Mahatma Gandhi's Biography, Satyagraha,
Role in Freedom Movement
Biography Mahatma Gandhi:
Mahatma Gandhi, also known as the Father of the Nation, played a pivotal role in India's independence movement through nonviolent resistance, whose full name was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, is one of the most prominent figures in the history of India's struggle for independence from British colonial rule. His philosophy of non-violent resistance, known as Satyagraha, had a profound impact on the course of the freedom movement. Here is a comprehensive overview of his role in the Indian freedom movement –
Table of Contents:
- Early Life and Background
- Concept of Satyagraha
- Return to India (1915)
- Champaran Satyagraha (1917)
- Kheda Satyagraha (1918)
- Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-21)
- Civil Disobedience Movement (1930)
- Round Table Conference (1930-32)
- Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931)
- Quite India Movement (1942)
- Shimla Conference (1945)
- Independence and Partition (1947)
1. Early Life and Background
Mahatma Gandhi, whose full name was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, was born on October 2, 1869 in Porbandar, a coastal town in the western India sate of Gujrat. He came from a modest background, with his father serving as a local government official. Gandhi's early education was in India, but he later traveled to London to study law. He was called to the bar in 1891 and subsequently moved to South Africa to practice law.
His early life was marked by several key events and experience that would later shape his philosophy and leadership in the Indian Independence movement. Here are some significant aspects of Gandhiji’s early life.
a) Family Background: Gandhiji was born into a Hindu family of the Vaishya (Business) caste. His father, Karamchand Gandhi, served as the chief minister of Porbandar and his mother, Putlibai was a devout and deeply religious woman. Gandhi was the youngest of three siblings.
b) Education: He received his early education in Porbandar and later in Rajkot, where he demonstrated an average academic performance. However, was a diligent and obedient student.
c) Marriage: At the age of 13, Gandhi was married to Kasturba Makhanji, who was also around the same age.
d) Legal study in London: In 1888, Gandhi traveled to London to study law. His time in London exposed him to Western culture and lifestyle and also developed a keen interest in various philosophical and religious ideas during this period.
e) South Africa: Gandhi’s life took a significant turn when he moved to South Africa in 1893 to work as lawyer. It was in South Africa that he experienced racial discrimination and injustice, which had a profound impact on his thinking and led him to become an advocate for civil rights and non-violence resistance.
f) Emerging Social Activism: Gandhi’s experience in South Africa, where he fought against discriminatory laws and practices, marked the beginning of his activism. He developed the concept of Satyagraha (truth force) and non-violent resistance during this period.
g) Return to India: In 1915, Gandhi returned to India after more than two decades. He came back as a seasoned and well-known leader who was committed to using non-violent methods to challenge British colonial rule and to address social injustice in India.
2. Concept of Satyagraha:
Gandhi's concept of Satyagraha, which means "truth force" or "soul force," was at the core of his approach to social and political change. Satyagraha emphasized the power of truth and nonviolence as a means to resist oppression and injustice.
Gandhi's Satyagraha and his Role in Freedom Movement
The Key principles of Satyagraha are -
a) Truth- The foundation of Satyagraha is a commitment to truth and honesty. It requires individuals to always act in accordance with their beliefs and principles, even in the face of adversity.
b) Non-Violence- Satyagraha rejects the use of physical violence and instead promotes passive resistance as means to challenge oppressive forces.
c) Love and Respect for the opponent- Satyagrahis are enforced to love and respect their opponents, recognizing that they too are victims of a system that perpetuates injustice.
d) Willingness to Suffer- Satyagrahis are prepared to endure Suffering, including physical and their imprisonment, as a means to demonstrate their commitment to their cause and their unwillingness cooperate with oppression.
e) Active Resistance- Satyagraha is not passive submission, it involves active and creative non-cooperation with unjust system and laws.
Gandhi’s use of Satyagraha was instrumental in India’s struggle for independence, as he led a series of non-violence campaigns and movement against British rule. His philosophy of non-violence and civil disobedience had a profound impact on civil rights movements and advocates of peaceful protest worldwide.
South African Experience:
It was in South Africa that Gandhi's transformation into a leader and activist began. He experienced racial discrimination and injustice there, leading him to take up the cause of the Indian community's civil rights. He organized protests and campaigns against the discriminatory laws that targeted Indians, and this period laid the foundation for his philosophy of nonviolent resistance.
3. Rerun to India (1915):
After spending more than two decades in South Africa, where he honed his skills in non-violent resistance and civil rights activism, Gandhi retuned to India in 1915. He was already a respected leader with a reputation for leading successful campaign in South Africa.
4. Champaran Satyagraha (1917):
One of Gandhi’s major actions in India was the Champaran Satyagraha in Bihar, where he organized protests against the oppressive indigo plantation system. The British landlords forced indigo farmers to cultivate indigo against their will. Through non-violent resistance, Gandhi and his followers compelled the British authorities to set up an inquiry committee to address the grievances of the farmers.
5. Kheda Satyagraha (1918):
In Kheda, Gujrat, the farmers were facing a severe crop failure and were unable to pay taxes. Gandhi led the Kheda Satyagraha, demanding relief for the farmers. He advocated for non-cooperation with the government and the non-pay of taxes until their demands were met. Eventually, the government relented and granted concessions to the farmers.
6. Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22):
Gandhi believed that non-cooperation was a potent tool in achieving freedom. In 1920, he launched the Non- Cooperation Movement, which called upon Indians to boycott British institutions, including schools, courts and administrative services. The movement gained immense popularity and millions pf people across India participated. Although it was temporarily suspended after the Chauri Chuara incident in 1922, where police were killed by a mob, the non-Cooperation Movement marked a significant phase in the struggle for independence.
7. Civil Disobedience Movement (1930):
The Civil Disobedience Movement, launched by Gandhi in 1930, aimed at protesting the salt tax imposed by the British government. Gandhi, along with a group of followers, marched 241 miles from Sabarmati Ashram to the coastal village of Dandi, where they famously picked up salt from the seashore, breaking the British monopoly on salt production. This movement sparked widespread civil disobedience and mass protests across India, leading to thousands of arrests.
Civil Disobedience Movement
8. Round Table Conference (1930-32):
In an attempt to find a political solution to India’s problems, the British government held a series of Round Table Conferences in London. Gandhi represented the Indian National Congress at the second Round Table Conference in 1931. However, the talks were inconclusive, as the British were not prepared to grant the level of independence sought by Indian leaders.
9. Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931):
Following the Round Table Conference, an agreement was reached between Gandhi and the Viceroy of India. Lord Irwin. The Gandhi-Irwin Pact secured the release of political prisoners and allowed Indians to make salt for personal use. In return, Gandhi called off the Civil Disobedience Movement.
10. Quite India Movement (1942):
Amidst the backdrop of World War II, Gandhi and the Indian National Congress launched the Quite India Movement in 1942. The movement demanded an immediate end to British rule in India. The British responded by arresting all major Congress Leaders, including Gandhi, and clamped down on the protests. Although the movement faced severe repression, it marked a crucial phase in the struggle for independence.
11. Shimla Conference (1945):
The Shimla Conference in 1945 was an important step towards self-governance. Gandhi met with the Viceroy, Lord Wavell, to discus the political futures of India. Despite differences, it laid the foundation for post-independence negotiations.
12. Independence and Partition (1947):
The end of World War II and the presence of nationalist movement prompted the British to process of decolonization. In 1947, Indian gained independence and the Indian Independence Act was passed by the British Parliament. However, the independence came with the tragic.
Independence and Partition of India
In conclusion, Mahatma Gandhi's role in the Indian freedom movement cannot be overstated. His philosophy of nonviolence, his ability to mobilize the masses, and his tireless efforts to achieve social and political change through peaceful means made him a symbol of hope and inspiration for millions. His legacy continues to resonate today, serving as a reminder of the power of nonviolent resistance and the pursuit of truth and justice in the face of oppression.
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