QUES . How difficult would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss. UPSC MAINS 2015 GS PAPER I

HINTS:

The struggle for Indian independence from British colonial rule was a long and difficult one with various leaders, ideologies, and movements contributing to the cause. While there were many leaders who played important roles in this struggle, it is widely acknowledged that the achievement of Indian independence would have been much more difficult without the influence and leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.

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There are many aspects of Gandhi’s role, that not only helped India to achieve freedom but also to “preserve it”.

Concept of Indian Nationalism not taken a concrete shape before Gandhi

Before the arrival of Gandhi, the fight against colonial British was sporadic and there was no leader at the national level to unite the struggle against the British. The concept of Indian Nationalism had not taken a concrete shape before emergence of Gandhi as a national leader.

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Gandhi’s non-violence pressurized the British

The concept of civil disobedience and non-violent resistance were Gandhi’s hallmark strategies which gained international sympathy for India’s struggle. His non-violent methods highlighted the brutal policies of the British. Americans were greatly appreciative of Gandhi’s non-violence and they pressurized the British government to give independence to India. Moreover, Gandhi’s participation in negotiations with the British demonstrated his diplomatic acumen.

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Gandhi’s mass mobilization skills

Without Gandhi’s mass mobilization skills, the journey to independence might have been protracted. The inclusion of peasants, students, women, industrialist,etc. would have taken more time as Congress mass movement was limited in coverage, both in terms of region and class. His simple living and high thinking attracted millions to the cause of independence. They embraced the struggle as their own which hastened the attainment of freedom.

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Communal forces could have dominated

The communal forces could have dominated the political scene of the country. As divide and rule became a tool for the British after 1858, inclusion of all religion would have been difficult without Gandhi.

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Instrumental in promoting unity

He was instrumental in bridging the gap between different sections of society, thus promoting unity against colonial rule. The path chosen by Gandhi included a vast majority of people of India in to the freedom struggle. This gave a feeling of integrity among the people. He managed to keep the people and leaders together which enabled a Union of India. Free India would have fragmented without Gandhi.

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Without Gandhi struggle for independence might have taken a violent turn

In Gandhi’s absence, the struggle for independence might have taken a violent turn. The armed revolutionary movement could have become prominent, possibly leading to more bloodshed.

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However, many historians have attributed the Indian freedom to other reasons than leadership of Gandhi. They argue that there were numerous freedom fighters, both sung and unsung, who devoted their whole life for the cause of Indian freedom, just like Gandhi. With or without Gandhi, India was going to be free because the British Empire had expanded too much to be managed. Further, it was the Second World War that played a crucial role in independence of India as the war ruined the economy of the Britain and British were finding unable to maintain their colonies.

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In the light of above arguments, it might sound that, without Gandhi also, India would have achieved freedom sooner or later. The methods adopted by Gandhi have been questioned from time to time. But it must be remembered that, Gandhi sacrificed four decades of his life for the country and spent many years of his life in British jails. Gandhi might not be right with some of his methods however, it must be emphasized that the freedom movement could have either fallen apart or have been more violent and protracted without him.