UPSC CARE Mains Practice 31st December 2025
Mains Practice Questions for the Day
- Examine the contributions of Srimanta Sankardeva to the Bhakti movement in Assam and analyse the contemporary relevance of preserving his legacy in the context of cultural governance.
- Trace the evolution of India’s maritime history and examine its role in shaping trade, culture, and political influence across regions. (GS Paper I – Indian Culture, Art & Architecture (Maritime Heritage)
Examine the contributions of Srimanta Sankardeva to the Bhakti movement in Assam and analyse the contemporary relevance of preserving his legacy in the context of cultural governance.
(GS Paper I – Medieval Indian History – Bhakti Movement)
Introduction:
Srimanta Sankardeva (15th–16th century) was a seminal Bhakti saint of Assam who founded the Neo-Vaishnava movement and profoundly shaped the region’s religious, social, and cultural life. The recent redevelopment of Batadrava Than, his birthplace, has renewed focus on his legacy and its relevance to India’s approach towards cultural preservation and governance.
Body
Contribution to the Bhakti Movement in Assam
- Neo-Vaishnavism (Ekasarana Nama Dharma):
Sankardeva propagated devotion to a single deity—Krishna—emphasising ekasarana (exclusive refuge in one God). He prioritised śravaṇa (listening) and kīrtana (chanting), rejecting ritualism, idol worship, and caste hierarchy. - Social Reform and Egalitarianism:
His teachings promoted universal brotherhood and sought to integrate Assam’s diverse tribes, castes, and linguistic communities into a shared spiritual framework, making Bhakti a vehicle for social cohesion. - Institutional Foundations:
The establishment of Namghars (community prayer halls) and Satras (Vaishnava monasteries) institutionalised congregational worship, social equality, moral discipline, and community participation. - Cultural and Literary Contributions:
Through works like Kirtana-Ghosha and Gunamala, and art forms such as Ankiya Naats, Bhaona, Borgeets, and Sattriya dance, Sankardeva created a holistic cultural ecosystem that carried Bhakti ideals to the masses.
Contemporary Relevance and Cultural Governance
- Preservation of Living Heritage:
Sankardeva’s institutions and art forms are not relics but living traditions. State initiatives like the redevelopment of Batadrava Than reflect a shift from mere monument conservation to safeguarding living cultural practices. - Cultural Federalism:
Recognising and supporting Sankardeva’s legacy strengthens regional identities within India’s pluralistic framework, reinforcing the idea of unity through diversity. - Tourism and Cultural Economy:
Heritage projects centred on Sankardeva integrate spirituality, culture, and tourism, contributing to local development while fostering cultural awareness. - Values for Modern Society:
His emphasis on equality, community participation, and ethical living offers enduring lessons for inclusive governance and social harmony.
Conclusion:
Srimanta Sankardeva’s contributions extend beyond religious reform to encompass social integration and cultural nation-building. Preserving and promoting his legacy today is not only a matter of cultural pride but also a governance imperative, as it strengthens living heritage, regional identity, and inclusive values in contemporary India.
Trace the evolution of India’s maritime history and examine its role in shaping trade, culture, and political influence across regions. (GS Paper I – Indian Culture, Art & Architecture (Maritime Heritage)
Introduction:
India possesses one of the world’s oldest and most continuous maritime traditions, extending from the dockyards of the Indus Valley Civilization to the modern blue-water Indian Navy. The seas have historically functioned as conduits of trade, cultural exchange, and strategic influence, enabling India to engage with regions across the Indian Ocean world.
Body
The origins of India’s maritime history lie in the Indus Valley Civilization (3300–1300 BCE), evidenced by the world’s earliest known dockyard at Lothal and well-established trade links with Mesopotamia. Harappan seals and artefacts found abroad indicate organised overseas commerce and advanced nautical knowledge.
During the Vedic and Epic periods, literary references in the Rig Veda, Ramayana, and Mahabharata highlight shipbuilding, sea voyages, and reverence for Varuna, reflecting a growing maritime consciousness.
Under the Mauryan Empire, maritime activity was institutionalised. Kautilya’s Arthashastra refers to a waterways department headed by the Navadhyaksha, while Emperor Ashoka used maritime routes to spread Buddhism to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, enhancing India’s cultural footprint. The Satavahanas and Guptas expanded trade with the Roman world, aided by advances in astronomy and navigation by scholars such as Aryabhata, facilitating long-distance voyages.
The southern dynasties, particularly the Cholas, marked the zenith of India’s maritime power. Chola naval expeditions to Southeast Asia secured sea lanes, promoted commerce, and enabled the diffusion of Indian culture, religion, and administrative practices. Ports along both coasts emerged as vibrant hubs of international trade.
In the medieval period, Arab traders and later European powers dominated Indian Ocean trade, culminating in colonial control. Yet, indigenous resistance—most notably Shivaji Maharaj’s naval initiatives—preserved maritime traditions.
Conclusion:
In the post-independence era, India has revived its maritime legacy through the development of a modern navy with regional and global reach. From ancient trade networks to contemporary maritime security, India’s engagement with the seas has continuously shaped its economic prosperity, cultural diffusion, and strategic influence, underscoring the enduring civilisational importance of its maritime history.
