Question

Given below are the silhouettes of two iconic figures in Indian history. Which of the following statements is / are TRUE?

• A. Both had degrees in law
• B. Both spent time in South Africa
• C. The birthdays of both are in the same month
• D. Both dressed in a manner that expressed their ideology

Hint:

When analyzing historical figures, consider not just their actions but also their symbolism. Choices like clothing are often deeply connected to their political and social ideologies.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A, D

Step 1: Identifying the Figures:
The silhouettes are iconic representations of two major figures in Indian history:

Left: Mahatma Gandhi, identifiable by his loincloth (dhoti), glasses, and walking stick (dandi).
Right: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, identifiable by his typical depiction in a suit, with glasses, pointing forward, and often standing on a pedestal of books, symbolizing his emphasis on education. Step 2: Evaluating the Statements:

A. Both had degrees in law: This is TRUE. Mahatma Gandhi studied law at the Inner Temple in London. Dr. Ambedkar was a barrister-at-law from Gray's Inn, London, in addition to his doctorates from Columbia University and the London School of Economics.
B. Both spent time in South Africa: This is FALSE. While Mahatma Gandhi spent 21 formative years in South Africa, Dr. Ambedkar's foreign education and work were primarily in the United States and the United Kingdom.
C. The birthdays of both are in the same month: This is FALSE. Mahatma Gandhi's birthday is on October 2nd. Dr. Ambedkar's birthday is on April 14th.
D. Both dressed in a manner that expressed their ideology: This is TRUE. Gandhi's adoption of the khadi loincloth was a powerful political statement of solidarity with India's poor and a symbol of Swadeshi (self-reliance). Dr. Ambedkar's consistent choice of a Western suit was also a deliberate ideological statement, asserting the right of Dalits to modernity, education, and dignity, directly challenging the oppressive sartorial restrictions imposed by the caste system. Step 3: Final Answer:
Based on the analysis, statements A and D are the only true statements.