Question

Discuss the reasons, nature and significance of the Rebellion of Santhals. OR Write an article on the basic features of the Constitution of India.

Hint:

When discussing the Santhal Rebellion, structure your answer into three clear sections: Reasons, Nature, Significance. For the Indian Constitution, remember keywords for its features: Lengthy, Borrowed, Parliamentary, Federal with Unitary Bias, Fundamental Rights, and Independent Judiciary.

Answer 1

Solution (Rebellion of Santhals):

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question requires a comprehensive analysis of the Santhal Rebellion of 1855-56, covering its causes (reasons), its characteristics (nature), and its historical importance (significance).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The Santhal Rebellion (or Santhal Hul) was a major tribal uprising against the exploitation faced under the early British colonial rule.
Reasons (Causes): \begin{itemize} \item Economic Exploitation: The Santhals' traditional lands, which they had cleared for cultivation, were taken over by the outsiders ('dikus'), especially zamindars and moneylenders. They were forced into a cycle of debt with exorbitant interest rates.
\item British Policies: The introduction of the Permanent Settlement gave ownership of the Santhals' lands to the zamindars. The British revenue policies demanded cash payments, forcing the Santhals to depend on moneylenders.
\item Corrupt Officials: The police, revenue officials, and courts were corrupt and always sided with the exploitative moneylenders and zamindars, leaving the Santhals with no legal recourse.
\item Erosion of Traditional Identity: Their traditional tribal way of life, social systems, and political autonomy were being systematically destroyed. \end{itemize} Nature (Characteristics): \begin{itemize} \item Mass Uprising: It was a widespread rebellion involving tens of thousands of Santhals, led by four brothers: Sidhu, Kanhu, Chand, and Bhairav.
\item Anti-Colonial and Anti-Feudal: The rebellion was directed against all oppressors - the British government ('Company Raj'), the zamindars, and the moneylenders.
\item Initial Phase of Appeal: Initially, the Santhals tried to appeal to the British authorities for justice but were ignored, which led them to take up arms.
\item Violent and Determined: The rebels used traditional weapons like bows and arrows and were extremely determined. They declared an end to Company rule and the establishment of their own government. The British suppressed the rebellion with extreme brutality. \end{itemize} Significance (Importance): \begin{itemize} \item Forced British Recognition: Despite its brutal suppression, the rebellion forced the British administration to acknowledge the grievances of the tribals.
\item Creation of Santhal Parganas: As a direct consequence, the British government passed the Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act, 1856, which created a separate district of Santhal Parganas and provided some protection for the tribals against exploitation.
\item Inspiration for Future Revolts: It became a symbol of tribal resistance and inspired future agrarian and tribal revolts in India. \end{itemize}

Step 3: Final Answer:
The Santhal Rebellion was caused by severe economic exploitation by moneylenders and zamindars, backed by corrupt British policies. It was a massive and violent uprising aiming to overthrow the oppressors. Its key significance lies in forcing the British to pass protective legislation (Santhal Parganas Act) and becoming an inspiration for tribal resistance.

Solution (Basic Features of the Constitution of India):

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question asks for an article-style description of the fundamental characteristics of the Constitution of India, which is the supreme law of the country.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The Basic Features of the Indian Constitution
The Constitution of India, adopted on 26th January 1950, is a unique document that lays down the framework of the Indian state. Its basic features are as follows:
\begin{itemize} \item Lengthiest Written Constitution: It is the most detailed and longest written constitution in the world, containing a Preamble, numerous Articles, and Schedules. This is due to the country's vast diversity and the inclusion of detailed administrative provisions.
\item Drawn from Various Sources: The framers of the constitution borrowed and adapted features from several other constitutions. For example, the parliamentary system from the UK, Fundamental Rights from the USA, and Directive Principles from Ireland.
\item Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic: The Preamble declares India to be a sovereign nation, free from external control; socialist, aiming for social and economic equality; secular, meaning the state has no official religion and treats all religions equally; democratic, with a government elected by the people; and a republic, where the head of state (the President) is an elected, not a hereditary, monarch.
\item Parliamentary Form of Government: India has a parliamentary system, where the executive (the Council of Ministers, led by the Prime Minister) is responsible to the legislature (the Parliament). The President is the nominal head of state, while the Prime Minister is the real head of government.
\item Federal System with Unitary Bias: The Constitution establishes a federal structure with a division of powers between the Centre and the States. However, it is also called 'quasi-federal' because the Centre is stronger than the States, and it contains provisions for a strong central authority, especially during emergencies.
\item Fundamental Rights and Duties: Part III of the Constitution guarantees six fundamental rights to all citizens, which are justiciable (enforceable by courts). Later, Fundamental Duties were added, which are non-justiciable moral obligations on citizens.
\item Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP): These are guidelines for the state to follow in governance to establish a just society. Though not enforceable in court, they are fundamental to the country's governance.
\item Independent Judiciary: The Constitution provides for an independent and integrated judicial system, with the Supreme Court at the apex, to act as the guardian of the Constitution and the fundamental rights of the people.
\end{itemize}

Step 3: Final Answer:
The basic features of the Indian Constitution include it being the lengthiest written constitution, drawn from various sources, and establishing a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic with a parliamentary government. It balances a federal structure with a strong centre and guarantees fundamental rights under an independent judiciary.