Gandhi and Bhagat Singh



Published on 04 Dec 2025


Gandhi

Bhagat Singh

Philosophy

  • Non-violence (Ahimsa) and truth (Satyagraha)

  • Revolutionary socialism and armed struggle

Approach to Independence

  • Non-violent resistance, civil disobedience, and non-cooperation

  • Direct action, armed rebellion, and revolutionary activities

View on British Rule

  • Sought to negotiate and achieve independence through peaceful means

  • Believed in immediate and forceful overthrow of British rule

Economic Views

  • Promoted village-based, self-sufficient economies

  •  opposed industrialization

  • Advocated for a socialist economy with industrialization

Role in Indian National Congress

  • Dominant leader

  •  led multiple Congress movements and initiatives

  • INC president in 1924 session

  • Not a member

  • aligned with more radical groups like Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA)

Methods of Protest

  • Non-violent protests such as the Salt March and Quit India Movement

  • Bombings and assassinations aimed at British officials to incite revolution

Religious Views

  • Deeply religious

  • believed in the unification of all religions

  • Atheist

  • critical of religious orthodoxy

Major Contributions

  • Salt March, Non-Cooperation Movement, Quit India Movement

  • Bombing of the Central Legislative Assembly, assassination of Saunders

View on Social Structure

  • Emphasized upliftment of the downtrodden within the existing social framework

  • Advocated for complete social revolution and abolition of caste

Legacy

  • Father of the Nation

  • symbol of non-violent resistance

  • Martyr and national hero

  • symbol of youthful rebellion and sacrifice

Criticism

  • Accused of being too idealistic

  • criticized for his views on caste

  • Criticized for use of violence 

  • viewed as too radical by some contemporaries

Death

  • Assassinated in 1948

  • Executed by the British in 1931

Impact on Post-Independent India

  • Inspired non-violent movements worldwide

  • foundational influence on Indian democracy

  • Inspired generations of revolutionaries

  • remembered as a martyr for Indian independence

Tags:
History & Culture

Keywords:
Gandhi and Bhagat Singh COMPARING PERSONALITIES

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 1

Topics:
Freedom Struggle

Related Articles


No data found