4. In post-independence India, cities were expected to be a vehicle for social change, but they also became the symbols of contradictions, which had been plaguing the countryside for a long time. Comment.

Approach:

Basic theme of the question is failure of cities to realize goals of modernity in Indian context. The answers can be structured in the following ways:

♤ Explain how establishment of modern cities was considered as transformative method of social change and panacea for all social ills plaguing Indian society.

♤ Explain in detail how Indian cities is known more for reproducing the socio- economic disparities which is present in rural India.