Gandhian Way of Indian Nationalism: Dr. Rushiraj Upadhyay
Gandhian Way of Indian Nationalism: Dr. Rushiraj Upadhyay
Gandhian Way of Indian Nationalism: Dr. Rushiraj Upadhyay
Abstract
British policies severely impaired Indian national interest since their introduction into the Indian
Polity. Moreover, their demand regarding various natural resources for their economic
development, especially after the Industrial revolution, inspired them to start implementing
exploitative policies in and for India. Their various political and economic policies had a deep
influence on Indian economy and the social structure of India. This article aims to throw light on
the policies and action of Britishers that encouraged the spirit of nationalism in India. As such,
Mahatma Gandhi's influence on the freedom movement, the concept of Sarvodaya and Swaraj,
constructive programs, etc. has been discussed as a Gandhian way of Indian Nationalism.
Secondary data has been used as a source. A major objective of this paper is to analyze and explain
the emergence of nationalism in India and to discuss Indian Nationalism through a Gandhian
perspective. This paper argues that Indian Nationalism gained impetus and a new direction after
the advent of Mahatma Gandhi.
The British Empire’s policies for India played an important role for the emergence and
development of national consciousness. The exploitative economic policies made Indian farmers
more and more poor, small scale industries collapsed, and industrial revolution had a deadly effect
on artisans and laborers. On the other hand, the reformative steps in socio–educational system left
a strong mark on Indian national consciousness. Increasing proportion of educated people through
English education system played an important role to raise national consciousness in Indian
people. Dharaiya notes that “Rapid development of the modern means of transportation and
communication promote the spirit of national unity and national uplift.” (Dharaiya, 2016, p. 6) All
of these reformations, however, were for ease of administrative structure, economic and political
gains and for the convenience of the authorities. Fortunately, however, it also played an important
role for national solidarity, public awareness and national consciousness.
A cursory glance upon various policies of governor generals in British India makes it
evident that these policies encouraged the spirit of Nationalism in Indians. Developments like
irrigation, railways, canals, etc. could be done due to improvements made in finance sector by
The role of regional language and literature is very important to encourage the spirit of
nation. Regional and national newspapers like Hindu Patriot, Bangali, Amrut Bazar Patrika,
Tribune, Hindu, Kesari, Maratha etc. developed national awareness in Indians and Indian Political
streams. Governor General Lord Lytton took very unjust steps during his tenure in India.
According to Dharaiya, “During this time Lord Lytton passed a law which restricted newspapers
published in Hindi from publishing political articles and also prohibited Indians from owning
firearms without a license. As a result, the ‘Indian Association’ and various Indian leaders felt that
the government intended to stifle the poltical freedom of Indians” (37).
The fact that Western education system was vibrant and attempted to break down caste and
gender barriers, biases, and inequality cannot be disregarded and had a long-term impact. It was
education that provided Indian students with an incentive for critical thinking and awakened within
them the desire of self-government which gradually transformed into a demand for total self-
government (swaraj) with a large proportion of students joining the freedom struggle.
Although Dharaiya notes that the British aimed to further their own interests by educating
the Indian masses (for example, to gain competent government employees), they were also aware
to a certain extent of the possible unintended fallout – that of the rise of the awakened Indian(s) –
for the overhaul which Western education brought in the perception of the Indian populace
regarding society, politics, religion, etc. played a vital role in the political unity and the national
fabric of the country”. (Dharaiya, 2016, p. 15)
Leaders connected with the reformation activities had concentrated their efforts for women
empowerment, women education, widow Remarriage, educational reformation, opposing Caste
system, opposing the Sati Pratha, Kulin Pratha, Dev Daasi and child marriage, opposition to
Idolatry and efforts to implement social laws to oppose such socio-religious bad customs etc.
On the other hand, revivalist organizations had also put their efforts to awaken national
consciousness to revive the glorious past of India. Such political Institutions like Indian
Association, National Conference, Bombay Presidency Association etc. were established to raise
the voice and issues of Hind along with to represent Indians in constitutional organizations, to fight
After the establishment of Hindi Rashtriya Mahasabha, people became more and more
sensitive about the issues of Nation. Intellects joined Mahasabha in large proportion and disdain
for British rule came on the surface. Mahasabha became a platform for Hindi people to raise their
voice against oppression and exploitative policies of British rule. Mahasabha gave many able and
skilled leaders to India in the struggle of freedom. Bengal Partition was a phenomenon which
awakened and stirred the emotions of people for their nation and Swadeshi (indigenous) movement
came into being with public force along with assertive/radical/extremist nationalism. ‘Vande
Mataram’, became an enormous flame of patriotism to touch the soul of every Indian. Many
revolutionary institutions started in India and large proportion of youths joined it for revolutionary
activities. The struggle for independence became more and more persistent. To persecute
nationalist forces, the British government of that time took strong measures. To obstruct the
national unity, British government passed the communal and caste agenda. To break the nationalist
movement and unity of Indians, religion and caste was an enough means about which they knew.
Phenomenon above mentioned express the development of National consciousness in India. In the
year 1915, M. K. Gandhi arrived in India from South Africa and a new age of nationalism
commenced which could be addressed as Gandhian Nationalism.
With the liberalized thoughts and the weapon of Non-Violence, M. K. Gandhi contributed
in the freedom fight and united the country against the British rule. Significant changes came after
Gandhi's advent in the Indian political realm as well as in the freedom struggle. Gandhi is not a
man but a thought with reference to Nation which spread all over India. To understand Gandhian
Nationalism, we must go through Gandhi’s Nationalism. His actions, speeches and writings
addressed to the nation indicate Nationalism in itself. A charismatic personality called the nation
to take steps towards freedom movement. He had a power to unite the people on one page.
Gandhian way to struggle was constructive and positive and his constructivism became
popularized in British regime. Being a worshipper of non-violence, he emphasized on constructive
efforts and it was one of the reasons that large proportion of Indians joined his call for national
freedom struggle. In fact, the way of non-violence is a way in which all the people can cooperate
for movement instead of violence and renowned Gandhian ideology follower Japyprakash had also
supported for this thought. Mahatma Gandhi knew about the resentment of the people regarding
British government and he had a panacea (i.e. truth, non-violence, spinning wheel (charakha)
swadeshi, non-cooperation) to direct their path. Gandhi moulded the people’s agitation in a
constructive way through which people could come more and more close to each other. To analyze
Gandhi’s thoughts and consider them idealistic in Indian context does not amount to a criticism
of his view as he expects India to come out from the slavery of western materialistic culture.
Moreover, Gandhi knew that the roots of independence movement are in the unity of
Indians. Separatist policy of British government will never allow Indians to unite and it will not
liberate India. Against British policies such as the communal award, Gandhiji considered fasting
a best weapon. Mahatma Gandhi believed in constructive programs for freedom. Non-weapon
revolution and non-violence were his chants for collective steps of Indian masses. Gandhi's ideals
have a profound effect on the common man of India and large proportion of Indian masses
followed the path shown by Gandhi. In the year 1942, Quit India movement was launched at the
Bombay session of All India Congress Committee by Mahatma Gandhi and he made a call to Do
or die. The growing longing for independence in Indian masses made the British government
realize that it would not be able to rule over India for long. British government even could not
immediately crush the collective steps of people for Quit India movement. Collective steps taken
in the Quit India movement indicated the strengthening unity in Indian people. This was an
important phase of Indian freedom movement, which invigorated the emotions of people for
independence. Collective arrests, atrocities, assassinations, and other repressive measures of
Britishers could not suppress the national consciousness. The new consciousness of Independence
was transmitted in Indians and the struggle of freedom became more effective after the advent of
Gandhi from South Africa.
Increasing political awareness of people, unity for freedom, fierce demand of independence
were the key Indications for British government to quit India. Socio-religious reformation also
played an important role to awaken the public consciousness in India. Youth from national and
nationalist educational institutes like Gujarat Vidyapith, Banaras Hindu Vidyapith, Tilak
Maharashtra Vidyapith, Kashi Vidyapith, Bihar Vidyapith, Bangal National University etc. took
part to serve the nation by one or other means. Rampant protest of Indians and global political
trends also directly and indirectly forced British government to think about Indian freedom. The
“Quit India - 1942” became a liberation movement for India which awakened the spontaneous
national consciousness in Indian masses. As a reaction of ‘Quit India’, Cabinet mission and
Mountbatten plans were formed and this can be considered a successful outcome of Gandhiji’s
efforts. On March 15, 1946, British Prime Minister Lord Atlee made an announcement in which
the right to self-determination and the framing of a constitution for India were conceded. In
September, 1946, an interim government formed under the leadership of J. Nehru. On July 18,
The concept of ‘Swaraj’ is rooted in Nationalist Movements in India and thus, according
to Gandhi, Nationalism meant Swaraj (Self-Rule) in which all can breathe independently and live
freely without any fear of brutal forces. Concept of ‘Swaraj’ values individual freedom which does
not harm others. Swaraj means Self-Rule, a rule of individual to regulate their own lives and a rule
of independent Hindis. Gandhi’s Swaraj means self-rule in the Indian form not on the edge of
British rule because according to him, it would be ‘English rule without English man… that is to
say you would make India English’. (Gandhi, 2009, p. 38) and Gandhi did not want Englistan in
the form of Swaraj. Gandhi's idea of Swaraj was not only about securing freedom from Britain’s
political control but he also wanted Indian liberation from western influence. That means ‘self-
rule’, but both internal and external form. “Gandhi Advances the real meaning of swaraj as mental
condition and external condition. As mental condition it means: (1) inner liberation from the
temptations of greed and power which modern civilization offers; (2) freedom from hatred towards
the national ‘enemy’, the British and (3) of active love for the Indian masses. Swaraj as external
condition is: (1) political independence from alien domination and (2) of life-long dedication to
the task of improving the material condition of poverty and caste oppression of the Indian people”
(egyankosh.ac.in, p. 44). Ultimately it indicates Total Self-Rule (Purna Swaraj). Mahatma Gandhi
talked about the voice of inner soul. He talked about love, peace, non-violence and ultimate
humanity. According to M. K. Gandhi (quoted in Mashroowala), “Swaraj as an ideal of Ram-
Rajya. That means Rule of Religion or rule of justice or love, or non-violent self-rule or rule of
people”. (Mashroowala, 2005, p. 79)
Gandhiji was a stern critic of Modern civilization. Gandhian philosophy emphasized total
liberation from conditions that emerged in England due to modern civilization and to ensure that
the same do not arise in India. Modern civilization promotes bodily happiness. “Its true tests lie in
the fact that, people living in it make bodily welfare the object of life”. (Gandhi, 2009, p. 58). This
bodily happiness is not meant merely to live life or sustain but it includes materialistic lifestyle.
Such as earlier people used simple weapons like spears instead of revolvers, people earlier
ploughed their lands by manual labour instead of with the help of machines. The growth of the
industries has also made human beings materialistic. Production has increased, machines are
discovered but human being is becoming dependent. Expansion and development of Industries,
over production, development of materialistic psychology etc. is the sign of modern civilization.
“Formerly, men worked in the open air only as much as they liked. Now thousands of workmen
meet together and for the sake of maintenance work in factories or mines. Their condition is worse
than that of beasts. They are obliged to work, at the risk of their lives, at most dangerous
occupations, for the sake of millionaires. Formerly, men were made slaves under physical
compulsion. Now they are enslaved by temptation of money and of the luxuries that money can
buy”. (Gandhi, 2009, p. 63). That is to say that the practice of making a slave is going on. Only
the type of slave-making is changed. After hundred years of ‘Hind Swaraj’ Gandhi’s words seems
true and factual. Indians got freedom from the British rule but it has been influenced under the
English civilization. As per the Gandhian philosophy, acceptance of modern English civilization
is like committing suicide or self-destruction and this kind of reformation is a disease for Indian
society. He said that, “Condition of Hindustan is sad. In thinking of it my eyes water and my throat
gets parched.” (Gandhi, 2009, p. 80). Gandhi's patriotism shines in the thought of liberation, not
only from British rule but also by modern civilization. When Gandhiji complaint Hindustan is
becoming “irreligious”, he said that, I am not thinking of the Hindu and Mahomedan or the
Zoroastrian religion, but of the religion which underlies all religions. (2009:81). Religion occupies
an important place in the life of an average Indian. This religion means, to be passive about worldly
pursuits, morality in life, acceptance of co-existence, morality towards society - family and nation
and so forth. ‘Nation religion’ (Rashtra Dharma) as Bankimchandra says that, तुिम िव ा तुिम धम ’. That
Gandhian nationalist thoughts are above suspicion. Gandhi identifies the people of India
as fearless. On the other side, regarding modern English civilization, Gandhi recognized railway,
doctors and advocates as a cause of impoverished the country.
“The English have taught us that we were not one nation before and that it will require
centuries before we become one nation. This is without foundation. We were one nation before
they came to India. One thought inspired us. Our mode of life was the same. It was because we
were one nation that they were able to establish one kingdom. Subsequently they divided us”.
(Gandhi, 2009, p. 95). Here Mahatma Gandhi assured the existence of India as one nation. It is
natural to have nationalism where there is a nation. Nationalist thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi can
be seen in his statements regarding civilization: “I believe that the civilization of India has evolved
is not to be beaten in the world. Nothing can equal the seeds sown by our ancestors. Rome went,
Greece shared the same fate; the might of the pharaohs was broken: Japan has become westernized;
of China nothing can be said; but India is still, somehow or other, sound at the foundation. India
remains immovable and that is her glory’ (Gandhi, 2009, p. 139;140). Foundation of India is so
strong and it is because morality and power of morality. The philosophy of civilization itself
explains the concept of ‘Swaraj’ (Self-rule). Gandhiji had only faith in the Indian civilization
which can strengthen the morality in tendencies whereas the western civilization is to propagate
immorality. The disrespect of unjust law is only a key to Swaraj and thus India will be free. Thus,
Gandhi showed the way of Indian freedom in non-cooperation or disrespecting unjust law.
Gandhiji believed in the self – rule, rule of Indian masses and ultimately Ram Rajya. Gandhi’s
definition of Swaraj is philosophically deep and, it had a power to destroy the foundation of British
rule and establish Hind Swaraj. Thus, the concept of ‘swaraj’ depicted Gandhi’s thoughts on
nationalism.
Throughout the analysis of Gandhi’s philosophy, one can trace that Sarvodaya is synonymous to
nationalism because it means ‘upliftment of all not me’. In Indian context, we can analyze the
concept of Sarvodaya as a prerequisite conception to define Indian nationalism. Sarvodaya is a
concept of inclusiveness and Nationalism couldn’t be envisioned without it. Discrimination of
caste, creed, language, region etc. has no place in term of Indian nationalism and Sarvodaya
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(Gujarati). Ahmedabad: University Granth Nirman Board.
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(1920-1964). Ahmedabad: University Granth Nirman Board.
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Further Readings:
Gandhi, M. K. (2015). Sarvodaya (Ruskin na unto this last ne aadhare) Ahmedabad: Navjivan
Mudranalaya.
Shah, K. (2011). GANDHI jeva joya – janya Vinoba A. Vadodara: Yagna Prakashan.
Nagar, A. (2017). Nationalism – Then and Now (ed.). New Delhi: Creative Books.