Which were the two challenges that post-colonial newly independent states were trying to come to terms with?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Welfare and Democracy
Most new nations of that time were trying to come to terms with the twin challenges of welfare and democracy.
Option (1) Secularism and Universal Adult Franchise — Incorrect. Secularism means that the state does not favour any one religion and treats all religions equally; universal adult franchise means that every adult citizen has the right to vote. India chose both for itself, but they are not the twin challenges that the new nations were trying to come to terms with.
Option (2) Theocracy and Industrialization — Incorrect. Theocracy means rule by religious authority, which was not a goal of the new nations, and industrialisation was only one path of development. Neither is part of the twin challenges of welfare and democracy.
Option (3) Modernity and Free market — Incorrect. Modernity means the move from traditional ways of life to new ideas, science and institutions, and a free market leaves the economy to private business without control by the state. Neither pair is what the new nations were struggling with: their twin challenges were welfare and democracy.
Note: The concepts in Option (2), ‘Theocracy’, and Option (3), ‘Modernity’, are not in NCERT (2025-26); explained here for the benefit of the students.
NCERT (2025-26): “International context … India was born as an independent nation-state in a very trying and challenging international context. The world had witnessed a devastating war and was grappling with issues of reconstruction; yet another attempt to establish an international body was underway; many new countries were emerging as a result of the collapse of colonialism; and most new nations were trying to come to terms with the twin challenges of welfare and democracy. Free India’s foreign policy reflected all these concerns in the period immediately after independence.…” |