GS4 · Topic
Indian Thinkers
Moral thinkers and philosophers from India used as a source: Gandhi, Buddha, Vivekananda, Kautilya, Tiruvalluvar, Ambedkar, Kabir and others.
204 UPSC Mains GS4 questions on Indian Thinkers that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2014–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
'Knowledge gives us power, love gives us fullness.' - Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021–2022
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Mahatma Gandhi
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2019–2021
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
Discuss the contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to the idea of social justice in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2019–2024
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. 10 (a) "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2017–2018
Environmental EthicsHuman Values
Highlight the important teachings of Kautilya that are relevant to public services in 21st century India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2023
Indian ThinkersCivil Service Values
Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: Intolerance is itself a form of violence and an obstacle to the growth of a true democratic spirit. Mahatma Gandhi
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2019–2024
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
"Your goodness is an impediment in your way, so let your eyes be red with anger, and try to fight the injustice with a firm hand."- Sardar Patel
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think. Words are secondary. Thoughts live; they travel far." - Swami Vivekananda
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
Explain the concept of Sarvodaya with the help of examples from the lives of prominent personalities.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021
Human ValuesIndian Thinkers
The life and teachings of Guru Nanak presents a template for leading a life within the corridors of ethics and values. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021
Human ValuesIndian Thinkers
Explain different aspects of the 'right conduct' taught by Mahavira to attain a life full of happiness and content.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021–2022
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
"Service without humility is selfishness and egotism." Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Human ValuesIndian Thinkers
"Governance must be built not only on institutions, but also on ideas." In this context, discuss the philosophical foundations that should underpin ethical governance. How do these ideas contribute to ensuring probity in public life?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Probity in GovernanceCivil Service Values
It is often said that politics and ethics belong to different worlds. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer with illustration. Also, highlight the consequences of divergence between politics and ethics.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023
Civil Service ValuesEthics in Private and Public Life
Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? a) “Where do the evils like corruption arise from? It comes from the never-ending greed. The fight for corruption-free ethical society will have to be fought against this greed and replace it with ‘what can I give’ spirit.” - A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Human ValuesIndian Thinkers
“A just society is that society in which an ascending sense of reverence and descending sense of contempt is dissolved into the creation of a compassionate society.” B R Ambedkar
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Human ValuesIndian Thinkers
'Happiness is a mysterious thing, to be found somewhere between too little and too much.'
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
"I slept and dreamt that life was a joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was a joy." Rabindra Nath Tagore
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Human ValuesIndian Thinkers
Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2019
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
"Facts are many, but the truth is one." - Rabindranath Tagore
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021
Dimensions of EthicsIndian Thinkers
What teachings of Mahavira are most relevant today and why? Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2017
Indian ThinkersDimensions of Ethics
"The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world's problems."-Mahatma Gandhi
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2017
Human ValuesIndian Thinkers
"It is unwise to be too sure of one's own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the wisest might err." Mahatma Gandhi.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Indian ThinkersDimensions of Ethics
What is the ethical basis behind the idea of reparations for historical wrongs committed against certain groups?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021–2022
Dimensions of EthicsEthical Theories
'Strength does not come from physical capacity but from an indomitable will.' - Gandhi. What does strength mean to you and how far do you agree with the given statement? Discuss with suitable example.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023
Human ValuesIndian Thinkers
What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) "Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves."
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Human ValuesIndian Thinkers
B. Do you think values such as "tyaga," (renunciation) "seva," (service) "daanam," (Charity) "damah," (self-control) that are espoused in traditional Indian Wisdom have relevance for modern day public servants? Why? Why not?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Civil Service ValuesHuman Values
Which famous personality has influenced you and why? In what ways have you emulated their example in your own life?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Human ValuesIndian Thinkers
Ahimsa is not only the negative refusal to do harm, but also the positive doing of good. In this perspective, discuss the significance of ‘ahimsa’ in modern times.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
“Love is not a mere impulse, it must contain truth, which is law.” - Rabindra Nath Tagore.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
Indian ThinkersDimensions of Ethics