X factor means an aspect in a given situation that has the most significant impact on what happens next. While India’s road to independence was certainly dominated by mass movements, Gandhiji’s ideals – such as non-violent resistance – certainly shook the very foundation of the British rule. Here’s how.
While Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi had become influential in South Africa fighting for Indian people’s rights, it appeared his own country needed him. When he returned to India in 1915, he had already garnered international attention. He soon joined the Indian National Congress, and took over as its leader within just a few years. Gandhiji also gave his consent for recruiting Indian soldiers to support the British in World War I. Only a little later would he successfully take up non-violent protests against the British, and win concessions for farmers raising a declining cash crop. The same year (1918), he would successfully also take up the cause of tax relief for farmers hit by flood and famine in Kheda near Ahmedabad through a signature campaign. By that time, his ability to bring together people for non-violent protests was gaining momentum countrywide.
Meanwhile, he realised unity among Hindus and Muslims was imperative for a free India, and this was achieved (though temporarily) when he offered support to the Khilafat Movement in India, which began when the British planned to dethrone the Caliph (Islamic prophet) after the latter captured Turkey. The Khilafat Movement ended in 1924.
Just before that one of history’s most brutal attacks on Indians, the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, happened in 1919. Gandhiji’s response was the Non-Cooperation Movement: boycott of the British and their goods, Indian history’s most compelling chapter. His call soon became a national movement.
Several movements such as the Salt Satyagraha and the Quit India Movement that followed, rose and fell. However, it showed the British how one individual could unite and lead an entire country using perhaps the least appreciated weapon for a mass movement in history-non-violence.
Did you know?
Gandhiji’s birthday is not just a national holiday, the United Nations has declared it the International Day of Non-Violence.
Picture Credit : Google
