The Idea of Satyagraha

Mahatma Gandhi advocated a novel method of mass agitation; called satyagraha. This method was based on the idea that if someone is fighting for a true cause, there is no need to take recourse to physical force to fight the oppressor. Gandhiji believed that a satyagrahi could win a battle through non-violence, i.e. without being aggressive or revengeful.

Some early satyagraha movements organized by Gandhi:

• Peasants’ movement in Champaran in 1916.
• Peasants’ movement in Kheda in 1917.
• Mill workers’ movement in Ahmadabad in 1918.