Gandhi's ahimsa, satyagraha and use of the charkha in the freedom movement are examples of which of the following?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Distinct modes of protest of a movement
Option (1) Counter movements in defence of the status quo — Incorrect. Counter movements arise in defence of the status quo, as when defenders of sati formed the Dharma Sabha. Gandhi's methods aimed at change, freedom from colonial rule, so they are not a counter movement.
Option (2) Campaigns of lobbying with the government — Incorrect. Lobbying with the government, media and makers of public opinion is part of the campaigns a movement charts out. Ahimsa, satyagraha and the charkha were direct actions of protest by the people themselves, so they do not fit.
Option (3) Distinct modes of protest of a movement — Correct. Besides meetings and campaigns, social movements develop distinct modes of protest. Gandhi's novel ways in the freedom movement, ahimsa, satyagraha and the charkha, are examples of such modes.
Option (4) Meetings to mobilise people around issues — Incorrect. Meetings help activists build a shared understanding and agreement on the collective agenda. They are a separate activity of a movement, apart from its modes of protest.
NCERT (2026-27): “8.1 Features of a Social Movement … “could be candle and torch light processions, use of black cloth, street theatres, songs, poetry. Gandhi adopted novel ways such as ahimsa, satyagraha and his use of the charkha in the freedom movement. Recall the innovative modes of protest such as picketing and defying of the colonial ban on producing salt.” |