Analyzing Gandhi's Views on Industrial Civilization

This question asks us to evaluate two statements regarding Mahatma Gandhi's perspective on material civilization and the Industrial Revolution, and determine if the reason correctly explains the assertion.

Statement Analysis

• Assertion (A): Gandhi was critical of material civilization and particularly detested the Industrial Revolution. This statement is true. Gandhi advocated for a simpler way of life, rooted in self-sufficiency and village-based economies, and was deeply critical of the Western model of industrialization, which he saw as exploitative and dehumanizing.
• Reason (R): He believed that the Industrial Revolution was destroying deeper values. This statement is also true. Gandhi argued that industrialization prioritized profit and machinery over human well-being, leading to the erosion of ethical principles, community bonds, and spiritual depth.

Relationship Between Assertion and Reason

Reason (R) provides the underlying justification for Assertion (A). Gandhi's criticism (A) stemmed directly from his conviction that industrial progress was detrimental to fundamental human and societal values (R). Therefore, (R) is a correct explanation of (A).

Conclusion

Both statements are accurate, and the reason correctly explains the assertion.

The correct option is: Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).