Natal Indian Congress & Gandhiji’s Early Career and Activism

Mahatma Gandhi’s activism in South Africa played a crucial role in shaping his ideology of Satyagraha (non-violent resistance). His struggle against racial discrimination and his leadership in establishing the Natal Indian Congress (NIC) laid the foundation for his later role in India's freedom movement.

Why Did Gandhi Go to Africa?

Mahatma Gandhi went to South Africa in 1893 as a young lawyer to represent an Indian businessman, Dada Abdullah, in a legal case. At that time, South Africa had a large population of Indian immigrants, mainly indentured laborers and traders, who were subjected to severe racial discrimination under British colonial rule.

Gandhi’s Qualifications at the Time

Before moving to South Africa, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi had completed his law degree in London from Inner Temple and qualified as a barrister in 1891. However, he struggled to establish his legal practice in India, which led him to accept a job offer in South Africa.

Racist Policies in British South Africa

During Gandhi’s time in South Africa, the British and Boer (Dutch settler) governments enforced multiple racist laws against Indians and Black South Africans.

Major Racial Laws Against Indians:

1. Pass Laws – Indians and Black South Africans were required to carry special passbooks for identification and travel restrictions.
2. Immigration Laws – Indian migration was heavily restricted, with new laws preventing permanent settlement.
3. No Voting Rights – Indians were denied the right to vote in municipal elections.
4. Licensing Restrictions – Indian traders had to obtain special permits, often denied or heavily taxed.
5. Land Ownership Ban – Indians were prohibited from buying land in certain areas.

Incidents of Racism Against Gandhi

1. Train Incident at Pietermaritzburg (1893)

One of the defining moments in Gandhi’s life occurred when he was thrown off a train at Pietermaritzburg despite holding a first-class ticket. This experience deeply impacted him and inspired his fight against racial injustice.

2. Durban Courtroom Incident

Gandhi was asked to remove his turban in a Durban court. When he refused, he was insulted and humiliated.

3. Stagecoach Beating

While traveling to Pretoria, Gandhi was physically assaulted by a stagecoach driver for refusing to sit on the footboard, a seat designated for non-White passengers.

Formation of the Natal Indian Congress (NIC)

When and Who Founded the Natal Indian Congress?

• Founded in: 1894
• Founder: Mahatma Gandhi
• Location: Durban, South Africa

Gandhi established the Natal Indian Congress (NIC) to fight against racial discrimination faced by Indians in South Africa. The organization mobilized legal battles, petitions, and peaceful protests to challenge unjust colonial laws.

Objectives of the Natal Indian Congress:

1. Opposing Racial Discrimination – Fighting against unfair laws targeting Indians.
2. Securing Voting Rights – Demanding franchise rights for Indians in South Africa.
3. Challenging Unjust Taxes – Protesting against unfair taxation policies imposed on Indians.
4. Creating Awareness – Informing the Indian community about their rights and encouraging resistance.

Timeline of Gandhi’s Activism in South Africa

• 1893 – Gandhi arrives in South Africa.
• 1894 – Establishes the Natal Indian Congress (NIC).
• 1896 – Returns to India briefly to gather support for South African Indians.
• 1906 – Leads the first Satyagraha (non-violent resistance) movement against the Asiatic Registration Act.
• 1908 – Gandhi is arrested and jailed for resisting discriminatory laws.
• 1913 – Leads a mass protest against the £3 tax imposed on Indian laborers.
• 1914 – Signs an agreement with the South African government.
• 1915 – Returns to India and begins his leadership in the Indian independence movement.

Agreement with the South African Government

After years of activism, Gandhi and the South African government reached a settlement in 1914. The major concessions achieved included:

- Abolition of the £3 tax imposed on Indian laborers.
- Recognition of Indian marriages under South African law.
- Relaxation of restrictions on Indian immigration and movement.

Although it was not a complete victory, it marked a significant success in Gandhi’s early political career. The methods of non-violent protest he developed in South Africa later became the foundation for India's freedom struggle.

Conclusion

Gandhi’s early activism in South Africa was a turning point in his life. His experiences with racial discrimination and his leadership in the Natal Indian Congress helped him develop Satyagraha, a powerful weapon against oppression. His success in negotiating with the South African government demonstrated the effectiveness of non-violent resistance, which he later applied to India's struggle for independence.

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