Gandhi and Anarchy

Sir C. Sankaran Nair

Gandhi and Anarchy by Sir C. Sankaran Nair is a critical, incisive, and controversial examination of Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy, methods, and the consequences of his political movements during India's struggle for independence. Written by a prominent Indian jurist, nationalist, and former member of the Viceroy's Executive Council, this book offers a unique insider critique of Gandhi's non-cooperation campaign and its unintended consequences, particularly the rise in civil unrest and violence in the early 1920s. The book begins with a detailed Preface, followed by the central chapter titled "Gandhi and Anarchy – His Philosophy," where Nair scrutinizes Gandhi's doctrines of non-violence, passive resistance (Satyagraha), and civil disobedience. While acknowledging Gandhi's sincerity and moral force, Nair challenges the practicality and societal outcomes of such movements in a country as complex and divided as India. The work is heavily supported by 23 Appendices, featuring official speeches, eyewitness reports, petitions, and statements by British officials, Indian leaders, and victims of mob violence. These include: Reports on the Moplah Rebellion in Malabar and the Gorakhpur and Barabanki disorders, showcasing the violent aftermath of non-cooperation. Annie Besant's essay "Malabar's Agony" (Appendix 3), emphasizing the communal cost of Gandhi's campaigns. Statements by Sir Harcourt Butler, Sir L. Porter, and Sir William Vincent, providing the colonial governments point of view. Mr. Gandhi's own written statement (Appendix 21), offering readers the chance to directly engage with the Mahatma's defense. Discussions on the Chauri Chaura incident, the Khilafat movement, Muslim-Hindu relations, and the demand for a Republic, reflecting the volatile political climate. Far from being an anti-nationalist diatribe, Gandhi and Anarchy is a sobering call for responsible leadership and a balanced approach to political reform. Nair argues that hasty mass movements without firm control and institutional preparedness may lead to anarchy rather than liberty. This book remains an important primary source for scholars of Indian political history, Gandhi studies, colonial policy, and early 20th-century social unrest. It is also essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the multiple ideological currents within the Indian independence movement.

Table of contents

• PREFACE
• GANDHI AND ANARCHY HIS PHILOSOPHY
• APPENDIX 1 VICEROY'S SPEECH.
• APPENDIX 2 DIABOLICAL ATROCITIES.
• APPENDIX 3 MALABAR'S AGONY.
• APPENDIX 4 Proceedings of the conference at Calicut presided over by the Zamorin Maharaja.
• APPENDIX 5 Petition of Malabar Ladies to Lady Reading
• APPENDIX 6 ON NON-CO-OPERATION
• APPENDIX 7 Extracts from the speech delivered by His Excellency Sir Harcourt Butler, Governor of the U. P. of Agra & Oudh, at the opening of the U. P. Legislative Council,
• APPENDIX 9 Extracts from the speech by His Excellency Sir Harcourt Butler at a Durbar held at Lucknow
• APPENDIX 11 BARABANKI DISORDERS
• APPENDIX 14 Governor's Warning
• APPENDIX 15 Extracts from the speech of the Hon'ble Sir Henry Wheeler, Member in charge of Political Department
• APPENDIX 16 BEHAR AND ORISSA
• APPENDIX 18 DEMAND FOR AN INDIAN "REPUBLIC"
• APPENDIX 19 GOVERNMENT REPLIES.
• APPENDIX 21 Mr. M. K. Gandhi's Statement
• APPENDIX 22
• APPENDIX 23 The Honourable Sir William Vincent's Speech at the Legislative Assembly, 18th January 1922