Analyse the Gandhian perspective on the nature of Indian State.
Answers
Mahatma Gandhi was the most important political figure of 20th Century. His principles inspired million of people all over World. In Gandhi's assessment the State (Western type) was the symbol of violence in a concentrated form. He learned from his experience in South Africa that excessive power with the State meant more violence or greater amount of coercion. In the name of maintenance of law and order, the South African white government acquired enormous power and this led to the ruthless administration, exploitation and end of individual's liberty. So his philosophy was „anti modernist" and opposed the idea of Modern State. Gandhi's critique of the Modern State was central to his political thinking. The case of Gandhiji theory of politics is to show that the citizen is the true political subject and
not the State. Gandhi's book „Hind Swaraj" give us an idea of Gandhian vision of a modern Indian State. He believed that in the „Ideal State" there will be no political state therefore there will be no political Institution and political power. He said in his classical statement "That government is the best which governs least"