The founding mothers cobbled an intersectional alliance with B.R. Ambedkar for the realisation of social revolution. They shared his sceptical attitude towards the romantic celebration of Indian culture which is deeply anchored in the brahmanical patriarchy. Amrit Kaur, a prominent founding mother of the Constitution, asserted in 1932 that the women of India were no longer willing to submit to standards, whether local, political, or ethical, which had been set for them by the male conscience of the community. The founding mothers laboured in and out of the Constituent Assembly to break the patriarchal ecosystem. But the nation has failed them deplorably.

It can be inferred from Amrit Kaur's 1932 statement that she believed:
(a) The "male conscience of the community" was inherently incapable of ever setting standards that could be beneficial or acceptable to women.
(b) Women's suffrage and political participation were the sole means by which they could challenge and change male-defined standards.
(c) A significant shift was occurring wherein Indian women were increasingly asserting their agency and right to self-determination.
(d) The traditional standards set for women, though oppressive, had at least provided a clear and stable social structure.

Question

The founding mothers cobbled an intersectional alliance with B.R. Ambedkar for the realisation of social revolution. They shared his sceptical attitude towards the romantic celebration of Indian culture which is deeply anchored in the brahmanical patriarchy. Amrit Kaur, a prominent founding mother of the Constitution, asserted in 1932 that the women of India were no longer willing to submit to standards, whether local, political, or ethical, which had been set for them by the male conscience of the community. The founding mothers laboured in and out of the Constituent Assembly to break the patriarchal ecosystem. But the nation has failed them deplorably.

It can be inferred from Amrit Kaur's 1932 statement that she believed:
(a) The "male conscience of the community" was inherently incapable of ever setting standards that could be beneficial or acceptable to women.
(b) Women's suffrage and political participation were the sole means by which they could challenge and change male-defined standards.
(c) A significant shift was occurring wherein Indian women were increasingly asserting their agency and right to self-determination.
(d) The traditional standards set for women, though oppressive, had at least provided a clear and stable social structure.

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Statement (a) is not correct. Her statement is that women were "no longer willing to submit," implying a change in women's stance. It doesn't necessarily mean the male conscience was inherently incapable of ever setting acceptable standards, but that women were now rejecting its unilateral authority.

Statement (b) is not correct. Her statement addresses standards generally &ndash; "local, political, or ethical." While political participation could be a tool, her assertion is broader, about not submitting to male-set standards across various domains.

Statement (c) is correct. The assertion "women of India were no longer willing to submit" indicates a growing collective will and assertion of agency and right to self-determination. It points to a movement towards women defining their own standards rather than passively accepting those imposed externally.

Statement (d) is not correct. The passage is one of defiance and rejection of submission, not a reflection on any past stability provided by oppressive standards. The focus is on women's new unwillingness to conform.

Constitutional Rights and Women Empowerment

Women's Rights in the Indian Constitution

Website Link

Test Your Knowledge

Student Resources


M Question 1	⏱ 0
The founding mothers cobbled an intersectional alliance with B.R. Ambedkar for the realisation of social revolution. They shared his sceptical attitude towards the romantic celebration of Indian culture which is deeply anchored in the brahmanical patriarchy. Amrit Kaur, a prominent founding mother of the Constitution, asserted in 1932 that the women of India were no longer willing to submit to standards, whether local, political, or ethical, which had been set for them by the male conscience of the community. The founding mothers laboured in and out of the Constituent Assembly to break the patriarchal ecosystem. But the nation has failed them deplorably. It can be inferred from Amrit Kaur's 1932 statement that she believed: (a) The "male conscience of the community" was inherently incapable of ever setting standards that could be beneficial or acceptable to women. (b) Women's suffrage and political participation were the sole means by which they could challenge and change male-defined standards. (c) A significant shift was occurring wherein Indian women were increasingly asserting their agency and right to self-determination. (d) The traditional standards set for women, though oppressive, had at least provided a clear and stable social structure.