SECTION 5 up with revelers, and Jessica escapes with Lorenzo by dressing as his page.

LITERARY READINGS AND SOCIAL SKILLS READING After a night of celebration, Bassanio and his friend Gratiano leave for
Belmont, where Bassanio intends to win Portia’s hand.

In Belmont, Portia welcomes the prince of Morocco, who has come in an

Chapter 1 attempt to choose the right casket to marry her. The prince studies the
inscriptions on the three caskets and chooses the gold one, which proves to
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE be an incorrect choice. In Venice, Shylock is furious to find that his
daughter has run away, but rejoices in the fact that Antonio’s ships are
Plot Overview
rumored to have been wrecked and that he will soon be able to claim his
Antonio, a Venetian merchant, complains to his friends of a melancholy that debt. In Belmont, the prince of Arragon also visits Portia. He, too, studies
he cannot explain. His friend Bassanio is desperately in need of money to the caskets carefully, but he picks the silver one, which is also incorrect.
court Portia, a wealthy heiress who lives in the city of Belmont. Bassanio Bassanio arrives at Portia’s estate, and they declare their love for one
asks Antonio for a loan in order to travel in style to Portia’s estate. Antonio another. Despite Portia’s request that he wait before choosing, Bassanio
agrees, but is unable to make the loan himself because his own money is all immediately picks the correct casket, which is made of lead. He and Portia
invested in a number of trade ships that are still at sea. Antonio suggests rejoice, and Gratiano confesses that he has fallen in love with Nerissa. The
that Bassanio secure the loan from one of the city’s moneylenders and name couples decide on a double wedding. Portia gives Bassanio a ring as a token
Antonio as the loan’s guarantor. In Belmont, Portia expresses sadness over of love, and makes him swear that under no circumstances will he part with
the terms of her father’s will, which stipulates that she must marry the man it. They are joined, unexpectedly, by Lorenzo and Jessica. The celebration,
who correctly chooses one of three caskets. None of Portia’s current suitors however, is cut short by the news that Antonio has indeed lost his ships, and
are to her liking, and she and her lady-in-waiting, Nerissa, fondly remember that he has forfeited his bond to Shylock. Bassanio and Gratiano
a visit paid some time before by Bassanio. immediately travel to Venice to try and save Antonio’s life. After they
leave, Portia tells Nerissa that they will go to Venice disguised as men.
In Venice, Antonio and Bassanio approach Shylock, a Jewish moneylender,
for a loan. Shylock nurses a long-standing grudge against Antonio, who has Shylock ignores the many pleas to spare Antonio’s life, and a trial is called
made a habit of berating Shylock and other Jews for their usury, the practice to decide the matter. The duke of Venice, who presides over the trial,
of loaning money at exorbitant rates of interest, and who undermines their announces that he has sent for a legal expert, who turns out to be Portia
business by offering interest-free loans. Although Antonio refuses to disguised as a young man of law. Portia asks Shylock to show mercy, but he
apologize for his behavior, Shylock acts agreeably and offers to lend remains inflexible and insists the pound of flesh is rightfully his. Bassanio
Bassanio three thousand ducats with no interest. Shylock adds, however, offers Shylock twice the money due him, but Shylock insists on collecting
that should the loan go unpaid, Shylock will be entitled to a pound of the bond as it is written. Portia examines the contract and, finding it legally
Antonio’s own flesh. Despite Bassanio’s warnings, Antonio agrees. In binding, declares that Shylock is entitled to the merchant’s flesh. Shylock
Shylock’s own household, his servant Launcelot decides to leave Shylock’s ecstatically praises her wisdom, but as he is on the verge of collecting his
service to work for Bassanio, and Shylock’s daughter Jessica schemes to due, Portia reminds him that he must do so without causing Antonio to
elope with Antonio’s friend Lorenzo. That night, the streets of Venice fill bleed, as the contract does not entitle him to any blood. Trapped by this
logic, Shylock hastily agrees to take Bassanio’s money instead, but Portia

SEM 1 SECTION 5 (ENGLISH ) Page 1

insists that Shylock take his bond as written, or nothing at all. Portia • Shylock is called into court, where the Duke addresses him first.
informs Shylock that he is guilty of conspiring against the life of a Venetian The Duke says that he and the whole world are certain that
citizen, which means he must turn over half of his property to the state and Shylock has only let things get this dangerous out of malice.
the other half to Antonio. The duke spares Shylock’s life and takes a fine They're all sure that at the last minute Shylock will go back on his
cruelty and renege on wanting a pound of Antonio's flesh.
instead of Shylock’s property. Antonio also forgoes his half of Shylock’s
• They even expect his mercy will extend to forgiving some portion
wealth on two conditions: first, Shylock must convert to Christianity, and of the debt, especially as Shylock knows of the crippling losses
second, he must will the entirety of his estate to Lorenzo and Jessica upon Antonio just faced at sea, losses that would destroy any man. Even
his death. Shylock agrees and takes his leave. a Turk or a Tartar, known for their lack of manners, would be
moved to pity facing Antonio and his bad circumstances.
Bassanio, who does not see through Portia’s disguise, showers the young • Shylock is advised that he should have a gentle answer.
law clerk with thanks, and is eventually pressured into giving Portia the ring • Shylock speaks for himself at court, rather than having a lawyer.
with which he promised never to part. Gratiano gives Nerissa, who is He says he's sworn by the Jewish holy Sabbath that he'll get what
disguised as Portia’s clerk, his ring. The two women return to Belmont, he's owed for Antonio's forfeiture of the bond. Further, if the city
where they find Lorenzo and Jessica declaring their love to each other under should fail to enforce Antonio's oath, their charter and their
freedom will be called into question.
the moonlight. When Bassanio and Gratiano arrive the next day, their wives
• Shylock simply states that he doesn't actually have to answer why
accuse them of faithlessly giving their rings to other women. Before the he'd rather have a pound of Antonio's flesh than the 3,000 ducats.
deception goes too far, however, Portia reveals that she was, in fact, the law Other men have all sorts of preferences—some don't like roasted
clerk, and both she and Nerissa reconcile with their husbands. Lorenzo and pig, some pee when they hear bagpipes (we're not kidding—he
Jessica are pleased to learn of their inheritance from Shylock, and the joyful really says this).
news arrives that Antonio’s ships have in fact made it back safely. The • Just as those men are swayed by their inexplicable passions,
group celebrates its good fortune. Shylock should be allowed to inflict his cruelty against Antonio
because he darn well pleases it—no need explaining it to the rest of
the world. He adds that he can't give a reason, nor will he, about
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE ACT 4, why he will show no mercy to Antonio. All he can offer is that he
loathes the man, and that this should be reason enough to want
SCENE 1 SUMMARY. what Shylock is rightfully owed in the first place.
• Bassanio pipes up and says this doesn't excuse how cruel Shylock
is being—do all men kill what they hate? Shylock retorts that a
• At the court of law in Venice, the Duke, Antonio, Bassanio,
man would only be driven to kill something because he hated it.
Salerio, Graziano, and various notable personages are gathered for
(En garde!) The two bicker until Antonio cuts them off. It's clear to
Antonio's trial. The Duke begins the trial by showing how
him that arguing with Shylock is, as he says, as useful as asking
impartial he is: he immediately says he's sorry for Antonio and that
the wolf why it ate the lamb and made the mommy sheep cry.
Shylock is an "inhuman wretch, uncapable [sic] of pity, void and
• Antonio claims nothing is harder than the Jewish heart, which
empty from any dram of mercy."
nothing can soften. He'd rather they finish all this pleading and
• Wow, so much for a fair trial. Antonio shrugs this off as no big
hurry up to the trial's conclusion, so he can be judged and Shylock
deal—he knows everyone has done what they can, and he's
can get what he wants.
prepared to face Shylock's fury head-on, patiently suffering
• The Duke tries to chide Shylock, asking how he can expect mercy
Shylock's rage.
when offers none. Actually, Shylock points out, he hasn't done any

SEM 1 SECTION 5 (ENGLISH ) Page 2

 wrong. He then brilliantly flips the script. He points out that there justice should try to mirror what God would do rather than simply
are lots of slave owners in the crowd. He notes that if the Duke what the law would.
demanded of those men that they free their slaves and allow them • Portia argues that if legal justice, or justice as the court would
to live peacefully and in equality with their former masters, the provide, was all that mankind followed, everyone would go to hell,
men would revolt. because mercy is necessary for salvation. She adds that as we all
• The justification for their rebellion would be that "The slaves are pray for heavenly mercy, we must be willing to be merciful
ours." Just like them, Shylock has bought and paid for Antonio's ourselves here on earth. Her hope in making this argument, she
pound of flesh—Antonio even agreed to it (which is a notch above says, is to soften Shylock's plea for justice, strictly interpreted.
slavery, he seems to be saying). If the law is worth anything, they • Shylock's says he's here to see justice served according to the law,
will uphold it for Shylock the same way they would protect slave no more and no less.
owners. • Portia asks whether Antonio can just pay off the debt, and
• The Duke responds to Shylock's arguments with the retort, "Maybe Bassanio immediately offers to pay twice what's owed. In fact,
we should all go home now, unless Doctor Bellario, who is the real Bassanio is willing to pay ten times the debt, offering his own life
guy who can settle this, shows up." (Note: "Doctor" seems in this up as the guarantee. Bassanio declares that if this is not enough, it
play to be a general term for a learned man, so this guy is probably will prove that Shylock is more motivated by malice than
some sort of lawyer, not a medical professional. Given the terms of righteousness.
the bond agreement, though, one of those probably wouldn't hurt to • Finally Bassanio appeals to the Duke, asking him to—just this
have around.) once—take the law into his own hands and help Antonio. It would
• Conveniently, a messenger has arrived with news from Bellario at mean a little twisting of the rules, but it would have a good impact.
Padua. Portia, however—as "the learned Balthazar"—pipes up here that
• Meanwhile, Bassanio and Antonio aren't paying much attention, as bending the rules simply isn't an option; it would set a bad
they're having their own private pity party. Bassanio promises he'd precedent.
sooner give up his blood and bones than have Antonio lose a drop • After looking over Shylock's bond, Portia declares that he has
of blood on his behalf. every legal right to what's owed to him because of Antonio's
• Antonio counters that he himself is the weakest link, so he's the forfeit. Still, she again asks Shylock to be merciful, and suggests
one who should die. Bassanio would be most useful not by being he might forget the whole bond by accepting three times what he's
self-sacrificing but by writing Antonio's epitaph. owed.
• As Shylock and Graziano argue over whether Shylock is the soul • Shylock compliments Portia for her knowledge of the law, but
of a murderous wolf reincarnated, the Duke gets around to reading again states that no man will move him. He will have his due
the freshly-delivered message. The letter is from Doctor Bellario according to the law. Antonio too is tired of all this talk and would
and says he is sick, but he's sending this young man in his stead. rather just get the whole darned thing over with. Portia tells
The boy (who is actually Portia) has been briefed on the situation Antonio to bare his chest and be prepared to go under the knife for
and is prepared to act based on Doctor Bellario's opinion and his Shylock.
own learning. • They then go over the logistics. Shylock has scales ready to weigh
• Gasp! the flesh. (This guy was obviously not joking.) Also, he's going to
• Portia enters and is introduced to the court as "the learned doctor take the flesh from near Antonio's heart, as was apparently
Balthazar." She's all business and immediately asks Antonio if he stipulated in the bond. (This is the first time we're hearing this.)
admits to his oath with Shylock. Antonio does, and Portia Portia asks Shylock if he has a surgeon ready nearby to stop the
immediately concludes "Then the Jew must be merciful." Her wounds so Antonio doesn't bleed to death, but Shylock notes that
reasoning is that mercy is an attribute of God himself, and earthly this wasn't part of the agreement.

SEM 1 SECTION 5 (ENGLISH ) Page 3

 • Antonio and Bassanio then hold hands and share tearful goodbyes. • Hearing this, Shylock quickly backpedals; he'd rather just take
Antonio tells Bassanio not to be sad that he's dying on his behalf. three times the bond money and be on his merry way
He tells Bassanio instead to be stoked that Fortune, usually a cruel withoutmaking Antonio into fish-bait. But Portia insists this is no
wench, has allowed Antonio to die mercifully rather than live like longer an option—he wanted the law, and now he'll get the law. He
a poor person. can still have exactly a pound of Antonio's flesh, but if he sheds
• Antonio tells Bassanio to tell his new wife Portia the story of his any blood or if he takes more than one exact pound, then he dies
death—then Portia can then judge whether someone didn't once and all his worldly goods will go to the state.
love Bassanio. In other words, Antonio loves Bassanio, and his • Shylock, caught, asks only for the principal of the debt, the 3,000
wife really needs to know that. ducats, hoping for the whole affair to just be over with. Though
• Antonio then instructs Bassanio only to be sad that he's losing a Bassanio offers it up, Portia cuts him off again. Shylock has
friend. Antonio himself does not regret paying Bassanio's debt to already refused the offer in court, and he will receive only the law,
Shylock with his life, so Bassanio shouldn't either. just as he asked for. Portia insists that Shylock no longer has any
• Bassanio then points out that his wife is as dear to him as his life, right to anything but the forfeiture of Antonio's flesh, which he can
but even his wife, his life, and the world put together are not worth take at his own peril.
more to him than Antonio. (Aw!) • Shylock is beat, and he knows it, so he says he won't stick around
• Portia, in disguise, wryly comments that if Bassanio's wife to hear any more of the case. Again Portia stops him, as the law
were around to hear this, she wouldn't be stoked (which she is has more to say about the trial. She brings up another law of
not!). Then Graziano offers up his wife, too, adding that he wishes Venice, which says that if a foreign national has sought the life of
she were dead and in heaven so she could plead with God to a Venetian, either directly or indirectly, then the would-be victim
change Shylock's mind. gets half of his stuff, and the other half will go to the state, while
• Nerissa, Graziano's wife disguised as Balthazar's attendant, also the fate of the would-be murderer is in the hands of the Duke.
wryly states that if Graziano's wife were around to hear this, Things being as they are, it's clear that Shylock sought the life of
there'd be no peace in his household. Shylock adds that this is the Antonio, a Venetian, and the state and Antonio can confiscate his
way with Christian husbands, and he laments that a Christian, not a stuff. All Shylock has left to do is beg the Duke to spare his life.
Jew, took his own daughter. (And his money, but who's counting?) • Graziano, always helpful, says it would be nice if Shylock could
• Finally they're done talking about the merits of marrying beg for permission to hang himself, but with his estate gone, he
Christians, and Portia is back to getting Antonio cut for Shylock. couldn't afford any rope and he'd have to get the state to buy it for
She lays out again the stipulations of the bond: the law gives up a him. The Duke, who has apparently gone through more sensitivity
pound of Antonio's flesh, and the law allows Shylock to cut it from training than Graziano, cuts in and pardons Shylock's life before
Antonio's breast. Shylock even asks him to. The Duke declares that half of Shylock's
• As Shylock is nearly salivating over the prospect of some Antonio wealth now belongs to Antonio, and the state will be merciful and
flesh, Portia suddenly halts the process. She says the bond allows only charge Shylock a fine instead of taking the other half of his
for a pound of flesh, but not for the shedding of blood. If Shylock wealth.
takes a drop of Christian blood from Antonio, then the law of • Shylock speaks for the first time and says if they take away his
Venice states that Venice can confiscate his land and goods. means of living, they may as well take his life. Portia asks Antonio
Shylock's all, "What?! Is that really the law?" and Portia points out what mercy he can offer Shylock.
that since Shylock was so keen on following the letter of the law, • Antonio says he's okay with the state deciding that Shylock doesn't
he's got to follow all of the law, including the law of Venice on need to pay them their half of the fine. As for his half, he'd like to
assaulting Christians. have it go to Lorenzo and Jessica.

SEM 1 SECTION 5 (ENGLISH ) Page 4

 • Antonio also has two conditions: Shylock needs to convert to • Antonio chastises Bassanio after Portia/Balthazar and his attendant
Christianity, and he needs to put in the court record that when he leave. He tells Bassanio to give up the ring. It's what Balthazar
dies, Jessica and Lorenzo will inherit everything he leaves behind. deserves, and Antonio's love should be worth more than Portia's
• The Duke likes all of Antonio's conditions. (Because forced bossy demands.
religious conversion is always a good idea, right?) He says that if • Bassanio wimps out and gives in. He gives Graziano the ring and
Shylock doesn't accept them, he will recant his pardon on instructs him to run after Balthazar, give him the ring, and try to
Shylock's life. Shylock, who is clearly getting the shaft left and get him to come to Antonio's house for dinner. Having done this,
right, has no choice left, so announces that he is content. Bassanio says he'll hang for the night with Antonio (as he
• Portia tries to get the clerk to write up the deed of gift to Jessica promised Portia he would not do) and then they'll both head to
and Lorenzo, but Shylock is, understandably, not feeling well. He Belmont in the morning.
asks them to let him get the hell out of the court and to send the
deed after him to sign. ACT 4, SCENE
• The Duke invites the disguised Portia to have dinner with him, but
she diplomatically defers. She says she really has to be getting
back to Padua. 2 SUMMARY
• Bassanio then approaches Portia and offers her the 3,000 ducats
they had tried to give Shylock earlier. Antonio adds that he'll love • On the street in Venice, Portia and Nerissa, still disguised as
"Balthazar" forever and ever. Portia/Balthazar basically says, Balthazar and his attendant, continue to do their legal stuff. Portia
"Thanks, but no thanks. I did a good job, and that's enough for tells Nerissa to find Shylock's house and give him the deed of gift
me." Still, she teases that the men will recognize her when they they drafted for Lorenzo and Jessica's inheritance.
meet again. • Portia announces that their plan is to go away tonight and be home
• Bassanio presses that she really should take something, and also before their husbands return tomorrow. Portia notes that Lorenzo
pardon him for being so persistent. Portia/Balthazar relents and will be stoked about Shylock's deed of gift (though she leaves out
asks for Antonio's gloves, which she says she'll wear for his sake. how Lorenzo will feel about Shylock becoming a broken, defeated
• From Bassanio she wants his ring (which is actually hers). man).
Bassanio hesitates, saying there's more to this ring than its • Just then, Graziano shows up and gives Portia Bassanio's ring,
monetary value. He offers to get Balthazar the most expensive ring saying he changed his mind. Furthermore, he wants them to come
in Venice if he can only keep this one. But Portia/Balthazar insists, to dinner. Portia accepts the ring, refuses the dinner invite, and
especially because he insisted so much initially. plots with Nerissa to raise hell for their men once they get home.
• Bassanio then explains that his wife gave him the ring, and to give Nerissa, quite the little copycat, had also given Graziano a ring,
it away would be to break faith with her, as she made him promise and had, just like Portia, also made him promise never to give it
never to give it away, sell it, or lose it. Portia responds sharply— away. Nerissa decides that, in her disguise and with her originality,
she says this is a common excuse for men who don't want to give she'll ask Graziano for this very ring and see if he gives it up.
away their stuff. She then says if Bassanio's wife is not a "mad • Portia jokes that they'll really give it to their husbands when they
woman," she'll understand that Balthazar did Bassanio a great come home without their rings. The men will of course swear that
service and therefore deserved the ring. they gave the rings to other men, not to random women, but the
• Also, Portia-in-disguise counsels, his wife can't be mad at him women, knowing the truth, will swear otherwise. Portia then asks
forever. Then Portia says, in essence, "Okay, never mind." And she Graziano to show her to Shylock's house.
leaves.

SEM 1 SECTION 5 (ENGLISH ) Page 5

 condemn the institution of slavery, and certainly not to urge its
ANALYSIS OF THE TRIAL SCENE eradication—it is to express that his urges simply mirror those
already found among wealthy Venetians, and to demand that his
The trial scene is the longest in the play and stands as one of the desires be greeted with the same respect.
most dramatic scenes in all of Shakespeare. A number of critics have The trial is not modeled on the English legal system. The duke
raised questions about the accuracy and fairness of the courtroom presides and sentences, but a legal expert—in this case, Portia—
proceedings: the presiding duke is far from impartial; Portia appears renders the actual decision. This absolute power is appropriate for
her character because she alone has the strength to wield it. None of
as an unbiased legal authority, when in fact she is married to the
the men seem a match for Shylock: Gratiano shouts and curses with
defendant’s best friend; and she appears in disguise, under a false anti-Semitic energy, Bassanio pleads uselessly, and Antonio seems
name. These points would seem to stack the deck against Shylock, resigned to his fate. Indeed, Antonio seems almost eager for his
but if the trial is not just, then the play is not just, and it ceases to be execution, saying, “I am a tainted wether of the flock, / Meetest for
a comedy. Thus, while Portia bends the rules of the court, her death” (IV.i.113–114). Antonio has been melancholy from the play’s
decision is nonetheless legally accurate. More important for the beginning, and now he has found a cause to suit his unhappiness. He
cause of justice, the original bond was made under false pretenses— may be the focus of Shylock’s hate, but he is less an antagonist than
a victim. It is left to Portia to put a stop to the moneylender and to
Shylock lied when he told Antonio that he would never collect the
restore the comedy—something in short supply in Shylock’s
pound of flesh. Therefore, Portia’s actions restore justice instead of courtroom—to the play.
pervert it.
chapter 2
The portion of the scene that passes before Portia’s entrance shows a
triumphant and merciless Shylock. When asked to explain his THE STORY OF MY EXPERIMENTS WITH TRUTH
reasons for wanting Antonio’s flesh, he says, “I am not bound to
please thee with my answers” (IV.i.64). The only answer that the Autobiography of Mohandas K. Gandhi
court gets, ultimately, is that Shylock merely emulates Christian
behavior. Just as some Christians hate cats, pigs, and rats, Shylock
hates Antonio. Just as some Christians own slaves, Shylock owns a
pound of Antonio’s flesh. Shylock has the law on his side, and his
chief emotion seems to be outrage that Christian Venice would deny Gandhi's autobiography, which he had titled 'My experiments with
him what is rightfully his. Shylock is not so much attacking the Truth' can be rated as one of the most popular and the most
Venetian worldview as demanding that he be allowed to share in it. influential books in the recent history. It was written at the instance
His speech about slavery is emphatically not an antislavery diatribe: of Swami Anand. It appeared in the Weekly 'Navjivan' during 1925-
he is in favor owning people, as long as he can own Antonio. In spite
28. It covers Gandhi's life up to 1920. He did not cover the period
of itself, Venetian society is made an accomplice to Shylock’s
murderous demands, and while this complicity certainly does not after that as it was well known to the people and most of the
exonerate Shylock, it has the almost equally desirable effect of concerned persons were alive. Besides he felt that his experiments in
bringing everyone else down with him. Shylock’s intention is not to

SEM 1 SECTION 5 (ENGLISH ) Page 6

that period were yet to yield definite conclusions. bowed to him in reverence. Even his opponents held him in great
respect.
Gandhi's autobiography is very different from other autobiographies.
The autobiographies normally contain self-praise by the authors. Mohandas Gandhi was, however, not a great scholar, nor was he a
They want to criticize their opponents and boost their own image in great warrior. He was not born with exceptional faculties. Neither
the people's eyes. Gandhi's autobiography is completely free from all was he a good orator, nor a great writer. He did not claim anything
exclusively divine in him. He did not claim being a prophet or
this. It is marked with humility and truthfulness. He had not hidden
having superhuman powers. He considered himself an average man
anything. In fact, he is rather too harsh on himself. He did not want with average abilities. Born in a middle class Bania family in an
to show to the world how good he was. He only wanted to tell the obscure princely State in a corner of India, he was a mediocre
people the story of his experiments with Truth, for Gandhi, was the student, shy and nervous. He could not muster courage to speak in
supreme principle, which includes many other principles. Realization public. His first attempt at legal practice miserably failed.
of the Truth is the purpose of human life. Gandhi always strove to
But he was a humble seeker of Truth. He was a man with exceptional
realize the Truth. He continuously tried to remove impurities in
sincerity, honesty and truthfulness. For him, understanding meant
himself. action. Once any principle appealed to him, he immediately began to
translate that in practice. He did not flinch from taking risks and did
He always tried to stick to the Truth as he knew and to apply the
not mind confessing mistakes. No opposition, scorn or ridicule could
knowledge of the Truth to everyday life. He tried to apply the affect him. Truth was his sole guiding star. He was ever-growing;
spiritual principles to the practical situations. He did it in the hence he was often found inconsistent. He was not concerned with
scientific spirit. Sticking to the truth means Satyagraha. Gandhi appearing to be consistent. He preferred to be consistent only with
therefore called his experiments as 'Experiments with Truth' or the light within.
'Experiments in the science of Satyagraha.' Gandhi also requested the
He sacrificed his all and identified himself with the poorest of the
readers to treat those experiments as illustrative and to carry out their
poor. He dressed like them, lived like them. In the oppressed and the
own experiments in that light. depressed people, he saw God. For him, they too were sparks of the
divine light. They might not have anything else, but they too had a
Gandhi: An Introduction
soul. For Gandhi, soul-force was the source of the greatest power. He
strove to awaken the soul-force within himself and within his
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was a man considered one of the
fellowmen. He was convinced that the potentialities of the soul-force
great sages and prophets. He was held as another Buddha, another
have no limit. He himself was a living example of this conviction.
Jesus, Indians called him the 'Father of the Nation'. They showered
That is why this tiny and fragile man could mobilise the masses and
their love, respect and devotion on him in an unprecedented measure.
defeat the mighty British empire. His eleven vows, his technique of
They thronged his way to have a glimpse of him, to hear one world
Satyagraha, his constructive programme - all were meant to awaken
from his lips. They applied on their foreheads the dust on the path he
and strengthen the soul-force. He awakened and aroused a nation
had trodden. For them, he was almost an incarnation of God, who
from semi-consciousness. It was a Herculean task. For, India was not
had come to break the chains of their slavery. The whole world

SEM 1 SECTION 5 (ENGLISH ) Page 7

a united country, it was a sub-continent. It was a society divided in dehumanisation. It has led the world to a deep crisis. The earth's
different classes, castes and races, in people with different languages, resources are being cornered by a handful of people without any
religions and cultures. concern for others and for the coming generations. The conventional
energy sources are getting depleted. Forests are being destroyed. Air,
It was a society where almost half of the population i.e., women, was water, soil-everything has been polluted.
behind purdah or confined to the four walls of houses, where one-
fourth of the population - the depressed classes - was living We are living under the shadow of nuclear war and environmental
marginalised life, where many did not have a single full meal every disasters. Thinking men the world over are looking to Gandhi to find
day. Gandhi made the oppressed sections wake up and break their
a way out of this crisis and to build an alternative model of
chains. He mobilised the people and united them to work for the
cause of Swaraj, which gave them a sense of belonging, a sense of sustainable development. Gandhi knew that the earth has enough to
purpose. Gandhi wanted to win Swaraj for the masses. For him, satisfy everybody's need but not anybody's greed. He had called for
Swaraj did not mean replacement of White masters by brown the replacement of greed with love. Gandhi is, therefore, now a
masters. Swaraj meant self-rule by all. He said: "Real Swaraj will source of inspiration and a reference book for all those fighting
come, not by the acquisition of the authority by a few, but by the against racial discrimination, oppression, domination, wars, nuclear
acquisition of the capacity by all to resist authority when it is energy, environmental degradation, lack of freedom and human
abused." He worked to develop such a capacity. Development of
rights- for all those who are fighting for a better world, a better
such a capacity involved transformation of the individual.
quality of life. Gandhi is, therefore, no longer an individual.
Transformation of the individual and transformation of the society -
they were not separate, unrelated things for Gandhi. Revolutionary He is a symbol of all that is the best and the most enduring in the
social philosophies had concentrated on changing the society. On the human tradition. And he is also a symbol of the alternative in all
other hand, spiritual seekers had concentrated on the inner change. areas of life-agriculture, industry, technology, education, health,
Gandhi not only bridged the gap between these extremes, he fused economy, political organisations, etc. He is a man of the future - a
them together. Gandhi was thus both a saint and a social future that has to be shaped if the human race has to survive and
revolutionary. For Gandhi, unity of life was great truth. His principle progress on the path of evolution.
of non-violence stemmed from this conviction. Non-violence was not
a matter of policy for him; it was a matter of faith. He applied the Biography Of Mahatma Gandhi
doctrine to all the departments of individual and social life and in so
We hereby give a short version compiled from his Autobiography.
doing revolutionized the doctrine, made it dynamic and creative. He
believed that a true civilization could be built on the basis of such We cover the period of his life from 1869 to 1922.
non-violence only.
Birth and Parentage
He rejected the modern civilization. For him, it was a disease and a
curse. This civilization leads to violence, conflicts, corruption, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born at Porbandar, a coastal city
injustices, exploitation, oppression, mistrust and a process of in Kathiawad (now a part of the Gujarat State) on the 2nd October

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1869. He was the youngest child of his parents, Karamchand and also. Being the youngest, he was the darling of the household.
Putlibai.
Childhood
Gandhi belonged to the Modh Bania community. They were
originally grocers. However, Uttamchand, Mohan's grandfather, rose Mohan attended Primary School at Porbandar. When he was seven,
to become Dewan of the Porbandar State. Mohan's father. his family moved to Rajkot. He was a mediocre student, was shy and
Karamchand, also served as the Dewan of Porbandar, Rajkot and avoided any company. He read little besides the text books and had
Vankaner States. Kathiawar then had about 300 small States. Court no love for outdoor games. He had no love for outdoor games.
intrigues were the order of the day. At times, Gandhis became their However, he was truthful, honest, sensitive and was alert about his
victim. Uttamchand's house was once surrounded and shelled by the character. Plays about Shravan and Harishchandra made a deep
State troops. Karamchand was once arrested. However, their courage impression on him. They taught him to be truthful at any cost and to
and wisdom earned them respect. Karamchand even became a serve his parents with devotion.
member of the Rajashanik Court, a powerful agency to solve He was married along with his brother and cousin for the sake of
disputes among the States. economy and convenience. He was only 13 then. He enjoyed the
Karamchand had little education, but had shrewdness of judgment festivities of the marriage. Kasturbai, his wife, was of the same age.
and practical knowledge acquired through experience. He had little She was illiterate but strong-willed. His jealousy and immature
inclination to amass wealth and left little for his children. He used to efforts to make her an ideal wife led to many quarrels. He wanted to
say that "My children are my wealth'. He married four times, had two teach her but found no time. His experience later made him a strong
daughters by the first two marriages and one daughter and three sons critic of child-marriages.
by his fourth marriage. Putlibai, his fourth wife, was younger to him
by 25 years. She was not much educated but was well-informed Mohan joined High School at Rajkot. He was liked by the teachers
about practical matters. Ladies at the palace used to value her advice. and often received prizes. But he neglected physical training and
She was deeply religious and superstitious and had strong will-
hand-writing. Habit of taking long walks made up for the first
power. She used to visit the temple daily and regularly kept difficult neglect, but he had to repent later for the neglect of handwriting. He
vows. Mohan loved his mother. He used to accompany her to the was devoted to his father and considered it his duty to nurse him
Haveli (Vaishnav temple). during his illness. In the High-School, he made friends with one
Mohan had a great devotion for his father and he often used to be Sheikh Mehtab, a bad character. He stuck to the friendship despite
present at the discussions about the State problems. Gandhis had warnings from family-members. He wanted to reform Mehtab but
Parsi and Muslim friends and Jain monks used to make regular visit. failed. Mehtab induced him to meat-eating, saying that it made one
Mohan thus had occasion to hear discussions about religious matters strong and that the British were ruling India because they were meat-
eaters. Mohan was frail and used to be afraid even to go out alone in

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the dark. The argument appealed to him. Later, he realized that lying joined the Vegetarian Society.
to his parents was worse than not eating meat, and abandoned the
experiment
He came in contact with the leaders of that radical cult, became a
Mehtab once sent him to a brothel, but God's grace saved him. He member of the Society's Executive Committee and contributed
induced Mohan to smoking. This once led to stealing. But all this articles to the Society's paper. He even started a Vegetarian club in
became unbearable for Mohan. He confessed his guilt to his father, his locality and became its Secretary. This experience gave him some
who did not rebuke him but wept silently. Those tears cleaned training in organising and conducting Institutions. Experiments about
Mohan's heart and taught him a lesson in nonviolence. diet became a life-long passion for him.

Mohan's father died when Mohan was 16. He had nursed him daily. Gandhi tries to play the 'English Gentleman'
But at the time of his death, Mohan was with his wife. He always felt
ashamed for this lapse. Mohan passed the matriculation examination For a brief period, Gandhi tried to become 'The English Gentleman'
in 1887. He attended the College at Bhavnagar, but left after the first to overcome lack of confidence and to make up for the 'fad' of
term. At that time, the idea of his going to England for studying law vegetarianism. He wanted to become fit for the British elite society.
came up. Mohan was fascinated. He made up his mind and overcame He got clothes stitched from an expensive and fashionable firm,
resistance from the family-members. He took the vow not to touch purchased an expensive hat and an evening suit and learnt to wear
wine, women and meat at the instance of his mother to remove her the tie. He became very careful about his appearance. He even joined
fears. He then sailed from Bombay in September 1888, leaving a dancing class, but could not go on for more than three weeks. He
behind his wife and a son. The caste elders were against his going to purchased a violin and started learning to play it. He engaged a tutor
England. They excommunicated him from the caste. to give lessons in elocution. But all this was for a brief period of
three months only. His conscience awakened him. He realised that he
Gandhi in England was not going to spend his whole life in England; he should rather
concentrate on his studies and not waste his brother's money. He then
Gandhi reached England by the end of September 1888. Everything became very careful about his expenses.
was strange to him. He was shy and diffident, could not speak
English fluently and was ignorant of British manners. Naturally, Study of religions
loneliness and homesickness gripped him. Gandhi became a
vegetarian for life. It was difficult to get vegetarian food. Friends Gandhi also started the study of religions. Before that, he had not
persuaded him to break the vow of vegetarianism but he stuck to it. even read the Gita. Now he read it in the English translation. He also
He began searching vegetarian restaurants and found one ultimately. read Edwin Arnold's 'The Light of Asia,' Blavatsky's 'Key to
He purchased Salt's book 'Plea for Vegetarianism', read it and Theosophy' and the Bible. Gita and The New Testament made a deep
became vegetarian out of conviction. He studied other literature and impression on him. The principles of renunciation and non-violence

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appealed to him greatly. He continued the study of religions problems at that time. It consisted mainly of indentured labourers
throughout his life. and traders. The indentured labourers were taken there by the
European landlords as there was acute labour shortage in South
Gandhi becomes a Barrister Africa. The condition of these labourers was like slaves. During
Bar examinations were easy. He therefore studied for and passed the 1860-1890 around 40,000 labourers were sent from India. Many of
them settled there after their agreement periods were completed and
London matriculation examination. Becoming a Barrister meant
attending at least six dinners in each of the twelve terms and giving started farming or business.
an easy examination. Gandhi, however, studied sincerely, read all the The Europeans did not like it. They did not want free Indians in
prescribed books, passed his examination and was called to the bar in South Africa. They also found it difficult to face competition from
June 1891. He then sailed for home. Indian traders. Therefore the White Rulers imposed many restrictions
A Period of turmoil and heavy taxes on the Indians. They were not given citizenship
rights, like right to vote. They were treated like dirt and constantly
Gandhi's three year's stay in England was a period of deep turmoil humiliated. All Indians were called 'coolies'. The newspapers carried
for him. Before that, he knew little of the world. Now he was out the propaganda that the Indians were dirty and uncivilized. The
exposed to the fast-changing world and to several radical movements Indians could not travel in the railways and could not enter hotels
like Socialism, Anarchism, Atheism etc. through the Vegetarian meant for Europeans. They were hated and radically discriminated in
Society. He started taking part in public work. Many of his ideas all matters by the dominant White community.
germinated during this period.
Gandhi fights racial discrimination
Gandhi in South Africa
Right since his arrival, Gandhi began to feel the pinch of racial
Gandhi returned to India as a Barrister, but he knew nothing about discrimination in South Africa. Indian community was ignorant and
the Indian law. Lawyers used to pay commissions to touts to get divided and therefore unable to fight it. In connection with his case,
cases. Gandhi did not like this. Besides, he was shy and an occasion Gandhi had to travel to Pretoria. He was travelling in the first class,
to argue in the Court unnerved him. He became a disappointed and but a White passenger and railway officials asked him to leave the
dejected 'Bridles Barrister'. At that time, a South African firm Dada first class compartment. Gandhi refused, whereupon he was thrown
Abdulla and Co. asked for his assistance in a case. Gandhi eagerly out along with his luggage. On the platform of Maritzburg station. It
agreed and sailed for South Africa in April 1893. was a severely cold night. Gandhi spent the night shivering and
thinking furiously. He ultimately made up his mind to stay in South
Problems of Indians in South Africa Africa, fight the racial discrimination and suffer hardships. It was a
historic decision. It transformed Gandhi.
The small Indian community in South Africa was facing many

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He had also to travel some distance by a stage-coach. During this prejudices. The British wanted to rule whole of the South Africa. The
travel also, he was insulted and beaten. On reaching Pretoria, Gandhi British-Boer broke out in 1899. Gandhi's sympathies were with the
called a meeting of the local Indians. There he learnt a lot about the Boers. But being a British citizen, he considered it his duty to help
condition of Indians. It was there that he made his first Public Speech
the British. He also wanted to show that Indians were not cowards
and suggested formation of an association. He offered his services
for the cause. Gandhi later settled the case, for which he had come, and were ready to make sacrifices for the empire while fighting for
through arbitration. He then decided to return home. But at the their rights.
farewell party, he came to know about a bill to restrict Indian
franchise. Gandhi thought that it had grave implications. The people Gandhi raised an ambulance corps of 1100 persons. The work
then pressed him to stay for some time. He agreed. consisted of carrying the wounded on stretchers. At times, it required
walking more than 20 miles. The corps had sometimes to cross the
Gandhi's first major fight had started. He addressed meetings firing line. The Indians worked hard, their work was praised and the
petitioned to the legislative assembly, conducted a signature leaders of the corps were awarded medals. Indian community learnt a
campaign. He also started regular legal practice there and soon
lot from this experience. Its stature increased. British won the war,
became a successful and leading Lawyer. For sustained agitations, a
permanent organisation was needed and the Natal Indian Congress although the Boers fought with determination, which made a deep
was born. Illiterate indentured labourers also joined the struggle. A impression on Gandhi.
proposed tax on them was fought and got abolished after a fierce
battle. The Fight continues
In 1896, Gandhi visited India for a brief period. In India, he met
renowned leaders and gave wide publicity to the South African In 1901, Gandhi returned to India. He travelled widely and worked
struggle. Rumours reached South Africa that Gandhi had maligned closely with Gopal Krishna Gokhale, whom he considered his guru.
the Whites there and that he was coming with a large number of He was about to settle down in Bombay, when he received an urgent
Indians to swamp the Natal colony. It was wrong. But it made the telegram from South Africa to rush there. Gandhi again went to
Whites furious. Gandhi had to face the fury, when he returned with South Africa. He found that the condition of Indians had worsened.
his wife and children, he had to enter the port town secretly, but he Gandhi had to devote himself to public work. In 1904, Gandhi
was found out and assaulted. The Whites wanted to hang him but he
started the journal 'Indian Opinion.'
was saved by the Police Superintendent and his wife. He forgave his
assailants.
The Phoenix Settlement
The Boer War In 1904, Gandhi happened to read Ruskin's book 'Unto This Last.' He
Gandhi, however, remained a loyal citizen of the British Empire. In was deeply impressed by Ruskin's ideas and decided to put them in
that spirit, he decided to help the British during the Boer War. The practice immediately. They were: (I) That the good of the individual
Boer were the Dutch colonizers who ruled some of the South African is contained in the good of all. (ii) that all work has the same value
colonies. They were simple and sturdy people with strong racial

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and (iii) that the life of labour is the life worth-living. thought deeply. Two ideas became fixed in his mind-Brahmacharya
and the adoption of voluntary poverty.
Gandhi purchased some land near Phoenix station and established
the Phoenix settlement in mid-1904. The settlers had to erect Birth of Satyagraha
structures to accommodate themselves and the printing press. 'Indian
Opinion' was transferred to Phoenix. The settlers had to go through The White rulers were bent on keeping South Africa under their
many trials to print the issue in time. Everyone had to join in the domination. They wanted as few Indians there as possible and that
work. The settlers were divided in two classes. The 'Schemers' made too as slave-labourers. In Transvaal, Indians were required to register
their living by manual labour. A few were paid labourers. To make a themselves. The procedure was humiliating. The registration was
living by manual labour, land was divided in pieces of three acres proposed to be made stricter in 1906. Gandhi realised that it was a
each. Stress was on manual labour. Even the printing press was often matter of life or death for the Indians. A mammoth meeting was held
worked with hand-power. Sanitary arrangements were primitive and in September 1906 to oppose the bill. People took oath in the name
everyone had to be his own scavenger. The colony was to be self- of God not to submit to the bill at any cost. A new principle had
supporting and the material needs were to be kept to the minimum. A come into being - the principle of Satyagraha.
spirit of self-reliance pervaded the colony. Gandhi, however, could
The bill about registration was however passed. Picketing against
stay there only for brief periods. He had to be in Johannesburg in registration was organised. A wave of courage and enthusiasm swept
connection with his work. the Indian community. The Indian community rose as one man for
The Zulu Rebellion the sake of its survival and dignity.

The Zulu 'rebellion' broke out in April 1906. It was not in fact a The agitation was first called 'passive Resistance'. Gandhi, however,
rebellion, but a man-hunt. The British wanted to crush the freedom- did not like that term. It did not convey the true nature of the
loving Zulu tribals. The operation to massacre them was, therefore, struggle. It implied that it was the weapon of the weak and the
started under a flimsy pretext. Out of a sense of loyalty to the British disarmed. It did not denote complete faith in nonviolence. Moreover,
empire, Gandhi offered the services of the Indian community, though Gandhi did not like that the Indian struggle should be known by an
his heart was with the Zulus. An ambulance corps of 24 persons was English name. The term 'Sadagrah' was suggested. Gandhi changed it
formed. Its duty was to carry the wounded Zulus and nurse them. to 'Satyagrah' to make it represent fully, the whole idea. Satyagraha
The Zulus were flogged and tortured and left with festering wounds. means asserting truth through non-violence. It aims at converting the
Whites were not ready to nurse them. Gandhi was happy to nurse opponents through self-suffering.
them. He had to work hard and walk miles through hills. It was a Gandhi was ordered to leave the colony. He disobeyed and was
thought-provoking experience. He saw the cruelty of the British and jailed for two months. Indians filled the jails. Repression failed to
the horrors of the war. While marching through Zululand, Gandhi yield the results. General Smuts called Gandhi and promised that the

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law would be withdrawn if the Indians agreed to voluntary desired to have a center where the Satyagrahis could lead a simple
registration. community life and get training for the struggle. Phoenix was at
about 30 hours distance from Johannesburg. Gandhi's German friend
An attempt of Gandhi's life Kallenbach therefore bought 1100 acres of land at a distance of about
Gandhi agreed. He and his co-workers were set free. Gandhi 20 miles from Johannesburg, where Tolstoy Farm was established.
The community was named after Tolstoy to pay respect to the great
exhorted Indians to register voluntarily. He was criticized for this by
some workers. A Pathan named Mir Alam was unconvinced by Russian writer whose book 'The Kingdom of God is within You' had
Gandhi's arguments and vowed to kill the first man who would greatly influenced Gandhi and made him a firm believer in non-
register himself. Gandhi came forward to be the first man to register violence.
himself. When he was going to the registration office, Mir Alam and The inmates numbered about 50-75. It was a heterogeneous group. It
his friends assaulted him with lathis. was a tribute to Gandhi's leadership that they remained together
Gandhi fainted with the words 'He Ram' on his lips. It was 10th happily under hard conditions. The inmates erected sheds to
February 1908. His colleagues tried to save him otherwise it would accommodate themselves. They did all their work themselves.
Drinking, smoking and meat-eating were prohibited. All ate in the
have been the last day for him. Mir Alam and his friends were caught
and handed over to the police. When Gandhi regained consciousness, community kitchen. Small Cottage Industries were started for self-
he inquired about Mir Alam. When told that he had been arrested, sufficiency. Gandhi and his colleagues learnt shoe-making. A school
Gandhi told that he should be released. Gandhi was taken by his was started. Gandhi himself undertook the responsibility of
friend Rev. Doke to his house and was nursed there. Rev. Doke later educating the children. The life was simple, hard, but joyful.
became his first biographer. Experiments at Tolstoy Farm proved to be a source of purification
and penance for Gandhi and his co-workers.
Gandhi betrayed
The last phase of Satyagraha
Smuts however, betrayed Gandhi. The agitation was again resumed.
The voluntary registration certificates were publicly burnt. Satyagraha continued for four years. Gandhi discontinued his legal
Meanwhile, Transvaal passed Immigration Restriction Act. This too practice in 1910. After many ups and downs, the last phase of
Satyagraha began in September 1913. A Black Law imposing three
was opposed by the Indians. They crossed Transvaal border illegally
pounds tax on Indians provided occasion for it. Satyagrahis crossed
and were jailed. Gandhi, too, was arrested and convicted. The fight
continued in spite of the repression. Transvaal border defying the law. Even the women were invited to
join. Indian workers in the Natal coal-mines struck work and joined
Tolstoy Farm the struggle. Gandhi led a large contingent of these workers. They
were about 2200 in number. It was on epic march.
Gandhi realised that the fight would be a long one. He, therefore,

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It aroused sympathy for Satyagraha and indignation for the South 'tinkathia' system, the tenants had to cultivate indigo in 3/20th part of
African Government throughout England and India. Indian National the land. The tenants were oppressed and fear-stricken. The British
Congress supported the Satyagraha. Gandhi was arrested. The administration supported the planters.
Satyagrahis marched to Natal without their leader. There, they were
arrested and jailed. Thousands of labourers struck work in sympathy. Gandhi was invited to visit Champaran by Rajkumar Shukla, a
The public outcry in India forced the Indian Government to express peasant from the area, in December 1916. Gandhi was first reluctant.
sympathy for the Indian cause. The repression having failed, General But Shukla's persistent requests made him change his mind. He went
Smuts had to bow ultimately. Indian demands were accepted. The to Champaran in April 1917 to know the conditions there and the
fight was over. Gandhi now could return to India where a great work grievances of the peasants. Before visiting the district, Gandhi visited
awaited him. Muzaffarpur and Patna. He discussed the matter with lawyers and
It was South Africa which made Gandhi. He had gone there as a social workers. Gandhi declined to seek legal remedies as he felt that
young, shy, Briefless Barrister. He returned as an extra-ordinary law courts were useless when the people were fear-stricken. For him,
leader who had mobilised masses to an unprecedented extent for a removal of fear was most important. He made request to the lawyers
novel fight. In South Africa, Gandhi's ideas were shaped. He was for clerical assistance. Many of them gladly offered the same.
influenced by Ruskin, Tolstoy and Thoreau. He made a deep study of
Gandhi first met the planters and the District Commissioner. They
religions there and became a staunch believer in nonviolence. The were hostile. Gandhi was ordered to leave the area. He ignored the
principle of Satyagraha was born in S. Africa. order. He was then summoned to the court. The news electrified the
Gandhi in India: Rise of leadership area. Crowds gathered at the court. Gandhi pleaded guilty, saying
that he was obeying a higher law, the voice of conscience. The case
Gandhi returned to India in January 1915. He was welcomed and against him was later dropped. Gandhi and his co-workers met
honoured as a hero. He spent a year touring the country at the thousands of the peasants. They recorded about 8000 statements.
instance of Gokhale, his guru. He travelled mostly in third class Efforts were made to ensure that they were true. Recording was done
railway compartments. He saw the conditions in the country first- in the presence of police officials. Undue publicity and exaggeration
hand. He founded the Satyagraha Ashram in May 1915 and started were avoided. Planters' campaign of slander was ignored. The
getting involved in the social and political life of the country. The masses in Champaran overcame their fear. Public opinion in the
Champaran Satyagraha was his first major struggle. country was aroused. The Government ultimately appointed an
enquiry committee in June 1917, with Gandhi as a member. The
Champaran Satyagraha committee recommended abolition of tinkathia system and partial
Champaran was a district in Northern Bihar. When Gandhi was refund of money taken illegal by the planters. The Satyagraha was
called there, it was virtually under the rule of European indigo thus successful. Champaran Satyagraha was the first Satyagraha on
planters. They cruelly exploited and terrorised the tenants. Under the the Indian soil. It was Gandhi's first major political work in India. It

SEM 1 SECTION 5 (ENGLISH ) Page 15

was carried out strictly in accordance with the principles of Satyagraha was successful. The arbitrator studied the case for three
Satyagraha. Attention was paid to constructive work like sanitation, months and recommended 35% increase in dearness allowance. The
education and primary health-care. workers' demand was thus fully met. However, Gandhi's fast did
involve in an element of coercion. But it was a spontaneous decision.
Ahmedabad Satyagraha The situation demanded some drastic action. The Satyagraha was
significant in many respects. It was the first Satyagraha by industrial
A dispute between the textile mill-owners and the labourers at
Ahmedabad arose in 1918, about the grant of bonus and dearness workers. It was wholly peaceful. It showed how workers could fight
allowance. The labourers wanted 50% increase allowance due to non-violently. It also gave rise to a strong Gandhian Labour Union.
steep rise in prices. The mill-owners were ready to give only 20% Kheda Satyagraha
increase. Gandhi was approached to find a solution. He persuaded
both the parties to agree to arbitration. But after a few days, some Kheda was a district in Gujarat. In 1917, there was a crop failure due
misunderstanding led to a strike. The mill-owners seized the to famine. Peasants were unable to pay the land revenue. The rules
opportunity and declared lock-out. Gandhi studied the case. He permitted suspension of revenue collection when the crops were less
thought that 35% increase would be reasonable. He advised the than four annas. According to the peasants' estimate, the crops were
labourers to demand the same. Regular strike began on the 26th less than four annas. Gandhi's inquiries, as well as inquiries by
February 1918. Thousands of labourers struck work. They took a independent observers, showed that the peasants were right. The
pledge not to resume work till their demand was met or arbitration Government, however, thought otherwise. It even turned down a
was agreed upon. They also decided to observe non-violence and suggestion of an impartial enquiry. It started coercing the peasants to
maintain peace. collect revenue. Petitions etc. were of no avail. Satyagraha was
Gandhi had friends in both the camps. The mill-owners being led by therefore started on the 22nd March 1918.
Shri Ambalal Sarabhai. His sister Ansuyaben was leading the
labourers. During the struggle, Gandhi's co-workers regularly visited Gandhi advised the peasants to withhold payment to revenue.
the labourers' quarters to solve their problems and to keep high their Satyagrahis took a pledge not to pay the same and resolved to be
morale. Daily meetings and prayers were held. Bulletins were issued. ready to face the consequences. Volunteers went to villages to keep
Gandhi did not like charity. Efforts were made to find alternative up the morale of the peasants. As in Champaran, Gandhi's main
employments for the workers. However, after a fortnight, the concern was to remove the fear from the peasants' minds. The
workers started getting tired. It was difficult to face starvation. It was officials started attaching the property of the peasants including
unbearable for Gandhi that they should break the vow. He then cattle and even standing crops. Notices were sent for attachment of
decided to undertake an indefinite fast. This strengthened the the land. An occasion for civil disobedience arose when standing
workers. It brought moral pressure on the mill-owners. They onion crop was attached at one place. Gandhi advised one Mohanlal
consented to arbitration after three days. Gandhi broke his fast. The Pandya and a few volunteers to remove the crop. This was done. The

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volunteers were arrested. Pandya earned the nickname 'Onion Thief.' passed as a Law in March 1919.
The struggle went on for about four months till July 1918. It tested
the people's patience. The Government discontinued coercive Satyagraha against the Rowlatt Act
measures. It advised that if the well-to-do peasants paid up, the poor India had helped the British in the World War. She expected
ones would be granted suspension. In one sense, the Satyagraha was substantial political rights. Instead, she received the Black Rowlatt
thus successful. The peasants' demand was not, however, fully met.
bills.
Gandhi was not satisfied. He wanted people to come out stronger Gandhi had decided to help the British war efforts during the war. He
after Satyagraha. However, the Satyagraha resulted in awakening the undertook a recruiting campaign and worked hard which ruined his
peasants. It educated them politically. It was the first peasant health. While he was recovering, he heard about Rowlatt bills. He
struggle under Gandhi's leadership, the first nonviolent mass civil was shocked. He took up the matter and started propaganda against
disobedience campaign organised by Gandhi in India. The peasants
the bill. Gandhi carried out propaganda against the bill. A separate
became aware of their rights and learnt to suffer for them. body called Satyagraha Sabha was formed. A Satyagraha pledge was
Rowlatt Act drafted and signed by selected leaders. The Government was,
however, adamant. It then suddenly it occurred to Gandhi that a call
British Government appointed a Committee in 1917 under the for nation-wide hartal should be given. Everybody in the country
chairmanship of Justice Rowlatt, (1) to enquire and report to the should suspend his business and spend the day in fasting and prayers.
Government about the nature and extent of anti-government Public meetings should be held everywhere and resolutions passed
activities, and (2) to suggest legal remedies to enable the for withdrawal of the Act.
Government to suppress those activities. The Committee submitted
its report in April 1918. Its work was carried out in secrecy. The
Committee's recommendations were embodied in two bills. The programme was taken up. 30 March was fixed as the day of the
hartal, but it was later postponed to 6th April. The notice was very
The first bill sought to make a permanent change in the Criminal short. Still the masses rose to the occasion. The country rose like one
Law. The second bill intended to deal with the situation arising out man. Hartal was observed throughout India. Communal prejudices
of the expiry of Defence of India Rules. The first bill made were forgotten. All fear disappeared. In Delhi, Swami Shraddhanand,
punishable the possession of an antigovernment document with mere the Hindu sanyasi was invited to Jama Masjid. It was also decided
intention to circulate it. The second bill also gave sweeping powers that civil disobedience should be offered to selected laws which
to the officers. There were other harsh provisions also. The bills could easily be disobeyed by the people. Gandhi suggested breaking
shocked the entire country. All the leaders considered the bills of the Salt law and the sale of the banned literature. The civil
unjust, unwarranted and destructive of elementary human rights and disobedience was a great success. Throughout India, meetings were
dignity. The second bill was eventually dropped and the first one held and processions taken out.

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The public awakening was unprecedented. It startled the British. persons were killed and 1200 injured. General Dyer did this
Repression was let loose. Processions were broken up by mounted deliberately to teach the Indians a lesson. Jallianwala Bagh massacre
police and firing was done at several places. Many persons were shocked the country. It showed how brutal the British power could
killed. At some places, people lost balance in the face of repression. get. It was followed by many more atrocities. They turned Gandhi
In such a situation, Gandhi thought it fit to suspend the Civil fully against the British Empire.
Disobedience Campaign. It was done on the 18th April. Satyagraha
against the Rowlatt Act was historic. It was the first nation-wide Amritsar Congress
struggle, in which crores of people participated and showed The annual session of the Indian National Congress was held at
exemplary courage. The Indian freedom movement was transformed Amritsar in Punjab in December 1919. Most of the leaders in jails
into a truly people's movement. The period also witnessed Hindu- were released before or during the session. The session was attended
Muslim friendship to an extent that was never surpassed thereafter.
by 8000 delegates including 1500 peasants. It was the last Congress
Jallianwala Bagh session attended by Lokmanya Tilak. The Moderates, however, did
not attend it. Pandit Motilal Nehru was in the Chair. The Congress
Satyagraha in Punjab was also quite successful. Its leaders Dr. was now acquiring a mass character. The proceedings were
Satyapal and Dr. Kitchlew were arrested. People observed hartal and conducted mainly in Hindustani.
took out a procession in Amritsar to demand their release. It was
fired upon, and many persons were killed. The crowd therefore The Congress passed a resolution for removal of General Dyer, the
became violent and killed 5-6 Englishmen. Some public buildings butcher of Jallianwala Bagh. Recall of the Punjab Governor and the
were burnt. Army troops were rushed in to stop the violence. This Viceroy was also demanded. It was decided to erect a memorial for
was on April 10th 1919. On April 11, a peaceful funeral procession the Jallianwala Bagh martyrs. Gandhi moved a resolution
was taken out. condemning violence on the part of the people and got it passed. It
was a very significant event. The resolution also urged the people to
General Dyer then took command of the troops. Meetings and remain peaceful. The Congress also reiterated the demand for
gatherings were prohibited. Still a large meeting was held on April responsible Government. The Montague Reforms were considered
12th at Jallianwala Bagh. General Dyer took no steps to prevent the inadequate, disappointing and unsatisfactory. But it was decided to
meeting. But when the meeting was taking place, he surrounded the work the reforms. Revival of hand-spinning and hand-weaving was
place and without any warning, gave orders of firing. The crowd of recommended. The Congress appointed a subcommittee for
nearly 10,000 men and women was peaceful and unarmed. They had reconsideration of the Congress Constitution with Gandhi as the
no idea that they would be fired upon. When the firing started the Chairman. It was the first Congress session in which Gandhi took an
people became panicky. There was only one exit. Bullets were active part. His leadership was strengthened in Amritsar Congress.
showered on the trapped people. 1650 rounds were fired. About 400

SEM 1 SECTION 5 (ENGLISH ) Page 18

The Khilafat question Boycott of educational institutions
Boycott of councils and elections
During the First World Way, Turkey sided with Germany against the Boycott of foreign cloth
British. The Sultan of Turkey was the Khalifa, the religious head of Boycott of Government functions
the Muslim world. The future of Khalifa, therefore, became a matter Picketing of liquor shops
of concern for Indian Muslims. The British Government promised Refusal to get recruited in the army.
them that the Khilafat would not be violated and favourable peace The programme was not just negative. It included the building of
terms would be offered to Turkey. But when Turkey was defeated in new institutions. National Education was encouraged. Stress was laid
the war, the promises were forgotten. Turkish Empire was broken. on Khadi. Charkha became the symbol of freedom.
Indian Muslims felt agitated over this. The Congress was completely reorganised and a new constitution
drafted by Gandhi was adopted to make it a mass organisation and a
Gandhi sympathised with the Khilafat cause. He felt that Hindus
should help the Muslim in their need. For him, it was an excellent useful tool for the struggle. The movement started with hartal,
opportunity to forge communal unity, bring Muslims in the freedom fasting and prayers. It soon spread like wildfire. The freedom
movement and form a common front against the British. The movement had become a mass movement. Gandhi declared the
Swaraj could be won within one year if the programme was fully
Khilafat Committee was formed. It demanded that terms of treaty
with Turkey should be changed to satisfy the Indian Muslims. implemented. People showed great unity, determination and courage.
Gandhi suggested the programme of Non-Cooperation with the Hundreds of National schools were established. Tilak Swaraj Fund
British Government. This programme was adopted by the Committee was over-subscribed. About 20 lakh charkhas began to be plied in
in May 1920. the country. The boycott shook the Government.

The Non Co-operation Movement

1921 was the year of the rise of Indian Nationalism Gandhi became a
The redressal of injustice of Punjab and Khilafat and the attainment Mahatma, the most loved and revered figure in the country. Masses
of Swaraj became the key issue. The masses were getting awakened. looked to him as a saint, as an incarnation of God who had come to
Gandhi announced the inauguration of Non-violent Non-Co- free them from slavery and poverty. The Government started
operation Movement on the 1st August 1920. A special session of repression. Arrests were made. Firing took place at some places. The
Congress in September accepted the programme. The Nagpur country boycotted the visit of Prince of Wales, the British Prince in
Congress in December 1920 endorsed it enthusiastically. November 1921. Disturbances broke out at Bombay and Gandhi had
to fast to control the situation. By the end of 1921, the number of
The programme consisted of the following points - prisoners had risen to 30,000. Processions and meetings were being
Surrender of titles and honours given by the British Government broken up.
Boycott of law-courts

SEM 1 SECTION 5 (ENGLISH ) Page 19

The masses were getting impatient. Call was given for Civil
Disobedience. Gandhi wanted to start the campaign step-by-step. He Vallabhbhai Patel led the struggle. He organised sixteen camps under
chose Bardoli in Gujarat for starting the campaign. Notice was given the charge of 250 volunteers. His organisation was superb. It earned
to Government on the 1st February 1922. However, the movement him the title 'Sardar'. The government tried its best to terrorise the
had to be called off within a few days. On the 5th February, a mob people and extract the payment. It tried flattery, bribery, fines,
including Congressmen set fire to a police station at Chauri Chaura imprisonment and lathi-charge. Pathans were brought in to threaten
in U.P., killing about 22 policemen. Gandhi was shocked. He the people. The cattle was taken away and lands auctioned at several
realised that people had not fully accepted non-violence. He places. Patel kept up the people's morale. His volunteers were
persuaded the Congress to suspend the agitation. Gandhi was arrested. People imposed a social boycott on the Government
arrested in March and was sentenced to 6 years' imprisonment. He officials and against those who bought auctioned property. Seven
was kept in the Yeravda jail near Pune. members of the Legislative Council resigned in protest against the
Government repression. Several village officials, too, resigned their
The Life of Mahatma Gandhi (1922-1948) posts.
Gandhi was freed from jail in 1924 on the ground of health. The
country was witnessing a wave of communal riots. Gandhi fasted for 1) The Government issued an ultimatum for payment. Patel
21 days in October 1924. He toured the entire country. He laid stress demanded that
on the charkha and the removal of untouchability. Political 2) The Satyagrahi prisoners should be released.
atmosphere in the country began to change slowly. There was a wave 3) The lands sold and forfeited, should be returned.
of labour strikes in 1928-29. Armed revolutionaries stepped up their 4) The cost of seized movables should be refunded.
activities. There was widespread discontent among the peasants. The
historic Satyagraha at Bardoli in Gujarat showed its intensity. All the dismissals and punishments should be undone. Gandhi and
Patel promised to call off the agitation if these demands were met
Bardoli Satyagraha and an inquiry ordered. The Government ultimately yielded. An
Bardoli was a tehsil in Gujarat. Government increased the land Inquiry Committee was appointed. The Committee recommended an
revenue assessment there by 30%. Protests brought it down to 22%. increase of 5.7% only. The satyagraha was thus successful. The
The peasants thought it unjust. Vallabhbhai Patel studied the case. Bardoli struggle was very well organised one. The peasants remained
He was convinced that the peasants were right. The peasants decided united against all odds. Women took part in the struggle on a large
to withhold the payment until the enhancement was cancelled or an scale. The struggle became a symbol of hope, strength and victory
impartial tribunal appointed for setting the case. Gandhi blessed the for the peasants in the country.
Satyagraha. It started in February 1928. Rising discontent

SEM 1 SECTION 5 (ENGLISH ) Page 20

The discontent against the British Government was increasing. The country. Salt Law broken at many places by illegal production of salt
Government appointed Simon Commission to decide about the grant and its sale. Gandhi went to the surrounding places and started a
of political rights of India. Indian leaders had not been consulted. campaign to cut toddy trees. Picketing of liquor and foreign cloth
There was no Indian Member in the Commission. The country shops was started. Women were on the forefront in picketing the
boycotted Simon Commission. liquor shops. The whole country was stirred. Some other laws like
Gandhi had regarded himself as a 'Prisoner' and refrained from Forest Laws were also taken up for disobedience at some places.
political activities till 1928, when his jail term was to expire. He
thereafter took the reins of Congress in his hands. Congress resolved
in 1929 to fight for complete independence. Confrontation with the Government intensified the repression. Most of the important leaders
Government became imminent. Gandhi launched Civil Disobedience including Gandhi were arrested. But the agitation grew in strength.
Campaign-the famous Salt Satyagraha. People bravely faced police brutalities and even firing at many
places. A wave of strikes and hartals swept the country. At
The Salt Satyagraha Peshawar, soldiers of Garhwali regiment refused to fire on the
unarmed people. They were court-martialled. Before his arrest,
Gandhi wrote to the Viceroy, listing eleven demands which, Gandhi hit upon a novel idea to raid salt depots. The Dharasana raid,
according to him, formed the substance of self-government. They in which several non-violent Satyagrahis were mercilessly beaten,
were rejected. Gandhi then decided to start Civil Disobedience by sent shock-waves throughout the world. It lowered the British
breaking the Salt Law, which heavily taxed the salt, an article of prestige. The movement progressed till January 1931. The boycott of
daily consumption for the poorest of the poor. He started his epic foreign cloth, liquor and British goods was almost complete. Gandhi
Dandi March on the 12 March 1930 from Ahmedabad. and other leaders were subsequently released from jail. Government
A carefully selected band of 78 Satyagrahis accompanied Gandhi in started negotiations. Gandhi-Irvin Pact was signed in March. The
this March to Dandi, a deserted village on the sea-coat, at about 240 Satyagraha was discontinued. This was a major Satyagraha, during
miles from Ahmedabad. As the March progressed, the atmosphere in which 111 Satyagrahis died in firings and about one lakh persons
the country was electrified. Several village officials resigned their went to jail.
posts. Gandhi declared that he would not return to Sabarmati Ashram A phase of repression
till Independence was won. Congress Committee met on the 21st
March to plan the strategy. Gandhi took part in the Round Table Conference in England in 1931
as the representative of the Congress. It was a frustrating experience
for him. The British were bent on prolonging their rule by following
Gandhi reached Dandi on the 6th April and broke the Salt law the policy of Divide and Rule'. Gandhi stayed in London in a poor
symbolically by picking up a pinch of salt. It was signal for the locality. He even met the unemployed textile mill-workers who had
nation. Civil Disobedience campaign was started throughout the

SEM 1 SECTION 5 (ENGLISH ) Page 21

lost the jobs due to Gandhi's movement of Swadeshi and Boycott. He to the Harijans.
explained to them the rationale behind Khadi. The workers showered
love on him The fast began on 20th September. Attempts to evolve an alternative
scheme were continuing. Gandhi's health started deteriorating. He
had several rounds of discussions with Dr. Ambedkar. At last, an
The Round Table Conference yielded nothing. Gandhi returned in agreement was reached on the 24th September. The Government was
December 1931. He was arrested and the Civil Disobedience urged to accept the same. The British Government ultimately gave its
Campaign was resumed. The Congress was declared illegal. The consent. Gandhi broke his fast on 26th September. The agreement is
Government was determined to crush the movement. The leaders and known as the Yeravda Pact or the Poona Pact. It provided for
a large number of workers were arrested. Ordinances were issued to doubling the number of representatives of depressed classes.
arm the Government with wide powers. Gandhi was lodged in the Separate electorates were however, done away with. It was decided
Yervada jail. that for every reserved seat, members of the depressed classes would
elect four candidates and the representative would be elected from
Yeravda Pact them by joint electorate. The system of primary election was to be
for ten years.
While Gandhi was in Yeravda jail the British Prime Minister
Ramsay MacDonald announced the provisional scheme of minority Anti-untouchability Campaign
representation, known as the Communal Award. The depressed
classes (now known as Scheduled Castes) were recognised as a >Yeravda Pact gave a great boost to the anti-untouchability work.
minority community and given separate electorates. Harijan Sevak Sangh was established. 'Harijan' Weekly was started.
After his release, Gandhi put aside political activities and devoted
Gandhi was shocked. It was an attempt to divide and destroy the himself to Harijan service and other constructive work. All-India
Hindu Society and the Nation and in turn to perpetuate India's Village Industries Association was also formed. Gandhi gave the
slavery. It was not good for the depressed also. Gandhi announced Sabarmati Ashram to the Harijan Sevak Sangh and later settled at
his decision to fast unto death from the 20th September 1932. He Wardha. He toured the entire country and collected Harijan Fund.
was fully for the representation to the depressed classes, but he was The massive anti-untouchability propaganda launched by him had
against their being considered as a minority community and given spectacular results. He had, of course, of face opposition. Even a
separate electorates. Gandhi's decision stirred the country. Indian bomb was once thrown at him. The campaign destroyed the
leaders began hectic efforts to save Gandhi's life. But Dr. Ambedkar legitimacy of untouchability. It cleared the way for legal ban. In
described the fast as a political Stunt. Gandhi's decision awakened 1936, Gandhi settled down at Sevagram, a village near Wardha. In
the Hindu Society. It dealt a blow to the orthodoxy. Hindu leaders 1937, he presided over the Educational Conference, which gave rise
resolved to fight untouchability. Several temples were thrown open to the scheme of Basic Education.

SEM 1 SECTION 5 (ENGLISH ) Page 22

India and the War Proposals disappointing. They were aptly termed as post dated
cheque on a crashing bank. The Muslim League wanted a definite
While Gandhi was busy in the constructive work, elections to the pronouncement about Pakistan and therefore criticised the Cripps
provincial assemblies were held in 1937. Congress Ministers were proposals. Congress rejected the Cripps scheme because it did not
formed in several provinces. the Second World War began in 1939. provide for the participation of the people of the states and the
The British Government dragged India into the War without principles of non-accession was against Indian unity. The Cripps
consulting Indian leaders. Congress Ministries resigned in protest. Mission failed.
The Congress expressed expressed sympathy for the Allied powers'
fight against Nazism and Fascism and offered co-operation provided 'Quit India' Movement
responsible Self-Government was granted. Gandhi was however
against any co-operation in war efforts on the ground of The country wanted nothing but Complete Independence. The
Nonviolence. When the Government turned down the Congress Congress passed the historic 'Quit India' resolution on 8th August
demand, Gandhi was requested to resume the leadership. 1942. Gandhi and other leaders were arrested. The country now rose
in revolt. With most of the leaders in jail, it fought in the way it
.Gandhi decided to launch Anti-War individual Satyagraha against thought fit. Railway lines and telegraphic communications were
curtailment of freedom. It was inaugurated by Vinoba in October interfered with. Government property was burnt or destroyed in
1940. Pandit Nehru was the Second Satyagrahi. The Satyagrahis several places. The people displayed unprecedented courage and
were arrested. By May 1941, the number of Satyagrahi prisoners had heroism. Unarmed people faced police lathis and bullets. Young
crossed 25000. boys suffered flogging without flinching. Government machinery
was paralysed and parallel Government was set up at some places.
Cripps Mission
Many workers went underground. About 1000 people died in firings
The War was approaching India's borders with the advance of Japan. during the movement. About 1600 were injured and 60000 people
England was in difficulties. It could not afford any agitation in India. were arrested. It was noteworthy that violence was done to
There were various other pressures on the British Government to Government property only. Englishmen were safe throughout the
make political concessions. As a result, Sir Stafford Cripps was sent Movement. There was little personal violence. Thus, while the
to India in March 1942. masses rose to great heights of heroism, they also displayed
remarkable restraint. It was surely Gandhi's contribution. The
Cripps discussed the matter with the Indian leaders. He proposed
Dominion Status with power to the States and the provinces to rebellion was, however, gradually put down.
secede and convening of a constitution-making body after the War. Gandhi was in Agakhan Palace jail. He was blamed by the British for
But the adherence to the constitution drafted by that body was not to the disturbances. He could not tolerate questioning of his faith and
be obligatory. Indian leaders including Gandhi found the Cripps honesty and fasted for 21 days. Gandhi lost his wife Kasturba and his

SEM 1 SECTION 5 (ENGLISH ) Page 23

Secretary Mahadev Desai in the Agakhan Palace. It was a great blow Cabinet Mission
to him. His health was not in a good condition. He was finally
released in May 1944 on health grounds. He then started efforts to The War ended in 1945. After an election, Labour Party's
break the political stalemate. Government came to power in England. England had been extremely
weakened financially and militarily. The Azad Hind Sena had shown
Background of the Partition that even the army was not untouched by nationalism. Mutiny of the
naval ratings in February 1946 gave the same indication. The people
The Hindu-Muslim unity, forged at the time of the Khilafat agitation, were in an agitated mood. The British rule had lost legitimacy in the
collapsed thereafter. The country witnessed a wave of communal eyes of the people. The British, therefore, decided to withdraw from
riots. The British encouraged Muslim communalism and used it to India
obstruct the path of the Freedom Movement. M. A. Jinnah, an
erstwhile liberal leader, who had been sidelined when the Congress Cabinet Mission was sent to India to help in the formation of Interim
became a mass organisation, assumed the leadership of Muslim Government and to purpose a scheme regarding the transfer of
communalism power. The mission proposed that the provinces be divided in three
groups, in one of which Hindus were in the majority while in the
The Muslim League under his leadership became more aggressive, other two Muslims. Subjects like defence, foreign affairs,
unreasonable and violent. The two-nation theory-that Hindus and communications etc, were to be with the Central Authority and the
Muslims were two separate Muslim homeland called 'Pakistan,' groups were to be free to frame constitutions about other subjects.
consisting of the Muslim-majority provinces. Jinnah's shrewdness, Gandhi found the proposals defective. Muslim League declared
ambition and ruthlessness, communalisation of large sections of 'Direct Action' to get Pakistan. 'Direct Action' meant unleashing of
society and the British support for Jinnah, brought about such a violence. The Hindus retaliated. In Calcutta alone, over 6000 people
situation that the Muslim demands became an obstacle in the way of were killed 4 days. The Hindu communalism too became stronger.
India's Independence. Jinnah kept the demands fluid and utilised
every opportunity to frustrate the Nationalist Movement and further The Noakhali massacre
his end with the support of the British rulers.
In the Noakhali area of East Bengal, where Muslims formed 82% of
The two-nation theory was an untruth. The Hindus and Muslims had the population, a reign of terror was let loose in a planned and
lived together in India for centuries. Gandhi fought this untruth with systematic way in October 1946. The Hindus were killed and beaten,
all his might. He did everything possible, including meeting Jinnah their property was burnt, thousands of Hindus were forcibly
several times. But he failed. Jinnah wanted recognition of the League converted and thousands of Hindu women were abducted and raped.
as the sole representative of the Muslims. It was not acceptable to the Temples were defiled and destroyed.
Congress.
The League Government in Bengal aided the goondas. Even ex-

SEM 1 SECTION 5 (ENGLISH ) Page 24

serviceman joined in committing the atrocities. In Noakhali, about succeeded in earning the love and confidence of even the Muslims.
three-fourth of the land belonged to the Hindu landlords and the
tenants were mostly Muslims. The peasant unrest was naturally India wins Independence
there. It was now turned along communal channels. The Noakhali Noakhali had its reaction in Bihar, where Hindus resorted to
massacre had few parallels in the history. It showed to what level violence. The country was seized by communal madness. Gandhi
communal politics could stop to. It was meant to terrorise, kill,
went to Bihar and brought the situation under control.
convert or drive away the Hindus from Muslim-majority areas so
that Pakistan could become a reality. The situation in the country was explosive. Civil War was imminent.
The Congress ultimately consented to the partition of India. Despite
Gandhi's Noakhali March Gandhi's bitter opposition, he could not do anything to prevent the
Gandhi was deeply shocked. He could not bear the defeat of his partition
long-cherished principles. On 6th November 1946, he rushed to While the country was celebrating the Independence. Day on 15th
Noakhali. It was to be his final and perhaps the most glorious battle. August 1947, Gandhi was in Bengal to fight communal madness.
Gandhi reached Shrirampur and camped there for a few days. He Partition was followed by riots, a massacre of unparalleled
sent his associates including Pyarelal and Sushila Nayyar to different dimensions. It witnessed movement of about one crore persons and
villages which were mostly deserted by the Hindus. He did all his killing of at least six lakh persons. Calcutta was once more on the
personal work himself. He worked like a possessed man. He walked verge of riots. Gandhi under-took a fast which had a magical effect.
barefooted, went from house to house, talked to Hindus and Lord Mountbatten described him as 'one-man peace army'. Gandhi
Muslims, heard their points of view, and reasoned with them and continued to plead for sanity in those turbulent days.
addressed meetings. Gandhi's death
He wanted to instill fearlessness into the Hindus. He exhorted them It was January 1948. Communal feelings were high due to the
to die nonviolently, if need be, but not to submit to terror. He did not partition of the country. Hindu communalists thought that Gandhi
appease the Muslim. He told the truth bluntly. He wanted to win was pro-Muslim. His fast for communal amity which resulted in the
their confidence and make them see reason and earn the confidence
Government of India honouring its obligation of giving Rs. 50
of the Hindus. He did not only preach, he served the village poor. He Crores. to Pakistan had further angered them. Gandhi was staying at
was testing his Nonviolence. It was very difficult to establish mutual the Birla house in New Delhi. He used to hold evening prayer
trust. The League had made poisonous propaganda against him. But meetings regularly. He used to speak on various issues. Once a bomb
Gandhi's mission began to yield results. It boosted the morale of was thrown during his prayer meeting. Still, Gandhi did not permit
Hindus. Passions began to subside. Some evacuees started returning security checks.
home. Some even returned to their original faith. Gandhi gradually

SEM 1 SECTION 5 (ENGLISH ) Page 25

On 30th of January 1948, about 500 people had gathered for the
prayer meeting on the lawns of the Birla House. Gandhi was a bit
late as Sardar Patel had come to see him. At 5.10 p.m. he left the
room and walked to the prayer ground. He was supporting himself
on the shoulders of Abha and Manu, his grand daughter-in-law and
granddaughter respectively. People rushed forward to get his darshan
and to touch his feet.

Gandhi folded his hands to greet them. When he was a few yards
away from the prayer platform, a young man came forward. He
saluted Gandhi, suddenly took out a small pistol and fired three
shots. The bullets hit Gandhi on and below the chest. He fell to the
ground with the words. 'Hey Ram' on his lips. He died within
minutes. The crowd was shocked. The assassin was Nathuram
Godse,' a worker of Hindu Mahasabha. He was caught and handed
over to the Police.

Gandhi's body was taken to Birla House. People thronged the place
and wept bitterly. The whole world was plunged in sorrow. The next
morning, Gandhi's body was placed on a gun-carriage and taken to
Rajghat. Millions of people joined the procession to have the last
darshan (glimpse) of the Mahatma. His son Ramdas lit the funeral
pyre. The Mahatma had become a martyr for communal unity.

SEM 1 SECTION 5 (ENGLISH ) Page 26