Indian Home Rule (1919 edition)

by Mohandas K. Gandhi

INDIAN HOME RULE

BY

M. K. GANDHI

Reprinted with a new foreword by the author.

GANESH & CO.,

MADRAS.

NOTE

The doctrine of violence is more widely believed in than is generally realised. The votaries of violence can be divided into two classes. Some, a small and dwindling class, believe in it and are prepared to act according to their faith. Others, a very large class always, and now, after bitter experiences of the failure of constitutional agitation, larger than ever, believe in violence, but that belief does not lead them to action. It disables them from work on any basis other than force. The belief in violence serves to dissuade them from all other kinds of work or sacrifice. In both cases the evil is great.

There can be no reconstruction or hope for this land of ours, unless we eradicate the worship of force in all its forms, and establish work on a basis other than violence. A refutation of the doctrine of violence is, in the present situation of the affairs of our country, more necessary than ever.

To this end, nothing better can be conceived than the publication and wide distribution of Mr. Gandhi's famous book.

It was extremely patriotic of Messrs. Ganesh and Company to have readily agreed to undertake the work when they were approached with the request.

Satyagraha Sabha,
Madras
6—6—19.

C. Rajagopalachar.

FOREWARD

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I have re-read this book-let more than once. The value at the present moment lies in re-printing it as it is. But if I had to revise it, there is only one word I would alter in accordance with a promise made to an English friend. She took exception to my use of the word. 'prostitute' in speaking of the Parliament. Her fine taste recoiled from the indelicacy of the expression. I remind the reader that the book-let purports to be a free translation of the original which is in Gujarati.

After years of endeavour to put into practice the views expressed in the following pages, I feel that the way shown therein is the only true way to Swaraj. Satyagrah—the law of love is the Law of life. Departure from it leads to disintegration. A firm adherence to it leads to regeneration.

BOMBAY$\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,}$
28th May 1919.

M. K. GANDHI.

CONTENTS

CHAP	FOREWORD	PAGE
I	The Congress and its officials	1
II	The Partition of Bengal	10
III	Discontent and unrest	13
IV	What is Swaraj?	15
V	The Condition of England	19
VI	Civilisation	25
VII	Why was India Lost	31
VIII	The Condition of India	36
IX	Do (Railways)	41
X	Do Hindus and Mahomedans	46
XI	Do (Lawyers)	56
XII	Do (Doctors)	62
XIII	What is true Civilisation	65
XIV	How can India become Free	71
XV	Italy and India	76
XVI	Brute Force	81
XVII	Passive Resistance	92
XVIII	Education	108
XIX	Machinery	118
XX	Conclusions	137
	Appendices