7. Conclusion
Hindu men were derided as ‘mild’ by the British. Gandhi’s model of masculinity made Indians feel proud about their cultural ethos. Gandhi made Indians feel proud about the gentleness of their nature. He also made them realize that gentleness was not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength, the legacy of their age-old civilization. Indians across the social spectrum responded positively to Gandhi’s reframing of masculinity and femininity, and of oppressor and oppressed. The non-dualism that Gandhi advocated existed in Hindu practices of non-binary forms of deities. Worshiping Ardhanarishwar (the composite male-female figure of the Hindu God Shiva with his consort Parvati representing fusion of purusha [masculine] and prakriti [feminine]) has been prevalent in India since ancient times. Shakti (power) has always been considered as feminine quality in India.
Gandhi faced aggressive colonial masculinity by combining positive masculine and feminine qualities which can be called androgynous. It would make a person a complete human being transcending gender binaries. He tried to restore the feminine core of religion with values such as love, compassion and harmony. Gandhi’s influence originated from his spirituality. For the masses he was foremost a Mahatma (a great soul). It had its unmatched impact on the people. Gilbert Murray rightly remarked on Gandhi in 1914: ‘Persons in power should be very careful how they deal with a man who cares nothing for sensual pleasure, nothing for riches, nothing for comfort or praise or promotion, but is simply determined to do what he believes to be right. He is a dangerous and uncomfortable enemy, because his body which you can always conquer, gives you so little purchase upon his soul.’[14] Gandhi left a message behind for the oppressed and downtrodden of the world to look inward and realize this soul force to gain strength against injustice.
[14] Quoted in Louis Fischer, Gandhi: His Life and Message for the World, New York: New American Library, 1960, p. 49.
Author
Shyam Pakhare is Assistant Professor of History at K.C. College, affiliated with the University of Mumbai. His area of research is Gandhi, India’s struggle for freedom and masculinities.
Address: Department of History, 124, Dinshaw Wachha Road, Churchgate, Mumbai 20.