In this post, notes of “Unit 5: Swaraj: Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi” from “DSC 14: Modern Indian Political Thought” are given which is helpful for the students doing graduation this year.
1. Introduction to Swaraj
What is Swaraj?
Swaraj means self-rule and is an important idea in Indian politics, especially promoted by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Mahatma Gandhi. It stands for freedom to govern oneself and having moral discipline.
- Tilak’s View: Swaraj meant complete freedom from British rule. He famously said, “Swaraj is my right by birth, and I will have it.”
- Gandhi’s View: Swaraj was not just political freedom but also self-rule for individuals and communities, focusing on moral independence and self-sufficiency.
History of Swaraj
- Swaraj began as a reaction to colonial rule.
- Tilak was one of the first to make Swaraj a main goal in the fight for freedom in the early 1900s.
- In the 1920s and 1930s, Gandhi expanded Swaraj to include economic independence, spiritual growth, and local governance.
- After India’s independence, Swaraj was implemented through local self-governance (Panchayati Raj).
Why is Swaraj Important?
- Political Influence: Inspired major movements like the Home Rule Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement.
- Social Influence: Encouraged self-reliance, rural development, and local democracy.
- Philosophical Influence: Emphasized freedom from external rule, self-discipline, and ethical living.
2. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Early Life and Political Career
- Born on 23 July 1856 in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra.
- Studied at Deccan College, Pune, and worked as a teacher before entering politics.
- Helped start the Deccan Education Society (1884) and Fergusson College (1885).
- Joined the Indian National Congress (INC) and became a strong nationalist.
- Advocated for Swaraj (self-rule), Swadeshi (using Indian goods), and the boycott of British goods.
- Imprisoned multiple times for writings against British rule.
Concept of Swaraj and its Evolution
- Tilak’s Swaraj = Complete Political Independence, non-negotiable.
- Believed Swaraj meant full self-rule and total freedom from British control.
- Unlike Gandhi, he emphasized legal changes, public protests, and direct political action.
- Key Movements:
- Home Rule Movement (1916): Encouraged Indians to demand self-rule.
- Ganesh and Shivaji Festivals: Used cultural events to unite people.
- Declared Swaraj is a right, not a gift from the British.
Key Writings and Speeches
- “Gita Rahasya” (1915): Interpreted the Bhagavad Gita as a call for action and duty.
- Wrote nationalist articles in Kesari and Mahratta newspapers.
- Court Speech (1908): “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it.”
Role in Indian Nationalist Movement
- Supported direct action over passive resolutions.
- Inspired youth to join nationalist efforts.
- Opposed the Moderates in INC, leading to the 1907 split.
- Worked with Annie Besant on the Home Rule League.
- Key figure in the Lucknow Pact (1916), uniting Hindus and Muslims.
Impact on Indian Politics and Society
- Inspired future leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose.
- His aggressive nationalism paved the way for mass movements.
- Strengthened cultural nationalism using history and religion.
- Advocated education and self-reliance, shaping India’s independence movement.
3. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Early Life and Influences
- Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat.
- Studied law in London (1888-1891) and worked in South Africa (1893-1914), where he developed ideas on non-violence (Ahimsa) and passive resistance (Satyagraha).
- Key Influences:
- Bhagavad Gita → Karma Yoga & duty.
- Jainism & Ahimsa → Non-violence.
- Leo Tolstoy → Simplicity & truth.
- John Ruskin (“Unto This Last”) → Economic fairness & self-reliance.
- Henry David Thoreau (“Civil Disobedience”) → Resistance against unjust laws.
Concept of Swaraj
- Philosophical:
- Swaraj = More than political freedom → Includes self-control, morality, and economic independence.
- Individual Swaraj → Simple living, self-sufficiency, and ethical governance.
- National Swaraj → True democracy with local self-rule (Gram Swaraj).
- Practical:
- Swaraj means freedom from British rule and social reform (ending caste discrimination).
- Promoted Swadeshi → Using local goods, self-reliance, boycotting foreign products.
- Led key movements:
- Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22).
- Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-34).
- Quit India Movement (1942).
Key Writings and Speeches
- Hind Swaraj (1909):
- Swaraj = Self-discipline & self-sufficiency.
- Rejected modern industrialization as morally harmful.
- Promoted non-violent resistance over armed struggle.
- Autobiography – “The Story of My Experiments with Truth” (1927): Personal journey & philosophy.
- Famous Speeches:
- 1920 – “Not cooperating with evil is as important as cooperating with good.”
- 1942 (Quit India Movement) – “Do or Die.”
Role in Indian Independence Movement
- 1919: Protested the Rowlatt Act, leading to the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.
- 1920-22: Led the Non-Cooperation Movement, urging people to boycott British goods and services.
- 1930: Salt March (Dandi March) → Defied British salt laws.
- 1942: Quit India Movement → Demanded immediate independence.
- Negotiated with the British at the Round Table Conferences and during the Cripps Mission.
Impact on Indian Politics and Society
- Inspired global leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela.
- Turned independence into a mass movement, empowering ordinary people.
- Advocated communal harmony, opposed the Partition of India.
- Focused on rural development, self-sufficiency, and uplifting the oppressed (Harijans).
- Influenced India’s democratic policies, local governance (Panchayati Raj), and self-reliance post-independence.
4. Comparing Ideas
Similarities and Differences in Their Views on Swaraj
| Aspect | Bal Gangadhar Tilak | Mahatma Gandhi |
| Definition of Swaraj | Full political freedom from British rule. | Self-rule for individuals and the nation, including moral and spiritual growth. |
| Approach | Aggressive and demanding, wanted freedom now. | Peaceful and gradual, focused on self-improvement and self-governance. |
| Ways to Achieve Swaraj | Legal changes, public protests, cultural pride. | Non-cooperation, breaking unjust laws, and Swadeshi (self-reliance on local goods). |
| Role of the Individual | People as active fighters for freedom. | People should follow self-discipline, truth, and non-violence. |
| Economic View | Supported Swadeshi, but prioritized political freedom. | Economic independence (Khadi, village industries, self-sufficiency) as the foundation of Swaraj. |
| Political System | A strong, centralized national government. | Local governance (Gram Swaraj), empowering villages. |
| Modernization | Supported modern technology for nation-building. | Opposed excessive modernization, preferred a simple, rural lifestyle. |
| View on British Rule | British rule must end for India to progress. | British rule is wrong, but Swaraj requires moral and social readiness first. |
Impact of Social and Cultural Backgrounds
- Tilak’s views were shaped by:
- His Maharashtrian Brahmin background, leading him to use Hindu symbols (Ganesh Utsav, Shivaji Jayanti) to unite people.
- The rise of nationalism in Bengal and Maharashtra.
- Harsh British policies (Partition of Bengal, repression), which made him demand immediate freedom.
- Gandhi’s views were shaped by:
- His time in South Africa, where he developed Satyagraha (non-violent resistance).
- His Vaishnav upbringing and Jain influences, which led him to reject violence.
- The poverty in Indian villages, making him focus on rural development and Swadeshi.
Adding to the Idea of Swaraj in India
- Tilak started the push for full independence, making Swaraj a political goal.
- Gandhi expanded Swaraj to include moral, economic, and social self-rule.
- Together, they mobilized the masses, making Swaraj the central aim of the freedom struggle.
Importance of Their Ideas in Today’s India
- Tilak’s Swaraj and modern democracy:
- His demand for complete independence laid the foundation for India’s democratic system.
- His emphasis on education and cultural pride still influences political thought.
- Gandhi’s Swaraj and modern governance:
- Gram Swaraj is reflected in Panchayati Raj (local self-governance).
- His ideas of Swadeshi and self-reliance are seen in Make in India & Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
- Non-violence and civil disobedience remain powerful tools in social and political activism.
Final Thoughts
Both Tilak and Gandhi played crucial roles in shaping Indian nationalism. Tilak’s aggressive call for Swaraj set the stage for independence, while Gandhi expanded the idea to include self-discipline, ethics, and local governance. Their philosophies continue to influence India’s political, economic, and social development today.
5. Conclusion
Summary of Key Points
- Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Mahatma Gandhi were key leaders in India’s freedom struggle.
- Tilak’s Swaraj: Focused on political freedom, cultural pride, and mass action, declaring, “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it.”
- Gandhi’s Swaraj: Included self-rule, non-violence, economic independence (Swadeshi), and local governance (Gram Swaraj).
- Both leaders mobilized the masses and played a major role in India’s independence (1947).
Reflection on Their Ideas Today
- Political Influence:
- Tilak’s nationalism influences modern discussions on self-reliance and national identity.
- Gandhi’s principles of non-violence and peaceful protest continue to shape global movements and diplomacy.
- Economic and Social Impact:
- Gandhi’s Swadeshi philosophy is reflected in Make in India & Atmanirbhar Bharat policies.
- Tilak’s emphasis on education continues to drive India’s focus on knowledge and skill development.
- Local Governance:
- Gandhi’s Gram Swaraj is seen in India’s Panchayati Raj system, promoting local self-rule.
Tilak and Gandhi’s Legacy in Modern India
- Tilak, the “Father of Indian Unrest,” laid the foundation for Purna Swaraj (complete independence).
- Gandhi, the “Father of the Nation,” shaped India’s values of truth, non-violence, and self-governance.
- Their ideas still inspire leaders, activists, and policymakers, keeping their vision alive in India’s political, economic, and social progress.
Final Thought:
Tilak inspired India to demand freedom, while Gandhi showed how to achieve it peacefully. Their contributions remain fundamental to modern India’s governance, policies, and national identity.
