Question

Read the following excerpt from Gandhi’s “Banaras Hindu University Speech”: Over seventy-five percent of the population is agriculturists and . . . there cannot be much spirit of self-government about us, if we take away or allow others to take away from them almost the whole of the results of their labour. Our salvation can only come through the farmer. Neither the lawyers, nor the doctors, nor the rich landlords are going to secure it. . . . Let us not forget that India of today in her impatience has produced an army of anarchists. I myself am an anarchist but of another type. But there is a class of anarchists amongst us, and if I was able to reach this class, I would say to them that their anarchism has no room in India, If India is to conquer the conqueror. . . . If we are to receive self-government, we shall have to take it. We shall never be granted self-government. Look at the history of the British Empire and the British nation; freedom loving as it is, it will not be a party to give freedom to a people who will not take it themselves. What argument is Gandhi making in this excerpt? How does he construct and support this argument?

Answer 1

Gandhi says that for India to achieve self-governance, the Indian people must take back the country. The British Empire will not just hand it over to India on its own. Gandhi says that self-governance is possible only when farmers are given their due. With over 75 percent of the population depending on agriculture for its livelihood, it is impossible to create a balanced society if the farmers do not receive their fair share. According to Gandhi, only farmers, and not doctors or wealthy landlords, have the power to salvage India. He goes on to discuss the role of anarchists in India’s current situation. In this excerpt, Gandhi shows the complex political and social situation in India. He also discusses how these diverse groups must ultimately forge together to win the nation’s independence.Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

Gandhi says that for India to achieve self-governance, the Indian people must take back the country. The British Empire will not just hand it over to India on its own. Gandhi says that self-governance is possible only when farmers are given their due. With over 75 percent of the population depending on agriculture for its livelihood, it is impossible to create a balanced society if the farmers do not receive their fair share. According to Gandhi, only farmers, and not doctors or wealthy landlords, have the power to salvage India. He goes on to discuss the role of anarchists in India’s current situation. In this excerpt, Gandhi shows the complex political and social situation in India. He also discusses how these diverse groups must ultimately forge together to win the nation’s independence.