What do you understand by the term ‘propaganda? 1. It is an unverified story that is spread from one person to another. 2. It is communication tailored to influence opinion. 3. It is an enthusiasm among a relatively large number of people for a particular innovation. 4. It is a tool of oration used only by political parties. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Propaganda is defined as a specific type of communication directly aimed at influencing the opinions, attitudes, and behaviors of people [1]. It involves the dissemination of ideas, information, or rumors to further the desired intent of the propagandist or to help/injure a cause or institution [1]. Statement 1 describes a 'rumor' rather than the systematic nature of propaganda. Statement 3 describes a 'fad' or 'innovation diffusion' rather than propaganda's persuasive intent. Statement 4 is incorrect because propaganda is not limited to political parties; it is used across social, religious, and commercial systems, including by intellectuals, student leaders, and in advertising [2]. Therefore, only statement 2 accurately captures the core definition of propaganda as communication tailored to influence opinion [1].

Sources

1. [1] India and the Contemporary World - I. History-Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Nazism and the Rise of Hitler > New words > p. 56
2. [2] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 17: Emergence of Swarajists, Socialist Ideas, Revolutionary Activities and Other New Forces > Ideological Rethinking > p. 355