Explanation: The Indian National Congress, founded in 1885, initially sought self-rule within the British Empire. This meant that India would have some degree of autonomy and self-governance while still being part of the British Empire. However, the political landscape and the goals of the Indian freedom struggle evolved significantly under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.
Gandhi, who emerged as a prominent leader in the early 20th century, introduced the concept of non-violent resistance and self-reliance. He believed that India should not merely seek self-rule but should aim for complete independence from British rule. This shift in goal was a crucial development in the Indian freedom struggle, as it set a clear and definitive objective for the movement.
The term "self-rule" (Swaraj) was initially used to denote a form of self-governance within the British Empire. However, Gandhi's vision of Swaraj was more profound and encompassed the idea of complete independence and self-reliance. He advocated for the use of non-violent methods such as civil disobedience and satyagraha to achieve this goal.
Gandhi's leadership and the principles he espoused, such as non-violence and the boycott of British goods, galvanized the Indian masses and transformed the Indian National Congress into a powerful force for independence. The movement's goal of independence was not just a political objective but also a moral and ethical one, emphasizing the need for India to stand on its own feet and reject foreign domination.
The shift from self-rule to independence was a significant milestone in the Indian freedom struggle. It marked a clear break from the earlier moderate stance of the Congress and set the stage for the ultimate achievement of India's independence in 1947. This transformation in the movement's goals was crucial in mobilizing the masses and garnering international support for the Indian cause.
In summary, Gandhi's leadership played a pivotal role in shifting the Indian National Congress' goal from self-rule to independence. This shift was not just a change in terminology but a fundamental transformation in the movement's objectives, emphasizing complete freedom and self-reliance for India.