Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction

• Purpose: Introduce the topic by mentioning Gandhiji’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance (Satyagraha) and its significance in India’s independence struggle.
• Key Points:
  • Briefly state that Gandhiji used nonviolence as a key tool in various movements like Champaran, Ahmedabad, and Kheda.
  • Mention how these movements helped unite the Indian masses for the larger struggle against British rule.

2. Champaran Satyagraha (1917)

• Purpose: Explain the first major application of Gandhiji’s nonviolent resistance in Champaran.
• Key Points:
  • Context: Indigo farmers in Champaran, Bihar, were being exploited under the Tinkathiya system by British landlords, forcing them to grow Indigo on a portion of their land at low prices.
  • Action: Gandhiji launched a peaceful protest involving civil disobedience and strikes.
  • Outcome: The British government established the Champaran Agrarian Committee, which included Gandhiji, and accepted the farmers’ demands.
  • Significance: Demonstrated the power of nonviolence in a rural setting, with the participation of both local and national leaders.

3. Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1918)

• Purpose: Discuss Gandhiji’s leadership in the Ahmedabad mill strike and its connection to nonviolent resistance.
• Key Points:
  • Context: Textile workers in Ahmedabad were protesting poor working conditions and the refusal of mill owners to meet wage demands.
  • Action: Gandhiji led the workers’ strike, using fasting and peaceful protests to pressurize mill owners.
  • Outcome: The strike led to a settlement, granting workers a wage increase and better conditions.
  • Significance: Highlighted how nonviolent resistance could be effective in labor disputes and inspire workers across India.

4. Kheda Satyagraha (1918)

• Purpose: Analyze Gandhiji’s involvement in the Kheda peasant struggle and its role in advancing nonviolent resistance.
• Key Points:
  • Context: Peasants in Kheda, Gujarat, were suffering from famine and crop failure but were still required to pay full land taxes to the British government.
  • Action: Gandhiji and local leaders, like Sardar Patel, organized a non-payment movement as a form of peaceful protest.
  • Outcome: The British government relented, reducing the tax burden on the farmers.
  • Significance: Showcased Gandhiji’s ability to unite peasants for a common cause, further solidifying the power of nonviolent resistance in diverse contexts.

5. Significance of These Movements in Weaving Nonviolent Resistance

• Purpose: Discuss how these movements helped establish the effectiveness of nonviolence in the Indian freedom struggle.
• Key Points:
  • Mass Participation: Gandhiji’s movements inspired millions to participate in peaceful protests, strikes, and boycotts.
  • Creation of Local Leadership: These movements produced leaders like Sardar Patel, Rajendra Prasad, and J.B. Kripalani who would later play pivotal roles in the national struggle.
  • Spread of Nonviolent Ideology: The media played a key role in publicizing the successes of these movements, inspiring further nonviolent protests.

6. Conclusion

• Purpose: Conclude by summarizing how Gandhiji’s use of nonviolent resistance in these movements helped unite India’s freedom struggle.
• Key Points:
  • Gandhiji’s nonviolent approach turned regional struggles into a national movement.
  • The successful use of satyagraha in Champaran, Ahmedabad, and Kheda formed the basis for future campaigns like the Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement.
  • Gandhiji’s philosophy made the freedom struggle more inclusive, involving people from all walks of life.

Relevant Facts for Answer Writing

1. Champaran Satyagraha (1917):
   • Exploitation of Indigo farmers under Tinkathiya system.
   • Gandhiji’s civil disobedience and strikes led to the formation of the Champaran Agrarian Committee.
   • Farmers’ demands for fair practices were accepted.
2. Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1918):
   • Workers demanded higher wages and better working conditions.
   • Gandhiji led peaceful protests and fasting, resulting in a wage increase.
   • The strike demonstrated nonviolence’s power in labor movements.
3. Kheda Satyagraha (1918):
   • Peasants, suffering from famine, refused to pay full land taxes.
   • Gandhiji, joined by Sardar Patel, led nonviolent resistance, and the British reduced taxes.
4. Key Points on Nonviolent Resistance:
   • Gandhiji’s use of nonviolence inspired millions, including the participation of local leaders.
   • These movements showed the potential of nonviolence to unite different sections of society against colonial oppression.
   • The media spread success stories, boosting the morale for future movements.