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The Gandhian Era (1915-1947): Satyagraha, Non-Violence & Mass Movement

Introduction

Before 1915, the Indian National Congress was an elitist club. Mahatma Gandhi arrived from South Africa in 1915 and transformed the freedom struggle into a true Mass Movement.

1. Early Experiments (CAK)

• Champaran (1917): Against Teen-Kathia system (Indigo planters). First Civil Disobedience.
• Ahmedabad (1918): Mill strike over Plague Bonus. First Hunger Strike.
• Kheda (1918): Tax remission for farmers. First Non-Cooperation.

2. Major Movements

• Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22): Returned Kaiser-e-Hind title. Boycott of schools, courts. Called off after Chauri Chaura violence.
• Civil Disobedience Movement (1930): Started with Dandi March (Salt Satyagraha). Breaking of unjust laws.
• Quit India Movement (1942): "Do or Die". A leaderless, spontaneous revolt.

3. Gandhian Ideology

• Satyagraha: Truth force. Hate the sin, not the sinner.
• Ahimsa: Non-violence of the brave, not the weak.
• Sarvodaya: Welfare of all (Antyodaya).

Conclusion

Gandhi didn't just give us freedom; he gave us a moral compass. He proved that right means are as important as right ends.