- The Gandhian Era refers to the period in Indian history dominated by Mahatma Gandhi (1915–1947).
- Gandhi returned to India from South Africa in 1915 and soon became a key leader in the Indian nationalist movement.
- He introduced the philosophy of Satyagraha, which emphasized non-violent resistance to injustice.
- The Champaran Satyagraha (1917) marked Gandhi’s first significant involvement in Indian politics, supporting indigo farmers against exploitation.
- The Kheda Satyagraha (1918) aimed to assist farmers unable to pay taxes due to famine.
- During the Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1918), Gandhi mediated between workers and employers, securing better wages for laborers.
- The Rowlatt Act (1919) led Gandhi to launch a nationwide protest, marking the beginning of his leadership in mass movements.
- The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (April 13, 1919) intensified anti-British sentiment and reinforced Gandhi’s commitment to non-violence.
- The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922) was launched to resist British rule through boycotts of schools, courts, and foreign goods.
- The movement gained massive support but was called off by Gandhi after the Chauri Chaura incident (1922).
- Gandhi emphasized the importance of khadi (hand-spun cloth) and self-reliance to counter British economic exploitation.
- In 1930, Gandhi led the Dandi March to protest the British salt monopoly, marking the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
- The Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931) resulted in the suspension of the movement and Gandhi’s participation in the Second Round Table Conference.
- The failure of the conference led to the resumption of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
- The Quit India Movement (1942) was launched by Gandhi, demanding an end to British rule in India.
- His slogan, "Do or Die," inspired millions to participate in the movement despite brutal British repression.
- Gandhi’s philosophy was rooted in truth (satya) and non-violence (ahimsa).
- He advocated for communal harmony and opposed the division of India on religious grounds.
- Gandhi played a crucial role in bridging the gap between the Indian National Congress’s moderate and extremist factions.
- He encouraged the involvement of women and marginalized communities in the freedom struggle.
- Gandhi’s leadership extended beyond politics to include social reforms, such as the abolition of untouchability.
- He founded the Harijan Sevak Sangh in 1932 to promote the welfare of Dalits.
- Gandhi’s constructive programs included rural development, sanitation, and education.
- He was instrumental in resolving several communal disputes during his lifetime.
- Gandhi opposed industrialization and emphasized the importance of village-based economies.
- He faced criticism from various quarters, including radicals who felt his methods were too slow.
- The Round Table Conferences (1930–1932) were a significant phase in Gandhi’s negotiations with the British.
- Gandhi’s correspondence with global leaders like Roosevelt and Churchill highlighted India’s demand for freedom.
- The Poona Pact (1932) was signed between Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to address Dalit representation in politics.
- Gandhi’s idea of Ram Rajya symbolized an ideal state based on justice and equality.
- He drew inspiration from religious texts like the Bhagavad Gita and the Bible.
- Gandhi’s movements significantly weakened the economic and administrative grip of the British in India.
- His influence extended to global movements for civil rights and freedom, inspiring leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela.
- Despite his efforts, the partition of India in 1947 deeply pained Gandhi.
- He was assassinated on January 30, 1948, by Nathuram Godse, a radical opposed to his views.
- The Gandhian Era remains a defining period in India’s struggle for independence, marked by its emphasis on ethics, non-violence, and inclusivity.
Questions
- When did Mahatma Gandhi return to India from South Africa?
- Which movement marked Gandhi's first active involvement in Indian politics?
- The Champaran Satyagraha was related to:
- In which year was the Non-Cooperation Movement launched?
- The Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred in:
- Who was the Viceroy of India during the Jallianwala Bagh massacre?
- The Chauri Chaura incident led to the withdrawal of which movement?
- Which book was authored by Mahatma Gandhi?
- The Dandi March was associated with:
- The Dandi March began on:
- Which British Act was opposed through the Civil Disobedience Movement?
- In which year was the Quit India Movement launched?
- "Do or Die" was the slogan of which movement?
- Who gave the slogan "Quit India"?
- The Khilafat Movement was supported by Gandhi to:
- The Rowlatt Act was passed in:
- The term "Satyagraha" was coined by Gandhi to mean:
- In which South African city did Gandhi begin his first Satyagraha?
- The Ahmedabad Mill Strike of 1918 was related to:
- The Poona Pact was signed between Gandhi and:
- The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed in which year?
- The Round Table Conferences were held in which city?
- Which session of the Indian National Congress declared "Poorna Swaraj" as its goal?
- Gandhi's method of protest is best described as:
- The 1942 Quit India Movement was launched during which global event?
- Who described Gandhi as the "Father of the Nation"?
- In which jail was Gandhi imprisoned during the Quit India Movement?
- The Khilafat Movement was led by which leaders?
- Gandhi gave the call for "Quit India" from which place?
- Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence is inspired by:
- The Simon Commission was boycotted in India because:
- The Champaran Satyagraha was launched in which state?