Satyagrahis vs. Revolutionaries



Published on 04 Dec 2025


Satyagrahis

Revolutionaries

Philosophy

  • Non-violence (Ahimsa), truth (Satyagraha), and civil disobedience

  • Armed struggle, direct action, and revolutionary socialism

Key Leaders

  • Mahatma Gandhi, Vinoba Bhave, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

  • Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Subhas Chandra Bose

Approach to Independence

  • Peaceful protests, non-cooperation, and moral persuasion

  • Assassinations, bombings, and armed insurrection

Methods of Protest

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

  • Kakori Train Robbery, bombing of Central Legislative Assembly, formation of Indian National Army (INA)

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 self-sufficient village economies, opposed industrialization

  • Advocated for socialist economy with industrialization

Role in Indian National Movement

  • Dominant in Congress-led movements, inspired widespread participation

  • Operated more clandestinely, inspired youth and radical nationalists

View on Violence

  • Strict adherence to non-violence

  • Justified use of violence as a necessary means for liberation

Social Views

  • Emphasized social reforms, upliftment of the downtrodden, and communal harmony

  • Focused on national liberation, social equality, and anti-colonialism

Belief in Mass Mobilization

  • Engaged masses through peaceful means and non-violent protests

  • Mobilized youth and radical elements, often in secretive cells

Legacy

  • Father of the Nation (Gandhi)

  • symbol of non-violent resistance

  • Martyrs and heroes of armed struggle 

  • symbolized youthful rebellion

Criticism

  • Criticized for being too idealistic and passive

  • Criticized for being violent and radical

Impact on Independence

  • Laid the moral and ethical foundation for independence

  • inspired global movements

  • Created a sense of urgency and militancy in the independence struggle

Key Events

  • Dandi March, Champaran Satyagraha, Quit India Movement

  • Kakori Conspiracy, Assembly Bomb Case, formation of INA

Tags:
History & Culture

Keywords:
Satyagrahis Revolutionaries COMPARING IDEOLOGIES

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 1

Topics:
Freedom Struggle

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