PSIR Optional · Paper I · Section B: Indian Government and Politics
Caste, Religion and Ethnicity in Indian Politics Notes · PYQs · Solved Answers
Free notes, every previous year question and the solved answers for Caste, Religion and Ethnicity in Indian Politics (Paper I, Section B: Indian Government and Politics), arranged so you can read a topic and immediately see how UPSC has asked it. Syllabus: Caste, religion and ethnicity in Indian politics.
33
Solved answers
1974–2026
Years covered
34
Questions listed
7
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Free notes Previous year questions Solved answers All PSIR Optional units
Paper I · Unit 09
Caste, Religion and Ethnicity in Indian Politics notes
Topic-wise notes for this unit in syllabus order. Read a topic, then open its previous year questions below.
Free notes
Free practice
Previous year questions: Caste, Religion and Ethnicity in Indian Politics
Every question UPSC has asked from this unit, year-wise, with a link to its solved answer.
Topic-wise question list
Year-wise question papers
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UPSC PSIR Optional Question Paper 2026
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2025
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2024
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2023
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2022
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2021
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2020
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2019
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2018
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2017
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2016
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2015
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2014
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2013
Solved answers
Solved PYQ answers: Caste, Religion and Ethnicity in Indian Politics
Model answers to the previous year questions of this unit, newest exam year first.
PYQ Solutions
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Answer in about 150 words: Identity has become an important phenomenon in the modern politics in India. Discuss.
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Map the different types of ethnic conflicts that have emerged in 21st century India.
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Caste remains a vital axis for political mobilisation in India. How would the caste census address the aspirations of people? Discuss.
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“Relative deprivation is a major source of ethnic conflict.” Elaborate the statement with relevant examples.
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The rise of caste politics is to be attributed to both regional aspirations and electoral manifestations. Comment.
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Ethnicity is the underlying cause which poses a great challenge in the resolution of the problems in the North-East region of India. Comment.
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Explain how caste as a social category is also becoming a political category in the democratic politics of India.
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Examine the role of religion in Indian Electoral Politics in the contemporary times.
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Development has overshadowed the influence of caste in electoral behaviour in recent elections. Discuss.
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Critically examine the ethnic conflicts in North-East India.
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Religion is still an important factor in Indian politics. Discuss.
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Comment: Cultural and Regional differences are the enduring bases on which politics is played out in India.
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Comment on the emergence of Backward classes in the Indian politics.
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Comment in 150 words: Relation between ethnicity and democracy in India.
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Explain the phenomenon of ethnic politics in India in recent times.
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Point out and comment on the historic importance of the document “Towards Equality (1974)”, for women’s movement in India.
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Critically examine and comment on the assertion in about 200 words: Indian politics has influenced caste and caste has influenced Indian politics.
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“The OBC politics has challenged the nature of dominant caste politics in the states.” Critically examine this statement and bring out your conclusions.
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Examine the effect of caste and community in Indian politics. Do you foresee their continued relevance in the country’s politics?
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Comment: The instability of national politics is due to rising influence of regional politics.
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Comment: Tribal peoples’ movement in the North-East.
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Comment: Caste and religion as operative factors with Indian polity.
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“The electoral behaviour of Indian votes is more or less caste-ridden, including the selection process of party candidates.” In the light of the above statements, critically examine the positive or the negative role of caste in the Indian political system.
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Discuss how far the politics of regionalism and communalism have affected nation building in India.
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Analyse the problems of nation building in India.
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Comment: Ethnic separatism.
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Comment: Creamy Layer and social justice.
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Illustrate from contemporary Indian experience the theory of circulation of elites.
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Comment: Cultural secularization.
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How far do regional groupings pose a threat to the stability of Indian political system?
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How do caste and class interact with each other in Indian politics?
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Comment: Theory of circulation of elites.
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‘Community and Caste still threaten social harmony and political peace in India.’ Discuss.
PSIR Optional study material from LotusArise IAS
Two ways to prepare with us — the full self-study system, or just the notes you need right now.
| What you get | PSIR Mains Master Kit 2027 | PSIR Complete Notes (Store) |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 notes — Political Theory + Indian Government and Politics | Included | Included — Section A and Section B |
| Paper 2 notes — Comparative Politics and India and the World | Included | Included — Section A and Section B |
| Topic-wise PYQ bank | 1986–2026, with trend analysis and probables by Dec 2026 | 1991–2025 question papers, free with every notes pack |
| Practice question set for timed answer writing | ✅ Available now | ❌ |
| Answer toolkit — intros, conclusions, frameworks, thinker and example banks | By Dec 2026 | ❌ |
| Revision booklets for the last 60 days | ✅ Available now | ❌ |
| Format | Online articles + PDF | PDF download |
| Access | Valid until UPSC CSE Mains 2027 | Instant download after payment |
| Price | ₹1,770 (regular ₹5,000) | ₹1,180 for all four sections · ₹599 a paper · ₹354 a section |
| Best for | Aspirants who want the whole system in one place | Aspirants who want the notes now, in the parts they need |
Other units in Paper I · Section B: Indian Government and Politics
- Indian Nationalism
- Making of the Indian Constitution
- Salient Features of the Indian Constitution
- Principal Organs of Government
- Grassroots Democracy
- Statutory Institutions and Commissions
- Federalism
- Planning and Economic Development
- Party System
- Social Movements
Paper I · Section B: Indian Government and Politics — section overview · All PSIR Optional units