Class 12 History Notes Chapter 11 Knowing Gandhi looks into Mahatma Gandhi’s multidimensional behaviour, one of the most memorable personalities in Indian history. This chapter, titled “Knowing Gandhi,” explores Gandhi’s biography, philosophy, and contributions to India’s war for freedom.
Gandhi’s life, from his early years in South Africa to his important role in bringing India freedom, shows the strength of peaceful resistance and moral leadership. This chapter, through a detailed assessment of Gandhi’s ideas, deeds, and social influence, provides essential information about the life and legacy of the man recognized as the “Father of the Nation.”
In this article, we will look into the topic ‘Knowing Gandhi’ in detail. It is an important topic in Class 12 History NCERT. Class 12 History Notes Chapter 11 Knowing Gandhi.
Sources to Know About Gandhi
Reconstructing Mahatma Gandhi’s political career and the history of the nationalist movement involves looking into several sources that provide information regarding his life, activities, and the larger context of India’s war for independence. Here are a few important sources:
- Autobiographical Works: Gandhi’s writings, including his autobiography “The Story of My Experiments with Truth” and other works like “Hind Swaraj,” offer firsthand accounts of his thoughts, beliefs, and experiences throughout his political career.
- Correspondence and Letters: Gandhi maintained extensive correspondence with various individuals, including political leaders, activists, and family members. These letters provide valuable information about his strategies, motivations, and relationships.
- Speeches and Public Addresses: Gandhi delivered several speeches and public addresses, many of which were recorded and transcribed. These speeches offer glimpses into his evolving political ideology, tactics, and vision for India.
- Newspapers and Journals: Contemporary newspapers and journals, both Indian and international, covered Gandhi’s activities and the nationalist movement extensively. These sources provide valuable perspectives from various stakeholders and offer information about public reactions and sentiments.
- Government Records and Archives: Government records, including official correspondence, reports, and documents from the British colonial administration, offer insights into the policies, actions, and responses of the colonial authorities to Gandhi and the nationalist movement.
- Biographies and Secondary Sources: Several biographies and secondary sources written by historians, scholars, and researchers provide comprehensive analyses of Gandhi’s political career and the nationalist movement. These works offer interpretations, analyses, and contextualization of events based on available evidence.
- Personal Accounts and Memoirs: Accounts and memoirs of contemporaries, associates, and followers of Gandhi provide additional perspectives on his political career and the nationalist movement. These personal narratives offer information about Gandhi’s influence on individuals and communities.
Important Timeline – Mahatma Gandhi
|
Year |
Incident |
|---|---|
|
1915 |
Mahatma Gandhi returns from Africa |
|
1917 |
Champaran Movement |
|
1918 |
Peasant movements in Kheda (Gujarat), and workers’ movements in Ahmedabad |
|
1919 |
Rowlatt Satyagraha (March-April) |
|
1919 |
Jallianwala Bagh massacre (April) |
|
1921 |
Non-cooperation and Khilafat Movements |
|
1928 |
Peasant movement in Bardoli |
|
1929 |
“Purna Swaraj” accepted as Congress goal at the Lahore Congress (December) |
|
1930 |
Civil Disobedience Movement begins; Dandi March (March-April) |
|
1931 |
Gandhi-Irwin Pact (March); Second Round Table Conference (December) |
|
1935 |
Government of India Act promises some form of representative government |
|
1939 |
Congress ministries resign |
|
1942 |
Quit India Movement begins (August) |
|
1946 |
Mahatma Gandhi visits Noakhali and other riot-torn areas to stop communal violence |
Public Voice and Private Scripts
Mahatma Gandhi’s writings and speeches are crucial sources for understanding his thoughts and feelings. Speeches provide the public voice, while private letters offer a glimpse into an individual’s private thoughts.
- Letters often express anger, pain, dismay, anxiety, hopes, and frustrations in ways not possible in public statements.
- However, this distinction often breaks down, as many letters are written to individuals and are meant for the public.
- The language of these letters is often influenced by the fear of being published, preventing people from freely expressing their opinions.
- Mahatma Gandhi regularly published letters from others, while Nehru edited a collection of letters during the national movement.
Framing a Picture
Autobiographies provide a rich, detailed account of the past, often written from memory. They reveal the author’s recollections, important details, and desired views.
Writing an autobiography frames a picture of oneself, so it’s crucial to understand the reasons behind the author’s silence, which may be wilful or unwitting acts of forgetting. Therefore, it’s essential to read and interpret autobiographies carefully.
Through Police Eyes
Colonial rulers closely monitored critics, using secret letters and reports from policemen and officials. One such source is the fortnightly reports prepared by the Home Department from the early 20th century.
These reports, based on local police information, often expressed higher officials’ beliefs about sedition and rebellion.
The Home Department was unwilling to accept that Mahatma Gandhi’s actions sparked an enthusiastic response from the masses, viewing the Salt March as a drama and antic to mobilize people who were content with their daily schedules and the Raj.
From Newspapers
- Contemporary newspapers, published in English and various Indian languages, tracked Mahatma Gandhi’s movements and reported on his activities.
- However, these accounts should not be seen as unprejudiced, as they were influenced by political opinions and world views, which influenced the way events were reported, varying from London to Indian nationalist papers.
Conclusion – Class 12 History Notes Chapter 11 Knowing Gandhi
In conclusion, Chapter 11 of Class 12 History, titled “Knowing Gandhi,” looks into Mahatma Gandhi’s life, philosophy, and legacy. From his early years in South Africa to his important role in India’s freedom fight, Gandhi’s life symbolizes moral leadership and the quest for truth.
Gandhi’s lasting impact on India and the world is seen in his writings, speeches, and relationships. His ideas of nonviolence, truth, and compassion have inspired generations, transforming him into an example of hope and inspiration. “Knowing Gandhi” improves our understanding of his legacy and strengthens our dedication to his ideas.
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FAQs on Class 12 History Notes Chapter 11 Knowing Gandhi
What is the focus of Class 12 History Chapter 11?
The chapter focuses on understanding the life, philosophy, and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi.
Why is Mahatma Gandhi significant in Indian history?
Gandhi played an important role in India’s struggle for independence and supported nonviolence, truth, and social justice.
What are some key aspects of Gandhi’s early life?
Gandhi’s early experiences in South Africa and his encounters with racial discrimination profoundly influenced his beliefs and activism.
What were Gandhi’s key principles and philosophies?
Gandhi believed in nonviolent resistance (Satyagraha), truth (Satya), and self-discipline (Sadhana).
How did Gandhi influence India’s independence movement?
Gandhi mobilized masses through civil disobedience campaigns, such as the Salt Satyagraha and Quit India Movement, challenging British colonial rule.
What was Gandhi’s vision for India post-independence?
Gandhi envisioned a decentralized, self-reliant India based on principles of truth, nonviolence, and communal harmony.
How does Gandhi’s legacy continue to resonate today?
Gandhi’s principles of nonviolence and social justice inspire movements for peace, equality, and human rights worldwide.