Gandhi's body is in jail but his soul is with you, India's prestige is in your hands, you must not use any violence under any circumstances. You will be beaten but you must not resist; you must not raise a hand to ward off blows.

The Philosophy of Satyagraha

Satyagraha, literally meaning ‘truth force’, was more than just passive resistance. It involved:

• Ahimsa (Non-violence): The cornerstone of Satyagraha, extending beyond physical non-violence to encompass thought, word, and deed.
• Satya (Truth): A relentless pursuit of truth, both in oneself and in the opponent.
• Tapasya (Self-suffering): Willingness to endure suffering willingly, believing it could melt the heart of the oppressor.
• Swadeshi: Promoting local products and self-reliance.

Gandhi believed that violence bred more violence, and that true freedom could only be achieved through a change of heart, both in the oppressed and the oppressor.

Historical Context of the Directive

The statement likely originates from one of the major civil disobedience movements led by Gandhi. Several periods fit this description:

• Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922): Following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Gandhi called for non-cooperation with the British government. Widespread arrests and repression followed.
• Salt Satyagraha (1930): Gandhi’s march to Dandi to protest the salt tax led to mass arrests and brutal suppression of protestors.
• Quit India Movement (1942): Launched during World War II, this movement saw the most severe repression, with thousands arrested and killed.

In each of these instances, the British authorities responded with force, leading to instances of police brutality and imprisonment. Gandhi’s directive was a crucial attempt to maintain discipline within the movement and prevent it from descending into violence, which he feared would undermine its moral authority and legitimacy.

Significance of the Directive: Maintaining Moral High Ground

The insistence on non-violence, even in the face of provocation, served several key purposes:

• Moral Superiority: Non-violent resistance presented the Indian National Congress as morally superior to the British colonial regime, garnering sympathy both domestically and internationally.
• Mass Mobilization: Satyagraha allowed for the participation of a wider range of people, including those who were unwilling to engage in violence.
• Exposing Brutality: The contrast between the peaceful protestors and the violent response of the British authorities exposed the brutality of colonial rule to the world.
• Preventing Chaos: Gandhi feared that violence would lead to chaos and communal riots, hindering the progress towards independence.

The directive was not merely a tactical decision but a reflection of Gandhi’s deep-seated belief in the power of love and truth to overcome injustice. It was a test of the protestors’ commitment to the principles of Satyagraha and their faith in Gandhi’s leadership.

Challenges to Non-Violence

Despite Gandhi’s emphasis, maintaining complete non-violence was a constant challenge. Instances of retaliatory violence did occur, particularly during the Quit India Movement. Revolutionary groups like the HSRA (Hindustan Socialist Republican Association) advocated for armed struggle, believing it to be a more effective means of achieving independence. Gandhi consistently engaged with these groups, attempting to persuade them to adopt non-violent methods.