You have read about rumours in Chapter 10 and seen that the circulation of rumours tells us about the structure of the belief of a time: they tell us about the mind of the people who believe in the rumours and the circumstances that make this belief possible. What do you think these rumours about Gandhiji reflect?
The rumours about Gandhiji reflect the mind of the people and the circumstances that made such beliefs possible. Wherever Gandhiji went, rumours spread of his miraculous powers. People believed he was sent by the King to redress the grievances of farmers and had the power to overrule all local officials. Others claimed his power was superior to the English monarch, and that colonial rulers would flee the district with his arrival.
These rumours also included stories of dire consequences for those who opposed Gandhiji, such as houses mysteriously falling apart or crops failing. This shows how people perceived him as a powerful figure with divine authority who could challenge colonial rule.
However, these reports also reflect the fears and anxieties of colonial officials who were unable to control the movement. The more the colonial state kept watch on public activities, the more it worried about the basis of its rule. Officials did not know whether to arrest Mahatma Gandhi or what an arrest would mean.
Explanation
The question asks students to analyze what rumours reveal about popular beliefs. The answer draws from the textbook discussion about rumours surrounding Gandhiji during the nationalist movement. Key points include: (1) rumours of miraculous powers showing people's perception of Gandhi as a saviour, (2) the political context of colonial oppression that made such beliefs possible, and (3) how these reports also reflected colonial officials' anxieties about losing control.