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| Satyagraha: A Study in Gandhian Dialectics — A representative image. |
File Information
| Document Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | SATYAGRAHA A STUDY IN GANDHIAN DIALECTICS |
| Article Credit | Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR), ISSN: ISSN-2349-5162, Vol.: Volume 3, Issue: Issue 12, Year: 2016, (Pubd in: Jetir.org) |
| Author | Dr Madhu Prashar (Principal, Dev Samaj College for Women, Ferozepur City, Punjab) |
| Subject | An analysis of Gandhi's Satyagraha as a nonviolent dialectical method, contrasted with Hegelian and Marxian dialectics. |
| Category | Academic article |
| Institution | Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR) |
| Main Topics | Gandhi's Satyagraha, Gandhian dialectics, Hegelian dialectics, Marxian dialectics, Ahimsa, relative truth, means and ends, Swaraj and Sarvodaya |
| Number of Pages | 6 |
| Language | English |
| File Type | |
| File Size | 487.2 KB |
Summary Note of this Document
SATYAGRAHA A STUDY IN GANDHIAN DIALECTICS
This article examines Satyagraha as a form of Gandhian dialectics and explains how Gandhi's method differs from Hegelian and Marxian models. It argues that Satyagraha is not a static doctrine or a purely abstract logic, but a practical technique for resolving conflict through action, persuasion, and nonviolence. The discussion centers on the relation between truth, conflict, and ethical means, stressing that Gandhian thought rejects absolutism and class struggle. Instead, it emphasizes the relativity of truth, the need to understand opposing positions, and the possibility of transforming conflict without humiliation or coercion. The article also draws on comparative philosophical references, including Hegel, Marx, New Testament ethics, Jain anekantavada, Madhyamika Buddhism, Wittgenstein, and Samkhya satkaryavada, to show how Gandhi's approach is grounded in a wider metaphysical and moral framework. Ahimsa is presented as essential to Satyagraha, because Gandhi treats means and ends as inseparable. The conclusion links this ethical logic to Gandhi's goals of Swaraj and Sarvodaya, presenting Satyagraha as 'Ahimsa in action' and as the practical expression of truth and nonviolence in political, social, and economic life.
Core Themes
- nonviolence as method
- truth as relative and plural
- rejection of violent class struggle
- unity of means and ends
- ethical resolution of conflict
Keywords
About Mahatma Gandhi
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi lived from 1869 to 1948. Born in India, he trained as a lawyer and became a political thinker. Colonial rule repelled him. He opposed it fiercely and eventually led India’s independence movement.
Gandhi pioneered Satyagraha, the power of truth and nonviolent resistance. He put these ideals into practice during political and social upheavals. Over twenty years in South Africa shaped his thinking. That’s where he developed his tactics of nonviolent defiance. He returned to India in 1915 and launched major movements against British rule. Non-Cooperation Movement. Salt March. Quit India Movement. Each one challenged colonial domination.
In 1883 he married Kasturba Gandhi. Marriage and family life remained central to who he was. He spoke powerfully about his beliefs. His writing included Hind Swaraj, Satyagraha in South Africa, and The Story of My Experiments with Truth, his autobiography.
His vision stretched beyond political independence. Religious harmony mattered to him. Social equality. Self-reliance. Women’s rights. Ending untouchability. All of these were part of what he fought for.
Nonviolence and Satyagraha shaped movements worldwide. Civil rights activists drew from his example. Freedom struggles across the globe felt his influence. His approach changed how people thought about resistance and change.
Complete Gandhi Research Collection
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