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Q84 (IAS/2020) Polity & Governance › Governance, Policies & Social Justice › Democratic political theory Official Key

One common agreement between Gandhism and Marxism is

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: A
Explanation

The correct answer is Option 1: the final goal of a stateless society.

Both Mahatma Gandhi and Karl Marx envisioned an ultimate social order where the coercive apparatus of the state would no longer be necessary, albeit through different ideological paths:

  • Marxism: Marx viewed the state as an instrument of class exploitation. He predicted that after the proletarian revolution and the transition through socialism, a classless society would emerge, leading to the "withering away of the state."
  • Gandhism: Gandhi was a "philosophical anarchist" who believed in Ramarajya—a self-regulated society of enlightened individuals. He considered the state a "soulless machine" representing concentrated violence, aiming for a society where social life is self-governed without state coercion.

Regarding other options, Gandhi rejected class struggle (Option 2) in favor of Sarvodaya (upliftment of all) and economic determinism (Option 4). He did not advocate for the total abolition of private property (Option 3) but proposed the "Trusteeship" model instead.

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Q. One common agreement between Gandhism and Marxism is [A] a) the final goal of a stateless society [B] class struggle [C] abolition of …
At a glance
Origin: Mostly Current Affairs Fairness: Low / Borderline fairness Books / CA: 0/10 · 7.5/10

This is a classic 'Comparative Ideology' question found in standard Political Science primers and objective question banks (like Laxmikanth's appendix). It tests philosophical end-goals rather than historical events. While Marx and Gandhi diverge on 'means' (violence vs. ahimsa) and 'immediate structures' (trusteeship vs. state ownership), they converge on the ultimate utopian ideal: a society so self-regulated that the State 'withers away' (Marx) or becomes 'enlightened anarchy' (Gandhi).

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Is the final goal of a stateless society common to both Gandhism and Marxism?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
""while the final aim of both them it the establishments of a stateless and classless society, their means for achieving this aim are different.""
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states both Gandhi and Marx share the same final aim.
  • Specifically names the shared goal as the 'establishments of a stateless and classless society'.
  • Contrasts only the means (nonviolence vs. violent struggle), implying agreement on the end.
Web source
Presence: 4/5
""Politically it is a form of stateless society, socially it is a form of classless society where all persons are equally treated irrespective of caste, colour, religion, sex etc.,""
Why this source?
  • Describes Gandhi's ideal (Ramarajya) in political terms as a stateless society.
  • Also frames it socially as a classless society, matching the components of the statement.
Web source
Presence: 5/5
""abolition of private property but also the eradication of state and abolition of classes. It will be a classless and stateless society""
Why this source?
  • Describes Marx's vision as involving 'eradication of state and abolition of classes'.
  • Explicitly labels the outcome 'a classless and stateless society', directly supporting the claim about Marxism's end.

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 22: Nationalist Response in the Wake of World War II > Form of Government > p. 425
Strength: 5/5
“and community building. "At the individual level Swaraj is vitally connected with the capacity for dispassionate selfassessment, ceaseless self-purification and growing selfreliance." Gandhi said: "I look upon an increase in the power of the state with greatest fear, because although while apparently doing good by minimising exploitation, it does the greatest harm to mankind by destroying individuality which is at the root of progress". He was sceptical of the party system and sure that representative democracy could not provide people with justice. He advocated a stateless society in which life becomes perfect. Gandhi was opposed to centralisation. He believed in decentralisation of political as well as economic power, and this could come about only by beginning from the basic unit.”
Why relevant

Explicitly says Gandhi 'advocated a stateless society' and feared increase in state power, highlighting decentralisation as core to his goal.

How to extend

A student can combine this with the basic fact that 'stateless society' means abolition or minimal role of central state to test whether Gandhi's end-goal matches other doctrines.

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 22: Nationalist Response in the Wake of World War II > Form of Government > p. 424
Strength: 5/5
“After the achievement of independence, Bose considered leftism would mean socialism; the reconstruction of national life would have to be on a socialist basis. Indeed, it would appear from many of his writings that, after an initial stage of authoritarian rule, there could be formed "a new India and a happy India on the basis of the eternal principles of liberty, democracy and socialism." Gandhi's ideas on government can be found in the Hind Swaraj (1909); it was "the nearest he came to producing a sustained work of political theory." Gandhi's idealised state, his Ramrajya—a utopia, in fact—did not need a representative government, a constitution, an army or a police force.”
Why relevant

Describes Gandhi's ideal Ramrajya as a utopia needing no representative government, constitution, army or police — a practical example of a stateless ideal.

How to extend

A student can map this concrete description onto the definition of 'stateless society' to evaluate similarity with other ideologies' end-goals.

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 22: Nationalist Response in the Wake of World War II > Ideas on Economy > p. 426
Strength: 4/5
“Gandhi's concept of Swaraj had its own brand of economic vision. He wanted a decentralised economy without state control. Gandhi dismissed both capitalism and Western socialism—the former for its exploitative excesses and the latter for its connection to industrialisation. Both, he believed, led human beings to crave for luxury and self-indulgence. Gandhi wanted people to get rid of greed and make do with just the bare necessities of life. He developed the idea of village Sarvodaya. He advocated a "back to the roots" vision when production was "simultaneous with consumption and distribution and the vicious circle of money economy was absent.”
Why relevant

Gandhi's economic vision emphasized a decentralised economy 'without state control', reinforcing the idea that his aim reduces central state functions.

How to extend

Combine this with the general concept that stateless societies remove centralised political and economic control to judge alignment with Marxist aims.

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 17: Emergence of Swarajists, Socialist Ideas, Revolutionary Activities and Other New Forces > Redefining Revolution > p. 355
Strength: 4/5
“By revolution we mean the present order of things, which is based on manifest injustice, must change." Bhagat fully accepted Marxism and the class approach to society—"Peasants have to free themselves not only from the foreign yoke, but also from the yoke of landlords and capitalists." He also said, "The struggle in India will continue, so long as a handful of exploiters continue to exploit labour of common people to further their own interests. It matters little whether these exploiters are British capitalists, British and Indian capitalists in alliance, or even purely Indians." He defined socialism scientifically as abolition of capitalism and class domination.”
Why relevant

Defines socialism (in the Bhagat/Marx-influenced sense) as abolition of capitalism and class domination, pointing toward a radical social transformation.

How to extend

Using basic knowledge that Marxist theory equates abolition of class with eventual 'classless, stateless' society, a student can test whether Marxism's end-goal is statelessness.

Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 3: THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE CONSTITUTION > REFERENCES > p. 34
Strength: 3/5
“The Supreme Court is also facilitating the advent of socialism by interpreting other provisions W of the Constitution in the light of the word 'socialism' in the Preamble [Excel tar v UOI. AIR 1979 se 25. para 24 : (1978) 4 see 224: (19 78) 2 LLJ 527; Randhir v UOI, AIR 1982 se 879, para 8: (1982) 1 see 618; DS Nakara v UOI, AIR 1983 se 130, paras 33-34: (1983) I see 305; Mintrva Mills , UOI, AIR 1980 se 1789: (1980) 2 see 591]. According to the Supreme Court, the goal of Indian Socialism is "a blend of Marxism and Gandhism, leaning heavily towards Gandhian socialism" (Nakara v.”
Why relevant

Notes the Supreme Court's view that Indian socialism is 'a blend of Marxism and Gandhism', implying perceived commonalities between the two schools.

How to extend

A student can use this institutional assessment as a prompt to compare specific end-goals (e.g., statelessness) claimed by each ideology.

Statement 2
Is class struggle a principle common to both Gandhism and Marxism?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > 760 P Indian Polity > p. 759
Strength: 4/5
“One common agreement between Gandhism and Marxism is • (a) the final goal of a stateless Society • (b) class struggle • (c) abolition of private property • (d) economic determinism • 15. The Preamble to the Constitution of India is • (a) a part of the Constitution but has no legal effect • (b) not a part of the Constitution and has no legal effect either • (c) a part of the Constitution and has the same legal effect as any other part • (d) a part of the Constitution but has no legal effect independently of other parts 16.”
Why relevant

This study-question snippet explicitly lists 'class struggle' as a proposed common agreement between Gandhism and Marxism, indicating that some texts present or test the idea that both relate to class conflict.

How to extend

A student could use this as a cue to compare primary doctrinal sources (Gandhi's writings vs. Marx/Engels) to see whether 'class struggle' is defined and endorsed similarly.

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 17: Emergence of Swarajists, Socialist Ideas, Revolutionary Activities and Other New Forces > Redefining Revolution > p. 355
Strength: 5/5
“By revolution we mean the present order of things, which is based on manifest injustice, must change." Bhagat fully accepted Marxism and the class approach to society—"Peasants have to free themselves not only from the foreign yoke, but also from the yoke of landlords and capitalists." He also said, "The struggle in India will continue, so long as a handful of exploiters continue to exploit labour of common people to further their own interests. It matters little whether these exploiters are British capitalists, British and Indian capitalists in alliance, or even purely Indians." He defined socialism scientifically as abolition of capitalism and class domination.”
Why relevant

Describes Bhagat Singh's full acceptance of Marxism and 'the class approach'—an explicit example of Marxist focus on peasants and struggle against landlords/capitalists.

How to extend

Use this to confirm Marxism's centrality of class conflict and then contrast with Gandhian prescriptions for addressing peasants' grievances.

History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 4: Advent of Gandhi and Mass Mobilisation > Kheda Satyagraha > p. 44
Strength: 4/5
“The three struggles led by Gandhi, demonstrated that he had understood where the Indian nation lay. It was the poor peasants and workers of all classes and castes, who constituted the pith and marrow of India, whose interests Gandhi espoused in these struggles. He had confronted both the colonialist and Indian exploiters and by entering into dialogue with them, he had demonstrated that he was a leader who could mobilize the oppressed and at the same time negotiate with the oppressors Servants of India Society was founded by Gopal Krishna Gokhale in 1905 to unite and train Indians of different castes, regions and religions in welfare work.”
Why relevant

Notes Gandhi mobilized poor peasants and workers and 'confronted both the colonialist and Indian exploiters', showing Gandhi engaged in struggles on behalf of socio-economic groups.

How to extend

A student could infer Gandhi's praxis involved resisting exploitation (a class-related concern) and investigate whether his methods framed this as 'class struggle' or as moral/non-class reconciliation.

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 22: Nationalist Response in the Wake of World War II > Gandhi and Bose: Ideological Differences > p. 421
Strength: 4/5
“Gandhi did not subscribe to the Western form of socialism which he associated with industrialisation, but agreed with the kind of socialism advocated by Jayaprakash Narayan. Both Gandhi and Bose were religious men and disliked communism. Both worked against untouchability and spoke for women's emancipation. But they differed widely in their ways and methods and in their political and economic ideologies.”
Why relevant

States Gandhi 'did not subscribe to the Western form of socialism' and 'disliked communism', indicating an ideological distance from Marxist class-centred communism.

How to extend

This helps a student hypothesize that, despite addressing exploitation, Gandhism may reject Marxist class-struggle theory and then seek doctrinal differences in economic aims and methods.

Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 3: THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE CONSTITUTION > REFERENCES > p. 34
Strength: 3/5
“The Supreme Court is also facilitating the advent of socialism by interpreting other provisions W of the Constitution in the light of the word 'socialism' in the Preamble [Excel tar v UOI. AIR 1979 se 25. para 24 : (1978) 4 see 224: (19 78) 2 LLJ 527; Randhir v UOI, AIR 1982 se 879, para 8: (1982) 1 see 618; DS Nakara v UOI, AIR 1983 se 130, paras 33-34: (1983) I see 305; Mintrva Mills , UOI, AIR 1980 se 1789: (1980) 2 see 591]. According to the Supreme Court, the goal of Indian Socialism is "a blend of Marxism and Gandhism, leaning heavily towards Gandhian socialism" (Nakara v.”
Why relevant

Reports the Supreme Court's view that Indian socialism is 'a blend of Marxism and Gandhism', implying some overlap in goals but also a distinct Gandhian emphasis.

How to extend

A student can use this as a legal/institutional example suggesting overlap; then examine which elements (e.g., abolition of class antagonism vs. nonviolent reconciliation) are shared or diverge.

Statement 3
Do Gandhism and Marxism both advocate the abolition of private property?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"Marx and Gandhi have similar views regarding the institution of private property and they intended to abolish not only private property but also the inheritance of property rights."
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states both Marx and Gandhi intended to abolish private property.
  • Mentions abolition of inheritance of property rights as part of their views, tying Gandhi's and Marx's positions together.
Web source
Presence: 5/5
"Marx explained communism as the positive abolition of private property."
Why this source?
  • Directly attributes to Marx the view that communism is the 'positive abolition of private property.'
  • Supports the claim that Marxism advocates abolishing private property as a core principle.

India and the Contemporary World - I. History-Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution > 1.3 The Coming of Socialism to Europe > p. 28
Strength: 5/5
“Karl Marx (1818-1883) and Friedrich Engels (1820-1895) added other ideas to this body of arguments. Marx argued that industrial society was 'capitalist'. Capitalists owned the capital invested in factories, and the profit of capitalists was produced by workers. The conditions of workers could not improve as long as this profit was accumulated by private capitalists. Workers had to overthrow capitalism and the rule of private property. Marx believed that to free themselves from capitalist exploitation, workers had to construct a radically socialist society where all property was socially controlled. This would be a communist society. He was convinced that workers would triumph in their conflict with capitalists.”
Why relevant

Explicitly describes Marx's position that private property must be overthrown and that a socialist/communist society would have property socially controlled.

How to extend

A student could combine this with basic definitions of 'abolition of private property' to infer Marxism supports ending private ownership of means of production.

Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Equality > Natural and Social Inequalities > p. 43
Strength: 4/5
“Equality Equality Marxism and liberalism are two important political ideologies of our times. Marx was an important nineteenth century thinker who argued that the root cause of entrenched inequality was private ownership of important economic resources such as oil, or land, or forests, as well as other forms of property. He pointed out that such private ownership did not only make the class of owners wealthy, it also gave them political power. Such power enables them to influence state policies and laws and this could prove a threat to democratic government. Marxists and socialists feel that economic inequality provides support to other forms of social inequality such as differences of rank or privilege.”
Why relevant

States Marx saw private ownership of key economic resources as the root cause of inequality and political power of owners, implying the need to remove such private ownership.

How to extend

Use this to support the view that Marxist theory seeks to eliminate private ownership of major productive resources.

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 22: Nationalist Response in the Wake of World War II > Ideas on Economy > p. 426
Strength: 4/5
“Gandhi's concept of Swaraj had its own brand of economic vision. He wanted a decentralised economy without state control. Gandhi dismissed both capitalism and Western socialism—the former for its exploitative excesses and the latter for its connection to industrialisation. Both, he believed, led human beings to crave for luxury and self-indulgence. Gandhi wanted people to get rid of greed and make do with just the bare necessities of life. He developed the idea of village Sarvodaya. He advocated a "back to the roots" vision when production was "simultaneous with consumption and distribution and the vicious circle of money economy was absent.”
Why relevant

Describes Gandhi's economic vision: decentralised economy, rejection of both capitalism and Western socialism, emphasis on small-scale production and minimal wants.

How to extend

A student could infer Gandhi favoured local, small-holding arrangements rather than abolition of all private property, then check whether decentralisation entails preserving household/peasant property.

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 22: Nationalist Response in the Wake of World War II > Gandhi and Bose: Ideological Differences > p. 421
Strength: 4/5
“Gandhi did not subscribe to the Western form of socialism which he associated with industrialisation, but agreed with the kind of socialism advocated by Jayaprakash Narayan. Both Gandhi and Bose were religious men and disliked communism. Both worked against untouchability and spoke for women's emancipation. But they differed widely in their ways and methods and in their political and economic ideologies.”
Why relevant

States Gandhi disliked communism and Western socialism associated with industrialisation, indicating ideological distance from doctrines that typically call for abolition of private property.

How to extend

Combine this with a map of ideological positions (e.g., communism vs. Gandhian sarvodaya) to hypothesize Gandhi did not endorse wholesale abolition of private property.

Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 5: Preamble of the Constitution > fli Socialist > p. 43
Strength: 4/5
“Notably, the Indian brand of socialism is a 'democratic socialism' and not a 'communistic socialism' (also known as 'state socialism') which involves the nationalisation of all means of production and distribution and the abolition of private property. Democratic socialism, on the other hand, holds faith in a 'mixed economy' where both public and private sectors co-exist side-by-side6 The new Economic Policy (1991) of liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation has, however, diluted the socialist credentials of the Indian State.”
Why relevant

Defines 'communistic socialism' as involving nationalisation and abolition of private property, and contrasts it with 'democratic socialism' which preserves a private sector.

How to extend

A student can use this rule to test whether Gandhian or Indian socialism aligns with 'communistic' (abolition) or 'democratic' (retains private property); combined with other snippets suggesting Gandhian leanings, this helps judge the statement.

Statement 4
Is economic determinism a doctrine common to both Gandhism and Marxism?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"The essential feature of so-ciety is economic production."
Why this source?
  • Explicitly identifies economic production as the essential feature of society, which supports Marxist economic determinism.
  • Links economic production to the development of consciousness and social life, indicating primacy of the economic base.
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"The restless never-ending process of profit-making alone is what 11e aims at."
Why this source?
  • Describes capitalist behaviour driven primarily by profit-making and the augmentation of exchange value, reinforcing an economic-centred analysis of social relations.
  • Highlights how economic motives (expansion of value, profit) shape actor behaviour, consistent with economic determinist themes in Marxism.
Web source
Presence: 2/5
"such conceptions, programmes and movements as Bhoodan and Sampattidan, Sarvoday and others have been elaborated on the basis of the Gandhian ideology."
Why this source?
  • Describes Gandhism in terms of programmes and moral/political ideals (Bhoodan, Sampattidan, Sarvoday, peaceful co-existence) rather than an economic-first explanation of society.
  • Shows Gandhism influencing national life through ethical and social movements, suggesting a different emphatic focus than strict economic determinism.

Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Equality > Natural and Social Inequalities > p. 43
Strength: 5/5
“Equality Equality Marxism and liberalism are two important political ideologies of our times. Marx was an important nineteenth century thinker who argued that the root cause of entrenched inequality was private ownership of important economic resources such as oil, or land, or forests, as well as other forms of property. He pointed out that such private ownership did not only make the class of owners wealthy, it also gave them political power. Such power enables them to influence state policies and laws and this could prove a threat to democratic government. Marxists and socialists feel that economic inequality provides support to other forms of social inequality such as differences of rank or privilege.”
Why relevant

Defines Marxism as locating the 'root cause' of inequality in private ownership of economic resources, i.e., an explicit economic basis for social/political outcomes.

How to extend

A student can take this definition of Marxism as economic-centred and compare it with the meaning of 'economic determinism' to judge whether Marxism fits that label.

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 22: Nationalist Response in the Wake of World War II > Ideas on Economy > p. 426
Strength: 4/5
“Gandhi's concept of Swaraj had its own brand of economic vision. He wanted a decentralised economy without state control. Gandhi dismissed both capitalism and Western socialism—the former for its exploitative excesses and the latter for its connection to industrialisation. Both, he believed, led human beings to crave for luxury and self-indulgence. Gandhi wanted people to get rid of greed and make do with just the bare necessities of life. He developed the idea of village Sarvodaya. He advocated a "back to the roots" vision when production was "simultaneous with consumption and distribution and the vicious circle of money economy was absent.”
Why relevant

Describes Gandhi's economic vision as decentralised, anti-industrial, and critical of both capitalism and Western socialism—emphasising moral and local/ethical choices rather than historical-economic laws.

How to extend

A student could contrast Gandhi's emphasis on ethics/villages with the theory of economic determinism to assess whether Gandhism rests on economic causation.

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 19: Civil Disobedience Movement and Round Table Conferences > Ideological Differences and Similarities between Gandhi and Ambedkar > p. 398
Strength: 3/5
“Ambedkar held absolute non-violence as an end and relative violence as a means, whereas Gandhi never made such a distinction and was an avowed opponent of violence of any kind. Ambedkar believed in purity of ends and justified means as just when the ends were just. Whereas in Gandhian perception it was purity of means that determined the end. Gandhi and Ambedkar differed greatly in their views concerning mechanisation of production and utilisation of heavy machinery. Gandhi was apprehensive about the dehumanising impact of mechanisation and held it responsible for the creation as well as sustaining of exploitative socioeconomic orders in the world.”
Why relevant

Records Gandhi's explicit concern that mechanisation creates and sustains exploitative socioeconomic orders, indicating a causal link Gandhi sees between technology/economy and social outcomes but framed as moral critique.

How to extend

Use this example to probe whether Gandhi asserts a general, structural economic determinism or a value-based critique of particular economic processes.

Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 3: THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE CONSTITUTION > REFERENCES > p. 34
Strength: 3/5
“The Supreme Court is also facilitating the advent of socialism by interpreting other provisions W of the Constitution in the light of the word 'socialism' in the Preamble [Excel tar v UOI. AIR 1979 se 25. para 24 : (1978) 4 see 224: (19 78) 2 LLJ 527; Randhir v UOI, AIR 1982 se 879, para 8: (1982) 1 see 618; DS Nakara v UOI, AIR 1983 se 130, paras 33-34: (1983) I see 305; Mintrva Mills , UOI, AIR 1980 se 1789: (1980) 2 see 591]. According to the Supreme Court, the goal of Indian Socialism is "a blend of Marxism and Gandhism, leaning heavily towards Gandhian socialism" (Nakara v.”
Why relevant

Reports a judicial assessment that Indian socialism is 'a blend of Marxism and Gandhism, leaning heavily towards Gandhian socialism', implying some perceived overlap or synthesis between the two.

How to extend

A student can use this reported blend to investigate which elements (economic vs ethical) are being combined and whether 'economic determinism' is one of the shared elements.

Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > 760 P Indian Polity > p. 759
Strength: 2/5
“One common agreement between Gandhism and Marxism is • (a) the final goal of a stateless Society • (b) class struggle • (c) abolition of private property • (d) economic determinism • 15. The Preamble to the Constitution of India is • (a) a part of the Constitution but has no legal effect • (b) not a part of the Constitution and has no legal effect either • (c) a part of the Constitution and has the same legal effect as any other part • (d) a part of the Constitution but has no legal effect independently of other parts 16.”
Why relevant

Presents an exam-style claim listing 'economic determinism' as one possible common agreement between Gandhism and Marxism (indicative of a perceived overlap in some sources/exercises).

How to extend

Treat this as a prompt to check primary texts: compare this asserted commonality with Gandhi's and Marx's own writings to verify if it reflects doctrine or a mistaken/simplified comparison.

Pattern takeaway: UPSC focuses on the 'Philosophy of History'—not just who did what, but *why* they believed it. Questions often target the intersection or divergence of major 'isms' (Gandhism, Marxism, Socialism, Liberalism).
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. This is a foundational concept in Political Theory and Modern History (Ideological trends). Found in Spectrum (Chapter on Ideological Differences) and NCERT Political Theory.
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: The 'Ideological Spectrum' of the Indian National Movement (1920s-1940s) and the rise of the Left.
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize these Gandhian vs. Marxist contrasts: (1) Means: Ahimsa vs. Violent Revolution; (2) Property: Trusteeship vs. Abolition/State Ownership; (3) State: Ramrajya/Enlightened Anarchy vs. Dictatorship of Proletariat leading to Stateless Communism; (4) Economy: Decentralisation vs. Industrialisation; (5) Driver: Moral/Spiritual change vs. Economic Determinism.
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: When studying personalities (Gandhi, Bose, Nehru, Ambedkar), create a mental 'Difference Matrix.' UPSC loves asking where their thoughts overlapped (e.g., Gandhi & Ambedkar on untouchability) and where they clashed (e.g., on caste/mechanisation).
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Gandhian stateless and decentralised polity
💡 The insight

Gandhi advocated a stateless ideal with decentralisation of political and economic power grounded in village self-rule (Swaraj/Ramrajya).

High-yield for questions comparing Indian political thought and models of governance; connects to Swaraj, Panchayati Raj, decentralisation debates and critiques of centralised state power. Mastery helps answer comparative ideology and polity questions on grassroots democracy versus centralised systems.

📚 Reading List :
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 22: Nationalist Response in the Wake of World War II > Form of Government > p. 425
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 22: Nationalist Response in the Wake of World War II > Form of Government > p. 424
🔗 Anchor: "Is the final goal of a stateless society common to both Gandhism and Marxism?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Marxist aim: abolition of capitalism and class domination
💡 The insight

Marxist-inspired thinkers emphasised scientific socialism focused on abolishing capitalism and class domination as a core objective.

Essential for answering questions on socialist ideology, land and labour reforms, and the ideological basis of Indian left movements; links to economic policy debates and the Preamble's reference to socialism. Knowing this clarifies what Marxist goals prioritize versus other reform agendas.

📚 Reading List :
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 17: Emergence of Swarajists, Socialist Ideas, Revolutionary Activities and Other New Forces > Redefining Revolution > p. 355
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 3: THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE CONSTITUTION > REFERENCES > p. 34
🔗 Anchor: "Is the final goal of a stateless society common to both Gandhism and Marxism?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Economic contrast: Gandhian decentralised village economy vs industrial socialism
💡 The insight

Gandhi promoted a village-based, decentralised economy and rejected industrial/Western socialism, while Marxist thought underpins class-based critiques of capitalism and industrial transformation.

Useful for essay and mains answers on development models, planning strategy (employment- vs production-oriented), and debates over industrialisation versus cottage/village industry. Helps frame comparative questions on policy prescriptions and social outcomes.

📚 Reading List :
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 22: Nationalist Response in the Wake of World War II > Ideas on Economy > p. 426
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 17: Emergence of Swarajists, Socialist Ideas, Revolutionary Activities and Other New Forces > Redefining Revolution > p. 355
🔗 Anchor: "Is the final goal of a stateless society common to both Gandhism and Marxism?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Marxism — centrality of class struggle
💡 The insight

Marxist thought adopts a class approach that frames social change as conflict between classes such as bourgeoisie and proletariat.

High-yield for ideology questions: explains Marxist analysis of capitalism, revolution, and social movements; connects to topics on labour movements, socialism, and political economy; enables comparative questions asking how Marxism differs from other ideologies.

📚 Reading List :
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 17: Emergence of Swarajists, Socialist Ideas, Revolutionary Activities and Other New Forces > Redefining Revolution > p. 355
  • History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 13: Imperialism and its Onslaught > Marxism and Its Influence > p. 206
🔗 Anchor: "Is class struggle a principle common to both Gandhism and Marxism?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Gandhian method: mobilising the poor and negotiating with oppressors
💡 The insight

Gandhian practice focused on mobilising peasants and workers and confronting exploiters while preferring non‑violent negotiation rather than class warfare.

Important for distinguishing Gandhism from radical left ideologies: helps answer questions on tactics, social base of movements, and Gandhian socialism; links to national movement studies and policy debates on welfare versus class revolt.

📚 Reading List :
  • History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 4: Advent of Gandhi and Mass Mobilisation > Kheda Satyagraha > p. 44
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 22: Nationalist Response in the Wake of World War II > Gandhi and Bose: Ideological Differences > p. 421
🔗 Anchor: "Is class struggle a principle common to both Gandhism and Marxism?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Indian socialism as a hybrid of Gandhian and Marxist elements
💡 The insight

Indian socialism has been described as combining Gandhian and Marxist strands, producing a distinctive blend in constitutional and political practice.

Useful for questions on post‑independence ideology and constitutional philosophy: clarifies why Indian policy drew on both moral/communitarian and class‑based ideas; aids analysis of policy outcomes and judicial interpretation of 'socialism' in India.

📚 Reading List :
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 3: THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE CONSTITUTION > REFERENCES > p. 34
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 17: Emergence of Swarajists, Socialist Ideas, Revolutionary Activities and Other New Forces > Spread of Marxist and Socialist Ideas > p. 346
🔗 Anchor: "Is class struggle a principle common to both Gandhism and Marxism?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Marxism: abolition of private property and social ownership
💡 The insight

Marxism requires overthrow of capitalist private ownership so that means of production are socially controlled.

High-yield for questions on ideological foundations of socialism/communism, class struggle, and economic causes of inequality; connects to labour-capital relations, revolutionary theory, and policy debates on nationalisation.

📚 Reading List :
  • India and the Contemporary World - I. History-Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution > 1.3 The Coming of Socialism to Europe > p. 28
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 8: Natural Hazards and Disaster Management > Causes of Famines > p. 82
  • Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Equality > Natural and Social Inequalities > p. 43
🔗 Anchor: "Do Gandhism and Marxism both advocate the abolition of private property?"
🌑 The Hidden Trap

Gandhi's concept of 'Trusteeship'. A future question might ask: 'Which concept was Gandhi's alternative to the Marxist class struggle?' Answer: Trusteeship (class cooperation where the wealthy hold property for the welfare of all).

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

Use the 'Spiritual vs. Material' filter. Option (b) 'Class struggle' implies conflict (Gandhi rejects). Option (d) 'Economic determinism' implies materialism (Gandhi emphasizes soul force). Option (c) 'Abolition of private property' implies state force (Gandhi preferred voluntary Trusteeship). Option (a) 'Stateless society' is the only abstract, utopian goal that fits both a spiritual anarchist (Gandhi) and a utopian communist (Marx).

🔗 Mains Connection

GS IV (Ethics): The debate of Means vs. Ends. Marx argues ends (classless society) justify the means (violence). Gandhi argues means (non-violence) are the ends in the making. This is the core ethical divergence.

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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

CDS-I · 2011 · Q48 Relevance score: -2.75

Which one among the following was part of Gandhi-Irwin Agreement of 1931?

CDS-II · 2006 · Q120 Relevance score: -4.45

Which one of the following political theories advocates the withering away of the state and ushering in a new society in which there will be no state and no classes ?

NDA-II · 2010 · Q16 Relevance score: -4.91

Consider the following statements relating to Gandhian strategy of Satyagraha I. Under the Gandhian strategy, which may be described as Struggle-Truce-Struggle (S-T-S), phase of a vigorous extra-legal mass movement and confrontation with colonial authority alternate with phases, during which direct confrontation is withdrawn II. The entire political process of S-T-S was an upward spiraling one, which also assumed that the freedom struggle would pass through several stages, ending with the transfer of power by the colonial regime itself Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

CDS-I · 2004 · Q113 Relevance score: -4.92

Which of the following correctly describes the aim of the Servants of India Society?

NDA-I · 2013 · Q34 Relevance score: -5.01

Which one among the following statements about Civil Disobedience Movement is correct?