Question

Examine the different kinds of sources from which the political career of Gandhiji and the history of the National movement could be reconstructed.

Answer 1

In the history of nationalism, a single individual is often identified with the making of a nation. Mahatma Gandhi has been regarded as the ‘Father’ of the Indian nation. In so far as Gandhiji was the most influential and revered of all the leaders who participated in the freedom struggle. Mahatma Gandhi’s political career was shaped and constrained by the society in which he lived.

There are many kinds of sources from which we can reconstruct the political career of Gandhiji and the history of the nationalist movement. The Sources to know about mahatma Gandhi and nationalist role are -

1. Public voice and private scripts.
2. Speeches of Gandhiji and his contemporaries on his political role.
3. Personnel and private letters on political & private thoughts about the country.
4. Journals published by the govt etc.
5. Autobiographies retrospective account.
6. Records written by policemen & officials.
7. Newspapers on the conversion of political movement into mass movement.
8. Records prepared by home ministry department.
9. Information from the localities and common people.
10. Pictures of Gandhi reveal how he was perceived by the people.
11. Fortnightly reports of various provinces.