Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 308

Gandhiji's "The Story of My Experiments with Truth" was originally written in Gujarati.

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the historical context and the individuals closely associated with Gandhiji.

Correct Answer: B) Mahadev Desai.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, Civil Services

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

Mahatma Gandhi's autobiography, "The Story of My Experiments with Truth," is a seminal work that provides a detailed account of his life, philosophy, and the principles that guided his actions. The book was originally written in Gujarati, Gandhi's native language, and was composed over a period of several years while he was in prison. The significance of this autobiography lies not only in its content but also in its translation into English, which made it accessible to a wider audience beyond India.

The translation of "The Story of My Experiments with Truth" was undertaken by Mahadev Desai, who was one of Gandhi's most trusted secretaries and close associates. Desai was well-versed in both Gujarati and English, which made him an ideal candidate for the task. His translation was meticulous and faithful to the original text, preserving the nuances and the spirit of Gandhi's writing. This translation played a crucial role in spreading Gandhi's message of non-violence, civil disobedience, and social justice to the world.

Mahadev Desai was not only a translator but also a chronicler of Gandhi's life and work. He kept detailed records of Gandhi's activities and thoughts, which were invaluable in the creation of the autobiography. His close relationship with Gandhi ensured that the translation was not just a linguistic conversion but also a faithful representation of Gandhi's ideas and experiences.

It is important to note that while other associates of Gandhi, such as Pyarelal and Maganlal Gandhi, were also involved in various capacities in Gandhi's life and work, the specific task of translating the autobiography was undertaken by Mahadev Desai. This makes him the correct answer to the question.

Understanding the role of Mahadev Desai in translating Gandhi's autobiography is crucial for anyone studying Indian history, Gandhian philosophy, or the broader context of Indian independence. It highlights the importance of translation in making historical and philosophical works accessible to a global audience and underscores the collaborative nature of such significant literary works.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Maganlal Gandhi was a close associate of Gandhiji and worked with him, but he was not the translator of "The Story of My Experiments with Truth." This option is incorrect.
  • Option B: Mahadev Desai was Gandhiji's personal secretary and translator. He translated Gandhiji's autobiography from Gujarati to English. This option is correct.
  • Option C: Pyarelal was another close associate of Gandhiji and worked with him, but he was not the primary translator of "The Story of My Experiments with Truth." This option is incorrect.
  • Option D: Sushila Nayyar was also associated with Gandhiji, but she was not the translator of his autobiography. This option is incorrect.

Mnemonic: M for Mahadev, M for My Experiments

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