Compare and contrast the domestic policies of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.

The question requires that candidates give an account of the similarities and differences between the domestic policies of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, referring to both throughout. There does not need to be an equal number of points on each. Candidates may refer to the economic policies where both followed five-year plans, but Indira Gandhi’s socialist economy contrasted with Rajiv Gandhi’s effort to liberalize the economy and to cut down wealth taxes. He introduced measures to significantly reduce the Licence Raj after 1990. They both faced problems from Punjab. Indira tended to use forceful methods such as forced sterilization and the declaration of an emergency, whereas Rajiv attempted to work through more peaceful means such as the signing of the Assam accord. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.