The Argumentative Indian Class 12 Important Questions: CBSE English Non-Fiction (Kaleidoscope) Chapter 5

1. What does Amartya Sen mean by the "Argumentative Tradition" in India?

Answer: Amartya Sen explores the historical and cultural tradition of argument in India, which he argues is an integral part of Indian intellectual life. The argumentative tradition in India can be traced back to ancient texts like the Bhagavad Gita and epics such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Sen highlights that Indian culture values dialogue and debate, where even the defeated argument holds significance, as exemplified by Krishna and Arjuna's discourse in the Gita. This tradition continues to play a vital role in shaping India's democratic and intellectual history.

2. How does Amartya Sen use the example of Krishna and Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita to illustrate the argumentative tradition?

Answer: Sen uses the argument between Krishna and Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita to show that dialogue and debate are core to Indian culture. Krishna and Arjuna engage in a deep philosophical debate, where both sides of the argument are given equal importance. This dialogue is not about winning or losing but about understanding and exchanging views, which is a reflection of the broader Indian tradition of argumentation. This approach has influenced thinkers globally, such as J. Robert Oppenheimer.

3. What is Amartya Sen’s critique of contemporary Indian democracy?

Answer: Sen critiques contemporary Indian democracy by highlighting how the argumentative tradition has been diminished in modern times. He argues that after independence, the elite male community took over governance, replacing the British rulers but not adopting their open democratic practices. The public has lost the critical, questioning attitude, and now policies are often accepted without scrutiny, diminishing the democratic ideal of "government by discussion."

4. How does Sen relate the argumentative tradition to gender and caste in India?

Answer: Sen points out that while India is often seen as a patriarchal society, the argumentative tradition historically included women leaders and thinkers. He traces this back to ancient texts like the Upanishads. However, he also notes that caste-based discrimination continues to limit arguments and the representation of marginalised voices, particularly in the context of Hinduism and Brahminical orthodoxy. Sen argues that the argument for social justice, equality, and caste reform is still ongoing.

5. What role does secularism play in India, according to Amartya Sen?

Answer: According to Sen, secularism in India is different from the Western model. Indian secularism is based on the principle that individuals should not be interfered with based on their religion and that they have the freedom to choose their faith. This inclusive approach allows for multiple religions to coexist. However, Sen also notes that secularism in India is being challenged by the rise of Hindutva, which is reshaping the country's religious landscape.

6. Explain the significance of science and epistemology in the context of India’s argumentative tradition.

Answer: Sen discusses how India has a rich history of scientific and philosophical contributions, many of which predate Western discoveries. The argumentative tradition in India is not confined to religion or politics but also extends to epistemology and scientific discourse. Indian scholars made significant contributions to fields like astronomy and trigonometry, which were later acknowledged in the West, highlighting India’s intellectual and scientific legacy. 

7. How does Amartya Sen address the issue of postcolonial borrowing of ideas from India?

Answer: Sen highlights that the Western world has borrowed ideas and traditions from India, especially in the realm of intellectual thought. He uses the example of European thinkers, including J. Robert Oppenheimer, borrowing the concept of the Bhagavad Gita to emphasise the importance of postcolonial reading. The gap filled by such borrowings illustrates the relevance of India’s intellectual traditions and challenges the notion that the Western world is the centre of knowledge.

8. What is Sen’s perspective on the role of argument in the development of democracy in India?

Answer: Sen believes that argument has been crucial in shaping India’s democracy. He argues that democratic discussions should be centred around debate, dialogue, and intellectual diversity. The argumentative tradition has played a role in the intellectual and social history of India, influencing key issues such as social justice, equality, and governance. However, in contemporary times, Sen observes that this tradition has weakened, and there is less questioning and debate in Indian society.

9. What does Amartya Sen mean by the "Hinduism, Brahmin-dominated orthodoxy"?

Answer: Sen critiques the influence of Brahmin-dominated orthodoxy in shaping Indian society, particularly about caste and social hierarchies. He argues that Hinduism, as practised in India, has often been shaped by this orthodoxy, which has marginalised other social groups. The argumentative tradition, however, has allowed for challenges to these orthodox practices, and Sen emphasises the ongoing struggle for equality and social justice in India.

10. How does Amartya Sen distinguish between secularism in India and the West?

Answer: Sen argues that Indian secularism is more inclusive and pluralistic than the Western model. In India, secularism is about allowing individuals to practice any religion without interference and ensuring freedom of religious choice. The Western model, in contrast, often focuses on the separation of church and state. Sen’s view suggests that Indian secularism is rooted in its diverse religious history and cultural plurality.

11. What are the implications of Amartya Sen’s analysis of the loss of the argumentative tradition in India?

Answer: Sen’s analysis of the decline of the argumentative tradition suggests that India’s intellectual and democratic life has become less vibrant and more accepting of authority. He argues that this loss has hindered the development of a truly democratic society where policies are debated and discussed in public forums. The acceptance of policies without question reduces the role of citizens as active participants in governance.

12. How does Sen connect the decline of argument to the rise of Hindutva in India?

Answer: Sen argues that the rise of Hindutva in contemporary India has contributed to the erosion of the argumentative tradition. Hindutva promotes a singular view of India based on Hindu identity, which limits the diversity of viewpoints traditionally found in Indian public discourse. This shift towards a more rigid, dogmatic ideology has diminished the space for debate and pluralism.

13. What role does the argumentative tradition play in the intellectual history of India?

Answer: The argumentative tradition is central to the intellectual history of India. It has shaped the development of ideas in philosophy, religion, politics, and social justice. Sen argues that this tradition of open debate and dialogue has contributed to India’s intellectual vibrancy and its ability to engage with global ideas and issues.

14. How does Amartya Sen relate the argumentative tradition to India’s social history?

Answer: Sen argues that the argumentative tradition has played a vital role in India’s social history, especially in addressing issues like caste discrimination, gender inequality, and the struggle for social justice. The tradition of argumentation has allowed marginalised groups to voice their concerns and challenge entrenched social hierarchies.

15. What does Amartya Sen mean by the statement "A defeated argument that refuses to be obliterated can remain very alive"?

Answer: Sen uses this statement to emphasise the enduring significance of argument in Indian culture. Even if an argument is not victorious, its ideas and perspectives continue to resonate and influence future debates. This reflects the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of intellectual discourse in India.

16. Why does Sen argue that the history of India’s contributions to science is not recognised globally?

Answer: Sen points out that India has a long history of scientific and intellectual achievements, but these contributions are often overlooked in the global narrative because of India’s status as a third-world country. This highlights the biases in global knowledge systems and the need for postcolonial recognition of India’s intellectual legacy.

17. How does Amartya Sen describe the role of intellectuals in postcolonial India?

Answer: Sen describes intellectuals in postcolonial India as inheriting the legacy of the argumentative tradition. They are tasked with continuing the debates and discussions that shape Indian society and democracy. However, he notes that the decline of argumentation in contemporary India has reduced the intellectual vibrancy of the nation.

18. What is the significance of gender in the argumentative tradition of India?

Answer: Sen acknowledges that while the argumentative tradition in India has historically been dominated by elite male figures, women have also played an important role in intellectual discourse. He highlights the presence of women leaders in Indian history and philosophy and challenges the view that India is solely a patriarchal society.

19. How does Sen’s essay challenge Western perceptions of India’s intellectual history?

Answer: Sen challenges Western perceptions of India as intellectually passive and backward by highlighting the rich tradition of argumentation, intellectual discourse, and scientific contributions in India. He argues that India’s intellectual history is as significant as that of the West and that it has contributed to global thought in various fields.

20. How does Sen view the relationship between religion and the argumentative tradition in India?

Answer: Sen argues that religion in India, particularly Hinduism, has been an important site of intellectual debate and discussion. Unlike the Western focus on religious dogma, Indian religion has been shaped by diverse and competing viewpoints, contributing to the tradition of argumentation.

21. What is the role of argumentation in shaping India’s national identity?

Answer: Sen believes that argumentation has been crucial in shaping India’s national identity. The diverse viewpoints and debates within Indian society have helped shape its political, social, and cultural landscape. This tradition of argumentation allows India to navigate its complex identity and continue evolving.

22. How does Sen view the decline of argument in contemporary Indian society?

Answer: Sen views the decline of argumentation as a concerning development. He argues that the acceptance of policies without debate undermines the democratic ideals of India and reduces the engagement of citizens in shaping the future of the nation.

23. What is the postcolonial message in Amartya Sen’s Argumentative Indian?

Answer: The postcolonial message in Sen’s essay is that India’s intellectual and argumentative traditions have been undervalued in the global context due to colonial histories. Sen calls for a reevaluation of India’s contributions to global knowledge and highlights the importance of preserving the argumentative tradition for the future development of India’s democracy and intellectual life.

Points to Remember From Class 12 English Non-Fiction Chapter 5: The Argumentative Indian 

• The central idea of the essay is that India has a rich argumentative tradition, which is central to its intellectual, social, and political development. 

• The dialogues between Krishna and Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita are highlighted as prime examples of India’s argumentative tradition. 

• Sen critiques the exclusion of women and lower castes from the argumentative tradition, despite historical evidence of women leaders in ancient India. 

• He challenges the patriarchal structure that limits voice and debate in contemporary society.

• India’s democracy is discussed in the context of its argumentative heritage. Sen argues that Indian democracy.

• The essay addresses India’s unique form of secularism, which respects the coexistence of multiple religions. 

• Sen highlights India’s early contributions to science, including advancements in astronomy and mathematics, which were often overlooked by the West. 

• Through a global lens, Sen critiques the Western perception of India as lacking intellectual and scientific depth.

Benefits of Important Questions for Class 12 English Non-Fiction Chapter 5: The Argumentative Indian 

• By these important questions from Chapter 5, students can deepen their understanding of Amartya Sen's essay, The Argumentative Indian. 

• These questions help clarify the key themes, arguments, and examples that Sen uses to discuss India's rich intellectual tradition.

• Important questions help students grasp complex concepts such as the role of argument in Indian democracy, secularism, and the significance of dialogue in ancient texts like the Bhagavad Gita. 

• Answering questions based on the text encourages students to critically analyze the essay. 

• These questions are aligned with the CBSE exam pattern and cover important topics that are likely to appear in both short-answer and long-answer sections of the exam. 

• Engaging with important questions prepares students for classroom discussions. 

• Important questions serve as a comprehensive revision tool. They cover all major points of the essay and help students recall important sections, quotes, and examples, making it easier to revise before exams.

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Conclusion

Important Questions for Chapter 5, The Argumentative Indian, serve as an invaluable resource for Class 12 students aiming to learn Amartya Sen's essay. By engaging with these questions, students can deepen their understanding of key themes such as India's intellectual history, democracy, secularism, and the role of argument in shaping society. These questions not only help students prepare for exams but also encourage critical thinking and meaningful analysis of the text. 

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