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    5. The Argumentative Indian - Non-Fiction - Class 12 - Kaleidoscope

    • Jul 14
    • 4 min read
    ree

    Author: Amartya Sen

    Textbook: Kaleidoscope

    Genre: Essay / Non-fiction

    Summary


    In this thought-provoking essay, Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen explores India's rich tradition of public debate, intellectual discourse, and reasoning. Using examples from ancient texts like the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Upanishads, Sen illustrates how India has always fostered open discussions on morality, politics, and religion. The central dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita serves as a symbolic debate between duty and consequence, reflecting philosophical duality. Sen argues that the tradition of argument is inclusive, transcending gender, caste, and class barriers—highlighting contributions from women like Gargi, Maitreyi, and leaders like Draupadi. He draws parallels between Arjuna’s dilemma and modern issues like nuclear war, referencing Oppenheimer and the bombing of Hiroshima. Finally, Sen links the tradition of reasoned debate to India’s democratic success, asserting that democracy in India is rooted in a historical preference for heterodoxy and reasoning—not merely a Western import.


    Character Sketch (if applicable)

    Not applicable—essay format


    Themes

    Theme

    Description

    Intellectual Debate

    India’s history is filled with argument, questioning, and philosophical thought.

    Duty vs Consequence

    The Bhagavad Gita presents opposing views on action—duty vs. result.

    Inclusive Tradition

    Women, lower castes, and non-elite groups have contributed to public reasoning.

    Role of Dialogue in Democracy

    Democracy thrives where public discussion is part of the culture.

    Critique of Materialism

    Through Maitreyi’s question, Sen reflects on the limitations of wealth.

    ✨ Literary / Poetic Devices

    Device

    Example

    Allusion

    Reference to Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, and Krishna.

    Analogy

    Comparison of Arjuna’s dilemma to Oppenheimer’s thoughts on nuclear war.

    Irony

    Oppenheimer quoting Krishna after creating the atom bomb.

    Historical Allusion

    Gargi, Maitreyi, Draupadi, Krishna Menon, Kabir, Mira Bai.

    Rhetorical Question

    “What should I do with that by which I do not become immortal?”

    Title Justification


    The title “The Argumentative Indian” is justified as the essay highlights India’s deep-rooted tradition of public reasoning and intellectual debate. Amartya Sen demonstrates that far from being a passive culture, Indian society has historically embraced questioning, disagreement, and philosophical inquiry. By referencing ancient texts and figures across gender, caste, and class lines, he affirms that the ability to argue and reason is a defining feature of Indian identity.


    One-Mark Questions


    1. What does Sen say about Krishna Menon’s speech at the UN?

      Krishna Menon delivered the longest speech ever at the United Nations—lasting nine hours. Sen uses this to illustrate India’s comfort with extended debate.


    2. What is the main argument in the Bhagavad Gita as per Sen?

      It is a debate between Krishna’s emphasis on duty and Arjuna’s concern about the consequences of war. Sen presents both arguments as rational.


    3. Why does Sen mention Gargi and Maitreyi?

      Sen uses them as examples to prove that women participated in ancient philosophical debates. They challenged male thinkers with sharp questions.


    4. What parallel does Sen draw with Oppenheimer and Arjuna?

      Both faced moral dilemmas—Oppenheimer while creating the nuclear bomb, and Arjuna before battle. Sen uses this to show the timelessness of ethical questioning.


    5. How does Sen view Indian democracy?

      He sees it as a product of both Western influence and India’s own tradition of public discourse. This heritage made democracy sustainable in India.


    Three-Mark Questions


    1. Explain the significance of the Krishna-Arjuna dialogue in Sen’s essay.

      The Krishna-Arjuna dialogue from the Bhagavad Gita is central to the essay. Krishna urges Arjuna to perform his duty without worrying about the consequences, while Arjuna fears the suffering war will bring. Sen emphasizes that both sides of the debate are valid and unresolved. The essay suggests that moral questions are complex and require thoughtful reasoning. Sen believes this debate reflects India’s tradition of philosophical inquiry.


    2. How does Sen challenge the idea that democracy in India is purely a Western import?

      Sen argues that India’s democratic values are not only influenced by the West but also deeply rooted in its own history. Ancient Indian texts were full of dialogues and public reasoning. Figures like Gargi, Kabir, and Mira Bai are examples of inclusive participation. Sen believes this tradition of open discussion made India ready for democracy. Thus, democracy is both a borrowed and an indigenous idea.


    3. Discuss the role of women in India’s argumentative tradition, as presented by Sen.

      Sen highlights that women have historically engaged in intellectual debates. Figures like Gargi challenged male scholars, while Maitreyi questioned the value of wealth. Draupadi encouraged war through passionate reasoning. Even in medieval times, women like Mira Bai voiced powerful critiques of social norms. These examples prove that women were vital participants in India’s culture of reasoning.

    Value-Based Question


    Q: Why is it important to promote dialogue and open discussion in society, as emphasized in Amartya Sen’s essay?

    A:Open discussion promotes tolerance, understanding, and social progress. It encourages individuals to express their views, listen to others, and think critically. As Sen points out, public reasoning helps in solving moral, political, and social issues effectively. It strengthens democracy and ensures that decisions are made after considering diverse perspectives. In today’s world of conflict and division, dialogue is the key to peaceful coexistence.


    End

     

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