Question

Read the passage. Then, select the that best helps you understand the meaning of hegemony.

Mahatma Gandhi is one of the best-known practitioners of civil disobedience. Born Mohandas Gandhi in India in 1869, he was educated in London and spent twenty years working for social justice in South Africa. Eventually, Gandhi returned to India and inspired a national movement against British hegemony. Ultimately, he led millions in acts of civil disobedience, including boycotts and symbolic marches. These actions helped India reach independence from British rule in 1947. Without resorting to violence, Gandhi drew attention to the inequalities of the day.

What is the meaning of hegemony as used in the passage?

a) Authority or dominance
b) Tradition or culture
c) Equality or justice
d) Conformity or similarity

Answer 1

In the context of Gandhi's national movement against British rule, 'hegemony' refers to the authority or dominance exerted by the British over India.

Step-by-step explanation:

The meaning of hegemony as used in the passage referring to Mahatma Gandhi and India's national movement against British rule is a) Authority or dominance. This definition fits the context of British hegemony in India, which describes the British rule and their dominant role or leadership over the Indian subcontinent. The actions of Gandhi and others challenged this hegemony through civil disobedience, seeking to replace it with India's independence and self-determination.