Swatantratano Arth - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Swatantratano Arth" by Sukhlal Sanghavi, focusing on the meaning of freedom, its relative nature, and the author's insightful perspective on the transition to independence in India:

The author, Sukhlal Sanghavi, begins by stating he is not an expert in economics, history, or politics but has always been interested in the general state of the country. He intends to briefly outline his thoughts on the upcoming independence based on this general awareness.

Sanghavi asserts that in practical, worldly affairs, an absolute definition of freedom is impossible. Therefore, when considering freedom, we must adopt a relative perspective. He notes that it's easy to express exclamations of independence and celebrate superficial changes and festivals. However, truly understanding how this freedom impacts our lives, opens doors in individual spheres, and necessitates new forms of duty is far more difficult, yet it is the true essence of freedom.

The immediate understanding of freedom for most is liberation from British rule and foreign subjugation. This prompts Sanghavi to question if Indians were not enslaved before the British. He delves into the nuances of this prior "enslavement" and whether the British imposed only subjugation or also sowed seeds of freedom. He believes these questions encourage a neutral examination of the recent past, comparing the period before and after British rule.

Sanghavi then contrasts the pre-British era with the British era in various aspects:

Economic Life:

Pre-British: The economy was self-sufficient and directed inwards, focused on agriculture, distribution, and indigenous industries. Even during famines, sustenance was easier to find. Animal and plant life were abundant and prosperous.
British Era: The economy became outward-looking, draining resources to foreign lands. This led to the depletion of natural resources, making the country's human population appear "skeletal" despite numerical growth. The economic and industrial life of the country suffered the most significant blow under British rule.

Religious, Social, and Educational Status:

Pre-British: While there was a widespread and rich religious atmosphere, it was characterized by a focus on the other-worldly, superstitions, and rituals, leading to indifference towards immediate worldly problems and a lack of self-exertion. Blind faith often suppressed reason and logic.
British Era:
- Religion: While the British suppressed or maintained certain religious forces, their rule also brought a desirable impetus to religious thought. Rationalism gained strength, encouraging introspection and the replacement of rigid rituals with living service and human devotion.
- Society:
  - Women: Women were largely ignored and relegated to domestic life, with their freedom limited to their homes.
  - Caste System: The caste system created numerous divisions, and a sense of superiority and inferiority became entrenched.
  - Discrimination: Discrimination against Dalits and untouchables was deeply rooted, alongside the veneration of Brahmins and other upper castes.
  - Marriage: Marriages were rarely based on love or merit.
  - Institutions: Old institutions like village councils (Panch) and guilds (Mahajan) became more focused on power than service.
- Education:
  - Pre-British: Education was cheap and accessible but largely confined to upper castes and classes. The majority of the population and women were excluded. The focus of education was predominantly on the afterlife, failing to provide relevance to worldly life and fostering a spirit of receiving service rather than rendering it. While there was abstract thought about the divine, its practical application was minimal. Scientific education existed but rarely moved beyond theoretical concepts.
  - British Era: The introduction of a new education system and institutions, while impacting older ones, brought about revolutionary and desirable changes in Indian life. This new education, along with increased travel and interaction with foreigners, significantly altered social aspects. The idea of treating Dalits and untouchables as equals and uplifting them gained momentum. Dormant female power began to awaken and partner with men in all fields, easing their burdens and tempering their pride. Panch and Mahajan institutions began to revive in a democratic manner, moving towards service.

Political Situation:

Pre-British: The political landscape was fragmented and indecisive, akin to a leaderless army. Constant struggles for power between family members and rulers perpetuated internal conflicts. Any benevolent governance was short-lived. Individuals with military capabilities could easily disrupt public life. Collective strength against foreign invasion was nonexistent, which facilitated the British conquest of India.
British Era: The British rule established unity and uniformity, something that was unprecedented in the past. It subdued feudal lords and kings who were constantly at odds, bringing some peace to the populace.

The Legacy of British Rule: Sanghavi acknowledges that the British rule had its negative consequences, primarily the redirection of economic flows towards foreign lands. However, he argues that the positive aspects, such as the lessons in democracy, the broader educational perspective, the opening of doors to foreign countries for education, trade, and travel, and the breaking of geographical barriers, far outweigh the negatives. He states that the single most significant benefit of British rule was the sowing of seeds for all-encompassing freedom.

Upon achieving independence, India inherited both the positive achievements and the negative consequences of British rule. The author emphasizes that the responsibility to define the meaning of freedom after August 15th now rests with India, not the British.

Defining Freedom in the Context of Independence: Sanghavi concludes by offering a concise definition of freedom on the auspicious day of self-rule:

Enthusiasm for Change: To embrace necessary changes with full joy and interest, remaining faithful to history, observing the present situation neutrally, and focusing on building a prosperous future.
Deter-mind to Rectify: To diligently eradicate the deep-rooted flaws and shortcomings in various aspects of life, with the confidence that no external elements will obstruct progress after gaining self-rule.
Cultivating Duty-Boundness: To cultivate an inner understanding that individuals and nations can achieve the preservation of existing achievements and the attainment of new ones only by taking full responsibility and dedicating themselves to these tasks.

He suggests that the fundamental mantra of the Ishopanishad serves as a motto for this understanding: "Live your life by performing your duties." This means avoiding idleness and recognizing that to maintain and enhance harmonious relationships between individuals and the collective, one must consume the fruits of their labor with detachment and be free from the greed for others' earned fruits.

He concludes by addressing the inheritors of wealth, religion, caste, and authority, urging them to prioritize the welfare of the people and understand their own well-being within that context. Otherwise, he warns, they risk creating greater chaos than existed before British rule and inviting foreign aggression, ultimately becoming enslaved themselves.