Mahatma Gandhi believed that 1. Swaraj is not just freedom but also l...
- An analogous concept to freedom in Indian political thought is ‘Swaraj’. The term Swaraj incorporates within it two words—Swa (Self) and Raj (Rule). It can be understood to mean both the rule of the self and rule over self.
- In the context of the freedom struggle in India, Swaraj referred to freedom as a constitutional and political demand and as a value at the social collective level.
- That is why Swaraj was such an important rallying cry in the freedom movement inspiring Tilak’s famous statement: ‘Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it’.
- The understanding of Swaraj as Rule over the Self was highlighted by Mahatma Gandhi in his work Hind Swaraj, where he states, ‘It is swaraj when we learn to rule ourselves’.
- Swaraj is not just freedom but liberation in redeeming oneself, self-responsibility and capacity for self-realisation from dehumanisation institutions.
- Understanding the real ‘Self ’ and its relation to communities and society is critical for attaining Swaraj.
- Mahatma Gandhi believed the development that follows would liberate both individual and collective potentialities guided by justice.
- Needless to say, such an understanding is as relevant to the 21st century as it was when Mahatma Gandhi wrote the Hind Swaraj in 1909.
Mahatma Gandhi believed that 1. Swaraj is not just freedom but also l...
Explanation:
Mahatma Gandhi's concept of Swaraj encompasses not only political freedom but also the liberation of individuals from various forms of oppression and dehumanization. It emphasizes self-respect and the development of one's capacities for self-realization. Furthermore, Gandhi believed that understanding the true nature of the self and its relationship to communities and society is crucial in achieving Swaraj.
1. Swaraj as Freedom and Liberation:
Gandhi viewed Swaraj as more than just political independence. For him, Swaraj also meant liberation from various forms of dehumanization and oppression. It involved redeeming oneself by asserting self-respect and realizing one's full potential. Gandhi believed that individuals should strive to break free from the institutions and systems that dehumanize and oppress them.
2. Self and its Relation to Communities and Society:
In Gandhi's philosophy, understanding the true nature of the self and its relationship to communities and society is essential for attaining Swaraj. He emphasized that individuals are not isolated beings but are interconnected with their communities and society. According to Gandhi, the self cannot achieve true liberation unless it recognizes its responsibility towards others and actively participates in the well-being of the community and society.
Explanation of Correct Answer:
Both statements are correct. Gandhi's concept of Swaraj encompasses the idea of freedom as well as the liberation of individuals from dehumanization. He believed that self-respect and the development of one's capacities for self-realization are crucial aspects of Swaraj. Additionally, Gandhi stressed the importance of understanding the true nature of the self and its relationship to communities and society in achieving Swaraj. Both aspects are interconnected and integral to Gandhi's vision of Swaraj.
Therefore, the correct answer is option 'C' - Both statement 1 and statement 2 are correct.