Question 24 from UPSC CSE 2021 - Modern History

Question

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

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

Strategy: - Identify works produced during imprisonment and personalities known for translating Indian religious texts.
- Eliminate candidates like Tilak and Nehru, who are not associated with English translations of religious texts or the specific title 'Songs from Prison'.
- Focus on Gandhi, whose imprisonment, engagement with scriptures, and translation work for Western readers like Mirabehn directly link him to the book.
- Dismiss Sarojini Naidu, as she is known for original poetry, not translations.

Key Info: **About 'Songs from Prison'**
'Songs from Prison' is a collection of translated verses and hymns from ancient Indian religious and philosophical literature rendered into English by Mahatma Gandhi. While imprisoned in Yeravada Central Jail in 1930, he translated selections from:
- The Upanishads
- The Bhagavad Gita
- Works by various saints and poets, including Kabir, Tulsidas, Nanak, Mira Bai, and Tukaram

The compilation aimed to share India's spiritual heritage, specifically intended for Western acquaintances such as Mirabehn (Madeleine Slade), an English disciple of Gandhi.

**Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi**
Besides leading India's freedom movement, Gandhi extensively interpreted Indian scriptures and advocated for interfaith understanding. His periods of incarceration were marked by significant literary output.

**Other Literary Figures of the Era**
- **Bal Gangadhar Tilak:** Primarily known for 'Gita Rahasya,' a Marathi commentary on the Bhagavad Gita written in Mandalay Jail.
- **Jawaharlal Nehru:** Authored 'Letters from a Father to His Daughter' and 'The Discovery of India,' but did not translate religious lyrics.
- **Sarojini Naidu:** Renowned for her original English poetry but not for translations of religious texts.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: Bal Gangadhar Tilak

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: Jawaharlal Nehru

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Sarojini Naidu