Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 241

What was involved in Mohandas Gandhi'splan of civil disobedience?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider Gandhi's approach to resistance against British rule.

Correct Answer: B) The people should refuse to obey a law theyfelt was unfair, but do it with non-violence.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Civil Services, IAS

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

Mohandas Gandhi, also known as Mahatma Gandhi, was a pivotal figure in the Indian independence movement against British colonial rule. His philosophy of non-violent civil disobedience was a cornerstone of the movement and played a significant role in India's eventual independence in 1947.

Civil disobedience, as practiced by Gandhi, involved the deliberate and public refusal to obey certain laws, demands, and commands of a government or occupying power, without resorting to physical violence. This approach was rooted in the belief that individuals have a moral duty to disobey unjust laws and that non-violent resistance could lead to social and political change.

Gandhi's strategy of non-violent civil disobedience was based on several key principles. First, it was a form of direct action that aimed to challenge the legitimacy of unjust laws and the authority of the British colonial government. Second, it was a way to mobilize the masses and create a sense of unity and purpose among the Indian people. Third, it was a method of protest that could be sustained over a long period without resorting to violence, which would have alienated public opinion and provided the British with a pretext for harsher repression.

One of the most famous examples of Gandhi's civil disobedience was the Salt March in 1930. The British had imposed a tax on salt, which was a basic necessity for the Indian people. Gandhi led a march to the Arabian Sea to produce salt from seawater, thereby defying the British salt tax. This act of civil disobedience was a powerful symbol of resistance and helped to galvanize support for the independence movement.

It is important to understand that Gandhi's approach to civil disobedience was not just a tactic but a philosophy. He believed in the power of truth and non-violence to transform society and bring about lasting change. This philosophy, known as Satyagraha, emphasized the importance of moral and spiritual strength in the face of oppression and injustice.

Therefore, the correct answer is that Gandhi's plan of civil disobedience involved the people refusing to obey a law they felt was unfair, but doing it with non-violence. This approach was a fundamental part of the Indian independence movement and continues to influence movements for social and political change around the world.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect. Gandhi's philosophy of civil disobedience was based on non-violence, not violent demonstrations. He believed that violence would only lead to more violence and would not achieve the desired outcome of independence.
  • Option B: This option is correct. Gandhi's plan of civil disobedience involved refusing to obey laws that were considered unjust, but doing so in a non-violent manner. This approach was a key part of the Indian independence movement and was used in various forms of protest, such as the Salt March.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. Gandhi did not advocate for compliance with British laws to avoid angering the colonial authorities. Instead, he encouraged active resistance through non-violent means, which was a direct challenge to British rule.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. While Gandhi was a member of the Indian National Congress, his approach to changing laws was not through legislative means. He believed in direct action and non-violent resistance as a way to challenge unjust laws and bring about change.

Mnemonic: GANDHI: Great Actions Not Done Generally Involve

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