Read the passage given below and answer the questions/complete the statements…
2016
Read the passage given below and answer the questions/complete the statements with the help of the options that follow.
PASSAGE:
In the twenty-three years since Aurangzeb had marched north to seize the throne, the area of the Deccan had become the stronghold of a small Maratha chieftain, Shivaji, whose guerilla tactics were to play a very special role for Hindus in the political climate of the early twentieth century. His image of independence movement leader was later transformed to restore India to the Indians after the British and Muslim rulers whose methods had divided the subcontinent. There was a magic about him — a Hindu man, from comparatively humble beginnings, had risen to shake the very foundations of the Mughal Empire. In the words of Sir Jadunath Sarkar, the Hindu historian-biographer of Aurangzeb, writing in about 1915, Shivaji “proved that the Hindu has not degenerated.” Shivaji, proud of his Hindu identity, carved out a Hindu nation, founded a state, defeated enemies; they called him a freedom fighter and an ocean-trading ruler who promoted industry and art, commerce and literature. In turn, with hindsight, what had battles on equal terms for thirty years taught modern India? They taught the countrymen that valiant battles could be fought even against a mighty empire.
QUESTION : The expression “when Shivaji began, Gandhi could complete” refers to —
- A.
atrocities committed by the Moghuls and the British.
- B.
India’s longing for a just and equitable society.
- C.
India’s struggle against foreign domination culminating in freedom.
- D.
Sacrifices made by the Indian people.
Attempted by 58 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Answer: India’s struggle against foreign domination culminating in freedom.
Shivaji represents an early, valiant resistance against the Mughal Empire, showing that Indians could challenge a mighty foreign power.
Gandhi later led a nationwide movement against British rule that completed the political goal of independence.
Together the two figures symbolise a continuous struggle against foreign domination that culminated in freedom, which is exactly what the expression conveys.
Why the other answer choices are not correct:
"Atrocities committed by the Moghuls and the British" focuses on wrongs done, not on the continuity of resistance leading to independence.
"India’s longing for a just and equitable society" is a broader ideal and does not specifically capture the political struggle against foreign domination described.
"Sacrifices made by the Indian people" is true in part but too narrow; the phrase emphasises successful resistance that led to independence rather than focusing only on sacrifices.