After arriving in India from South Africa in 1915, Mahatma Gandhi quickly immersed himself in various political activities aimed at achieving Indian independence and social reform. His early political activities laid the groundwork for his later leadership in India’s struggle for freedom and his role as a prominent figure in the Indian National Congress (INC). Here, we’ll explore some of Gandhi’s key political actions and contributions during this period.
Championing Nonviolent Resistance: Gandhi’s experiences in South Africa had a profound impact on his philosophy of nonviolent resistance, which he termed Satyagraha. Upon his return to India, he began advocating for nonviolent civil disobedience as a means of challenging British colonial rule. He organized campaigns of non-cooperation and passive resistance against discriminatory laws and policies, inspiring Indians to resist oppression through peaceful means.
Champaran and Kheda Satyagraha: Gandhi’s first major political campaigns in India were the Champaran and Kheda Satyagrahas in 1917 and 1918, respectively. In Champaran, he led protests against exploitative indigo planters, demanding better treatment for farmers. In Kheda, he supported peasants in their struggle against oppressive taxation by the British government. These campaigns demonstrated Gandhi’s commitment to addressing social injustices and mobilizing ordinary Indians in the fight for their rights.
Non-Cooperation Movement: In 1920, Gandhi launched the Non-Cooperation Movement, calling for Indians to boycott British institutions, goods, and services as a form of protest against colonial rule. This movement marked a significant escalation in the struggle for independence and garnered widespread support across India. It also showcased Gandhi’s ability to mobilize mass participation in nonviolent resistance on a national scale.
Promotion of Swadeshi and Khadi: Alongside his political activism, Gandhi promoted the principles of Swadeshi (self-reliance) and Khadi (handspun cloth) as symbols of economic independence and cultural resistance against British rule. He encouraged Indians to boycott foreign-made goods and embrace locally produced goods, particularly Khadi, which became a symbol of India’s struggle for self-sufficiency and freedom.
Leadership in the Indian National Congress: Gandhi played a crucial role in transforming the Indian National Congress (INC) into a mass movement for independence. He became a prominent leader within the INC, advocating for Swaraj (self-rule) and leading campaigns for political reforms. Gandhi’s emphasis on nonviolence and mass mobilization reshaped the INC’s approach to the struggle for independence, making it a more inclusive and powerful force against British rule.
In summary, Mahatma Gandhi’s early political activities in India after his return from South Africa were characterized by his commitment to nonviolent resistance, social reform, and Indian independence. Through campaigns like Champaran and Kheda Satyagraha, the Non-Cooperation Movement, and his leadership in the Indian National Congress, Gandhi laid the foundation for a mass movement that would ultimately lead to India’s independence from British colonial rule. His principles of nonviolence and Satyagraha continue to inspire movements for social justice and freedom around the world.
