 |
| MAHATMA GANDHI’S PHILOSOPHY ON NON-VIOLENCE |
File Information
| Document Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | MAHATMA GANDHI’S PHILOSOPHY ON NON-VIOLENCE |
| Article Credit | International Journal of Advanced Research, ISSN: 2320-5407, Vol.: 4, Issue: 12, Year: 2016, (Pubd in: Academia.edu) |
| Author | Nirmal Kumar Srivastava (Research Scholar (Political Science), Sri Satya Sai University of Technology and Medical Science, Sehore,Madhya Pradesh) |
| Subject | This research article analyzes Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence, focusing on the concepts of truth (satya), non-violence (ahimsa), and Satyagraha, and their relevance to resolving conflicts in a multicultural world. |
| Category | Political Philosophy |
| Institution | Sri Satya Sai University of Technology and Medical Science |
| Country of Publication | Not clearly identified in the document. |
| Main Topics | Gandhi's concept of truth and non-violence, Ahimsa as love and positive force, Satyagraha as a method of nonviolent resistance, Gandhi's critique of violence and cowardice, Qualities of a Satyagrahi, Relevance of Gandhi's philosophy in a multicultural world, Nonviolent intervention and its methods |
| Number of Pages | 5 |
| Language | English |
| File Type | |
| File Size | 164.9 KB |
Summary Note of this Document
This research article by Nirmal Kumar Srivastava examines Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence, centering on the intertwined concepts of truth (satya) and non-violence (ahimsa). The paper argues that Gandhi's political theory offers a novel approach to understanding and arbitrating conflicts among competing moral projects in an increasingly multicultural world. It explores Gandhi's understanding of ahimsa as more than mere non-killing, emphasizing it as a positive force of love and selflessness. The article discusses Gandhi's distinction between passive and physical violence, his preference for violence over cowardice, and his belief that non-violence is a powerful active force superior to brute force. Central to the analysis is Satyagraha, or 'truth force', which Gandhi developed as a method of nonviolent resistance. The paper outlines the qualities expected of a Satyagrahi, including faith in God, belief in inherent human goodness, and willingness to suffer without retaliation. It also touches on methods such as noncooperation and fasting, and cites Bertrand Russell's observations on Gandhi's approach. The article concludes by addressing the relevance of Gandhi's philosophy today, noting the shortage of true believers in non-violence and the ongoing crises of power struggles and weapons of mass destruction.
Core Themes
- Truth and non-violence as foundational principles
- Ahimsa as love and active force
- Satyagraha as a method of nonviolent resistance
- Critique of violence and cowardice
- Relevance of Gandhian philosophy in multicultural conflicts
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