UPSC Mains Special: How and why Gandhi acquires centre stage in UPSC Mains exam

The obvious section: History question of GS-I

If you look at the syllabus GS-I paper, the Freedom Struggle forms an essential part of it. It goes without saying that this segment sees the dominance of themes around Mahatma Gandhi as a leader of the freedom movement and his contributions to India’s Freedom. This is also reflected in many questions asked.

Role, contribution, and comparisons

UPSC has asked several questions directly regarding Mahatma Gandhi’s contribution during different stages of the freedom movement, and comparison with other national leaders in their approaches to the struggle for freedom, education, and nationalism. Thus, it becomes a key area of focus for aspirants, especially in grasping insight into India’s socio-political landscape during the pre-independence period.

When it comes to the role and contribution of Gandhi, the popular movements and episodes from history fall in the easier category of questions. Some examples are the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, early Satyagraha Movements (Champaran, Kheda, and Ahmedabad), Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, Quit India Movement, and Partition of India. These questions are basic textbook kinds of questions that need some elementary preparation. That’s why it is always advised to take your school education seriously.

Comparisons with different personalities are an interesting set of questions that UPSC frequently asks. You often see in public debates that Mahatma Gandhi is compared and contrasted with other contemporary leaders and personalities. Even UPSC asks you to do the same, however in an academic way. The questions revolve around the comparison of the Gandhian approach to the freedom movement, education, and nationalism with those of  B.R. Ambedkar, Subhash Chandra Bose, and Rabindranath Tagore.

Rabindranath Tagore and Gandhi in 1940 (Wikimedia.org)

Here are some questions that will help you know the types and standards of questions that UPSC asks comparing Gandhi with others.

— “Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate.” (UPSC CSE Mains 2015)

— “Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom.” (UPSC CSE Mains 2016)

— “What were the differences between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach towards education and nationalism?” (UPSC CSE Mains 2023)

These comparisons are not just random ones. These are part of the long tradition of historical research and debates which have an important place in the history of our country. Who else can be compared with Mahatma Gandhi? Any guesses?

 

Linking Themes with Gandhian Phase

So important is Gandhi in our History that an entire phase is named after him — The Gandhian phase. One must not be surprised if UPSC asks questions about different sections of society linked to the Gandhian phase. For example here is how UPSC asked questions about women:

Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase. (UPSC Mains 2016)

So, should we also expect questions on the roles of students, farmers, etc in the Gandhian phase? UPSC doesn’t want to suggest that you over-explore the topics but definitely know your history.

 

Questions for mature minds

Gandhi remained relevant even after the years of independence. His ideas of non-violence and satyagraha have been inspirations for several movements all over the world. It is often expected of you to think and connect with the ideals and lives of famous personalities. Isn’t it?

UPSC too doesn’t limit itself to historical boundaries and expects the future bureaucrats to be not just bookworms but wear thinking hats at times. Hence, UPSC keeps throwing interesting surprises like these.

— “Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times.” (UPSC CSE 2018)

— How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2015)

So, next time when you come across such questions, don’t be surprised. UPSC wants to select thinking administrators for this nation.

 

Gandhi beyond History

Gandhi as a theme is not just limited to history. Ask any social sciences student and she or he will tell you that Gandhi is relevant in almost all the sections.

Here are some examples that will help you refer to Gandhi whenever you deal with a topic in non-history sections.

According to Mahatma Gandhi,

“Decentralisation of Political and economic power provides for the working of democracy based upon individual freedom and initiative and for the individual being allowed to participate in the government of the country.”

The Gandhian concept of decentralisation has also been incorporated into our constitution as Directive Principles of State Policy. In turn, becoming essential in the GS- II paper where it constitutes the syllabus in the polity section.

To understand further, take a look at what was asked in GS – II, the one related to Polity, Governance, and Social Justice: “To what extent, in your opinion, has the decentralisation of power in India changed the governance landscape at the grassroots?” (UPSC 2022)

Similarly, questions have been asked on the role of self-help groups and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs). Guess the Gandhi connect here?

Here is another example that can be cited.

Gandhi believed that the state should aim at the welfare of the people at large and particularly should facilitate to eradication of poverty, hunger, and illiteracy and generate employment in the rural areas.

Gandhian economics focusses on self-reliance, employment generation, and the upliftment of the marginalised. If you analyse the GS-III questions, the UPSC regularly asks questions on inclusive growth and reforms for the improvement of the marginalised. In 2021, it set a question on National food security and its role in the elimination of hunger and malnutrition in India.

As an intelligent candidate will you not highlight Gandhi in such questions, whether as a part of the introduction or conclusion?

Gandhi and his quotes: Easy to decode for aspirants, easier to frame a question for UPSC.

Mahatma Gandhi has been a favorite topic in GS -IV, especially due to his quotes. The syllabus mentions the contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers of India and the world. Gandhi catches the maximum limelight here too, it seems. Here are a few quotes that UPSC has asked in the past years which you must take a look at:

“There is enough on this earth for everyone’s need but for no one’s greed.” (2013)

“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” (2015)

“A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes.” (2019)

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others .” (2020)

“The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.” (2023)

By the way, any idea about the seven sins of Gandhi? UPSC asked this too.

The Gandhian philosophy – Nai Talim, Truth, Satyagraha, Non-violence, Sarvodaya, Swadeshi, and Trusteeship are core areas to score well in the Essays as well. The relevance of his philosophy in economy, environment, governance, and foreign policy is paramount. In 2013, his quote, ‘Be the change you want to see in others.’ was an essay topic. Easy, isn’t it? But even if not asked directly, Gandhi can be your go-to personality to fill up your pages of essay sheets with value-enriching content. Ever tried? Ask a veteran.

Evoking Gandhi in contemporary issues

Also when you read the newspaper do not miss how Gandhi becomes relevant in the news around governance, society, economy, environment, international relations, etc. For example: India’s stand in the Russia-Ukraine war reflects Gandhi’s philosophy of peace and non-violence. Hence, Gandhian principles remain eternal and a guiding force for India’s foreign and domestic policies.

So what…

As a UPSC aspirant, keeping Gandhian philosophy and values close to your preparation, both in letter and spirit, can help you to develop a deeper understanding of various themes and topics of the detailed syllabus of UPSC – both static and current. Thus, reading Gandhi is a must to understand contemporary issues, and write better answers. Of course, you can’t miss the Gandhian phase for the History section. Remember, Gandhi may not have been asked directly as a question in some years like in 2024 Mains GS-I. But did you finish writing your Main exams without mentioning him in your answers? That is your point to ponder.

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