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1.The Preamble is a confluence of our past and peek into our future. Comment.
Answer:
The Preamble at the beginning of the Constitution like an introduction and preface. It explains
the purposes and objectives with which the Constitution has been written. The Objective
Resolution in 1946, proposed by Pandit Nehru and passed by the Constituent Assembly,
ultimately became the base for Preamble to the Constitution of India.
The Preamble gave the objectives of the Constitution by mentioning:
1. The structure of governance and the ideals to be achieved in independent India.
2. It contains the grand and noble vision of the Constituent Assembly and is a reflection of
dreams of the founding fathers of Constitution.
3. It lays down the pattern of political society.
As per the Supreme Court, the Preamble is a key to unravel the minds of the makers of the
Constitution. It also embodies the ideals and aspirations of the people of India and has been a
fabric connecting past and future in the following ways:
1. India follows a system of Representative Democracy, where the MPs and MLAs are
elected directly by the people
2. Democratic socialism is practised where both public and private sectors co-exist (diluted
to some extent after 1991).
3. Secularism is ensured by right to freedom of religion (Article 25 and 28). There have been
efforts to take democracy to the grassroot level through Panchayats and Municipalities
(73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts, 1992) which was envisioned by
Mahatma Gandhi.
4. The head of the state is an elected representative and not a monarch ensuring political
democracy.
5. Political justice is guaranteed by universal adult suffrage without any sort of qualification
such as education, property, social status and tax return.
6. Social justice is ensured by abolishing any title of honour (Article.18) and untouchability
(Article.17) and economic justice is guaranteed through the Directive Principles.
However, various laws and regulations have been passed for the upliftment of SCs, STs,
OBCs, Children and also for women (Protective Discrimination).
7. Fraternity is sought to be achieved by making the State secular, guaranteeing
fundamental and other rights equally to people of all sections, and protecting their
interests. However, fraternity is an evolving process and by the 42nd amendment, the
word `integrity was added, thus giving it a broader meaning.

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Thus, the Preamble plays a limited yet vital role in removing the ambiguity surrounding the
provisions of the Constitution and acts as an important guide to interpret the true spirit of
the Constitution.

2. A supreme written constitution safeguards against abuse of power but stunts

the process of change. Do you agree? Please state your reasons for agreement or
otherwise.
Answer:
India has inherited a very robust Constitution and its basic framework suits the country and its
needs. Constitution makers were far sighted and they provided for solutions for future situations.
But it is not a document that does not need change and therefore, the Constitution accepts the
necessity of modifications according to changing needs of the society. In the actual working of
the Constitution, there is enough scope for flexibility of interpretations evident in political
practice and judicial rulings from time to time.
Though, the Supreme Court can declare the parliamentary laws as unconstitutional through its
power of judicial review, the parliament can amend the major portion through its constituent
power. Article 368 provides for two types of amendments by special and simple majority of
Parliament and, some provisions also require ratification of half of the total states. The procedure
is not so flexible as to allow the ruling party to change it according to their own whims nor it is
so rigid to be incapable of adopting itself according to the changing needs. Various amendments
have been able to bring changes like:
Adding special provisions for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward
class or for SCs and STs.
Abolition of zamindari laws.
Reorganisation of states in India, as required by changing needs.
Incorporation of states like Goa into India.
Adding terms socialistic and secular in preamble.
Abolition of privy purse.
Providing Right to Education
Exchanging of certain enclave territories with Bangladesh in 2005.
Bringing GST bill in 2016.
At the same time abuse of power is also protected by the constitution itself. For example, the
Supreme Court had declared two provisions of the 42 nd Amendment unconstitutional which
aimed at controlling power of court and accorded precedence of Directive Principles of State
Policy over Fundamental Rights.

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Thus, the Constitution maintains the democratic character of the state and does not allow the
ruling party to become autocratic. But at the same time, it allows for amendments and also
contains features like DPSP which help in bringing about required changes and make a welfare
state.

3. With reference to the phrase, Socialism as mentioned in the Preamble and

contemporary times, do you sense contradictions? If so, please elucidate with
adequate justifications.
Answer:
The term socialist was added to the Preamble by the 42nd Amendment, 1976 and changed the
description of India to a sovereign socialist secular democratic republic. However, the
Constitution had a socialist content in the form of DPSP which laid down the framework of a
democratic socialist state to promote the welfare of the people (Article. 38).
Socialism in India is a political movement founded early in the 20th century, as part of the
broader Indian Independence movement against the colonial British Raj. It grew quickly for the
cause of famers and included land reforms and regulations of industries. Socialism shaped the
principle economic and social policies of the government after independence until the early
1990s, when India moved towards more market-based reforms with the LPG reforms following
global recession.
But, at present time, India faces various issues highlighting inequalities in various areas:
i. Income inequality: As of Nov 2016, India is the second-most unequal country in the
world. The richest 1% of Indians own 58.4% of wealth.
ii. Poverty: Despite being one of the fastest growing economies of the world, in 2015, 170
million people lived below poverty as per World Bank.
iii. Education: Although India is making progress in this sector, following various government
schemes like Sarva Sikhsha Abhiyan, mid-day meal scheme, etc, the gender gap still
remains with 65.5% literacy in females as compared to 82.2% male literacy in the country.
iv. Child labour: Poverty, lack of good schools and the growth of the informal economy are
considered to be the key causes of child labour in India. The 2011 national census of India
found the total number of child labourers, aged 514, to be at 4.35 million
v. Communalism: Caste related and religious violence has occurred in various forms in India
at various times, resulting sometimes in riots also.
vi. Unemployment: Unemployment in India is a serious social issue. Despite schemes like
MNREGA, unemployment still persists.
vii. Food Security: A significant part of India's population is deprived of food.
The Indian socialism is a democratic socialism and not a communistic or state socialism and
thus, it holds faith in a mixed economy and not nationalisation of all means of production

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completely. The term socialism implies social and economic equality among the people.
However, these areas need to be looked upon for some serious reforms both economically and
socially.

4. The Constituent Assembly lacked in representing voice but not in opinion. In

the context of the statement, identify the limitations of the Constituent Assembly
and do you think its composition was justified?
Answer:
The Constituent Assembly was a partly elected and partly nominated body constituted in
November 1946 under the scheme given by Cabinet Mission Plan. With the total strength of 389,
the division was as follows:
1. 296- British India (292 members- 11 Governer provinces, 4- 4 Chief Commissioners'
provinces) and 93- Princely States
2. Each province and princely state were allotted seats in proportion to their population
respectively. (1 seat for 1 million population approximately)
3. Seats given to British province were divided among Muslims, Sikhs and others.
4. Representatives of princely states were nominated by the respective heads.
5. The representatives of each community were elected by members of that community
in the provincial legislative assembly. Proportional representation by single transferrable
vote was adopted for voting.
Thus, members were indirectly elected by the members of provincial assemblies elected on a
limited franchise. However, there were some limitations of Constituent Assembly:
1. Since the members were not directly elected by people, therefore, it was not a truly
representative body.
2. It was created by the proposals of British Government, so it was not a sovereign body.
3. Constituent Assembly was dominated by Congress Party.
4. It was a domination of lawyers and politicians. The other sections of the society were
ignored.
Although the Constituent Assembly was not directly elected by people, but it did represent all
sections of the society including women (Hindus, Muslims, Anglo Indians, SC, ST) where they
could discuss the provisions of a future Constitution in an independent manner without any
interference from the British. Opposition was also allowed to present their suggestions and they
were not ignored by the Congress members. The Constituent Assembly did a great work in
designing a Constitution that has successfully stood the test of time since 1950.

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5.'No constitution by itself achieves perfect justice. But it has to convince people
that it provides the framework for pursuing basic justice'. Do you think the
statement holds true for the Indian Constitution? Give reasons for your view(s).
Answer:
Justice in India has three different forms and the framework for seeking basic justice have been
provided in different provisions of the Constitution
Social justice denotes the equal treatment of all citizens without any social distinction based on
caste, colour, race, religion, sex and so on. It means absence of privileges being extended to any
particular section of the society, and improvement in the conditions of backward classes (SCs,
STs, and OBCs) and women. This has been provided by -
1. Fundamental Rights to equality (Articles 14-18)
2. Right to freedom (Articles 19-28)
3. Right against exploitation (Articles 23-24)
4. Right to freedom of religion (Articles 25-28)
5. Cultural and educational rights (Articles 29-30).
6. Moreover, the right to constitutional remedies (Article 32) allows a person to move to
Supreme Court for enforcement of these rights.
Thus, these rights operate as limitations on tyranny of executive and arbitrary laws of legislature
and helps to uphold the equality and dignity of individuals.
Economic justice aims to ensure non-discrimination among people based on economic factors.
Article 38, 39, 41, 42 and 43 have been mentioned in the Directive Principles of the Constitution
have helped in determining the constitutional validity of law. Their importance can be seen in
formulation Planning Commission now replaced by NITI Aayog, land reform laws, national level
commissions to protect interests of weaker sections of society like National Commission for
Backward Classes in 1993, National Commission for Women (1992) and many others. The
Minimum Wages Act 1948, Factories Act 1948, Payment of Wages Act 1936 and many others
have been enacted to protect the interests of the labour sections.
Political justice ensures that all citizens have equal political rights, equal access to all political
offices and equal voice in the government. This has been ensured by universal adult franchise
given to all citizens above 18 years of age without any distinction.
Indian Constitution makers were well known to the use and minimality of various principles of
justice. They wanted to search such form of justice which could fulfill the expectations of whole
country. Despite the commitment of ensuring justice through equalization or protective

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discrimination policy, there are some gaps. The need of hour is to ensure the proper and balanced
implementation of policies so as to make justice an effective vehicle of social progress.

6. Explain the term 'Bhakti' and examine its impact on the world of spirituality.
Answer:
The word Bhakti implies devotion and love for a personal god or a representational god by a
devotee. The Bhakti movement was started in medieval times to take the message of different
Gods to the common people from priests and other intermediaries and believing in brotherhood
of all human beings without distinction. Initially originating from South India between 7th to 12th
century, it spread its roots Northern India during the end of 15 th century.
Forms of Bhakti:
1. South India- Alvars (Vishnu devotees) and Nayanars (Shiva devotees). They wrote poems
in Tamil and Telugu depicting the love between the God and devotee so that more and
more people could follow this easily.
2. North India- Life of Krishna, influence from Vaishanvite movement
3. Nirguna (God is formless) and Saguna Bhakti (worship of idols and images)
The world of spirituality actually saw an era of revolution due to Bhakti Movement because:
1. It fought the distinction of caste, creed and religion and considered everyone equal.
2. It gave people a simple religion to follow without complicated rituals.
3. Bhakti saints emphasized on fighting women infanticide and Sati encouraging women to
join community based kirtans.
4. Kabir, Guru Nanak, Mirabai, Namdev, Ravidas, Chaitanya were some of the Bhakti saints
who popularized this trend. They spread their work through poems, dance, songs and
kirtans in the local language making direct impact on people.
Overall, Bhakti movement helped in developing a new idea of a life of charity and service to fellow
people.

7. Compare 'ideal life' as propounded by Buddhism and Brahminism.

Answer:
Ideal life propounded by Buddhism and Brahminism were both similar and different and in
many ways:
Similarities:

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1. Attachment to people, places, things, or even ideas can lead to suffering. Therefore, it is
best to practice non-attachment and focus on inner self.
2. Meditation is given prime importance in both religions as it was thought that real truth
and spirituality is inward not outward for enlightenment and liberation.
Differences:
1. Buddhism has no rituals in the traditional sense while Brahminism followed elaborate
rituals to please multiple Gods and Goddesses and there were even animal sacrifices.
While Buddha did not deny the existence of any god, he preached that it is futile to search
for God about which an individual is not even aware of.
2. Buddhists believe that anyone can achieve enlightenment, whereas Brahminism had a
four-fold caste system. A Brahman was considered to be the enlightened one among
others.
3. It was believed extreme asceticism is the ideal spiritual life in Brahminism. In Buddhism,
the middle path was the best. Neither extreme poverty nor extreme wealth were
considered to be ideal.
Thus, the goal of philosophy of Buddhism was to eliminate suffering of people due to different
desires by attaining Nirvana through the four noble truths and eightfold path while Brahminism
aimed at salvation or moksha by reuniting with God and freedom from the cycle of birth and
reincarnation.

8. Write a short note on crafts of Indus Valley Civilization.

Answer:
Indus Valley Civilization was a Bronze Age civilisation in North West regions of South Asia. The
arts and crafts tell a lot about their social life like religious practises, fashion, entertainment,
trade, etc.
1. STONE STATUES: These 3D figures included a bearded man/priest with a shawl, woven
fillet and an armpit, sitting in meditation.
2. BRONZE CASTING: Bronze statues were made using lost wax technique. It included
both human and animal figures. Example- dancing girl (Mohenjodaro), bird (Lothal),
bull (Kalibangan), buffalo, goat etc.
3. TERACOTTA: These included mother goddess, a horned-diety, toy carts with wheel,
whistles, birds and animals and discs and were more realistic in Gujarat sites and
Kalibangan.
4. SEALS: Seals were made of stealite, copper and terracotta. These included figures of
animals like bull, antelope, bison, goat, etc in various moods and pictographic script,

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used mainly for commercial purpose. The most famous is the Pashupati seal / female-
deity.
5. POTTERY were very fine wheel-made wares that included potteries for household
purposes like storing water and, perforated pot with holes probably for straining liquor.
6. BEADS AND ORNAMENTS were made of precious metals & gemstones, bones and
baked clay. They were used as necklace, armlets, earings, etc. Beads of various shapes
made from crystal, quartz, etc. were discovered at factories at Chanhudaro and Lothal.
Thus, the people of Indus Valley Civilization were extremely skilled in various crafts - metal
casting, stone carving, making and painting pottery and making terracotta images using simplified
motifs of animals, plants and birds.

9. Jainism couldnt travel as far as Buddhism could. Comment.

Answer:
Both Buddhism and Jainism have their roots in India. Gautama Buddha was a contemporary of
Vardhamana Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. Reasons for spread of Buddhism more
than Jainism are:
1. Royal patronage: The zeal and determination of Ashoka (pillar edicts), Kanishka and
Harsha to spread Buddhism.
2. Efforts by monks: Jain missionaries were not particular in undertaking the strain of
spreading Jainism in villages and towns, unlike the Buddhists (Nalanda University).
3. Severity of Jainism: Unlike the middle path of Buddhism, Jainism stood for severe
penance, meditation, fasting and restraint, etc. All these were too severe to endure for
a common man. The concepts of jiva and ajiva could not be understood easily. Many
could not accept that stone, earth, etc could have a soul of their own.
4. Buddhist monks travelled in rest of the world and preached about the religion and
hence it spread to South East Asia, Sri Lanka and other parts of the world.
5. Buddhists, apart from inner meditation also considered that merit could be accumulated
by dana (exchanging goods and services with monks) which motivated common men.
Buddhism with its middle way and eightfold path like right view, speech, livelihood etc could
spread from India to various parts of Asia. Jainism with its tough principles did not gain much
popularity among the masses.

10. Write a short note on architectural figures of Stupa.

Answer

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A stupa is a mound-like hemispherical structures with relics typically of Buddhist monks or nuns
used as a place of meditation. Some of them have been found in Sanchi, Sarnath, Bharhut and
Amravati.
Architecture:
1. It consists of a cylindrical drum and a circular anda with a harmika and chhatra on the
top of various shapes and sizes.
2. A central pillar supporting a triple-umbrella form chattra. Along the axis of mundi the
divine descends from heaven and becomes accessible to humanity.
3. A square railing called Harmika is a square railing or fence that surrounded the mound
of dirt, marking it as a sacred burial site.
4. Gateways and Double Stairways were also added. There was ample space for architects
and sculptors to plan elaborations and to carve out images.
5. Stupas also had additions like the enclosing of the circumambulatory path with railings
and sculptural decorations.
6. A circular terrace-Medhi: The terrace surrounded by a similar three-bar railing supporting
the anda and raising it off the ground.
7. Enclosure wall with decorated gateways called Toranas is made of wood or stone.Later,
events from the life of the Buddha. Jataka stories were also depicted here.
Buddhist architecture emerged slowly in the period following the Buddhas life along with the
Hindu Temple Architecture and stupas were also gradually incorporated into chaitya-grihas
(prayer halls).

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