Hind Swaraj (Indian Home Rule)

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This edition of Hind Swaraj, with introductory essays by Dr. Usha Thakkar and Dr. Gita Dharampal, published in the 150th year of the Mahatma's birth anniversary, contains the 1910 English translation by. Gandhi himself.

Hind Swaraj or Indian Home Rule was written by M.K. Gandhi (18691948) in 1909. Composed originally in Gujarati, comprising 275 handwritten pages, this work contains the essence of his views, which he had developed in the course of the preceding decade or so. It includes his stance on modern civilisation and on nonviolence as a tool against oppression and subjugation.

Hind Swaraj has served as a blueprint over the years for many who follow Gandhian principles. Although its relevance in today's troubled world may be decided by the exigencies of the twenty-first century, Hind Swaraj remains seminal in the development of Gandhian thought. This book continues to provide valuable material for introspection and contemplation more than a hundred years after it was written.

Dr. Usha Thakkar retired as Professor and Head, Department of Political Science, SNDT Women's University, Mumbai. She is President, Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya, Mumbai.

Professor Gita Dharampal retired as Head of the Department of History at the South Asia Institute, University of Heidelberg. She is Dean of Research at the Gandhi Research Foundation, Jalgaon (Maharashtra).

It is not without hesitation that the translation of Hind Swaraj is submitted to the public.

A European friend, with whom I discussed the contents, wanted to see a translation of it and, during our spare moments, I hurriedly dictated and he took it down. It is not a literal translation but it is a faithful rendering of the original. Several English friends have read it, and whilst opinions were being invited as to the advisability of publishing the work, news was received that the original was seized in India. This information hastened the decision to publish the translation without a moments delay. My fellow-workers at the International Printing Press shared my view and by working overtime-a labour of love-they have enabled me to place the translation before the public in an unexpectedly short time. The work is being given to the public at what is practically cost-price. But, without, the financial assistance of the many Indians who promised to buy copies themselves and for distribution, it might never have seen the light of day.

I am quite aware of the many imperfections in the original. The English rendering, besides sharing these, must naturally exaggerate them, owing to my inability to convey the exact meaning of the original. Some of the friends who have read the translation have objected that the subject matter has been dealt with in the form of a dialogue. I have no answer to offer to this objection except that the Gujarati language readily lends itself to such treatment and that it is considered the best method of treating difficult subjects. Had I written for English readers in the first instance, the subject would have been handled in a different manner. Moreover, the dialogue, as it has been given, actually took place between several friends, mostly readers of Indian Opinion, and myself.

have written some chapters on the subject of Indian Home Rule which I venture to place before the readers of Indian Opinion. I have written because I could not restrain myself. I have read much, I have pondered much, during the stay, for four months in London of the Transvaal Indian deputation. I discussed things with as many of my countrymen as I could. I met, too, as many Englishmen as it was possible for me to meet. I consider it my duty now to place before the readers of Indian Opinion the conclusions, which appear to me to be final. The Gujarati subscribers of Indian Opinion number about 800. I am aware that, for every subscriber, there are at least ten persons who read the paper with zest. Those who cannot read Gujarati have the paper read to them. Such persons have often questioned me about the condition of India. Similar questions were addressed to me in London. I felt, therefore, that it might not be improper for me to ventilate publicly the views expressed by me in private.

These views are mine, and yet not mine. They are mine because I hope to act according to them. They are almost a part of my being. But, yet, they are not mine because I lay no claim to originality. They have been formed after reading several books. That which I dimly felt received support from these books.

The views I venture to place before the reader are, needless to say, held by many Indians not touched by what is known as civilisation, but I ask the reader to believe me when I tell him that they are also held by thousands of Europeans. Those who wish to dive deep, and have time, may read certain books themselves. If time permits, I hope to translate portions of such books for the benefit of the readers of Indian Opinion.

If the readers of Indian Opinion and others who may see the following chapters will pass their criticism on to me, I shall feel obliged to them.

The only motive is to serve my country, to find out the Truth, and to follow it. If, therefore, my views are proved to be wrong, I shall have no hesitation in rejecting them. If they are proved to be right, I would naturally wish, for the sake of the Motherland, that others should adopt them.

To make it easy reading, the chapters are written in the form of a dialogue between the reader and the editor.

**Contents and Sample Pages**