IES Indian Economic Service General Studies Paper | Full Solutions with Expert Analysis

IES/ISS EXAM General Studies Paper SOLUTION

1(a) Discuss the reasons for the phenomenal growth of Buddhism in the Ancient Period

The phenomenal rise of Buddhism in ancient India was not an isolated spiritual movement but a deeply rooted socio-political transformation. One of the primary reasons for Buddhism’s widespread appeal was its egalitarian approach, especially when juxtaposed with the Brahmanical orthodoxy of the Vedic tradition. In a society rigidly divided by the varna system, Buddhism offered an inclusive path that appealed to Shudras, women, and other marginalized communities. The emphasis on ethical living, meditation, compassion, and personal salvation without the need for priestly intermediaries made the teachings of Gautama Buddha highly accessible.

Another key factor was the simplicity of Buddhist philosophy, which revolved around the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. These doctrines did not rely on metaphysical complexities but addressed human suffering directly, offering a practical roadmap to liberation (Nirvana). Moreover, the use of Pali language instead of elite Sanskrit allowed the message to penetrate the masses, making it a grassroots spiritual revolution.

The royal patronage of Emperor Ashoka after the bloody Kalinga War provided Buddhism with state support and infrastructural expansion. Ashoka not only adopted the faith but became its most powerful missionary. He built stupas, erected edicts across the subcontinent, convened the Third Buddhist Council, and dispatched missionaries to Sri Lanka, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia, thus internationalizing Buddhism.

Additionally, Buddhist monastic institutions (Sanghas) played a vital role. These viharas were not only religious centers but also hubs of education, art, philosophy, and community welfare. Their ethical conduct, collective decision-making, and support from merchant guilds allowed Buddhism to integrate with society and economy alike. The peaceful character of Buddhism, aligned with Ahimsa and Dhamma, also appealed to commoners in times marked by social tensions and frequent wars.

Furthermore, trade routes such as the Silk Road facilitated the global transmission of Buddhism. Merchants and travelers acted as cultural ambassadors, bringing Buddhist ideas to China, Tibet, and Southeast Asia. The image of the meditative monk and the spiritual seeker became emblematic across Asia. Thus, through a combination of social inclusivity, philosophical clarity, royal backing, and global networking, Buddhism experienced unprecedented growth in the ancient world.

1(b) Analyze the socio-economic conditions during the Gupta Age

The Gupta Age, often referred to as the "Golden Age of India", witnessed a remarkable confluence of material prosperity and intellectual efflorescence. From the fourth to the sixth century CE, India under Gupta rule experienced a period of economic abundance, social consolidation, and cultural achievement that left an indelible mark on subcontinental history.

Economically, the Gupta period was characterized by agricultural expansion, especially in the fertile Gangetic plains. The state encouraged cultivation by granting land to Brahmins, temples, and officials, thereby enhancing revenue and religious integration. Irrigation systems, including canals and tanks, were developed to support intensive farming. The issuance of gold coins (dinars) by rulers like Samudragupta and Chandragupta II is a testament to the empire’s economic vitality. These coins, bearing intricate designs and Sanskrit inscriptions, also point to a monetized economy that facilitated trade and commerce.

Trade thrived both internally and externally. Guilds (shrenis) of artisans and merchants functioned autonomously and maintained commercial discipline. Inland trade routes connected urban centers like Pataliputra, Ujjain, Mathura, and Tamralipti, while maritime trade reached Roman, Southeast Asian, and Chinese markets. Archaeological findings of Roman coins and Chinese silk further reinforce the narrative of global commercial connectivity.

Socially, the period witnessed the solidification of the caste hierarchy, with Brahmins enjoying immense prestige and privilege. However, despite this stratification, the era fostered intellectual diversity and religious coexistence. While Brahmanism regained dominance, Buddhism and Jainism continued to influence society. The status of women saw a decline, especially in upper castes, where early marriages and seclusion became more common. However, women in certain elite and artistic circles still enjoyed education and social mobility.

Culturally, the Gupta era was a golden epoch for Sanskrit literature, art, science, and mathematics. Literary figures like Kalidasa and Sudraka enriched classical Indian drama and poetry. Aryabhata and Varahamihira made groundbreaking contributions in astronomy, algebra, and trigonometry. Artistic excellence was evident in the Ajanta and Ellora cave paintings, which portrayed life, religion, and aesthetics with grace and detail. Temples with shikhara architecture began to dominate the landscape, marking a shift from rock-cut caves to structural temples.

In essence, the socio-economic framework of the Gupta period laid the foundation for centuries of Indian civilizational progress, blending prosperity, order, learning, and artistic expression in a way that few other epochs managed to replicate.

1(c) Assess the administrative and cultural achievements of the Chola Empire

The Chola Empire, which flourished from the 9th to the 13th centuries CE, is one of the most well-documented and culturally vibrant dynasties in Indian history. It not only established a formidable empire in South India but also created an administrative legacy and artistic tradition that has stood the test of time.

From an administrative standpoint, the Cholas implemented a highly structured, decentralized governance system. The empire was divided into mandalams (provinces), nadus (districts), kurrams (sub-districts), and urs (villages). The hallmark of their governance was the village assembly system—especially the sabha in Brahmin villages—which handled everything from tax collection to judicial matters and irrigation management. This self-governance model was backed by detailed inscriptions on temple walls, showing regular elections, eligibility criteria, and accountability—a rare phenomenon in medieval polity.

The Cholas were also pioneers in maritime expansion. Under Rajendra Chola I, the Chola navy launched successful expeditions to Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Southeast Asia (Srivijaya kingdom in present-day Indonesia and Malaysia). This extended not just political influence but also Tamil culture, religion, and commerce across the Indian Ocean, effectively making the Cholas early contributors to India’s soft power diplomacy.

Culturally, the Chola era is unmatched in its architectural grandeur, sculpture, and bronze artistry. The Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur, built by Raja Raja Chola I, stands as an awe-inspiring example of Dravidian temple architecture, with its towering vimana and precision in granite carving. The Cholas also perfected the technique of lost-wax bronze casting, producing iconic deities like Nataraja (Dancing Shiva), which symbolized cosmic balance.

In literature, the Chola court saw the flourishing of Tamil devotional works, such as those by the Saiva Nayanmars and Vaishnava Alvars, which fueled the Bhakti movement. Epics like Periyapuranam and contributions to Shaivite and Vaishnavite traditions further enriched spiritual literature.

Thus, through robust governance, military strategy, maritime vision, and unparalleled cultural patronage, the Cholas forged a legacy that resonates not only in South India but across Asia, positioning them among the greatest rulers of the medieval world.

1(d) Review how far Aurangzeb was responsible for the disintegration of the Mughal Empire. Give reasons for your answer

The decline of the Mughal Empire is one of the most debated episodes in Indian history, and Aurangzeb Alamgir, its sixth emperor, is frequently positioned at the heart of this discourse. His long reign (1658–1707) was marked by territorial expansion, religious orthodoxy, and administrative strain, making him both a formidable ruler and a controversial figure. While he successfully extended Mughal territory to its greatest geographical limits, his policies also undermined the socio-political cohesion that previous emperors like Akbar and Shah Jahan had carefully built.

Aurangzeb’s religious intolerance is often cited as a major cause of internal strife. His re-imposition of the jizya tax, destruction of Hindu temples, and promotion of Islamic orthodoxy created resentment among Hindus, Sikhs, and even moderate Muslims. This alienation triggered major revolts, notably by the Rajputs, Sikhs under Guru Gobind Singh, and Marathas under Shivaji, who initiated a regional assertion that later evolved into nationalist resistance.

His prolonged Deccan campaigns, especially the 27-year war against the Marathas, not only depleted the imperial treasury but also led to administrative neglect in northern India. The empire became overstretched, militarily exhausted, and increasingly reliant on coercion rather than consensus. The failure to co-opt local powers through diplomacy weakened Mughal legitimacy.

Aurangzeb also centralized power excessively and failed to invest in state institutions. His succession policy was ambiguous, and after his death, weak heirs and civil wars paralyzed the Mughal court. Moreover, his economic policies, focused on orthodoxy and war rather than trade and agriculture, destabilized the revenue base.

However, one must acknowledge external factors such as the rise of European trading companies, invasions by Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali, and the collapse of the mansabdari system as parallel causes of the empire’s fragmentation.

In conclusion, while Aurangzeb was not solely responsible for the decline, his authoritarian and divisive policies significantly hastened the disintegration of what was once India’s most powerful and culturally inclusive empire.

1(e) What were the differences between moderates and extremists in the Indian National Movement?

The Indian National Movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was shaped by a fundamental ideological divergence between moderates and extremists within the Indian National Congress (INC). This divide wasn't merely a difference in strategy, but a profound philosophical distinction about how freedom should be pursued.

Moderates, active from 1885 to around 1905, believed in the constitutional and gradualist approach. Leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Pherozeshah Mehta trusted in British liberal values and advocated for reforms through petitions, resolutions, and discussions. They were highly educated and influenced by British political thought. Their primary demands included expansion of legislative councils, Indianization of civil services, and economic policies favoring Indians. They believed that British rule could be reformed for India’s benefit through moral persuasion and dialogue.

On the other hand, extremists, rising in prominence after 1905 during the Partition of Bengal, rejected this passive approach. Leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai promoted self-rule (Swaraj), and advocated boycott, swadeshi, mass agitation, and even civil disobedience. They believed that India’s freedom was a birthright and could only be secured through assertive nationalism and public mobilization. Emotional appeals to India’s historical legacy, Hindu symbols, and grassroots engagement characterized their campaigns.

The divide became institutionalized at the Surat Split of 1907, where moderates and extremists parted ways. However, both played pivotal roles—the moderates laid the foundation for constitutional politics and brought the nationalist discourse into educated circles, while extremists ignited mass consciousness and set the stage for Gandhian mass movements in the 1920s.

Together, their legacy forms the two essential wings of the freedom movement—negotiation and resistance, both of which were necessary in achieving India’s independence.

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