Hinduism in contemporary society — AS & A Level Hinduism (9487) questions by topic
This page holds 16 questions covering whether social reform concerns contemporary Hinduism, the relationship between varna and jati, secularism as a challenge to Hindu practice, and how ISKCON and Sathya Sai worship compare, worth up to 30 marks each.
Discuss, assess and compare demand a weighed argument rather than parallel description. Drawn from 2023 to 2025 papers, this page's instant marking catches a common shortfall examiners flag: comparisons that cover relevant material without explicitly stating how two concepts relate, or descriptions of ISKCON that never name what makes the group distinctive.
What examiners look for
- A recurring criticism is drawing comparisons that cover relevant material without explicitly addressing how varna and jati are related.
- Examiners note candidates naming reformers and their causes with limited detail on what was actually done, for example 'ended the practice of sati' left unexplained.
- Reports flag describing ISKCON fully without referencing what makes it different, or claiming shared practices like puja are unique to it.
- Strong answers described specific reformers' actions in detail, then analysed how effective or useful those actions were.
May–June 2025, Paper 04
Compare the ways the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and the Sathya Sai International Organisation worship the divine.
Answer this question and get it marked →Explain M K Gandhi's ideal of a secular state.
Answer this question and get it marked →'The poor treatment of dalits is not a result of the varna system.' Discuss.
Answer this question and get it marked →Evaluate the claim that Hindu women should be allowed to choose sati.
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2024, Paper 04
Compare the teachings of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness and the Sathya Sai International Organisation on the equality of women.
Answer this question and get it marked →Explain what religious issues might face Hindus leaving India to live abroad.
Answer this question and get it marked →Assess the claim that the Sathya Sai International Organisation is not Hindu.
Answer this question and get it marked →Evaluate the claim that a secular state is a challenge to traditional Hindu religious practices.
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2024, Paper 04
Compare the work of the Arya Samaj and the Brahmo Samaj on the 'caste' system.
Answer this question and get it marked →Explain what is meant by the 'unity of all religions' in the teachings of Sathya Sai International Organisation.
Answer this question and get it marked →Assess the claim that Hinduism can be practised anywhere.
Answer this question and get it marked →'Social reform is not a concern for contemporary Hinduism.' Discuss.
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 04
Explain the relationship between the concepts of varna and jati.
Answer this question and get it marked →Explain how the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is different to other forms of Hinduism.
Answer this question and get it marked →Evaluate the claim that Sita and Draupadi are feminist role models.
Answer this question and get it marked →'Religious freedom is always part of secularism.' Discuss.
Answer this question and get it marked →