Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore

Gandhi

Tagore

Philosophy

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

• Humanism, universalism, and cultural nationalism

Approach to Independence

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

• Advocated for cultural and educational renaissance alongside political freedom

View on British Rule

• Sought to negotiate and achieve independence through peaceful means

• Criticized British imperialism but also appreciated some aspects of Western culture

Economic Views

• Promoted village-based, self-sufficient economies

•  opposed industrialization

• Supported rural development but also believed in modernization and industrialization

Role in Indian National Movement

• Dominant leader

•  led multiple Congress movements and initiatives

• INC President 1924 session.

• Influential cultural figure

•  criticized both British rule and aspects of the Indian national movement

Methods of Protest

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

• Used literature, music, and education as means of protest and social change

Religious Views

• Deeply religious

• believed in the unification of all religions

• Deeply spiritual but critical of religious orthodoxy and dogma

Major Contributions

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

• "Gitanjali," "National Anthem," Shantiniketan educational project

Publications

• "Hind Swaraj," "My Experiments with Truth"

• "Gitanjali," "The Home and the World," numerous poems, essays, and songs

View on Social Structure

• Emphasized upliftment of the downtrodden within the existing social framework

• Advocated for social harmony and the upliftment of the rural poor through education

Legacy

• Father of the Nation

•  symbol of non-violent resistance

• Nobel laureate

•  symbol of cultural and literary renaissance in India

Criticism

• Accused of being too idealistic

• criticized for his views on caste

• Criticized for being too idealistic and detached from political realities

Impact on Post-Independent India

• Inspired non-violent movements worldwide

• foundational influence on Indian democracy

• Influenced Indian art, literature, and education 

• vision of universalism and humanism remains relevant