Question

Gandhiji introduced new ideas in politics and adopted new methods to give a new direction to the political movement. In this context, answer the following questions:

1. What was Gandhiji's doctrine of Satyagraha?
2. Explain briefly Gandhiji's Social Ideals.
3. Which mass struggle was launched by him on non-violent lines in 1920? explain in brief the programmes of such a campaign.

Answer 1

1. Gandhiji introduced the concept of Satyagraha to free India from foreign rule. He believed that a Satyagrahi needed to be morally and spiritually strong to fight injustice with love, truth, and non-violence. Satyagraha was a tool of peaceful resistance, meant for strong-willed people who believed in their cause. To achieve their goals, a Satyagrahi would use peaceful methods like negotiation, strikes, non-cooperation, social boycott, hunger strikes, and civil disobedience. This method played an important role in India’s freedom struggle.
2. 1. Gandhiji was a social reformer who fought against caste discrimination and untouchability. He called untouchables ‘Harijans’ and promoted equality for them.
   2. He supported equal rights for women and encouraged their participation in the freedom movement.
   3. He emphasised a simple, moral lifestyle and advocated for prohibition. Gandhiji also introduced basic education, focusing on education for the masses rather than a select few.
3. Gandhiji launched the Non-Cooperation Movement on non-violent lines in 1920. The movement included the following programmes:
   • Boycott Programs:
     1. Boycott of government schools, colleges, and courts.
     2. Boycott of foreign goods.
     3. Boycott of elections under the 1919 reforms.
     4. Resignation from local bodies.
     5. Surrender of titles and honorary positions.
     6. Refusal to attend government events.
   • Swadeshi Programs:
     1. Promotion of Swadeshi goods and Khadi through handspinning and weaving.
     2. Establishment of national schools, colleges, and arbitration courts called panchayats.
     3. Strengthening unity between Hindus and Muslims.
     4. Elimination of untouchability and efforts for the welfare of Harijans.
     5. Upliftment of women and promotion of their participation in the freedom struggle.