Gandhis Critique of Colonialism and His Definition of Swaraj

Re: What is Gandhis critique of colonialism and how does he define Swaraj? Use the class readings. Western colonialism was a political-economic phenomenon whereby various European nations explored, conquered, settled, and exploited large areas of the world. (Encyclopedia Britannica). Gandhis critique of British colonialism was grounded in a rejection of cultural and racial supremacy; capitalism or socioeconomic inequality; and materialism. Gandhi employed the concepts of Swaraj and satyagraha in his effort to liberate the Indian people from the stranglehold of British rule. First, British colonial rule subjugated and oppressed Indians, and enforced a system where the white British controlled the economic structure. For centuries, the British East India Company exploited the natural resources of the region, generating massive profits and forming a monopoly from sales of cotton, silk, dye, salt, tea, and opium. Acquiring a economic monopoly over Indias resources allowed the East India Company to obtain assume political and legal power over India, and eventually a complete transitio n to British colonial government. The Indian people were prohibited from accessing or in any way controlling the resources of their own land. Over time, British culture and lifestyle infiltrated every aspect of Indian life, impacting the legal system, medicine, science, education, religion, and the very foundation of Indian society. This was problematic because Gandhi believed thatShow MoreRelatedPunjabi9291 Words   |  38 PagesUNIT 19 CONCEPT OF SWARAJ, SATYAGRAHA AND CRITIQUE OF WESTERN CIVILISATION Structure ! I 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 Objectives Introduction The Civilisational Justification and British Rule 19.2.1 Gandhi, Moderates and the Extremists on the Legitimacy of British Rule i I I Gandhis Hind Swaraj 19.3.1 Gandhi, Extremists and British Colonialism 19.3.2 Gandhi, Moderates and British Colonialism 19.3.3 Gandhi on Swaraj 19.4 Gandhis Critique of Modern Civilisation 19.4.1 Western Influences on Gandhi 19Read MoreBritish Impact on India10478 Words   |  42 PagesBritish colonial rule. It was part of a broader conflict that took place, and is in many ways ongoing, within Indian society. In order to organize resistance, upper-caste Indian activists needed to frame Indian identity as united against British colonialism. This was not in of itself difficult, but they wanted to maintain an upper-caste dominance over Indian society. This required upholding classical structures of caste identity for all Indians in their vision of what post-colonial India would look