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Gandhian Era: India's National Movement (Part 1)
The Gandhian Era, the third phase of India's national movement, began with Mahatma Gandhi's 1915 return. It covers his South African experiences, developing Satyagraha, and his leadership in India through early movements like Champaran, Ahmedabad, and Kheda. This period also details the pivotal Civil Disobedience Movement, Round Table Conferences, and the Poona Pact, fundamentally shaping India's independence struggle.
Key Takeaways
Gandhi's South African experiences forged his Satyagraha philosophy.
Early Indian movements (Champaran, Ahmedabad, Kheda) established his leadership.
The Civil Disobedience Movement mobilized masses against British rule.
Round Table Conferences highlighted India's political complexities.
Poona Pact addressed Dalit representation, impacting social reform.
What were the formative experiences of Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa?
Mahatma Gandhi's formative experiences in South Africa, spanning over two decades, profoundly shaped his philosophy of non-violent resistance, Satyagraha. The Pietermaritzburg Incident in 1893, where racial discrimination led to his removal from a train, significantly altered his life's trajectory. He established the Natal Indian Congress in 1894 to advocate for Indian rights and founded Phoenix Farm (1904) and Tolstoy Farm (1904) for communal living. These experiences culminated in his first Satyagraha experiment in 1906, establishing non-violent civil disobedience as his primary political tool.
- Pietermaritzburg Incident (1893) sparked his activism.
- Natal Indian Congress (1894) protected Indian rights.
- Phoenix and Tolstoy Farms (1904) fostered communal living.
- First Satyagraha Experiment (1906) established non-violent resistance.
How did Mahatma Gandhi re-enter Indian politics upon his return?
Mahatma Gandhi made his final return to India on January 9, 1915, a day now celebrated as Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Upon arrival, he heeded Gopal Krishna Gokhale's advice to observe the Indian political landscape for a year. He supported the British during WWI, earning the 'Kaiser-i-Hind' award, and established the Satyagraha Ashram in Ahmedabad in 1915. Gandhi became an INC member at the Bombay Session (1915) and made his first significant public appearance at the Banaras Hindu University inauguration in 1916. His early engagements laid groundwork for future leadership.
- Returned to India on January 9, 1915 (Pravasi Bharatiya Divas).
- Followed Gokhale's advice for political observation.
- Established Satyagraha Ashram in Ahmedabad.
- Became INC member (1915); first public appearance (1916).
What were Gandhi's initial Satyagraha movements in India and their impact?
Gandhi's initial Satyagraha movements in India, between 1917 and 1918, were crucial in establishing his leadership and the effectiveness of non-violent resistance. The Champaran Satyagraha (1917) was his first in India, addressing indigo planters' grievances, leading to his first imprisonment. This was followed by the Ahmedabad Mill Workers' Strike (1918), where Gandhi's first fast secured a 35% bonus. The Kheda Satyagraha (1918) marked the first organized movement of Indian peasants, supported by figures like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, protesting against excessive land revenue. These early successes solidified Gandhi's position as a national leader.
- Champaran Satyagraha (1917): First in India, addressed indigo planters.
- Ahmedabad Mill Workers' Strike (1918): First fast, secured 35% bonus.
- Kheda Satyagraha (1918): First organized peasant movement against land revenue.
How did the Civil Disobedience Movement challenge British rule in India?
The Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), initiated by Mahatma Gandhi from 1930 to 1934, represented a significant escalation in India's struggle for independence. Following the Lahore Session of 1929, where "Purna Swaraj" was declared, Gandhi presented 11 demands to Viceroy Lord Irwin. Upon their rejection, Gandhi launched the iconic Dandi March, or Salt Satyagraha, on March 12, 1930. This 24-day, 385 km march culminated in the symbolic violation of the salt law on April 6, 1930, marking the official start of the CDM. The movement expanded nationwide, demonstrating mass defiance against British authority.
- Lahore Session (1929) declared "Purna Swaraj."
- Gandhi's 11 Demands rejected by Viceroy Irwin.
- Dandi March (1930) initiated Salt Satyagraha.
- Movement expanded with regional leaders and widespread protests.
- Notable events: Peshawar Incident, Dharasana Satyagraha.
What were the outcomes of the Round Table Conferences and the Communal Award?
The Round Table Conferences (RTCs) and Communal Award (1930-1932) reflected British attempts to address India's constitutional future. The First RTC (1930-1931) was boycotted by Congress. The Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931) led to Gandhi's participation in the Second RTC (1931), which ended inconclusively due to communal differences, especially regarding separate electorates. The Third RTC (1932) also lacked Congress. British PM Ramsay MacDonald then issued the Communal Award (1932), granting separate electorates to various communities, including Depressed Classes, which Gandhi strongly opposed.
- First RTC (1930-1931) boycotted by Congress.
- Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931) led to Gandhi's Second RTC participation.
- Second RTC (1931) failed due to communal differences.
- Communal Award (1932) granted separate electorates, opposed by Gandhi.
How did the Poona Pact address Dalit representation and what were Gandhi's Harijan upliftment efforts?
The Poona Pact (September 24, 1932) addressed Dalit representation, emerging from Gandhi's strong opposition to the Communal Award's separate electorates. Gandhi initiated a fast unto death in Yeravda Jail, leading to intense negotiations. The pact, signed by Gandhi and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, abolished separate electorates for Dalits but reserved 148 seats in provincial legislatures, significantly more than the Communal Award's 71. Gandhi then dedicated himself to Harijan upliftment, founding the Harijan Sevak Sangh (1932) and launching the 'Harijan' journal (1933), undertaking fasts to eradicate untouchability.
- Gandhi opposed Communal Award's separate electorates.
- Poona Pact (1932) abolished separate electorates, reserved 148 Dalit seats.
- Pact signed by Gandhi and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
- Harijan Sevak Sangh (1932) and 'Harijan' journal (1933) founded.
- Gandhi coined 'Harijan' and fought untouchability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significance of Gandhi's Pietermaritzburg Incident?
The Pietermaritzburg Incident in 1893, where Gandhi was thrown off a train due to racial discrimination, was a pivotal moment. It deeply impacted him, solidifying his resolve to fight injustice and shaping his future path of non-violent resistance.
Why did Gandhi launch the Dandi March?
Gandhi launched the Dandi March in 1930 to protest the British salt tax and monopoly. It was a symbolic act of civil disobedience, violating an unjust law and initiating the broader Civil Disobedience Movement to achieve "Purna Swaraj" or complete independence.
What was the main outcome of the Poona Pact?
The Poona Pact (1932) abolished separate electorates for Dalits, which Gandhi opposed. Instead, it reserved a significantly higher number of seats (148) for them in provincial legislatures, ensuring their representation within the general electorate and promoting unity.
