Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

Nehru's declaration of dams as the 'temples of modern India' reflected a vision of rapid modernisation and overcoming the handicaps of colonial underdevelopment. Multi-purpose river projects aligned with newly independent India's priorities in three ways:

1. Agricultural development: They provided irrigation to increase food production and support the village economy.
2. Industrialisation: They generated hydroelectric power to fuel rapid industrial growth.
3. Integrated development: They combined irrigation, flood control, electricity generation, and water supply, linking rural and urban economic growth under one project.

Thus, these projects were seen as engines of integrated national progress.

Source: Chapter 3, Multi-Purpose River Projects and Integrated Water Resources Management

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The key phrase from the source is: dams would "integrate development of agriculture and the village economy with rapid industrialisation and growth of the urban economy." Examiners expect you to (1) explain what the 'temples' metaphor signifies — national pride and modernisation — and (2) link multi-purpose projects to India's post-independence development goals. Avoid listing too many points; 2–3 well-explained points are sufficient for 3 marks.