UPSC Mains Practice Focuses on India's Decolonisation and Harappan Artifacts

The UPSC Essentials initiative continues its focus on Mains answer-writing practice, offering aspirants a structured approach to tackle key topics from the UPSC Civil Services syllabus. Covering both static and dynamic portions across various General Studies (GS) papers, this exercise is designed to help candidates engage with themes that are highly relevant to the examination and current developments. This week’s GS-1 practice delves into India’s decolonisation and nation-building post-Independence, alongside the archaeological significance of the Harappan ‘Dancing Girl’ figurine.

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Question 1: Significance of the Goa Liberation Movement in India’s Decolonisation and Nation-building

India’s struggle against colonial rule did not end with its independence in 1947. Goa, along with Daman and Diu, remained under Portuguese sovereignty until December 1961. The liberation of Goa marked the conclusion of India’s decolonisation process and was a pivotal moment in consolidating national unity.

Initially, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru pursued diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue peacefully, as India was already grappling with challenges like Partition and the Kashmir conflict. However, Portugal’s refusal to negotiate and its insistence on treating Goa as an integral part of metropolitan Portugal led India to adopt military action. This culminated in Operation Vijay in December 1961, which successfully ended Portuguese rule.

The movement also highlighted the role of civil disobedience in India’s anti-colonial struggles. Socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia and Julião de Menezes spearheaded protests against Portuguese rule, with the Goa Revolution Day commemorating their efforts. The liberation of Goa demonstrated India’s commitment to sovereignty and territorial unity, while showcasing its preference for peaceful resolutions whenever possible.

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Question 2: Archaeological Artefacts and the Harappan ‘Dancing Girl’ Figurine

The Harappan ‘Dancing Girl’ figurine is a bronze artefact discovered during the 1926–27 excavations at Mohenjo-daro. Standing at just 10.8 cm, this relic is not only a masterpiece of ancient art but also a crucial source for understanding the social, cultural, and technological aspects of the Indus Valley Civilisation.

Crafted using the lost-wax casting method, the figurine reflects the advanced metallurgy and craftsmanship of the Harappans. Its confident posture, intricate ornamentation, and realistic proportions highlight the civilisation’s artistic sophistication. Details such as the necklace and multiple bangles indicate the prevalence of personal adornment practices, offering insights into Harappan material culture.

The figurine has sparked varied interpretations regarding identity, status, and daily life, though historians caution against over-reliance on speculative readings. It underscores the importance of contextual analysis in archaeological studies, reminding us that artefacts must be examined based on facts rather than modern perceptions.

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Conclusion

This week’s questions underscore the interconnected themes of India’s decolonisation and ancient historiography. The Goa Liberation Movement exemplifies India’s post-Independence efforts to consolidate national unity, while the Harappan ‘Dancing Girl’ figurine demonstrates how archaeological evidence enriches our understanding of ancient societies. Aspirants are encouraged to reflect on these topics and refine their answer-writing skills for the UPSC Mains.