Early Life and Education
- Birth: Gopal Krishna Gokhale was born on 9 May 1866 in Kotluk village, Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra, into a Brahmin family.
- Education: He received his early education in Ratnagiri, excelling in academics. He pursued higher studies at Elphinstone College, Bombay, where he studied arts, and earned a scholarship due to his academic brilliance.
- Career: After completing his education, he briefly worked as a teacher in Pune and later became a professor of political economics and history at Fergusson College, Pune, eventually serving as its principal in 1902.
Ideological Stance
- Gokhale was known for his moderate approach to political agitation, advocating for reforms through constitutional means rather than revolutionary methods. His belief in gradual reform set him apart from more radical leaders.
- He aimed at social empowerment, promoting education, and fighting for India’s freedom over three decades. Gokhale rejected violent means of protest and believed in dialogue and constitutional methods to achieve political rights.
Role in the Indian National Congress (INC)
- Joining INC: Gokhale joined the Indian National Congress in 1889 and quickly rose to prominence within the party.
- Presidency: He became the president of the INC during its 21st session in Benaras in 1905. His leadership during this period was marked by an emphasis on constructive work and education.
- Moderate Faction: He was a leader of the Moderate faction within the INC, advocating for constitutional methods of agitation against British rule. His tenure saw tensions rise between the Moderates and Extremists, exemplified by the split at the Surat session in 1907.
- Support for Imprisoned Leaders: Despite ideological differences, Gokhale campaigned vigorously for the release of Lala Lajpat Rai, who was imprisoned by the British in 1907.
Role in Legislative Bodies
- Bombay Legislative Council: Gokhale was elected to the Bombay Legislative Council in 1899.
- Imperial Legislative Council: He later served in the Imperial Legislative Assembly from 1902 until his death in 1915. His time in these councils was marked by efforts to represent Indian interests and push for reforms.
- Morley-Minto Reforms: Gokhale played a crucial role in framing the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909, which aimed to increase Indian representation in governance.
Establishing Educational and Social Institutions
- Servants of India Society: In 1905, Gokhale founded the Servants of India Society, aimed at training individuals for public service and nation-building. The society worked to promote education, healthcare, sanitation, and rural development.
- Ranade Institute of Economics: He founded this institute in 1908 to promote economic studies and social reforms.
- The Hitavada: Gokhale started the English weekly newspaper The Hitavada (The People’s Paper) in 1911, using it as a platform to promote his ideas and advocate for social justice.
Mentor to Mahatma Gandhi
- Gokhale is regarded as a significant influence on Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi described Gokhale as his political guru, appreciating his commitment to social reform and nonviolent methods of protest.
- He first met Gandhi in South Africa, recognizing his potential as a leader and supporting his endeavors. Gokhale’s beliefs significantly shaped Gandhi’s political philosophy.
Advocacy for Social Issues
- Gokhale was an advocate for numerous social reforms, including the upliftment of women, the promotion of education in vernacular languages, and the abolition of untouchability.
- He emphasized the need for social justice and worked tirelessly to improve the conditions of the marginalized in Indian society.
Contribution in the National Movement
- Gokhale was a pivotal figure in the early Indian National Movement. He believed in a blend of education, social reform, and political activism as essential for national awakening.
- His moderate ideology was crucial in setting the tone for early political discourse in India. He urged leaders to pursue reforms through constitutional means, which resonated with many contemporaries and future leaders.
Gopal Krishna Gokhale’s Death
- Gopal Krishna Gokhale passed away on 19 February 1915 at the age of 49. His untimely death was a significant loss to the Indian National Movement, leaving a void in leadership at a critical time in India’s struggle for independence.
Summary of Key Points
- Birth: 9 May 1866, Kotluk, Maharashtra.
- Education: Elphinstone College, Bombay; influenced by Western political thought.
- Political Role: Joined INC in 1889; president in 1905.
- Moderate Ideology: Advocated for reforms through constitutional means.
- Legislative Contribution: Member of Bombay and Imperial Legislative Councils; played a key role in Morley-Minto Reforms.
- Social Reforms: Founded Servants of India Society (1905); promoted education and social welfare.
- Mentorship: Influenced Mahatma Gandhi’s political philosophy.
- Legacy: Recognized as a leading moderate nationalist and a champion of social justice.
Gopal Krishna Gokhale Essay in English
Gopal Krishna Gokhale was a pioneering figure in the Indian freedom struggle and a respected social reformer. His advocacy for moderate political engagement and his emphasis on education as a tool for empowerment have left an indelible mark on Indian history. Born in Maharashtra in 1866, Gokhale was exposed to progressive ideas early in life, which shaped his vision for a free and equitable India. Joining the Indian National Congress in 1889, he quickly became a leading voice for reform. His presidency at the 1905 INC session marked a significant moment in Indian politics, advocating for constitutional reforms and non-violent agitation.
Gokhale’s legislative work was notable for its focus on representing Indian interests and addressing social issues. His founding of the Servants of India Society exemplified his commitment to public service and education, fostering a generation of leaders dedicated to nation-building. As a mentor to Mahatma Gandhi, Gokhale’s influence extended beyond his lifetime, guiding future generations in their quest for freedom and justice. Despite his early demise in 1915, Gokhale’s legacy as a moderate nationalist and a champion of social reform continues to inspire and resonate with the values of modern India.
10 Lines on Gopal Krishna Gokhale
- Gopal Krishna Gokhale was born on 9 May 1866 in Maharashtra.
- He was a leading figure in the Indian National Congress, advocating for moderate political methods.
- Gokhale emphasized the importance of education as a means to empower Indians.
- He founded the Servants of India Society in 1905 to promote social reform and public service.
- Gokhale played a crucial role in the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909.
- He was a mentor to Mahatma Gandhi, shaping his early political ideology.
- Gokhale published the English weekly newspaper The Hitavada in 1911.
- He worked tirelessly to address social issues like untouchability and women’s rights.
- Gokhale passed away at the young age of 49 on 19 February 1915.
- His legacy as a moderate nationalist continues to inspire modern India.
These notes provide a detailed overview of Gopal Krishna Gokhale’s life, contributions, and significance in the Indian National Movement, making them suitable for UPSC preparation.