Reading comprehension – Gandhi passage: for which qualities was Bapu (Mahatma Gandhi) known, according to the passage?

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary and detail-based question concerns the description of Mahatma Gandhi's personal qualities in the passage. The text explicitly comments on how Gandhi was perceived by historians and by the Indian people, and it identifies three traits for which he was especially known. Your task is to choose the option that correctly combines these traits.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The passage explains that:
- Gandhi proved that one person could challenge an empire using ethics and intelligence.
- He supported civil rights and later led India's independence movement.
- It is said that Gandhi was known as much for his wit and intelligence as for his piety.

Concept / Approach:
The key phrase mentions three qualities: wit, intelligence, and piety. The expression “as much for his wit and intelligence as for his piety” shows that all three are important and equally highlighted. The correct answer must include all the traits together rather than isolating one of them. Questions of this sort test whether you can read beyond single words and understand the structure “as much for X and Y as for Z”.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Reread the sentence that describes Gandhi's personal qualities. Step 2: Identify the three traits referenced: wit, intelligence, and piety. Step 3: Note the comparative structure, which places wit and intelligence on the same level of importance as piety. Step 4: Select the option that includes all three traits rather than only one.

Verification / Alternative check:
Rephrase the statement as: “Gandhi was equally admired for being clever and intelligent and for being deeply spiritual and devout.” This clearly indicates that multiple qualities are involved. Option d captures this combination, while the other options artificially isolate single traits.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a) “His intelligence alone” ignores the passage's explicit mention of wit and piety.
Option b) “His sharp wit alone” omits intelligence and piety, which are clearly highlighted alongside wit.
Option c) “His piety alone” also fails to acknowledge his mental quickness and intelligence, which are equally emphasised.

Common Pitfalls:
Sometimes learners fixate on one noble quality like piety and assume that must be the correct answer. Remember that good comprehension involves paying attention to the full list of traits, especially when they are connected by phrases like “as much as”. Do not reduce a multi-part description to a single adjective.

Final Answer:
All of these qualities together – wit, intelligence and piety