Both Subhas Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi launched struggles against the British during the Second World War. How were their ideas and strategies different?

ISS PREVIOUS YEAR -GS 2016

Question:

Both Subhas Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi launched struggles against the British during the Second World War. How were their ideas and strategies different?

Answer:-

Subhas Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi were two prominent leaders of India’s freedom struggle, but their ideas and strategies for achieving independence differed significantly, especially during the Second World War.

Mahatma Gandhi strongly believed in the principles of non-violence (Ahimsa) and truth (Satyagraha). He opposed the use of violence under any circumstances. During the war, Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement in 1942, urging the British to leave India immediately. His strategy relied on mass civil disobedience, peaceful protests, and moral pressure on the British government. Gandhi believed that freedom achieved through non-violent means would create a morally strong and united nation.

In contrast, Subhas Chandra Bose believed that armed struggle was necessary to overthrow British rule. He argued that the British Empire could not be defeated through peaceful protests alone. During the Second World War, Bose sought international support from countries opposed to Britain. He formed the Indian National Army (INA) with the help of Japan and attempted to liberate India through military action. His famous slogan was “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom.”

Thus, while Gandhi emphasized non-violent mass movements and moral resistance, Bose adopted a militant approach and international alliances to achieve independence. Both strategies, though different, contributed significantly to India’s freedom movement.

#isspreviousyearsolution #iss