TOPIC INFO (CUET PG)
TOPIC INFO – CUET PG (Philosophy)
CONTENT TYPE – Detailed Notes (Type – II)
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1. Mahatma Gandhi: Political and Ethical Thought
1.1. Satyagraha: The Force of Truth
1.2. Ahimsa: The Principle of Non-violence
1.3. Swaraj: The Concept of Self-Rule
1.4. Gandhi’s Views on Nationalism and the State
2. B.R. Ambedkar: Social and Political Thought
2.1. Genesis of the Caste System
2.2. Annihilation of Castes
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Indian Political Thought: Gandhi & Ambedkar
CUET PG – Philosophy (Notes)
Mahatma Gandhi: Political and Ethical Thought
Satyagraha: The Force of Truth
Satyagraha, a term coined by M.K. Gandhi, is a cornerstone of his political philosophy. It is a compound of two Sanskrit words: Satya (Truth) and Agraha (insistence or holding firmly to). Therefore, Satyagraha literally means ‘holding firmly to Truth’. Gandhi often referred to it as Truth-force or Soul-force. It is crucial to understand that Satyagraha is not a form of passive resistance; Gandhi himself was keen to distinguish it from this weaker, more pragmatic concept.
Distinction from Passive Resistance:
Passive resistance is often seen as a weapon of the weak, a tactic used when one is unable to use violence. It can harbor feelings of hatred or ill-will towards the opponent and might be abandoned in favor of violence if the opportunity arises. Satyagraha, in contrast, is the weapon of the strong in spirit. It is an ethical and spiritual method of conflict resolution based on the profound principle of Ahimsa (Non-violence). It excludes the use of violence in any form thought, word, or deed-and is founded on love and a desire to convert the opponent, not to coerce or defeat them.
| Feature | Satyagraha (Truth-force) | Passive Resistance |
|---|---|---|
| Core Principle | Based on the power of truth and non-violence (Ahimsa); a spiritual and moral weapon | A political tactic of expediency; not necessarily based on deep moral conviction |
| Attitude to Opponent | Seeks to convert the opponent through love, self-suffering, and appeal to conscience; no ill-will | May harbor hatred or antagonism; aims to embarrass or coerce the opponent |
| Strength / Weakness | A weapon of the morally strong; requires immense courage and self-control | Often seen as a weapon of the weak who lack means for violent struggle |
| Scope | A universal principle applicable in all spheres of life—domestic, social, and political | Primarily a political tool used in specific conflict situations |
| Adherence to Non-violence | An unshakeable creed; violence is excluded in thought, word, and deed | A matter of policy; violence may be adopted if circumstances change |
Techniques of Satyagraha:
Satyagraha is not a single action but a comprehensive program of action. It involves several techniques that are applied based on the context and the nature of the injustice being fought. The core idea is to withdraw cooperation from an unjust system and to willingly accept the suffering that results from this non-cooperation.
- Non-cooperation: This is a fundamental aspect of Satyagraha. Gandhi believed that even the most powerful oppressive regime could not survive without the cooperation, however reluctant, of the oppressed. Non-cooperation involves withdrawing support from the state by boycotting legislative councils, courts, government-run schools, and foreign goods. The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22) is a prime example.
- Civil Disobedience: This is a more direct and active form of Satyagraha. It involves a deliberate, public, and non-violent breach of specific laws that are considered unjust. The goal is not to create anarchy but to challenge the moral authority of an unjust law. The famous Dandi Salt March (1930) was a classic act of civil disobedience against the unjust British salt tax.
- Fasting (Upvas): For Gandhi, fasting was the ultimate weapon, to be used only as a last resort. It was not a hunger strike for coercion but an act of self-purification and a profound appeal to the higher conscience of the opponent. It required immense moral purity and was directed against those one loves, to awaken their sense of justice.
- Hartal: This involves the voluntary closing of shops and businesses as a sign of protest and mourning. It is a way to halt the economic life of a city or region for a day to demonstrate collective will and protest against an unjust government action.
- Picketing: This involves peacefully standing outside a place (like a liquor shop or a shop selling foreign goods) to dissuade others from entering. It must be completely non-violent and persuasive, not obstructive or coercive.
A true practitioner of Satyagraha, a Satyagrahi, must adhere to a strict ethical code, including vows of truth (Satya), non-violence (Ahimsa), celibacy (Brahmacharya), non-possession (Aparigraha), and fearlessness (Abhaya).