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Sociology Optional PYQ Solutions · Model answer

What do you understand by nation? Is the nation same as the state? Discuss.

  • UPSC 2012
  • Politics and Society

A nation is a large community whose members feel they share a common identity, history and destiny, and who want political self-rule. Ernest Renan ("What is a Nation?", 1882) called it a daily plebiscite: a shared memory joined to a present will to live together. A state is a political-legal organisation. Max Weber defined it…

You are reading the opening of the model answer. The full answer is part of Sociology Optional PYQ Solutions.

What the full answer covers

  • Understanding the nation
  • Nation and state distinguished
  • Why they are not identical
  • The Indian debate
  • Conclusion

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