (10M)
Introduction
Ethics is set principles that guide human action in a way that is acceptable to society. An action which does justice, and good to society and is done with no selfish gains is generally acceptable by society. Ethics by the government can be determined by its policies (Laws, Rules, Regulations) and programs.
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Role of Government policies and programs in determining the Ethical behaviour of the general population :
- Human values – Government policies cultivate various human values like patriotism, Compassion, and Humanity towards others and also towards Society. Example – Swacch Bharat Abhiyan, Fundamental Duties.
- Participatory Democracy – Government interventions in providing powers to the Gram Sabha and panchayats enable the Ethical participation of citizens in decision-making.
- They help to distinguish between Right and Wrong thus helping in achieving legality and desirability of actions.
- Promotes harmony, and fraternity among different sections of society.
- Code of conduct and code of ethics enable the person to observe his/her Integrity, and honesty in professional life.
- Penalties and punishments promote Accountability and transparency by people.
- Minimizes the possibility of corruption, illegal actions, impartiality and partisanship.
- Rules and principles that determine what is morally right and wrong in business promote business ethics thus restricting businesses to follow ethical paths only.
- Act as deterrence for any misconduct in the form of penalties and punishment. Thus, respecting each other’s rights, and integrity and following the duties given by the state.
However, Government policies and programs may not always influence ethical behaviour because What is legally permissible may not be morally defensible and vice versa .’
Limitations :
- Static and Dynamic: Sometimes Government policies may be with past experiences and present understanding. If they aren’t revised from time to time they will become outdated hence Socially cannot be acceptable and defendable.
Example – Death Penalty; Section 144 CrPC.
- Vested Interests: What is prescribed in the law may not be morally justifiable because a law can be enacted only to promote vested interests.
Example – Holocaust in Germany, Apartheid in South Africa.
- Required larger interpretation: The degree of idealism doesn’t come from the law but from the value system of those who have the authority to frame policies and who interpret those policies.
Example – Interpretation of Articles 21, 352 and 356, Ethunesia and issues of Suicide.
- When policies are followed in letter but not in spirit, that results in Moral minimum conditions. Because in this situation citizens restrict their efforts to uphold policies only.
- Until and unless lawmakers have a strong virtuous value system any changes to the policies to serve specific purposes are questionable.
- Policies and programs can also be used to avoid Ethical deliberation.
Conclusion
Policies and programs can determine ethical behaviour in individuals as well as a society but they are not sufficient for an ethical Society. so along with government policies, an individual’s commitment to high virtuous values is needed for the ethical behaviour of the population.
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