English (Kaleidoscope) Important Questions for Chapter 5 The Argumentative Indian Class 12 - FREE PDF Download
Vedantu provides Important Questions for Chapter 5 of Kaleidoscope, titled The Argumentative Indian, renowned economist and Nobel laureate Amartya Sen describes the rich tradition of debate and intellectual discourse in India. Our Class 12 English Kaleidoscope Important Questions gives clarity on key themes, arguments, and ideas presented in the text. Download the FREE PDF now for a complete breakdown and insights into the chapter's nuances, ensuring alignment with the CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus. The essay explores the long-standing argumentative culture in Indian society, tracing its roots from ancient texts like the Bhagavad Gita to contemporary political and social issues.
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FAQs on The Argumentative Indian Class 12 Important Questions: CBSE English Non-Fiction (Kaleidoscope) Chapter 5
1. What is the central theme of Amartya Sen's essay, 'The Argumentative Indian', as covered in the Class 12 English Important Questions for 2025–26?
The central theme is the deep-rooted tradition of debate and dialogue in Indian culture. Sen asserts that critical argument and public reasoning have consistently shaped India’s social, political, and intellectual identity, forming the backbone of Indian democracy and pluralism as per CBSE 2025–26 guidelines.
2. How does the argumentative tradition influence modern Indian democracy?
The argumentative tradition supports democracy by promoting informed discussion and dissent. This tradition allows policies and leadership to be challenged openly, fostering greater transparency and preventing authoritarianism, as emphasized in CBSE important questions for Class 12 English.
3. According to Amartya Sen, what role do ancient texts like the Bhagavad Gita play in illustrating India’s tradition of argument?
- The Bhagavad Gita exemplifies philosophical debate through the conversation between Krishna and Arjuna.
- Sen highlights that both sides of arguments are respected, showing that reasoned discourse is highly valued in Indian tradition, a key concept in Class 12 English important questions.
4. What does Sen suggest about the inclusion of marginalized voices in India’s intellectual discourse?
Sen acknowledges progress, but points out that argument in India has often been dominated by upper-caste males. He notes, however, that women and lower castes have also participated, especially in ancient times, challenging misconceptions of exclusivity—this is crucial for answering HOTS questions in board exams.
5. In what ways does Sen distinguish Indian secularism from the Western model?
Indian secularism, as per Sen and CBSE 2025–26 syllabus, is inclusive and pluralistic, focusing on equal respect for all religions and granting freedom to practice or change one’s faith. In contrast, Western secularism often centers on separation from religion, which is a key expected question.
6. What are the implications of the decline of argumentation in contemporary Indian society, according to Sen?
- Reduced critical thinking: With less public debate, policies risk being accepted without scrutiny.
- Weakened democracy: The absence of questioning undermines citizens’ roles in shaping governance.
- Loss of pluralism: Fewer viewpoints are represented, reducing societal diversity in thought, a concept often tested in CBSE long-answer patterns.
7. Why does Sen argue that India’s contributions to science and philosophy are under-recognized globally?
Sen contends that biases in global academia and colonial histories have minimized India’s early scientific innovations in fields like mathematics and astronomy, which is a typical 3-mark conceptual question in important question sets.
8. How do debates in ancient Indian philosophy demonstrate the application of the argumentative tradition?
Debates among schools like Nyaya, Buddhist, and Jain philosophers involved rigorous logic, open criticism, and defense of worldviews—showing sustained traditions of public reasoning and intellectual challenge, aligning with the CBSE 5-mark HOTS framework.
9. Explain the significance of the statement, “A defeated argument that refuses to be obliterated can remain very alive,” in the context of this essay.
This statement underlines that even losing arguments keep influencing future discourse in India’s tradition. They form the foundation for ongoing debates, fostering critical thinking and long-term learning—a key underlying message for students to grasp for board exams.
10. What dangers does Sen associate with the rise of narrowly defined religious or political ideologies in modern India?
- Suppression of debate: Dogmatic ideologies restrict the space for dissent and plural viewpoints.
- Threat to unity: Imposing singular identities undermines India’s diverse ethos, often leading to societal fractures, as explored in expected 5-mark questions for Class 12 English.
11. How can students apply the argumentative tradition in their academic and civic life, as per CBSE 2025–26 expected learning outcomes?
Students can:
- Engage in respectful debates in classrooms and society.
- Practice critical analysis of information and policies.
- Champion inclusivity by considering marginalized perspectives—important for developing model answers in CBSE exams.
12. How did the tradition of public reasoning shape India’s struggle for independence?
Leaders like Gandhi embraced open debates, nonviolence, and dialogue as means of resistance, reflecting the argumentative tradition’s role in forging a mass-based movement—an application-based question frequently included in board important sets.
13. What exam pitfalls should students avoid when answering questions on 'The Argumentative Indian' in CBSE 2025–26?
- Avoid generic summaries—instead, focus on argument analysis.
- Back up answers using examples from the essay (e.g., Krishna-Arjuna, caste, secularism).
- Stay within syllabus scope; do not rely on memorized notes alone, an often-overlooked trick for scoring well in important question sections.
14. In what way does Sen’s essay challenge the Western stereotype of ‘passive India’?
Sen asserts that Indian civilization has always valued active debate and dissent, discrediting the stereotype of intellectual passivity by providing historical and philosophical evidence—students should reference this while answering analytical or comparison questions.
15. How is the concept of 'Democracy as Public Reasoning' tested in CBSE 2025–26 English Important Questions for The Argumentative Indian?
Students are required to explain why democracy is fundamentally about public reasoning and inclusive dialogue rather than mere voting, and cite examples from Sen’s essay to earn higher marks as per CBSE marking guidelines.
