Question
Download Solution PDFComprehension
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions based on it:
When many cultures co-exist in a given geographical area, without one dominating the other, it is known as “cultural pluralism”. There is a common national culture in India, but at the same time the various communities have the freedom to maintain and develop their own cultural and religious traditions, so long as they are not detrimental to the unity and general welfare of the nation. This is cultural pluralism in the Indian context. Nehru (1946) described the “unity in diversity” within India when he said, “it is fascinating to find how the Bengalis, the Marathas, the Gujaratis, the Tamils, the Andhras, the Oriyas, the Assamese, the Canares, the Malayalis, the Sindhis, the Punjabis, the Pathans, the Kashmiris, the Rajputs and the great Central block of the Hindusthani speaking people, have retained their peculiar characteristics for hundreds of years.... have remained distinctively Indian. “Indian Culture is grand and unique and has fostered other cultures. We can call Gandhi the embodiment of Indian cultural Heritage. He was the one who highlighted India’s culture and spoke of its characteristics of magnanimity, flexibility and above all of its synthesis. The history of the country’s culture goes back to the ancient past or we can certainly line it up at least with the Dravidian era. Later on, many other cultures came in contact with the Indian Culture and easily merged themselves into it according to the circumstances and conditions that prevailed in India. In the same context, Gandhiji regarded the homogeneity of the Indian environment as the basis of this synthesis.
Which of the following is NOT true ?
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFThe correct answer is - Majoritarian culture should dominate minority cultures in India
Key Points
- India's Cultural Pluralism
- India is known for its pluralistic culture, which means it is composed of multiple diverse cultural groups.
- This diversity is reflected in the languages, religions, traditions, and customs that coexist within the country.
- Equality and Non-dominance
- The Indian Constitution promotes equality and non-dominance of one culture over another.
- Articles such as Article 14 (Right to Equality) and Article 15 (Prohibition of Discrimination) ensure that all cultural groups have equal rights and opportunities.
- Incorrect Statement
- The statement that "Majoritarian culture should dominate minority cultures in India" contradicts the principles of equality and cultural pluralism that India stands for.
Additional Information
- National Culture
- While India has a common national identity, it is a blend of various cultural elements from across the country.
- This national culture is inclusive and representative of the diverse cultural heritage of India.
- Retention of Cultural Characteristics
- Various cultural groups, such as the Pathans, have retained their unique characteristics over time, contributing to the country's cultural mosaic.
- Constitutional Safeguards
- The Indian Constitution provides safeguards to protect minority cultures and ensure their rights are upheld.
- Examples include Article 29 and Article 30, which protect the interests of minorities and allow them to conserve their distinct language, script, and culture.