CSS 2013 Solved Pakistan Affairs Past Papers | Muslims and Non-Muslims Before British Rule
The following question of CSS Pakistan Affairs 2013 is solved by Miss Iqra Ali, the best Pakistan Affairs Coach, on the guided pattern of Sir Syed Kazim Ali, which he taught to his students, scoring the highest marks in compulsory subjects for years. This solved past paper question is uploaded to help aspirants understand how to crack a topic or question, how to write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Question Breakdown
In this question, the examiner has asked you to compare the socio-economic and political conditions of Muslims and non-Muslims at the advent of British rule in South Asia. The answer is descriptive, and the marks question can’t be solved by drawing simple differences. So, write the difference by dividing the answer into three parts, where each paragraph comprehensively discusses the difference.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-Compare the Socio-Economic and Political Conditions of the Muslims and Non-Muslims at the Advent of British Rule in South Asia
2.1- Social Conditions
- ✓ Comparing Educational Status
- ✓ Comparing Social Standing
- ✓ Comparing Social Structure
- ✓ Comparing Religious Influence
2.2- Economic Conditions
- ✓ Comparing Economic Standing in Agriculture
- ✓ Comparing Economic Standing in Trade and Commerce
- ✓ Comparing the Standing of Hindu and Muslim Artisans in the Industry
- ✓ Comparing Economic Standing in Wealth Distribution and Social Mobility
2.3- Political Conditions
- ✓ Comparing Power and Influence
- ✓ Comparing Role in Administration
- ✓ Comparing the Relationship with the New Rulers
4-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
In the 18th century, the socio-economic and political conditions of Muslims and non-Muslims, especially Hindus, varied across different spheres. There were significant differences in their social conditions, such as in Educational Status, Social Standing, Social Structure, and Religious Influence. However, these differences were based on two factors: first, religion, and second, political domination. Similarly, their economic conditions differed on various levels, such as varied Economic Standing in Agriculture, Trade and Commerce, Industry, Wealth Distribution, and Social Mobility. It is imperative to note that Muslims dominated in socio-economic and political spheres even during the downfall of the Mughal Empire because of state patronage under Muslim rule. However, factors drastically changed after the establishment of British rule in 1857, as Hindus collaborated with the new power hegemon. To conclude, the War of Independence shifted Muslim authority to British hands. The great debacle shocked the entire structure of Muslim rule to the depth of its roots. As a result, their socio-cultural and economic standing diminished compared to Hindus in the mighty British realm.
Compare the Socio-Economic and Political Conditions of the Muslims and Non-Muslims at the Advent of British Rule in South Asia
The following points compare the socio-economic and political conditions of the Muslims and non-Muslims, primarily Hindus of the Indian Subcontinent.
A- Social Conditions
- ✓ Comparing Educational Status
Muslims, at the advent of British rule in the Indian Subcontinent, dominated the administration, governance, and education sector because of the influence of the mighty British realm. Religious education, such as the teaching of the Holy Quran and Sunnah, was given paramount importance. However, the War of Independence in 1857 shifted Indian power from Muslims to the British hands. As a result, the leading areas fell under the jurisdiction of the British government. So, they introduced Western education and institutions based on logic and science, sidelining oriental studies. The Muslims were reluctant to follow the new format, resisting the change, which led to their decline in modern professions. Conversely, Hindus had their traditional education system and established institutions, such as Gurukuls and Sanskrit learning. After the War, Hindus, especially Brahmans, the upper class in Hinduism, adapted to the new system. Thus, they secured more jobs in the bureaucracy and administration and earned a professional standing.
- ✓ Comparing Social Standing
Muslims, at the advent of British rule in the Indian Subcontinent, were at the edge of decline because of the loss of state patronage resulting from the fall of the mighty Mughal realm. For example, Muslim aristocrats, artisans, and soldiers lost their status. After the establishment of Mughal rule in India, the industrialization policies impacted artisans and weavers. Their hand-made products could not compete with the machine-made products of the British. Conversely, Hindus, especially the Baniya class (merchants), adapted to the new system and policies. As a result, they benefit from the trade policies. Further, they joined the colonial administration to take maximum business opportunities and benefits.
- ✓ Comparing Social Structure
Muslims and their social structure had more conservative elements resisting change. They were reluctant to adapt to new cultural and administrative changes introduced by the British government. The Muslims were divided by considerations of caste, race, tribe, and status. On the other hand, Hindu society, which was highly segregated and stratified, acknowledged the reform movements led by new power holders. For illustration, Rajiv Akhir writes in the book Spectrum, A Brief History of Modern India that the society of 18th century India was characterized by traditional outlook and stagnation. Although there existed a certain degree of broad cultural unity, people were divided by caste, religion, region, tribe, and language. They responded to reform movements such as Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj, as these movements pushed them toward social changes, such as widow remarriage, caste reforms, and female education. As a result, they modernize more swiftly than Muslims.
- ✓ Comparing Religious Influence
Muslims, under the state patronage (Mughal Empire), had dominating religious influence as compared to Hindus because Islam was the state religion. Sunni Islam was widely practiced, and State law enshrined the directive principles of Islam. After the War (1857), the policy of constructionism was regarded as a threat to the Madrassa system. On the contrary, Hindus were excluded from court and administrative functions in the later Mughal period. Heavy religious taxes were levied, which impoverished the farming population. However, with the advent of the British government, they adapted to the new culture, starting to acknowledge Western models of government.
B- Economic Conditions
- ✓ Comparing Economic Standing in Agriculture
Muslims under the Mughal rule held the leading position as landlords and feudal lords. They were called Zamindars and Jagirdars. However, the local population lived at the bare subsistence level. For illustration, Rajiv Akhir writes in the book Spectrum, A Brief History of Modern India that 18th century India failed to progress economically, socially, or culturally at an adequate pace. India became a land of contrasts because extreme poverty and luxury both existed side by side. After the establishment of the British government, the Permanent Settlement Policy of 1793 in Bengal weakened Muslim landlords because they could not adjust to the new system. Conversely, Hindu landlords of Bihar and Bengal were more financially savvy. They adapted to a new British-led system, allowing them to expand their landholdings.
- ✓ Comparing Economic Standing in Trade and Commerce
Muslim traders dominated trade in textiles and spices under the state patronage. For illustration, Rajiv Akhir writes in the book Spectrum, A Brief History of Modern India, that being self-sufficient in handicrafts and agricultural products, India did not import foreign goods on a large scale. Exports were more than their imports, as its industrial and agricultural products were in good demand in foreign markets. However, after the establishment of British rule, the domination ended with the decline of indigenous trade because Muslim traders were struggling to compete with modern systems established by the government. On the contrary, Hindus, especially merchants like Banias and Marwaris, adapted to the new system, establishing a strong standing in trade, banking, and moneylending.
- ✓ Comparing the Standing of Hindu and Muslim Artisans in the Industry
Muslim artisans dominated textiles and weaving (silk and muslin). For illustration, Rajiv Akhir writes in the book Spectrum, A Brief History of Modern India that India was self-sufficient in handicrafts and agricultural products and did not import foreign goods on a large scale. After the establishment of British rule in India, the arrival of machine-made goods led to the decline of artisans. Hindu artisans suffered from the collapse of traditional industries. However, they swiftly shifted to new economic activities, such as middleman roles in British trade. They invested in new industries to overcome the loss.
- ✓ Comparing Economic Standing in Wealth Distribution and Social Mobility
Muslims suffered from social and economic stagnation due to the decline of the Mughal Empire in administration, trade, and industry. The Muslim aristocrats became dependent on pensions or generational wealth. The British made subsidiary alliances that gave them partial control over the areas where the Mughals had jurisdiction. They reached this point by exploiting the financial system because the Mughals indulged in extravagant activities, but common people suffered from hunger. They exploited local people and gained support by offering them better economic opportunities. When Mughal power diminished, they started taking loans from the East India Company to continue their lavish living styles. The credit and interest policy of the Company worked against the Mughals, and they took control of the areas. On the other hand, Hindu business classes, professionals, and landowners accumulated wealth. As a result, the community gained economic and social mobility. Then, they started investing in industries, commerce, and education to secure long-term benefits.
C- Political Conditions
- ✓ Comparing Power and Influence
Muslims, on the advent of British rule in India, held significant power. The Mughal Empire was at the edge of decline, and several princely states were governed by independent rulers. They have control over administration, trade, and industry. After the establishment of the British government, they lost their political influence. Hindus, on the contrary, were suffering from the orthodox policies of later Mughals. However, they also had political standing under the Hindu rulers, serving as traders and administrators. After the War (1857), they did not resist new power hegemons as they offered them better opportunities and economic standing.
- ✓ Comparing Role in Administration
Muslims under Mughal rule held high-ranking positions in government. Persian was the official language of the Empire. So, when the British replaced English with Persian, Muslims could not adopt the new English-based bureaucratic system. They refused the new system and feared it would threaten their separate identity. As a result, they lost their administrative dominance. On the contrary, Hindus quickly adapt to the new system, especially Kayasths and Brahmins, by learning English. As a result, they secured more jobs in the administrative services.
- ✓ Comparing the Relationship with the New Rulers
Muslims resisted the British rule in India because power was snatched from them. They fought wars to resist the government, but all their efforts were vain. For example, in the War of Independence in 1857, the last Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, played a key role. As a result, the British saw them as a threat to their rule and sidelined them. Hindus collaborated with the British and got the benefits. For example, until 1906-the Partition of Bengal, Hindus enjoyed the benefits from the government’s trust.
Conclusion
To conclude, the War of Independence shifted Muslim authority to British hands. The great debacle shocked the entire structure of Muslim rule to the depth of its roots. As a result, their socio-cultural and economic standing diminished compared to Hindus in the mighty British realm. In the 18th century, the socio-economic and political conditions of Muslims and non-Muslims, especially Hindus, varied across different spheres. There were significant differences in their social conditions, such as in Educational Status, Social Standing, Social Structure, and Religious Influence. However, these differences were based on two factors: first, religion, and second, political domination. Similarly, their economic conditions differed on various levels, such as varied Economic Standing in Agriculture, Trade and Commerce, Industry, Wealth Distribution, and Social Mobility. It is imperative to note that Muslims dominated in socio-economic and political spheres even during the downfall of the Mughal Empire because of state patronage under Muslim rule. However, factors drastically changed after the establishment of British rule in 1857, as Hindus collaborated with the new power hegemon.
CSS 2013 Solved Pakistan Affairs
CSS Solved Past Papers’ Essays
Looking for the last ten years of CSS and PMS Solved Essays and want to know how Sir Kazim’s students write and score the highest marks in the essays’ papers? Then, click on the CSS Solved Essays to start reading them.
CSS Solved Essays
CSS Solved General Science & Ability Past Papers
Want to read the last ten years’ General Science & Ability Solved Past Papers to learn how to attempt them and to score high? Let’s click on the link below to read them all freely. All past papers have been solved by Pakistan’s top CSS GSA coach having the highest score of their students.
General Science & Ability Solved Past Papers
