The idea of Satyagraha

Q.1 When did Gandhiji return from South Africa?

Ans. January 1915

Q.2 In which city was the Satyagraha of 1918 launched?

Ans. 1. Ahmedabad in Gujarat

2. For the demand of 35% increase in salary of the cotton mill workers

Q.3 What does the idea of Satyagraha mean? (1 mark question)

Ans. It is a method of peaceful agitation that emphasises the power of truth and the need
to search for the truth.

Q.4 What is meant by Satyagraha?

1. It is a method of peaceful agitation. It is not passive resistance.

2. It is based on the principles of truth and non-violence
3. It therefore emphasizes the power of truth and the need to search for truth
4. It suggests that: if the cause is true, if the fight is against injustice, then physical
force is not necessary. Instead, the satyagrahi could appeal to the conscience (inner
voice) of the oppressor and persuade/convince him to see the truth. So, the truth
always triumphs/wins.

Q.5 What did Gandhiji mean when he said “Satyagraha is active resistance’’?

Ans. He said so because:

1. It requires a lot of soul force activity

2. It involves great sacrifices that can be made only by strong willed people
3. It is resistance to oppression without using force
4. It emphasizes the power of truth and the need to search for it
5. He said that if the cause is true, then physical force is not necessary to fight the
oppressor. Satyagrahi could win by appealing to the oppressor’s conscience and
persuade him to see the truth

Q.6 When and where was Gandhiji born?

 1. Porbandar in Gujarat
2. 2nd October, 1869.

Q.7 How can battles be fought with the Satyagraha?

Ans. Idea of Satyagraha suggested that

 If cause was true, if the struggle was against injustice,

 Then physical force is not necessary.
 Instead, the satyagrahi could appeal to the conscience (inner voice) of the oppressor
 And persuade/convince him to see the truth.
 So, the truth would always triumph/win.

Q.8 How did Gandhiji apply the idea of Satyagraha in India? OR

What was the Champaran movement? OR
What was the Kheda movement? OR
Why did Kheda farmers protest against the Britishers? OR
Describe the third early Satyagrahi movement in India.

1. The idea of Satyagraha was first applied in 1917, in Champaran (Bihar).

1. To help peasants of Indigo plantations
2. Being oppressed by English plantation owners
2. It was then applied in Kheda district of Gujarat, in 1917
1. To help peasants against unjust demand of the British government regarding
full revenue/tax collection
2. The region had earlier faced crop failure and plague epidemic.
3. It was then applied in Ahmedabad, in 1918
1. Cotton mill workers were demanding a 35% increase in their wages/salary