Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel left no property. He made no provision for his daughter. He never kept a watch and his spectacles were 30 years old, with strings. At the occasion of his death, Prime Minister Nehru said, “His name will live forever in the history. He is the Architect of Modern India. He was a wise counsellor in the hour of trial, a trustworthy friend and a man of courage and inspiration.” Sardar Patel did not believe in making speeches. He was a man of very few words. He accepted with a calm mind whatever life brought him happiness or sorrow. Pain or sorrow could not alter a single line of his face. When necessary, he could be dominating. But by nature, he was very courteous. After the Baradoli Satyagrah, he became famous all over India. When he went to attend the congress session, he forgot to take his pass with him. The Volunteers stopped him. He went back. Next day when the volunteers came to know who he was, they were ashamed. But Patel was not at all displeased. Even in his old age, he was so busy that he did not have a moment’s rest. He had to tour extensively all over the country and this affected his health. He passed away in Bombay on the morning of 15th December, 1950.

Questions:

(1) What is the meaning of “Architect of Modern India”?
(2) Mention five qualities of Patel’s personality.
(3) Choose the words similar in meaning to, “motivation” and “popular”.
(4) Give the opposites of the words pleased’ and ‘discourteous’.
(5) Write the meaning of the phrase “A man of few words”. [Answer Limit: 125 words] [UKPSC 2016]