Q.8 In what way did Mahatma Gandhi transform the nature of the national movement?
Ans:
Mahatma Gandhi revolutionized India’s national movement by introducing mass participation, non-violence, and socio-economic reforms, making it inclusive and widespread.
- Mass Mobilization:
- Gandhi transformed the movement from an elite-led struggle to a mass-based one.
- Example: The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22) saw millions of Indians, including peasants, workers, and women, participating actively.
- Non-Violence (Ahimsa):
- He emphasized non-violence as a core principle, making the movement morally superior.
- Example: The Salt Satyagraha (1930) demonstrated the power of peaceful resistance against British salt laws.
- Socio-Economic Reforms:
- Gandhi linked political freedom with social and economic justice.
- Example: The Champaran Satyagraha (1917) addressed the exploitation of indigo farmers.
- Inclusivity:
- He ensured the participation of all sections, including marginalized groups.
- Example: The Quit India Movement (1942) united Indians across caste, class, and religion.
- Constructive Programs:
- Gandhi promoted self-reliance through initiatives like Khadi and village industries.
- Example: The Swadeshi Movement encouraged the boycott of British goods and the use of indigenous products.
Gandhi’s leadership transformed the national movement into a mass struggle rooted in non-violence, inclusivity, and socio-economic empowerment, making it a powerful force against colonial rule.
| Source : Book NCERT Theme 11: Mahatma Gandhi and The National Movement : Complete Chapter |
| Extra Info : EMERGENCE OF GANDHI Mohan Das Karamchand Gandhi was a lawyer, trained in Britain. He went to South Africa in 1893 and resided there for twenty one years. The treatment of the Indians in South Africa by the British provoked his conscience.He decided to fight against the policy of racial discrimination of the South African Government. During the course of his struggle against the government he evolved the technique of Satyagraha (non-violent insistence for truth and justice). Gandhi succeeded in this struggle in South Africa. He returned to India in 1915. In 1916, he founded the Sabarmati Ashram at Ahmedabad to practice the ideas of truth and non-violence. Gopal Krishna Gokhale advised him to tour the country mainly in the villages to understand the people and their problems. His first experiment in Satyagraha began at Champaran in Bihar in 1917 when he inspired the peasants to struggle against the oppressive plantation system. He also organised a satyagraha to support the peasants of the Kheda districts of Gujarat. These peasants were not ableto pay their revenue because of crop failure and epidemics. In Ahmedabad, heorganized a movement amongst cotton mill workers. |