The entry of Mahatma Gandhi into Indian politics marked a turning point in the freedom struggle. From 1919 onwards, the national movement entered a new phase, often called the Gandhian Era, which was characterized by mass participation, non-violent struggle, and the transformation of the Congress into a people’s movement.
Background
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The failure of the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (1919) disappointed nationalists.
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The repressive Rowlatt Act (1919), which allowed detention without trial, angered Indians.
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The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919) exposed British brutality and destroyed Indian faith in British justice.
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The Khilafat Movement (1919–1924) brought Hindus and Muslims together under Gandhi’s leadership.
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Gandhi’s earlier success in Champaran (1917), Kheda (1918), and Ahmedabad (1918) demonstrated the effectiveness of Satyagraha and non-violent resistance.
Features of the Gandhian Era
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Introduction of Satyagraha: struggle based on truth, non-violence, and mass participation.
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Involvement of peasants, workers, women, and students, making the movement truly national.
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Use of boycott, non-cooperation, civil disobedience, and constructive programmes like promotion of Khadi, village industries, and removal of untouchability.
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Transformation of the Congress from an elite body into a mass organization.
Major Movements of the Gandhian Era
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Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922): In response to Jallianwala Bagh and Khilafat issue; included boycott of schools, courts, foreign cloth, and titles.
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Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–1934): Sparked by the Salt March, it involved breaking colonial laws, refusal to pay taxes, and mass protests.
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Quit India Movement (1942): Launched during World War II with the demand of immediate independence — “Do or Die.”
Impact of Gandhian Mass Struggles
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Brought millions of common people into the freedom struggle.
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Spread nationalism to rural India, beyond educated elites.
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Established the principles of non-violence and mass participation as central to the struggle.
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Strengthened Hindu–Muslim unity temporarily (especially during the Khilafat).
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Exposed the moral weakness of British imperialism before the world.
Limitations
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Movements were often suspended suddenly (e.g., after Chauri Chaura incident in 1922), which disheartened some supporters.
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Communal tensions resurfaced despite efforts at unity.
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Did not achieve immediate independence but prepared the ground for it.
Key Takeaway
The Gandhian Era (1919–1947) transformed the Indian freedom struggle into a mass movement. Gandhi’s methods of non-violence, Satyagraha, and constructive work gave a new direction, uniting millions in the fight against British rule and ultimately paving the way for independence.