Content for Mains Enrichment
Source: IE
Context: Gandhi strategically used music to convey his messages and foster unity, spirituality, peace, and nationalism among the Indian population during the struggle for freedom.
| Aspect | How Gandhi Used Music | Examples |
| Convey Messages | Gandhi used music to convey messages of spirituality, peace, and nationalism by selecting hymns and bhajans that promoted these values. | He chose bhajans like “Vaishnava Jana toh” and “Ishwar Allah tero naam” to emphasize unity and spirituality |
| He used music to soothe agitated minds and promote peace during communal tensions. | ||
| Communication | Music served as a means of communication during the freedom struggle, rallying people together and summoning them to the call of duty. | Music played a significant role in the Dandi Yatra and prabhat pheris (musical processions) to convey patriotic sentiments |
| Unity | Music was instrumental in fostering unity among people from different communities, creating a sense of community and consonance. | Hymns and bhajans were sung collectively during prayer services in ashrams, promoting a sense of oneness |
| Nationalism | Gandhi believed that music could instil nationalism and pride in people, making them feel connected to the freedom movement. | Patriotic songs and prayers sung during prabhat pheris became symbols of resistance against British rule |
| Selection of Music | Gandhi preferred simple, devotional music that could be easily hummed and sung by the common man. | Classical music was not his preference; he valued the message over the artistry. |
| Notable Musician | Gandhi was impressed by vocalists like MS Subbulakshmi, who sang with such depth and devotion that it deeply moved him. | Subbulakshmi’s rendition of the Ramdhun and other bhajans was seen as a source of inspiration and fundraising for the Kasturba Memorial Fund. |
Usage: The examples can be used in Essay/ Ethics/ Indian history to show how Gandhi used music to spread social and nationalistic messages
