Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence and its role in the Indian independence movement
Author(s): Bilash Samanta, Nimai Sannyasi and Abdul Halim
Abstract: Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence, or Ahimsa, played a pivotal role in the Indian Independence Movement, offering a unique and transformative approach to political resistance. Rooted in moral and spiritual beliefs, Gandhi’s commitment to nonviolence extended beyond mere abstention from physical harm; it encompassed a proactive force of love, truth, and self-discipline aimed at achieving social and political justice. This review examines the development of Gandhi’s nonviolent philosophy, its application during key movements such as the Champaran Satyagraha, Non-Cooperation Movement, Salt March, and Quit India Movement, and its impact on both the Indian freedom struggle and global resistance movements. While Gandhi’s methods faced criticism from contemporaries like Subhas Chandra Bose, who advocated for more militant approaches, his strategy of nonviolent civil disobedience proved effective in uniting millions of Indians in their fight for independence. Gandhi's emphasis on nonviolence left an enduring legacy that inspired global figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela, and it remains a powerful tool in contemporary struggles for justice and peace. This paper highlights Gandhi’s nonviolence as both a political strategy and a moral philosophy, underscoring its significant contribution to India’s independence and its lasting influence on the world.
DOI: 10.22271/27069109.2025.v7.i1a.345Pages: 29-30 | Views: 126 | Downloads: 36Download Full Article: Click Here
How to cite this article:
Bilash Samanta, Nimai Sannyasi, Abdul Halim.
Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence and its role in the Indian independence movement. Int J Hist 2025;7(1):29-30. DOI:
10.22271/27069109.2025.v7.i1a.345