What was/were the formative influence(s) on the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi? [CDS 2017 (I)] 1. Gandhiji was influenced by the 18th Century Pranami sect that advocated the unity of faiths. 2. Gandhiji was influenced by the theosophists. 3. Gandhiji was an admirer of the writings of Romantics like Wordsworth. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
A. 1 and 2
B. 2 and 3
C. 1, 2 and 3
D. 1 only
Answer: 1 and 2
Option a is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is correct- Gandhi's exposure to various religions at a young age, particularly the teachings of the Pranami sect, which emphasized the unity of faiths, had a significant influence on his philosophy of nonviolence and religious tolerance.
Statement 2 is correct- Gandhi's philosophy was also influenced by theosophy, which stressed spiritual development and social reform, aligning with his belief in the interconnectedness of all life.
Statement 3 is incorrect- Gandhi's philosophy was shaped by diverse sources such as the Bhagavad Gita, the Bible, and the writings of Leo Tolstoy and Henry David Thoreau, which contributed to his unique philosophy of nonviolence and social change.