UPSC Mains · GS IV · Topic

Indian Thinkers

27 UPSC Mains GS IV questions on Indian Thinkers, 2013 to 2026, newest first, as UPSC set them. See also practice questions on Indian Thinkers toppers answered.

2026 Q3(a)Dr. B. R. Ambedkar had cautioned that employing civil disobedience within a constitutional democracy equates to endorsing ‘anarchy’. How should modern democracies navigate the ethical dilemmas posed by civil disobedience movements that aim to promote social justice against policies that may raise genuine concerns?10 marks · 150 words
2026 Q3(b)In what ways can an Indian Administrative Officer apply Gandhi’s notion of ‘trusteeship’ to ensure fairness in governance?10 marks · 150 words
2025 Q3(a)Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context ? “Those who in trouble untroubled are, Will trouble trouble itself.” – Thiruvalluvar10 marks · 150 words
2025 Q3(c)Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context ? “The strength of a society is not in its laws, but in the morality of its people.” – Swami Vivekananda10 marks · 150 words
2025 Q4(b)What are the major teachings of Mahavir ? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world.10 marks · 150 words
2024 Q3(a)Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context ? “Learn everything that is good from others, but bring it in, and in your own way absorb it, do not become others.” — Swami Vivekananda10 marks · 150 words
2024 Q3(b)Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context ? “Faith is of no avail in the absence of strength. Faith and strength, both are essential to accomplish any great work.” — Sardar Patel10 marks · 150 words
2023 Q3(a)Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context ? “The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.” — Mahatma Gandhi10 marks · 150 words
2023 Q3(b)Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context ? “To awaken the people, it is the women who must be awakened. Once she is on the move, the family moves, the village moves, the nation moves.” — Jawaharlal Nehru10 marks · 150 words
2023 Q3(c)Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context ? “Do not hate anybody, because that hatred that comes out from you must, in the long run, come back to you. If you love, that love will come back to you, completing the circle.” — Swami Vivekananda10 marks · 150 words
2023 Q6(a)What were the major teachings of Guru Nanak ? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world.10 marks · 150 words
2022 Q3(b)What does each of the following quotations mean to you? “If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel that there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are father, mother and teacher.” —A. P. J. Abdul Kalam10 marks · 150 words
2021 Q3(a)What does each of the following quotations mean to you? “Every work has got to pass through hundreds of difficulties before succeeding. Those that persevere will see the light, sooner or later.” —Swami Vivekananda10 marks · 150 words
2020 Q3(a)What teachings of Buddha are most relevant today and why ? Discuss.10 marks · 150 words
2020 Q5(a)What are the main factors responsible for gender inequality in India ? Discuss the contribution of Savitribai Phule in this regard.10 marks · 150 words
2020 Q6(a)What do each of the following quotations mean to you ? "Condemn none : if you can stretch out a helping hand, do so. If not, fold your hands, bless your brothers, and let them go their own way." – Swami Vivekanand10 marks · 150 words
2020 Q6(b)What do each of the following quotations mean to you ? "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." – Mahatma Gandhi10 marks · 150 words
2019 Q6(b)What do each of the following quotations mean to you ? “A man is but a product of his thoughts. What he thinks he becomes.” — M. K. Gandhi10 marks · 150 words
2019 Q6(c)What do each of the following quotations mean to you ? “Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the character. When there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in the home. When there is harmony in the home, there is order in the nation. When there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world.” — A. P. J. Abdul Kalam10 marks · 150 words
2018 Q6(b)What do each of the following quotations mean to you in the present context ? “Anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct understanding.” — Mahatma Gandhi10 marks · 150 words
2018 Q6(c)What do each of the following quotations mean to you in the present context ? “Falsehood takes the place of truth when it results in unblemished common good.” — Tirukkural10 marks · 150 words
2017 Q5(b)“If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are the father, the mother and the teacher.” — A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Analyse.10 marks · 150 words
2016 Q2(b)Discuss Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of seven sins.10 marks · 150 words
2016 Q4(a)“Corruption causes misuse of government treasury, administrative inefficiency and obstruction in the path of national development.” Discuss Kautilya’s views.10 marks · 150 words
2015 Q2(a)Given are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context : “The weak can never forgive; forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”10 marks · 150 words
2013 Q6(a)Given below are three quotations of great moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these quotations, bring out what it means to you in the present context : “There is enough on this earth for every one’s need but for no one’s greed.” —*Mahatma Gandhi*10 marks · 150 words
2013 Q7“The good of an individual is contained in the good of all.” What do you understand by this statement? How can this principle be implemented in public life?10 marks · 150 words

Indian Thinkers

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