Gandhism – Truth, Non-Violence & Moral Politics
UPSC PSIR | Political Ideologies | Indian Political Philosophy
1️⃣ INTRODUCTION
Gandhism is a moral-political philosophy developed by Mahatma Gandhi.
It combines ethics, spirituality and politics.
Core Principles:
- Satya (Truth)
- Ahimsa (Non-violence)
- Swaraj (Self-rule)
- Sarvodaya (Welfare of all)
- Trusteeship
2️⃣ SATYA (TRUTH)
Truth is the ultimate reality.
Politics must be guided by moral truth.
3️⃣ AHIMSA (NON-VIOLENCE)
Non-violence is not weakness.
It is active resistance through moral force.
Satyagraha = Force of truth.
4️⃣ SWARAJ
Not just political independence.
It means:
- Self-control
- Moral autonomy
- Decentralized governance
5️⃣ SARVODAYA
Welfare of all, especially the weakest.
Focus on last person (Antyodaya).
6️⃣ TRUSTEESHIP THEORY
Wealth holders are trustees, not absolute owners.
Moral transformation instead of violent revolution.
7️⃣ GANDHI & STATE
Gandhi was skeptical of centralized modern state.
- Favored village republics
- Decentralization
- Minimal coercion
8️⃣ GANDHI vs MARX
- Marx → Violent revolution
- Gandhi → Moral transformation
- Marx → Materialism
- Gandhi → Spiritual politics
9️⃣ RELEVANCE TODAY
- Non-violent movements
- Ethical leadership
- Decentralization debates
- Sustainable living
🔟 CRITICISMS
- Idealistic
- Impractical in modern politics
- Trusteeship lacks enforcement
📝 MAINS QUESTIONS
- Discuss Gandhian concept of Swaraj.
- Critically examine Trusteeship theory.
- Gandhi vs Marx.
- Relevance of Gandhism in contemporary politics.
QUICK REVISION MAP
- Satya
- Ahimsa
- Satyagraha
- Swaraj
- Sarvodaya
- Trusteeship
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
Shaktimatha Learning – PSIR Ideology Series
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