Important Questions Chapter 1 English Rainbow Part 2 Class 12 Bihar Board बिहार बोर्ड

Indian Civilization & Culture

Short Questions with Answers

1. Who is the author of “Indian Civilization and Culture”?

Answers : Mahatma Gandhi is the author of “Indian Civilization and Culture.”

2. What was Gandhi’s main weapon against British rule?

Answers : Truth and non-violence were Gandhi’s main weapons.

3. What does Indian civilization emphasize according to Gandhi?

Answers : It emphasizes moral and spiritual values.

4. Why did our ancestors limit indulgences?

Answers : To achieve happiness and self-control.

5. What is Gandhi’s definition of civilization?

Answers : Civilization is the mode of good conduct and duty.

6. What did Gandhi say about wealth and happiness?

Answers : Wealth does not guarantee happiness.

7. Why did our ancestors avoid machinery?

Answers : They believed it would weaken moral values.

8. What is the chief characteristic of Indian civilization?

Answers : Self-restraint and simplicity are its chief characteristics.

9. What does Gandhi think of large cities?

Answers : He believes they lead to crime and inequality.

10.What does Western civilization promote, according to Gandhi?

Answers : It promotes materialism and insatiable desires.

11. Why is India’s foundation sound, according to Gandhi?

Answers : It is rooted in moral and spiritual traditions.

12. What is Gandhi’s view on modern civilization?

Answers : He believes it focuses excessively on material comforts.

13. How did Indian ancestors view kings and swords?

Answers : They considered ethics superior to kings and swords.

14. What has Indian civilization survived?

Answers : The downfall of many ancient civilizations like Roman and Greek.

15. What should India avoid, according to Gandhi?

Answers : India should avoid copying Western materialism.

Medium Questions with Answers

1. How does Gandhi differentiate between Indian and Western civilization?

Answers : Indian civilization focuses on morality and spirituality, while Western civilization emphasizes materialism. Gandhi believes Indian civilization promotes self-restraint and simplicity. In contrast, Western civilization thrives on the multiplication of desires.

2. Why does Gandhi say the mind is a “restless bird”?

Answers : Gandhi describes the mind as a restless bird because the more it gets, the more it wants. This constant craving leads to dissatisfaction. He emphasizes controlling desires to achieve peace.

3. Why did Indian ancestors stick to traditional tools like the plough?

Answers : Indian ancestors believed traditional tools were sufficient for a simple and content life. They avoided machinery to prevent moral decay. This choice reflected their preference for self-reliance and community harmony.

4. What does Gandhi mean by “Home Rule”?

Answers : Gandhi’s “Home Rule” refers to self-sufficiency and independence in personal and community life. Indian villagers managed their affairs without relying on external systems. This approach fostered autonomy and contentment.

5. What were Gandhi’s views on large cities?

Answers : Gandhi considered large cities as traps that foster crime, inequality, and moral decay. He believed that happiness thrives in small, self-sufficient villages. He preferred a simple life over urban complexities.

6. What role did morality play in Indian civilization?

Answers : Morality was central to Indian civilization, guiding people’s conduct and decisions. Ancestors valued ethical living over material progress. This focus helped maintain social harmony and personal fulfillment.

7. Why does Gandhi criticize Western civilization?

Answers : Gandhi criticizes Western civilization for its materialistic focus and insatiable desires. He believes this approach leads to moral decay and dissatisfaction. In contrast, Indian civilization values restraint and inner peace.

8. What did Gandhi think about modern inventions?

Answers : Gandhi acknowledged the brilliance of modern inventions but warned against their misuse. He feared they might lead to moral and spiritual degradation. He valued simplicity over technological advancements.

9. Why does Gandhi emphasize spiritual values over materialism?

Answers : Gandhi believes spiritual values bring lasting happiness and peace. Materialism, on the other hand, creates endless desires and conflicts. He advocates for “plain living and high thinking.”

10. What is the significance of India’s ancient traditions, according to Gandhi?

Answers : India’s ancient traditions emphasize self-restraint, morality, and spiritual growth. These values have sustained the nation through centuries. Gandhi believes they are more enduring than material achievements.

Long Questions with Answers

1. How does Gandhi define true civilization?

Answers : True civilization, according to Gandhi, involves mastering desires and living a moral life. It is about self-discipline and duty, not indulgence in luxuries. Gandhi contrasts this with Western civilization, which he sees as promoting greed. He believes Indian civilization embodies true values for sustainable happiness.

2. What lessons can we learn from Indian ancestors about happiness?

Answers : Indian ancestors taught that happiness lies in contentment and simplicity. They avoided luxuries, knowing they lead to greed and dissatisfaction. Their focus was on moral living and self-reliance. These lessons are relevant even in modern times.

3. How does Gandhi compare Indian and Western civilizations?

Answers : Indian civilization elevates the moral being, while Western civilization prioritizes material progress. Gandhi believes the former brings inner peace, while the latter causes unrest. He emphasizes preserving Indian traditions to resist materialism. Western ideals, he warns, could lead to moral decay.

4. What dangers does Gandhi see in modern civilization?

Answers : Gandhi sees modern civilization as a threat due to its focus on material comforts. He warns that it leads to insatiable desires and moral decline. The pursuit of luxuries often replaces ethical values. He advocates for a return to simplicity and spirituality.

5. Why does Gandhi prefer village life over urban life?

Answers : Gandhi praises village life for its simplicity and self-sufficiency. He believes it fosters community bonding and reduces inequality. Urban life, in contrast, leads to crime, exploitation, and moral decay. For Gandhi, small villages are the backbone of a happy society.

6. What role does faith play in Indian civilization?

Answers : Faith in a higher power and the afterlife shapes Indian civilization. This belief promotes moral conduct and self-restraint. Gandhi contrasts this with Western civilization, which he sees as lacking spiritual depth. Faith, for him, ensures a balanced and content life.

7. How does Gandhi view the future of Indian civilization?

Answers : Gandhi is optimistic about Indian civilization’s resilience. He believes its moral and spiritual foundations make it superior to Western materialism. However, he warns against imitating Western values. For Gandhi, preserving Indian traditions is key to a prosperous future.