UPSC Prelims 2021 Q44: Modern History – Key Personalities & Ideologies
- (a) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
- (b) Jawaharlal Nehru
- (c) Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
- (d) Sarojini Naidu
Answer: (c) Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Explanation
'Songs from Prison' - Translation of Ancient Indian Religious Lyrics
| Person | Prison Writing | Match? |
|---|---|---|
| Bal Gangadhar Tilak | Gita Rahasya (from Mandalay prison, 1908-14) | NO |
| Jawaharlal Nehru | Discovery of India (Ahmednagar Fort, 1944) | NO |
| Mahatma Gandhi | 'Songs from Prison' - translation of hymns and religious lyrics (Yerwada prison, 1930s) | YES |
| Sarojini Naidu | Poet, jailed but not associated with this work | NO |
'Songs from Prison' (1934) is a translation of hymns from the Ashram Bhajanavali into English by Mahatma Gandhi, done during his imprisonment. It includes translations of Bhajans, Vedic verses and lyrical religious poetry. Compiled by John S. Hoyland. Correct answer: (c).
Answer: (c) Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Tilak wrote 'Gita Rahasya' (Marathi commentary on Bhagavad Gita) in Mandalay prison, not 'Songs from Prison'.
- (b) Incorrect. Nehru wrote 'Discovery of India' (1946), 'Glimpses of World History' and 'Autobiography' in prison.
- (c) CORRECT. 'Songs from Prison' (1934) is Gandhi's English translation of hymns from the Ashram Bhajanavali, done during his imprisonment. Compiled by John S. Hoyland.
- (d) Incorrect. Sarojini Naidu was a poet and jailed, but 'Songs from Prison' is not her work.
Key point
'Songs from Prison' (1934) = Gandhi's translation of Ashram Bhajanavali hymns into English. Done during prison. Compiled by John S. Hoyland. Gandhi's prison writings include this + Yerwada Mandir + parts of Hind Swaraj commentary.
Remember
'Songs from Prison' (1934) is Mahatma Gandhi's translation of ancient Indian religious lyrics and hymns (from the Ashram Bhajanavali) into English, done during his imprisonment. Correct answer: (c) Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Gandhi's prison writings with Nehru's (Discovery of India, Glimpses of World History) or Tilak's (Gita Rahasya).
- Not knowing Gandhi's engagement with music and hymns - he compiled the Ashram Bhajanavali for daily prayer at Sabarmati Ashram.
- Assuming poets like Sarojini Naidu wrote such translations. Gandhi did the translation work himself in prison.
Exam tip
Prison writings pairing: Tilak - Gita Rahasya (Mandalay), Gandhi - Songs from Prison (Yerwada), Nehru - Discovery of India (Ahmednagar), Savarkar - Kamala (Cellular Jail), Aurobindo - Uttarpara Speech (Alipur).
Sources
- Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi - Volume 51 (1932-34)
- John S. Hoyland - Songs from Prison (Compilation)