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 CHAPTER XX

PASSIVE RESISTANCE

The idea of Passive Resistance as a means of opposing evil is inherent in Indian philosophy. In old time, it was called "to sit dharna." Sometimes the whole community would adopt this method towards their Prince. It has been so in the history of Porbandar; then trade was dislocated and force helpless before the might of Passive Resistance.

Bishop Heber wrote of it many years ago in his journal: "“To sit dharna”, or mourning, is to remain motionless in that posture, without food, and exposed to the weather, till the person against whom it is employed consents to the request offered, and the Hindus believe that whoever dies under such a process becomes a tormenting spirit to haunt and inflict his inflexible antagonist."

He tells how, at one time, Passive Resistance was resolved on, and how "accordingly, the news flew over the country like the fiery cross in the “Lady of the Lake,” and three days after it was issued, and before the Government were in the least apprised of