Modern Indian History

Ahimsa is a Sanskrit word meaning 'non-violence' or 'non-harming' - the core principle of Gandhiji's philosophy and political strategy. Gandhi believed that moral change must be achieved through peaceful means. It is not synonymous with honesty, secularism, or spiritualism, though Gandhi valued these concepts separately.

Rambhadai was the domestic helper in Gandhi's household during his early years in South Africa and later in India. She was a trusted member of the household staff who helped manage daily affairs. The other names listed are not documented as Gandhi's domestic help.

Rambha Dai (also spelled Rambha) was the family servant who instilled in young Gandhi the practice of chanting 'Ram Nam' (the name of Rama). This early spiritual influence stayed with Gandhi throughout his life. Mahadev Desai was his secretary later, Raliat was his sister, and Motilal Nehru was unrelated.

Gandhi authored both "Hind Swaraj" (1909) and "My Experiments with Truth" (autobiography, serialized 1925-1928). The question asks which work is Gandhi's - the correct answer is that both are his writings. "Light of India" is not a known Gandhi work.

Gandhi's childhood nickname was "Manu" or "Moniya" (meaning 'little pearl' or 'jewel'). He was also affectionately called by variations of these names by family members. The other options (Raja, Ramu, Sahil) are not documented as his childhood nicknames.

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, delivered the famous words "The light has gone out of our lives and there is darkness everywhere" in a radio address on Gandhi's assassination (January 30, 1948). Sarojini Naidu also spoke eloquently about Gandhi, but this specific quote is Nehru's.

Birla House (now Gandhi Smriti) where Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948, was converted into a government-run Gandhi museum in 1971. The museum preserves Gandhi's belongings and the site of his martyrdom. 1971 is the historically correct year among the options.

The Quit India Movement (August 1942) was the final mass movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress demanding an end to British rule. The movement's slogan 'Do or Die' and its call for immediate British departure make 'Quit India Movement' the correct answer.

On January 30, 1948, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel met Gandhiji for about an hour and left just minutes before Gandhiji proceeded to the prayer meeting where he was assassinated. This meeting is documented in historical records as their final interaction. The other options are incorrect: John Ruskin was a philosopher who influenced Gandhi, Sarojini Naidu was a close associate, and Mahadev Desai was Gandhi's secretary who had died earlier in 1942.

Harijan, the weekly newspaper founded by Gandhiji to promote the anti-untouchability campaign, published its first issue from Poona (now Pune) on February 11, 1933. Pune was an important center of Gandhi's activities during this period. The other options (Madras, Ahmedabad, Kolkata) were not the location of the first publication.

Sheikh Mehtab, a childhood friend of Gandhiji, encouraged him to eat meat to become strong, arguing that Hindus were weak because they didn't eat meat. This was during Gandhi's teenage years when he was experimenting with breaking caste norms. The other options (Bhagat Singh, Raliat, Janaki Das) were not the person who influenced Gandhi on this matter.

For Gandhiji, 'Swaraj' meant comprehensive freedom for the meanest and lowest person in India - not just political independence from British rule. His concept extended to social, economic, and moral self-rule for every individual. While 'Self Government' and 'Complete Independence' are related concepts, Gandhi's unique interpretation emphasized liberation for the most marginalized (the 'meanest of the countrymen').

Mahatma Gandhi was affectionately called 'Bapu' by the Indian people, which means 'father' in Gujarati. This term reflected the respect and love people had for him as a father figure of the nation. Rabindranath Tagore first used this term to address Gandhi.

Gandhi witnessed racial discrimination and abuse against Indians in South Africa, particularly the treatment of indentured laborers. This injustice, including being thrown off a train at Maritzburg for refusing to leave a first-class compartment, motivated him to stay and fight for civil rights using nonviolent methods.

The title 'Mahatma' is Sanskrit for 'Great Soul' or 'Great Spirit'. Rabindranath Tagore first addressed Gandhi as 'Mahatma' in 1915, recognizing his spiritual and moral leadership. The term reflects Gandhi's philosophical approach to life and politics.