Describe the early political activities of Mahatma Gandhi after his arrival from South Africa.

Early Political Activities of Mahatma Gandhi in India

Upon his return to India from South Africa in 1915, Mahatma Gandhi, already known for his role in the South African Indian community's struggle against discrimination, embarked on a new phase of political activism that would significantly impact India's fight for independence.

1. Champaran Satyagraha (1917): Gandhi's first major political engagement in India was the Champaran Satyagraha in 1917. Focused on the indigo planters' exploitation of indigo farmers in Champaran, Bihar, Gandhi employed his philosophy of nonviolent resistance. He advocated for the farmers' rights, demanding the abolition of oppressive indigo farming practices. The success of the Champaran Satyagraha not only improved the conditions of the indigo farmers but also showcased the efficacy of nonviolent protest in achieving social and political change.

2. Kheda Satyagraha (1918): The Kheda Satyagraha was another pivotal movement led by Gandhi in Gujarat in 1918. The farmers in Kheda were facing crop failure, and despite their inability to pay land revenue due to the challenging circumstances, the British administration remained uncompromising. Gandhi, adopting his principle of nonviolent non-cooperation, supported the peasants in their struggle for relief. The British eventually relented, granting concessions to the distressed farmers.

3. Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922): Gandhi's influence continued to grow, leading to the launch of the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920. He urged Indians to boycott British institutions, including schools, law courts, and government offices, as a nonviolent protest against colonial rule. The movement gained widespread support, showcasing the power of mass participation in nonviolent resistance. However, in 1922, following the Chauri Chaura incident where protesters turned violent, Gandhi called off the movement, emphasizing the importance of nonviolence in the struggle for independence.

4. Swaraj and Salt March (1930): Gandhi's call for complete independence or "Swaraj" became a rallying cry for the freedom movement. In 1930, he initiated the iconic Salt March, a 240-mile journey from Sabarmati Ashram to the Arabian Sea, to protest the British monopoly on salt production and the imposed salt tax. The march garnered international attention, and its success demonstrated the potential of nonviolent civil disobedience as a tool for political change.

5. Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934): Following the Salt March, Gandhi launched the Civil Disobedience Movement, urging Indians to disobey certain laws, pay no taxes, and participate in acts of nonviolent protest. The movement aimed to challenge unjust laws and practices, advocating for India's independence. Gandhi's arrest during the campaign underscored his commitment to the cause, and the movement significantly contributed to the momentum of the independence struggle.

In the early years of his return to India, Mahatma Gandhi strategically employed nonviolent resistance to address specific issues of injustice and oppression. His political activities during this period laid the foundation for a broader movement against British colonial rule, emphasizing the power of nonviolence and mass participation in the pursuit of India's independence.