Swaraj: What Gandhi Intended

A detailed Summary of Swaraj: What Gandhi Intended

"Real home-rule is self-rule or self-control." (Gandhi 118) M.K. Gandhi in his book entitled, Hind Swaraj talks about a variety of issues surrounding his thoughts and feelings about India and the English translation of Hind Swaraj, Home-Rule. In chapter 4 of the book, Gandhi describes not what he thinks Swaraj really is, but rather what he thinks Swaraj really isn't. The "Reader" takes what Gandhi says and tries to paraphrase what Gandhi's definition of Swaraj is, but is entirely unsuccessful. Through examining this chapter, it will become evident what Gandhi's view of Swaraj is and why he rejects the Reader's vision for India.

In the beginning of the chapter, Gandhi admits to the Reader that their views on Swaraj may be different by saying, "It is quite possible that we do not attach the same meaning to the term." (Gandhi 26) Gandhi also admits to the Reader that "all Indians are impatient to obtain Swaraj, but we are certainly not decided as to what it is." (Gandhi 26) So, though Gandhi had

In conclusion, Gandhi's definition of Swaraj is quite close to the Gujarati text which reads: 'One's rule over one's own mind is real Swaraj' (Gandhi 118). Gandhi knows that this will take time and patience, but is not at all un-attainable. Gandhi believes that by working together with the English, Swaraj can be obtained and enforced.

it in his mind as to what Swaraj isn't, he was still unsure of a complete definition of what he thinks it is.

"In my opinion, we have used the term 'Swaraj' without understanding its real significance. I have endeavoured to explain it as I understand it, and my conscience testifies that my life henceforth is dedicated to its attainment." (Gandhi 119)

The Reader suggests to Gandhi that in order for Swaraj to take place, the English must remove themselves from India completely and if that happened, the Indians would "have no difficulty in carrying on the government" that the English created (Gandhi 27). This of course is distressing to Gandhi because he believes that if the English were to

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Approximate Word count = 697
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

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