Question

Indian Civilization and Culture

Hint:

A summary should condense the main points and themes of a text, offering a brief overview that highlights key events, characters, and ideas without going into too much detail.

Answer 1

Summary: In this essay, Mahatma Gandhi extols the virtues of Indian civilization, arguing for its superiority and resilience. He defines civilization as the "mode of conduct which points out to man the path of duty." According to Gandhi, Indian civilization is unique because it is founded on spiritual and moral principles, promoting self-control and restraining desires, whereas Western civilization is based on materialism and the endless multiplication of wants. He warns against blindly imitating the West, asserting that India's strength lies in its ability to hold on to its ancient, time-tested values and its simple, village-based way of life. He believes this spiritual foundation is what has allowed Indian culture to endure for centuries.