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| Mahatma Gandhi’s Notions of Non-Violence — A representative image. |
File Information
| Document Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | MAHATMA GANDHI’S NOTIONS OF NON-VIOLENCE |
| Article Credit | ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts, ISSN: 2582-7472, Vol.: 3, Issue: 2, Year: 2022, (Pubd in: Scribd.com) |
| Author | Bindu Mathew (Assistant Professor of History, NMSM Govt. College, Kalpetta) |
| Subject | An analysis of Gandhi’s concept of non-violence as a layered ethical, political, and strategic principle in Indian nationalist politics. |
| Category | Journal article |
| Institution | ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts |
| Main Topics | Mahatma Gandhi's concept of non-violence, Ahimsa and its meanings, Non-violence in the freedom movement, Civility, humility, and conduct, Satyagraha and constructive programme, Communal relations and swaraj, Political strategy and mass politics |
| Number of Pages | 5 |
| Language | English |
| File Type | |
| File Size | 229.3 KB |
Summary Note of this Document
MAHATMA GANDHI’S NOTIONS OF NON-VIOLENCE
This article examines Mahatma Gandhi’s notions of non-violence as a complex ethical and political principle rather than a simple refusal to kill. Bindu Mathew argues that Gandhi treated ahimsa as a multidimensional practice tied to character, civility, humility, truthfulness, and disciplined public conduct. The paper draws on Gandhi’s writings, speeches, letters, and later reflections to show how non-violence functioned in debates about social reform, constructive change, civil disobedience, and mass politics. It also traces Gandhi’s insistence that non-violence was relevant to Hindu-Muslim relations, relations between communities, and the wider struggle for swaraj. A major emphasis falls on Gandhi’s rejection of violent romanticism and his claim that armed revolt would not serve India’s political conditions or its masses. The article further presents non-violence as a strategic method: it protects movements from repression, preserves public sympathy, and helps maintain initiative against opponents. By connecting non-violence with satyagraha and constructive programme, the paper portrays Gandhi’s thought as an integrated political philosophy aimed at social transformation, justice, and human dignity.
Core Themes
- Non-violence as ethical discipline
- Non-violence as political strategy
- Critique of violent revolution
- Communal harmony and arbitration
- Integration with satyagraha
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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