Q. Who among the following is associated with ‘Songs from Prison’, a translation of ancient India religious lyrics in English?
- Bal Gangadhar Tilak
- Jawaharlal Nehru
- Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
- Sarojini Naidu
Answer: (c) Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Notes:
- Gandhi made these translations during his incarceration in Yeravda Prison in 1930. The other editor was John S Hoyland.
- Songs from Prison” is a collection of ancient Indian religious lyrics translated into English by Mahatma Gandhi.
- Context:
- Gandhi translated these texts while he was imprisoned during the freedom struggle. His work reflects his deep engagement with spirituality and his effort to share the essence of Indian religious thought with a broader, English-speaking audience.
- Content:
- The translations in this collection include spiritual songs and hymns from various sources, such as the Bhagavad Gita, Bhajans, and verses from saints like Tulsidas, Kabir, and others, reflecting Gandhi’s belief in non-violence (Ahimsa), truth (Satya), and universal brotherhood.
- Impact:
- Through this work, Gandhi emphasized the role of spirituality in political action, drawing inspiration from ancient Indian religious traditions for his philosophy of Satyagraha (non-violent resistance).
