Which of the following option is correct with reference to Mahatma Ga...
Resistance Against Compulsory Registration Requirements
- Mahatma Gandhi's first act of resistance in South Africa was against the compulsory registration requirements for Asians.
- In 1906, the Asiatic Registration Act was passed, which required all Indians in the Transvaal region to register and carry passes at all times.
- Gandhi, along with the Indian community, protested against this unjust law, marking the beginning of his journey as a social and political activist.
Development of Satyagraha
- While in South Africa, Gandhi developed the concept of Satyagraha, a form of nonviolent resistance.
- Satyagraha was first used by Gandhi in South Africa in his fight against the poll tax imposed on the Indian community.
- Through Satyagraha, Gandhi encouraged passive resistance, civil disobedience, and non-cooperation with unjust laws and policies.
Impact on Gandhi's Life
- Gandhi's experiences in South Africa shaped his beliefs and methods of activism, which he later applied in India's struggle for independence.
- The challenges he faced in South Africa strengthened his resolve and commitment to fighting injustice through peaceful means.
- Gandhi's time in South Africa laid the foundation for his future role as a leader of India's freedom movement and as a proponent of nonviolent resistance worldwide.
Which of the following option is correct with reference to Mahatma Ga...
Option c is correct.
- Option a is incorrect: The second phase of the struggle in South Africa, which began in 1906, was characterized by the use of the method of passive resistance or civil disobedience, which Gandhiji named Satyagraha. It was first used when the Government enacted legislation making it compulsory for Indians to take out certificates of registration which held their finger prints. It was essential to carry these on person at all times.
- Option b is incorrect: In 1903 Gandhi began Indian Opinion as a means to serve and consolidate the Indian community. He wrote opinions and arguments criticizing the attitude of the British government in South Africa towards Asian immigrants and indentured labourers, especially those from India and their civil rights issues. Gandhi started Young India in 1919. Young India was a weekly paper or journal in English. He used Young India to spread his unique ideology and thoughts regarding the use of nonviolence in organising movements and to urge readers to consider, organise, and plan for India's eventual independence from Britain.
- Option c is correct: Mahatma Gandhi’s first main civil rights fight started in 1906 when the Government enacted legislation making it compulsory for Indians to take out certificates of registration which held their fingerprints. It was essential to carry these on person at all times. Indians resolved that they would refuse to submit to this law and would face the consequences. Gandhiji formed the Passive Resistance Association to conduct the campaign. The last date for registration being over, the Government started proceedings against Gandhiji and twenty-six others.
- Option d is incorrect: Gandhiji returned to India in 1915 upon the invitation and request of Gopal Krishna Gokhale, who impressed with his fight for civil rights in South Africa, wanted Gandhiji to contribute to India’s struggle for independence. His message was conveyed to Gandhiji by C.F. Andrews, his associate in South Africa.
- Knowledge Base: Gandhiji’s political activities from 1894 to 1906 may be classified as the ‘Moderate’ phase of the struggle. During this phase, he concentrated on petitioning and sending memorials.This he tried to do through the setting up of the Natal Indian Congress and by starting a paper called Indian Opinion. The second phase of the struggle in South Africa, which began in 1906, was characterized by the use of the method of passive resistance or civil disobedience, which Gandhiji named Satyagraha.
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