Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 322

Gandhi developed what he called a system of ..... and believed that it would make the world recognize the injustice in India and force change without using violence

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider Gandhi's approach to fighting injustice without resorting to violence.

Correct Answer: D) Civil disobedience.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Civil Services, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

Mahatma Gandhi is renowned for his philosophy of nonviolent resistance, which he termed "Satyagraha." One of the key components of this philosophy was the concept of civil disobedience. Civil disobedience is a form of political action where individuals or groups refuse to obey certain laws, demands, or commands of a government or occupying power without resorting to physical violence. The purpose of civil disobedience is to bring about a change in laws or policies that are perceived as unjust or oppressive.

Gandhi believed that by engaging in civil disobedience, individuals could demonstrate their moral and ethical stance against unjust laws and policies. This form of protest was intended to be peaceful and nonviolent, relying on the moral force of the protesters to bring about change. Gandhi's approach was rooted in the belief that the power of truth and nonviolence could compel the authorities to recognize the injustice and make the necessary changes.

The concept of civil disobedience was not only a method of protest but also a way to awaken the conscience of the oppressors and the public. Gandhi's methods were influential in the Indian independence movement and have since inspired other movements around the world, such as the American civil rights movement led by Martin Luther King Jr.

It is important to understand that civil disobedience is not the same as anarchy or lawlessness. It is a carefully planned and disciplined form of protest that adheres to the principles of nonviolence and moral integrity. Gandhi's approach was to break specific laws that were unjust, while still respecting the rule of law in general. This distinction is crucial in understanding the concept of civil disobedience and its role in Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolent resistance.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect. "Unrivaled unrest" does not accurately describe Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolent resistance. Unrest implies chaos and disorder, which is contrary to Gandhi's approach of peaceful and organized protest.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. "Protest and food" does not capture the essence of Gandhi's method of nonviolent resistance. While Gandhi did use hunger strikes as a form of protest, this option does not encompass the broader concept of civil disobedience.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. "Non eating" refers to Gandhi's use of hunger strikes, but it does not represent the full scope of his philosophy of nonviolent resistance. Civil disobedience involves more than just fasting; it includes a broader range of nonviolent actions.
  • Option D: This option is correct. Gandhi developed the concept of civil disobedience as a method of nonviolent resistance to unjust laws and policies. This approach involved deliberately breaking certain laws in a peaceful manner to highlight the injustice and to compel the authorities to change the laws.

Mnemonic: C-D: Civil Disobedience

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