 |
| Gandhi: A prophet of satyagraha and nonviolence |
File Information
| Document Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Gandhi: A prophet of satyagraha and nonviolence |
| Article Credit | Global Advanced Research Journal of History, Political Science and International Relations, Vol.: 1, Issue: 5, Year: 2012, (Pubd in: Academia.edu) |
| Author | Asmat Ullah Wazir (Lecturer in Ara Khel College Kohat) Jamshed Khan (PhD student at the department of History, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, and Pakistan) |
| Subject | This review article examines Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of Satyagraha and nonviolence, tracing its origins, key applications in South Africa and India, and its enduring global legacy. |
| Category | History |
| Institution | Global Advanced Research Journal of History, Political Science and International Relations |
| Main Topics | Gandhi's philosophy of Satyagraha, Nonviolence and Ahimsa, Gandhi's early life and influences, Satyagraha in South Africa, Satyagraha in India: Rowlatt Act, Non-cooperation, Salt March, Gandhi's social reform: Untouchability, Global legacy of Gandhi's nonviolence, Influence on later leaders and movements |
| Number of Pages | 5 |
| Language | English |
| File Type | |
| File Size | 156.7 KB |
Summary Note of this Document
This review article, authored by Asmat Ullah Wazir and Jamshed Khan, examines Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of Satyagraha and nonviolence, tracing its origins, applications, and enduring global impact. The authors argue that Gandhi's approach was innovative, combining truth (satya) and firmness (agraha) to create a powerful force for social and political change. The article details Gandhi's early life, his formative years in South Africa where he developed Satyagraha in response to discriminatory laws, and his subsequent leadership of major movements in India, including the Rowlatt Satyagraha, the Non-cooperation Movement, and the Salt March. It also highlights Gandhi's commitment to social reform, particularly his efforts to eradicate untouchability. The authors assess both the domestic and international influence of Gandhi's methods, noting their adoption by leaders such as Ghaffar Khan and Anna Hazare, and their resonance in global figures like Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. The article concludes that despite India's departure from Gandhian principles in some respects, his philosophy of nonviolence remains a vital and influential force in the modern world, as evidenced by its continued relevance in peace studies and social movements.
Core Themes
- Satyagraha as a philosophy of truth-force
- Nonviolence (Ahimsa) as a moral and political weapon
- Gandhi's role in Indian independence movement
- Social reform and the uplift of Untouchables
- Global legacy and influence of Gandhian nonviolence
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
Download the entire collection of Gandhi research PDFs available on HISTORY MARG