UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice — GS 1 : Questions on Gandhi’s notion of courage and preserving local culture (Week 123)

QUESTION 1

Gandhi’s notion of courage often manifested through discipline, self-mastery and personal sacrifice rather than grand gestures. Discuss how these “quiet acts of courage” contribute to moral leadership in a democratic society.

QUESTION 2

Discuss how, in a rapidly urbanising India, the tension between adopting global architectural templates and preserving local cultural identity should be managed.

General points on the structure of the answers for UPSC Mains

Introduction

— The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction.

— It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts.

Body

— It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content.

— The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points.

— Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse.

QUESTION 1: Gandhi’s notion of courage often manifested through discipline, self-mastery and personal sacrifice rather than grand gestures. Discuss how these “quiet acts of courage” contribute to moral leadership in a democratic society.

Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers.

Introduction:

— Courage, in Gandhi’s life, was never about reckless defiance or dramatic gestures. It was about discipline, self-mastery, and the willingness to put his own life, comfort, and family on the line for principles he believed were higher than fear or personal well-being.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer:

— In 1904, Johannesburg was gripped by a bubonic plague outbreak. Large numbers of infected patients had been abandoned by their kith and kin. Gandhi volunteered to care for the abandoned sick, ignoring the highly infectious nature of the deadly disease.

— Gandhi showed deep moral courage by honouring Kasturba’s unwillingness to swallow meat broth despite her life being in danger, instead opting to uphold her views and care for her himself.

— Gandhi established his ashram in Ahmedabad after finally returning to India from South Africa in 1915. The ashram was financially reliant on public support. At the same time, Gandhi was conscious that his opposition to untouchability contradicted societal standards. However, he knowingly accepted a “untouchable” family into his ashram.

— In 1946, communal rioting ravaged Noakhali, Bengal. Villages were devastated, people were slain, and terror persisted. Gandhi decided to take a longer trip to Noakhali. He walked barefoot from one riot-torn community to another, with no police protection. Despite the fact that his life was under risk, he continued his mission of promoting peace and harmony. Gandhi’s daring message of peace and compassion worked like a miracle, and peace won.

— His example demonstrates that courage is not about conquering others, but rather about mastering oneself and sticking to one’s values in the face of temptation, opposition, or fear.

Conclusion:

— These small acts of courage encourage participatory citizenship, in which people feel empowered to preserve truth and justice in everyday situations. They also act as a moral compass for policymakers, reminding them that honesty and empathy are better foundations for power than coercion or populism.

— Gandhi’s daring ideal is timeless, strengthening the moral fabric of democracy by combining personal virtue and civic responsibility.

(Source: Gandhi led by example — his life is full of moments of quiet courage)

Points to Ponder

Read more about Gandhiji

Read more about Indian National Struggle

Related Previous Year Questions

Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement. (2021)

Throw light on the significance of thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times. (2018)

QUESTION 2: Discuss how, in a rapidly urbanising India, the tension between adopting global architectural templates and preserving local cultural identity should be managed.

(File Photo)

Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers.

Introduction:

— Architecture is not simply about erecting structures. It is about giving form to the collective life of society.

— Civilisations across history have been remembered through the spaces they created. The Indus Valley’s grid plans, Jaipur’s astronomical instruments at Jantar Mantar, or the urban design of Shahjahanabad tell us what their societies valued.

— Architecture endures long after dynasties and rulers fade. It is a record of human imagination, but also of human priorities.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer:

— As India approaches its centenary of independence in 2047, architects’ responsibilities become more important than ever. The challenges of urbanisation, climate change, and social inequity necessitate novel ways of thinking.

— The most important role of architecture is social. Today’s Indian towns reveal severe inequalities: gated enclaves coexist with large informal settlements, ivory towers amid villages without drainage or pavements. It is the result of design decisions that favoured a minority while overlooking the majority.

— Housing must offer more than just shelter; it must provide security, comfort, and pride. Public infrastructure should be inclusive, with safe streets, functional schools, and accessible parks. Architects must take the initiative to advocate for equity rather than stand by and watch as others are excluded.

— Himalayan communities have often collapsed as growth has ignored ecological constraints. Architecture cannot prevent climate change, but it may mitigate its effects. Rainwater collecting, passive cooling, renewable energy, and the careful use of local materials are not optional features. They must form the basis of resilience.

— India’s architectural legacy teaches lessons about adaptability and balance. Stepwells held water and cooled the air. Courtyard dwellings provided light and ventilation while fostering community relationships. Temples and mosques served as both places of worship and sites of civic life.

Conclusion:

— Artificial intelligence, digital modelling, and advanced materials now allow us to simulate, visualise and construct with precision unimaginable a decade ago.

— Architecture is not a science experiment. It is a lived reality. Innovation must reduce resource waste, improve housing, and bring efficiency without erasing empathy.

(Source: As India approaches its Independence centenary, its architecture must represent dignity, resilience, community)

Points to Ponder

Read about Indian Architecture

Read about sustainable architecture in Himalayas

Related Previous Year Question

Critically analyse the proposition that there is a high correlation between India’s cultural diversities and socio-economic marginalities. (2024)

Previous Mains Answer Practice

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 122)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 123)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 122)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 123)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 121)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 122)

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