Satyagraha Movement Origin, Philosophy & Examples
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The Satyagraha movement was a form of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience led by
Mahatma Gandhi during the Indian independence struggle against British rule. The term
"Satyagraha" is derived from Sanskrit words: "satya," meaning truth, and "agraha," meaning
insistence or holding firmly to. The movement was based on the principles of nonviolence, truth,
and the pursuit of justice. Here's an overview of the Satyagraha movement, including its origin,
philosophy, and examples:
Origin:
South Africa (1906):
●
The concept of Satyagraha first emerged during Gandhi's time in South Africa. In
1906, he organized a nonviolent resistance campaign against discriminatory laws
imposed on Indian immigrants, known as the Asiatic Registration Act.
Tolstoy Farm:
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Gandhi established a communal living experiment called Tolstoy Farm, where he
and his followers practiced principles of simple living, truth, and nonviolence.
Philosophy:
Nonviolence (Ahimsa):
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Central to Satyagraha is the principle of nonviolence. It involves resisting
oppression and injustice without resorting to physical violence or hatred.
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Gandhi believed that nonviolence required immense courage and self-discipline.
Truth (Satya):
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Truth is another foundational principle of Satyagraha. Gandhi emphasized the
importance of seeking and upholding truth in all actions.
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He believed in the transformative power of truth and that it could ultimately
prevail over falsehood.
Self-suffering (Tapasya):
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Satyagrahis willingly accepted suffering, including physical harm and
imprisonment, as a means of drawing attention to injustice and appealing to the
moral conscience of oppressors.
Non-cooperation:
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Satyagraha often involved non-cooperation with unjust laws, institutions, or
systems. This could include acts of civil disobedience and nonviolent resistance.
Examples:
Champaran Satyagraha (1917):
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In Champaran, Bihar, Gandhi led a campaign against the exploitation of indigo
farmers by British landlords. The movement involved nonviolent protests,
non-cooperation, and passive resistance.
Khilafat Movement (1920-1922):
●
Gandhi supported the Khilafat Movement, a pan-Islamic protest against the
disintegration of the Ottoman Caliphate. The movement aimed at fostering
Hindu-Muslim unity.
Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922):
●
Gandhi launched the Non-Cooperation Movement, urging Indians to nonviolently
resist British rule by boycotting British goods, institutions, and titles.
Salt March (1930):
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One of the most iconic events, Gandhi led the Salt March to protest the British
salt monopoly. Thousands joined him in a 240-mile march to the Arabian Sea,
where they made their own salt.
Quit India Movement (1942):
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During World War II, Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement, demanding an
end to British rule. It involved mass protests and nonviolent resistance, leading to
widespread arrests.
Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934):
●
The Civil Disobedience Movement aimed at protesting against taxes and laws
that oppressed Indians. It included the famous Dandi March, where Gandhi and
followers marched to the Arabian Sea and made salt in defiance of British salt
laws.
The Satyagraha movement played a pivotal role in India's struggle for independence, influencing
subsequent movements worldwide. Gandhi's commitment to nonviolence, truth, and
self-suffering left a lasting legacy in the philosophy of resistance against injustice.
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