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| GANDHI'S PHILOSOPHY OF NON-VIOLENCE: A CRITIQUE |
File Information
| Document Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | GANDHI'S PHILOSOPHY OF NON-VIOLENCE: A CRITIQUE |
| Article Credit | IJELLH (International Journal of English Language, Literature and Humanities), ISSN: 2321-7065, Vol.: V, Issue: VII, Year: 2017, (Pubd in: Academia.edu) |
| Author | Vibha Tiwari (Associate Professor in English, CBRG Government Girls' PG College, Sriganganagar, Rajasthan) Abha Tiwari (Ph.D. Research Scholar, Banasthali Vidyapith & Lecturer in English, SGN Khalsa PG College, Sriganganagar) |
| Subject | A critical examination of Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence (ahimsa), its theoretical foundations, historical application in South Africa and India, and its contemporary relevance. |
| Category | Academic Article |
| Institution | IJELLH (International Journal of English Language, Literature and Humanities) |
| Country of Publication | India |
| Main Topics | Gandhi's concept of non-violence (ahimsa), Truth (satya) as the end and non-violence as the means, Satyagraha as a practical extension of non-violence, Application of non-violence in South Africa and India, Critiques of Gandhi's non-violence, Relevance of non-violence in the modern world |
| Number of Pages | 10 |
| Language | English |
| File Type | |
| File Size | 155.4 KB |
Summary Note of this Document
This article critically examines Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence (ahimsa), tracing its roots in Indian religious traditions and its development as a powerful tool for social and political change. The authors argue that Gandhi conceived non-violence not merely as a political tactic but as a fundamental principle based on love for all and hatred for none, inseparable from truth (satya). Drawing on the Bhagavad Gita, Jain texts like the Acharanga Sutra, and Christian teachings, Gandhi believed that means justify the end, and thus violence, even for a just cause, would only perpetuate more violence. The paper details Gandhi's application of non-violence through Satyagraha, first in South Africa against racial discrimination and later in India's freedom movement, including the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Salt March. It also addresses criticisms from figures like Salman Rushdie and Arthur Koestler, who questioned its efficacy and universal applicability, while noting its inspirational impact on leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela. The article concludes that despite challenges, Gandhi's non-violence retains universal appeal and relevance, especially in a world threatened by nuclear war and conflict.
Core Themes
- Non-violence as a means to truth
- Satyagraha and civil disobedience
- Critique of violence and its consequences
- Historical application in South Africa and India
- Relevance and criticism of non-violence in modern times
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.
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