how did gandhi's belief in nonviolence affect the course of india's history?

by Keshaun Mayer 9 min read

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. Photograph by Rühe, ullstein bild/Getty

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.Sep 27, 2019

Full Answer

Why was nonviolence important to Gandhi's movement?

The life and leadership of Mahatma Gandhi He believed that Indians must not use violence or hatred in their fight for freedom from colonialism.

What is Gandhi's concept of nonviolence?

Gandhi understood nonviolence from its Sanskrit root "Ahimsa". Ahimsa is just translated to mean nonviolence in English, but it implies more than just avoidance of physical violence. Ahimsa implies total nonviolence, no physical violence, and no passive violence. Gandhi translates Ahimsa as love.

How did Gandhi's nonviolent movement work?

Gandhi's act defied a law of the British Raj mandating that Indians buy salt from the government and prohibiting them from collecting their own. His disobedience set off a mass campaign of non-compliance that swept the country, leading to as many as 100,000 arrests.

What was Gandhi's impact on India?

He led non-violent protests with his followers throughout many cities. he ran nationwide campaigns for basic human rights and to ease poverty, expand women's rights, build religious and ethnic harmony and eliminate the injustices of the caste system.

What is the importance of nonviolence?

Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is the mightiest weapon devised by ingenuity of Man, Mahatma Gandhi said. Tibetan spiritual guru the Dalai Lama has said that religions emphasise on the importance of compassion, a tool to curb violence. Men kill men in the name of religion.

How did Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolence start?

Gandhi developed his philosophy of non-violence over a long period of time. In 1906, while living in South Africa, he began his career of non-violent resistance by leading protests against laws that discriminated against Indians and other minorities.

What made Gandhi's nonviolent movement work answer key?

What made Gandhi's non-violent movement work? Three tactics that made Gandhi's nonviolent-movement work is civil disobedience and discipline, accepting jail time, and embracing the enemy. The first tactic that made Gandhi's non-violent movement successful was civil disobedience and discipline.

What was the role of non violence in India's struggle for freedom?

Non-violence played a crucial role in the way in which India received its territory from the British. It played an important role, at least, in reducing the pain and tragedy of facing yet another unique incident, that of Partition, at the same time as that of freedom.

How did Mahatma Gandhi change history?

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.

What contribution did Mahatma Gandhi make to India's historical journey?

Answer. Answer: Explanation: Bringing anti-colonial nationalism to the common Indians, Gandhi led them in challenging the British-imposed salt tax with the 400 km (250 mi) Dandi Salt March in 1930, and later in calling for the British to Quit India in 1942.

Why is Gandhi important to history?

Gandhiji was a forerunner of non-violence and truth. For the Indian liberation struggle, he founded the Satyagraha and Ahimsa movement. As the Father of the Nation, he spearheaded India's independence struggle alongside many other national leaders in opposition to British rule in India.

What is non violence?

Nonviolence is the personal practice of not causing harm to others under any condition. It may come from the belief that hurting people, animals and/or the environment is unnecessary to achieve an outcome and it may refer to a general philosophy of abstention from violence.

What is non violence movement?

Nonviolent resistance (NVR), or nonviolent action, is the practice of achieving goals such as social change through symbolic protests, civil disobedience, economic or political noncooperation, satyagraha, or other methods, while refraining from violence and the threat of violence.

What are the basic characteristics of non violence?

Respect and care for everyone involved, including our opponent. Refusal to harm, damage or degrade people, the environment, or living things. If suffering is inevitable, a willingness to take it on yourself rather than inflict it on others. A belief that everyone is capable of change.

What is the concept of ahimsa?

ahimsa, (Sanskrit: “noninjury”) in the Indian religions of Jainism, Hinduism, and Buddhism, the ethical principle of not causing harm to other living things. Key People: Mahavira Vinoba Bhave. See all related content → In Jainism, ahimsa is the standard by which all actions are judged.

When did Gandhi return to India?

The legend of Mahatma Gandhi has it that he returned to India from South Africa in 1915 , took control of and radically transformed the Indian nationalist movement, and led three great popular movements that eventually wore down the British government and led to Indian independence.

Who helps to debunk the romantic 'Legend of the Mahatma'?

Benjamin Zachariah helps to debunk the romantic 'Legend of the Mahatma'.

Who was the person who described Gandhi's attitude towards the nonviolent?

Horace Alexander, who knew Gandhi and saw him in action, graphically describes the attitude of the nonviolent resister to his opponent: "On your side you have all the mighty forces of the modern State, arms, money, a controlled press, and all the rest.

How did Gandhi use non-violent tactics?

Gandhi used his non-violent technique on behalf of his fellow-countrymen in South Africa and India, but he did not conceive it only as a weapon in the armoury of Indian nationalism. On the other hand, he fashioned it as an instrument for righting wrongs and resolving conflicts between opposing groups, races and nations. It is a strange paradox that though the stoutest and perhaps the most successful champion of the revolt against colonialism in our time, Gandhi was frees from the taint of narrow nationalism. As early as 1924, he had declared that "the better mind of the world desires today, not absolutely independent states, warring one against another, but a federation of independent, of friendly interdependent states"

What was Gandhi's allegiance to?

Gandhi's total allegiance to nonviolence created a gulf between him and the educated elite in India which was temporarily bridged only during periods of intense political excitement. Even among his closest colleagues there were few who were prepared to follow his doctrine of nonviolence to its logical conclusion : the adoption of unilateral disarmament in a world armed to the teeth, the scrapping of the police and the armed forces, and the decentralization of administration to the point where the state would "wither away". Nehru, Patel and others on whom fell the task of organizing the administration of independent India did not question the superiority of the principle of nonviolence as enunciated by their leader, but they did not coperider it practical politics. The Indian Constituent Assembly include a majority of members owing allegiance to Gandhi or at least holding him in high esteem, but the constitution which emerged from their labours in 1949 was based more on the Western parliamentary than on he Gandhian model. The development of the Indian economy during the last four decades cannot be said to have conformed to Gandhi's conception of "self-reliant village republics". On the other hand, it bears the marks of a conscious effort to launch an Indian industrial revolution.

Why did Vinoba Bhave not command Gandhi's extraordinary genius for organizing the masses for a national cru?

This was partly because Vinoba Bhave did not command Gandhi's extraordinary genius for organizing the masses for a national crusade, and partly because in independent India the tendency grew for the people to look up to the government rather than to rely on voluntary and cooperative effort for effecting reforms in society.

What is the Indian constitution based on?

The Indian Constituent Assembly include a majority of members owing allegiance to Gandhi or at least holding him in high esteem, but the constitution which emerged from their labours in 1949 was based more on the Western parliamentary than on he Gandhian model.

What was the significance of the Indian freedom movement in Gandhi's eyes?

The real significance of the Indian freedom movement in Gandhi's eyes was that it was waged nonviolently. He would have had no interest in it if the Indian National Congress had adopted Satyagraha and subscribed to nonviolence. He objected to violence not only ...

What was Gandhi's conception of self-reliant village republics?

The development of the Indian economy during the last four decades cannot be said to have conformed to Gandhi's conception of "self-reliant village republics". On the other hand, it bears the marks of a conscious effort to launch an Indian industrial revolution.

What is Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolence?

Gandhi's Philosophy of Nonviolence. With Gandhi, the notion of non violence attained a special status. He not only theorized on it, he adopted nonviolence as a philosophy and an ideal way of life. He made us understand that the philosophy of nonviolence is not a weapon of the weak; it is a weapon, which can be tried by all.

Why did Gandhi object to violence?

3 Gandhi objects to violence because it perpetuates hatred. When it appears to do 'good', the good is only temporary and cannot do any good in the long run.

What does Ahimsa mean in Gandhi's book?

This is explained by Arun Gandhi in an interview thus; "He (Gandhi) said ahimsa means love . Because if you have love towards somebody, and you respect that person, then you are not going to do any harm to that person.". 5 For Gandhi, nonviolence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind.

Why is Gandhi called the father of nonviolence?

He is however called the father of nonviolence because according to Mark Shepard, "He raised nonviolent action to a level never before achieved.". 1 Krishna Kripalani again asserts "Gandhi was the first in Human history to extend the principle of nonviolence from the individual to social and political plane.".

What does Gandhi promise in the book of Gandhi?

8 In this passage, Gandhi promises "deliverance" through nonviolence for oppressed peoples without exception. Speaking primarily with regards to nonviolence as a libratory philosophy in this passage, Gandhi emphasizes the power of nonviolence to emancipate spiritually and physically.

What is Gandhi's teaching on passive violence?

Gandhi understands violence from its Sanskrit root, "himsa", meaning injury. In the midst of hyper violence, Gandhi teaches that the one who possess nonviolence is blessed.

What does Gandhi say about nonviolence?

A true nonviolence activist accepts violence on himself without inflicting it on another. This is heroism, and will be discussed in another section. When Gandhi says that in the course of fighting for human rights, one should accept violence and self-suffering, he does not applaud cowardice.

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His courage is an immense contrast to his father, who only suffers his handicap, showing that people need to live up to their potential and be brave to change the world. Looking away and adapting to wrong actions is not acceptable.

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Example of how Gandhi work relate to conflict and power. The conflict were his country were been taken over by people that don't belong there and at that moment they didn't have that power to kick them out.

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Although they were father and son, Okonkwo and Nwoye were never very close because of how different they were. “Nwoye knew that it was right to be masculine and to be violent, but somehow he still preferred the stories that his mother used to tell…” (Achebe 53). This shows that even though Nwoye didn’t share the same

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This led to his life coming to an end, however he motivated others to open their eyes and see that they also had the same abilities to be themselves, and to be free. Harrison Burgeron was a hero due to the fact that he stood up and fought for what he believed in, even though he knew the consequences were life-threatening.

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In the end, a hero is more than just physical traits like strength and supernatural powers. Being a hero means being selfless, brave and putting other people before yourself. Victor best fit this description because he sacrificed years of his life, and even his own life knowing it would benefit the rest of the world.

Similarities Between Gandhi And Transcendentalism

There are some similarities and differences with Gandhi and Transcendentalism. Mahatma Gandhi’s beliefs include Civil disobedience, Self-respect, Everyone is equal, and should be treated with respect. Gandhi believed in himself and his views and even got assassinated for it.

What was Gandhi's main cause of the end of the resistance movement?

After sporadic violence broke out, Gandhi announced the end of the resistance movement, to the dismay of his followers. British authorities arrested Gandhi in March 1922 and tried him for sedition; he was sentenced to six years in prison but was released in 1924 after undergoing an operation for appendicitis. He refrained from active participation in politics for the next several years, but in 1930 launched a new civil disobedience campaign against the colonial government’s tax on salt, which greatly affected Indian’s poorest citizens.

What was Gandhi's main goal in his campaign for independence?

He particularly advocated the manufacture of khaddar, or homespun cloth, in order to replace imported textiles from Britain.

What happened to Gandhi in 1948?

In January 1948, Gandhi carried out yet another fast , this time to bring about peace in the city of Delhi. On January 30, 12 days after that fast ended, Gandhi was on his way to an evening prayer meeting in Delhi when he was shot to death by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu fanatic enraged by Mahatma’s efforts to negotiate with Jinnah and other Muslims. The next day, roughly 1 million people followed the procession as Gandhi’s body was carried in state through the streets of the city and cremated on the banks of the holy Jumna River.

Why did Gandhi retire?

In 1934, Gandhi announced his retirement from politics in, as well as his resignation from the Congress Party, in order to concentrate his efforts on working within rural communities.

Why was Gandhi imprisoned?

Known for his ascetic lifestyle–he often dressed only in a loincloth and shawl–and devout Hindu faith, Gandhi was imprisoned several times during his pursuit of non-cooperation, and undertook a number of hunger strikes to protest the oppression of India’s poorest classes, among other injustices.

Why did Gandhi leave South Africa?

In July 1914, Gandhi left South Africa to return to India. He supported the British war effort in World War I but remained critical of colonial authorities for measures he felt were unjust. In 1919, Gandhi launched an organized campaign of passive resistance in response to Parliament’s passage of the Rowlatt Acts, which gave colonial authorities emergency powers to suppress subversive activities. He backed off after violence broke out–including the massacre by British-led soldiers of some 400 Indians attending a meeting at Amritsar–but only temporarily, and by 1920 he was the most visible figure in the movement for Indian independence.

What did Gandhi demand from the British?

Drawn back into the political fray by the outbreak of World War II, Gandhi again took control of the INC, demanding a British withdrawal from India in return for Indian cooperation with the war effort. Instead, British forces imprisoned the entire Congress leadership, bringing Anglo-Indian relations to a new low point.

Why is nonviolence important?

Nonviolence affords the fullest protection to one's self-respect and sense of honour, but not always to possession of land or movable property, though its habitual practice does prove a better bulwark than the possession of armed men to defend them.

Who discovered the law of nonviolence?

For satyagraha and its off-shoots, non-co-operation and civil resistance, are nothing but new names for the law of suffering. The rishis , who discovered the law of nonviolence in the midst of violence, were greater geniuses than Newton. They were themselves greater warriors than Wellington. Having themselves known the use of arms, they realized their uselessness and taught a weary world that its salvation lay not through violence but through nonviolence.

How to quell riots nonviolently?

497. To quell riots nonviolently, there must be true ahimsa in one's heart, an ahimsa that takes even the erring hooligan in its warm embrace. Such an attitude cannot be cultivated. It can only come as a result of prolonged and patient effort which must be made during peaceful times. The would-be members of a peace brigade should come into close touch and; cultivate acquaintance with the so-called goonda element in his vicinity. He should know all and be known to all and win the hearts of al by his living and selfless service. No section should be regarded as too contemptible or mean to mix with. Goondas do not drop from the sky, nor do they spring from the earth like evil spirits. They are the product of social disorganization, and society is therefore responsible for their existence. In other words, they should be looked upon as a symptom of corruption in our body politic. To remove the disease we must first discover the underlying cause. To find the remedy will then be a comparatively easy task.

What is the subtlest form of violence?

449. We can only win over the opponent by love, never by hate. Hate is the subtlest form of violence. We cannot be really nonviolent and yet have hate in us.

What is the essence of violence?

The essence of violence is that there must be a violent intention behind a thought, word or act, i .e. an i9ntention to do harm to the opponent so-called. False notions of propriety or fear of wounding susceptibilities often deter people from saying what they mean and ultimately land them on the shores of hypocrisy.

Is the destruction of bodies of tortured creatures being for their own peace considered a Himsa?

But man regards it to beunavoidable and puts up with it. But the destruction of bodies of tortured creatures being for their own peace cannot be regarded as himsa, or the unavoidable destruction caused for the purpose of protecting one's wards cannot be regarded as himsa.

Is violence sinful?

443. Violence will be violence for all time, and all violence is sinful. But what is inevitable, is not only declared the inevitable violence involved in killing for sacrifice as permissible but even regarded it as meritorious.