Evaluate the contribution of Gandhi to the achievement of Indian independence in 1947.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of Gandhi’s contribution to the achievement of independence in India weighing up the strengths and limitations of his actions and methods prior to Indian independence in August 1947. Candidates may refer to the fact that he brought the masses into the national movement. His concepts of non-violence and passive resistance based on truth and fairness, gave his movements a universal, legitimate appeal. He gave people new tools for resistance through satyagraha, boycotts and courting arrest. His movements helped repeal unjust taxes such as the salt tax. The Non-Cooperation, Khilafat and the Quit India movements had both successes and failures. He could not stem communalism and was unable to placate the Muslims. Candidates may also argue that independence may have come anyway due to the Atlantic Charter and the decision taken by colonists, after the end of the Second World War, to give up their colonies. Both strengths and limitations must be clearly indicated but there does not need to be an equal number of each.