49

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- UNIT 2 -
Modern Indian Political Thought
K A U T I LY A
✓FACTS FOR EXAM –
What was the time period of Kautilya? 350 BC
Which place did Kautilya belong from ? Although it is a disputed question;
but Kautilya was born in
Takshashila.
What was the other names of Kautilya? • Chanakya; based on his
father’s name Chanak who
was a Brahmin.
• Vishnugupta; because he
is believed to be a follower
of Lord Vishnu.
At which university Kautilya used to taught? Kautilya used to taught at
Takshashila University.
Who was the famous student of Kautilya? Chandra Gupta was the famous
student of Kautilya.
Which dynasty Chandra Gupta overthrew on the advice of Chandra Gupta overthrew the
Kautilya? Nanda Dynasty on the wise advice
of his guru (Kautilya).
Kautilya played an important role in the establishment of Kautilya played an important role
which Empire? in the establishment of Mauryan
Empire.
Name the famous work of Kautilya? Kautilya famous work is
Arthashastra; which has 15 parts
or books, 150 chapters, 180
divisions and approximately 6,000
verses or shlokas.
How Kautilya’s Arthashastra discovered? It was first discovered by Dr.
Shamasastry through a pandit on a
bundle of palm leaves in Tanjore
in 1904.
When did Dr. Shamasastry published the Arthashastra? Dr. Shamasatry published the text
in 1909 and its translation in 1915.
Arthashastra could be used as manual for? Arthashastra could be used as a
manual for statecraft by any king.
Kautilya described structure of the state in which theory? Kautilya described structure of the
state in his Saptanga Theory.
What is Saptanga Theory? Saptanga Theory is a theory which
explains seven organs or elements
50
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of state. These seven elements

combine to form a state.
✓CONCEPTS SIMPLY EXPLAINED –
Describe seven elements of Saptang Theory. The seven elements of Saptang
Theory are as follows :
• Swami (King) : The king
is equal to the head in a
human body and that is
why he plays the central
role in the state.
• Amatya (Minister) : It
represent eyes of the state
and is the highest rank
minister.
• Janpada (People) : It
represents the legs of the
state and includes both
population and territory of
the state.
• Durga (Fort) : It
represents the arms of a
state and fortification of
the state is crucial for
security of treasury and
army.
• Kosha (Treasury) : It is
considered as the mouth of
the state and is located in
the fortified capital which
is used to finance the army.
• Danda (Army) : It is equal
to brain in a human body
and army should be strong,
obedient and skilled in
handling all weapons.
• Mitra (Ally) : It represents
ears of a state and an ideal
ally is one who is a friend
of the family, shares a
common interest.
Kautilya through which theory tried to explain the Kautilya tried to explain the
dynamics of interstate relations? dynamics of interstate relations
through his Mandala Theory.
51
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What is Mandala Theory of Kautilya? In the 7th book of Arthashastra,

Kautilya described international
relations as a Mandala System.
Mandala is a Sanskrit word which
means circle. It project the world in
terms of geometry. Kautilya used
the shape of mandala to develop a
political geometry that accounts for
different political realities.
The central principle of Mandala
Theory is locating the position of a
kingdom as an enemy or ally with
respect to the intending winner and
the kingdom’s spatial placement in
the mandala.
What does Mandala Theory consist of? Mandala Theory consists four
primary circle of states, 12 kings,
60 elements of sovereignty and 72
elements of states.
The 12 kingdoms are as follows:
● Vijigishu: The king who aspires
to be the conqueror
● Ari: Shares border with
Vijigishu, an enemy
● Mitra: Friend or an ally of
Vijigishu, shares border with ari
● Ari-Mitra: Friend of ari, shares
border with mitra
● Mitra-Mitra: Friend or an ally
of friend
● Ari Mitra-Mitra: Friend of
enemy’s friend
● Parshnigraha: Enemy in the
rear of the Vijigishu
● Aakranda: Friend in the rear
behind Parshnigraha
● Parshnigraha-asara: Friend of
Parshnigraha behind Aakranda
● Aakranda-asara: Friend of
Aakranda behind Parshnigrahasara
● Madhyama: Indifferent
kingdom
● Udasina: Neutral Kingdom
✓LET’S REVISE –
Major Books written by Kautilya: • Arthashastra
52
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Major Concepts given by Kautilya: • Saptanga Theory

• Mandala Theory
✓BONUS PYQs on Kautilya –
Kautilya wrote a treatise called? (HCU 2012) Arthashastra
The author of Arthashastra is? (HCU 2015) Chanakya
According to Kautilya’s Arthashastra, “Gopa” is? (HCU Revenue Collector
2018)
Who of the following thinkers presented the concept of Kautilya
‘VIJIGISHU’? (BHU 2018)
Who among the following is credited for having R. Samasastry
discovered the ancient text Arthashastra? (DUET 2018)
(DUET 2020)
According to Kautilya “Danda” is the symbol of? (DUET Discipline
2019)
The Saptanga theory of state is described in which of the The Arthashastra
following texts? (DUET 2019)
MANDAL theory is connected to? (BHU 2019) External policies and
security of state
The theory of rajamandala or circle of kings is associated Kautilya
with? (HCU 2019)
‘The Saptanga Theory of State’ is associated with? (DUET Kautilya
2018) (CUET 2022)
RAJA RAM MOHAN ROY
✓FACTS FOR EXAM –
What was the time period of Raja Ram Mohan Roy? 19th century
Raja Ram Mohan Roy popularly hailed as? He is popularly hailed as “the
Father of Modern India”
With which institution Roy started his social life? With the establishment of Atmiya-
Sabha he started his social life in
1815.
Atmiya Sabha actively protested against which practices? Atmiya Sabha actively protested
against:
• Kuleen Tradition; which
was practice of selling
young girls to prospective
husbands for some financial
interests.
• Polygamy; which was
practice of marrying
multiple spouses.
• Injustice on the basis of
caste system.
53
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Roy was prominently associated with abolition of which Roy was prominently associated
practice? with the abolition of practice of
Sati Pratha.
When the first essay of Roy came on Sati and what he His first essay on Sati came in 1818
argued in that essay? in which he argued that woman had
an existence beyond her husband;
and that is why she had no reason
to end her life on the death of her
husband.
Roy was proponent of which kind of rights in India? Roy was a proponent of women’s
rights in India.
Which kind of rights he talked about for the first time He was the first social reformer to
among many social reformers? point out the property rights of
women in her family.
In which book he highlighted the property rights of women In “Brief Remarks Regarding
in her family? Modern Encroachments on the
Ancient Right of Females” (1822);
he highlighted the property rights
of women in her family by saying
that Ancient Hindu Lawgivers gave
the mothers and daughters property
rights accordingly but modern
lawgivers have taken away these
rights from women.
Roy was renowned advocate of education; especially for? Roy was renowned advocate of
education; especially for women
which can enable them to fight for
their rights.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy major contribution towards Roy major contribution towards
religious reform started with the establishment of which religious reform started with the
institution? establishment of Brahmo Samaj in
1828.
Was Roy an atheist? No, Roy was a monotheist who
believes that there is only one
God.
What according to Roy was One God or One Religion? According to Roy; One Religion
(also known as Universal
Religion) in which there is good
aspects from all religions and
hence there is One God only.
What is modernist approach of Roy? Roy’s modernist approach tried to
link modernity with tradition as he
was influenced by Upanishads and
also some features of Christianity.
54
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In which year Roy founded Mahapathshala (Hindu In 1817, he founded

College)? Mahapathshala (Hindu College) at
Kolkata with Radhakanta Deb and
others.
✓LET’S REVISE –
Major Books written by Raja Ram Mohan Roy: • The Precepts of Jesus- The
Guide to Peace and
Happiness (1820)
• Brief Remarks Regarding
Modern Encroachments on
the Ancient Rights of
Females (1822)
• The Universal Religion
(1829)
• An Exposition of Revenue
and Judicial System in
India (1832)
Major Newspapers and Magazines written by Raja Ram • Sambad Kaumudi (1821);
Mohan Roy: Bengali weekly newspaper
• Mirat-ul-Akbar (1822);
Persian news magazine
Major Institutions established by Raja Ram Mohan Roy: • Atmiya Sabha (1815)
• Mahapathshala (Hindu
College) (1817)
• Brahmo Sabha (1828)

Major Concepts given by Raja Ram Mohan Roy: • Monotheism

• Universal Religion
• Modernist Approach
✓BONUS PYQs on Raja Ram Mohan Roy –
Which of the following statement is correct with regard to Belief in one Universal Supreme
Raja Ram Mohan Roy? (DUET 2019) Being
Brahmo Samaj was founded by? (PU 2020) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
Raja Ram Mohan Roy was born in? (PU 2020) 1772
Who is regarded as father of Indian Renaissance? (PU Raja Ram Mohan Roy
2020)
Who is the founder of Atmiya Sabha? (PU 2020) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
55
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M. K. G A N D H I
✓FACTS FOR EXAM –
In which year Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born? 2nd October, 1869
From which name people address him with respect? With respect people address him
as the Mahatma.
In which year he went to London and why? He went to London in 1888 for
studying law.
Why and When Gandhi went to South Africa? Gandhi went to South Africa to
fight the case of a Gujrati
Muslim Merchant in 1893.
How was the experience of Gandhi in South Africa? Gandhi’s experience of South
Africa was not so good; as he
faced discrimination on the racial
basis. During travelling in train, he
sat in first class coach and when
asked to move he did not do so
and hence was thrown out of the
train.
What made Gandhi to stay in South Africa for a long time? After facing discrimination,
himself; he experienced that
Indians face this kind of
discrimination there on the daily
basis because of their skin colour.
And hence he decided to stay there
and fight against these injustices.
What were the major achievements of Gandhi in South Gandhi’s achievements there
Africa? includes:
• Indian Ambulance Corps
effort during the Boer War
(1899-1902)
• Experiments at Phoenix
Settlement (1904) and
Tolstoy Farm (1910)
• Campaign in Transvaal
(1913)
Which book Gandhi wrote on the way to South Africa to Gandhi wrote Hind Swaraj in
London and when? 1909 on board S.S. Kildonan
Castle on the way to South Africa
from London.
In which year Gandhi returned to India? Gandhi returned to India in 1915;
at the request of Gopal Krishna
Gokhale.
Which was the first institution founded by Gandhi in First institution founded by
India? Gandhi in India was Satyagraha
56
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Ashram at Kochrab, Ahmedabad

in 1915 also known as Kochrab
Ashram.
What was first Satyagraha of Gandhi in India? Champaran Satyagraha was first
Satyagraha of Gandhi in India;
which took place in 1917 in Bihar
where peasant started agitation
against their British Landlord
because of Indigo’s crop price.
Which two events took place in the year 1918? Two events that took place in the
year 1918 were:
(i) Ahmedabad Mill
Strike: In February
1918; there was
conflict for wage hike
between workers and
mill owners. Workers
demanded 50% wage
hike but owners was
willing to pay 20% but
because of Gandhi’s
role workers got 35%
wage hike.
(ii) Kheda Satyagraha: In
the same year; Kheda a
city of Gujrat was hit
by floods and famine
and hence peasants
demanded relief from
taxes. With the help of
Gandhi demand of
peasants were heard
after struggling for 5
months.
What was the role of Gandhi in Khilafat Movement? Khilafat Movement started in
1919 was an agitation by Indian
Muslim with support of Indian
nationalists to pressure the British
government to preserve the
authority of the Ottoman Sultan as
Caliph of Islam after World War I.
Gandhi supported the Khilafat
cause, as he saw it as the
opportunity to rally Muslim
support for nationalism.
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Non-Cooperation Movement was started in which year and Non-Cooperation Movement was
why Gandhi withdrew it later? started on 1st August 1920 by
Gandhi with the motive to fight
against British through non-violent
means. But later Gandhi withdrew
this movement after Chauri
Chaura incident took place on 4th
Feb, 1922 when protestors
attacked and set fire to a police
station which led to the deaths of 3
civilians and 22 policemen.
Which was second mass movement of Gandhi after Non- The second mass movement of
Cooperation Movement? Gandhi was the Civil
Disobedience Movement in 1930
started with a salt match from
Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi Coast.
In which Round Table Conference Gandhi and Indian In Second Round Table
National Congress participated? Conference which was held in
London from 7th September – 1st
December 1931.
Which pact was responsible for participation of Gandhi Gandhi-Irwin Pact of March
and Indian National Congress in Second Round Table 1931.
Conference?
When was Poona Pact signed between Gandhi and Poona Pact was signed between
Ambedkar and why? Gandhi and Ambedkar on the issue
of separate electorates for
untouchables in 1932.
In which year Gandhi founded Sevagram Ashram and Gandhi founded Sevagram
where? Ashram in 1936 at Wardha.
Which scheme of Education was given by Gandhi and Gandhi gave Wardha Scheme of
when? Basic Education in 1937.
Which movement demanded an end to British Rule of The Quit India Movement which
India? is also known as The August
Movement; launched at the
Bombay session of the All-India
Congress Committee by Mahatma
Gandhi on 8th August 1942.
✓CONCEPTS SIMPLY EXPLAINED –
What is the view of Gandhi on Human Nature? According to Gandhi; “Man as
animal is violent, but as spirit (he)
is non-violent”.
According to Gandhi what is relationship between According to Gandhi; relationship
Religion and Politics? between religion and politics is an
intimate one. He said; “For me,
58
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there is no politics without

religion-not the religion of the
superstitious and the bind, religion
that hates and fights, but the
universal religion of toleration.”
What is the relationship between Means and Ends for For Gandhi relationship between
Gandhi? means and ends are integral and
fundamental. He said “If one takes
care of the means, the end will
take care of itself”.
What is the Concept of Swaraj of Gandhi? Swaraj for Gandhi is a sacred
word which means self-rule and
self-restraint. Swaraj can obtain by
educating the masses which can
make them capable to regulate and
control authority.
What is the meaning of Satyagraha? Satyagraha is not only insistence
on truth but it also means holding
on to truth through moral and non-
violent ways.
Why Gandhi emphasised upon Gram Swaraj? Because according to him
democracy through people’s
participation could be ensured
only by way of Gram Swaraj. He
said; “every village should be a
democracy in which they will not
depend even on neighbour for
major needs”.
What is the theory of Oceanic Circle explained by Gandhi? Gandhi explained theory of
Oceanic Circle by saying that; in
this circle there will be countless
villages and never ending circles
whose centre will be the individual
always ready to perish for the
village.
What is the concept of Sarvodaya for Gandhi? For Gandhi; Sarvodaya in the
simplest term means “the rise of
all”.
What is the concept of Trusteeship? When an individual has more than
enough then he or she should have
donated that as a trustee of that
portion for God’s people.
Major Influences on Gandhi? • Leo Tolstoy (Gospels in
Brief, What to Do, The
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Kingdom of God is Within

You)
• John Ruskin (Unto This
Last)
• Henry David Thoreau
(Essay on Civil
Disobedience)
Gandhi’s Anasakti and On Civilization

What is concept of Anasakti? Gandhi introduces Gita as

Anasakti Yoga.

Anasakti yoga is a philosophy and

way of life advocated by Mahatma
Gandhi that essentially
encourages non-attachment to
anything in the material world.
From where Gandhi borrowed concept of Anasakti? Gita

What is purpose of Anasakti? Anasakti Yoga as Mahatma

Gandhi liked to call it is a book
that shows a way to attain self-
realization.
What was the Gandhi’s interpretation of Gita? Gandhi has interpreted Gita
logically which to strive for peace
even at the price of sacrificing
one’s life.
Gandhi’s notion of Hinduism is influenced from? Gandhi’s notions of Hinduism are
derived from his study of the Gita,
Ramayana, Mahabharata,
Upanishads etc.

What was Gandhi’s Thought on Civilization? Gandhi believed in a

decentralized, self-sufficient, and
non-violent civilization.

He emphasized simple living,

harmony with nature, and
individual responsibility.
What did Gandhi think about Western Civilization? Gandhi criticized Western
Civilization as being morally and
spiritually bankrupt. Gandhi
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criticised Western civilization for

its materialism, individualism,
and immorality.

He calls Western civilization a

disease and suggests that the cure
is to be found in the traditional
Indian practice of self-mastery.

“(When asked what Gandhi’s

thought of Western civilization): 'I
think it would be a good idea.”
What was Gandhi's view on Industrialization? He was sceptical of excessive
industrialization, believing it led to
environmental degradation and
dehumanization.
How did Gandhi define true civilization? Gandhi believed true civilization is
reflected in simplicity, self-
reliance, and harmony with nature.

“Be the change that you wish to

see in the world.”
What was Gandhi's stance on materialism and He opposed excessive materialism
consumerism? and consumerism, advocating for a
simple and frugal lifestyle.

“The world has enough for

everyone's needs, but not
everyone's greed”

How did Gandhi view the caste system in India? Gandhi criticized the caste system
and untouchability, working
towards their eradication for social
equality.
What was Gandhi's approach to conflict and violence? Gandhi promoted nonviolent
resistance (satyagraha) as a
means to address conflicts and
achieve social and political
change.
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What were Gandhi's thoughts on education? Gandhi emphasized education that

focused on character building,
practical skills, and moral
development.

How did Gandhi envision the relationship between religion Gandhi believed in the
and politics? interconnection of religion and
politics, emphasizing that politics
should be guided by moral and
spiritual values.

“Those who say religion has

nothing to do with politics do not
know what religion is.”
What was Gandhi's concept of 'Sarvodaya'? 'Sarvodaya' means the welfare of
all; Gandhi envisioned a society
where the well-being of every
individual is uplifted.

“The good of the individual is

contained in the welfare of all.”
✓LET’S REVISE –
Major Works written by Gandhi? • Hind Swaraj (1909)
• Young India (1919);
English weekly journal
which he later renamed as
Harijan.
• Satyagraha in South Africa
(1928)
• The Story of My
Experiments With Truth
(1929)
• Key to Health (1948)
• Also translated Plato’s
Apology in Gujrati
Major Ashrams/Settlements/Farms by Gandhi? • Phoenix Settlement (1904)
• Tolstoy Farm (1910)
• Satyagraha or Kochrab
Ashram (1915)
• Sevagram Ashram (1936)
Major Events/Movements in Gandhi’s life? • Champaran Satyagraha
(1917)
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• Ahmedabad Mill Strike

(1918)
• Kheda Satyagraha (1918)
• Khilafat Movement (1919)
• Non-Cooperation
Movement (1920)
• Civil Disobedience
Movement (1930)
• Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931)
• Second Round Table
Conference (1931)
• Poona Pact (1932)
Major Concepts given by Gandhi? • Swaraj
• Satyagraha
• Gram Swaraj
• Panchayat Model
• Oceanic Circle
• Non-Violence (Ahimsa)
• Ends and Means are
integral and connected
• Intimate relationship
between Religion and
Politics
• Sarvodaya
• Trusteeship
• Wardha Scheme of Basic
Education
Who has influenced Gandhi in his writings? Some of the notable influences on
Gandhi include:

• Leo Tolstoy's work, 'The

Kingdom of God is within
you’. (1894)

• John Ruskin's work, 'Unto

this last' (1860)

• Henry Thoreau's work,

'Civil Disobedience'.
(1849)

• Bhagwat Gita

• Gautam Buddha
63
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• Jain doctrine of Non-

violence

• Aristotle and Plato

✓BONUS PYQs on Gandhi –

M.K. Gandhi is considered as? (BHU 2015) (PU 2016) Philosophical Anarchist
(PU 2018) (PU 2019) (BHU 2019) (PU 2020)
M.K. Gandhi supported? (BHU 2015) Varna System
M.K. Gandhi was not associated with? (BHU 2016) Swadeshi Movement
Hind Swaraj was written by? (PU 2017) Mahatma Gandhi
Which among the following was the cause of withdrawal Incident at Chauri-Chaura
of the Non-Cooperation Movement? (BHU 2017)
Who among following treated Non-violence as central Gandhi
point in National Movement? (BHU 2017)
Gandhi’s Dandi March is associated with which among the Civil Disobedience
following movements? (PU 2018) (PU 2019) Movement
Who is the thinker using ‘Ahimsa’ to attain political aims? Mahatma Gandhi
(BHU 2018)
M.K. Gandhi wrote editorials for the first time in which of Indian Opinion
the following journals? (DUET 2019)
Why did Gandhiji go to South Africa? (PU 2020) To fight a case of a Gujrati
Business Man.
In which year Hind Swaraj was written by M.K. Gandhi? 1909
(DUET 2020)
According to the “Hind Swaraj” the major obstacle to Sectarian Nationalism
Indian Self-government is? (DUET 2019)
Who among the following used the concept of ‘Oceanic Mahatma Gandhi
Circle’? (CUET 2022)
For M.K. Gandhi, ‘anasakti’ stands for? (CUET 2021) Non-attachment
In Oceanic circle, “there will be ever-widening, never M.K. Gandhi
ascending circles”. Whose statement is this? (CUET 2021)
Which among the following is influenced by Unto This Sarvodaya
Last? (CUET 2021)
For M.K. Gandhi, ‘anasakti’ stands for [CUET 2021] Non-attachment

V. D. S A V A R K A R
✓FACTS FOR EXAM –
In which year V.D. Savarkar was born? On 28th May 1883, V.D. Savarkar
was born.
From which place Savarkar belongs to? Savarkar belongs from Nashik,
Maharashtra.
64
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In which year Savarkar established Mitra Mela and why? Savarkar established Mitra Mela
in 1899; a youth group which
aimed to inculcate revolutionary
nationalist spirit and
consciousness among them.
Savarkar was deeply influenced by which revolutionary? Savarkar was deeply influenced by
Giuseppe Mazzini, an Italian
revolutionary. He also wrote
Mazzini Charitra (1907) a
translation of Mazzini’s work.
Mitra Mela was later renamed as which society and when? Mitra Mela was later renamed as
Abhinav Bharat Society (Young
India Society) in 1904.
When and where Savarkar went to study law? Savarkar went to England to study
law in Grays Inn, London in 1906.
Which society Savarkar established towards the cause of Savarkar established Free India
India’s liberation outside the country? Society in 1906 which work
towards the cause of India’s
liberation outside the country.
Savarkar staged a play depicting which revolt and when? Savarkar staged a play depicting
the Revolt of 1857 during the
celebration of 50 years in 1907.
When Savarkar wrote book on the Revolt of 1857 with Savarkar wrote for two years on
which name? the Revolt of 1857 from 1907-09
and it got published in 1909
named as; The Indian War of
Independence 1857.
Why Savarkar founded guilty in Nasik Conspiracy? Savarkar founded guilty in Nasik
Conspiracy because district
collector of Nasik AMT Jackson
was killed by Anantrao Laxman
Kanhere on 21st December 1909;
with a pistol sent by Savarkar and
his friends from London.
Savarkar sent to which jail for his punishment? Savarkar was arrested in 1910 and
transported to India to 1911 for 50
years in Cellular Jail. He was sent
to Andamans (Kala Pani) and was
put under isolation many times
which resulted in physical and
mental torture for Savarkar and
gave him suicidal thoughts.
In which year Savarkar was granted conditional release Savarkar was granted conditional
and on which conditions? release on 6th January 1924 after
14 years.
65
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His release was based on two

conditions which are :
• He was not allowed to
leave Ratnagiri.
• He was not supposed to
participate in any
nationalist activities.
Savarkar wrote which book in Ratnagiri Jail? Savarkar wrote Essentials of
Hindutva in Ratnagiri Jail and
sent it out secretly to publish and it
got published in 1923.
During his stay at Ratnagiri Savarkar established which Savarkar established Ratnagiri
organization? Hindu Sabha in January 1924; this
organization has relation with
Hindu Mahasabha.
Savarkar became president of which organisation and Savarkar became president of
when? Hindu Mahasabha from1937 to
1942.
Which slogan Savarkar written in a letter on his 59th Savarkar on his 59th birthday
birthday? written a letter to his supporter on
25th May, 1941 with a slogan;
‘Hinduise All Politics and
Militarise Hindudom’.
In which year Hindu Mahasabha and Muslim League Hindu Mahasabha and Muslim
established coalition government and where? League established a coalition
government in 1942 in Sindh and
Bengal.
Why Savarkar was arrested on 4th February 1948? Savarkar was arrested on 4th
February 1948 because Gandhi
was assassinated by Nathuram
Godse on 30th January 1948;
Godse was inspired by Savarkar
and considered him as a mentor so
assumption was that this whole
conspiracy was done by Savarkar
but due to lack of evidence court
acquitted him.
✓CONCEPTS SIMPLY EXPLAINED –
What is Savarkar’s concept of Hindutva? The concept of Hindutva
according to Savarkar included
common blood, race, language,
culture and common fatherland.
Hindutva constitutes of historical,
geographical and cultural
66
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conceptions of Punayabhu and

Pitrabhu.
What is the concept of Nationalism according to Savarkar? Under Nationalism of Savarkar
there is presence of two elements:
• Swarajya : Self-rule,
freedom or liberation from
colonialism.
• Swadharma : The
ultimate duty to protect
one’s religion.
Explain concept of Normative Imagination of Savarkar? Savarkar concept of Normative
Imagination based on three major
imaginations : Social, cultural and
linguistic. His imagination of
Modern India was an egalitarian,
caste less society with a strong
Hindutva Idiom.
✓LET’S REVISE –
Major Works written by Savarkar? • The Indian War of
Independence : 1857
(1909)
• Essentials of Hindutva
(1923)
• Hindu-pad-Padshahi or A
Review of the Hindu
Empire of Maharashtra
(1925)
• Hindu Rashtra Darshan
(1949)
• Six Glorious Epochs of
Indian History (1963)
Major Concepts given by Savarkar? • Hindutva
• Nationalism (Swarajya and
Swadharma)
• Normative Imagination
✓BONUS PYQs on Savarkar –
Savarkar’s test of nationality includes? (HCU 2018) Pitrabhu, Matribhu, Punyabhu
Who wrote ‘Indian War of Independence, 1857’? (PU V.D. Savarkar
2018) (PU 2019)
“Hindutva : Who is a Hindu” was written by? Savarkar
(CUET 2022)
67
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B. R. AMBEDKAR
✓FACTS FOR EXAM –
In which year B.R. Ambedkar was born? B.R. Ambedkar was born on 14
April, 1891.
What was the original name of Ambedkar? His original name was Bhimrao
Sakpal.
Why caste of Ambedkar was reason for discrimination Ambedkar was born in Mahar
with him? Caste; which was one of the
‘untouchable’ castes and created
many difficulties in education for
him.
How from Bhimrao Sakpal he became Ambedkar? His father registered his name as
‘Ambadawekar’ on his native
village ‘Ambadawe’ but his
Brahmin teacher; Krishna Keshav
Ambedkar changed his surname
from ‘Ambadawekar’ to his own
surname ‘Ambedkar’ in school
records.
In which year he enrolled in college ? He enrolled in Elphinstone
College in 1907 and became the
first person from Mahar caste to
do so.
What is the title of his MA thesis? The title of his MA thesis was
‘Ancient Indian Commerce’;
presented by him in 1915.
In 1916 he wrote another thesis named as? In 1916 he wrote his another thesis
named as; ‘National Dividend of
India- A Historic and Analytical
Study’ for his another MA.
What is the name of his first paper which he presented on His first paper which he presented
9th May, 1916? on 9th May, 1916 name was
‘Castes in India : Their
Mechanism, Genesis and
Development’.
Name of doctoral thesis of Ambedkar? His doctoral thesis’s name was
“The problem of the rupee: its
origin and its solution”.
On which committee Ambedkar has been invited in 1918? Ambedkar has been invited to
testify before the Southborough
Committee in July 1918; which
was preparing the Government of
India Act 1919.
68
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Ambedkar started which Marathi weekly and when? Ambedkar started Marathi weekly
Mooknayak in January 1920.
When Ambedkar started practicing in Bombay High Ambedkar started practicing in
Court? Bombay High Court in June 1924.
In 1924 Ambedkar founded which organization? In 1924 he founded ‘Bahishkrit
Hitkarini Sabha’ for upliftment
of the depressed classes.
What was the purpose of Mahad Satyagraha? The purpose of Mahad Satyagraha
which happened on 20th March
1927; to fight for the right of the
untouchable community to draw
water from the ‘Chowder Tank’ of
the town.
When did Ambedkar burned copies of Manusmriti and Ambedkar with his thousands of
why? followers burned copies of
Manusmriti on 25 December 1927
because the text justified caste
discrimination.
Which movement Ambedkar started in 1930? Ambedkar started Kalaram Temple
Entry Movement in 1930 with
15000 followers.
When and where Ambedkar announced that ‘he would not In 1935 at Nasik Conference, he
die a Hindu’? announced that ‘he would not die a
Hindu’.
Which party Ambedkar founded in 1936? In 1936, he founded first political
party ‘Independent Labour
Party’.
When Ambedkar founded Schedule Caste Federations Ambedkar founded Schedule
Party? Caste Federations in 1942 for
untouchables all around India.
What was the role of Ambedkar in Drafting Committee of Ambedkar was Chairman of the
the Constituent Assembly of India? Drafting Committee of the
Constituent Assembly of India.
Which organisation Ambedkar founded in 1955? He founded the Bharatiya
Bauddha Mahasabha or The
Buddhist Society of India in
1955.
In which year Ambedkar converted into Buddhism and Ambedkar converted into
where? Buddhism on 14th October 1956 at
Deekshabhoomi, Nagpur.
✓CONCEPTS SIMPLY EXPLAINED –
What is the concept of State Socialism given by State socialism means implementation of a
Ambedkar? socialist programme by controlling the
industrial and agricultural sectors.
69
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There are two aspects of Ambedkar’s State

Socialism :
• Major and basic industries will be
owned by the state and there will be
no private ownership of the
industries.
• Agriculture will be treated as a state
industry; state will initiate collective
farming.
✓LET’S REVISE –
Major Works written by Ambedkar? • Castes in India : Their Mechanism,
Genesis and Development (1916)
• Mook Nayak (1920); weekly
• The Problem of the Rupee: Its
Origin and Its Solution (1923)
• Bahishkrit Bharat (1927)
• Janta (1930); weekly
• The Annihilation of Caste (1936)
• Federation Versus Freedom (1939)
• Thoughts on Pakistan- 1940
• Ranade, Gandhi and Jinnah (1943)
• Mr. Gandhi and Emancipation of
Untouchables (1943)
• What Congress and Gandhi have
done to the Untouchables (1945)
• Pakistan Or Partition Of India
(19450
• State and Minorities (1947)
• Who were the Shudras (1948)
• Maharashtra as a Linguistic
Province (1948)
• The Untouchables (1948)
• Buddha Or Karl Marx (1956)
• The Buddha and his Dhamma
(1957)
• Riddles in Hinduism (2008)

Major Influences on Ambedkar? • John Dewey

• Jyotirao Phule
• Buddha
• Kabir
Major Political Parties founded by Ambedkar? • Independent Labour Party (1936)
• Schedule Caste Federations (1942)
70
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• The Republican Party (1956)

Major Organisations established by Ambedkar? • Bahishkrit Hitkarni Sabha (1924)
• Samaj Sainik Dal (1927)
• Samaj Samta Sangh (1927)
• Bhartiya Bauddha Mahasabha or
The Buddhist Society of India
(1955)
Who has influenced Dr. Ambedkar in his Some of the notable influences on Dr.
writings? Ambedkar include:

• John Dewey

• Thomas Jefferson

• Jyotirao Phule

• Buddha and His Dhamma

• Buddhist Texts

• Kabir

• J.S. Mill

• Tukaram

• Ranade

• Harold Laski

✓BONUS PYQs on BR Ambedkar –

Which weekly paper published by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar? Mooknayak
(DUET 2020)
Who among the following are founder of Independent Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and 1936
Labour Party and in which year? (DUET 2020)
Who among the following is founder of Bahishkrit Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Hitkarni Sabha? (DUET 2020)
The work ‘Who were the Shudras’ is associated with? Ambedkar
(CUET 2022)
Graded inequality is theorized by? (CUET 2021) B.R. Ambedkar
John Dewey has influenced? (CUET 2021) B.R. Ambedkar
RABINDRANATH
TAGORE
✓FACTS FOR EXAM –
What was the time period of Rabindranath Tagore? 1861-1941
Which place did Tagore belong from? Calcutta
71
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Rabindranath Tagore also called by people as? People called him as "the Bard of
Bengal," Gurudeb, Kobiguru, and
Biswokobi.

Which experimental school was founded by Tagore? In 1901, Tagore founded an

experimental school in rural West
Bengal at Shantiniketan.
Shantiniketan later became as? Shantiniketan later became as
Visva-Bharati University in 1921.
Which event was highly criticized by Tagore? He highly criticized the Bengal
Partition of 1905.
In which year he received the Nobel Prize? In 1913, he made history by
becoming the first person from
outside Europe to win the Nobel
Prize, thanks to his book
"Gitanjali," which was praised as
"profoundly sensitive, fresh, and
beautiful."

Which award was returned by Tagore and why? • Tagore was awarded a
knighthood by the British
Crown in 1915.
• However, in 1919, he made
the decision to renounce
his knighthood in protest
against the Jallianwala
Bagh massacre that took
place in Amritsar, India.
Which titles were given by Gandhi and Tagore to each • Gandhi called Tagore as
other? 'Gurudev.'
• Tagore named Gandhi as
'Mahatma.'
✓CONCEPTS SIMPLY EXPLAINED –
What is the concept of Nationalism according to • Rabindranath Tagore
Rabindranath Tagore? thought that loving and
serving your own country
(patriotism) is good, but it
should not make you hate
or fight with other nations.
• Tagore believed that
people should unite in a
spirit of togetherness,
appreciate different
72
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cultures, and focus on the

values that all humans
share.
• He did not like extreme
nationalism that separates
people and cultures. In
simple terms, he preferred
a more inclusive and
spiritually-guided type of
nationalism.
What is the concept of Synthetic Universalism in which • Synthetic universalism, a
Tagore believed? phrase made up by
Rabindranath Tagore, is all
about finding a middle
ground between
appreciating diverse
cultures and recognizing
our shared humanity.
• Tagore thought we should
honour and value different
cultures while also
acknowledging the things
we all have in common as
humans.
• It is like bringing together
the good parts of both
worlds – celebrating what
makes us unique and what
we share to encourage
peace and understanding
among everyone.
What is the concept of True Freedom as explained by • True Freedom: there are
Tagore? four stages of true
freedom:
(i) Realization of freedom
at the individual level
(ii) Realization of freedom
at the community level
(iii) From community to
universe
(iv) From universe to
infinity
✓LET’S REVISE –
73
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Major Works written by Tagore? • Chokher Bali, 1903

• Gitanjali (devotion of God),
1910
• Gora (multifarious social
life)1910
• The Post Office (1912)
• Sadhna (realization of life),
1913
• Ghare Baire (deeper meaning
of life),1916
• Stay Birds (1916)
• Nationalism (1917)
Major Events in Tagore’s life? • Established Shantiniketan
(1901)
• Criticized Bengal Partition
(1905)
• Nobel Prize (1913)
• Awarded Knighthood
(1915)
• Returned award of
Knighthood (1919)
• Shantiniketan became
Visva-Bharati University
(1921)
Major Concepts given by Tagore? • Nationalism
• Synthetic Universalism
• True Freedom