• It is the rise in prices of goods and services within a particular economy wherein consumers' purchasing power decreases, and the value of the cash holdings erodes.
• In India, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) measures inflation.
• Some causes that lead to inflation are demand increases, reduction in supply, demand-supply gap, excess circulation of money, increase in input costs, devaluation of the currency, and rise in wages, among others.

3. How is Food Inflation measured in India?

Food inflation in India is measured using various indices and indicators. The primary indices used to measure food inflation in India include the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Wholesale Price Index (WPI). Both indices provide insights into the overall price movements of goods and services, including food items, but they differ in terms of their coverage and methodology.

Consumer Price Index (CPI)

• The CPI is a key indicator used by the Government of India and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to monitor inflation, including food inflation.
• The CPI measures the average change over time in the prices paid by urban and rural consumers for a basket of goods and services, including food items, housing, clothing, transportation, and more.
• Within the CPI, food and beverages form a significant component, and food inflation is specifically derived from the changes in food prices within the CPI basket.
• The CPI is released monthly by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

Wholesale Price Index (WPI)

• The WPI is another important index that tracks price changes at the wholesale level for a selected group of commodities, including food products, manufactured goods, fuel, and more.
• The WPI measures price changes from the perspective of producers and wholesalers, providing insights into inflationary pressures in the production and distribution stages.
• Food articles, such as cereals, pulses, vegetables, fruits, and edible oils, are included in the WPI basket for monitoring food inflation.
• The WPI is released weekly by the Office of Economic Adviser under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

In addition to these indices, other indicators such as the Food Sub-Index within the CPI and specific price indices for essential food items (like vegetables, pulses, and cereals) are also used to gauge food inflation more accurately. The RBI closely monitors food inflation trends as part of its monetary policy framework to make informed decisions regarding interest rates and economic stability. Overall, the combination of CPI, WPI, and specific food-related indices provides a comprehensive assessment of food inflation in India.

4. Headline and Core Inflation

Inflation is a key economic indicator that measures the rate at which prices of goods and services rise over time. In India, two important measures of inflation are headline inflation and core inflation.

• Headline Inflation: Headline inflation refers to the overall rate of inflation in an economy, taking into account the price changes across all goods and services included in the consumer basket. It reflects the broad-based movement in prices, including food, fuel, housing, transportation, and other essential and non-essential items. Headline inflation is typically measured using indices such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Wholesale Price Index (WPI). Fluctuations in headline inflation can be influenced by various factors, including changes in global commodity prices, government policies, supply chain disruptions, and demand-side pressures.
• Core Inflation: Core inflation, on the other hand, excludes volatile items such as food and energy from the basket of goods used to calculate inflation. By excluding these volatile components, core inflation provides a more stable measure of underlying inflationary trends in the economy. Core inflation is often considered a better gauge of long-term inflationary pressures and helps policymakers in making informed decisions regarding monetary policy. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), for example, closely monitors core inflation to assess the underlying inflationary trends and formulate appropriate monetary policy responses.

Understanding the distinction between headline and core inflation is essential for policymakers, businesses, and consumers alike. While headline inflation provides a comprehensive view of overall price movements, core inflation offers insights into the underlying inflationary pressures, helping to distinguish between temporary fluctuations and sustained inflation trends. By closely monitoring both measures of inflation, policymakers can effectively manage inflationary risks and maintain price stability, contributing to sustainable economic growth and stability.

5. Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is a crucial institutional framework established by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to formulate and implement monetary policy decisions in India. 

Role

• Formulating Monetary Policy: The primary role of the MPC is to formulate and implement monetary policy in India. This includes setting the key policy interest rates, such as the repo rate, reverse repo rate, and marginal standing facility (MSF) rate, to achieve the objectives of price stability and economic growth.
• Targeting Inflation: The MPC's main objective is to maintain price stability, which is primarily achieved by targeting a specific inflation rate. In India, the RBI has adopted a flexible inflation targeting framework, where the MPC aims to keep the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation within a specified target range over the medium term. Currently, the inflation target is set at 4% with a tolerance band of +/- 2%.
• Evaluating Economic Conditions: The MPC assesses various economic indicators, such as GDP growth, inflation expectations, fiscal policy measures, global economic developments, and financial market conditions, to make informed decisions about monetary policy.
• Communication: The MPC communicates its monetary policy decisions, rationale, and outlook for the economy through periodic press releases, statements, and the publication of meeting minutes. This transparency enhances predictability and credibility in monetary policy.

Composition

• Members: The MPC consists of six members, including three members nominated by the Government of India and three members from the Reserve Bank of India. The Governor of the RBI serves as the ex-officio Chairperson of the MPC.
• Appointment: The members of the MPC are appointed by the Central Government based on their expertise and experience in economics, banking, finance, or related fields. The RBI Governor and Deputy Governor (in charge of monetary policy) are automatic members of the MPC.
• Voting Rights: Each member of the MPC, including the RBI Governor, has one vote in the decision-making process. Decisions are made by a majority vote, with the Governor having the casting vote in case of a tie.
• Terms: Members of the MPC serve fixed terms, typically for four years, with eligibility for reappointment. This ensures continuity and stability in monetary policy formulation.

6. The Way Forward

By implementing the measures and fostering collaborative efforts among policymakers, regulators, and stakeholders, India can effectively manage inflationary pressures, maintain price stability, and promote sustainable economic growth and development.

JYOTI RAO PHULE

 

 

1. Context

Jyotirao Phule died on November 28, 1890 at the age of 63. He was born in Khatgun village which is today in the Satara district of Maharashtra. He was a social reformer who worked against social evils like untouchability and the caste system and was a strong advocate of women empowerment and education of girl child

 

2. Childhood & Early Life

 

• Jyotirao Govindrao Phule was born in the Satara district of Maharastra in 1827. His father, Govindrao was a vegetable vendor at Poona
• Jyotirao's family belonged to the 'mali' caste and their original title was ‘Gorhay’. Malis was considered an inferior caste by the Brahmins and was shunned socially. Jyotirao's father and uncles served as florists, so the family came to be known as `Phule'. Jyotirao's mother passed away when he was just nine months old
• In 1841, Jyotirao got admission in the Scottish Mission's High School, Poona, and completed his education in 1847. There, he met Sadashiv Ballal Govande, a Brahmin, who remained his close friend throughout his life. At the age of just thirteen years, Jyotirao was married to Savitribai

3. Social Movements

• In 1848, an incident sparked off Jyotiba’s quest against the social injustice of caste discrimination and incited a social revolution in the Indian society
• Jyotirao was invited to attend the wedding of one of his friends who belonged to an upper-cast Brahmin family. But at the wedding, the relatives of the bridegroom insulted and abused Jyotiba when they came to know about his origins
• Jyotirao left the ceremony and made up his mind to challenge the prevailing caste system and social restrictions
• He believed that the enlightenment of the women and lower caste people was the only solution to combat the social evils

4. Efforts towards Women Education

• Jyotiba’s quest for providing women and girls with right to education was supported by his wife Savitribai Phule. One of the few literate women of the time, Savitribai was taught to read and write by her husband Jyotirao
• In 1851, Jyotiba established a girls' school and asked his wife to teach the girls in the school. Later, he opened two more schools for girls and an indigenous school for the lower castes, especially for the Mahars and Mangs
• Jyotiba realised the pathetic conditions of widows and established an ashram for young widows and eventually became an advocate of the idea of Widow Remarriage
•  Female infanticide was a common occurrence and so was child marriage, with children sometimes being married to men much older
• These women often became widows before they even hit puberty and were left without any family support. Jyotiba was pained by their plight and established an orphanage in 1854 to shelter these unfortunate souls from perishing at society’s cruel hands

5. Efforts towards Elimination and Caste Discrimination

• Jyotirao attacked the orthodox Brahmins and other upper castes and termed them as "hypocrites". He campaigned against the authoritarianism of the upper caste people and urged the "peasants" and "proletariat" to defy the restrictions imposed upon them
• He opened his home to people from all castes and backgrounds. He was a believer in gender equality and he exemplified his beliefs by involving his wife in all his social reform activities
• He believed that religious icons like Rama are implemented by the Brahmin as a means for subjugating the lower caste
• The orthodox Brahmins of the society were furious at the activities of Jyotirao. They blamed him for vitiating the norms and regulations of the society
• Many accused him of acting on behalf of the Christian Missionaries. But Jyotirao was firm and decided to continue the movement. Interestingly, Jyotirao was supported by some Brahmin friends who extended their support to make the movement successful

6. Satya Sodhak Samaj

• In 1873, Jyotiba Phule formed the Satya Shodhak Samaj (Society of Seekers of Truth)
• He undertook a systematic deconstruction of existing beliefs and history, only to reconstruct an equality promoting version. Jyotirao vehemently condemned the Vedas, the ancient holy scriptures of the Hindus
•  He traced the history of Brahmanism through several other ancient texts and held the Brahmins responsible for framing the exploitative and inhuman laws in order to maintain their social superiority by suppressing the "shudras" and “atishudras” in the society
• The purpose of the Satya Shodhak Samaj was to decontaminate the society from caste discrimination and liberate the oppressed lower-caste people from the stigmas inflicted by the Brahmins
• Jyotirao Phule was the first person to coin the term ‘Dalits’ to apply to all people considered lower caste and untouchables by the Brahmins
• Membership to the Samaj was open to all irrespective of caste and class. Some written records suggest that they even welcomed participation of Jews as members of the Samaj and by 1876 the 'Satya Shodhak Samaj' boasted of 316 members
• In 1868, Jyotirao decided to construct a common bathing tank outside his house to exhibit his embracing attitude towards all human beings and wished to dine with everyone, regardless of their caste

7. Literary Works

Jyotiba had penned a number of literary articles and books in his lifetime and most were based on his ideology of social reforms like the ‘Shetkarayacha Aasud’

He also penned some stories like ‘Tritiya Ratna’, ‘Brahmananche Kasab’, ‘Ishara’

He wrote dramas like ‘Satsar’ Ank 1 and 2, which were enacted under his directives to spread awareness against social injustice

He also wrote books for the Satyashodhak Samaj that dealt with history of Brahminism and outlined Puja protocols that the lower caste people were not allowed to learn

 

 

 

 

For Prelims: Jyotirao phule, Satya Sodhak Samaj, Savitrabhai phule For Mains: 1. Explain the Contributions of Jyoti rao phule towards Women Upliftment. Discuss the efforts for Caste Discrimination (250 Words)

 

Previous Year Questions: 1.Satya Shodhak Samaj organized ( UPSC 2016) A. a movement for upliftment of tribals in Bihar B. a temple-entry movement in Gujarat C. an anti-caste movement in Maharashtra D. a peasant movement in Punjab Answer (C)

Source: Cultureindia.net

 

HAVELI SANGEET

 

 

1. Context

 

Haveli Sangeet is a blend of music, spirituality, and history that exemplifies India’s intangible cultural heritage. From the perspective of the UPSC CSE, this topic is significant as it relates to various important themes, such as the impact of the Bhakti Movement, the fusion of religion and art, and the evolution of classical music. All these aspects are crucial for UPSC preparation.

 

2. Haveli Sangeet

 

• Haveli Sangeet, often referred to as temple music, is a distinctive tradition rooted in the ancient musical practices of Indian temples. It serves as a vibrant form of devotional expression and has evolved beyond its ritualistic origins to become a vital part of India's classical music legacy.

• Although this musical tradition experienced a decline during the medieval period, it was revitalized during the Bhakti movement, particularly through the Pushtimargiya Sangeet Parampara associated with the Vaishnav Sampradaya.

• While Haveli Sangeet itself dates back roughly 500 years, it embodies the essence of Bhakti music, which has been integral to Indian temple traditions for over 5,000 years. Its preservation is attributed to the dedication of practitioners who safeguarded its purity from external influences, ensuring the continuation of this spiritual musical heritage

 

3. Vallabhacharya and Haveli Sangeet

 

• In 1556, Vallabhacharya discovered a divine manifestation of Bhagwat, which he named Lord Shrinath, symbolizing the 'Consort of the Goddess of Wealth,' within a cave on Giriraj Mountain. While he envisioned constructing a grand temple for this deity, concerns over potential destruction during Aurangzeb's reign led to the deity being relocated multiple times before settling permanently in Nathdwara, Rajasthan.

• Vallabhacharya appointed four disciples—Kumbhandas, Surdas, Parmanandas, and Krishnadas—for dedicated devotional service, with Kumbhandas becoming the first kirtankar (devotional singer) of Shrinath.

• The tradition was further developed by Vallabhacharya’s son, Shri Vitthalnath, also known as Shri Gusai. Shri Gusai organized the sewa (service) and expanded the original group of disciples by adding Govindawami, Chhitaswami, Chaturbhujdas, and Nanddas, creating the Ashta Sakhas (Eight Companions) of the Lord. These eight disciples, known as the Astachaps, were exceptional composers who masterfully combined poetic texts with music.

• Shri Gusai also introduced key elements into the devotional practices, including raag (melody), bhog (offerings), and shringar (adornment). These components became central to the Ashtayam Sewa, a ritual involving the singing of padas (devotional hymns) in specific ragas and taals (rhythmic patterns) according to the eight prahars (time divisions of the day), which included Mangala, Shringar, Gwaal, Rajbhoga, Uthapan, Bhoga, Sandhya, Aarati, and Shayan.

• Today, the Shrinathji temple in Nathdwara, also known as the Haveli of Shrinathji, serves as the spiritual center of the Pushtimarg tradition. The term "Haveli," used to describe Pushtimarg temples, also gave rise to the name Haveli Sangeet for the devotional music associated with these temples

 

Haveli Sangeet as a blend of tradition and devotion   The Bhagwat Purana describes nine forms of devotional service: listening to divine stories (sravanam), singing praises (kirtanam), meditating on the Lord (smaranam), serving His feet (pada-sevanam), offering worship (arcanam), expressing prayers (vandanam), obeying His commands (dasyam), forming a bond of friendship (sakhyam), and surrendering completely to Him (atma-nivedanam). Among these, kirtanam holds a particularly prominent role. The Pushti Margiya temples of the Vallabha tradition became important centers of Kirtan Bhakti, fostering the growth and flourishing of Haveli Sangeet

 

 

4. Legacy of Haveli Sangeet

 

1. Pandit Jasraj was among the select few Indian classical musicians privileged to perform Haveli Sangeet in numerous temples across India.

2. There is a common misconception that Haveli Sangeet is limited to the Dhrupad style, whereas styles like Khyal, Kirtana, and Bhajan are also widely practiced.

• Khyal Gayaki: This style emphasizes melody (Bhav and Raga Pradhan), prioritizing the expression of the raga over the lyrics.

• Dhrupad Gayaki: In contrast, this form focuses on rhythm and words (Taal and Shabd Pradhan), with greater importance given to the lyrics. In Dhrupad singing within Haveli Sangeet, performers must maintain the integrity of phrases or words during layakari (rhythmic improvisation)

 

City of Music   The city of Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh was included in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) last year, recognized for its "dedication to leveraging culture and creativity." The Gwalior Gharana, known as the oldest musical tradition in Hindustani classical music, thrived under the patronage of Raja Man Singh Tomar during the 15th century

 

 

5. Indian Classical Music

 

• Today, classical music is divided into two main systems: Hindustani and Carnatic, along with various other musical traditions like folk and tribal music.

• Carnatic music is predominantly practiced in the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. On the other hand, the classical music of the remaining regions in India is referred to as Hindustani Classical Music. Interestingly, there are regions in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh where the Hindustani Classical tradition is also prevalent.

• Carnatic music is known for its consistency and uniformity, while Hindustani music embodies a more diverse and varied Indian tradition

 

 

For Prelims: Hindustani and Carnatic music, Thyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, Shyama Sastri (Carnatic)   For Mains: GS I - Art & Culture, Raja Man Singh Tomar and his contributions to the Gwalior Gharana

 

 

Source: Indianexpress