Essay Questions

How does freedom fighting emerge as one of the main themes in Ahimsa by Supriya Kelkar?

The novel is set in 1942 when India is fighting for independence from the British colonizers. The man in charge of the freedom movement is Mahatma Gandhi, who advocates for non-violence while demanding self-rule. Gandhi requests all Indian families to volunteer by providing one member of their families to join the movement. Consequently, the fight for freedom is one of the vital themes discussed in the book because it focuses on India’s non-violent journey to independence.

How do the people of India unite in solidarity to fight against British rule?

The people of India are determined to gain their independence from the British, who have violated their rights and denied them opportunities to prosper. In solidarity with Gandhi’s call, the people of India boycott British products such as clothes. The people are determined to make radical changes in their lives to show the British that they are no longer needed in India. Anjali and her family are among the people who make these radical changes by wearing homemade clothes. The decision by the Indian people to boycott British products is meant to hurt the British financially. Therefore, boycotting British products is one of the non-violent tactics the people of India used to fight against British oppression.

How do the British authorities react against those Indians who engage in Gandhi’s freedom movement?

The British were unhappy with Gandhi’s movement, especially when he told people to boycott British products. The British responded brutally by arresting people and subjecting them to suffering, a lesson for those who attempted to get involved in the movement. For instance, the British arrested Anjali’s mother because of her active role in Gandhi’s freedom movement. However, the people of India are not threatened, and they join hands to fight until they gain independence under the leadership of Gandhi.