GS1 PYQ (Mains Answer Writing): Role of Gandhi in Independence | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download

How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss. (GS 1 UPSC MAINS )

• Gandhi was the central figure in the Indian national movement. He played a major role in attaining the independence. He was a preacher of non-violence. Though the non-violence has been a dominant aspect of Indian civilization from the time of Buddha, nevertheless Gandhi was the first leader to use it as the instrument for the attainment of Swaraj. This provided a strong moral force in fighting against the mighty British Empire. 
• The freedom movement as started by the Congress was in a Think-Tank mode. The two segments of Congress, the Moderates and Extremists were moving on two different ideologies. 
• Further, the revolutionary terrorism was also increasing due to various policies of British India. Along with that communalism was also increasing and riots became very common. 
• Gandhi transformed the whole movement into an activist mode which helped in Congress getting mainstream popularity and become vanguard of the movement. 
• People of all segments, caste and class participated in freedom movement under him. He has led to generation of feeling of national integration and solidarity. 
• Gandhi was not merely a political leader; he was also an important spiritual figure for many young leaders and the large number of Indian masses. This added full vigour to the fight for independence as lot of people could connect Swaraj with religion and religious way of life. 
• If Gandhiji would not have been present then our nation would have been more divided on communal and caste angle.

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