#

Books

UPSC PYQs

UPSC Notes

Current Affairs

  »   Mains Answer Writing   »   Compare and contrast the ideological perspectives of ...

Q. Compare and contrast the ideological perspectives of Bhagat Singh and Mahatma Gandhi in the context of India’s struggle for independence. Analyse their approaches towards non-violence, political activism, and their visions for a free India. (15 M, 250 Words)

March 30, 2024 1

GS Paper I

Answer:

Approach:

  • Introduction: Start with an overview of the Indian independence movement’s diversity in ideologies and leaders. Introduce Gandhi and Bhagat Singh as contrasting figures.
  • Body: 
    • Briefly compare Gandhi’s non-violence and peaceful activism with Bhagat Singh’s revolutionary violence and socialism.
    • Discuss their different stances on non-violence and methods of political activism.
  • Conclusion: Highlight the complementary nature of Gandhi and Singh’s contributions to India’s independence, underlining the variety of approaches within the movement.

 

Introduction:

The Indian struggle for independence was characterized by a spectrum of ideologies and methods employed by its leaders, with Mahatma Gandhi and Bhagat Singh standing out as emblematic figures of this diverse movement. Their philosophical differences and approaches towards achieving freedom from British colonial rule provide a rich tapestry for understanding the multifaceted nature of India’s fight for sovereignty. 

Body:

Ideological Perspectives

Mahatma Gandhi: A Philosophy of Non-violence and Moral Resistance

  • Non-violence and Political Activism: Gandhi’s ideology was deeply rooted in Satyagraha, advocating for non-violent resistance and civil disobedience as the most potent tools against colonial oppression. His leadership in movements such as the Salt March and Quit India Movement exemplified his commitment to peaceful protest, seeking to dismantle British rule through moral and ethical superiority​​.
  • Vision for Free India: Gandhi envisioned an independent India that emphasized rural development, economic self-sufficiency, and social harmony. He advocated for a society where caste discrimination was eradicated and traditional values were upheld, reflecting his broader philosophical commitments to non-violence and social justice​​.

Bhagat Singh: Revolutionary Activism and Socialist Ideals

  • Political Activism and Use of Violence: Contrary to Gandhi’s approach, Bhagat Singh saw armed revolution as a necessary response to British colonialism. Influenced by anarchist and Marxist ideologies, Singh’s activism with the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) underscored his belief in violence as a legitimate means to challenge and overthrow the British rulers​​​​.
  • Vision for Free India: Singh’s vision for India was marked by a strong commitment to socialist principles, aiming for a society that eradicated the socio-economic inequalities perpetuated by colonial rule. His ideal India was a republic that ensured equality, social justice, and economic freedom for all its citizens​​.

Diverging Paths to Freedom

Approaches to Non-violence

  • Gandhi’s unwavering commitment to ahimsa (non-violence) informed his strategies for resisting British rule, advocating for peaceful protest and constructive engagement. 
  • In contrast, Singh critiqued Gandhi’s methods as insufficient in the face of the brutal realities of imperialism, asserting that violence was a necessary tool in the struggle for independence​​.

Political Activism

  • While Gandhi’s activism focused on mass mobilization and non-cooperation to erode the moral and economic foundations of British India, Singh’s was characterized by direct actions against colonial symbols and institutions, aiming to inspire a broader revolution against British authority​​​​.

Conclusion:

Mahatma Gandhi and Bhagat Singh represent contrasting yet complementary facets of the Indian independence movement. Gandhi’s emphasis on non-violence and moral resistance offered a path to freedom through peaceful means, seeking to transform society from within. Bhagat Singh’s revolutionary zeal and commitment to socialism highlighted the urgency of overthrowing colonial rule to achieve social and economic justice. Together, their legacies illuminate the diversity of thought and action within the struggle for Indian independence, underscoring the profound impact of their ideologies on shaping the course of India’s history towards freedom. Their differing paths reflect the complex nature of the freedom struggle, showcasing the varied approaches that contributed to India’s eventual liberation from British rule.

 

Print Friendly, PDF & EmailDOWNLOAD PDF

To get PDF version, Please click on "Print PDF" button.

Print Friendly, PDF & EmailDOWNLOAD PDF

Latest Comments

1 comment

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Editorial

Global Capability Centres in India: From Back Offi...

Freedom of Speech of MPs: Constitutional Privilege...

Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam: Women’s Reservatio...

International Mother Language Day 2026- BHASHA Mat...

Gen Z and the Dynamics of Democratic Engagement

Galgotias Robodog Scandal: India’s AI Sovereignt...

Popular Current Affairs

India-AI Impact Summit 2026: New Delhi Declaration...

Nature Studies Reveal Fluorescent Proteins as Quan...

U.S. Drops ALARA Principle from Radiation Safety F...

Supreme Court Directs Pan-India Compliance with SW...

Cybercrime in India 2025: Investment Frauds Accoun...

News in Shorts: 23 February 2026

Our Courses

Our Courses

Need help preparing for UPSC or State PSCs?

Connect with our experts to get free counselling & start preparing

Aiming for UPSC?

Download Our App

# #
Download Our App
# #
Contact Details
Copyright © 2025 PWOnlyIAS
Privacy Policy Terms & Condition
Aiming for UPSC?

Download Our App

# #
      
Follow Us:
Contact Details
Download Our App
# #
Copyright © 2025 PWOnlyIAS
Privacy Policy Terms & Condition
Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

<div class="new-fform">







    </div>

    Subscribe our Newsletter
    Sign up now for our exclusive newsletter and be the first to know about our latest Initiatives, Quality Content, and much more.
    *Promise! We won't spam you.
    Yes! I want to Subscribe.