NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF

STUDY AND RESEARCH IN LAW,

RANCHI

HISTORY PROJECT

Gandhian Method of Struggle-Truce-Struggle

SUBMITTED TO- SUBMITTED BY-

Mr. ABHINAV PRAKASH NAME: VANSH GANDHI

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR SEMESTER: II

SECTION – A

ROLL NO: 1267

Table of Contents
Declaration.......................................................................................................................................3

Acknowledgement...........................................................................................................................4

Introduction......................................................................................................................................5

Rise Of Mahatma Gandhi................................................................................................................6

Factors Responsible For Rise Of Mahatma Gandhi:...............................................................6

Nature & Character of Gandhian Movements : Struggle Truce Struggle........................................7

Struggle-Truce-Struggle (STS)................................................................................................8

Gandhi’s Struggle truce Struggle theory a success or a failure?...................................................10

Movements by gandhiji that were taken back as STS strategy......................................................11

Non-Cooperation Movement (1920)......................................................................................11

Quit India Movement (1942).................................................................................................12

Civil Disobedience Movement(1930)....................................................................................12

Round Table Confrences........................................................................................................13

Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................14
 Declaration

I, Vansh Gandhi, a Second-semester BALLB student of National University of Study and

Research in Law, Ranchi, at this moment declare that the project titled Gandhian Method
of Struggle-Truce-Struggle under the guidance of, Mr. Abhinav Prakash, faculty of
History is an original work. I have made sincere efforts to complete this project and have
not misrepresented facts or data.

I declare that the statements made and the conclusions drawn are the bona fide outcome
of the research work. I further assert that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, proper
references have been given and do not contain any work that has been submitted to other
universities.
 Acknowledgement

Firstly, I would like to thank my teacher and mentor, Mr. Abhinav Prakash , who showed faith in
me by providing such an excellent topic. Her constant guidance has played a vital role in the
completion of this project successfully. Her keen attention helped me deal with each problem
that 6I faced during this project successfully. I express my gratitude to all the staff members and
administrators of NUSRL for providing me with a beautiful library. Their support cannot be
expressed in words.

Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who helped me to complete this
project without any problems.
 Introduction

The Indian nationalist movement was probably one of the largest mass revolutions in modern
history, mobilising millions of people of all backgrounds and beliefs into direct activism and
bringing a powerful colonial empire to its fall. Various components of the Indian national
struggle, particularly Gandhian political strategy, are especially applicable to similar movements
in cultures that are defined by a democratic and mostly civil libertarian polity. The one and only
true historical example of something like a semi-democratic or democratic type of political
organisation being effectively replaced or modified is the Indian national movement. The Indian
national movement is possibly one of the clearest examples of how to build a large-scale
movement with a shared goal in which multiple political and ideological currents may coexist
and compete for overall intellectual political predominance. While vigorous debate on all
fundamental issues was permitted, the movement's coherence and striking force were not
harmed; rather, the movement's diversity and atmosphere of liberty and debate became a primary
pillar of strength. Today, 75 years after independence, we are both close enough to feel the
energy of the freedom struggle and far enough away to be able to assess it objectively and with
the information at hand. We must examine it since it is closely related to our past, present, and
destiny. Men and women of all ages and societies write their own history, but not in a historical
void. Their efforts to solve current issues and design their future, however innovative, are guided
and restricted, shaped and conditioned, by their respective histories, their inherited economic,
political, and ideological systems. To clarify, India's course since 1947 has profound roots. To
clarify, India's journey since 1947 has profound roots in the war for freedom. 1The political and
ideological characteristics that have shaped post-independence growth are essentially a legacy of
the liberation struggle. It is a heritage that belongs to all Indians, regardless of which political
party or group they presently belong to, because the 'party' that led this struggle from 1885 to
1947 was not a party but a movement that included all political trends from the right to the left.
The virtues and modern ideals upon which movement was founded, as well as the leadership's
broad socio-economic and political vision (this vision was of a representative democracy, civil
libertarian, and secular India, based on a self-reliant, egalitarian social order and an impartial

1
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Independence-Day-Indian-holiday#:~:text=Independence%20Day%20in
%20India%20occurs,longer%20under%20British%20imperialist%20rule.
foreign policy) are important considerations. In India, the revolution helped promote democratic
principles and institutions.

Rise Of Mahatma Gandhi

Throughout the history of humankind, several great leaders have appeared to assist humanity at
various times. Among these great leaders, Mahatma Gandhi stands out. He was a real-life Saint.
Mahatma Gandhi's life was an inspiration, and his principles continue to resonate in the hearts
and minds of millions around the world, despite his death.2

We know for a certainty that Lech Walesa consciously tried to infuse Gandhian approach into
the Polish Solidarity Movement. The Indian National Movement's most prominent leader was
Mahatma Gandhi. It landed masses from front to back until he died. He was a "one man army"
who had a profound impact on the entire human race. The ascension of Gandhiji to the position
of supreme leader of the National Movement signalled the start of a new era in India's war
against British rule. The Gandhian movement was instrumental in forcing the British to depart
India by 1947.

Factors Responsible For Rise Of Mahatma Gandhi:

 The Gandhian experience's success. Gandhiji's leadership of the South African campaign
had already made him a national icon.3
 Gandhiji's reputation as a good leader had penetrated each part of India even before he set
foot on Indian soil in 1915. Thousands used to flack to the bus stand to have a glimpse of
great soul whenever Gandhiji visited any part of India.
 Gandhiji did not have to begin his political career in India from the beginning. Both
moderates and extremists had gained much of their broad appeal by the time Mahatma
Gandhi arrived from South Africa in 1915.
 The level of nationalist awakening had risen dramatically, and Indian nationalists were
looking for new leaders who could successfully direct them against British rule.

2
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/the-rise-of-mahatma/story-UZznHj1StszX6N4sJblrEP.html
3
https://www.mapsofindia.com/personalities/gandhi/emergence.html
  By 1919-20, India had formed a leadership vacuum, with famous leaders such as Feroz
Shah Mehta, G. Gokhale, Dadabhai Naoroji, and Tilak no longer alive. This leadership
void is exacerbated by Gandhi's status as the only high-ranking leader available in India
as a result.
 The early success of Gandhi's movement, which took place between 1917 and 1918,
convinced the public that only Gandhian leadership could force the British to adopt
Indian demands. Champaran (1917), Ahmedabad Mill Satyagraha (1918), and Khera
Satyagraha (1918) were all popular movements. These triumphs mesmerised the people,
and Indian patriots became obedient Gandhi followers. Millions were drawn to Gandhian
activities because of their distinctive nature. Even communists may take part in Gandhi's
anti-British struggle. Both Hindus and Muslims held him in high regard. By 1920, this
widespread acceptance of Gandhi's views had elevated him to the position of supreme
leader of the National Movement.
 Gandhi's views and actions were so consistent that millions of people became Gandhians.
Mahatma Gandhi was an average Indian man. Anyone could relate with Gandhiji, and as
a result, every patriot began to see his goals realised via Gandhiji's ideas.
 He possessed a captivating charisma. When Indian nationalists faced a major challenge,
they rallied around Gandhiji's banner. By 1920, he had established himself as the
undisputed leader of the National Movement.

Nature & Character of Gandhian Movements : Struggle Truce Struggle

The Gandhian Movement was founded on a set of beliefs and ideals. Examining Mahatma
Gandhi's techniques, their goal and purpose, and the values that motivated him aided in
comprehending the Gandhian Movement's character. Because the main Gandhian battle was to
broaden the extent of liberty experienced by Indian citizens, the Gandhian Movement was liberal
in nature.

This was a democrat, secular, egalitarian movement. Gandhiji believed in the energy and
capacity of the people to participate to India's war against British rule, hence the Gandhian
Movement was fundamentally a mass movement. He believed that without participation of the
masses, no nationalist effort could succeed. Anti-colonial and nonviolent, the campaign was a
success. It was distinguished by the deployment of both constitutional and non-constitutional
tactics. Gandhi's movement was characterised by its radical nature, as Gandhi's techniques and
aims were far more assertive, even extremist, than those of his contemporaries. Because Gandhiji
took the national struggle to the most remote corners of India, the Gandhian Movement has
given India a distinct personality. The National Movement was no longer confined to cities and
towns. Under Mahatma Gandhi's guidance, Indian villages also joined the anti-British resistance.
Gandhiji's movement was a hybrid movement because he addressed political, social, economic,
and cultural issues. He opposed untouchability as well as sins like alcoholism. Throughout his
life, he worked for the advancement of lower castes and women. The Gandhian Movement was a
process rather than a single event. This campaign began after Gandhi returned from South Africa
and continued uninterrupted throughout his life. The Gandhian movement was divided into two
phases: aggressive and passive. During the active phase, public agitation was organised, while
village reconstruction was done during the passive phase. The recreated Gandhian village
focuses on prohibition, vocational education, cottage industries, the abolition of untouchability,
the fostering of Hindu-Muslim cooperation, and the upliftment of the lower castes and women.
Because Gandhiji always employed the proper techniques to achieve his goals, the Gandhian
Movement was basically an ethical-moral battle. Even the British were always forewarned
before launching a large movement, and he never took advantage of their shortcomings.
Satyagraha was crucial to Gandhi's movement (fight for the truth). He stood for the truth,
regardless of the repercussions. To defeat his opponents, he used soul force.

Struggle-Truce-Struggle (STS)

The Gandhian Revolution likewise emphasised the concepts of struggle-truce-struggle (STS) and
pressure-compromise-pressure (PCP). Gandhiji was known for keeping the door of negotiation
open. He never pressured the people to their limits because he recognised the struggle versus
British authority would be long. Mahatma used the truce or period of negotiation to re-energize
the people. The Gandhian Movement was a controlled revolution. Whenever the movement
attempted to stray from its planned path, Gandhiji suspended/called off the protest instantly.
The Gandhian Movement was a huge success since the British were forced to leave India due to
high stress that Gandhian techniques created.

Mahatma Gandhi believed that because the masses could not continue to protest indefinitely,
there should be a period of ceasefire for the control to re-energize the masses while
simultaneously pressuring the rule to reconsider its policies. During the cease-fire, the masses
were channelled into positive projects such as charkha, women's empowerment, education, and
legislative activity, among others. As a result, Gandhi required the cease-fire time. Under this
strategy, political pressure, usually through a mass movement, is applied, political concessions
are secured, there is a period of ‘peaceful co-operation’, however, disguised, with the colonial
political structure; while such ‘goodwill’ prevails on both sides, preparations are made for
another round of pressure or mass movements, till the cycle is repeated — the repetition being an
upward spiraling one. The political advance came, according to this strategy, through the
political or constitutional actions of the constituted authority — i.e, the British Government.
Seizure of political power was thus ruled out by the inherent logic of this strategy. Gandhi was
the first to explicitly articulate the purpose of Swaraj. Gandhi defined Swaraj as self-government
under British rule and, if necessary, beyond the British Empire. During the Gandhian period,
non-cooperation, civil disobedience, nonviolent court assets, and pedestrian marches became key
parts of the anti-British movement. The beginning of the Gandhian Movement inflamed anti-
British sentiment because Gandhi stood in front of the British without fear, using peaceful ways.
During the Gandhian period, the National Movement evolved into a truly popular movement.

The gandhi's Struggle-Truce-Struggle (STS) policy was a lose-lose situation for british, and it
provided people ample time to recover and fight again.

Gandhiji is well-known for his mass movements, as well as for pulling them back when they are
at their pinnacle.

The only thing that the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22), Civil Disobedience (1930-33),
and Quit India Movement (1940-42) have in common is that Gandhiji withdrew them against the
preferences of other prominent Congress leaders and the general public.
Ideological war
Following the start of the civil disobedience campaign, Jawahar Lal Nehru and Mohandas
Karamchand Gandhi engaged in an ideological battle. Nehru believed that any compromise or
reconciliation with colonial power would demoralise the masses, resulting in the exhaustion of
nationalism and national sentiment. As a result, he proposed the S-V (Struggle-Victory) theory.
The theory is premised on a "continuous action policy" until swaraj was attained, as the name
suggests.

On the other hand, Gandhi believed that mass protests could not be sustained indefinitely, and
that a term of truce should be imposed on the rule to re-energize the masses while simultaneously
pressuring the rule to reconsider its policies. During the cease-fire, the masses were mobilised to
work on productive projects such as charkha, women's empowerment, education, and legislative
work, among others. As a result, Gandhi required the cease-fire time.

Criticizing the STS strategy, Nehru claimed that, following the Lahore Congress's call for the
Purna Swaraj agenda, the Indian National Movement had reached a point where it needed to be
in constant confrontation and combat with imperialism until it was overthrown.

He urged for the Congress to maintain a "continuous direct action" strategy without the need for
a constitutionalist phase.

He claimed that two annas and four annas could not win real power. A Struggle-Victory strategy
was proposed by Nehru.

Gandhi’s Struggle truce Struggle theory a success or a failure?

According to Gandhi's Struggle-Truce-Struggle (STS) strategy, mass movements have a deeply

rooted natural inclination to fade away after reaching a specific stature, that the potential of
masses to sustain repression, endure suffering, and make sacrifices is limited, and that a moment
arises when breathing space is needed to consolidate, recover, and gather strength for another
round of struggle.

 During their time in South Africa, Gandhiji realised that people's capacity to tolerate a
movement is limited.
  A substantial number of Congressmen, led by Gandhiji, thought that a mass phase of
movement (struggle phase) had to be followed by a period of reprieve (truce phase)
before moving on to the next stage of mass struggle.
 The truce time, it was suggested, would allow the masses to regain their fighting strength
while also allowing the government to respond to nationalist demands. The masses
couldn't keep sacrificing forever.
 If the administration does not react favorably, the protest could be restarted with broad
participation.
 The nationalistic movement's main strategic vision was to fight a long-term hegemonic
confrontation, or, in Normative terminology, a war of position.
 By hegemonic conflict, we mean a battle for men and women's minds and souls, so that
nationalist influence can continue to grow among the people through various channels
and stages of the national movement.
 One of the goals of the nationalist strategy was to gradually destroy the colonial rulers'
hegemony or ideological influence in all aspects of society.
 The STS approach proved to be a unique form of political activity, one that altered Indian
politics and mobilised millions of people to fight the British Raj.
 Its success can be seen in events such as the Champaran Satyagraha, the
Ahmedabad Work Strike, as well as the Kheda Satyagraha, where Gandhiji's
actions on the lines of Nonviolent resistance resulted in the passage of Acts and
settlement between both the parties concerned.

Mahatma Gandhi rightly said

“In a gentle way you can shake the world”

Movements by gandhiji that were taken back as STS strategy

Non-Cooperation Movement (1920)

The only reason for the start of the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920 was the Jallianwala
Bagh Massacre. It rocked Gandhi to his core, causing him to realise that the British were able to
maintain control over Indians because of the collaboration they provided. This was the turning
point in his decision to start a Non-Cooperation Movement. He was successful in persuading
people that peaceful non-cooperation was the path to achieving independence, thanks to the
support of the Congress and his unbreakable spirit. Gandhi later defined the notion of Swaraj,
which has since become a central component of the Indian freedom struggle. People began
boycotting British-run establishments including as schools, colleges, government offices, and
even courts, and instead organised panchayats to settle issues. However, after the Chauri Chaura
tragedy, in which 23 police officers were killed, Gandhi himself put a halt to the campaign. 4

Quit India Movement (1942)

During World War II, Mahatma Gandhi began the Quit India movement, also known as the
Bharat Chodo Aandolan, to drive British power out of India. The India Congress Committee
sought a wholesale British exit from India at Gandhi's request, and Gandhi delivered a "Do or
Die" address. As a result, British officers detained all members of the Indian National Congress
and imprisoned them without charge. However, nationwide protests and demonstrations
continued. Even though the British were able to put down the Quit India Movement, they soon
understood that their authority in India was coming to an end. They made obvious signs of
turning over the powers to India by the end of World War II. Gandhi eventually ended the
movement, which resulted in the liberation of thousands of inmates.

Civil Disobedience Movement(1930)

The civil disobedience movement was an important aspect of Mahatma Gandhi's Indian freedom
struggle against the colonial administration. Gandhi stated his willingness to halt the agitation if
his eleven requests were met by the government in a speech to the country published in the
publication Young India in March 1930. However, Lord Irwin's government did not respond. As
a result, he jumped right into the movement. The Dandi March, which Gandhi led from

4
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-cooperation_movement
Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi in Gujarat on March 12, 1930, was the start of the movement. 5
Gandhi and his companions broke the salt rules by manufacturing salt from salted sea water after
arriving in Dandi. Following this, breaching British rules became a common occurrence in India.
People began selling banned political pamphlets in violation of Section 144. People began
protesting in front of government buildings and stores selling foreign goods after Gandhiji
encouraged Indian women to begin spinning.

India's women have begun to participate in the country's war for independence. Sarojini Naidu
was in the forefront of this movement. Abdul Gaffar Khan, dubbed "Frontier Gandhi" in the
north-west, was the most popular leader. The Indian National Congress refused to participate in a
round table conference organised by Lord Irwin's cabinet in London in 1930. In 1931, Lord
Irwin formed a contract with Gandhi to ensure that Congress would attend the second roundtable
discussion. The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was the name of the agreement. The agreement called for the
release of all political prisoners and the repeal of all restrictive laws.

Round Table Confrences

The British administration convened a series of three meetings in India's history to debate the
country's future constitution. The conference was the result of the Simon Commission's
examination of the Government of India Act of 1919, which began in 1927 and ended in 1930.
The meeting took place in London. 6The first session (November 12, 1930–January 19, 1931)
featured 73 members from all Indian states and parties, with the exception of the Indian National
Congress, which was engaged in a civil disobedience campaign against the government. Its main
achievement was a commitment to parliamentarianism—the acceptance of the federal principle
by all, including the princes—and dominion status as the ultimate aim of constitutional
evolution. Mahatma Gandhi represented the Congress at the second session (September–
December 1931), but there was no consensus, either constitutionally or on communal
representation. The third session (November 17–December 24, 1932) was smaller and less
significant, with neither the Congress nor the British Labour Party present.

5
https://leverageedu.com/blog/civil-disobedience-movement/#:~:text=It%20was%20launched%20after
%20the,Gandhi%20broke%20the%20salt%20law.
6
https://www.britannica.com/event/Round-Table-Conference
The Government of India Act, 1935, established provincial freedom as well as a federal structure
that was never adopted as a result of these discussions.7

Conclusion

Since Gandhiji emphasised not just political issues but also socio-economic-cultural issues
affecting the masses, such as the abolition of casteism, the social advancement of women, and
the upliftment of lower castes, the Gandhian Movement transformed national struggle into a
composite movement. Because this moral framework of Anti-British Fight was substantially
strengthened, National Struggle was transformed into ethical, moral conflict.

With the rise of Mahatma Gandhi, the Mass Movement had become a "Satyagraha." It wasn't a
war for political rights anymore. Since the Gandhian Movement's ultimate goal was to strengthen
the masses so that everyone may live a life with dignity, it has become a war for truth.

The Gandhian Movement was instrumental in forcing the British to quit India in 1947. When
Gandhiji began a peaceful mass movement, the position of British rule became untenable.
Gandhiji had skillfully transformed a political struggle into a moral battle that his opponents can
not win; as a result, the British were forced to leave Hindustan in 1947.

The beginning of the Gandhian Movement inflamed anti-British sentiment because Gandhi stood
in front of the British without fear, using peaceful ways. During the Gandhian period, the
National Movement evolved into a truly popular movement.

The Gandhian movement made extensive use of STS (Struggle-Truce-Struggle) and PCP
(Pressure-Compromise-Pressure) methods. It was a huge success because it was only because of
the Gandhian movement's agitation that the British were made to evacuate India in 1947.

7
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_of_India_Act