Explore topic-wise InterviewSolutions in Current Affairs.

• The term diversity implies differences rather than inequalities. 

• When we say that India is a nation of great cultural diversity, we mean that there are many different types of social groups and communities living here. 

• Different types of social groups and communities live here. There are communities with different cultural markers like language, religion, sect, race or caste. 

• India is a pluralistic society. There is unity in diversity but its excessive diversity is becoming a challenge. 

• When diverse communities (linguistic communities, religious communities, sects and so on) are, also, a part of a larger entity like a nation, then difficulties may be created by competition or conflict between them. 

• Cultural diversity can present challenges which arise from the fact that cultural identities are very powerful-they can arouse intense passions and are often able to mobilize large numbers of people. 

• Sometimes, cultural differences are accompanied by economic and social inequalities and this further complicates things. 

• Measures to address the inequalities or injustices suffered by one community can provoke opposition from other communities.The situation gets worse when scarce resources like water, jobs or government funds have to be shared. 

• 1632 different languages and dialects, different religions, diversity in climatic conditions and topography are causing serious challenges to the country.

Some developmental hazards are – displacement of people due to construction of dams on the rivers or due to other projects, environmental degradation and river water disputes etc.

There are three answers to this question. 

a) Firstly, they are not related to individuals. They are concerned with groups and therefore they are social issues. 

b) Secondly, they are not economic problems. In this, they are social issues. 

c) Thirdly, they are well-established and structural. Social inequalities have a definite pattern.

Dogra Sardar Suchet Singh was in the service of Lahore Darbar. At the time of his death, he was at Ferozepur. He left behind fifteen lakh rupees there. Because he had no issue, the Lahore Darbar claimed its right on this amount. But the English Government wanted to take this matter to the court.

The British charged Chattar Singh, the governor of Hazara that he was the head of the conspiracy for the expulsion of the British from the Punjab. The British officer Canora refused to obey the orders of Chattar Singh unless backed by Captain Abbot. Canora not only refused to obey Chattar Singh’s order, but also ordered his Havaldars to fire upon Sikh soldiers and shot dead two of them. In retaliation, the Sikh infantry shot dead Canora. Captain Abbot accused Chattar Singh of murder of Canora. This convinced Chattar Singh that Abbot might go to the extent of ruining him. Chattar Singh decided to resign. He had no choice but to rise in revolt against the British.

It was thus mainly due to the intrigues of Captain Abbot that Chattar Singh was forced to rise in revolt against the British on 11th September, 1848. He and his son went over to the side of Dewan Mul Raj against the British. Sher Singh also won the support of the major portion of the Sikh troops.

1. Gujrat

2. Council of 8 Sardars, minor

3. “Battle of Guns”

4. 13 March, 1849

5. Administration

On 25 March, 1849.

Ranjit Singh’s successors were unworthy.

The English had been anxious to annex the Punjab to their empire. After the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the English found an opportunity to fulfil their desire. They stationed their army on the other side of the river Sutlej. The Sikh leaders were enraged to see the preparations for war being made by the English. The Sikh army crossed the river Sutlej in 1845 and reached near Ferozepur. Thus the First Anglo-Sikh War started. Teja Singh, the Commander of the Sikh army and Wazir Lai Singh joined hands with the English. Because of their treachery, the Sikh forces lost the battles at Mudki and Ferozeshah, The Sikh forces took courage and crossed the river Sutlej and reached Ludhiana. They attacked the English. Here the English faced a defeat.

But because of the treachery of their commanders, the Sikh army had to face defeat at Aliwal and Sabraon. In March, 1846 A.D., a treaty was signed between the English and the Sikhs. According to the Treaty of Lahore, the Sikhs had to pay 1, crore rupees as indemnity to the British. A British army was kept in Lahore to maintain law and order in the Punjab during the minority of Maharaja Dalip Singh.

(a) Agriculture, Food & Natural resources.

(b) Business, Management & Administration. 

(c) Communication & Information Systems.

(d) Engineering, Manufacturing & Technology. 

(e) Health Science Technology. 

(f) Human Services.

The Second Anglo-Sikh War began in November 1848 after the English forces had crossed the river Sutlej. Following were the main events of this war :

1. The Battle of Ram Nagar: The first battle of the Second Anglo-Sikh War was fought at Ram Nagar. The Commander of the English forces, Lord Hugh Gough crossed the Ravi with his army on November 16, 1848 A.D. and reached the banks of the Chenab on November 22 and stood face to face with Sardar Sher Singh. A battle followed between the two forces at Ram Nagar but without a decision.

2. The Battle of Chillianwala: The English forces under the command of General Gough reached Chillianwala on January 13, 1849 A.D., where the Sikhs had entrenched themselves strongly. A fierce battle was fought at this place in which both the sides had to suffer heavy losses, yet without any outcome. Many brave Sikh warriors laid down their lives in this battle and they had to lose 12 guns also. But the English losses in this battle were even greater than those of the Sikhs. Their tally was 602 dead and 1,651 wounded.

3. The Battle of Multan: Multan had come under the control of Diwan Mulraj since April 1848 A.D. But in December, 1848 an English General, Whish laid a siege to Multan. Diwan Mulraj gave a tough fight to the English for some time but one day suddenly a shell hit his ammunition store and set it on fire. Because of this terrible loss, Diwan Mulraj could not fight any longer. He surrendered on January 22, 1849 A.D. The victory of Multan wiped out to a great extent the disgrace the English had suffered at Chillianwala.

4. The Battle of Gujrat: February 21, 1849 A.D. (Imp.). After the Battle of Chillianwala, the transfer of Lord Gough and the appointment of Sir Charles Napier had been ordered. But before Napier reached“the place of action, Lord Gough had already attacked the Sikhs. After the victory of Multan, the forces of General Whish joined those of General Gough which raised the strength of the English forces to 25,000 and the number of their guns rose to 100. On the other hand, the Sikh army was 61,500 strong and they had 61 guns with them.

A battle between both the forces took place on February 21,1849 A.D. at Gujrat on the banks of the Chenab. This battle was very fierce. Akram Khan, son of Dost Mohammed, the ruler of Afghanistan also joined hands with the Sikhs. Because both the sides made extensive use of guns in this battle, so many historians call it as the “battle of guns”. Shelling continued for three hours but the Sikhs had to leave their positions. At last, on March 13, 1849 AD. the Sikh chiefs surrendered. Thus the Second Anglo-Sikh War came to an end.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh died in 1839 A.D. After him, there was no capable leader of the Sikhs who could lead them. The Sikh army captured power in its hands. Taking advantage of such circumstances, the English fought two wars with the Sikhs. The Sikh forces fought bravely in these wars. But because of the treachery of their commanders, they lost the battles. In 1849, after the Second Anglo-Sikh war, the Punjab was annexed to the British Empire.

The following two wars were fought between the Sikhs and the English:

1. First Anglo-Sikh War: The English had been anxious to annex the Punjab to their empire. After the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the English found an opportunity to fulfil their desire. They started collecting their army on the other side of the river Sutlej. The Sikh leaders were enraged to see the preparations for war being made by the English. The Sikh forces crossed the river Sutlej in 1845 and came near Ferozepur. Thus the First Anglo-Sikh War started. Teja Singh, the Commander of the Sikh Army and Wazir Lai Singh joined hands with the English. Because of their treachery, the Sikh forces lost the battles at Mudki and Ferozeshah.

The Sikh forces took courage and crossed the river Sutlej and reached Ludhiana. They attacked the English. Here the English faced a defeat. But because of the treachery of Gulab Singh, the Sikhs had to face defeat at Aliwal and Sabraon. In March, 1846 A.D., a treaty was signed between the English and the Sikhs. According to this Treaty of Lahore, the Sikhs had to pay 1 j crore rupees as war indemnity to the British. A British army was stationed at Lahore to maintain law and order in the Punjab during the minority of Maharaja Dalip Singh.

2. Second Anglo-Sikh War and annexation of Punjab into the British Empire: In 1848, the Second Anglo-Sikh War broke out. The immediate cause of the war was the revolt of the governor of Multan Dewan Mulraj. On 19th April, 1848 Mulraj handed over the administration of Multan to two British officials. The people of Multan got excited to see the British officials. So they revolted and murdered the British officials. The whole of Punjab revolted against the British rule. At last, the British declared war against the Lahore kingdom on November 16, 1848. The most important battles of this war were the Battle of Ram Nagar (22 November 1848), Battle of Multan (December 1848), Battle of Chillianwala (January 13, 1849), Battle of Gujrat (February 1849). The Battle of Ram Nagar was not a decisive battle. The Sikhs had to face defeat at Multan, Chillianwala and Gujarat. In 1849, the Sikhs accepted their defeat. After this Punjab was annexed to the British Empire.

On 9th March, 1846, the Treaty of Lahore was signed between the British and the Lahore Durbar. Its main terms were as under:

1. All the Sikh territories lying south of the river Sutlej were handed over to the British.
2. The -Jullundur (Jalandhar) Doab was likewise annexed by the British to their own dominions.
3. An indemnity of one and a half crore rupees was imposed upon the Lahore Darbar, which it was not able to pay. So it had to hand over to the British in lieu of it all the hill areas between the rivers Sutlej and Beas, and also Kashmir and Hazara.
4. The Darbar would disband the rebellious forces, keeping only 20,000 infantry and 12,000 cavalry. Thirty four guns which the British had lost to the Sikhs, were restored to them.
5. The British troops would be allowed a free passage through the Punjab when necessary.
6. Dalip Singh was recognised as minor king of Lahore, Maharani Jindan was to be his Regent and Lai Singh the Prime Minister of the Lahore kingdom.
7. An adequate British force would be stationed at Lahore for the protection of the Maharaja. The force would be recalled in December 1846.
8. The British Government would respect the bonafide rights of the Jagirdars in Lahore Darbar territories.
9. The British would be at liberty to retain any part of the state property in the forts situated in the ceded territories by paying for it a fair compensation.

The British annexed the plains and the mountain region of Punjab between the Sutlej and the Beas.

1. Battle of Ram Nagar
2. Battle of Multan
3. Battle of Chillianwala and
4. Battle of Gujrat

The Treaty of Lahore and Treaty of Bhairowal had given a severe blow to the Sikh prestige.

1. (d) 

2. (c) 

3. (b) 

4. (a)

Gujarat is famous for its rich and varied cultural and natural heritage. Sahastralinga Lake, Step-well of Queen (Rani-ni-Vav) and Rudra Mahalaya Temple of Siddhapur are worth seeing architectures of Patan. The ruins of Rudra Mahalaya temple in Siddhapur depicts the grandeur of Siddhapur which is located 26 km away from Patan.

Ahmedabad has a rich ancient heritage consisting of Bhadra Fort, Jama Masjid, Mosque of Queen Sipri, Roza of Sarkhej, Kankaria Lake, Shaking Minara (Jhulta-Minara), Sidi Saiyad Jali (Grill), Mosque of Queen Roopmati, etc.

Dholavira is known for its ideal town planning. Due to a part of Harappan culture, it was quite famous as a centre of trade and commerce. Archaeologists discovered about 5000 years old bead and ornament making factories in Dholavira.

Lothal is a rich architectural site depicting the great Indus Valley Civilization. The famous buildings of Champaner include Moti Masjid, Jama Masjid and the historical fort. The fort of Vadnagar, Sharmishta lake and arches are monuments worth seeing. The arches are created on the two erected pillars creating bow-like shapes.

Shamlaji temple near Meshwo River is also an ancient place for pilgrimage. There were also many Stupas and Viharas built in Gujarat during Kshatrap period. The remains of Buddhist Stupas can be found from Bordevi of Junagadh district, Dev ni morinear Shamlaji, Intva stupa in Gimar near Junagadh, etc.

Gujarat also boasts of many other architectures such as Dev ni mori Bavapyara, Uparkot, Khapra Kodiya, Khambhaliya, Talaja, Sana, Dhank, Jhinjhurijhar, Kadiya Dungar, etc. Ancient Jain temples on Shetrunjya mountains at Palitana in Bhavnagar district are extremely artistic. After of these temples were built in 11th century.

Taranga is another Jain pilgrim situated on the hill near Timba village at Kheralu taluka in Mehsana district. The temple of Taramati is also situated here. Somnath temple at Gir- Somnath district and Dwarkadhish temple of Devbhoomi Dwarka have beautiful historical heritage. Many such beautiful places are there in Gujarat which makes our cultural heritage rich and prosperous.

Ahmedabad has a rich ancient heritage consisting of Bhadra Fort, Jama Masjid, Mosque of Queen Sipri, Roza of Sarkhej, Kankaria Lake, Shaking Minara (Jhulta-Minara), Sidi Saiyad Jali (Grill), Mosque of Queen Roopmati, etc.

Gujarat also boasts of many other architectures such as Dev ni mori Bavapyara, Uparkot, Khapra Kodiya, Khambhaliya, Talaja, Sana, Dhank, Jhinjhurijhar, Kadiya Dungar, etc. Ancient Jain temples on Shetrunjya mountains at Palitana in Bhavnagar district are extremely artistic. After of these temples were built in 11th century.

Labour force of the economy is the number of people in the country who work and also capable of working

We take the age group of 15-60 years for the computation of work force. Persons who are less than 15 years are considered as children and person who have crossed 60 years of age are excluded as they are not physically fit to undertake productive occupation. Hence they are not considered for computation of work force

Khajuraho temples: Khajuraho is a small village in Chattarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. It contains world-famous Khajuraho temples. Khajuraho was the ancient capital city of the Chandela Rajputs of Bundelkhand. These kings built the Khajuraho temples between 905 and 1050 AD. Today there are 25 temples in Khajuraho. Most of these are Shaiva (Shiva) temples. Some of them are also Vaishnav and Jain temples.

All these temples have similar type of architecture and sculpture. The ‘64 (Chausath) yogini temple’ is the main and earliest temple built by Chandelas. The torch (Arch) of the temple is the best example of ornamental style of architecture. All the temples of Khajuraho were constructed with granite stones. These temples were constructed in Naagar styles. Art of sculpture and Vastu of Khajuraho temples is magnificent.

a)Khajuraho temples are located in a small village named Khajuraho at Chattarpur district of Madhya Pradesh.

b)Khajuraho was the ancient capital city of the Chandela Rajputs of Bundelkhand, so temples were built by these kings during their reign (905 to 1050 AD).

c)Presently, 25 temples are in existence. Most of them are Shaiva (Shiva) temples, where as some of them are Vaishanav and Jain temples.

d)They all have a similar types of architecture and sculpture. The 64 yoginis temples are the main temple.

e)The toran(Arch) of the temple is the best example of the ornamental style of architecture. All of the temples were constructed with granite stone.

f)Khajuraho temples were constructed in Nagar style Art of sculpture and art of Vastu of Khajuraho temples spell-bound the visitors.

We take age group 15 – 60 years for computation of the workforce.

(a) Agriculture

Sahastraling lake

Stepwell / Vav

(a) Primary sector, Secondary sector, Tertiary sector

(a) Primary Sector

(d) Forestry

(b) Manufacturing

Answer is (d) Poultry

The main motive behind those discoveries was to maximize profit through trade and to establish political supremacy.

The Second Anglo-Mysore war ended with Salbhai treaty.

Doctrine of Lapse:

1. Lord Dalhousie was one of the chief architects of the British Empire in India. He was an imperialist. He adopted a new policy known as Doctrine of Lapse to extend British Empire.

2. He made use of this precedent and declared in 1848 that if the native rulers adopted children without the prior permission of the Company, only the personal properties of the rulers would go to the adopted sons and the kingdoms would go to the British paramount power. This principle was called the Doctrine of Lapse.

3. It was bitterly opposed by the Indians and it was one of the root causes for the great revolt of 1857.

In the 18th century, three Carnatic wars were fought between various Indian rulers, British and French East Indian Company on either side. 

Second Carnatic War: 

1. The main cause of this war was the issue of succession in Carnatic and Hyderabad. Anwaruddin Khan and Chanda Sahib were the two claimants to the throne of Carnatic, whereas Nasir Jang and Muzaffar Jang were claimants to the throne of Hyderabad. 

2. The French supported Chanda sahib and Muzaffar Jang, while the British supported the other claimants with the objective of keeping their interest and influence in the entire Deccan region.

Battle of Ambur (1749):

1. Finally Dupleix, Chanda Sahib and Muzaffar Jang formed a grand alliance and defeated and killed Anwar-ud-din Khan, the Nawab of Carnatic, in the Battle of Ambur.

2. Muhammad Ali, the son of Anwar – ud – din, fled to Trichinopoly.

3. Chanda Sahib became the Nawab of Carnatic and rewarded the French with the grant of 80 villages around Pondicherry.

4. In the Deccan, the French defeated and killed Nasir Jang and made Muzaffar Jang as the Nizam.

5. The new Nizam gave ample rewards to the French.

6. He appointed Dupleix as the governor of all the territories in south of the river Krishna. Muzaffar Jang was assassinated by his own people.

7. Salabat Jang, brother of Nasir Jang was raised to the throne by Bussy.

8. Salabat Jang granted the Northern Circars to the French.

9. Dupleix’s power was at its zenith by that time. 

Battle of Arcot (1751): 

1. In the meantime, Dupleix sent forces to besiege the fort of Trichy

2. Chanda Sahib also joined with the French in their efforts to besiege Trichy. Robert Clive’s proposal was accepted by the British governor, Saunders, and with only 200 English and 300 Indian soldiers, Clive was entrusted the task of capturing Arcot. His attack proved successful.

3. Robert Clive defeated the French at Ami and Kaveripak. With the assistance of Lawrence, Chanda Sahib was killed in Trichy. Muhammad Ali was made the Nawab of Arcot under British protection. The French Government recalled Dupleix to Paris.

Treaty of Pondicherry (1755):

1. Dupleix was succeeded by Godeheu who agreed the treaty of Pondicherry. According to it, both the powers agreed not to interfere in the internal affairs of the native states. They were to retain their old positions. New forts should not be built by either power. The treaty made the British stronger.

2. The second Carnatic war also proved inconclusive. The English proved their superiority on land by appointing Mohammad Ali as the Nawab of Carnatic. The French were still very powerful in Hyderabad. However, the predominant position of the French in the Deccan peninsula was definitely undermined in this war.

1. RaghunathRao was pensioned off and MadhavRao II was accepted as the Peshwa.

2. Salsette was given to the British.

3. The Treaty of Salbai established the British influence in Indian politics. It provided the British twenty years of peace with the Marathas.

(c) The British and Tippu Sultan

(a) Bajirao II

(c) Lord Cornwallis

(d) Travancore

During the course of the third Anglo – Mysore war Cornwallis took the command of the British Armyi

Jim and Della had two precious things. One was Della’s lovely long hair and the other was Jim’s gold watch. Della sold her hair to buy a Christmas present for Jim. And Jim sold his gold watch to buy a set of combs for Della’s hair. Thus their gift proved of no use for each other. Still they were the gifts of rare love. They showed how deeply the two loved each other.

देश की सीमा पर बैठे फ़ौजी अत्यंत प्रतिकूल परिस्थितियों में देश की रक्षा करते हुए कठिनाइयों का मुकाबला करते हैं। ये फ़ौजी रेगिस्तान की गरम लू तथा पचास डिग्री सेल्सियस से अधिक गरमी में हॉफ-हॉफकर देश की चौकसी करते हैं। दूसरी ओर ये भारत के उत्तरी एवं पूर्वोत्तर राज्यों की सीमा पर माइनस पंद्रह डिग्री सेल्सियस में काम करते हैं। वे पेट्रोल के अलावा सब कुछ जमा देने वाले वातावरण की भी परवाह नहीं करते हैं।

ये फ़ौजी खुद रात-रात भर जागकर देशवासियों को चैन की नींद सोने का अवसर देते हैं। इन विपरीत स्थितियों में काम करते हुए उन्हें समय-असमय दुश्मन की गोलियों का सामना करना पड़ जाता है, पर वे अपने कर्तव्य से पीछे नहीं हटते हैं। इन सैनिकों के जीवन से हमें मातृभूमि से असीम लगाव, देश प्रेम, देशभक्ति, देश के लिए सर्वस्व समर्पण की भावना, देश-हित को सर्वोपरि समझने, मातृभूमि के लिए प्राणों की बाजी लगाने, कर्तव्य के प्रति सजग रहने तथा त्याग करने जैसे जीवन मूल्य अपनाना चाहिए।

‘जाने कितना ऋण है हम पर इन नदियों का’ लेखिका ने ऐसा इसलिए कहा है क्योंकि नदियों का पानी हमारी प्यास बुझाकर जीवन का आधार बन जाता है तो दूसरी ओर सिंचाई के काम आकर अन्न के रूप में हमारा पोषण करता है, फिर भी हम इन नदियों को विविध तरीकों से प्रदूषित एवं गंदा करते हैं। एक ओर इनमें गंदापानी मिलने देते हैं तो दूसरी ओर पुण्य पाने के लिए पूजा-पाठ की बची सामग्री, मूर्तियाँ, फूल मालाएँ डालते हैं तथा स्वर्ग पाने की लालसा में इनके किनारे लाशें जलाते हैं तथा इनमें राख फेंककर इन्हें प्रदूषित करते हैं। 

इन नदियों का ऋण चुकाने के लिए हमें- 

• इनकी सफ़ाई पर ध्यान देना चाहिए तथा इनके किनारे गंदगी नहीं फैलाना चाहिए। 

• इनमें न जानवरों को नहलाना चाहिए और न कपड़े या बर्तन धोना चाहिए। 

• नालों एवं फैक्ट्रियों का पानी शोधित करके इनमें मिलने देना चाहिए। 

• पूजा-पाठ की मूर्तियाँ और अन्य सामग्री नदियों में फेंकने के बजाय जमीन में गाड़ देना चाहिए तथा लाशें जलस्रोतों से दूर जलाना चाहिए।

पहाड़ के निवासी परिश्रम करते हुए कठोर जीवन जीते हैं। उन्हें अपनी रोजी-रोटी के लिए इतना श्रम करना पड़ता है कि वहाँ कोई बर्बाला नहीं दिखता है। वहाँ की औरतें शाम तक गाएँ चराती हैं और लौटते समय लकड़ियों के भारी भरकम गट्ठर लादे आती हैं। बहुत-सी औरतें पहाड़ों को तोड़कर सड़क बनाने, उन्हें चौड़ा करने जैसे कठोर परिश्रम और खतरनाक कार्यों में लगी हैं। यहाँ के बच्चों को तीन-चार किलोमीटर दूर स्कूल जाना पड़ता है। वे लौटते समय लकड़ियों का गठ्ठर साथ लाते हैं।

लेखिका सिक्किम की यात्रा के क्रम में गंतोक, यूमथांग गई पर वहाँ उसे बरफ़ देखने को नहीं मिली, क्योंकि इन स्थानों पर बाज़ार एवं दुकानें होने से पर्याप्त व्यावसायिक गतिविधियाँ होती थीं। यहाँ प्रदूषण की मात्रा अधिक होने से आसपास का तापमान भी बढ़ा था पर कटाओं की स्थिति एकदम विपरीत थी। वहाँ कोई दुकान न होने से न प्रदूषण था और न तापमान में वृद्धि। इससे वहाँ बरफ़ गिरना पहले जैसा ही जारी था। वहाँ दुकान न होना उसके लिए वरदान था। भारत के अन्य प्राकृतिक स्थानों को वरदान बनाने के लिए युवाओं को- 

• वहाँ साफ़-सफ़ाई रखनी चाहिए तथा खाने के खाली पैकेट, गिलास यहाँ-वहाँ नहीं फेंकना चाहिए। 

• वहाँ मिलने वाले कूड़े को जलाने के बजाए ज़मीन में दबा देना चाहिए। 

• वहाँ व्यावसायिक गतिविधियों को बंद करा देना चाहिए।

• सार्वजनिक वाहनों का प्रयोग करना चाहिए। 

• तेज़ आवाज़ में संगीत नहीं बजाना चाहिए। 

• वहाँ किसी वस्तु को जलाने से बचना चाहिए।

‘जाने कितना ऋण है हम पर इन नदियों का’ लेखिका ने ऐसा इसलिए कहा है क्योंकि नदियों का पानी हमारी प्यास बुझाकर जीवन का आधार बन जाता है तो दूसरी ओर सिंचाई के काम आकर अन्न के रूप में हमारा पोषण करता है, फिर भी हम इन नदियों को विविध तरीकों से प्रदूषित एवं गंदा करते हैं। एक ओर इनमें गंदापानी मिलने देते हैं तो दूसरी ओर पुण्य पाने के लिए पूजा-पाठ की बची सामग्री, मूर्तियाँ, फूल मालाएँ डालते हैं तथा स्वर्ग पाने की लालसा में इनके किनारे लाशें जलाते हैं तथा इनमें राख फेंककर इन्हें प्रदूषित करते हैं। 

इन नदियों का ऋण चुकाने के लिए हमें- 

• इनकी सफ़ाई पर ध्यान देना चाहिए तथा इनके किनारे गंदगी नहीं फैलाना चाहिए। 

• इनमें न जानवरों को नहलाना चाहिए और न कपड़े या बर्तन धोना चाहिए। 

• नालों एवं फैक्ट्रियों का पानी शोधित करके इनमें मिलने देना चाहिए। 

• पूजा-पाठ की मूर्तियाँ और अन्य सामग्री नदियों में फेंकने के बजाय जमीन में गाड़ देना चाहिए तथा लाशें जलस्रोतों से दूर जलाना चाहिए।

लेखिका ने देखा कि कोमल कायावाली औरतें हाथ में कुदाल और हथौड़े लिए भरपूर ताकत से पत्थरों पर मार रही थीं। इनमें से कुछ की पीठ पर बँधी डोको में उनके बच्चे भी बँधे थे। वे भूख से लड़ने के लिए मातृत्व और श्रम साधना साथ-साथ ढो रही थीं। ऐसा ही पलामू और गुमला के जंगलों में लेखिका ने देखा था कि आदिवासी युवतियाँ पीठ पर बच्चे को कपड़े से बाँधकर पत्तों की तलाश में वन-वन डोलती थीं। उनके पाँव फूले हुए थे और इधर पहाड़ी औरतों के हाथों में श्रम के कारण गाँठे पड गई थीं।

गंतोक से युमथांग जाते समय रास्ते के दोनों किनारों पर असीम सौंदर्य बिखरा था। इस सौंदर्य को देखकर अन्य सैलानी झूमने लगे और सुहाना सफ़र और ये मौसम हँसी…।’ गीत गाने लगे, पर लेखिका की प्रतिक्रिया इससे हटकर ही थी। वह किसी ऋषि की भाँति शांत होकर सारे परिदृश्य को अपने भीतर समेट लेना चाहती थी। वह कभी आसमान छूते पर्वत शिखरों को देखती तो कभी दूध की धार की तरह झर-झर गिरते जल प्रपातों को, तो कभी नीचे चिकने-चिकने गुलाबी पत्थरों के बीच इठलाकर बहती, चाँदी की तरह कौंध मारती तिस्ता नदी को। ऐसा सौंदर्य देखकर वह रोमांचित हो गई थी।

लेखिका ज्यों-ज्यों ऊँचाई की ओर बढ़ती जा रही थी, त्यों-त्यों- 

• बाज़ार लोग और बस्तियाँ कम होती जा रही थीं। 

• चलते-चलते स्वेटर बुनने वाली नेपाली युवतियाँ और कार्टून ढोने वाले बहादुर नेपाली ओझल हो रहे थे। 

• घाटियों में बने घर ताश के बने घरों की तरह दिख रहे थे। 

• हिमालय अब अपने विराट रूप एवं वैभव के साथ दिखने लगा था। 

• रास्ते सँकरे और जलेबी की तरह घुमावदार होते जा रहे थे। 

• बीच-बीच में रंग-बिरंगे खिले हुए फूल दिख जाते थे।

‘कवी-लोंग-स्टॉक’ के बारे में जितेन नार्गे ने लेखिका को यह बताया कि इसी स्थान पर ‘गाइड’ फ़िल्म की शूटिंग हुई थी। तिब्बत के चीस-खेबम्सन ने लेपचाओं के शोमेन से कुंजतेक के साथ संधि-पत्र पर यहीं हस्ताक्षर किए थे। यहाँ सिक्किम की दोनों स्थानीय जातियों लेपचा और भूटिया के बीच लंबे समय तक चले झगड़े के बाद शांतिवार्ता की शुरूआत संबंधी पत्थर स्मारक के रूप में मौजूद है।