Subjective Q & A

Prose-1 Indian Civilization and Culture

by Mahatma Gandhi

1. How is Indian Civilization different from European Civilization?

Ans- In European civilization is guided by the writings of Greece and Rome, which no longer exist in their former glory but Indian Civilization is steady. It follows the path that our forefathers tested on the anvil of experience and found true and durable. Indian civilization needs no external guide.

2. Why does Gandhiji say that "mind is restless bird"? What makes the mind restless?

Ans- Gandhiji says that mind is a restless bird because it can never be satisfied. The more it get the more it wants.

3. Why did our ancestor dissuade us from luxuries and pleasure? Did they do the right thing

Ans- Our ancestor dissuaded us from luxuries and pleasures because they knew that we can be happy and healthy with the uses of our hands and feet. Yes, because if they had not done so, we would have been lost in a different world full form of prostitution.

4. Why according to Gandhiji, have we stuck with the same kind of plough as existed thousands of years ago? Should we do the same thing even today?

Ans- According to Gandhi ji, we have managed with the same kind of plough as existed thousands of years ago because we have had no system of life-corroding competition. Yes, we should use the same things over many centuries.

5. How did our ancestors view large cities? Why were they satisfied with small villages?

Ans- Our ancestors could foresee the vices that are bound to flourish in big cities. They knew that gangs of thieves and robbers, prostitution and other vices flourish in big cities, and the rich rob the poor. They were, therefore, satisfied with small villages.

6. How did our ancestors enjoy true 'Home Rule'?

Ans- Our ancestors followed their simple occupations and lived independently. Thus, they enjoyed true Home Rule.

7. What according to the author, is modern civilization?

Ans- According to Gandhiji, modern civilization is the worship of materialism and violence and brutality.

8. What did the author convey to the countrymen about dealing with modern civilization?

Ans- Gandhiji points out that the tendency of Indian civilization is to elevate the moral being, but that of the western civilization is to propagate immortality. He asked his countrymen to cling to their civilization, but shun the modern civilization at all costs.

9. What is the distinguish characteristic of modern civilization?

Ans- According to Gandhiji, indefinite multiplicity of human wants is the distinguishing characteristic of modern civilization.

10. The author perceived danger from modern inventions. How?

Ans- Gandhiji believed that the inventions of modern civilization were too maddening to resist. They could give if they are not resisted, we would barter our permanent good for momentary leisure.

11. What does author prefer to materialism?

Ans- The author prefers spiritualism to materialism.

12. What does our civilization depend upon?

Ans- Our Civilization depends not on multiplying our demand; but on restricting them.

13. What is civilization in the real sense of the term?

Ans- In the real sense of the term, civilization means deliberate, voluntary restriction of wants.

14. What do you know about Gandhiji?

Ans- Gandhiji was popularly known as "Bapu". He was also known as father of the nation. he was more a spiritual leader than a politician. He used to truth and non-violence as the chief weapons against the British rule in India.

15. What did Gandhiji do for the farmers in Bihar?

Ans- As we know that the farmers of Bihar suffered enough under the Britishers. The Britishers forced the farmers to cultivate indigo. Gandhiji started satyagraha for their cause. Finally, the farmers got relief from Britishers.

16. What do you understand by civilization and culture?

Ans- Civilization is the state of development of a people. Their social, political, legal organization are parts of their civilization. Culture is all the customs, beliefs and ways of living inherited by them. Civilization and Culture, in fact, go hand in hand.

17. What do our holy scriptures tell us about universal human values?

Ans- Our holy scriptures tell us about truth and sacrifice. They tell us that true happiness lies in spiritual pursuits rather than in materialistic ones.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse