The Emergence of Mahatma Gandhi
The arrival of Mahatma Gandhi in India marked the beginning of a new phase in the Indian National Movement. Before coming to India in 1915, Gandhi had spent over two decades in South Africa (1893-1915), where he developed his philosophy of non-violence and Satyagraha. These experiences helped him shape the course of the freedom struggle in India by mobilizing the masses against British colonial rule.
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Gandhi’s Early Political Journey in South Africa
Moderate Phase (1894-1906)
Gandhi arrived in South Africa in 1893 as a barrister for a Gujarati merchant, Dada Abdullah. There, he faced racial discrimination, which led him to fight against the unjust treatment of Indians.
- He founded the Natal Indian Congress in 1894 to unite the Indian community.
- He started a newspaper, Indian Opinion, to create political awareness.
- Initially, he followed constitutional methods such as petitions and negotiations with the British authorities.
The Passive Resistance Phase (1906-1915)
Gandhi introduced Satyagraha, a form of non-violent resistance, against discriminatory laws in South Africa. Key protests included:
- Opposition to the 1906 law requiring Indians to carry registration certificates with fingerprints.
- Resistance against the 1908 restrictions on Indian immigration.
- Protest against the poll tax imposed on ex-indentured Indians.
- Fight for the recognition of non-Christian marriages, which was a major concern for Indian women.
- These movements led to negotiations between Gandhi, General Smuts, and British authorities, resulting in concessions for Indians in South Africa.
Learnings from South Africa
Gandhi’s experiences in South Africa shaped his future strategies in India:
- Non-violent civil disobedience could be a powerful tool.
- Masses could be mobilized across regions, religions, and classes.
- Political struggle required moral strength and perseverance.
Gandhi’s Political Philosophy
1. Satyagraha
- Literally means “holding onto the truth.”
- A peaceful method of resistance to injustice.
- It aims to convert the oppressor rather than defeat them.
2. Ahimsa (Non-Violence)
- Non-violence and truth are inseparable.
- It does not mean submission to injustice but moral resistance.
3. Swaraj (Self-Rule)
- Self-rule in personal, political, and economic spheres.
- Self-discipline and self-restraint were as important as political freedom.
- Economically, it meant freedom from exploitation and self-reliance (Swadeshi).
Gandhi’s Arrival in India (1915) and His Early Movements
After returning to India, Gandhi traveled across the country to understand the problems of the masses. He was not immediately involved in the national movement but waited for the right opportunity.
1. Champaran Satyagraha (1917) – First Civil Disobedience Movement
- Peasants in Champaran (Bihar) were forced to grow indigo under the oppressive Tinkathia system.
- Gandhi, along with Rajendra Prasad, JB Kriplani, and others, led the protest.
- Result: The British agreed to compensate peasants and abolished the Tinkathia system.
2. Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1918) – First Hunger Strike
- Textile mill workers demanded a 35% wage hike.
- Gandhi led the strike and fasted to pressurize the mill owners.
- Result: A tribunal awarded a 35% wage increase to workers.
3. Kheda Satyagraha (1918) – First Non-Cooperation Movement
- Due to a drought in Kheda (Gujarat), peasants demanded remission of land revenue.
- British refused, despite their legal right to relief.
- Gandhi led the non-payment of revenue campaign.
- Result: Government agreed not to confiscate land from poor peasants.
Satyagraha Against Rowlatt Act (1919)
The British government passed the Rowlatt Act, which:
- Allowed imprisonment without trial.
- Curbed press freedom.
- Was seen as a betrayal, as Indians expected reforms after World War I.
Gandhi launched a nationwide Satyagraha Sabha and called for protests, which led to widespread demonstrations and violence.
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (April 13, 1919)
- General Dyer ordered firing on an unarmed crowd in Amritsar, Punjab.
- Official figures: 379 killed, 1100 injured.
- Led to widespread anger, and Rabindranath Tagore renounced his knighthood.
Gandhi’s Views on Moderates, Extremists, and Revolutionaries
1. Moderates
- Appreciated their role in laying the foundation of the national movement.
- However, he disagreed with their approach of petitions and appeals.
- Called Satyagraha the only effective method.
2. Extremists
- Shared the goal of Swaraj but differed in their approach.
- Gandhi rejected Western institutions (like Parliament and military rule).
- Insisted on non-violent means to achieve freedom.
3. Revolutionaries
- Admired their courage and sacrifice but criticized their violent methods.
- Called their approach a “suicidal policy”, as violence would lead to more repression.
Gandhi’s emergence in the Indian National Movement brought a new dimension to the struggle for independence. His philosophy of non-violence, Satyagraha, and mass mobilization became the guiding principles of the movement.
Download notes of Swadeshi Movement in India
His early movements in Champaran, Ahmedabad, and Kheda were significant in shaping his leadership and demonstrating the power of non-violent resistance. These movements laid the foundation for future mass struggles like Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, and Quit India Movements, which ultimately led to India’s independence in 1947.
