Mahatma Gandhi is one of the most debated figures in Indian history.
some people call him :
° “Father of the Nation”
° “A Hindu Saint”
° “Appeaser of Muslims”
° “Anti-Hindu”
GANDHI’S RELIGIOUS IDENTITY – WAS HE A HINDU ?
Gandhi repeatedly said “I am proud Sanatani Hindu.” He believed in Hindu Civilisation of India . He believed in ram, Krishna , ahimsa , cow protection , ram Rajya where everyone should be treated equally . He read Bhagavad Gita , Ramayana , the oldest scriptures of hinduism . He also respected other faiths like islam and christianity which were present in india in his time for peaceful existence . As a Hindu he read Bible and Quran which were unacceptable by many people in india that time. His belief was all religion are paths to truth. Critics argue this “equal view” diluted Hindu interests.
WHY SOME SAY GANDHI WAS ANTI-HINDU
Here are some of the accusations :
Muslim appeasement : Critics say he supported Khilafat Movement (1919) which lead mass killing of Hindus. Indeed it was movement supported by Gandhi to unite Hindus and muslims But it backfired at malabar region of present day Kerala where several thousand people were killed during the rebellion.Many Hindus were reportedly forcibly converted to islam in rebel-controlled areas.Hindu homes , temples and villages were destroyed and Hindus were displaced from their own home.
He fasted to force Indian government to release fund to Pakistan (55 crores) when Pakistan based tribal and army already invaded j&k which was autonomous. Some People thought Gandhi is appeasing muslims as a Hindu. Many Hindus felt betrayed critics say Gandhi didn’t condemn muslim violence on Hindus strongly enough as he did to Hindu violence.
Strong criticism to Hindu Extremist Groups : Gandhi criticised rss and Hindu Mahasabha ideology openly said religious nationalism was dangerous for the country. The leaders of Hindu Mahasabha and rss didn’t like Gandhi as he was secular and nationalist he wanted coexistence of all religion castes people whereas some leaders thought it was pseudo-secularism and wanted a Hindu Nation .
His assassination : Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse. Godse who believed Gandhi betrayed Hindus and appeased Muslims. Godse who was a part of rss the same extremist group who Gandhi strongly opposed was banned after this incident. Many people thought Gandhi was soft to non-Hindus specially muslims but hard for Hindus who he said to do self sacrifice and said non violence is the only path for better world.
WHY GANDHI WAS NOT ANTI-HINDU
Gandhi was deeply rooted in Hindu Philosophy . His all political thoughts came from Hindu philosophical scriptures . He wanted a Ram Rajya for the country which was still waiting for completed independence. He opposed violence not Hindus.He Respected all religions belief and wanted peaceful coexistence of all peoples irrespective of caste and religion. When he died by the hand of Godse the last words on his mouth were “hey ram”.People say he was anti-Hindu but he fasted during Direct action day he also fasted during partition of India riots. It was never about religion or caste but humanity. He tried to stop all violence.
He fought for Dalits (Harijans) who were discriminated for 1000s of years inside Hindu society critics say he didn’t wanted to annihilate caste like ambedkar but that’s reform where caste discrimination was at peak. He promoted intercaste marriage . He also promoted inter-dining and allowed Dalits to enter temple which they were denied for centuries . He reformed the Hindu society within the varna system for which he was heavily criticised by Ambedkar who was fighting for the rights of schedule caste and tribals in the Hindu society.
