British vs English: The Pro-Gandhian Attitude of European Elites in the Civil Disobedience Movement in Tamil Nadu 1930 1932

Abstract

Gandhian strategy has influenced not only the people of India but also the Europeans too. Gandhi studied the psychology of the Indians by making an extensive tour covering the whole nation from 1915 to 1927 and also again between 1933 and 1934. Thereby he came to know their minds that they were systematically admitted their sub-conscious mind to support his nationalist venture. Irked by this, the British launched invariably a variety of preventive measures to sideline the Gandhian strategy to get freedom to the nation from them. But Gandhi and his fellow congressmen’ never minded about the dragoneous attitude of the British and extended their full support to each and every anti-British activity of Gandhi in a virulent manner. Gandhi's non-violent satyagraha had impressed the European elites who voluntarily came forward to join with him. Mirabhen and Reginald Reynolds were the pioneers of pro-Gandhian European elites. The English speaking elites like Margarita E. Cousins, Mrs. Hidawood, Annie Besant and others were actively involved the Home Rule Movement and also in the non co-operation movement of Gandhi. They organised an association for inviting women of India to join in these movements. The Women Indian Association, and All India Women Conference were the two organisation founded by the English Women to support Gandhian endeavors. Further, they started 'Youth India Club' and 'Madras Swadesi League' to train the youth and women folk of South India. Dr. E.F. Paton of Scottland also took the lead in favour of Gandhian Movement in1930-1932 in North Arcot. He led the Civil Disobedience movement in 1930 in Vellore and Madras. A hundred of christians of his ashramate participated in the movements. The British took a etern measures against Dr. Paton in Madras when he participated the foreign cloths shops in Madras. In August 1932, a India League Delegation visited Madras to see the English political prisoners in India, It was led by Ms.Wilkinson and Monica Whately Leonard matters of Labour party of British parliment. The delegation submitted their report to the British government. Hence, the present paper is an attempt to study the role of European Elites in the Gandhian movements in India from 1930 to 1932. Their participation in the Gandhian movement is so far recorded in historical research.