Read the passage below and answer questions:

On the 15th August 1947, Mahatma Gandhi did not participate in any of the Independence Day celebrations. He was in Kolkata in the areas which were torn by gruesome riots between Hindus and Muslims. He was saddened by the communal violence and disheartened that the principles of ahimsa (non-violence) and satyagraha (active but non-violent resistance) that he had lived and worked for, had failed to bind the people in troubled times. Gandhiji went on to persuade the Hindus and Muslims to give up violence. His presence in Kolkata greatly improved the situation, and the coming of independence was celebrated in a spirit of communal harmony with joyous dancing in the streets. Ganghiji's prayer meetings attracted large crowds. But this was short- lived as riots between Hindus and Muslims erupted once again and Gandhiji had to resort to a fast to bring peace.

What are the methods used by Gandhiji during communal violence in 1947 to promote peace?

Fasting

The correct answer is Option (4) → Fasting

• The Passage explicitly says Gandhi was “disheartened that the principles of ahimsa (non-violence) and satyagraha … had failed to bind the people in troubled times.” → This shows he stood for those principles, even though they were not fully successful.

• Later, it clearly states: “Gandhiji had to resort to a fast to bring peace.” → This is the direct method he used in 1947 to stop violence.

So, while Satyagraha and Ahimsa were his guiding principles, the specific method he actively used in 1947 during those riots was fasting.