The Idea of Satyagraha - Chapter 2 Nationalism in India Class 10 History
Here you will find detailed topic on The Idea of Satyagraha given in Chapter 2 Nationalism in India Class 10 History will make entire memorizing process effortless and entertaining. Through these notes a student can boost their preparation and assessment of understood concepts. You will understand the various factors through which one can improve their efficiency.
| Study Material for Class 10 History Chapter 2 Nationalism in India |
|---|
The Idea of Satyagraha - Chapter 2 Nationalism in India Class 10 History
• When India was facing with the great hardships created due to the first World War, a new leader appeared, Mahatma Gandhi and suggested a new mode of struggle.
• He returned to India in January 1915 from South Africa where he had successfully fought the racist regime with a novel method of mass agitation, which he called satyagraha.
The Idea of Satyagraha
• Satyagraha is made up of two Sanskrit words 'satya' meaning truth and 'agraha' meaning holding firmly to. The idea of satyagraha emphasised the power of truth and the need to search for truth.
• It suggested that if the cause was true, if the struggle was against injustice, then physical force was not necessary to fight the oppressor. Without seeking vengeance or being aggressive, a satyagrahi could win the battle through non-violence. This could be done by appealing to the conscience of the oppressor.
• A satyagrahi therefore does not seek to end or destroy the relationship with the oppressor, but instead burns the flame of love. People including oppressors had to be persuaded to see the truth, instead of being forced to accept truth through the use of violence.
• By this struggle, truth was bound to ultimately triumph. Mahatma Gandhi believed that this dharma of non-violence could unite all Indians.
• After arriving in India, Mahatma Gandhi successfully organised satyagraha movements in various places.
• In 1917 he travelled to Champaran in Bihar to inspire the peasants to struggle against the oppressive plantation system. Then in 1917, he organised a satyagraha to support the peasants of the Kheda district of Gujarat. In 1918, Mahatma Gandhi went to Ahmedabad to organise a satyagraha movement amongst cotton mill workers.
Indigo Farmers at Champaran of 1917
• In Champaran, Bihar, the farmers were forced to grow cash crop, indigo by the British. Farmers were protesting against having to grow indigo with barely any payment for it. Gandhi led organised protests and strike. Soon, Champaran Agrarian Bill was prepared which abolished plantation system and farmers should be compensated.