UPSC Prelims 2021 · GS Paper I
Question 44: History and Culture
Who among the following is associated with ‘Songs from Prison’, a translation of ancient Indian religious lyrics in English?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).
Songs from Prison is Mahatma Gandhi's translation into English of ancient Indian religious lyrics, made during his imprisonment in the Yerawada jail. It reflects the importance of devotional verse in Gandhi's prayer life. Tilak wrote Gita Rahasya in Mandalay jail, Nehru wrote Discovery of India in Ahmednagar fort jail, and Sarojini Naidu was a poet known as the Nightingale of India.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: Tilak wrote the Gita Rahasya in prison.
- (b) Wrong: Nehru wrote The Discovery of India and other works in prison.
- (c) Right: Gandhi translated these religious lyrics in jail.
- (d) Wrong: Naidu was a poet, but not the translator of these lyrics.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2021, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.