Part of: Gujarat Gk set 1

Where was satyagraha organised?

Category: Gujarat Gk

Hint: Consider the historical context of satyagraha movements in Gujarat.

Correct Answer: C) Kheda district of gujrat.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

Satyagraha, a term coined by Mahatma Gandhi, refers to a form of non-violent resistance that was used as a powerful tool in the Indian independence movement against British colonial rule. The first major satyagraha movement was organized in the Kheda district of Gujarat in 1918. This movement was a response to the high taxes imposed by the British government on the local farmers during a severe famine. The farmers were unable to pay the taxes due to the poor harvest, and the British government refused to provide any relief or reduce the tax burden.

Gandhi, who had returned to India from South Africa, saw this as an opportunity to mobilize the masses and launch a non-violent protest. He organized the farmers to refuse to pay the taxes and to stand firm against the oppressive policies of the British government. This movement was significant because it marked the first large-scale application of satyagraha in India and set a precedent for future non-violent resistance movements.

The Kheda Satyagraha was successful in achieving its immediate goals. The British government eventually agreed to reduce the tax burden on the farmers and provided some relief. This movement also helped to galvanize the Indian masses and inspired other satyagraha movements across the country. It was a crucial step in the Indian independence struggle and demonstrated the power of non-violent resistance.

It is important to note that while the Kheda Satyagraha was the first major satyagraha movement in India, there were other significant satyagraha movements in different parts of the country, such as the Champaran Satyagraha in Bihar and the Ahmedabad Satyagraha. However, the Kheda Satyagraha holds a special place in Indian history as the first large-scale application of satyagraha under Gandhi's leadership.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect. The satyagraha was not organized in Champaran, Bihar. Champaran is known for another significant satyagraha movement led by Gandhi, but it is not the location of the first satyagraha in India.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. Ahmedabad, while an important city in Gujarat, is not the location where the first satyagraha was organized. The satyagraha movement in Ahmedabad came later and was focused on different issues.
  • Option C: This option is correct. The satyagraha was organized in the Kheda district of Gujarat. This movement was a pivotal event in the Indian independence struggle, led by Mahatma Gandhi, and aimed at protesting against high taxes during a famine.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. The correct location of the satyagraha is known and is mentioned in the correct option, which is Kheda district of Gujarat.

Mnemonic: K for Kheda, K for Gandhi's first major Satyagraha

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