How Mahatma Gandhi-inspired patriotic garbas stimulated political consciousness during the Raj

AHMEDABAD: Be it his return to India or the first satyagraha in Kheda, Mahatma Gandhi's life and teachings spurred a number of writers to compose garbas that stimulated political consciousness and intensified India's freedom struggle.

Historians say Gandhi was perhaps the most inspirational figure after his return in 1915, and writers fashioned his teachings into patriotic Gujarati garbas.

Rashtriya Garba Sangrah, a collection of 31 garbas based on the swadeshi movement and Kheda satyagraha, was published in Ahmedabad during the non-cooperation erathat resisted British occupation in India through nonviolent means.

The songs instilled insecurity among British who banned such books across India. Other prohibited books include Swadesh Sangeet Garba Wali (Nadiad, 1921), Swadesh Garba Sangrah (Mumbai, 1922), Swadesh Garba Wali (Vadodara, 1922), Swarajya Garbi (Godhra, 1922) and Rashtra Garbi (Godhra, 1923).

Poets expressed Gandhi's view of how India's wealth was being drained and asked people to adopt local handicrafts.

Noted historian Rizwan Qadri says, "The era witnessed a proliferation of patriotic songs which were sung at gatherings, expressing the sentiments of the people."