Mahatma Gandhi was a very important figure in India’s struggle for independence. His methods of non-violent resistance, known as Satyagraha, were first tested in movements during the early 20th century. Three major movements exemplify this approach – the Champaran Satyagraha, Kheda Satyagraha, and the Ahmedabad Mill Strike.
Champaran Satyagraha (1917)
The Champaran Satyagraha was Gandhi’s first major civil disobedience movement. It unfolded in the Champaran district of Bihar. The local farmers faced oppressive conditions under British planters. They were compelled to cultivate indigo under the tinkathia system, which forced them to allocate a portion of their land for indigo production.
- Indigo was a lucrative crop for British planters.
- Farmers were charged exorbitant fees for failing to meet production quotas.
- Gandhi was invited by Rajkumar Shukla, an indigo farmer, to investigate the situation.
Upon his arrival, Gandhi was initially barred from entering Champaran. He refused to leave and gathered support from local farmers. His court appearance attracted around 2,000 supporters, leading to the dropping of charges against him.
Impact of Champaran Satyagraha
The movement resulted in changes:
- The abolition of the tinkathia system.
- Compensation for farmers who had suffered under the exploitative practices.
- Gandhi earned the titles ‘Bapu’ and ‘Mahatma’ during this movement.
Champaran Satyagraha marked the beginning of mass mobilisation in the Indian independence movement, setting a precedent for future protests.
Kheda Satyagraha (1918)
The Kheda Satyagraha occurred in Gujarat in response to a severe famine and crop failure. The farmers sought remission of land revenue due to their poor harvests. Despite the law entitling them to relief, the British government refused to grant it.
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and local leaders led the farmers’ protests.
- Gandhi supported the movement, advocating for non-payment of taxes.
- Farmers from all backgrounds united in the cause.
The protest was peaceful, demonstrating remarkable courage despite government repression. Eventually, the authorities conceded some demands.
Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1918)
The Ahmedabad Mill Strike arose from a dispute between mill owners and workers over wages. The owners sought to withdraw a plague bonus, while workers demanded a wage increase of 35%.
- Gandhi employed Satyagraha and hunger strikes to support the workers.
- The strike was successful, and workers received the wage hike.
This strike showcased Gandhi’s ability to mobilise diverse groups, including workers and farmers, thereby expanding the base of the independence movement.
Causes of Kheda Satyagraha
Several factors contributed to the Kheda Satyagraha:
- Severe drought led to crop failures in 1917-18.
- Price hikes for essential commodities during World War I.
- Government’s refusal to reduce tax rates despite the famine.
The peasants were aggrieved by the government’s indifference to their plight, leading to widespread unrest.
Course of Kheda Satyagraha
The movement began on March 11, 1918. Local leaders initiated a no-revenue campaign, calling for non-payment of taxes. Gandhi’s involvement came after local leaders reached out for assistance.
- Gandhi visited Kheda and encouraged villagers to uphold their pledge.
- Despite arrests of local leaders, support for the movement grew.
The government initially resisted but eventually recognised the need to address the farmers’ grievances.
Outcomes of Kheda Satyagraha
The Kheda Satyagraha was a turning point in the Indian independence movement:
- The government halted revenue collection from the affected farmers.
- Land tax was only levied on those able to pay.
- Seized properties were returned to rightful owners.
Although not all demands were met, the movement demonstrated the effectiveness of non-violent resistance.
Significance of Kheda Satyagraha
The Kheda Satyagraha had lasting implications:
- It marked the first mass non-cooperation movement.
- Strengthened Gandhi’s role as a leader among the masses.
- Set the stage for future protests and movements across India.
The campaign established a strong base for Satyagraha in Gujarat and brought into light the potential for collective action among different social groups.
Evolution of Satyagraha
Gandhi’s approach to Satyagraha evolved through these movements. He combined moral principles with practical strategies. His methods included:
- Non-violent protests.
- Hunger strikes as a form of resistance.
- Mobilising diverse groups, including farmers and workers.
These strategies made Satyagraha a powerful tool for mass mobilisation against colonial rule.
Gandhi’s Leadership in the Freedom Struggle
Gandhi’s leadership during these movements solidified his status as a key figure in the Indian independence movement. His ability to unite people from various backgrounds was unprecedented.
- He encourageed a sense of shared purpose among participants.
- His methods inspired future generations of activists.
Gandhi’s political philosophy emphasised the importance of ethical conduct and collective action.
Legacy of the Early Satyagraha Movements
The legacy of the Champaran and Kheda movements is deep. They laid the groundwork for subsequent mass movements in India.
- They demonstrated the power of non-violent resistance.
- They brought into light the potential for grassroots activism to effect change.
These movements are celebrated as very important moments in the Indian struggle for independence.
Conclusion of Early Movements
The early Satyagraha movements were instrumental in shaping the course of India’s fight for independence. They marked the beginning of a new era of political activism, where ordinary citizens played important role in challenging colonial authority. Gandhi’s methods and philosophy would continue to influence the freedom movement and inspire future generations.
