essay on role of gandhi in freedom struggle

Mahatma Gandhi Essay in English

Mahatma Gandhi is popularly known as 'Father of Nation', was a great Indian freedom warrior. He played a major role in uprooting British rule from Indian soil and followed 'Ahimsa', the non-violence.

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Mahatma Gandhi Essay in English: Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi who is known by the name, Mahatma Gandhi is popularly called as Father of Nation. His contributions towards the freedom struggle and to making India free from the rule of the British Raj are immense and could not be put into simple words. To pay tribute to his efforts in the freedom struggle and to his ideologies we celebrate Gandhi Jayanti on the 2nd of October every year. Schools and colleges celebrate and commemorate this special day by conducting competitions on writing Gandhi Jayanti Essay and arranging a patriotic Gandhi Jayanti speech . This day is declared to be a Public and Bank Holiday across the Nation. In this essay, you can find information on his contribution and legacy.

In this essay, we have provided insights into Gandhiji’s birth, movements and campaigns led by him, his contributions to the freedom struggle, ideologies and principles followed by him and much more. He has great thoughts, ideologies and principles and so people called him Mahatma which means ‘great soul’ in Sanskrit. He always followed the principle of ‘Ahimsa’ which is non-violence in attaining freedom from British reign. Read ahead to this essay on Mahatma Gandhi to gather more information on our father of the nation.

Gandhiji’s Childhood

Mahatma Gandhi was born on 2nd October 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat, and played a pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence through nonviolent civil disobedience. He was raised in an affluent Hindu Family. He was interested in pursuing law and therefore he went to England to study the same and soon became a Barrister. He was born to Karamchand Gandhi (Father of Mahatma Gandhi), the dewan of Porbandar. Growing up with principles of dharma and ahimsa (non-violence) helped Gandhi to walk on the emergence of freedom. To practice the law, he went to South Africa where he was deeply annoyed by the Europeans’ rule against South Africans where there were racial and color discrimination issues.

Campaigns and Movements led by Gandhiji

Gandhiji developed a concept of a Non-violent Movement called ‘Satyagraha’ and he united Indians who had settled in South Africa from different religions, communities or languages. When he returned to India, he saw British people dominating Indians, cruelly. But Gandhiji followed a non-violent method in uprooting Britishers from Indian soil. His concept of ‘Ahimsa’, not to injure anyone is highly appreciable.

Therefore he started several movements such as the Khadi movement to make use of fibres such as Jute or Khadi and weaved the same using a chakra. He started with the Non-Co-operation movement to make use of Indian Swadeshi goods and stopped the use of foreign goods. A major breakthrough movement is the ‘Quit India Movement’ to put an end to the British Colonial rule in India.

Central to Gandhi’s ideology was the concept of ahinsa, or nonviolence, which he believed could transform society. His campaigns, such as the Salt Satyagraha and Dandi March, were iconic examples of peaceful resistance. Mahatma Gandhi’s ability to mobilize the masses without resorting to violence showcased the potency of his principles.

Dandi March or Salt Satyagraha: This is a non-violent civil disobedience campaign led by Gandhiji in the year 1930 to resist the payment of taxes levied on salt which was available free of cost to the common people. He led a campaign starting from Sabarmati Ashram along with his followers to reach Dandi and there at a seashore he took a lump of salty mud and boiled it, thereby, producing illegal salt.

Mahatma Gandhi in Freedom Struggle

Mahatma Gandhi Ji played a major and very important role in the freedom struggle of India. He was imprisoned several times but he didn’t give up the efforts and pace of freedom fighting. He had driven off the ‘Untouchability’ issue while he got imprisoned in Yerwada Jail and went on fast for several days. He also stressed the need and importance of education, cleanliness, health, and equality in society.

In the year 1915, Mahatma Gandhi returned back to India and joined the Indian National Congress Party and demanded ‘Purn Swaraj’, which means complete independence from British rule. Satyagraha was announced by him, which created a major revolt which was the massacre of Amritsar. He also started the Civil disobedience Movement which involved the oppression of British rule by strictly not adhering to the laws and orders imposed by the Britishers. Then Martial law was imposed, which was an important aspect of the Indian Independence movement.

Gandhi’s impact reverberated globally, influencing civil rights movements and inspiring leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela. Despite criticism and challenges, he remained steadfast in his convictions, leaving an indelible mark on the world as a symbol of peace, justice, and the enduring power of nonviolence.

Principles of Gandhiji

Mahatma Gandhi, a key figure in India’s struggle for independence, advocated principles of non-violence, truth, and self-discipline. He believed in Ahinsa, the idea that one should avoid causing harm to others, both physically and verbally. Truthfulness, or Satya, was another core principle, emphasizing the importance of honesty in all aspects of life. Gandhi also promoted self-discipline, encouraging individuals to control their desires and lead a simple life. His physiology extended to the concept of Sarvodaya, meaning the welfare of all. Gandhi’s teachings emphasized the power of love, compassion, and tolerance, fostering unity among diverse communities. Through these principles, he aimed to create a society where individuals worked collectively for the common good, breaking free from the shackles of oppression and injustice.

On the whole, Mahatma Gandhi ji was a man of simplicity but his ideologies had no boundaries. He is highly revered and respected even now after a number of decades because of his fame, ethics, and values. As Indians, let us all try to follow the principle of Mahatma Gandhi and enlighten our lives to achieve bigger goals.

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Mahatma Gandhi Essay: FAQ's

Q1. who is called as 'mahatma'.

Ans. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, was known in the name of 'Mahatma' by Rabindranath Tagore which means great soul in sanskrit.

Q2. Where was Gandhiji born?

Ans. Gandhiji was born on 2nd October 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat.

Q3. What are the famous movements initiated by Gandhiji?

Ans. Gandhiji had started various movements for freedom struggle in a non-violent manner, which are satyagraha, khadi movement, non-cooperative movement, Quit India movement, Civil disobedience movement .

Q4. When is Gandhi Jayanti celebrated?

Ans. Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated on 2nd of October every year, as a remembrance of Gandhiji's birthdate.

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How Mahatma Gandhi changed political protest

His non-violent resistance helped end British rule in India and has influenced modern civil disobedience movements across the globe.

Widely referred to as Mahatma, meaning great soul or saint in Sanskrit, Gandhi helped India reach independence through a philosophy of non-violent non-cooperation.

He’s been called the “father of India” and a “great soul in beggar’s garb." His nonviolent approach to political change helped India gain independence after nearly a century of British colonial rule. A frail man with a will of iron, he provided a blueprint for future social movements around the world. He was Mahatma Gandhi, and he remains one of the most revered figures in modern history.

Born Mohandas Gandhi in Gujarat, India in 1869, he was part of an elite family. After a period of teenage rebellion, he left India to study law in London. Before going, he promised his mother he’d again abstain from sex, meat, and alcohol in an attempt to re-adopt strict Hindu morals.

A portrait of Gandhi as a young man.

In 1893, at the age of 24, the new attorney moved to the British colony of Natal in southeastern Africa to practice law. Natal was home to thousands of Indians whose labor had helped build its wealth, but the colony fostered both formal and informal discrimination against people of Indian descent. Gandhi was shocked when he was thrown out of train cars, roughed up for using public walkways, and segregated from European passengers on a stagecoach.

In 1894, Natal stripped all Indians of their ability to vote. Gandhi organized Indian resistance , fought anti-Indian legislation in the courts and led large protests against the colonial government. Along the way, he developed a public persona and a philosophy of truth-focused, non-violent non-cooperation he called Satyagraha .

Gandhi brought Satyagraha to India in 1915, and was soon elected to the Indian National Congress political party. He began to push for independence from the United Kingdom, and organized resistance to a 1919 law that gave British authorities carte blanche to imprison suspected revolutionaries without trial. Britain responded brutally to the resistance, mowing down 400 unarmed protesters in the Amritsar Massacre .

A map of Gandhi’s 1930 protest march against a law compelling Indians to purchase British salt.

Now Gandhi pushed even harder for home rule, encouraging boycotts of British goods and organizing mass protests. In 1930, he began a massive satyagraha campaign against a British law that forced Indians to purchase British salt instead of producing it locally. Gandhi organized a 241-mile-long protest march to the west coast of Gujarat, where he and his acolytes harvested salt on the shores of the Arabian Sea. In response, Britain imprisoned over 60,000 peaceful protesters and inadvertently generated even more support for home rule.

Children in Rajkot, Gujarat, where Gandhi spent most of his boyhood, dressed as the legendary activist to celebrate what would have been his 144th birthday in 2013. This year will mark Gandhi’s 150th birthday.

By then, Gandhi had become a national icon, and was widely referred to as Mahatma, Sanskrit for great soul or saint. Imprisoned for a year because of the Salt March, he became more influential than ever. He protested discrimination against the “untouchables,” India’s lowest caste, and negotiated unsuccessfully for Indian home rule. Undeterred, he began the Quit India movement , a campaign to get Britain to voluntarily withdraw from India during World War II. Britain refused and arrested him yet again.

Huge demonstrations ensued, and despite the arrests of 100,000 home rule advocates by British authorities, the balance finally tipped toward Indian independence. A frail Gandhi was released from prison in 1944, and Britain at last began to make plans to withdraw from the Indian subcontinent. It was bittersweet for Gandhi, who opposed the partition of India and attempted to quell Hindu-Muslim animosity and deadly riots in 1947.

India finally gained its independence in August 1947. But Gandhi only saw it for a few months; a Hindu extremist assassinated him on January 30, 1948. Over 1.5 million people marched in his massive funeral procession.

Ascetic and unflinching, Gandhi changed the face of civil disobedience around the world. Martin Luther King, Jr. drew on his tactics during the Civil Rights Movement, and the Dalai Lama was inspired by his teachings, which are still heralded by those who seek to inspire change without inciting violence.

But though his legacy still resonates, others wonder whether Gandhi should be revered. Among some Indian Hindus, he remains controversial for his embrace of Muslims. Others question whether he did enough to challenge the Indian caste system. He has also been criticized for supporting racial segregation between black and white South Africans and making derogatory remarks about black people. And though he supported women’s rights in some regards, he also opposed contraception and invited young women to sleep in his bed naked as a way of testing his sexual self-control.

Mohandas Gandhi the man was complex and flawed. However, Mahatma Gandhi the public figure left an indelible mark on the history of India and on the exercise of civil disobedience worldwide. “After I am gone, no single person will be able completely to represent me,” he said . “But a little bit of me will live in many of you. If each puts the cause first and himself last, the vacuum will to a large extent be filled.”

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Indian Independence Day 2021: Major Movements of Mahatma Gandhi that helped in Indian Freedom Struggle

Mahatma gandhi was born on 2 october, 1869 in porbandar, gujarat, india. he had played an important role in india's freedom struggle. let us have a look at major movements of gandhi ji that helped in achieving freedom from the british raj..

The contribution of Mahatma Gandhi to the Indian freedom movement can't be measured in words. He with other freedom fighters enforced the Britishers to leave India. His action, words are the source of inspiration for millions, and his struggle movement, policies were non-violent.

He was known for his non-violence protest and was a leading figure of freedom movements whether in India or South Africa. With his efforts finally, India got freedom from colonial rule.

He always gave importance to human rights. No doubt, Mahatma Gandhi is a true inspiration not only for the past generation but also for the generations to come with his ideology of non-violence, truth, tolerance, and social welfare.

On Independence Day let us have a look at some major nationalist movements that played a crucial role in the freedom struggle.

In 1906-07, Mahatma Gandhi started a Satyagraha in South Africa against the compulsory registration and passes for Indians.
In 1910, he announced Satyagraha against emigration and restriction in Natal (South Africa).

Independence Day 2021: History, Significance, Celebration, and Facts

His socio-cultural background especially the impact of the Vaishnav Movement.
Bhagvat Gita impact.
Impact of Bible.
John Ruskin’s text ‘Unto the Last’.
Impact of Emerson Thoreau
Impact of Leo Tolstoy

Why is Gandhi Jayanti celebrated on 2nd October?

Apart from that Mahatma Gandhi was a Man of Action and his personal experiences also led an impact on personality.

On 9 January 1915, Mahatma Gandhi returned back to India from South Africa at the age of approx 46. After that, he travelled to different parts of India to understand the situation of India. In 1916, he founded the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad (Gujarat) to preach the idea.

Champaran Satyagraha (1917): In the Champaran district of Bihar the condition of Indigo cultivators became miserable under the Tinkathiya system. Under this system, the cultivators were forced to cultivate Indigo on the best 3/20 th part of their land and were forced to sell them at a cheaper price. The situation for the farmers became worse due to harsh weather conditions and the levy of heavy taxes. Then, Rajkumar Shukla met Mahatma Gandhi at Lucknow and invited him.
Kheda Satyagraha (1917 -1918): A no-tax campaign was started by Mohan Lal Pandey in 1917 who demanded the remission of taxes due to poor harvest or crop failure in Kheda village, Gujarat. Mahatma Gandhi was invited and he joined the movement on 22 March, 1918. There, he started Satyagraha. The movement was also joined by Vallabhbhai Patel and Indulal Yagnik. Finally, the demands were fulfilled by the British government and it was successful.
Khilafat Movement (1919): Khilafat movement was started by the Ali brothers to show the protest against unjust done with Turkey after the First World War. Under the guidance of Mahatma Gandhi, the movement was launched against the British government to restore the collapsing status of the Caliph in Turkey. All India Conference was held in Delhi where Mahatma Gandhi was elected as a president. He also returned the medals received from the British Empire in South Africa. The success of the Khilafat movement made him the national leader.
Non-Cooperation Movement (1920): Non-Cooperation movement was launched in 1920 by Mahatma Gandhi due to the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. Mahatma Gandhi thought that this will continue and Britishers will enjoy their control over Indians. With the help of Congress, Gandhi ji convinced people for starting the non-cooperation movement in a peaceful way which is the key factor to attain independence. He framed the concept of Swaraj and it became a crucial element in the Indian freedom struggle. The movement gained momentum and people started boycotting the products and establishments of the British government like schools, colleges, government offices. But due to the Chauri Chaura incident, Mahatma Gandhi ended the movement because in this incident 23 police officials were killed.
Civil-Disobedience Movement (1930): Mahatma Gandhi in March 1930 addressed the nation in a newspaper, Young India, and expressed his willingness to suspend the movement if his eleven demands get accepted by the government. But the government at that time was of Lord Irwin and he did not respond back to him. As a result, Mahatma Gandhi initiated the movement with full vigour.

20 Interesting and Unknown Facts about Mahatma Gandhi

He started the movement with Dandi March from 12 March to 6 April, 1930. Mahatma Gandhi along with his followers marched from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi in Navsari District, Ahmedabad on the sea coast and broke the salt law by making salt on 6 April, 1930.

Under this movement student, left college and government servants resigned from the office. Boycott foreign clothes, communal burning of foreign clothes, non-payment of government taxes, women stage Dharna at the government liquor shop, etc.

Quit India Movement (1942): Mahatma Gandhi launches the Quit India movement on 8 August, 1942 during Second World War to drive British rule out of India. In the movement, Mahatma Gandhi delivered a 'Do or Die' speech. As a result, the entire members of the Indian National Congress were arrested by the British officials and imprisoned without trial. But the protest continued across the nation. By the end of World War II, the British government cleared that they will hand over the powers to India. Mahatma Gandhi called off the movement which results in the release of thousands of prisoners.

Therefore, these are the major movements led by Mahatma Gandhi and helped India in attaining freedom from British rule or colonial rule.

Mahatma Gandhi: Biography, Movements, Facts, History & Family

Journey of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India

Get here current GK and GK quiz questions in English and Hindi for India , World, Sports and Competitive exam preparation. Download the Jagran Josh Current Affairs App .

Gandhi-Irwin pact was focused on... + Gandhi-Irwin pact was signed in 1931. It focuses on the release of all the political prisoners and the cancellation of the oppressive laws.
When was Non-Cooperation Movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi? + The Non-Cooperation movement was launched in 1920 by Mahatma Gandhi.
When Mahatma Gandhi returned back to India? + In January 1915, Mahatma Gandhi returned back to India from South Africa. After that, he travelled in different parts of India to understand the situation of India.
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Role of Mahatma Gandhi in Freedom Struggle

Role of Mahatma Gandhi in Freedom Struggle: The role of Mahatma Gandhi in the freedom struggle helped to shape Independence in India. The movements of Satyagraha and non-violent movements which were led by Mahatma Gandhi against British rule, played a very important role. He demanded a greater voice for Indians and also moved forward his satyagraha movement to start other important movements like Champaran, Bihar and later spread out throughout the country. Mahatma Gandhi jas led different movements for women’s empowerment, reduction of poverty, and untouchability, and for Swaraj.

In this article, we will learn about the role of Mahatma Gandhi in the freedom struggle, Champaran Satyagraha, Kheda Satyagraha, Ahmedabad mill strike, Non- cooperation movement, and civil disobedience movement in detail.

Table of Content

Role of Mahatma Gandhi in the Freedom Struggle

Activities taken up by mahatma gandhi in the freedom struggle, champaran satyagraha (1917), kheda satyagraha (1918), ahmedabad mill strike, the satyagraha movement (1917-1918), khilafat movement (1919-1924), the non-cooperation movement (1920), civil disobedience movement (1930), the quit india movement.

Mahatma Gandhi and Freedom Struggle

The role of Mahatma Gandhi in the freedom struggle helped shape India’s independence. In his early days, Gandhi led three Satyagraha movements: the Champaran Satyagraha in 1917, the Kheda Satyagraha in 1918, and the Ahmedabad Mill Strike in 1918. All of Mahatma Gandhi’s movements and dates are listed below.

Many of us are aware of Mahatma Gandhi’s movements. Let us investigate most of them:

In the Champaran stage regarding Bihar, the regimen of Indigo cultivators became hopeless underneath the Tinkathiya framework. Under its framework, the cultivators had according to improve Indigo over the superior 3/twentieth part concerning their creed then had in imitation of selling them at a much less expensive cost. The conditions because the ranchers turned outdoors after keep extra regrettable because concerning beastly weather patterns yet the obligation of cumbersome assessments. Then, Rajkumar Shukla met Mahatma Gandhi in Lucknow then welcomed him. At Champaran, Mahatma Gandhi took on the methodology of the common noncompliance development or dispatched afield indicates or strikes in opposition to the landowners. Therefore, the supremacy of the common employ upon a Champaran agronomic advisory group on who Gandhi Ji used to be likewise one of the individuals. Some of the requests about the cultivators have been stated yet the Satyagraha used to be effective.

Read More: Champaran Satyagraha (1917)

Gujarat had faced droughts that resulted in crop failure in the early 20th century. Mohan Lal Pandey came to lead the no-tax campaign in the year 1917 and demanded remission from taxes paid by poor peasants even during bad harvests. The Campaign came to be joined by Gandhiji and ignited for him to start Satyagraha. Some of the great leaders like Indulal Yagnik and also Vallabbhai Patel had joined the Kheda Satyagraha.

In 1918, Hunger strikes and satyagraha were used by Gandhiji against the industrial owners and the region came to experience heavy monsoons which led to crop failure and also a plague. During the famines and plague, bonuses came to be provided to the workers, and stopped after the epidemic. This has resulted in the workers turning against them and demanding dearness allowances of 50 %. Gandhi organized a hunger strike for the same and during the Ahmedabad Mill strike, owners came to be granted a 35% wage hike.

One of his extensive accomplishments over the yr. 1918 was the Champaran and Kheda disturbances which are moreover referred to as an improvement against British religious managers. The ranchers yet decrease type had in imitation of boost yet boost Indigo or had been too after control according to to promote to them at fixed costs. At long last, these ranchers promised according to Mahatma Gandhi delivered regarding cool dissent. Wherein Gandhiji received the fight. Kheda, between the yr 1918 was hit with the aid of floods and ranchers needed help besides charge. Involving non-participation namely his primary instrument Gandhiji was concerned with railing against the ranchers for the non-existence of assessments.

Read More: The Idea of Satyagraha

Khilafat development was once begun through the Ali siblings in imitation of the show the disagreement against unfair completed together with Turkey afterward the stellar World War. Gandhiji among the year 1919 raised toward Muslims, that found the area regarding Congress used to be entirely delicate and then temperamental. Khilafat Movement is in relation to the standard grudge in opposition to the scenario along Caliph by using Muslims. Under the path of Mahatma Gandhi, the improvement was once dispatched far away in opposition to the British regime after re-establishing the error reputation of the Caliph in Turkey. All India Conference has departed from Delhi the place Mahatma Gandhi was once selected as a president. He ekes lower back the equipment received beyond the British Empire between South Africa. The consequence of the Khilafat development taken him the people chief. At length last, Mahatma Gandhi had an All India Muslim Conference and grew to become between the imperative unaccompanied for the occasion. This development upheld Muslims normally then the consequence of its development committed him to the commons chump then labored including main areas of power because of him between the Congress party. Khilafat improvement imploded significantly within 1922 yet via their excursion, Gandhiji battled against communalism, on the other hand, the gap between Hindus and Muslims broadened.

Read More: Khilafat Movement

The Non-Cooperation improvement used be dispatched afield into 1920 via Mahatma Gandhi in mild over the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. Mahatma Gandhi believed it would be on the increase yet the Britishers would participate in their arrangement above the Indians. With the help of Congress, Gandhi Ji persuaded people in imitation of starting the non-collaboration development in a quiet manner, which is the fundamental thing to reaching freedom. He outlined the concept of Swaraj yet that turned into an essential thing in the Indian possibility battle. The improvement is beautiful on velocity or humans commenced boycotting the objects then foundations over the British government, similar according to schools, universities, then rule workplaces. Be up to expectation as much that may, because, on the Chauri Chaura occurrence, Mahatma Gandhi completed the development. In that episode, 23 policemen and authorities were killed.

Read More: Non-Cooperation Movement

The advance on the Gandhi-drove trends used to be the Non-Cooperation Movement, tolerant from September 1920 till February 1922. Gandhi, at some point in this development, was a favorite so the British were just fantastic in maintaining on including control in light of the fact that the Indians have been helpful. In the match that the occupants of a state quit helping oversee the British, the depressed Britishers would be compelled to surrender. The improvement obtained notoriety, or quickly significant many people had been boycotting British-run then accommodating foundations. This implied that people observed employment elsewhere eliminated their children besides schools, then stayed away from government workplaces. The renowned Mahatma Gandhi became nicely known.

Mahatma Gandhi in March 1930 tended to the united states of America in a paper, Young India, or communicated his ability to droop improvement regarding the aloof hazard to that amount his eleven requests were referred to by means of the masses authority. In someone’s case, the mass’s dominion around since was about Lord Irwin, yet she did not answer again in accordance with him. Accordingly, Mahatma Gandhi commenced the development along with the whole power. He commenced the improvement with the Dandi March, out of March 12 in accordance with April 6, 1930. Mahatma Gandhi, alongside his devotees, walked beside Sabarmati Ashram according to Dandi among Navsari District, Ahmedabad on the sea coast, and violated the powder dictation by making salt on April 6, 1930.

Under its development, understudies left college or rule workers left their workplaces. Blacklist concerning unfamiliar garments; common ingesting on rummy garments; non-installment of regimen charges; ladies organizing Dharna at the commons dominion booze shop; or and on. In 1930, Lord Irwin’s Government required a Round Table Conference in London, then the Indian National Conference would not partake in it. Along these lines, after securing so Congress takes piece within gatherings, he marked a settlement with Mahatma Gandhi in 1931. It was once recognized as the Gandhi-Irwin Pact. It centers around the appearance of each and every political detainee or the wiping out of extreme regulations.

Read More: What were the impacts of the Civil Disobedience Movement?

Mahatma Gandhi dispatched far away from the Quit India improvement on August 8, 1942, throughout the Second World War in conformity with pressure British government oversea regarding India. In the development, Mahatma Gandhi received a “Sink then swim” discourse. Therefore, the entire appointment on the Indian National Congress was once captured by way of British authorities or detained except for preliminary. However, the dissent went over the united states over. Toward the finish of World War II, the British rule terminated they would surrender the powers in imitation of India. Mahatma Gandhi canceled the development, which added to respecting the appearance of hundreds of detainees.

Thusly, these are the widespread traits pushed with the aid of Mahatma Gandhi who assisted India by engaging in the distinction between the British administration and frontier rule.

Read More : Quit India Movement

FAQs on Role of Mahatma Gandhi in the Freedom Struggle

1. what was the role of mahatma gandhi in the freedom struggle.

Mahatma Gandhi has led satyagrahas and mass movements and led to different movements like Champaran Satyagraha in 1917, Kheda Satyagraha in 1918, Ahmedabad Mill Strike in 1918 and so forth.

2. What marked the emergence of Gandhi in the Indian freedom struggle?

Gandhiji emerged as a prominent Indian Freedom fighter in the year 1917 after he started the Satyagraha movement.

3. Which was the first satyagraha by Mahatma Gandhi?

The first satyagraha of Gandhiji was the Champaran satyagraha in the year 1917, which was to fight against the exploitative system where the peasants had to pay heavy taxes in Champaran.

4. What are the 3 satyagraha movements?

The 3 satyagraha movement includes Ahmedabad Mill Strike Kheda Satyagraha Champaran Satyagraha

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Essay on Mahatma Gandhi – Contributions and Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi

500+ words essay on mahatma gandhi.

Essay on Mahatma Gandhi – Mahatma Gandhi was a great patriotic Indian, if not the greatest. He was a man of an unbelievably great personality. He certainly does not need anyone like me praising him. Furthermore, his efforts for Indian independence are unparalleled. Most noteworthy, there would have been a significant delay in independence without him. Consequently, the British because of his pressure left India in 1947. In this essay on Mahatma Gandhi, we will see his contribution and legacy.

Contributions of Mahatma Gandhi

First of all, Mahatma Gandhi was a notable public figure. His role in social and political reform was instrumental. Above all, he rid the society of these social evils. Hence, many oppressed people felt great relief because of his efforts. Gandhi became a famous international figure because of these efforts. Furthermore, he became the topic of discussion in many international media outlets.

Mahatma Gandhi made significant contributions to environmental sustainability. Most noteworthy, he said that each person should consume according to his needs. The main question that he raised was “How much should a person consume?”. Gandhi certainly put forward this question.

Furthermore, this model of sustainability by Gandhi holds huge relevance in current India. This is because currently, India has a very high population . There has been the promotion of renewable energy and small-scale irrigation systems. This was due to Gandhiji’s campaigns against excessive industrial development.

Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence is probably his most important contribution. This philosophy of non-violence is known as Ahimsa. Most noteworthy, Gandhiji’s aim was to seek independence without violence. He decided to quit the Non-cooperation movement after the Chauri-Chaura incident . This was due to the violence at the Chauri Chaura incident. Consequently, many became upset at this decision. However, Gandhi was relentless in his philosophy of Ahimsa.

Secularism is yet another contribution of Gandhi. His belief was that no religion should have a monopoly on the truth. Mahatma Gandhi certainly encouraged friendship between different religions.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi has influenced many international leaders around the world. His struggle certainly became an inspiration for leaders. Such leaders are Martin Luther King Jr., James Beve, and James Lawson. Furthermore, Gandhi influenced Nelson Mandela for his freedom struggle. Also, Lanza del Vasto came to India to live with Gandhi.

The awards given to Mahatma Gandhi are too many to discuss. Probably only a few nations remain which have not awarded Mahatma Gandhi.

In conclusion, Mahatma Gandhi was one of the greatest political icons ever. Most noteworthy, Indians revere by describing him as the “father of the nation”. His name will certainly remain immortal for all generations.

Essay Topics on Famous Leaders

Mahatma Gandhi
APJ Abdul Kalam
Jawaharlal Nehru
Swami Vivekananda
Mother Teresa
Rabindranath Tagore
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Subhash Chandra Bose
Abraham Lincoln
Martin Luther King

FAQs on Mahatma Gandhi

Q.1 Why Mahatma Gandhi decided to stop Non-cooperation movement?

A.1 Mahatma Gandhi decided to stop the Non-cooperation movement. This was due to the infamous Chauri-Chaura incident. There was significant violence at this incident. Furthermore, Gandhiji was strictly against any kind of violence.

Q.2 Name any two leaders influenced by Mahatma Gandhi?

A.2 Two leaders influenced by Mahatma Gandhi are Martin Luther King Jr and Nelson Mandela.

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Contribution of Mahatma Gandhi in freedom movement

October 2, 2022
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN Topics

Subject :History

Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated all over the country on October 2.

Mahatma Gandhi was born on 2 October, 1869 at Porbandar, Gujarat.
Mahatma Gandhi was a renowned freedom activist who had played an important role in India’s struggle for Independence against the British rule of India.
His ideology of truth and non-violence influenced many and was also adopted by Martin Luther and Nelson Mandela for their struggle movement.

Early Life:

At the age of 19, Mohandas left home to study law in London at the Inner Temple, one of the city’s four law colleges. Upon returning to India in mid-1891, he set up a law practice in Bombay, but met with little success. He soon accepted a position with an Indian firm that sent him to its office in South Africa. Along with his wife, Kasturbai, and their children, Gandhi remained in South Africa for nearly 20 years.
Books that inspired Mahatma Gandhi : Unto this Last by John Ruskin and The Kingdom of God is within you’ by Leo Tolstoy.
English artist John Ruskin’s book Unto This Last inspired Gandhi and he set up Phoenix Farm near Durban. Here, Gandhi would train his cadres on non-violent Satyagraha or peaceful restraint. Phoenix Farm is considered as the birthplace of Satyagraha. However, it was at the Tolstoy Farm , Gandhi’s second camp in South Africa, where Satyagraha was molded into a weapon of protest.

Associations by Gandhiji in South Africa:

Natal Indian Congress
Passive Resistance Association

Journals by Gandhiji in South Africa:

Indian Opinion

Gandhiji in India:

In 1915, after returning from South Africa, where he had perfected the art of non-violent resistance or satyagraha, Mahatma Gandhi spent the next few years in fully understanding Indian conditions and travelled widely across the length and breadth of this vast nation .
Gandhi also met the Congress leadership and took everyone’s suggestions on board, before taking tentative steps towards launching himself into the Indian Independence struggle.
While the Indian freedom movement can be thought of as one single struggle that lasted decades, in reality there were phases of great activity and relatively lull periods as well. And much of this calendar of protests and tactical retreat was decided by Gandhi himself, who apart from being the greatest advocate of peace and violence in modern times, was also a brilliant organiser of mass movements. He understood the people’s pulse like few others.
Champaran Movement: The Champaran Movement is regarded as the first modern civil disobedience movement in India . It took place in the then Champaran district of northern Bihar. The Indian labourers and farm-workers here tilled the land but all the profits went to the European landowners. The labourers protested but it was Gandhi’s involvement in their struggle that culminated in the Champaran Agrarian Act, 1918, which helped farmers secure greater rights over their own land. The success of Champaran made many more Indians aware of Gandhi and his principles, and the Congress party found its greatest mass leader.
Ahmedabad Mill Worker Satyagraha: In March 1918, under the leadership of Gandhi, there was a strike in the cotton mills. In this strike Gandhi used the weapon of Hunger strike.
Kheda Satyagraha: In Kheda, Gujarat, despite crop failures, the farmers’ desperate pleas for tax remission fell on deaf ears. Gandhi’s message to them was to withhold revenue and fight peacefully but bravely against such vindictiveness and tyranny. Another rising star of the freedom movement, SardarVallabhbhai Patel , also played a key role in this struggle of 1918. The local government eventually came out with a solution that was acceptable to both parties. The Champaran and Kheda campaigns were limited to specific areas, but they gave Gandhi the confidence to launch his major pan-Indian movements in future.
Rowlatt Act Satyagraha : During World War I (1914–18), the British government of India enacted a series of repressive emergency powers that were intended to combat subversive activities. The Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act of 1919 popularly known as Rowlatt Act (Black Act) which was passed on 10 th March, 1919, authorised the government to imprison or confine, without a trial, any person associated with seditious activities which led to nationwide unrest. Gandhiji called for a one-day general strike ( Rowlatt Satyagraha ) throughout the country.
Non-Cooperation Movement : The Non-Cooperation movement (1920-22) was the first mass movement launched by Gandhi, seeking self-government or swaraj for all Indians. It followed from Gandhi’s deeply held ideals of satyagraha and civil disobedience, and he called upon Indians to boycott all institutions linked to the British including courts and colleges, give up titles and refuse to pay taxes. Audacious in scope, the Non-Cooperation movement may not have been a 100 per cent success, but it made millions of Indians understand the true meaning of a modern, organised political movement and its power.
Dandi March : An unqualified masterstroke, the Dandi March brought Mahatma Gandhi’s political genius and sense of timing to the fore . He started the historic march from Sabarmati Ashram to the coastal village of Dandi in March 1930. While the basic reason was to protest against the unacceptably high salt tax levied by the British, it turned into something much bigger as thousands of people joined Gandhi on his 24-day march. The Dandi March became the talking point across the country and the whole nation was inspired. From that moment onwards, non-violent resistance against the British became the natural course of action for a vast section of Indians for the remaining years of the Raj.
Quit India Movement: By the beginning of the 1940s, the British knew that their days in India were numbered, but they used the excuse of World War 2 to delay any talk of India’s independence. In August 1942, the All-India Congress Committee passed the famous ‘Quit India’ resolution in Bombay, under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, who also gave the slogan of ‘Do or Die’ . The entire leadership of the Congress was arrested, but that didn’t stop thousands of protests against British rule in every corner of the country. There was no middle path now: the British had to quit India.

Journals of Gandhiji

Mahatma Gandhi was offered editorship of Young India and Navjivan
In February 1933 Gandhiji started Harijan, Harijanbandhu, Harijansevak in English, Gujarati and Hindi,

Organisations by Mahatma Gandhi

Harijan Sevak Sangh
All India spinners association
Ahmedabad Textile Labour Association
All India Village Industries’ Association

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Mahatma Gandhi Essay

Important Essay on Mahatma Gandhi for Students in English

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, often called the 'Father of the Nation' , was a leader who fought for India's freedom from British rule. He believed in non-violence. Every year on October 2nd, Mahatma Gandhi's birthday is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti to honor his efforts in freeing India.

English Essay on Mahatma Gandhi

Rabindranath Tagore was the first to call Gandhiji 'Mahatma,' which means 'Great Soul' in Sanskrit. His wise ideas and beliefs led people to respect and call him 'Mahatma Gandhi.' His dedication to the country and efforts to turn his ideas into reality make Indians around the world very proud of him .

According to Mahatma Gandhi’s biography, he was born on October 2, 1869 , in Porbandar, a coastal town in the present-day Indian state of Gujarat. He grew up in a Hindu family and ate basic vegetarian meals. His dad, Karamchand Uttamchand Gandhi, was an important leader in Porbandar State. In South Africa, he was the first to lead a peaceful protest movement, setting him apart from other demonstrators. Mahatma Gandhi also introduced the idea of Satyagraha, a nonviolent approach to opposing unfairness. He devoted 20 years of his life to battling discrimination in South Africa.

His idea of 'Ahimsa,' which means not hurting anyone, was widely admired and followed by many influential people worldwide. He became an indomitable figure who couldn't be defeated in any situation. Mahatma Gandhi initiated the 'Khadi Movement' to encourage the use of fabrics like khadi or jute. This movement was a crucial part of the larger 'Non-co-operation Movement,' which advocated for Indian goods and discouraged foreign ones. Gandhi strongly supported agriculture and encouraged people to engage in farming. He inspired Indians to embrace manual labor and emphasized self-reliance, urging them to provide for their needs and lead simple lives. He began weaving cotton clothes using the Charkha to reduce dependence on foreign goods and promote Swadeshi products among Indians.

During the fight for India's freedom, Gandhiji faced imprisonment several times along with his followers, but his main goal was always the freedom of his motherland. Even when he was in prison, he never chose the path of violence.

Mahatma Gandhi made significant contributions to various social issues. His efforts against 'untouchability' while he was in Yerwada Jail, where he went on a hunger strike against this ancient social evil, greatly helped uplift the oppressed community in modern times. He also emphasized the importance of education, cleanliness, health, and equality in society.

These qualities defined him as a person with a great soul and justified his transformation from Gandhi to Mahatma. He led many freedom movements, including the "Quit India Movement," which was highly successful. His death was a huge loss to the forces of peace and democracy, leaving a significant void in the nation's life.

Gopal Krishna Gokhale, a prominent Indian nationalist leader, significantly influenced Mahatma Gandhi's political ideology and leadership approach. Gandhi considered him his political teacher.

Mahatma Gandhi played a crucial role in India's fight for freedom from British rule. His life was dedicated to serving his country and its people, and he became an international symbol of Indian leadership. Even today, he continues to inspire and motivate young people worldwide with his values and principles.

Gandhi Ji was known for his strong sense of discipline. He emphasized the importance of self-discipline in achieving significant goals, a principle he applied in promoting his philosophy of Ahimsa (non-violence). Through his own life, he demonstrated that rigorous discipline can lead to the realization of any objective, provided we remain committed and dedicated. These qualities established him as a revered and respected leader whose influence extends far beyond his lifetime. His ideals continue to resonate not only in India but also around the world.

FAQs on Mahatma Gandhi Essay

1. What were the different movements that Gandhi started in order to bring Independence to India?

In order to bring freedom, Gandhi started the Satyagraha movement in 1919, the non-cooperation movement in 1921, and Civil Disobedience movement in 1930 and Quit India movement in 1942.

2. Who killed Mahatma Gandhi?

A young man named Nathuram Godse killed Mahatma Gandhi when he was going to attend an evening prayer meeting.

3. Why is Gandhi known as the ‘Father of the Nation’?

Mahatma Gandhi is known as the ‘Father of the Nation’ because he laid the true foundation of independent India with his noble ideals and supreme sacrifice.

4. How do we commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s contribution for our Nation?

His birthday on 2 nd October is celebrated as a National Holiday across the nation in order to commemorate his great contributions and sacrifices for the country’s independence.

5. What are the things we should learn from Mahatma Gandhi?

There are various things one can learn from Gandhiji. The principles that he followed and preached his entire generation and for generations to come are commendable. He believed in ‘Ahimsa’ and taught people how any war in the world can be won through non-violence. To simply state one can learn the following principles from Gandhiji -

Nonviolence,

Respect for elders,

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The Role of Mahatma Gandhi in the Freedom Movement of India

Indian freedom struggle involves the political movements that were widely popularized against the oppressing outlook of the British dominion, both by employing non-violent and violent measures. Broadly speaking, the history of the freedom struggle can be divided into two distinctive phases, i.e., Pre-Gandhian period (1885-1919) and Post-Gandhian period (1919-1947). In the latter phase, Gandhi led millions into active politics and movement for independence mass-centric. However, he was clear that the springs of their activity did not lie with him but with themselves. He was able to grasp the basic dialectic of leader-masses relationship. Through his leadership, Indian National Congress became an effective organization for politics and mass struggle, to mobilize and unite an atomized and dispersed people, to evolve correct strategy and tactics which would correspond to the specific historical situation of exploitation and oppression. Political Background of India before the Arrival of...

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A standout amongst the most prominently examined and yet many-a-period dubious figure of Indian politics is Mahatma Gandhi. There is not really any zone in the pre or post-independence period that he had left untramplled for Indian improvement and independence. He is such a socio-political figure who is scarcely incomprehensible for somebody to overlook or disregard. He has impacted each part of human awareness and there is not really any discipline that he has left uncommented. Maybe a couple would debate the idea that Mahatma Gandhi was one of the twentieth century's transformative political and spiritual leaders. Among his numerous prominent commitments, Gandhi is appropriately credited with pioneering Satyagraha, protection from oppression however mass common rebellion and vocalizing an otherworldly message that helped the Indian National Congress procure independence from the British in August 1947. In Gandhi's glorified state, there would be no representative government, no constitution, no army or police constrain; there would be no industrialization, no machines and absolutely no modern cities.

Indian politics is Mahatma Gandhi. There is not really any zone in the pre or post-independence period that he had left untramplled for Indian improvement and independence. He is such a socio-political figure who is scarcely incomprehensible for somebody

The impact of Non-violence in the nationalist movement of India is beyond criticism. Gandhi wanted to inspire the nation, not for a blood-shedding struggle but rather in a theosophical way i.e. Ahimsa. The arrival of Non-violence waved the women's souls to plunge into nationalist movements such as

Usha R Vijailakshmi

Civil disobedience is a public, non-violent and conscientious breach of law undertaken with the aim of bringing about a change in laws or government policies. Civil disobedience is generally regarded as more morally defensible than both ordinary offences and other forms of protest such as militant action or coercive violence. The Civil disobedience movement of India was a unique attempt where ordinary people accepting the leadership of Gandhi, in a non-violent way stood against the might of the British Empire. This event shook the foundation of the British Empire and also made a wide spectrum of people to accept a single goal: swarajya or self-rule. But therein lay the uncertainty; while Gandhi believed swarajya was inner transformation of Indians, other congress leaders thought it was either collapse of British administration or gaining of dominion status. To common man it was either complete independence or at least dominion status and a euphoria that they were into something very important. But when the collective effort of the people that cut across their regional, linguistic, caste and religious differences was not rewarded with either Independence or dominion status it led to fissures within congress and marred the image of the leader who took them through the movement. It also resulted in Gandhi moving away from the party he led for a period of nine years. The paper attempts to study the movement from one of its major centers and tries to understand what is important in a mass movement, the means or the end or both? Keywords: Civil disobedience, Satyagraha, Non-violence, Leadership, Dominion status, Gandhi.

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The Non-Cooperation Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi was a critical chapter in the Anti-British Movement in India during the early 20th century. This paper provides a case study of the Non-Cooperation Movement, its goals, and its impact on Indian society and politics. The paper examines the historical context that led to the movement, its main objectives, and the strategies and tactics used to challenge British colonial rule.

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The Left movement in India began originally in Russia, heavily influenced by international politics. It's a movement not very clearly understood by the Indian masses, which has evolved into many shades. The Left movement kicked off with various Socialist and Communist Parties being formed, and also getting a lot of patronage within the Congress. In my paper, I hope to discuss the evolution of the Left movement, which majorly transforms into a discussion on the Communist Party of India giving a brief history and moving on the post‐Independence period. The main objective of this paper is to understand the movement in context of India, it's influence and how in current days of turmoil it has become a contested ideology, all the while emphasising that like all other ideologies, we need to recognize and accept the fact that the Left isn't of one particular shade. During the 1920s, the National Movement was in full swing in India and had viewed the rise of various streams and methods for the fight. This was the age of Gandhian politics, and the rise of the educated youth giving unprecedented support to the freedom struggle. Due to the unrest among some classes about the inaction of the Moderates, revolutionary terrorism sprouted up in various parts of the country, with the cult of the bomb under the leadership 1 of Lokmanya Tilak and his colleagues ‐ Lala Lajpat Rai and Bakin Chandra, the trio being popularly called as 'Lal‐Pal‐Bal'. This led to the beginning of an alternative method of struggle contributing to the radicalization of the national movement. Add to this, the impact of the Russian revolution which drove the lesson that if common people ‐ the workers, peasants and the intelligentsia could overthrow the might Czarist empire, and establish a socialist state with no exploitation of human beings, the same could be replicated by the Indians. Socialist doctrines became extremely popular with the Communist Manifesto of Karl Marx being released in English and Malayalam almost simultaneously and spreading to further regions. Print media contributed further to the cause with various Socialist weeklys being published. Certain fractions of the populations, dissatisfied with the Gandhian policies were more attracted to the same. A lot of youth associations were formed in Bengal, Punjab and to a certain extent, other princely states. Similar groups were formed by Indians living abroad. These groups started planning the liberation of India from abroad with the help of countries hostile towards the British. An example of this was the Ghadar Party formed in US in 1913. The Russian Communist Party, its leaders, Lenin and the Communist International paid a great deal of attention of the revolutionary emigres on their soil. While the emigres had committed themselves to the idea of Communism, many of them didn't understand the concept clearly.

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Mahatma Gandhi's Movements during Freedom Struggle

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Sub-Categories:

GS-I: Modern History

Prelims : History of India and Indian National Movement.

Mains : Modern Indian History from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues

Mahatma Gandhi Movements: Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (Mahatma Gandhi) was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat. He earned a degree in law from England in 1891. Before entering Indian politics in 1915, he was in South Africa from 1893 to 1914. In the course of his struggle in South Africa, he developed his political philosophy based on non-violence and Satyagraha to give a new direction to the mass movement.

The emergence of Mahatma Gandhi in Indian politics marked the beginning of a new phase in the Indian national movement, the phase of mass movements. This made Gandhi become the most important figure in the history of the Indian freedom struggle.

Arrival of Gandhi in India

Gandhi returned to India in January 1915. His efforts were well known in South Africa, not just among the educated but also among the common people.

Gandhiji spent a year travelling around British India, getting to know the land and its people on the advice of Gopal Krishna Gokhale . In February 1916, he made his first major public appearance at the inauguration of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) .
Gandhiji’s speech at Banaras revealed that Indian nationalism was an elite phenomenon, and he wished tomake Indian nationalism more properly representative of the Indian people as a whole.

Champaran Satyagraha (1917)

Champaran Satyagraha was the first attempt at mobilising the Indian masses by Gandhi on an invitation by Rajkumar Shukla in the context of indigo peasants of Champaran. This Gandhian Movement was the First Civil Disobedience in India.

It was mainly due to the tinkathia system of indigo farmers , where peasants were forced to grow indigo on 3/20 part of their total land.
Gandhi intervened in the matter but was asked to leave the place by authorities. However, Gandhi refused to leave, thus disobeying the order. Eventually, Gandhi was able to convince the government about the illness of the tinkathia system and look into the matter.
The government appointed a committee to go into the matter and nominated Gandhi as a member. As a result, the tinkathia system was abolished, and in a compromise settlement, only 25 % of the money taken by peasants was compensated.
Participants: Rajendra Prasad, Narhari Parekh, and J.B. Kripalani

Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1918)

Following the Champaran Satyagraha, the next step in mobilising the masses was the workers of Ahmedabad's urban centre. Ahmedabad Mill Strike was the result of the disagreement between the textile workers and the mill owners arose in March 1918 regarding the end of the plague bonus.

Mill owners paid bonuses of 75% of their salary to retain the workers during the outbreak of the plague in 1917. But, after the end of the plague, workers were demanding an increase of 50 % in wages while mill owners were advocating discontinuance of the bonus. As a result, a deadlock was created.
Gandhi intervened at the request of Anusuya Sarabhai and undertook a fast unto death. As a result, owners agreed to the 35% wage hike.
This was the first movement where fasting , a means of self-suffering to create moral pressure, was used by Gandhi as a political weapon in India.

Kheda Satyagraha (1918)

Due to the failure of the monsoon, the peasants of the Kheda district were in distress. In 1918, they mobilised themselves, demanding revenue relief from the government due to the crop failure and rise in prices. Kheda Satyagraha was the First Non-Cooperation by Gandhi in the Indian National Movement.

According to the government's famine code, cultivators were entitled to total remission if crop yield fell below 25% of the average. But the authorities rejected it. As a result, peasants turned to Gandhi.
Gandhi intervened on behalf of the poor peasants, advising them to withhold payment and 'fight unto death against such a spirit of vindictiveness and tyranny.'
The government ordered it to be restrained in the collection of revenues (collected only from those ryots who could afford to pay) and not to confiscate lands. Gandhi decided to withdraw from the struggle.
Participants: Sardar Vallabhbhai Pate l , Narahari Parikh, and Indulal Yagnik.

Satyagraha Against the Rowlatt Act (1919)

In 1917, a sedition committee was formed under Justice Sidney Rowlatt to curb revolutionary activities and investigate the ‘seditious conspiracy’. It recommended the Rowlatt Act (Anarchic and Revolutionary Offenses Act of 1919) ought to limit the liberty of the people passed by the Imperial Legislative Council. Gandhi launched the Satyagraha against the Rowlatt Act .

The Rowlatt Act allowed political and revolutionary activists to be tried without judicial proceedings or even imprisoned without trial for two years. It also suspended the right to habeas corpus and the right to appeal.
Gandhiji called it the “Black Act '' and launched the satyagraha against the Act. It involved fasting, praying, disobeying laws, and risking arrest and imprisonment. The satyagraha brought Gandhi to the centre of the Indian national movement.
Gandhi also organised Satyagraha Sabha, his own organisation, to carry out the movement. However, due to the violence in some parts of India, Gandhi had to call off the Satyagraha.
Gandhi's ability to connect with the masses was demonstrated during this Satyagraha. Gandhian ideology and methods for the freedom struggle (Non-violence and Satyagraha) were introduced to the Indian masses.

Non-Cooperation Movement (1921-22)

The horrific massacre at Jallianwala Bagh took place in the backdrop of protests against the Rowlatt Act. As a result, Mahatma Gandhi launched the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920.

In September 1920, the Congress held a special session in Calcutta and resolved to accept Gandhi's proposal of non-cooperation with the British government until Khilafat and Punjab grievances were addressed and self-government was established.
This Gandhian movement was merged with the Khilafat movement, which demanded that the Turkish Sultan or Khalifa retain control over the Muslim sacred places in the erstwhile Ottoman empire.
Methods: Non-cooperation movement included the boycott of schools, colleges, courts, government offices, legislatures, and foreign goods and the return of government-conferred titles and awards.
Withdrawal: Mahatma Gandhi withdrew the non-cooperation movement following the Chauri Chaura violent incident on 5 February 1922 , in which 23 police officers were killed. After the withdrawal, he focussed on the constructive programme of social reforms.

Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-34)

After the Non-Cooperation Movement, the Civil Disobedience Movement (also known as Salt Satyagraha ) is regarded as the second major mass movement and a significant advancement in broadening the social reach of India's freedom struggle.

Gandhi declared at the Calcutta Congress in 1928 that the British must grant India dominion status, or the country would erupt in a revolution for complete independence. The British paid no attention to this. As a result, INC in its Lahore session (1929) demanded ‘Punra Swaraj’ , and decided to celebrate 26th January as ‘ Independence Day’ . It also declared that a civil disobedience movement would be started under the leadership of Gandhi.
Gandhi announced the 'Dandi March' against the unjust tax on salt as part of the movement. On April 6 1930 , he violated the salt regulations, thereby launching the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Induced by Gandhi's extraordinary endeavours at Dandi, defiance of the salt laws spread throughout the country. However, it was halted for a period after the Gandhi-Irwin Pact.
When the movement was resumed after the failure of the Second Round Table conference, it began to dwindle towards the end of 1932. It was officially withdrawn in May 1934 .

Quit India Movement (1942)

The Quit India Movement (August Kranti Movement) was the ‘third great wave’ of India’s struggle for freedom, launched on August 8, 1942 , under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. This Gandhian Movement was more of a rejection of British rule than a traditional Satyagraha, and it influenced the unprecedented and tumultuous events that occurred in Indian history over the next five years.

It was the result of Indian disillusionment with British rule, with the immediate causes being the failure of the Cripps mission and the hardships caused by World War II .
On August 8, 1942, the All India Congress Committee met at Gowalia Tank in Bombay and passed the famous Quit India Resolution. On the same day, Gandhi issued his 'Do or Die' call. It demanded an end to British rule in India with immediate effect, the formation of a provisional government after the war and the declaration of free India .
As a result, major leaders of the Indian National Congress were arrested and imprisoned without trial by British officials. However, the protests continued across the country with huge mass participation.
Although it did not immediately achieve its goals, it contributed to the weakening of British rule and paved the way for the independence of India .

PYQs on Gandhian Movements

Q) Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian phase. Elaborate (UPSC Mains 2019)

Q) Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times. (UPSC Mains 2018)

Q) With reference to the British colonial rule in India, consider the following statements: (UPSC Prelims 2019)

Mahatma Gandhi was instrumental in the abolition of the system of ‘indentured labour’.
In Lord Chelmsford’s ‘War Conference’, Mahatma Gandhi did not support the resolution on recruiting Indians for World War.
Consequent upon the breaking of the Salt Law by the Indian people, the Indian National Congress was declared illegal by the colonial rulers.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only

b) 1 and 3 only

c) 2 and 3 only

d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b)

Q) Which one of the following is a very significant aspect of the Champaran Satyagraha? (UPSC Prelims 2018)

a) Active all-India participation of lawyers, students and women in the National Movement.

b) Active involvement of Dalit and Tribal communities of India in the National Movement.

c) Joining of peasant unrest to India’s National Movement.

d) Drastic decrease in the cultivation of plantation crops and commercial crops

Answer: (c)

Question 5: Quit India Movement was launched in response to (UPSC Prelims 2013)

a) Cabinet Mission Plan

b) Cripps Proposals

c) Simon Commission Report

d) Wavell Plan

FAQs on Gandhian Movements

What are the 7 major movements of gandhiji.

The seven major movements of Mahatma Gandhi included the Champaran Movement, the Ahmedabad Mill Strike, the Kheda Movement, the Satyagraha against the Rowlatt Act, the Non-cooperation Movement, the Civil Disobedience Movement, and the Quit India Movement.

What was Gandhi's first movement in India?

The Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 was Gandhi's first Satyagraha movement in India and is regarded as a historically significant revolt in the Indian Independence Movement. During the British colonial period, a farmer's uprising occurred in the Champaran district of Bihar, India.

What are some of the challenges that Gandhian movements faced?

Gandhian movements faced challenges such as resistance from colonial authorities, lack of widespread support, internal divisions, and the difficulty of maintaining nonviolent discipline among participants. Additionally, economic and social realities often clashed with the idealistic principles of Gandhi's philosophy, making it challenging to achieve lasting change.

What was the impact of the Gandhian movements on the Indian independence struggle?

The Gandhian movements had a profound impact on the Indian independence struggle. Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolent resistance (Satyagraha) and civil disobedience mobilised millions of Indians, uniting them in a peaceful but determined quest for freedom. His leadership inspired the Quit India Movement and other campaigns that eventually led to India gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1947, marking a historic achievement in the nation's history.

Where and when did Mahatma Gandhi make his first public appearance in India upon coming back from South Africa?

On February 4, 1916, in BHU, Gandhiji made his first public appearance since his return from South Africa. He spoke to the crowd in BHU, which was primarily made up of impressionable youngsters, princes, well-dressed individuals, etc.

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Role of Mahatma Gandhi in India Struggle for Freedom

December 9, 2017 by Study Mentor 1 Comment

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About Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi’s full name was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi . He was born in a place known as Porbandar which was situated in Gujarat on the 2 nd of October, 1869. His parents were Karamchand Gandhi and Putli Bai. Gandhi is also known by his other name which was Bapu.

After his marriage he went to South Africa. He stayed there for twenty years and worked as a barrister. The first conflict he had was about apartheid. One day he was travelling in a train. He had a ticket but still he was thrown out of the compartment.

This behaviour which was done with him made him to take a firm decision that he would try his level best to remove the existence of apartheid in the world. Then when he returned to India after this, he found that the British started ruing the country and all the citizens were being treated badly by them.

Gandhi had different ideas and techniques from others. Even though he put them into reality slowly, all of them had a great impact on the society. He had faith and belief in all the religions. He read and listened to the readings and scriptures of all the religions with the same belief and faith. He was always truthful and honest.

This honest and truthfulness helped him during his entire life. He is considered as one of the greatest man in the history of our country. His hard work and the way he fought in the struggle for freedom of our country is commendable and must be appreciated.

Not only this, he sacrificed his life for the country. People respected and appreciated him for his simple lifestyle. He played an important role in India’s struggle for freedom. He believed in non-violence and use of peaceful methods to fight for independence. He organized many movements which showed his role in the country’s struggle for freedom.

World War I

During World War I Gandhi was invited by Lord Chelmsford, who was the Viceroy of India that time, at a War Conference in Delhi. He wanted to get the empire’s trust. So, he support the Viceroy that he moved people to join the army for World War.

But on the other side Gandhi also wrote a letter to the Viceroy which stated that he would not kill or injure anyone personally, no matter the person would be his friend or enemy.

Champaran Movement

The agitation of Champaran took place in Bihar. This was infact Gandhi’s first active participation for the struggle of India’s freedom. In Champaran, the farmers were forced cultivate indigo. If they protested they were badly tortured. So, the farmers took the help of Gandhi. They organized a non-violent protest and Gandhi was able to get concessions from the authority.

Non-Cooperation Movement

Gandhi started this movement in the year 1920 so that the British would go away from India. The movement was peaceful and no violent methods were used against the violence of the British Government. The movement was meant for the refusal of the laws and regulations which were passed by the Government.

There were many reasons which led to the starting of this movement. First, the British Government had taken all of the country’s wealth and power for their own purpose. So, the citizens thought that the government would give them autonomy for the service they were providing them.

But this was not at all true. In order to remove this disillusionment, Gandhi started this movement. The citizens were not happy to see that the government was using repressive measures. Due to World War I there was economic distress in the country. The price of the goods began to decrease.

Due to the war, the peasants and workers had to suffer a lot as they were not getting any sort of benefit. Gandhi became firm in his decision for this movement because of the Rowlatt Act and the massacre which took place in Jallianwala Bagh .

The members of the Khilafat movement made Gandhi as their leader because they agreed to whatever the non-cooperation movement suggested. Non-Cooperation Movement became a mass movement. It positively affected the immediate goods.

This movement and the congress party became more famous among the citizens. The movement helped to maintain communal harmony as even the Muslims participated in the movement. People became aware of their rights through this movement. They lost trust on the administration of the British.

Kheda is a place in Gujarat. The peasants who stayed in Kheda had to face a lot of problems due to poverty, famine, alcoholism, untouchability and discrimination by the British. Due to the famines and other natural calamities, agriculture was badly affected which further led to death of people because of starvation.

Many people died in Kheda due to plague. Very soon even cholera broke out in Kheda. Due to all these reasons revolt started in Kheda. The main reason for this revolt was the increase in tax. People were not ready to pay the tax. So, the government took a decision that if they did not pay the taxes, their property would be seized.

The leader of this revolt was Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. But it was Gandhi and Gujarat Sabha that organized this revolt and Gandhi was their spiritual leader. The peasants of Kheda were joined by other Gujaratis from Vadodra and Ahmedabad so that this revolt was purely a Gujarati struggle.

The agents of the government seized the property of the peasants as the taxes were not paid. They peasants did not do anything when this happened. Instead, they gave all their money and valuable things to the Gujarat Sabha.

Even though they protested, they were united and disciplined. Finally, the Government made an agreement for both the sides. All the property that was seized was given back and even the tax for the present year and the coming year was removed.

Khilafat Movement

The Muslim population was greatly influenced by Gandhi. This could be seen as he was greatly involved in the Khilafat Movement . When the First World War was over, the Muslims were worried about their religious leaders of the Caliphs.

They were tensed about their safety as people were protesting all over the world against the Caliph as they were collapsing. He became a spokesperson for the Muslims and helped them. Thus because he played an important role in the Khilafat movement he soon became the national leader.

Salt or Dandi March

This march was a very important one in the history of India’s freedom struggle. This march was a new Satyagraha . This was against the tax which was put on salt. This Satyagraha was launched in the year 1930 on the 12 th of March.

The Dandi March started from Ahmedabad to Dandi and Gandhi with his followers walked all the way. This march was to break the law as the tax took the right of the poor to make their own salt. The salt law was broken when Gandhi reached at the sea beach in Dandi.

Quit India Movement

This meant Bharat Chhodo Andolan which was initiated by Gandhi. This took place after the Second World War. Soon Gandhi was arrested. After his arrest many violent demonstrations took place everywhere in the country. This movement became an important one in the struggle for freedom.

Many freedom fighters were injured and killed or arrested. The movement had to be restrained even though it achieved success. After this movement, the British Government showed signs that they were transferring the power back to the Indians. It was then the fight was called off by Gandhi and then all the prisoners were released

Partition and Independence of the country

In the year 1946, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel persuaded Gandhi for the partition of India and the independence the British cabinet had offered. Gandhi accepted this proposal.

After India got independence, Gandhi started to focus more on peace and communal harmony. He did not support communal violence. So, he went on for fasting so that it was abolished. He also demanded that Pakistan was compensated by the Partition Council.

Importance of Gandhi for the struggle

Even though some of the movements did not earn the success and was a complete failure. But all these movements made the British government realize that their rule in our country was unjust and not right. They also realized anytime the masses of the country would follow Gandhi and would be against the British Government.

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October 2, 2021 at 8:57 am

Very nice information about gandhi ji thank you so much

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Gender And Gandhi’s Political Philosophy: Where Are Our Founding Mothers?

All over the world, India seems to be almost unequivocally synonymous with Gandhi and his philosophy, despite the fact that there were several views that contested Gandhi’s notions of ahimsa (non-violence) and his perceptions of satya (truth), a truth that sometimes alienates the oppressed. Even within India, Gandhi’s codes are often religiously followed with a degree of almost inflexible adherence. Children often invoke Gandhi’s name as one would a prophet’s. Some primary schools have a course on Gandhian Values in lieu of a course on moral instruction where they teach children about Gandhi’s life, not as a philosophy, but as a doctrine delineating the rights and wrongs of human behaviour.

Even within India, Gandhi’s codes are often religiously followed with a degree of almost inflexible adherence.

However, this is not to imply that Gandhi’s philosophy remains uncontested within the country. These contestations arise from highly polarized factions, with the loudest voices in contemporary times often coming from Godse-apologists espousing far-right Hindutva ideology. Criticism also comes from the far-left, although their immediate concerns have less to do with problematising Gandhi and more to do with the problematics of the here and now. After all, it might get confusing if both wings try to rewrite the past at the same time.

Re-reading Gandhi: Why The Mahatma Cannot Be Called A Feminist

Despite all critique, Gandhi’s views serve as an effective center to the current conflictual positions in the nation, with respect to which one can gauge one’s own position. And if Gandhi’s political philosophy is to be considered a point of reference for all other political thought, then one must analyse his position on most things that are still relevant. It is unfortunate that the concerns of the past remain the concerns of the present.

Despite all critique, Gandhi’s views serve as an effective center to the current conflictual positions in the nation, with respect to which one can gauge one’s own position.

It does not bode well for the suggestion that we have made any progress as a country that we still continue to discuss the same things that we were discussing under a colonial regime – be it religious divide, sedition, gender, or caste (although there is a tendency to invisibilise caste and treat it as a non-issue when it still very much remains pervasive). This article will focus on Gandhi’s views on gender and how they, as some of the most revered views on this aspect, have shaped our history and our present, and perhaps our future.

Gandhi’s innateness dilemma

Gandhi’s model of non-violence had gendered leanings in that he often sought to posit women as the model of non-violent restraint. An article on Gandhi’s opinions on women’s role in the freedom struggle states:

‘ it is in their innate nature to be passive. Thus they of all people, would be able to successfully follow the path of non-violence, and it would behoove men to emulate their great strength. ‘

This view also, in turn, served to back up his rhetoric in support of a completely non-violent struggle. Women being completely passive, he claimed, would be left alienated in armed rebellion, and a non-violent struggle was a means to make sure that they could not only participate in the seminal series of events that was the freedom struggle but also be an example for men to follow.

This assumption of women’s ‘ innate passivity ‘ no longer stands scrutiny when one considers the fact that gender is essentially performativity. A lot of this passivity may not have been innate and may have been demanded by their circumstances of existence. This serves to glorify subordination to men and to somehow claim that this innateness is not only true but also essential. It also claims that men can rise above the failings of their gender but women are not capable of that, sequestering women to certain roles while men take on everything that they would like.

Gandhi’s model of non-violence had gendered leanings in that he often sought to posit women as the model of non-violent restraint.

‘ One of the limitations of Gandhi’s thinking … was that he sought to change not so much the material condition of women as their ‘moral’ condition. … He failed to put an economic content into his concept for emancipation. Gandhi failed to realise that, among other things, oppression is not an abstract moral condition, but a social and historical experience related to production relations. He tried changing women’s position without either transforming their relation to the outer world of production or the inner world of family, sexuality and reproduction ,’ an article by Madhu Kishwar states.

Indeed, this assumption of innateness often extends to Gandhi’s claims about other identities that are a result of the accident of birth – caste, for instance. His insistence on the vitality of the jobs that Dalits performed and thus the apathy to the restrictions that caste placed on opportunities for change was often tone-deaf in the sense that it did not allow social or economic mobility.

The narrative of history

Despite Gandhi’s claims that a non-violent struggle would center around women and their “innate” traits – those of passivity and resilience in the face of tyranny, there do not seem to be a lot of women inducted into the historical canon of the freedom struggle. Most sources only name the same ten to fifteen women These women, with a few exceptions here and there, do not seem to have enough resources documenting their political philosophy, often positing them as subsidiaries to the men that they were associated with – be it Durgawati Devi who is best known for helping Bhagat Singh escape unidentified after he assassinated John Saunders – or Pritilata Waddedar who was part of the revolutionary group led by Surya Sen – or Kasturba Gandhi of whose vision and thought little is known since it is often wrapped around MK Gandhi’s.

‘Just as in his early years he kept insisting that he was a loyal citizen of the British Empire even while objectively cutting at the roots of British imperialism, so also he could keep in harping on women’s real sphere of activity being the home even while actively creating conditions which could help her break the shackles of domesticity ,’ says Madhu Kishwar .

Gandhi’s insistence on the domestic roles of women may not ultimately have stopped them from breaking free of the sphere of the private. After all one of the reasons Godse cites for assassinating Gandhi is the fact that he brought the ‘ purdah-clad home-bound women into the folds of the freedom struggle ‘. But this passive participation made sure that it was only the men, largely, who featured in our history books – whose political thought is considered worthy of analysis and retrospection.

The voyage out

Gandhi’s political ideology had several loopholes and questionable notions of gender roles and identity and we see the consequences of that today. Not only were those in the canon of important figures in the freedom struggle mostly men, they were also mostly upper caste and upper class. History has invisibilised contributions of women, shrouded them in political discourses in favour of men and sought their involvement while also largely silencing them.

The percentage of female representation in the Lok Sabha today is a dismal fifteen percent . These women are following a rich legacy scantily recorded, since women have always stood for the cause of national justice – be it the movement against the Simon Commission nearly a century ago – or the more recent movement at Shaheen Bagh – women have always been significantly involved in the process of building and sustaining a nation and it is safe to say that we would have no nation without its now estranged mothers.

Adrita Bhattacharya is a Computer Science graduate from Vellore Institute of Technology and is currently pursuing a degree in English and Cultural Studies at Christ University. She has a keen interest in Linguistics, Gender Studies, and Digital Humanities.

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