15 marks
250 words
Examine
PYQ 2013
“The women’s question in the Indian national movement moved from social reform to active political participation.” Examine.
Decoding the directive: “Examine”
“Examine” asks you to investigate the statement closely and test whether it holds — present evidence on both the reform phase and the participation phase, then give a reasoned verdict.
What UPSC is really asking
The examiner wants a chronological argument: first the 19th-century reform phase where women were the objects of reform (sati, widow remarriage, education), then the shift under Gandhi where women became active subjects — mass participants in Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience and Quit India. You must show the transition, not just list names.
Dimensions the examiner expects
Cover these dimensions
- Reform phase — women as objects of reform (Raja Rammohan Roy, Vidyasagar, Age of Consent)
- Entry into public life — Ramabai, education, women’s organisations (WIA 1917, AIWC 1927)
- Gandhian mass phase — salt satyagraha, picketing, Quit India
- Revolutionary participation — Pritilata Waddedar, Kalpana Datta
- Assessment — how complete the shift was; continuities and limits
Concepts & keywords to name
Use the right vocabulary
- Social reform movement — early focus on abolishing practices harmful to women
- All India Women’s Conference (1927) — first major national women’s platform
- Gandhian mobilisation — reframed women’s domestic virtues as political strength
- Revolutionary nationalism — a smaller but significant channel for women
Common mistakes to avoid
Don’t do this
- Writing a list of names with no argument about the shift
- Ignoring the reform phase entirely and starting at Gandhi
- Not assessing limits (elite/urban bias, few women in leadership)
- No dates or named organisations — GS1 needs specifics
Quick hints before you write
Structuring tips
- Open by naming the two phases explicitly, then structure the body around them.
- Use at least one revolutionary example to show the breadth of participation.
- Conclude with a balanced verdict — a real but incomplete transformation.
Revise the underlying concepts first — this question maps directly to a Dharoha notes topic.
Read the notes →
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