• Randeep Singh

The paper examines the influence of Gandhian philosophy on Indian society, politics, and literature, especially as reflected in Raja Rao’s Kanthapura (1938). It is generally accepted that Gandhian thought made a deep impact in a variety of ways on the creative literary writers of India, and it continues to influence some significant Indian writers even today. It also describes Gandhi's role in shaping the Indian freedom struggle, emphasising his principles of non-violence, truth, and social justice. Gandhi had a profound influence on Indian English writers, shaping their themes, characters, and narrative styles. Rao’s Kanthapura gives the most graphic, vivid and realistic account of the Gandhian freedom struggle in the 1930s and its impact on the masses of India. The themes of nationalism and freedom are among the most defining aspects of the novel, distinguishing it from other novels published in the 1930s and 1940s. Gandhi's leadership in the Indian freedom struggle inspired writers to explore themes of nationalism, independence, and resistance to colonial rule. The novel rightfully depicts the Gandhian movement’s impact on rural India and showcases how his ideals of non-violence and self-reliance mobilised even the remotest villages.

Keywords: Gandhian philosophy, Raja Rao, Nationalism, Non-violence, Indian freedom struggle

"Gandhian Thought in Rao’s Kanthapura: A Literary Exploration", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 12, page no.a306-a308, December-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2512041.pdf

"Gandhian Thought in Rao’s Kanthapura: A Literary Exploration", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 12, page no. ppa306-a308, December-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2512041.pdf