Bihar Board Class 12 English

Prose Explanation – Indian Civilization and Culture

Q.1
“We notice that the mind is a restless bird, the more it gets the more it wants, and still remains unsatisfied.”
Explanation:
This line has been taken from the essay “Indian Civilization and Culture” written by Mahatma Gandhi, who is known as the Father of the Nation or Bapu. Gandhiji says that in modern civilization people have become greedy. The human mind is like a restless bird which always wants more and more. It never feels satisfied. Therefore, we should control our desires and learn to be content with what we have.
Q.2
“A man is not necessarily happy because he is rich … the poor to be happy.”
Explanation:
This line has been taken from the same essay written by Mahatma Gandhi. He says that happiness has no connection with wealth. A rich person may be unhappy while a poor person may be happy. True happiness is a peaceful state of mind and lies in honest work and simple living.
Q.3
“Civilization is that mode of conduct … good conduct.”
Explanation:
In this line Gandhiji defines civilization. According to him, real civilization shows a man the path of duty. It lies in self-control, discipline and good conduct, not in material progress.
Q.4
“In the midst of all these, India remains immovable and that is her glory.”
Explanation:
Gandhiji says that Indian civilization has remained firm in its traditions, moral values and culture. While other civilizations changed, India stayed rooted to its ideals. This stability is the real glory of India.
Q.5
“The past is not dead and static, it is alive and dynamic.”
Explanation:
This line has been taken from the lesson “Bharat Is My Home”, written by the great thinker Dr. Zakir Husain. Through this line, he says that Indian civilization is not dead or lifeless. It is living and dynamic. There is no demerit in our culture, therefore we never felt the need to change it. This continuity of tradition is the real glory of India.