Theoretical overview
Mahatma Gandhi, a prominent figure in India’s freedom struggle, played a pivotal role in the country’s path to independence. Let us examine in detail the major movements associated with Gandhi: the non-aligned khilafat movement, the civil disobedience movement and the quit India movement.
Gandhi’s emergence as a leader during these movements was not just a result of his charismatic personality, but also his unwavering commitment to truth, nonviolence, and the welfare of the oppressed. His philosophy of Satyagraha, or “truth-force,” became the guiding principle for the Indian freedom struggle.
The Non-Cooperation and Khilafat Movement
The Non-Cooperation and Khilafat Movement was a response to the oppressive policies of the British Raj and the concerns of the Indian Muslim community. Gandhi believed in the power of peaceful protest and encouraged Indians to boycott British institutions, goods, and services. The movement gained significant traction, with people from all walks of life joining in the cause.
During the Non-cooperation Movement, Gandhi collaborated with the Khilafat Movement, which sought to protect the rights of Muslims and support the cause of the Ottoman Caliphate. The alliance between the Indian National Congress and the All India Khilafat Committee created a united front against British imperialism.
The Civil Disobedience Movement
During the Civil Disobedience Movement, Gandhi focused on the issue of salt, which was heavily taxed by the British. He embarked on the famous Salt March, covering a distance of 240 miles from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi, where he symbolically broke the salt laws. This act of defiance united the nation and brought international attention to the Indian struggle for independence.
The Quit India Movement
The Quit India Movement, launched during World War II, was a call for immediate independence. In 1942, Mahatma Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement, which demanded an immediate end to British colonial rule. Gandhi urged Indians to nonviolently resist British rule, leading to widespread protests, strikes, and acts of civil disobedience. The movement faced severe repression from the British authorities, with thousands of Indians arrested and imprisoned. However, it strengthened the resolve of the Indian people and marked a crucial phase in the fight for freedom.
Gandhi’s leadership and his philosophy of nonviolence inspired millions of Indians to actively participate in the freedom movement. He believed in the power of individual and collective action, emphasizing the importance of self-sufficiency, khadi (handspun cloth), and communal harmony. His ideas transcended borders and continue to influence movements for peace and justice around the world.
Points to remember
- Gandhi’s emergence as a leader during these movements was not just a result of his charismatic personality, but also his unwavering commitment to truth, nonviolence, and the welfare of the oppressed
- His philosophy of Satyagraha, or “truth-force,” became the guiding principle for the Indian freedom struggle.
- The Non-Cooperation and Khilafat Movement was a response to the oppressive policies of the British Raj and the concerns of the Indian Muslim community
- During the Civil Disobedience Movement, Gandhi focused on the issue of salt, which was heavily taxed by the British. He embarked on the famous Salt March, covering a distance of 240 miles from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi, where he symbolically broke the salt laws
- The Quit India Movement, launched during World War II, was a call for immediate independence. In 1942, Mahatma Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement, which demanded an immediate end to British colonial rule
