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Home / IAS Preparation / Philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi

Philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi: Satyagraha, Ahimsa, Swaraj, Swadeshi, And More!

Last Updated on Nov 14, 2023
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The philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi was first developed in South Africa from 1893 to 1914 and then in India. The philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi is political, moral, and religious at the same time. It is traditional and modern, straightforward and complex at the same time. Gandhiji was exposed to many Western influences. Yet the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi drew on universal moral and religious concepts.

In this article, we will explore the Philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi. This forms a major part of the UPSC IAS exam, and questions related to this topic are seen in Prelims, UPSC Mains Paper I, as well as in UPSC History Optional. This topic is equally important for the UGC NET History exam.

Philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi or Gandhian Ideology

The philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi places more focus on practical idealism than idealistic idealism. The philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi has two sharp edges. Its goal is to change society and each individual simultaneously through the values of honesty and nonviolence. Here is a brief overview of his philosophies which we will dive deeper into in the later sections of this article: 

  • Mahatma Gandhi Philosophy Of Satyagraha
  • Mahatma Gandhi’s Philosophy Of Nonviolence And Non-Cooperation
  • The Philosophy Of Mahatma Gandhi: Idea Of Swaraj
  • Political Philosophy Of Mahatma Gandhi: Swadeshi
  • Economic Prespective Of Gandhi’s Philosophy

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Mahatma Gandhi Philosophy Of Satyagraha

The tenets of the Satyagraha were nonviolence and truth. Tolstoy, Emerson, and Thoreau all had an impact on it. Satyagraha means "holding on to the truth." He was keen to differentiate between Satyagraha and passive resistance (the method adopted by the extremists). Satyagraha can take many forms, including fasting, hijrat, voluntary migration, strikes, and hartals.

In 1917, in the Champaran area of Bihar, Gandhi was first forced to use Satyagraha in India. In 1918 in Ahmedabad, he applied the technique for a second time. In Gujarat's Khera district, he began Satyagraha for the third time that year. All the satyagrahas were started to address regional problems. 

Since Satyagraha is founded on nonviolence, it can easily appeal to the general public. Gandhi, who was a politician, did, in fact, occasionally settle for less than absolute nonviolence. The Gandhian model won over corporate organizations and the relatively wealthier or locally dominating peasantry, who all stood to lose if political conflict devolved into an unrestrained and violent social upheaval. In a broader sense, Gandhi and the Gandhian Congress played a crucial unifying function rooted in the idea of ahimsa.

Its core principles were as follows:

  • A satyagrahi was always expected to be honest, nonviolent, and fearless and not to consent to what he believed to be wrong.
  • A satyagrahi operates under the tenets of boycott and withdrawal of collaboration.
  • Non-payment of taxes, declining honors, and positions of power are examples of satyagraha tactics.
  • A satyagrahi must be willing to endure pain to combat the wrongdoer successfully. His devotion to the truth included some level of suffering.
  • A true satyagrahi would harbor no animosity towards the wrongdoer, even as he fought against him. Hatred would be incompatible with his character.
  • Regardless of the cost, a true satyagrahi would never submit to evil.
  • Satyagraha could only be practiced by the courageous and strong; the cowardly and weak were not permitted. Cowardice was never preferred—not even by violence. It was never intended to separate practice from thought. In other words, means could not be used to justify ends.

Mahatma Gandhi’s Philosophy Of Nonviolence And Non-Cooperation

Gandhi firmly believed in ahimsa and Satyagraha, using nonviolence to achieve any objective. He thought that was the best method to include the general public. He opposed violence for two reasons. 

  • First, an unarmed populace had little chance of winning an armed uprising. 
  • Second, he thought violence was an ineffective tool. It leaves behind anger and bitterness that cannot be removed via reconciliation.

Gandhi believed that the nonviolent method of protest he advocated could not be used unless the means and results were desirable. No matter how desirable a goal may be, it cannot be achieved using just any means. To do so would go against the truth.

Additionally, he had a strong distaste for the ideologies of the Nazis and the Fascists. He would have never considered utilizing them as allies against the British. Especially in times when the latter was under adversity. Besides being aggressors, he viewed Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan as dangerous nations.

Form Of Government

The Hind Swaraj (1909), "the closest he came to producing a sustained work of political theory," contains Gandhi's ideas on governance. Gandhi's utopian Ramrajya, his perfect state, was different. It didn't require a constitution, an elected government, a military or a constabulary.

The system of capitalism, Communist rule, abuse, and religious violence wouldn't exist. Instead, the nation was to be fashioned after ancient India. The philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi advocates for a traditional, moral, and apolitical state. Swaraj emphasizes the need to foster individual and collective self-governance. Swaraj is linked to the capacity for aim self-evaluation, ongoing self-purification, and increasing self-reliance at the individual level.

Read here in detail about Ashoka’s Dhamma: Its Causes, Nature and Characteristics!

The Philosophy Of Mahatma Gandhi: Idea Of Swaraj

During the British era, Mahatma Gandhi established the notion of "Swaraj." The philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi aimed to empower people and teach them the true meaning of self-rule.

During the colonial era, Gandhi's concept of "Swaraj" focused on empowering and liberating people. It was used to teach them to establish self-control, self-respect, and capacity for self-realization.

The philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi wanted to overthrow British rule completely. But, over time, the definition of "Swaraj" changed to achieve better governance. It helped to advance equality and general development.

The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments were approved to put this idea into practice and make India a true democracy at the grassroots level.

Political Philosophy Of Mahatma Gandhi: Swadeshi

According to Mahatma Gandhi, swaraj (self-rule), Satyagraha (truth force), ahimsa (non-injury), and Sarvodaya (welfare for all) are all tied to swadeshi as a moral value and a socio-economic practice. 

Philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi believed that indigenous industries should be supported. Jobs might be made available to the unemployed, preventing their cruel exploitation. His main concern was the extreme poverty of the general populace. The philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi promoted the restoration of small-scale manufacturing. This represented the rejection of imported items and the support for indigenous manufacturing. Khadi and charkha were important symbols. As a result of the Partition of Bengal, swadeshi gained popularity in India.

Economic Prespective Of Gandhi’s Philosophy

Swaraj's philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi had a unique kind of economic perspective. He desired an unrestricted, decentralized economy. Gandhi derided both Capitalism and Western socialism. He hated Capitalism for its exploitation excess and its association with industrialization. He thought that both caused people to yearn for luxury and self-indulgence.

The philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi urged people to put an end to their greed and get by on only the necessities of life. He came up with the concept for Sarvodaya village. He advocated "returning to the basics" philosophy. Here, production, consumption, and distribution occurred simultaneously. Also, the money economy's vicious cycle did not exist. Production was not intended for export to far-off markets. He desired the resurgence of historic village settlements.

He was opposed to extensive industrialization. He had strong feelings against labor-saving technology. Men continue to save labor until thousands are left without jobs and starve to death on the open streets. He had nothing against tools and machines that reduced the need for manual labor. 

The philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi claimed that the capitalist who accumulated wealth was a thief. He believed that if someone had inherited a fortune, that money should be shared with the entire community. It should be used for everyone's well-being. 

The philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi influenced the development of institutions that allowed expression. It helped the evaluation and transformation of everyone's voice and perspective. He claimed that democracy gave the weak the same opportunities as the strong. The basic tenets of the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi are Satya, Ahimsa, Sarvodaya, Antodaya, and Satyagraha.

Early Life Of Mahatma Gandhi

On October 2, 1869, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born in Porbandar, Gujarat. His father served as the state's diwan (minister). Gandhi, who had studied law in England, traveled to South Africa in 1898 as part of a lawsuit involving his client, Dada Abdullah.

He saw the humiliation and hate Asian immigrants who had come to South Africa as laborers experienced. He decided to remain in South Africa and organize the Indian laborers so they could stand up for their rights. He remained there until 1914, when he returned to India. Gandhi's Experience in South Africa made him realize a few things.

  • Gandhi discovered that the general populace had a tremendous capacity to support and make sacrifices for a cause that inspired them.
  • He successfully brought Indians from various social classes, religions, and genders together under his guidance.
  • He also realized that sometimes leaders must make choices that their ardent followers do not agree with.
  • Unrestricted by the opposition of competing political currents, he could develop his leadership style, politics, and new methods of struggle on a small scale.

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Philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi FAQs

Gandhiji thought that practicing nonviolence and tolerance calls for a lot of bravery and endurance.

Gandhi developed his political structure on truth, ahimsa, service, and swaraj.

Gandhi defined a "nature cure" as a positive shift in perspective on life itself.

Sarvodaya, Gandhi's ideal society, is one where everyone can improve.

Gandhiji stressed that education should promote the development of all facets of individuality.

Mahatma Gandhi's principles include non-violence (Ahimsa), truth (Satya), non-possession (Aparigraha), self-discipline (Brahmacharya), and seven others that emphasize moral and ethical conduct.

Gandhian ideology in contemporary India promotes non-violence, communal harmony, and sustainable development. It continues to inspire social and political movements.

Gandhian ideology of self-reliance, known as "Swaraj," advocates for economic independence, local self-sufficiency, and reliance on indigenous resources.

The main aim of Gandhi's philosophy was to achieve social justice, freedom, and equality through non-violent means, ultimately creating a just and humane society.

Gandhi's ideal society aimed for decentralized governance, rural empowerment, equality among all castes and religions, self-sufficiency, and a simple way of life in harmony with nature.
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