Introduction:
The section on "Indian Society: Structure and Change" in Paper II of the UPSC exam provides a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of Indian society, including its structure, dynamics, and challenges. This section is highly relevant when addressing contemporary challenges such as communalism, cultural preservation, and social integration. By analyzing the key themes and concepts in this section, we can gain insights into the ways in which these challenges manifest in Indian society and explore potential solutions.

Key Themes:
1. Social Structure and Hierarchies: The Indian society is characterized by a complex social structure with various hierarchies based on caste, religion, gender, and class. These hierarchies often contribute to communal tensions and hinder social integration.

2. Communalism: Communalism refers to the divisive ideologies and practices that promote the interests of a particular religious or ethnic group over others. This leads to social fragmentation and can result in conflicts and violence.

3. Cultural Preservation: India is a diverse country with multiple languages, religions, and cultural traditions. However, globalization and modernization pose challenges to the preservation of indigenous cultures and traditions. Efforts must be made to safeguard and promote cultural diversity while ensuring social cohesion.

4. Social Integration: Social integration refers to the process of bringing diverse sections of society together and fostering a sense of belonging and unity. It is crucial for maintaining social harmony and addressing communal tensions.

Linking to Contemporary Challenges:
1. Communalism: The understanding of social structure and hierarchies gained from the "Indian Society: Structure and Change" section helps in analyzing the root causes of communalism. By studying the historical context, caste dynamics, and religious tensions, one can devise strategies to counteract communal ideologies and promote interfaith harmony.

2. Cultural Preservation: The section provides insights into the diverse cultural traditions and the challenges they face in the modern world. By understanding the importance of cultural preservation, policymakers can develop strategies to protect and promote indigenous art forms, languages, and practices.

3. Social Integration: The knowledge of social structure and change helps in identifying the barriers to social integration. By addressing issues such as caste discrimination, gender inequality, and economic disparities, efforts can be made to foster a more inclusive society that values diversity and promotes social cohesion.

Conclusion:
The section on "Indian Society: Structure and Change" in Paper II provides a strong foundation for understanding and addressing contemporary challenges related to communalism, cultural preservation, and social integration. By analyzing the key themes and concepts in this section, policymakers can develop effective strategies to tackle these challenges and work towards a more inclusive and cohesive society.