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Q4 (IAS/2021) History & Culture › National Movement (1857–1947) › Nationalist ideology and thought Official Key

Who among the following is associated with 'Songs from Prison', a translation of ancient Indian religious lyrics in English?

Result
Your answer:  ·  Correct: C
Explanation

The correct answer is Option 3: Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.

Songs from Prison is a collection of translations of ancient Indian religious hymns and lyrics, primarily from the Sanskrit tradition (including the Upanishads and Bhakti poets). M.K. Gandhi undertook this literary work during his imprisonment in the Yerwada Jail, Pune, in 1930.

  • Why Option 3 is correct: Gandhi translated these texts into English to share the spiritual heritage of India with the Western world. The work was later edited and published in 1934 by his close associate, John S. Hoyland.
  • Why other options are incorrect: While Tilak wrote Gita Rahasya and Nehru wrote Discovery of India in prison, neither is associated with this specific translation. Sarojini Naidu, though a poet, did not author this compilation.

This work highlights Gandhi’s deep engagement with Indian philosophy and his efforts to bridge cultural gaps through spiritual literature during the Indian National Movement.

How others answered
Each bar shows the % of students who chose that option. Green bar = correct answer, blue outline = your choice.
Community Performance
Out of everyone who attempted this question.
55%
got it right
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
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Don’t just practise – reverse-engineer the question. This panel shows where this PYQ came from (books / web), how the examiner broke it into hidden statements, and which nearby micro-concepts you were supposed to learn from it. Treat it like an autopsy of the question: what might have triggered it, which exact lines in the book matter, and what linked ideas you should carry forward to future questions.
Q. Who among the following is associated with 'Songs from Prison', a translation of ancient Indian religious lyrics in English? [A] Bal Gan…
At a glance
Origin: Mixed / unclear origin Fairness: Low / Borderline fairness Books / CA: 0/10 · 0/10

This is a 'Peripheral Literature' question. It is NOT found in standard sources like Spectrum or NCERT. It tests your knowledge of the 'Prison Literature' genre of freedom fighters, specifically the spiritual/literary output of Gandhi beyond his political treatises.

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
Was Bal Gangadhar Tilak associated with the book "Songs from Prison", a translation into English of ancient Indian religious lyrics?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 29: Development of Indian Press > Development of Indian Press ✫ 561 > p. 561
Strength: 4/5
“Tilak's defence of Shivaji's killing of Afzal Khan was portrayed by the prosecution as an incitement to kill British officials. Tilak was held guilty and awarded rigorous imprisonment of eighteen months. Simultaneously several other editors in Bombay presidency were tried and given similar harsh sentences. There were widespread protests against these measures. Overnight Tilak became a national hero and was given the title of 'Lokmanya' (respected and honoured by the people)—a new leader who preached with his deeds. In 1898, the government amended Section 124A and added another Section 153A which made it a criminal offence for anyone to bring into contempt the Government of India or to create hatred among different classes, that is, vis-avis the English in India.”
Why relevant

States Tilak was tried, convicted and awarded rigorous imprisonment — establishing he spent time in prison (relevant because the book title refers to 'Prison').

How to extend

A student could check lists of writings produced by prominent nationalist leaders during prison terms to see if Tilak authored or translated a prison-linked work.

History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 6: Communalism in Nationalist Politics > g) Weak-kneed Policy of the Congress > p. 75
Strength: 4/5
“Tilak, Aurobindo Gosh and Lala Lajpat Rai aroused anti-colonial consciousness by using religious symbols, festivals and platforms. The most aggravating factor was Tilak's effort to mobilise Hindus through the Ganapati festival.”
Why relevant

Notes Tilak's use of religious symbols and festivals to mobilise Hindus, showing he engaged with religious material and publicised it.

How to extend

One could investigate whether his publications or prison writings included translations or commentary on religious lyrics.

History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 1: Rise of Nationalism in India > d) Contributions of Early Nationalists (1885–1915) > p. 11
Strength: 3/5
“Most stalwarts of the early freedom movement Surendranath Banerjea were involved in journalism. Dadabhai Naoroji founded and edited two journals called Voice of India and RastGoftar. Surendranath Banerjea edited the newspaper called Bengalee. Bal Gangadhar Tilak edited Kesari and Mahratta. This is the means that they used to educate the common people about the colonial oppression and spread nationalist ideas. News regarding the initiatives taken by the INC were taken to the masses through these newspapers. Bal Gangadhar Tilak was a firm believer that the lower middle classes, peasants, artisans and workers could play a very important role in the national movement, He used his newspapers to Bal Gangadhar Tilak articulate the discontent among this section of the people against the oppressive colonial rule.”
Why relevant

Records that Tilak edited newspapers (Kesari and Mahratta), indicating he had publishing experience and means to produce or disseminate translations.

How to extend

A student might search bibliographies of Tilak's published works or the archives of his newspapers for evidence of translations like 'Songs from Prison'.

Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 34: HOW THE CONSTITUTION HAS WORKED > Disrespect for the Motherland . > p. 489
Strength: 4/5
“Chandra's Vande Mataram, which was adopted by the 1896 session of the Indian National Congress, seeks to deify the motherland, while any kind of imputation of personality to God smacks of idolatry, as condemned by Islam. On this point, the reader may at once refer to page 18 of India, 7987, where the translation of the first stanza of this song (by Sri Aurobindo) has been reproduced. To express gratitude to the soil from which you sprang and which sustains you with milk and honey every ·”
Why relevant

Mentions Sri Aurobindo's English translation of a religious song; demonstrates that nationalist/religious leaders translated religious lyrics into English.

How to extend

Use this pattern (leaders translating religious songs) to plausibly include Tilak as a candidate and then check catalogs/author attributions for 'Songs from Prison'.

Statement 2
Was Jawaharlal Nehru associated with the book "Songs from Prison", a translation into English of ancient Indian religious lyrics?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 8: Unity in Diversity, or 'Many in the One' > Questions, activities and projects > p. 136
Strength: 4/5
“Discuss in class the following quotation by India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, when he travelled to many parts of India before Independence: "Everywhere I found a cultural background which had exerted a powerful influence on their lives. … The old epics of India, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata and other books, in popular translations and paraphrases, were widely known among the masses, and every incident and story and moral in them was engraved on the popular mind and gave a richness and content to it. Illiterate villagers would know hundreds of verses by heart and their conversation would be full of references to them or to some story with a moral, enshrined in some old classic."”
Why relevant

Nehru comments on the wide circulation of 'popular translations and paraphrases' of ancient epics among the masses, showing his awareness of and engagement with translated Indian religious literature.

How to extend

A student could use this pattern (Nehru's familiarity with and citation of translations) to check whether Nehru himself produced or was linked to any specific English translations such as 'Songs from Prison'.

Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 34: HOW THE CONSTITUTION HAS WORKED > Disrespect for the Motherland . > p. 489
Strength: 3/5
“Chandra's Vande Mataram, which was adopted by the 1896 session of the Indian National Congress, seeks to deify the motherland, while any kind of imputation of personality to God smacks of idolatry, as condemned by Islam. On this point, the reader may at once refer to page 18 of India, 7987, where the translation of the first stanza of this song (by Sri Aurobindo) has been reproduced. To express gratitude to the soil from which you sprang and which sustains you with milk and honey every ·”
Why relevant

The snippet cites an example of an Indian figure (Sri Aurobindo) translating a stanza ('translation of the first stanza... reproduced'), indicating a precedent of Indian leaders/intellectuals translating religious songs into English.

How to extend

Knowing that prominent Indian leaders did translations, a student could search whether Nehru is among those known to have translated or introduced such works like 'Songs from Prison'.

Modern India ,Bipin Chandra, History class XII (NCERT 1982 ed.)[Old NCERT] > Chapter 15: Struggle for Swaraj > Post-War Struggle > p. 305
Strength: 4/5
“In a memorable address to the Constituent Assembly on the night of 14 August, Jawaharlal Nehru, giving expression to the feelings of the people, said: Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. *Referring to communalism Jawaharlal Nehru had written in 1946 in his The Discovery of India: It is our fault, of course, and we must suffer for our failings. But I cannot excuse or forgive the British authorities for the deliberate part they have played in creating disruption in India.”
Why relevant

This snippet names a work authored by Nehru ('The Discovery of India'), establishing that Nehru wrote and published substantial works about Indian culture and history.

How to extend

From Nehru's authorship pattern, a student could investigate his bibliography for any translation projects or editorial involvement with collections of religious lyrics.

Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: Nationalism > History > p. 101
Strength: 2/5
“Jawaharlal Nehru, for instance, wrote in”
Why relevant

The fragment 'Jawaharlal Nehru, for instance, wrote in' suggests Nehru routinely wrote commentary or prose, reinforcing that he engaged in written discourse.

How to extend

A student could follow this cue to look up Nehru's published writings and correspondence to see if 'Songs from Prison' appears among them or is mentioned.

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 38: Developments under Nehru’s Leadership (1947-64) > Developments under Nehru's Leadership (1947-64) > p. 635
Strength: 2/5
“Jawaharlal Nehru, as the first prime minister of independent India, along with other leaders, laid the foundation of a new India. The period between India's independence and the death of Nehru, in May 1964, has been often termed as 'Nehruvian Era' due to Nehru's influence on almost all aspects of decisions taken in India during that time. Nehru was influenced by many streams of thought, some imported from his association with Europe and some imbibed from his close association with Gandhi, besides what he perceived in the nation on his tours across its regions. As a result, he enunciated a framework of democracy committed to secularism, socialistic approach and social justice, besides the creation of an institutional base for speedy development of the country not only large but marked by huge diversity.”
Why relevant

This snippet describes Nehru's broad intellectual influences (European streams and Indian traditions) and tours across regions, implying he had exposure to diverse cultural texts.

How to extend

Using this pattern, a student might consider whether his intellectual milieu made it likely he would translate or endorse translations of Indian religious lyrics, then verify via bibliographic sources.

Statement 3
Was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi associated with the book "Songs from Prison", a translation into English of ancient Indian religious lyrics?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART III, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 11: MAHATMA GANDHI AND THE NATIONALIST MOVEMENT > The miraculous and the unbelievable > p. 294
Strength: 4/5
“While Mahatma Gandhi's own role was vital, the growth of what we might call "Gandhian nationalism" also depended to a very substantial extent on his followers. Between 1917 and 1922, a group of highly talented Indians attached themselves to Gandhiji. They included Mahadev Desai, Vallabh Bhai Patel, J.B. Kripalani, Subhas Chandra Bose, Abul Kalam Azad, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sarojini Naidu, Govind Ballabh Pant and C. Rajagopalachari. Notably, these close associates of Gandhiji came from different regions as well as different religious traditions. In turn, they inspired countless other Indians to join the Congress and work for it. Mahatma Gandhi was released from prison in February 1924, and now chose to devote his attention to the promotion of home-spun cloth (khadi), and”
Why relevant

Notes Gandhi's imprisonment and release (Feb 1924), which establishes he spent time in prison — a plausible context for works titled 'Songs from Prison'.

How to extend

A student could check if any translations or writings attributed to Gandhi were produced during or about his prison terms to see if he authored or commissioned such a book.

Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 34: HOW THE CONSTITUTION HAS WORKED > Disrespect for the Motherland . > p. 489
Strength: 4/5
“Chandra's Vande Mataram, which was adopted by the 1896 session of the Indian National Congress, seeks to deify the motherland, while any kind of imputation of personality to God smacks of idolatry, as condemned by Islam. On this point, the reader may at once refer to page 18 of India, 7987, where the translation of the first stanza of this song (by Sri Aurobindo) has been reproduced. To express gratitude to the soil from which you sprang and which sustains you with milk and honey every ·”
Why relevant

Gives an example of contemporary translation work (Sri Aurobindo's translation of a stanza), showing that translating religious songs into English was an active practice among Indian intellectuals of the period.

How to extend

Use this pattern to investigate whether Gandhi or his circle produced similar English translations of religious lyrics, such as a work titled 'Songs from Prison'.

THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART III, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 12: FRAMING THE CONSTITUTION > 5. The Language of the Nation > p. 336
Strength: 3/5
“On the other hand, Urdu was being increasingly Persianised. As a consequence, language became associated with the politics of religious identities. Mahatma Gandhi, however, retained his faith in the composite character of Hindustani.”
Why relevant

States Gandhi's interest in language (faith in composite Hindustani), indicating he paid attention to linguistic and cultural matters and could plausibly have been involved in or supported translation projects.

How to extend

Combine this with knowledge of Gandhi's writings to look for any translation activity or endorsements linking him to English renderings of Indian religious texts.

THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART III, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 11: MAHATMA GANDHI AND THE NATIONALIST MOVEMENT > 1. A Leader Announces Himself > p. 287
Strength: 3/5
“In January 1915, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi returned to his homeland after two decades of residence abroad. These years had been spent for the most part in South Africa, where he went as a lawyer, and in time became a leader of the Indian community in that territory. As the historian Chandran Devanesan has remarked, South Africa was "the making of the Mahatma". It was in South Africa that Mahatma Gandhi first forged the distinctive techniques of non-violent protest known as satyagraha, first promoted harmony between religions, and first alerted upper -caste Indians to their discriminatory treatment of low castes and women.”
Why relevant

Describes Gandhi's promotion of harmony between religions and engagement with religious issues, which connects him thematically to works concerning 'ancient Indian religious lyrics'.

How to extend

A student could search Gandhi's published works or the writings of his associates for translations or compilations of religious songs he might have supported or been associated with.

History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 4: Advent of Gandhi and Mass Mobilisation > Introduction > p. 42
Strength: 2/5
“Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born in the coastal town of Porbandar in 1869. When he returned to India in 1915, he had a record of fighting against inequalities imposed by the racist government of South Africa. Gandhi certainly wanted to be of help to forces of nationalism in India. He was in touch with leaders in India as he had come into contact with Congress leaders while mobilizing support for the South African Indian cause earlier. While in South Africa, Gandhi gradually evolved the technique of 'Satyagraha,' based on 'Satya' and 'Ahimsa' i.e, truth and non-violence, to fight the racist South African regime.”
Why relevant

Summarises Gandhi's public life and reformist activities, implying a broad body of writings and public engagements from which a translation project by or linked to him might emerge.

How to extend

Use bibliographies of Gandhi's published works and prison writings (not present here) to check for titles like 'Songs from Prison' or translated lyric collections.

Statement 4
Was Sarojini Naidu associated with the book "Songs from Prison", a translation into English of ancient Indian religious lyrics?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science, Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 4: The Colonial Era in India > LET'S EXPLORE > p. 113
Strength: 4/5
“Fig. 4.21. The title page of the first English translation (in 1785) of a Sanskrit text: 'The Bhagavad Gītā or Dialogues of Kṛiṣhṇa and Arjuna' (using modern spelling). The translator was Charles Wilkins. first translations of Sanskrit texts into a European language; the French, the Germans and others soon followed. The motivations were mixed: some scholars were genuine students or admirers of India's ancient culture, while others were convinced that by studying Indian languages and texts, it would be easier to demonstrate the superiority of Christianity. The spread of Sanskrit studies and texts in Europe (followed later by other Indian languages) was like the 'discovery of a new continent', in the words of the German philosopher Georg Hegel.”
Why relevant

Shows that translating Sanskrit/Indian religious texts into English was an established practice (example: first English translation of the Bhagavad Gita in 1785).

How to extend

A student could use this pattern to check bibliographies/catalogues for English translations titled "Songs from Prison" or comparable Victorian/colonial-era translations.

THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART II, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 8: Peasants, Zamindars and the State > Translating the Ain > p. 220
Strength: 4/5
“Given the importance of the Ain, it has been translated for use by a number of scholars. Henry Blochmann edited it and the Asiatic Society of Bengal, Calcutta (present-day Kolkata), published it in its Bibliotheca Indica series. The book has also been translated into English in three volumes. The standard translation of Volume 1 is that of Henry Blochmann (Calcutta 1873). The other two volumes were translated by H.S. Jarrett (Calcutta 1891 and 1894). Although the Ain was officially sponsored to record detailed information to facilitate Emperor Akbar govern his empire, it was much more than a reproduction of official papers.”
Why relevant

Gives a concrete example (the Ain) of important Indian works being translated into English and published in series — demonstrating institutional precedents for English translations of Indian texts.

How to extend

One could search library series (e.g., Bibliotheca Indica) or publisher records to see if "Songs from Prison" appears among English translations.

THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART II, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions > 8.1 Weaving a divine fabric: Kabir > p. 161
Strength: 3/5
“All these manuscript compilations were made long after the death of Kabir. By the nineteenth century, anthologies of verses attributed to him circulated in print in regions as far apart as Bengal, Gujarat and Maharashtra. Kabir's poems have survived in several languages and dialects; and some are composed in the special language of nirguna poets, the sant bhasha. Others, known as ulatbansi (upside-down sayings), are written in a form in which everyday meanings are inverted. These hint at the difficulties of capturing the nature of the Ultimate Reality in words: expressions such as "the lotus which blooms without flower" or the "fire raging in the ocean" convey a sense of Kabir's mystical experiences.”
Why relevant

Describes compilation and circulation of religious/poetic anthologies (e.g., Nalayira Divya Prabhandam, Panniru Tirumurai) and later printed anthologies of mystic poets, indicating source-materials that translators might render into English.

How to extend

Use knowledge of which Indian religious poetic corpora were translated to see whether "Songs from Prison" corresponds to any known anthology.

THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART III, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 11: MAHATMA GANDHI AND THE NATIONALIST MOVEMENT > The miraculous and the unbelievable > p. 294
Strength: 3/5
“While Mahatma Gandhi's own role was vital, the growth of what we might call "Gandhian nationalism" also depended to a very substantial extent on his followers. Between 1917 and 1922, a group of highly talented Indians attached themselves to Gandhiji. They included Mahadev Desai, Vallabh Bhai Patel, J.B. Kripalani, Subhas Chandra Bose, Abul Kalam Azad, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sarojini Naidu, Govind Ballabh Pant and C. Rajagopalachari. Notably, these close associates of Gandhiji came from different regions as well as different religious traditions. In turn, they inspired countless other Indians to join the Congress and work for it. Mahatma Gandhi was released from prison in February 1924, and now chose to devote his attention to the promotion of home-spun cloth (khadi), and”
Why relevant

Lists Sarojini Naidu among prominent intellectual-political figures associated with Gandhi (establishing her public prominence in early 20th-century India).

How to extend

Given her prominence, a student could check her known bibliography or contemporary press/biographies to see if she authored or translated literary works such as "Songs from Prison."

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 8: Socio-Religious Reform Movements: General Features > Direction of Social Reform > p. 198
Strength: 3/5
“Health facilities began to be provided to women with the opening of Dufferin Hospitals in the 1880s. Participation in the swadeshi and anti-partition and the Home Rule movements during the opening decades of the twentieth century was a major liberating experience for the otherwise home-centred Indian women. After 1918, they faced lathis and bullets and were jailed during political processions, picketing, etc. They actively participated in trade union and kisan movements, or revolutionary movements. They voted in, stood for and got elected to various legislatures and local bodies. Sarojini Naidu went on to become the president of the Indian National Congress (1925) and later the governor of the United Provinces (1947-49).”
Why relevant

Notes Sarojini Naidu's leadership roles and public activity (e.g., Congress president), suggesting she was a well-documented public figure whose literary activities would likely be recorded.

How to extend

Search authoritative biographical sources, library catalogues, or published collections of her works to confirm or refute an association with a translation titled "Songs from Prison."

Pattern takeaway: UPSC assumes that for giants like Gandhi, Nehru, and Tagore, you know their *entire* intellectual profile, not just their political timeline. If a leader spent time in jail, check what they wrote there.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Bouncer. This specific title is rarely mentioned in standard modern history textbooks. It usually appears in culture modules or specific biographies of Gandhi.
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Literary Works of National Leaders (Theme: Intellectual Resistance in Prison).
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize these Prison Works: 1) Tilak: 'Gita Rahasya' (Mandalay), 'Arctic Home in the Vedas'. 2) Nehru: 'Discovery of India' (Ahmednagar), 'Glimpses of World History'. 3) Maulana Azad: 'Ghubar-e-Khatir' (Ahmednagar). 4) Gandhi: 'My Experiments with Truth' (Yeravada), 'Songs from Prison' (Yeravada - for Mirabehn). 5) Savarkar: 'Hindutva' (Ratnagiri).
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Do not just memorize journals (Young India, Kesari). Create a dedicated table for 'Books Authored' vs 'Books Translated'. UPSC loves asking about the lesser-known cultural/spiritual writings of political giants.
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Tilak as journalist and editor
💡 The insight

Tilak edited Kesari and Mahratta and used newspapers to spread nationalist ideas.

High-yield for questions on the role of the vernacular press in the nationalist movement; links to broader topics of public opinion, political mobilisation and communication strategies of early nationalists. Enables answers about methods leaders used to reach mass audiences and the importance of print culture in anti-colonial politics.

📚 Reading List :
  • History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 1: Rise of Nationalism in India > d) Contributions of Early Nationalists (1885–1915) > p. 11
🔗 Anchor: "Was Bal Gangadhar Tilak associated with the book "Songs from Prison", a translat..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Use of religion and festivals for political mobilisation
💡 The insight

Tilak mobilised Hindus through religious symbols and the Ganapati festival to build anti-colonial consciousness.

Important for questions on the social basis of nationalism and communal mobilisation; connects to studies of religious symbolism in politics, cultural mobilisation, and communalism. Helps in analysing strategies of mass mobilisation and subsequent communal tensions.

📚 Reading List :
  • History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 6: Communalism in Nationalist Politics > g) Weak-kneed Policy of the Congress > p. 75
🔗 Anchor: "Was Bal Gangadhar Tilak associated with the book "Songs from Prison", a translat..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Colonial prosecutions and Tilak's imprisonment
💡 The insight

Tilak was prosecuted, convicted and given rigorous imprisonment (e.g., 18 months), which made him a national figure.

Useful for questions on repressive colonial legislation, sedition trials and their political consequences; links to legal tools used against the press and leaders, and the making of political martyrs. Enables framing of cause-effect questions about British repression and nationalist radicalisation.

📚 Reading List :
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 29: Development of Indian Press > Development of Indian Press ✫ 561 > p. 561
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 29: Development of Indian Press > 560 ✫ A Brief History of Modern India > p. 560
🔗 Anchor: "Was Bal Gangadhar Tilak associated with the book "Songs from Prison", a translat..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Nehru as an author — The Discovery of India
💡 The insight

Nehru wrote major works such as The Discovery of India, demonstrating his authorship and engagement with Indian history and thought.

High-yield for UPSC because questions probe leaders' intellectual contributions and primary writings; connects to modern Indian history, polity and cultural understanding. Knowing leaders' publications helps answer questions about their ideas, ideology and influence.

📚 Reading List :
  • Modern India ,Bipin Chandra, History class XII (NCERT 1982 ed.)[Old NCERT] > Chapter 15: Struggle for Swaraj > Post-War Struggle > p. 305
🔗 Anchor: "Was Jawaharlal Nehru associated with the book "Songs from Prison", a translation..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Role of translations in popular cultural knowledge
💡 The insight

Popular translations and paraphrases of epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata provided mass access to religious and moral literature.

Important for culture and society topics: explains how translations shape mass literacy and cultural transmission, links to questions on social cohesion, vernacularisation and the spread of religious-cultural texts.

📚 Reading List :
  • Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 8: Unity in Diversity, or 'Many in the One' > Questions, activities and projects > p. 136
🔗 Anchor: "Was Jawaharlal Nehru associated with the book "Songs from Prison", a translation..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Nehruvian intellectual influence on post-independence India
💡 The insight

Nehru's intellectual framework influenced the new nation's commitment to democracy, secularism and development, reflecting his engagement with diverse traditions.

Crucial for modern Indian history and polity: helps answer questions on policymaking, ideological foundations of the Indian state, and leaders' role in nation-building; links to constitutional debates and post-1947 governance.

📚 Reading List :
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 38: Developments under Nehru’s Leadership (1947-64) > Developments under Nehru's Leadership (1947-64) > p. 635
🔗 Anchor: "Was Jawaharlal Nehru associated with the book "Songs from Prison", a translation..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Gandhi's South Africa phase and formative activism
💡 The insight

Gandhi developed his leadership and methods while living and organising in South Africa before returning to India.

High-yield: explains the origins and chronology of Gandhian methods and leadership; connects to questions on formative influences on Indian nationalist leaders and comparative leadership trajectories. Mastering this helps answer biographical chronology and cause–effect questions about why Gandhi adopted particular tactics.

📚 Reading List :
  • History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 4: Advent of Gandhi and Mass Mobilisation > Introduction > p. 42
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 15: Emergence of Gandhi > Early Career and Experiments with Truth in South Africa > p. 312
  • THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART III, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 11: MAHATMA GANDHI AND THE NATIONALIST MOVEMENT > 1. A Leader Announces Himself > p. 287
🔗 Anchor: "Was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi associated with the book "Songs from Prison", a t..."
🌑 The Hidden Trap

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad's 'Ghubar-e-Khatir'. It is a collection of letters written in Urdu during his imprisonment in Ahmednagar Fort (1942–45), similar to how Nehru wrote 'Discovery of India' in the same jail.

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

Use 'Persona Profiling'. Tilak was a scholar-academic (Commentaries/History). Nehru was a historian/rationalist (Prose/History). Naidu was an *original* poet in English (not a translator of ancient texts). Gandhi was a practicing devotee who sang bhajans daily and had English disciples (Mirabehn). Translating 'religious lyrics' into English fits Gandhi's need to communicate Indian spirituality to his Western followers.

🔗 Mains Connection

Ethics (GS-4): This book highlights the role of 'Spiritual Sustenance' in leadership. Gandhi used religious lyrics to maintain morale and ethical clarity during incarceration, a case study in emotional intelligence.

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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

NDA-I · 2009 · Q9 Relevance score: -0.41

Who among the following has authored the book Hind Swaraj?

NDA-II · 2008 · Q96 Relevance score: -0.83

Who among the following first used the word ‘Swarajya’?

IAS · 2008 · Q107 Relevance score: -1.16

Who among the following translated the Autobiography of Madam Curie in Hindi?

CAPF · 2013 · Q59 Relevance score: -1.56

Who among the following is the author of ‘Ashtadhyayi’, the Sanskrit grammar?

CAPF · 2008 · Q50 Relevance score: -1.68

Who of the following is associated with Tashkent agreement ?