Gandhi

6.1 INTRODUCTION

  • Gandhi's experience in South Africa exposed him to apartheid and the suffering of non-whites.

  • Realized that oppression occurs when there is no resistance.

  • Initiated a movement in South Africa based on the principle of truth and justice.

  • Term ‘Satyagraha’ was coined by Gandhi (originally suggested as 'Sadagraha' meaning firmness in a good cause).

  • ‘Sat’ signifies openness and fairness; ‘Satya’ means truth, derived from 'Sat' (reality).

  • Satyagraha means insistence on truth. Initiated in South Africa in 1907 against unjust laws requiring non-whites to register with authorities.

6.2 CONCEPT OF SATYAGRAHA

  • Defined by Gandhi as a powerful method of direct action.

  • A Satyagrahi appeals to authority and public opinion before resorting to Satyagraha.

  • Emphasizes continuous engagement and growth in the movement's value.

6.3 SOURCES OF THE IDEAS OF SATYAGRAHA

  • Based on the principles of Truth (Sat) and Ahimsa (non-violence).

  • Influenced by Jainism, Buddhism, Upanishads, and the Bhagavad-Gita.

  • Mahavira emphasized Ahimsa as the highest religious principle.

  • Socratic philosophy and teachings of Jesus also parallel Satyagraha's principles.

6.4 SATYAGRAHA VS DURAGRAHA

  • Satyagraha (truth) contrasted with Duragraha (force).

  • Satyagraha advocates for patience, mutual respect, and enlightenment rather than harassment.

6.5 SUPERIORITY OF SATYAGRAHA TO PASSIVE RESISTANCE

  • Recognizes influences from Tolstoy and Thoreau but believes passive resistance is limited.

  • Unlike passive resistance, Satyagraha aims for heartfelt appeals and mutual understanding.

6.6 SATYAGRAHA OPPOSED TO MILITANT NATIONALISM

  • Gandhi sought change through moral influence, not violent revolution.

  • Emphasized the importance of individual conscience and self-purification.

  • Critical of extremist methods and advocated for using soul-force (ahimsa).

6.7 SATYAGRAHI’S CODE OF CONDUCT

  • Satyagraha demands a moral lifestyle based on truth, chastity, and non-attachment.

  • Aims to educate wrong-doers without coercion, utilizing non-violent methods including picketing and marches.

  • Emphasizes inner strength, patience, and a simple life as essential for practitioners.

6.8 SATYAGRAHA, CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE AND NON-COOPERATION

  • Non-cooperation is based on the ‘law of suffering’ for a moral goal.

  • Advocates for passive resistance and rightful actions against injustice.

6.9 SATYAGRAHA MOVEMENTS IN BRITISH INDIA

  • Resulting from the repressive Rowlatt Bills, initiating widespread protests and Satyagraha Day.

  • Notable movements include:

    • Champaran Satyagraha: Addressed the grievances of indigo farmers.

    • Kheda/Kaira Satyagraha: Resisted tax collection amidst crop failure.

    • Ahmedabad Mill Workers’ Strike: Resulted in a significant wage increase after Gandhi's fasting.

    • Bardoli Satyagraha: Successful non-payment of raised taxes leading to government concessions.

    • Salt Satyagraha: Gandhi's iconic march against the salt tax; galvanized national support.

    • Individual Satyagraha: Limited to selected, trained individuals for non-violent protests.

6.10 SATYAGRAHA IN THE FRENCH AND PORTUGUESE INDIA

  • Post-independence movements in French India and Goa adopted Satyagraha for liberation.

  • Gandhian principles continued to guide movements against colonial rule even after his death.

6.11 SATYAGRAHA LEGACY OUTSIDE INDIA

  • Global influence of Satyagraha demonstrated by figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela, using non-violent resistance.

  • King noted Gandhi's profound impact on civil rights movements in the U.S.

6.12 CONTEMPORARY RELEVANCE

  • Modern challenges include global inequality, terrorism, and violence.

  • Gandhi's Satyagraha remains a relevant strategy for achieving peace and resolving conflicts non-violently.

6.13 SUMMARY

  • Satyagraha is a profound philosophy interlinking ahimsa and satya for political action and personal truth.

  • Formed a significant aspect of the Indian independence movement and remains a vital legacy for global social justice.

6.14 TERMINAL QUESTIONS

  1. Describe the concept of ‘Satyagraha’ and its dimensions.

  2. Evaluate Gandhi's role in developing Satyagraha as a political weapon.

  3. Discuss Gandhi’s Satyagraha movement in British India.

  4. Explain Satyagraha's legacy outside India.

  5. Discuss the contemporary relevance of Satyagraha.

6.15 SUGGESTED READINGS

  • Daily Howler. "All You Need Is Love". 2010.

  • Journal of Gandhian Studies. 2007.

  • Brecher, Michael. Nehru-A Political Biography. Oxford University Press, 1998.

  • Chandra, Bipin, et al. Freedom Struggle. National Book Trust, 2000.

  • Gandhi, M.K. Hind Swaraj or Indian Home Rule. 2008.

  • Gandhi, M.K. India Of My Dreams. 2001.

  • Gandhi, M.K. Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi. 2007.

  • Gandhi, M.K. Satyagraha in South Africa. 1928.

  • Gandhi, Rajmohan. Patel: A Life. 1990.

  • Krishnamurthy, B. Journal of Gandhian Studies. 2009.

  • Lohia, Ram Manohar. Action in Goa. 1947.

  • Nehru, Jawaharlal. India’s Foreign Policy. 1983.

  • Parekh, Bhikhu. "Gandhi in the 21st Century". 2009.

  • Prabhu, R.K. and U. P. Rao. The Mind of Mahatma Gandhi. 1967.

  • Sheik Ali, B. Goa Wins Freedom Reflections and Reminiscences. 1987.

Satyagraha is a philosophy and practice of non-violent resistance developed by Mahatma Gandhi. It emphasizes the power of truth (Sat) and non-violence (Ahimsa) as tools for social and political change. Coined by Gandhi, the term suggests an insistence on truth, which he utilized in movements against injustice. Satyagraha involves appealing to authority and public opinion before taking action, advocating for patience and mutual respect rather than force. This method was pivotal in Gandhi's efforts during the Indian independence movement and has influenced various civil rights movements globally.