Answer: 

Introduction:

Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi were two key leaders in the Indian struggle for freedom. Though they shared the common goal of attaining independence from British rule, their approaches to achieving this objective were markedly different, reflecting the diverse nature of the Indian freedom movement.

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Body:

Listed below are some key differences in their philosophies and methods:

• Philosophy of resistance:
  • Mahatma Gandhi believed in non-violent resistance, employing methods like civil disobedience, non-cooperation, and satyagraha (passive resistance) to fight against British rule.
  • Subhash Chandra Bose advocated for a more militant and revolutionary approach. He believed that freedom could only be attained through a decisive armed struggle against the British.
• Leadership style:
  • Gandhi led the Indian National Congress (INC) and its various campaigns from the 1920s to the 1940s. His leadership style was characterized by inclusivity, dialogue, and mass mobilization.
  • Bose was elected president of the INC twice but eventually parted ways with the organization due to ideological differences. He went on to form the Forward Bloc and later the Indian National Army (INA) to pursue a more radical and revolutionary path towards independence.
• Attitude towards the British:
  • Mahatma Gandhi aimed to secure independence through negotiations and peaceful demonstrations, which would compel the British to recognize the legitimate aspirations of the Indian people.
  • Subhash Chandra Bose believed that the British would only relinquish control of India if forced to do so through armed resistance.
• Alliances with foreign powers:
  • Gandhi generally avoided seeking alliances with foreign powers, believing that India’s struggle for freedom should be fought by Indians and based on the principles of non-violence and self-reliance.
  • Bose actively sought foreign assistance to challenge British rule in India. During World War II, he aligned with Germany, Italy, and Japan to form the INA, which fought alongside Japanese forces in the hope of driving the British out of India.

Conclusion:

Gandhi emphasized non-violent resistance and moral persuasion, while Bose advocated for armed struggle and revolutionary action. The divergent philosophies and methods of these two leaders enriched the movement, demonstrating the range of ideas and strategies that ultimately contributed to India’s independence.

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