UPSC Mains 2016 · GS I · Q5 · 12.5 marks · 200 words

Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom.

हिन्दी में

स्वतंत्रता के लिए संघर्ष में सुभाषचन्द्र बोस एवं महात्मा गाँधी के मध्य दृष्टिकोण की भिन्नताओं पर प्रकाश डालिए।

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “Highlight the differences in the approach of Bhagat Singh and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom.”

Astha JainAIR 9 · CSE 2025 · 197 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

Bhagat Singh and Mahatma Gandhi were both significant contributors in freedom struggle, dedicating their lives for nation's independence.

Body

Differences

BasesBhagat SinghGandhi
ViolenceBelieved in force to counter British force.Non violence struggle as right means
MassesIndividual actions to awaken massesMulticlass movements eg NCM
SocialismBelieved in anti imperialist struggle and est of socialist stateBelieved in Indian model of 'Gram Swaraj'
TechniqueFrighten British by targetting them eg Saunder MurderSatyagrah for moral convincing
Accomodative stanceShowed no compromise on freedom and wanted SwarajAccomodative as agreed for Dominion
AtheismBeleved in no GodDeeply religious
ActionsFormed HSRA and bombed central assemblyFormed HSS, movements such as CDM

Similarities

→ a) Masses : both beleved masses must be awaken

→ b) Equality → no caste or religious bias

→ c) Justice → for most downtrodden

Close

They continue to inspire even today.

1 more topper’s answer to this question, part by part, and how they all approached it: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2016, General Studies Paper I, Q5. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.