Early Career and Experiments with Truth in South Africa
Mohandas Gandhi's journey from his early career in South Africa to his development of Satyagraha is a pivotal story. His resistance against unjust laws, establishment of Tolstoy Farm, and the eventual compromise with the South African government highlight his innovative approach to non-violent struggle. Gandhi’s experiences in South Africa, including his techniques of Satyagraha, laid the foundation for his future leadership in India and his influence on global non-violent movements.
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat.
His father was a diwan (minister) of the state. Gandhi studied law in England and went to South Africa in 1898 to handle a case involving his client, Dada Abdullah.
In South Africa, Gandhi encountered severe racism and the mistreatment of Asian laborers. He decided to stay and organize Indian workers to fight for their rights, remaining there until 1914.
Indians in South Africa were categorized into:
Indentured laborers from South India who came after 1890 to work on sugar plantations.
Merchants, mostly Meman Muslims, who followed the laborers.
Ex-indentured laborers who settled in South Africa after their contracts ended.
These Indians faced numerous restrictions, including denied voting rights, poor living conditions, and stringent curfews.
Moderate Phase of Struggle (1894-1906)
Gandhi initially used petitions and memorials, hoping that informing authorities would lead to redress. He established the Natal Indian Congress and started the Indian Opinion newspaper to unite Indians.
Phase of Passive Resistance or Satyagraha (1906-1914)
Satyagraha against Registration Certificates (1906)
A law required Indians to carry registration certificates with fingerprints. Gandhi led a resistance, forming the Passive Resistance Association to oppose this law.
Resistance included refusing to register, burning certificates, and facing penalties. This resistance highlighted the unjust nature of the law and led to a compromise settlement.
Campaign against Restrictions on Indian Migration
Gandhi extended the campaign to oppose legislation restricting Indian migration. Indians defied the law, leading to jailings and strikes.
Campaign against Poll Tax and Invalidation of Indian Marriages
A poll tax was imposed on ex-indentured Indians. The demand for its abolition and a Supreme Court ruling invalidating non-Christian marriages fueled further protests.
This ruling was seen as an insult, uniting many under Gandhi’s leadership, including women who joined the struggle.
Protest against Transvaal Immigration Act
Indians protested the Transvaal Immigration Act by migrating illegally and going on strike. Gokhale mobilized public opinion in India, and Lord Hardinge condemned the repression.
Tolstoy Farm
Established in 1910, Tolstoy Farm was named by Gandhi’s associate after the Russian writer Tolstoy. It aimed to house satyagrahis' families and provide education and vocational training.
It was the second farm founded by Gandhi, following the Phoenix Farm. Tolstoy Farm integrated manual work with education, promoting social service and respect for manual labor.
Compromise Solution
Through negotiations involving Gandhi, Lord Hardinge, C.F. Andrews, and General Smuts, a settlement was reached. The South African government conceded to major Indian demands regarding poll tax, registration certificates, and marriage recognition, and promised a sympathetic approach to Indian immigration.
Gandhi’s Experience in South Africa
Gandhi discovered the masses' capacity for participation and sacrifice.
He united Indians of different religions and classes, including women.
He learned that leaders sometimes need to make unpopular decisions.
Gandhi developed his leadership style and techniques for struggle on a limited scale, free from political opposition.
Gandhi’s Technique of Satyagraha
Satyagraha was based on truth and non-violence, combining elements from Indian tradition, Christian teachings, and Tolstoy's philosophy.
Basic tenets included:
Non-submission to perceived wrongs while remaining truthful, non-violent, and fearless.
Using withdrawal of cooperation and boycott as methods.
Methods included non-payment of taxes and refusal of honors and positions.
Acceptance of suffering as part of the struggle for truth.
Maintaining no ill will towards adversaries and never bowing to evil.
Only the brave and strong could practice satyagraha, with a focus on consistency between thought and action.
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