Gandhi and His Thought

Gandhian Philosophy

Mahatma Gandhi's thought was deeply rooted in Indian traditions and influenced by Western ideals. Key components of his philosophy include:

1. Satyagraha (Truth and Non-violence):
   • Central to Gandhi's ideology was the concept of Satyagraha, which means "insistence on truth."
   • It involves passive resistance and non-violent protest against oppression and injustice.
   • Gandhi believed that truth and non-violence (ahimsa) were powerful tools for social and political change.
2. Swaraj (Self-rule):
   • For Gandhi, Swaraj meant not only political independence from British rule but also self-governance and self-discipline at the individual and community levels.
   • Emphasized economic self-reliance and the revival of village industries.
3. Sarvodaya (Welfare of All):
   • Advocated for the upliftment of all sections of society, especially the poor and marginalized.
   • Believed in equitable distribution of resources and community cooperation.
4. Trusteeship:
   • Proposed the idea that wealthy individuals should act as trustees of their wealth, using it for the welfare of society.
   • Aimed at reducing economic inequality without resorting to violent class struggle.
5. Simple Living and Self-sufficiency:
   • Advocated for a simple lifestyle and self-sufficiency through the revival of traditional crafts like spinning and weaving (charkha).
   • Promoted khadi (hand-spun cloth) as a symbol of self-reliance and resistance to British goods.

Gandhian Techniques of Mass Mobilization

Gandhi's methods of mass mobilization were innovative and effective in uniting large sections of the Indian population in the struggle for independence.

Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movement (1919-1922)

1. Khilafat Movement:
   • Launched by Indian Muslims to protest the harsh treatment of the Ottoman Empire by the British after World War I.
   • Gandhi saw an opportunity to unite Hindus and Muslims in a common cause against British rule.
   • Supported by leaders like Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali (Ali brothers).
2. Non-Cooperation Movement:
   • Launched in 1920 in conjunction with the Khilafat Movement.
   • Aimed at non-violent non-cooperation with British authorities, including boycotting British goods, institutions, and honors.
   • Called for the resignation of titles and government positions, non-payment of taxes, and the boycott of British educational institutions and courts.
3. Outcome:
   • The movement witnessed widespread participation, including from peasants, workers, and students.
   • It was suspended in 1922 after the violent incident at Chauri Chaura, where a mob killed 22 policemen.
   • Despite its abrupt end, the movement marked a significant shift towards mass participation in the nationalist struggle.

Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934)

1. Salt March (Dandi March, 1930):
   • Gandhi's 240-mile march to the coastal village of Dandi to make salt in defiance of the British salt laws.
   • Symbolized the breaking of oppressive laws through non-violent means.
2. Widespread Civil Disobedience:
   • Following the Salt March, people across India refused to pay taxes, broke colonial laws, and boycotted British goods.
   • The movement saw participation from diverse sections of society, including women, students, and farmers.
3. Impact:
   • Led to mass arrests, including that of Gandhi and other leaders.
   • Highlighted the unjust nature of British laws and mobilized widespread support for the nationalist cause.
   • Though it did not achieve immediate political concessions, it significantly undermined British authority.

Quit India Movement (1942)

1. Launch and Objectives:
   • Launched on August 8, 1942, during World War II, with the demand for an end to British rule.
   • Gandhi's call for "Do or Die" urged Indians to act decisively for independence.
2. Mass Uprising:
   • The movement saw spontaneous and widespread participation, with protests, strikes, and sabotage.
   • The British responded with brutal repression, arresting Gandhi and thousands of other leaders.
3. Outcome:
   • Although the movement was violently suppressed, it demonstrated the unyielding desire of Indians for independence.
   • Strengthened the resolve of the Indian people and set the stage for post-war negotiations for independence.

Other Strands in the National Movement

Revolutionaries

1. Key Figures:
   • Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Sukhdev, Rajguru, and others.
   • Belonged to groups like the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA).
2. Activities:
   • Engaged in acts of violence and armed resistance against British officials and institutions.
   • Famous for the Kakori Train Robbery (1925), the bombing of the Central Legislative Assembly (1929), and the assassination of British officers.
3. Impact:
   • Inspired youth with their courage and sacrifice.
   • Brought international attention to India's struggle for independence.

The Left

1. Communist Party of India (CPI):
   • Formed in 1925, advocating for socialist principles and workers' rights.
   • Participated in labor strikes and peasant movements.
2. Congress Socialist Party (CSP):
   • Formed in 1934 by members within the Congress who believed in socialist ideals.
   • Leaders included Jayaprakash Narayan, Acharya Narendra Deva, and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia.
3. Role:
   • Influenced the broader nationalist movement with ideas of social and economic justice.
   • Played a significant role in organizing labor and peasant movements.

Subhas Chandra Bose and the Indian National Army (INA)

1. Subhas Chandra Bose:
   • A prominent Congress leader who later advocated for more militant action against British rule.
   • Left the Congress due to ideological differences with Gandhi and Nehru.
2. Formation of INA:
   • Bose escaped British surveillance and reached Germany, and later Japan, to seek Axis support for India's independence.
   • Formed the Indian National Army (INA) with Indian soldiers who had been captured by the Japanese during World War II.
3. Activities:
   • INA fought alongside Japanese forces against the British in Burma and northeastern India.
   • Famous for Bose's slogan, "Give me blood, and I will give you freedom."
4. Impact:
   • Although the INA was militarily defeated, its efforts significantly inspired Indian nationalist sentiment.
   • The trials of INA officers in 1945-46 galvanized public support and highlighted the demand for independence.