Question

Explain the idea of Satyagraha and the important early Satyagrahas conducted by Gandhiji.

Answer 1

Instructions: Explain the following points:

• What is Satyagraha?
• Who introduced Satyagraha and where?
• Satyagraha in India : Champaran, Gujarat, and Ahmedabad.

Solution:

Mahatma Gandhi was the son of Diwan of Rajkot state. He studied law from England and practiced it in South Africa. During his stay in South Africa, he evolved a non violent protest technique against the racial discrimination in South Africa. The movement was called Satyagraha which was based on truth and non violence. Later he organised various Satyagraha movements across India.
Champaran Satyagraha: Mahatma Gandhi organised satyagraha in Champaran against the indigo planters. As a result of this an inquiry was conducted to pacify the situation.
Kheda Satyagraha: The peasants of Kheda, plagued by epidemics and crop failure were unable to pay the taxes.Mahatma Gandhi organised a satyagraha as a result of which the government was forced to arrive at a settlement with the peasants.
Ahmedabad Satyagraha: The mill-workers of Ahmedabad organised satyagraha against the mill-owners who refused to pay them higher wages. Mahatma Gandhi undertook a fast in support of the workers. As a result of this, the mill-owners agreed to give a 35 per cent increase in wages on the fourth day of his fast.