In Gandhian philosophy, what did Mahatma Gandhi mean by the term Sarvodaya in the context of his vision for independent India?

Introduction / Context:
Sarvodaya is an important term in Gandhian philosophy and summarises his ideal for social and economic development after independence. Rather than being limited to one group or one tactic, it expresses a broad vision of the welfare of all and the creation of a just and ethical society. This question asks what Gandhi meant by Sarvodaya, a concept that appears in questions on Indian national movement, political thought and social reform.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The key term is Sarvodaya, literally meaning welfare or upliftment of all. • The options include non violence, upliftment of untouchables, birth of a new ethical society and satyagraha. • We assume awareness that Gandhi used several distinct terms for different aspects of his thought.

Concept / Approach:
Sarvodaya, in Gandhian usage and later Sarvodaya movements, refers to the idea that true independence and progress must benefit all sections of society, especially the poorest and most marginalised. It implies the creation of a new social order based on ethical values such as truth, non violence, cooperation, decentralisation and simple living. Non violence and satyagraha are methods of struggle, while upliftment of untouchables was a specific campaign often called Harijan uplift. Sarvodaya is broader and points to a reconstructive ideal of a society where everyone shares in progress and ethical living.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Break down the word Sarvodaya as sarva meaning all and udaya meaning rise or upliftment. 2. Understand that Gandhi used it to indicate welfare and upliftment of all people, not only one community. 3. Recognise that Gandhi work with untouchables, whom he called Harijans, was an important part of his mission but was one aspect of a wider aim. 4. Note that non violence and satyagraha are methods of struggle and moral principles, rather than complete descriptions of his social and economic vision. 5. See that Sarvodaya points to a new kind of society based on moral values, decentralised village centred economy and care for the weakest. 6. Therefore, among the given options, the description that Sarvodaya means the birth of a new society based on ethical values best captures Gandhi broader idea.

Verification / Alternative check:
Writings by Gandhi and later Sarvodaya thinkers like Vinoba Bhave describe Sarvodaya as an ideal of universal upliftment. They speak of a social order in which there is no exploitation, where community life is simple and cooperative and where moral values guide economic and political decisions. They also distinguish Sarvodaya from specific methods such as satyagraha and from particular campaigns such as untouchable uplift. This confirms that the concept is best summed up as the birth or building of a new society based on ethical values for all.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Non-violence: Ahimsa or non violence is a central Gandhian principle and method, but Sarvodaya is a wider goal that includes non violence but is not limited to it. Upliftment of untouchables or dalits: Gandhi devoted great effort to this cause, but Sarvodaya as a term is not restricted to one section and instead aims at upliftment of all. Satyagraha: This is Gandhi method of non violent resistance, not the name for his vision of a future ethical society.

Common Pitfalls:
Because Gandhi is strongly associated with non violence and work for untouchables, students sometimes assume that any Gandhian term refers directly to one of these. Another pitfall is to see Sarvodaya simply as a slogan without understanding that it expresses a comprehensive social and economic ideal. Keeping in mind that Sarvodaya means welfare of all and points to a new moral social order helps to select the correct description in multiple choice questions.

Final Answer:
In Gandhian thought, Sarvodaya means the birth of a new society based on ethical values, aiming at the welfare and upliftment of all.