Discover Gandhi's Harijan Campaign (1932-1934), his efforts to eliminate untouchability, reform the caste system, and uplift the Harijans. Learn how this campaign transformed Hindu society and Indian nationalism.
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Gandhi’s Harijan Campaign and Thoughts on Caste
Campaign Launch
Period: September 1932 - August 1934
Initiation: Gandhi launched a campaign against untouchability from jail and continued after his release in August 1933.
Key Actions:
Set up the All India Anti-Untouchability League in September 1932.
Started the weekly Harijan in January 1933.
Shifted to the Satyagraha Ashram in Wardha.
Conducted a Harijan tour covering 20,000 km from November 1933 to July 1934.
Undertook two fasts on May 8 and August 16, 1934.
Attacks and Opposition
Opposition: Gandhi was attacked by orthodox and reactionary elements, disrupted meetings, black flag demonstrations, and accusations of attacking Hinduism.
Government Response: The government defeated the Temple Entry Bill in August 1934, and Bengal’s orthodox Hindu opinion was against the Poona Pact.
Gandhi’s Themes
Indictment: Gandhi criticized Hindu society for oppressing Harijans.
Eradication of Untouchability: Urged the removal of untouchability and the opening of temples to untouchables.
Penance: Called for caste Hindus to do penance for the suffering inflicted on Harijans.
Humanism and Reason: Stressed that Shastras do not sanction untouchability, and it should be ignored if it conflicts with human dignity.
Distinction from Caste System: Differentiated between untouchability and the caste system, believing the varnashram system could function without untouchability.
Persuasion Over Compulsion: Opposed using compulsion against orthodox Hindus, preferring persuasion through reason and emotion.
Impact of the Campaign
Objective: Gandhi described the campaign as a means to purify Hinduism and Hindu society, rather than a political movement.
Nationalism: The campaign carried the message of nationalism to Harijans, leading to their increased participation in national and peasant movements.
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