Gandhiji introduced new ideas in politics and adopted new methods to give a new direction to the political movement. In this context, answer the following questions:

(a) What was Gandhiji's doctrine of Satyagraha?

(b) Explain briefly Gandhiji's Social Ideals.

(c) Which mass struggle was launched by him on non-violent lines in 1920? Explain in brief the programmes of such a campaign.

(a) Gandhiji's doctrine of Satyagraha was an effective method of the National Movement.

1. The term Satyagraha is made up of two Sanskrit words—Satya (truth) and Agraha (insistence to hold fast).
2. To Gandhiji, satyagraha was a moral force born of truth and non-violence.
3. It meant to be fearless, truthful as well as peaceful, suffering willingly while refusing to submit to what is wrong.
4. But even while resisting evil, it would not involve hatred towards the evil-doer.
5. Gandhiji's Satyagraha Movement was directed against the British system of exploitation and not the British people individually or collectively.
6. Gandhiji made a distinction between Satyagraha and passive resistance.
7. Passive resistance does not exclude the use of physical force for the purpose of gaining one's end, whereas Satyagraha excludes the use of violence.

(b) Gandhiji's Social Ideals:

Gandhiji's whole philosophy was based on non-violence.

1. According to Gandhiji, it is the weapon of strong, mighty and powerful individuals.
2. He was of the opinion that neither an individual nor a country could gain anything by using violent methods.
3. He launched many movements for gaining freedom but none of them was violent.
4. During the non-cooperation movement, he suspended the movement when it was at its zenith just because of Chauri Chaura incident in which 22 British policemen were burnt alive.

(c) Gandhiji launched the Non-Cooperation Movement on non-violent lines in 1920. The movement included the following programmes:

Boycott programmes

1. Boycott of government schools, colleges and courts.
2. Boycott of foreign goods.
3. Boycott of elections to be held for the Councils as suggested by the reforms of 1919.
4. Resignation from nominated seats in local bodies.
5. Surrender of titles and honorary offices.
6. Refusal to attend government functions.

Swadeshi programmes

1. Popularisation of Swadeshi and Khadi by reviving hand-spinning and hand-weaving.
2. Establishment of national schools and colleges and private arbitration courts known as panchayats all over India.
3. Development of unity between Hindus and Muslims.
4. Removal of untouchability and other measures for Harijan welfare.
5. Emancipation and upliftment of women.