Yes, 1A is the premium class on the Indian rail network (I travel frequently to India, most recently in September-October). See this link: https://www.seat61.com/India.htm. In the past I've used 2A for long-distance travel in India. Nowadays, I hire a car and driver to take me around, including this year's 30 days in Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh and Kashmir. This allows travel to destinations that either are not served by rail or have limited service, such as several states in Northeast India. Hiring a car and driver is more reasonable than many would expect. I've done it in other countries, too. But sometimes flying is a must, especially when you need to cover great distances and have limited time. And sometimes the cost of flying is lower than the cost to travel by rail.
I still prefer rail travel to flights. I used trains, as well as buses and ferries, in four weeks of travel this fall in Japan. I generally booked accommodations within easy walking distance from rail and bus stations and near subway stations.