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Satyagraha - Meaning, Origin, Principles, Rules to Follow, List of Movements, Criticism & More

Last Updated on Mar 21, 2025
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Gandhi showed his belief in the doctrine and method of "Satyagraha," which he described as a "sovereign cure" in the hands of the "powerless" to contend with the most "powerful." Gandhi created the idea of Satyagraha, which included a quest for Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), and self-suffering in the 20th century. Gandhi questioned the idea of power as we know it and demonstrated to the world through his Satyagraha that the weaker members of society could be just as powerful in some situations as the strong.

He believed that the Satyagraha "concept" had the strength to stand up against the "might" of British imperialism and colonialism. For him, Sarvodaya is the ultimate aim in life, and Satyagraha, or nonviolent resistance, is the way to get there. Anasakti, on the other hand, is a technique for developing self-control to attain power.

In this article, we will explain the idea of Satyagraha according to Gandhiji. This forms a major part of the UPSC IAS exam, and questions related to this topic are seen in Prelims, UPSC Mains Paper I, as well as in UPSC History Optional. This topic is equally important for the UGC NET History exam, as 4-5 questions are asked every year from the Cultural history of India.

About Satyagraha

Satyāgraha, derived from Sanskrit, is a specific manifestation of nonviolent resistance or civil resistance, synonymous with "holding firmly to truth" or "truth force." A practitioner of satyagraha is referred to as a satyagrahi. The term satyagraha was coined and developed by Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948), who applied this principle in the Indian independence movement and earlier struggles in South Africa advocating for Indian rights. The theory of satyagraha had a profound impact on campaigns led by Martin Luther King Jr. and James Bevel during the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. It also played a significant role in Nelson Mandela's anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa, influencing various social justice movements worldwide.

Origin of Satyagraha

Gandhi decided to unite the "coloured" people and fight for their rights after seeing the disgusting racist injustice in South Africa. Gandhi first used Leo Tolstoy's phrase "passive resistance" to describe the mass uprising against the discriminatory administration. Yet, Gandhi was concerned about the phrase "passive resistance" because it was unfamiliar to him, and its connotations were insufficient to emphasise the virtues of truth and moral bravery Gandhi associated with peaceful political struggle. Moreover, it separated political goals from underlying intellectual principles, placing political goals first. Gandhi wanted an Indian phrase that could include all of these revolutionary elements.

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Satyagraha Meaning

Gandhi renamed the movement he intended to start by changing the word "Sad" to "Satya" and "Satyagraha." The word "Sat" connotes transparency, fairness, and truth.

  • "Sat, which signifies being, is the root of the word Satya, which means truth. Truth is the only thing that truly exists or exists (M.K. Gandhi, Young India, July 30, 1931). 
  • Satyagraha translates as demand for the truth. This determination gives the votary unmatched strength.
  • The term "satyagraha" described the Indians' nonviolent direct action against the government's racial policy. It is the persistent pursuit of just goals using nonviolent means.
  • To encourage the other person to change their mind. It is an attempt to defend the truth without causing misery to the other person. It advocates defeating the enemy by going through personal pain.

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Sources of the Idea of Satyagraha

The foundational premise of Gandhi's political doctrine, Ahimsa, or non-violence, which was based on the theological teachings of Jainism, Buddhism, the Upanishads, and the Bhagavad-Gita, was "Satyagraha." The Upanishads assert that satya, or truth, is the foundation upon which the entire world is built. Buddha propagated the idea of Ahimsa, or non-violence, and held that hatred could be vanquished not with more hatred but with love. Ahimsa was regarded as the purest form of religion by Mahavira. Many tales in Hindu mythology, particularly those involving Raja Harishchandra, laud the virtue of sticking with the truth no matter what. The teachings of Jesus Christ and Socrates rest on Satyagraha's ideals.

Principles of Satyagraha

Gandhi viewed satyagraha not just as a political tactic but as a universal solution for injustice. He established the Sabarmati Ashram to teach satyagraha, emphasizing principles inspired by Yoga Sutra:

  • Nonviolence (ahimsa)
  • Truthful living
  • Non-stealing
  • Non-possession (distinct from poverty)
  • Body or bread labor
  • Desire control (avoiding gluttony)
  • Fearlessness
  • Equal respect for all religions
  • Economic strategies like boycotting imported goods (swadeshi)

In another instance, he outlined these essential rules for every Indian Satyagrahi:

  • Must have unwavering faith in God
  • Lead a chaste life, ready to sacrifice possessions or life
  • Regularly engage in khadi weaving and spinning
  • Abstain from alcohol and intoxicants

The Idea of Satyagraha

Let us look at the various features of the idea of Satyagraha.

Passive Resistance And Satyagraha 

Combating hostility and resolving disputes can be done through passive resistance and Satyagraha. A moral weapon known as Satyagraha is founded on the idea that spiritual or loving power is superior to physical power.

The weak use passive resistance, while the boldest, who have the fortitude to die without killing, use Satyagraha as their weapon of choice. While Satyagraha strives to wean the opponent from wrong through love and patient suffering, passive resistance seeks to humiliate the opponent into submission. Since Satyagrahi is meant to fight against injustice and not the evil-doer, there is no space for the opponent's love in Satyagraha. Similarly, there is no place for ill intent and hatred in passive resistance. Satyagraha is active, whereas passive resistance is static.

While Satyagraha is positive in content and behaviour, passive resistance is a negative strategy. Violence is still a possibility, even in passive resistance. According to Satyagraha, violence is unacceptable in any way, shape, or circumstance. Satyagraha is not passive; on the contrary, it is pure, genuine action.

Satyagraha As A Revolution

Gandhi sought to bring about this awakening by emphasising moral influence and self-purification rather than violent measures. He firmly believed that Satyagraha might effect a change of heart. Fundamentally, the goal of Satyagraha is to change the wrongdoer, awaken his sense of justice, and demonstrate to him that he cannot carry out his intended wrongdoing without the direct or indirect cooperation of the injured. In contrast to aggressive resistance, which aims to hurt the opponent, it aims to end antagonisms without hurting the opponents.

Hence, a Satyagrahi strives to alter or "purify" the connection with the opponent rather than ending it or destroying it. Another name for Satyagraha is "silent force" or "soul force." Instead of giving the person physical authority, it gives them moral power. 

Satyagraha and Nationalism 

Although Gandhi admired the extremists' spirit of sacrifice for the benefit of their mother country and accepted and acknowledged the extremists' patriotic spirit, he disapproved of their violent activities and thought that the extremists would worsen the situation that the Indians were in under the alien rule worse rather than better. He proposed nonviolent mass movements like Satyagraha and Ahimsa as alternatives to the all-conquering British Raj. He believed that Ahimsa was a powerful weapon and that a true Satyagrahi used a more lethal weapon than the radicals were using.

According to Satyagraha, civil disobedience and non-cooperation are based on the "rule of suffering," which holds that enduring suffering is a means to an end. This goal suggests moral advancement for a person or society. Hence, in Satyagraha, refusing to cooperate is a strategy to win the opposition's participation in a way that is consistent with justice and truth. Gandhi firmly believed that "non-cooperation with evil is as much a duty as cooperation with good." Gandhi popularised many nonviolent tactics, including pacifism, civil disobedience, legitimate resistance to unjust laws, passive resistance, and non-cooperation. All of these concepts fall under the umbrella term "Satyagraha."

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List of Satyagraha Movements In India

Let us look at some of the major satyagraha movements In India.

Movement

Location

Important Leaders

Champaran Satyagraha

Bihar

Rajendra Prasad, Gandhiji, Anugrah Narayan Sinha, Shambhusharan Varma

Kheda Satyagraha

Gujarat

Gandhiji, Sardar Vallabhai Patel, Indulal Yagnik, Shankarlal Banker

Ahmedabad Mill Worker’s Strike

Gujarat

Gandhiji

Bardoli Satyagraha

Gujarat

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Kasturba Gandhi, Mani Ben Patel

Salt Satyagraha

Gujarat

Gandhiji

Vaikom Satyagraha

Travancore

K. Madhavan, K. Kelappan, K. P. Kesava Menon

Rules for Conducting Satyagraha Campaign

Gandhi outlined rules for satyagrahis in a resistance campaign:

  • Hold no anger.
  • Endure opponent's anger.
  • Don't retaliate to assaults, but don't submit out of fear.
  • Willingly face arrest or property confiscation.
  • Defend property non-violently if a trustee.
  • Avoid cursing or swearing.
  • Refrain from insulting the opponent.
  • Neither salute nor insult the opponent's flag or leaders.
  • Protect opponent from insults or assaults non-violently.
  • Behave courteously and follow prison regulations as a prisoner.
  • Don't seek special treatment in prison.
  • Don't fast for conveniences not affecting self-respect.
  • Obey civil disobedience leaders' orders joyfully.

Criticism of Satyagraha

Criticism of Satyagraha has surfaced over time:

  • Satyagraha is seen as idealistic and impractical by some critics.
  • Critics argue that nonviolence may not always be effective in the face of oppressive regimes.
  • Some question the feasibility of peacefully resisting violence.
  • Critics assert that Satyagraha relies heavily on the moral high ground, which may not sway authoritarian powers.
  • Practical challenges arise when applying Satyagraha in complex geopolitical conflicts.
  • Some contend that nonviolent resistance might be perceived as weakness, inviting further aggression.
  • Critics argue that Satyagraha places a heavy burden on individuals to endure suffering without tangible results.
  • Effectiveness of Satyagraha is debated, with skeptics advocating for more assertive methods in certain situations.

Conclusion

Gandhi strongly focused on Ahimsa and satya, which he combined in the idea and application of Satyagraha to achieve independence from colonial authority. The Satyagraha movement was an innovative form of political protest that revolutionised Indian politics and inspired millions of people to take up arms against the British Raj. Gandhi believed Satyagraha was the only legal means of obtaining political rights since it was founded on truth and non-violence. The cornerstone of every Indian National Movement revolution throughout the Gandhian era was Satyagraha. It is the most significant gift Gandhi gave India and the world.

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Satyagraha FAQs

The term "satyagraha" refers to a strong commitment to the truth no matter what. In Indian culture, Satyagraha is characterised by "firmness in a worthy cause," according to Gandhiji.

Three fundamental principles—satya, ahimsa, and tapasya—form the foundation of the satyagraha idea.

Gandhi founded the Satyagraha movement in India.

There are three types of satyagraha: boycott, civil disobedience, and non-cooperation.

Nonviolence served as the focal point of individual satyagraha. Vinoba Bhave, who was jailed for speaking out against the war, was the first Satyagrahi chosen for this Satyagraha.
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