| Abstract: | Swaraj is one of the central concepts of Mahatma Gandhi’s political, social, ethical, and economic philosophy. For Gandhi, Swaraj did not merely mean political independence from British colonial rule; rather, it signified self-rule, self-discipline, moral autonomy, social equality, economic self-reliance, and the welfare of all. His conception of Swaraj was closely associated with the ideals of Sarvodaya, Swadeshi, Satyagraha, non-violence, Ram Rajya, and Gram Swaraj. Gandhi envisioned a society in which every individual would enjoy equal opportunities for self-realization and where social discrimination, untouchability, exploitation, and economic inequality would be eliminated. He advocated decentralization of political power, village self-government, cottage industries, economic self-sufficiency, and moral regeneration as essential conditions for Swaraj. His idea of Ram Rajya represented an ethical and welfare-oriented social order rather than a theocratic state. The present paper examines Gandhi’s concept of Swaraj, its relationship with Sarvodaya and Ram Rajya, his vision of decentralized village democracy, and the social, economic, political, and moral dimensions of his ideal society. The paper also critically examines the practical limitations of Gandhi’s vision and argues that his emphasis on decentralization, rural development, equality, non-violence, and moral responsibility continues to have relevance for contemporary society. |
| Keywords: | Mahatma Gandhi, Swaraj, Sarvodaya, Ram Rajya, Gram Swaraj, Swadeshi, Satyagraha, Decentralization, Non-violence, Village Democracy |
