Indian Civilization and Culture long summary (500 words) || Indian Civilization and Culture by Mahatma Gandhi

Indian Civilization and Culture

Mahatma Gandhi

 

SUMMARY IN ENGLISH

Gandhiji praises the ancient civilizations of India that is still firm, strong and unbeatable. There have been several great civilizations in the world but none of them survives in its ancient glory. Rome and Greece, Egypt and Japan as well as China have lost their old civilizations. But the civilization of India has withstood the test of time.
Some people accuse people of India as too obstinate to adopt any change. But Gandhiji does not consider it a fault. Indian civilization has been durable because our ancestors tested it on the anvil of their experience and found it true.
European and Indian Civilization
The Europeans are guided by the writings of ancient Greece and Rome, which themselves have been ruined. They hope to avoid the mistakes those old people made. But Gandhiji thinks they will not be able to do so. The basic difference between European and Indian civilization is that the western people are after material achievements. They yearn for more and more physical comforts and luxuries. But our ancestors knew that there is no end to the desire for physical pleasure. So they put a limit on it. They could invent machines. But they did not. They prescribed self-restraint because happiness does not depend on riches. Our ancestors wanted us to use our limbs to keep healthy and happy. If we ran after luxuries we would barter permanent happiness for momentary pleasure.
Cities and Villages
Our ancestors preferred villages to cities because they knew cities are full of vices, crimes, robbers, thieves and exploitation of the poor. In villages people lived in peace following their occupations to earn a living. The tendency of western civilization is to propagate immorality, whereas the tendency of Indian civilization is to elevate man's moral being.
Pursuit of Materialism
The west has made maddening physical discoveries. But Gandhiji is not impressed by them. The discoveries have given rise to multiplication of desires. But human heart is never satisfied. So there is insatiable desire for more. This becomes a hindrance rather than help. It becomes a burden. Gandhiji is sure that even the Europeans will have to remodel their lives. In India, our ancestors investigated the matters that concern the spirit. They found happiness lies in contentment. May be the western civilization is suited to the climate of the west. But our civilization is well suited to us, Gandhiji advises his countrymen to cling to their civilization, and not to be deluded by the glamour of the west. No doubt a certain degree of physical harmony is necessary. But one should not be a slave to them for his own betterment, and his usefulness to society.