agraha

Agraha is a Sanskrit noun that conveys the idea of holding fast, firmness, or insistence. It is derived from the verb root graha, meaning to seize or grasp, with a prefix that emphasizes persistence. The term can carry neutral, positive, or negative nuances depending on context, ranging from steadfast adherence to an idea or principle to obstruction or opposition in a discussion.

In classical and medieval Sanskrit literature, agraha appears in contexts describing a determined stance, a resistive attitude, or a refusal to yield. The sense is often one of firmness or obstinacy in the face of pressure, rather than an explicit judgment about its morality or desirability.

The best-known modern usage of the term is in the compound satyagraha, popularized by Mahatma Gandhi. Satyagraha combines satya (truth) with agraha (insistence or firmness) to denote a nonviolent method of mass action that rests on steadfast adherence to truth and justice. Gandhi used the concept to describe disciplined, peaceful resistance aimed at social and political reform without coercion.

In contemporary Indian languages, agraha can refer more generally to opposition, objection, or insistence in debate, negotiation, or everyday life. It should not be confused with related terms such as graha, which has different meanings in astrology and other contexts.