Who authored the book 'Hind Swaraj', which outlined the principles of non-violent resistance and self-rule?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

RRB NTPC Graduate Level CBT-I Official Paper (Held On: 05 Jun, 2025 Shift 3)

Answer 1

The correct answer is Mahatma Gandhi.

Key Points

'Hind Swaraj' was written by Mahatma Gandhi in 1909 during his voyage from England to South Africa.
The book outlines Gandhi's philosophy of non-violent resistance (Satyagraha) and his vision of self-rule (Swaraj) for India.
It critiques Western civilization and industrialization, advocating for a return to simple, self-sufficient village life.
The book serves as a foundational text for the Indian independence movement and reflects Gandhi's belief in truth, non-violence, and self-reliance.
'Hind Swaraj' has been translated into several languages and remains a key text in understanding Gandhian philosophy.

Additional Information

Satyagraha:
- A key concept in Gandhi's philosophy, it means "insistence on truth" or non-violent resistance.
- It was employed in various movements such as the Champaran Satyagraha and the Dandi March.
- Satyagraha emphasizes moral strength over physical force to achieve justice and freedom.
Swaraj:
- Literally translates to "self-rule" or "self-governance."
- In 'Hind Swaraj,' Gandhi advocated for Swaraj not just as political independence but also as individual and community self-reliance.
- It involves decentralization of power and promotion of local industries and sustainability.
Critique of Western Civilization:
- In 'Hind Swaraj,' Gandhi criticizes the materialism and industrialization of Western societies.
- He attributes the erosion of moral and spiritual values to the overemphasis on machinery and technology.
- Instead, he advocates for a lifestyle rooted in simplicity, spirituality, and community well-being.