Que. Since the decade of the 1920s the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss.
1920 के दशक से राष्ट्रीय आंदोलन ने कई वैचारिक धाराओं को ग्रहण किया और अपना सामाजिक आधार बढ़ाया। विवेचना कीजिए।
Structure of the Answer
(i) Introduction: Briefly introduce how the 1920s marked an expansion of the “Indian national movement,” incorporating diverse ideologies and broadening its social base.
(ii) Main Body: Examine ideological developments such as “Gandhian philosophy,” “socialist ideas,” “communalism,” and “Dalit activism,” and how they expanded the movement’s reach.
(iii) Conclusion: Summarize how these ideological expansions unified Indians across social divisions, strengthening the “national movement” against colonial rule.
Introduction
The 1920s marked a pivotal phase in the “Indian national movement,” with diverse ideological strands emerging. This evolution attracted new social groups, deepening the movement’s support across regions, castes, classes, and communities, which enriched the drive for independence and unity against colonial rule.
Gandhian Influence and Widespread Mobilization
(i) Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22): Gandhi’s “non-cooperation” strategy resonated with millions, advocating mass withdrawal from British institutions, uniting a wide cross-section of Indian society in civil disobedience.
(ii) Involvement of Peasants and Rural India: Campaigns like the “Champaran Satyagraha” and “Bardoli Satyagraha” mobilized rural farmers, challenging colonial agrarian exploitation and integrating rural grievances within the larger movement.
(iii) Khilafat Alliance for Hindu-Muslim Unity: Gandhi’s support for the Khilafat Movement fostered Hindu-Muslim unity, creating a pan-Indian appeal and showing unity among religious groups against colonial rule.
(iv) Promoting Indigenous Identity: Gandhi’s emphasis on “swadeshi” goods and the “charkha” symbolized economic autonomy, connecting urban and rural populations to the nationalist cause.
(v) Rise of Volunteer Organizations: Gandhi’s approach inspired local groups like the “Seva Dal” to organize people across caste and class lines, further strengthening grassroots involvement.
Emergence of Socialist and Leftist Ideologies
(i) Formation of Congress Socialist Party (1934): Prominent leaders like “Nehru” and “Jayaprakash Narayan” infused socialist ideas into Congress, focusing on workers’ rights, land reforms, and social justice.
(ii) Influence of the Russian Revolution: Inspired by the Bolshevik Revolution, Indian thinkers explored “Marxism” and established the “Communist Party of India” (1925), emphasizing class struggle within the independence movement.
(iii) Mobilization of Labor through Trade Unions: Industrial labor strikes, particularly in “Bombay’s textile mills,” underscored workers’ demands and established labor as a crucial voice in the movement.
(iv) Growth of Peasant Movements: The “All India Kisan Sabha” (1936) organized peasants, advocating for land reforms and tenant rights, positioning agrarian distress as a key issue.
(v) Radical Youth Movements: Figures like “Bhagat Singh” inspired young radicals, aligning socialism with revolutionary ideals, which appealed to youth seeking complete liberation from oppression.
Rising Communal and Caste-Based Mobilization
(i) Formation of Hindu Mahasabha and Muslim League: The rise of groups like the “Hindu Mahasabha” and “Muslim League” reflected emerging communal identities, influencing nationalist strategies and dialogue.
(ii) Demand for Separate Electorates: The “Communal Award” and separate electorates sparked debates, highlighting the importance of addressing minority concerns within the freedom struggle.
(iii) Dr. Ambedkar’s Dalit Movement: Dr. “B.R. Ambedkar” fought for Dalit rights, raising the issue of “untouchability” and advocating for separate political representation, adding a new dimension to the movement.
(iv) Efforts to Address Caste Inequalities: The Congress began addressing caste-based discrimination, engaging marginalized communities and aligning social justice with nationalist objectives.
(v) Communal Riots and Divisive Identities: The 1920s saw an increase in communal tensions, with riots impacting the movement, yet fostering new approaches to bridge communal divides within India.
Women’s Participation and Gender Ideologies
(i) Women’s Role in Non-Cooperation and Salt Satyagraha: Women leaders like “Sarojini Naidu” and “Kamala Nehru” led protests, expanding women’s participation in the national movement and challenging traditional gender roles.
(ii) Formation of Women’s Organizations: The “All India Women’s Conference” (1927) aimed at women’s rights, aligning gender equality with the independence struggle, adding a progressive dimension to the movement.
(iii) Challenging Patriarchal Norms: Women’s involvement in picketing and protests redefined societal roles, aligning women’s rights with freedom, influencing both urban and rural women.
(iv) Advocating Social Reforms: Nationalist leaders, through Gandhian ideology, promoted reforms like widow remarriage, integrating social reform as a core part of the freedom movement.
(v) Women’s Participation in Civil Disobedience: Women’s engagement in the Civil Disobedience Movement showcased their political potential, solidifying their role in shaping an independent India.
Conclusion
The ideological diversity of the “Indian national movement” since the 1920s fortified its social foundation, integrating varied social groups, ideologies, and demands. This inclusivity created a resilient nationalist movement that not only resisted colonial rule but also laid the groundwork for a democratic India, addressing the aspirations of all communities.
