Mrunal [Current] April-Week2-P1_ History, Culture, Environment- Gandhi in South Africa, Hazrat Mahal...

8/12/2019 Mrunal [Current] April-Week2-P1_ History, Culture, Environment- Gandhi in South Africa, Hazrat Mahal 135, Japane

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4/29/2014 Mrunal [Current] April-Week2-P1: History, Culture, Environment- Gandhi in South Africa, Hazrat Mahal 135, Japanese Scientific Whaling, Railsaver, Jall

http://mrunal.org /2014/04/current-april-week2-p1-history-culture-environment-gandhi-south-africa-hazrat-mahal-135-japanese-scientific-whaling-railsaver-jalli

[Current] April-Week2-P1: History, Culture, Environment- Gandhi in SouthAfrica, Hazrat Mahal 135, Japanese Scientific Whaling, Railsaver, JalliKattuguidelines

1. Prologue

2. [Act I] History

1. H1: Gandhi in South Africa

1. Gandhi: 1890s till 1900s

2. Gandhi in Boer War (1899)

3. Gandhi in Zulu Wars (1906)

4. 1913-14: The Peak of protests5. Transvaal March 1913

6. Sugarcane Protests

7. December Enquiry

8. Evaluation of Gandhi in S.Africa

1. #1: Gandhi as an Integrationist

2. #2: Gandhi, the Feminist

3. #3: Gandhi theMahatma

4. #4: Gandhi vs his Critiques

5. #5: Gandhi,the British Patriot6. #6: Gandhis Kesar-e-Hind

2. H1: Hazrat Mahal: 135thAnniversary

3. [Act II] Environment Biodiversity (EnB)

1. B1: Japans Scientific Whaling

2. B2: Railsaver: IT platform

4. [Act III] Culture

1. C1: JalliKattu: Guidelines by SC + Government

2. C2: Truckload of Harvest Festivals

Prologue

Current events in 2014 April Week2 (8-15th)

1. Part 1/3: History, Culture and Environment: (Youre here)

2. Part 2/3: Economy. Done click me

3. Part 3/3: Diplomacy-international relations. Done click me

Mains General Studies Paper 1
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http://mrunal.org /2014/04/current-april-week2-p1-history-culture-environment-gandhi-south-africa-hazrat-mahal-135-japanese-scientific-whaling-railsaver-jalli 2

Answer each of the following in 200 words each:

1. In South Africa, Gandhi fought against policies of General Smuts and not

against the British empire. comment.

2. Discuss in brief- South Africa as the experiment lab of Gandhian methods.

3. Write a note on how South Africa turned Mohandas into Mahatma.

4. Why did Gandhi fought against the colonial powers in South Africa? Evaluate

his achievements and failures therein.5. Write a note about the contribution of Begam Hazrat Mahal in Indias struggle

for Independence.

6. What is Jaliikattu? List the guidelines set by Supreme Court and Government

of India for organizing of this festival. [Syllabus topic- Diversity of India(!)]

Interview

1. What is this so called Scientific whaling by Japan?

2. Why has Japan decided not to conduct it during 2014-15?

3. Culture traditions and religious sentiments apart, Do you think JalliKattu

should be banned completely?

[Act I] History

Two topics this time: Gandhi in South Africa and Hazrat Mahal in 1857.

H1: Gandhi in South Africa

Topic in news because Ramachandra Guha released a new book -Gandhi Before

India. Later EPW put a review article about this book.

And previously even PIB ran an article on Transvaal March (we saw that already)

But Since UPSC included world history in General studies Mains paper I-hence

topic becomes important- what did Gandhi do before coming to India? How

did he fight the imperialist powers in South Africa?

Gandhi: 1890s till 1900s
http://mrunal.org/2014/03/pib-2014-march-week2-transavaal-march-ghadar-vvpat-star-campaigners-indelible-ink-mh-370-sample-questions-answers.html#1365http://www.flipkart.com/gandhi-before-india/p/itmdzcegudmhxyx4?pid=9780670083879&affid=mrunalrugm


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1893: Gandhi Arrives in South Africa, to fight Dadabhai Abdullas case.Indian businessmen admired him for his fluency in English, legal matters and

Gujarati background.

But Gandhi did not serve only those rich businessmen. He also fought cases for

indentured laborers- mainly permit renewal type litigations.

Interestingly, he was the only Indian barrister practicing in Natal. Hence very

busy with work.

1893thrown out of a train from Durban to Pretoria, despite having a valid ticket

to travel in the first class.1894 founded Natal India Congress and became its first Secretary.

1899 another Indian barrister Rahim Karim Khan arrived.

Gandhis workload decreased, he starts spending more time reading about religion,

politics.

authors How did they influence Gandhi?

Henry
https://www.flickr.com/photos/97816112@N02/14052443915


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David

Thoreau

concept of Civil Disobedience

John

Ruskin

Unto his lust ideas of simple living, community living. Work by

hands better than by machines. (same reflect in his Hind Swaraj later

on).

Ralf

Waldo

Emerson

concept of Individualism

Tolstoy The kingdom of God is within you.

Gandhi in Boer War (1899)

Transvaal was rich in gold, so British plotted to overthrow Boer government.

This led to the Boer War (1899)=>Boers were defeated but they continued to

live here.


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During Boer war, Gandhi served from British side, as an assistant

superintendent of the Indian volunteer stretcher-bearer corps.

Gandhi earned Boer war medal for his services.

He wrote in the autobiography:

When the war was declared, my personal sympathies were all with the Boers, but

my loyalty to the British rule drove me to participation with the British in that war. Ifelt that, if I demanded rights as a British citizen, it was also my duty, as such to

participate in the defence of the British Empire. so I collected together as many

comrades as possible, and with very great difficulty got their services accepted as

an ambulance corps.

Phoenix Farm

1904: Inspired by Tolstoy, Gandhi setups Phoenix farm. There he begins

treating all ailments and preaching and writing about hygiene, sanitation, gooddiet, natural cures, and sexual abstinence. This sheds an important light on

the origin of Gandhi Ashrams in India.

1904: starts printing newspaper Indian Opinion from his farm.

Gandhi in Zulu Wars (1906)

British attacked Zulu population and made them serve as labour in the

diamond mines across Southern Africa.

In 1906, the Zulu Rebellion broke out in Natal province of South Africa

Zulus demanded land rights and abolition of heavy taxes.

However, the whites declared war against the Zulus.

In this Zulu war/rebellion, Gandhi (Again) served from British side, as the

officer in charge of the Indian volunteer ambulance corps and earned Zulu War

Medal for his services.

Fight against Registration Act

1906-07

A new law required Indians to carry registration certificates all the time.

Gandhi begins first passive resistance campaign / Satyagraha. He asks

people to burn their certificates.

1908 Gandhi arrested for this campaign against registration act

1909 Gandhi travels to London, finally Transvaal registration act repealed.

1913-14: The Peak of protests


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March

1913

Supreme Court in Cape Town nullified all non-Christian marriages,

and declared all Indian wives as mistress and their kids as bastards.

Gandhi immediately demanded a change in the law, declaring that

declaring that Any nation that fails to protect the honour of its

women, any individual who fails to protect the honour of his wife is

considered lower in level than a brute.

Kasturba spearheaded a passive resistance. Women volunteered to

go to jail on their own initiative.

April

1913

South African Unions PM General Smuts introduced even harsher

immigration bill. The bill included an ongoing provision for the 3 poll tax

May

1913

Gandhi demands poll tax and marriage issues be settled together. All

Indians and Transvaal and Natal rally up behind him. But the immigration

bill soon passed.

June

1913King gives assent to bill and it became an Act.


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Sep

1913

Gandhi launches the passive resistance courts arrest along with his

followers- including women.

Oct

1913

5000 Indian coal miners of northern Natal go on strike. Gandhi and his co-

workers were instrumental in encouraging the strike.

The coal miners strike provided the committed mass of supporters to Gandhi.

His movement gains attention of Indian press, Gandhi starts receiving funds

from Gokhale, Aurobindo Ghosh and Wealthy Indians, even from princelystates of India.

This money helped him to launch a long Transaaval march- arranging food and

supplies for those protestors and their families.

Transvaal March 1913

Along with 2000 Natal coal miners, Gandhi began March towards Transvaal. At

that time, crossing border from Natal to Transvaal required Permit- But they

crossed border without permit.Gen. Smuts downplayed this march thinking itd soon collapse. (Just like how

Lord Irwin thought Dandi Salt March would be an #EPICFAIL).

But since the protest did not collapse, General Smuts ordered police to arrest

coal miners. Miners were sent to hard labour camps. Gandhi was thrown into

Jail again.

Sugarcane Protests

Time: mid-November 1913, after Arrest of Gandhi.

Place: Coastal areas of Natal, Sugar plantations.

Now here also, Indian laborers went on strike and began marching towards

towns. This protest was wholly self-organised, they were inspired from the

news of Transvaal March and Gandhis arrest.

Although they called Gandhi their Raja (king!) but methods were not always

Gandhian.

Often these angry strikers would burnt plantations, attack policemen with

knives, sticks and stones. Many injured and died.

The Indian laborers in Durban also began similar protests.

Overall, their demands were:

1. Abolish poll tax

2. Right to free travel without permit.

3. Voting rights.

4. Release Gandhi from jail

As the common sense suggests- General Smuts refused and called in the army to


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teach them a lesson.

December Inquiry

Protest gains momentum. Large amount of donations from India.

Even Viceroy Hardinge (India) criticized the South African government.

December1913

Under pressure, General Smuts orders an enquiry commission.Himself wrote You cant put twenty thousand Indians into jail.

March

1914Commission report says following:

1. Indian laborers are important for South African economy

2. Give them permit for three years (instead of asking them to renew it every

year.)

3. All Indian marriage be legally recognized.

4. Abolish 3 poll tax

June 1914 Government enacted the law to implement this report.

July 1914 Gandhi leaves for England. and from there, to India.

General Smut quotes

Gandhi approached me on a number of small administrative points, some of which

I could meet him on, and as a result, the saint has left our shores I sincerely hope

for ever.

Evaluation of Gandhi in S.Africa

#1: Gandhi as an Integrationist

During South African struggle, Gandhi took help of Hindus, Muslims, Christian,

Jews, Tamils, Parsi and even Chinese immigrants.

He sought the best in all, believed people of different backgrounds can living

together in a united spirit.

This experience made him believe that all faiths can lead to salvation.Gandhi was thus different than his contemporaries.

Indian Congress embraced all different races and religions but in the beginning

Congress was very elitist-upper caste male dominated body.

Although Gokhale and Dadabhai Naoroji were free of sectarian and caste bias,

but they lived very privileged life.

Contrary to them, Gandhi embraced a wide range of castes, races, religions-

both male and female, and integrated them into the struggle in South Africa-

he united all Asians and Africans, and not just the Indians.


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#2: Gandhi, the Feminist

The idea of a woman going to jail had been unthinkable for male, upper-caste

Indian nationalists.

But with Gandhis passive resistance in S.Africa, this became a common

phenomenon, he asked women to join the protests and court arrests. [was

influenced by feminist Millie Polak]

Thus, Gandhi played a catalyst in the entry of Indian women in politicalprotests and freedom struggle.

#3: Gandhi the Mahatma

Gandhis long time friend Pranjivan Mehta used this title, in a letter to GK

Gokhale (1912)

He wrote, Mahatma Gandhi was one of those rare men who are occasionally

born to elevate humanity in the land of their birth

Guha compares the Gandhi-Mehta relationship to that of Marx and Engels.

#4: Gandhi vs his Critiques

During the Indian freedom struggle, we know that many revolutionaries and

even Congress leaders did not fully approve Gandhian methods.

Similarly even in S.Africa, Gandhi faced critiques- main among them was a

Tamil Journalist PS Aiyar.

Gandhi PS Aiyar

Indian should be given right to free

movement within Transvaal region-

without requiring any permits.

not just Transvaal, Indian should get right

to free movement throughout South

Africa.

was against the 3 poll tax on Indian

laborers. But he wanted to protest in

Gradual Stages:

First we send petition to

Government,

then mass meeting,

then petition to British

parliament

if still no solution then we

refuse to pay this tax.

No, we should immediately launch a

mass movement to pressurize the

government into abolishing the tax.

less talking and more doing

thus in the later phase of the movement, the bad relation between Gandhi and Aiyer

radicalized the movement- with poors on Aiyars side and white / blue collar Indians


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on Gandhis side.

#5: Gandhi, the British Patriot

1. Until the 1920s, Gandhi was an ardent British patriot

2. He felt the British Empire embodied the principles of equality and liberty that

he believed in.

3. He considered General Smuts racist policies in South Africa as an aberration,rather than a defining trait of the British Empire.

4. Gandhi saw British Raj as benevolent rather than tyrannical; despite its flaws,

British Raj had been good for India (compared to the rule by native princes),

and that the ideals of the British constitution merited the loyalty of all British

subjects across the globe, white, black and Indian alike.

5. Gandhi even declared that he and his fellow Indians were proud to be under

the British Crown, and England will prove Indias deliverer.

6. Gandhi participated in Boer and Zulu wars hoping itd earn the trust of British

authorities that Indians and Asians were indeed loyal subjects of his majesty,and theyll be treated equally in South Africa.

7. Some historians even argue, Gandhi participated in these wars with hope that

itd end the struggle in South Africa and help him return India.

#6: Gandhis Kesar-e-Hind

1915: Gandhi returned to India, Lord Hardinge awarded Kesar-e-Hind medal for his

services in ambulance corps during South Africa.

1920: During Khilafat movement, Gandhi returned these medals to Viceroy

Chelmsford and wrote,

It is not without a pang that I return the Kaisar-i-Hind gold medal granted to

me by your predecessor (Lord Hardinge) for my humanitarian work in South

Africa, the Zulu War medal granted in South Africa for my services as officer in

charge of the Indian volunteer ambulance corps in 1906 and the Boer War

medal for my services as assistant superintendent of the Indian volunteer

stretcher-bearer corps during the Boer War of 1899-1900.

I venture to return these medals in pursuance of the scheme of non-cooperation inaugurated today in connection with the Khilafat movement.

Valuable as these honours have been to me, I cannot wear them with an easy

conscience so long as my Mussalman countrymen have to labour under a

wrong done to their religious sentiment.

Events that have happened during the past one month have confirmed me in

the opinion that the Imperial Government have acted in the Khilafat matter in

an unscrupulous, immoral and unjust manner and have been moving from

wrong to wrong in order to defend their immorality. I can retain neither


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respect nor affection for such a Government.

Mrunal comments:For MCQs, keep in mind Gandhi earned these medals for work in

Zulu and Boer wars (and not WW1), and returned these medals for NCM in

connection with Khilafat movement specifically. (As evident from his own letter

above.) Because at some pages in Wikipedia and other books- they claim Gandhi got

this medal for service in WW1 and returned them for Jaliawalan massacre = thats

incorrect.

Overall:

1. Inclusion of Women, all races and religions = must for success in a political

struggle.

2. His Ashrams as a meeting and training ground for all of them.

3. Passive resistance, civil disobedience = more successful than violent methods.

4. There will be critiques and setbacks but perseverance will lead to success.

5. Made General Smuts to abolish poll tax, legally recognize Indian marriage, andgive lengthier permits.

6. Because of his achievements in South Africa, Gandhi could return to India as an

Indian national hero with an established reputation- elicit support from

Congress, other leaders and Indian people.

7. Until 1920s, a British patriot, as seen from his participation in Zulu wars and

Boer Wars. But later disillusioned by the British raj in India.

Now Ramchandra Guha is planning to write next book about Gandhis work in India

from 1915-48.

Mock Questions (200 words each)

1. In South Africa, Gandhi fought against policies of General Smuts and not

against the British empire. comment.

2. Discuss in brief- South Africa as the experiment lab of Gandhian methods.

3. Write a note on how South Africa turned Mohandas into Mahatma.

4. Why did Gandhi fought against the colonial powers in South Africa? Evaluate

his achievements and failures therein.

H2: Hazrat Mahal: 135thAnniversary

Hazrat Mahal = 135th Anniversary, hence she automatically becomes important for

UPSC Mains 2014. Just like Maulana Azad in Mains-2013

Q.Write a note about the contribution of Begam Hazrat Mahal in Indias struggle

for Independence. (200 words)


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1856 under Doctrine of Lapse, Lord Dalhousie exiled the Nawab wajid Ali shah of

Awadh to Calcutta. His wife, Begum Hazrat Mahal took the charge of the state, and

played a prominent role in the mutiny of 1857

1. Provided Leadership to rebels of Lucknow, and fought in the name of her

minor son Birjis Qadr.

2. In the war of Alambaug, herself fought against British troops.

3. Assisted Nana Saheb in Kanpur.4. Lord Dalhousie asked the help of Nepals Rana Jang Bahadur and offered areas

of Gorakhpur and Awadh in return. Begum countered Dalhousies move by

offering the Rana three more province of Awadh apart from Gorakhpur.

5. Assisted Maulvi Ahmedullah (Danka Shah) against attack on Shahjahanpur

(Firozabad) and defeated Henry Lawrence.

6. British again attacked great force, she was defeated but escaped to Nepal.

7. British offered pension to her if she gave up her claim on throne for his son.

But Begam denied and chose to live in Nepal, where she died in 1874.

Begum Hazrat Mahal fought with great fervor, showed exceptional courage and

organisational skills. She had ability to unite people from different class and

provided an instrumental leadership during Indias first struggle for independence.

~200 words.

[Act II] Environment Biodiversity (EnB)

two topics this time: Jap whaling and RAILSAVER web portal.

B1: Japans Scientific Whaling

(Interview questions)

4. What is this so called Scientific whaling by Japan?

5. Why has Japan decided not to conduct it during 2014-15?

What is scientific whaling?

1. Japanese whaling program known as JARPA II

2. Since 2005

3. In Antarctic Ocean

4. For scientific research

JAPANESE GOVERNMENT ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS

Since 2005, you killed more than 3000


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Whales are hunted for scientific

research.

whales, but hardly any research paper

or noteworthy discovery made.

Your main purpose is selling meat.

Scientific research is only an excuse.

We live in an era of DNA mapping and

satellite monitoring, you dont need to

kill any whales for research.

Still, if you want bodies, there areenough dead whales on beach around

the world.

Most of the whale species are not

in danger of extinction and their

hunting is sustainable just like

brewing desi liquor from sewer

water and selling it in used

polythene bags.

If theyre not in the extinction list, your stupid

Scientific whaling will definitely put them on

extinction list soon. Whale killing=> damage

to marine ecology, food chain and food web.

Whale is chief source of Protein in

Japan. We have very small

agriculture land, hardly any fishes

in the coastal areas due to

pollution. Hence we have sail to

Antarctica for whale hunting.

Whale meat is so expensive, very few Japs can

afford it today. Besides, You can import milk

products, chicken and (animal) meat from

other countries, & giveem to Japanese school

kids and BPL families under Rajiv Gandhi

protein lelo yojana.

1986: Japan agreed to an international agreement to stop/reduce whaling. But

did not implement it on ground.2010: Australia filed a case in International Court of Justice (ICJ)- that Japanese

whaling program is not scientific.

2014 ICJ Verdict

1. JARPA II is not is not a scientific research permitted under International

Whaling Commission Rules.

2. JARPA II violates the International Whaling Commissions global moratorium

on commercial hunting.3. ICJ asked Japan to halt lethal methods for whale research.

4. Japan need to produce fresh proposal in accordance with the verdict, if it

wants to continue with the hunt.

5. Therefore, Japanese govt. announced not to hunt in 2014-15 season

B2: Railsaver: IT platform

What? Web portal to moniter energy consumption in Indian railways.

Railways will analyse this data, design new methods to save 15%


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Why? energy by 2020.

Who

designed

this?

Centre of Railway Informatics System (CRIS), an autonomous

organization under the Ministry of Railways

Who gave

money?

UNDPs Global Environmental Facility (GEF) funding. They gave ~5

million US Dollars.

[Act III] Culture

Two topics this time: JalliKattu guidelines and truckload of harvest festivals.

C1: JalliKattu: Guidelines by SC + Government

Q.What is Jaliikattu? List the guidelines set by Supreme court and Government of

India for organizing of this festival. (200 words)

Ans.


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Meaning

Jaliikattu is a bull taming sport

organised in the January-July period as part of Pongal harvest festival

celebration since the Sangam age.

Coin bags & other prizes are tied to bulls horn, then bull is made to run

through a narrow passage, men try to tame it and grab the prizes.

Earlier, Animal welfare board of India and PETA filled separate petitions in

Supreme Court, demanding complete ban of Jaliikattu since it involves cruelty

to animals.

SC Direction

Hold Jallikattu five months a year but only after permission from District

Collector.

Bulls must be monitored by Animal welfare board officers to ensure no

steroids or performance enhancing drugs are given.Only 4 men against 1 bull.

Dont allow Spectators in the ring.

Double barricades to protect innocent bystanders.

Medical teams to treat the wounded men and animals.

Guidelines by GoI

2011: Environment ministry issued notification banning the exhibition &

training of Bulls as performing animals. Although in 2014, Removed Bulls fromthat list.

In addition to the SC guidelines, Government directed district administration

to ensure no unnecessary harm was caused to bulls.

Organisers have to deposit Rs.5 lakh and Rs.2 lakh for each death and serious

injury case respectively.

Physical examination of Bulls before the event, ensure no steroids or drugs are

given to the bulls.

~220 words.

Side notes

Jallikatu= Salli kassu (coins) + Kattu (meaning a package) tied to the horns

of the bulls as the prize money.

2008Animal welfare board of India filled case in SC, asking for complete ban of

Jallikattu under Prevention of Cruelty to animals act.


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2008-

09

SC bans Jallikattu festival.

2009Tamilnadu enacts a law to regulate Jallikattu (so they can ask SC to revoke

the ban.)

2013

PETA reports that despite SC guideline and Tamilandu Act, the cruelty

continues. For example, to ensure bull behaves aggressively, organizers

injure its tail, put chilli powder in its eyes, they even feed desi liquor to the

bull. When bull behaves violently, crowd gangs up and beats it mercilessly.

PETA made documentary, and asked SC for complete ban of this festival.

Bull as performance animals

1998: Environment ministry banned the training and exhibition of bears,

monkeys, tigers, panthers and lions

2011: added Bulls in that list. (Meaning organizers cannot train bulls for

Jallikattu.)

10 April 2014: Removed bulls from that list. (Obvious angle = vote bank to

please the rural population of TN before general election in their

Constituencies).

Jallikattu advocates PETA advocates

This is sport and not

circus performance

hence Bulls shouldnt

be in the list.

Jallikattu has became an industry or circus-

otherwise in ancient times, it was held only

during Pongal, now theyre holding it 5-6

months in a year!

C2: Truckload of Harvest Festivals

In Western Civilization, new year starts with 1stJanuary but in most parts of India,

new year starts in April- during Harvesting season. For example:

Puthudu

PirappuTamilnadus new year.

Bohag Bihu/

Mesadi

Assam, beginning of harvest festival. Welcoming the rainbearing

North Western winds.

Naba Barsha In Bengal. Rangoli in every house.

Vishu

Diwali of Kerala (And certain district of Karnataka)

money donated, hence called Vishukainettam)

People visit Sabarimala temple in the morning.


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