Gopal Krishna Gokhale

Gopal Krishna Gokhale, born on May 9, 1866, played a crucial role in the Indian Independence Movement. He was not just a political leader but also a social reformer, advocating for positive changes in society. Gokhale founded the Servants of India Society and was a key figure in the Indian National Congress. Leading the moderate faction within the Congress, he believed in working with existing government structures to bring about reforms and pave the way for Indian self-rule. Through his efforts in various organizations, Gokhale aimed to bring both political and social transformation to India.

Must Read Blogs
Anandi Gopal Joshi: India’s First Female Doctor	A Sustainable Model for Women’s Leadership
Krishna Water Dispute	Andhra Pradesh: Its History, Language & Culture
New guidelines for senior advocates in the Supreme Court	Maharashtra: Godavari, Krishna & Major Cities

Key Points

Birth: Gopal Krishna Gokhale was born on 9th May 1866 in Kotluk village in what is now Maharashtra. Back then, it was part of the Bombay Presidency, and he belonged to a Brahmin family.

Ideology: Gokhale spent 30 years working on things that mattered deeply to him—social empowerment, spreading education, and fighting for India’s freedom. He was all about peaceful ways and wasn’t into revolutionary approaches.

Role in Colonial Legislatures: Between 1899 and 1902, he had a seat in the Bombay Legislative Council. Later, he worked at the Imperial Legislative Council from 1902 until he passed away in 1915. At the Imperial legislature, he played a crucial part in shaping the Morley-Minto reforms of 1909.

Role in INC: Gokhale was part of the Moderate Group in the Indian National Congress, joining in 1889. He even became the president of the INC in 1905 during the Banaras session. Things got a bit heated between his ‘Moderates’ and the ‘Extremists’ led by folks like Lala Lajpat Rai and Bal Gangadhar Tilak during the Surat session of 1907.

Campaign for Lala Lajpat Rai: Despite their differences, in 1907, Gokhale went all out to campaign for the release of Lala Lajpat Rai, who got locked up by the British in Mandalay, present-day Myanmar.

Related Societies and Other Works: He set up the Servants of India Society in 1905, aiming to expand education in India. Gokhale was also involved with the Sarvajanik Sabha journal started by Govind Ranade. In 1908, he kicked off the Ranade Institute of Economics and started an English weekly newspaper called ‘The Hitavada’ (The people’s paper).

Mentor to Gandhi: Gandhi saw Gokhale as his political mentor. Gokhale’s ideas deeply influenced Gandhi, who even dedicated a book in Gujarati to him called ‘Dharmatma Gokhale’.

History

Gopal Krishna Gokhale, born in 1866, was a key figure in Indian politics during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was not only a prominent leader in the Indian National Congress but also a dedicated social reformer. Gokhale strongly believed in the need for both social and political changes in India. His efforts were not just focused on challenging British colonial rule but also on improving the internal conditions of Indian society. Gokhale’s legacy includes advocating for self-governance for India within the existing British colonial system. His life and contributions played a vital role in shaping the course of India’s political and social development.

Early Life and Education: Gopal Krishna Gokhale, born on May 9, 1866, in Kotluk village in present-day Maharashtra, India, started his journey from a humble background. His first lessons were in a local school, but things took a turn when he later enrolled at Elphinstone College in Bombay (Mumbai). It was here that his interest in social and political issues began to blossom.

Social Reforms: Gokhale was a true champion of change. In 1905, he became a part of the Servants of India Society, dedicated to promoting civic responsibility, education, and public service. His mission was to wipe out social issues like untouchability and child marriage. Education, according to him, was the key to empowerment.

Political Activism: Gokhale stepped into the political arena in 1889 by joining the INC. His approach was moderate and gradual, advocating for cooperation with the British government to achieve India’s self-governance. His vision aimed at building a bridge between Indians and the British rulers for the benefit of the Indian people.

Role in the Legislative Council: In 1902, Gokhale was elected to the Imperial Legislative Council, a precursor to today’s Parliament of India. Here, he tirelessly advocated for Indian interests, focusing on civil rights, education, and economic development.

Educational Initiatives: Education was Gokhale’s passion. He believed that a prosperous India needed educated and politically aware citizens. His efforts led to the establishment of institutions like Fergusson College in Pune, reflecting his commitment to spreading modern education.

Influence on Young Leaders: Gokhale’s influence extended beyond his time. One notable figure inspired by him was Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi, considering Gokhale his mentor, drew from his principles of nonviolent protest and constructive engagement with the British authorities.

Legacy: Gokhale’s contributions to Indian society, education, and politics have rightfully earned him a revered place in Indian history. As a reformer and statesman, he dedicated his life to the welfare and progress of the Indian people.

Contribution

Gopal Krishna Gokhle chastised the government for spending a lot of money on the army, taxing cotton, and racially discriminating against Indians in high-ranking positions.
He did everything he could to persuade British statesmen in London not to split Bengal.
His tireless efforts resulted in a toll tax cut.
In India, he requested that the government to limit land revenues.
Gopal Krishna Gokhle founded the ‘Servants of India Society’ in Pune (Maharashtra) in 1905 to promote education in India. The Society established mobile libraries, established schools, and offered industry workers, night classes.