🕊 GANDHISM – Moral Politics & Civilizational Alternative
Ethics as the Foundation of Politics
1️⃣ WHAT IS GANDHISM?
Gandhism is a political and ethical philosophy based on Truth (Satya), Non-violence (Ahimsa), and Moral Self-rule (Swaraj).
It rejects violent revolution and materialist modernity.
2️⃣ CORE PRINCIPLES
- Satya – Truth as ultimate reality
- Ahimsa – Non-violence in thought and action
- Satyagraha – Moral resistance
- Swaraj – Self-rule (inner + political)
- Trusteeship – Ethical property ownership
- Sarvodaya – Welfare of all
3️⃣ GANDHI'S CRITIQUE OF MODERNITY
In Hind Swaraj, Gandhi criticized:
- Industrial civilization
- Materialism
- Centralized state
- Violent nationalism
He proposed decentralized village republics instead.
4️⃣ GANDHI & THE STATE
- Minimal state
- Decentralization
- Gram Swaraj
- Power rooted in morality
5️⃣ GANDHI & ECONOMY
- Trusteeship theory
- Small-scale production
- Self-sufficient villages
- Opposition to exploitative capitalism
6️⃣ GANDHI & POLITICAL RESISTANCE
- Civil disobedience
- Non-cooperation
- Passive resistance
- Mass moral awakening
7️⃣ CRITICISM OF GANDHISM
- Impractical in modern industrial world
- Too moralistic
- Weak against aggressive regimes
- Ambiguity in trusteeship
8️⃣ CONTEMPORARY RELEVANCE
- Climate crisis (Simplicity & sustainability)
- Non-violent protest movements
- Decentralized governance
- Ethical politics
📝 UPSC MAINS QUESTIONS
- Critically evaluate Gandhi’s critique of modern civilization.
- Is Gandhism compatible with industrial democracy?
- Explain Trusteeship theory and its limitations.
- Discuss relevance of Satyagraha in contemporary politics.
📌 QUICK REVISION MAP
- Truth → Moral politics
- Ahimsa → Method of struggle
- Swaraj → Self-rule
- Trusteeship → Ethical economics
- Gram Swaraj → Decentralized state
Gandhism transforms politics from power struggle into moral awakening.
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