Rise of Gandhi in Indian Freedom Struggle: Mahatma Gandhi’s rise in the Indian freedom struggle was characterized by his unwavering commitment to nonviolence, moral leadership, and deep connection with the Indian masses. His life and teachings have left an indelible mark on the history of India and the world.

Rise of Gandhi in Indian Freedom Struggle

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, widely known as Mahatma Gandhi, emerged as one of the most influential and revered figures in the Indian freedom struggle. His rise to prominence and leadership in the fight for India’s independence is a remarkable chapter in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Here is an overview of the key phases of Gandhi’s rise in the Indian freedom struggle:

Early Activism:

• Gandhi’s involvement in the Indian freedom movement began during his stay in South Africa. He actively opposed racial discrimination against Indians in South Africa and initiated nonviolent campaigns there.
• His experiences in South Africa, where he developed the concept of “Satyagraha” (truth and nonviolence) and civil disobedience, laid the foundation for his later work in India.

Return to India:

• Gandhi returned to India in 1915 and quickly became involved in various social and political issues.
• He became a prominent figure in the Indian National Congress and participated in various protests and movements.

Leadership in Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922):

• Gandhi’s leadership came to the forefront during the Non-Cooperation Movement, launched in response to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the repressive Rowlatt Act.
• He called for nonviolent non-cooperation with the British government, including boycotting British goods, institutions, and titles.
• The movement achieved widespread support and marked the beginning of mass-based, nonviolent resistance in India.

Leadership in Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934):

• The Civil Disobedience Movement, led by Gandhi, was a significant phase in the freedom struggle.
• Gandhi’s famous Salt March to Dandi in 1930, where he and his followers marched to the Arabian Sea to make their own salt in defiance of British salt taxes, became an iconic symbol of nonviolent resistance.
• The movement saw the widespread breaking of salt laws and acts of civil disobedience across India.

Role in Negotiations:

• Gandhi was not just a leader of mass protests; he also engaged in negotiations with the British authorities. He represented the Indian National Congress in discussions with Lord Irwin, the Viceroy of India, leading to the Gandhi-Irwin Pact in 1931.

Imprisonment and Struggle for Independence:

• Gandhi was imprisoned by the British several times for his role in protests and movements. He spent a total of over six years in jail.
• He used his time in prison to write and reflect, further inspiring the independence movement.

Role in Communal Harmony:

• Gandhi worked tirelessly to promote communal harmony and unity among Hindus and Muslims, advocating for religious tolerance and coexistence.

Quit India Movement (1942):

• Gandhi’s call for the Quit India Movement was a major milestone in the freedom struggle. The movement demanded an immediate end to British rule in India.
• The British responded with mass arrests, and the movement marked a period of intense repression.

End of British Rule:

• Gandhi’s unwavering commitment to nonviolence and civil disobedience, along with the collective efforts of millions of Indians, ultimately played a crucial role in pressuring the British government to grant India independence in 1947.

Legacy:

• Gandhi’s legacy extends beyond India’s independence. He remains a symbol of nonviolent resistance, civil disobedience, and social and political change worldwide. His philosophy of truth and nonviolence continues to inspire movements for justice and human rights.

---

Download Rise of Gandhi in Indian Freedom Struggle Notes PDF in Hindi

Download Rise of Gandhi in Indian Freedom Struggle Notes PDF in English

---

Follow on Facebook

By Team Learning Mantras