Mahatma Gandhi & Leaders — Study Notes
Overview
Mahatma Gandhi's entry into Indian politics (1915–1947) marked a fundamental shift in the freedom struggle from elite constitutional petitions to mass mobilisation. His philosophy of satyagraha (truth-force) and ahimsa (non-violence) turned the national movement into a people's movement, drawing millions of peasants, workers, and women into active resistance. For UPSSSC PET, you must know Gandhi's three early satyagrahas in detail (Champaran 1917, Kheda 1918, Bardoli 1928), as these demonstrate his methods and mass appeal. Equally important are the extremist leaders—Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bipin Chandra Pal—collectively called Lal-Bal-Pal, who challenged moderate politics before Gandhi arrived and prepared the ground for aggressive nationalism.
Questions on this topic typically ask for dates, locations, causes of satyagraha movements, key slogans, and matching leaders with their contributions. You should be able to distinguish between moderate and extremist approaches, and know the specific context of each satyagraha—whether agrarian, taxation, or social reform. This topic is foundational to understanding the broader Civil Disobedience and Non-Cooperation movements.
Key Concepts
- **Satyagraha**: Gandhi's unique weapon combining truth (satya) and firmness (agraha); differs from passive resistance because it seeks moral conversion of the opponent, not just tactical victory. Based on ahimsa, self-suffering, and willingness to accept legal punishment.
- **Champaran Satyagraha (1917)**: Gandhi's first major experiment in India. Indigo planters in Champaran (Bihar) forced tenant farmers to grow indigo on 3/20th of their land (tinkathia system) and sell at fixed low prices. Gandhi investigated, mobilised farmers, conducted peaceful resistance. Outcome: Government inquiry committee formed, tinkathia system abolished.
- **Kheda Satyagraha (1918)**: Peasants in Kheda district (Gujarat) faced crop failure due to famine but were still liable to pay full land revenue. Gandhi demanded tax remission, led peasants in refusing payment. Government eventually suspended tax collection for the year. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel emerged as organiser here.
- **Bardoli Satyagraha (1928)**: Revenue enhancement by 30% imposed on Bardoli (Gujarat) farmers without justification. Vallabhbhai Patel led this movement under Gandhi's guidance. Systematic non-payment, no-cooperation with revenue officials. Government appointed inquiry committee (Broomfield-Maxwell), cancelled the hike, restored confiscated lands. Patel earned the title "Sardar" here.
- **Bal Gangadhar Tilak (1856–1920)**: Known as "Lokmanya" and "Father of Indian Unrest." Founded newspapers Kesari (Marathi) and Mahratta (English). Promoted Ganapati festival and Shivaji Jayanti to foster nationalism. Famous slogan: "Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it." Advocated aggressive political action, imprisoned for sedition.