Difference Between Naxalism and Maoism

Naxalism vs Maoism

The Mao Zedong Thought, or Maoism, is a Communist theory developed by Mao Zedong, the Chinese military and political leader, who played a significant role in the creation of the People’s Republic of China.

Until 1978, it served as the guiding principle followed by the Chinese Communist Party. Its basic teachings are:

People’s war which emphasizes the importance of the needs of the masses, and that the military must involve them.
New Democracy which advocates the advancement of the conditions of the masses so that socialism can be effectively applied.
Contradictions which occur in every society and must be dealt with in various ways especially those that involve the masses and their enemies.
Cultural Revolution which aims at eradicating class struggles and wiping out its roots.
Three Worlds Theory which divided the world into three parts; the first world composed of the imperialist states of the United States and the Soviet Union, the second world composed of other imperialist states under their influence, and the third world composed of non-imperialist states. In this theory, the first and second worlds exploit the third world paving the way for revolution.

Maoism advocates armed revolution of peasants against those in power in order to achieve political and socio-economic transformation. It is distinct from Soviet Marxism in its focus on the countryside and agrarian development rather than industrial development.
People from other countries have adapted Maoism especially those in poor and developing countries like Nepal, Peru, Somalia, and India where Naxalism is prevalent. It is a term that is used to refer to the different Communist groups in India.

It originated in the village of Naxalbari in West Bengal, thus the name Naxalism. It was created during the split of the Marxist Communist party of India which brought about the creation of the Maoist Communist Party of India which aims at overthrowing the Indian government.
Naxalism started in 1967 when sections of the CPM declared that they are ready to redistribute land to the landless. Violence then followed instigating the poor in attacking landlords. Charu Majumdar, who is one of the leaders of the movement, was inspired by the teachings of Mao Zedong and advocated the overthrow of the government and the elite through armed struggle.
His teachings formed the basis of Naxalism which has several groups and factions. Although Naxalism is initially considered a terrorist group, some Naxalite groups have actually been legalized while others are still involved in armed guerilla warfare against the Indian government.

Summary:

1.Maoism is a Communist theory developed by the Chinese political and military leader Mao Zedong while Naxalism is an Indian Communist movement based on the teachings of Maoist advocate Charu Majumdar.
2.Maoism has been the guiding principle of the People’s Republic of China until 1978 when it was replaced by the teachings of Deng Xiaoping while Naxalism has been the guiding principle behind the struggle of poor Indians against their government and landlords.
3.Naxalism has been viewed by the Indian government as a terrorist movement while Maoism has been recognized by the Chinese government as the foundation on which the People’s Republic of China was created.

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