Describe the development of the Indian Home Rule movement and its accomplishments.(Answer in 200 words)
Mains Answer Writing Latest Questions
Shivam tiwariLearner
Summarize the social reformers’ contributions to the elimination of societal ills that were common in India during the 19th century.(Answer in 200 words)
Shivam tiwariLearner
Provide a brief history of the Non-Aligned Movement and discuss its applicability today.
-
Answer: The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was formed at the 1st Belgrade Conference of 1961 with its prominent leaders being Jawaharlal Nehru (India), Josip Broz Tito (Yugoslavia) and Gamal Abdel Nassar (Egypt). Originating with a participation of 25 members, it has become the biggest independent and iRead more
Answer: The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was formed at the 1st Belgrade Conference of 1961 with its prominent leaders being Jawaharlal Nehru (India), Josip Broz Tito (Yugoslavia) and Gamal Abdel Nassar (Egypt). Originating with a participation of 25 members, it has become the biggest independent and informal association out of the United Nations, comprising 120 member nations and 17 observers. About the Non-Aligned Movement:
- Immediate reason for its formation: It was established due to the emergence of two blocs, one led by the USA and the other by the Soviet Union following the Second World War.
- Roles and objectives:
- It was not to stay neutral on issues and challenges confronting the international community, but to adopt common and joint positions based on merits of each case.
- It was committed to fight against colonialism, imperialism, racism and apartheid, and to create a new international economic order which would be fair and equitable and safeguard the interests of developing countries.
- Crisis phase and evolution: The end of the Cold War and disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991 put a question mark on its relevance as its initial objectives of de-colonisation and end of apartheid had been largely realized by then.
- New role of the NAM: Ensuring peace, security and economic development of developing countries has emerged as the new mantra to be pursued by the Movement.
In present times, the NAM is relevant in the following ways:
- Integral part of foreign policy: Many developing countries like India still follow the NAM principles. The policy to avoid colonisation and imperialism continues to remain valid for all small and developing countries.
- South-South cooperation: It raises issues that are of major concern for the global South. This will help democratise the international system to promote equality and peace all over the world.
- Peaceful settlement of international disputes: The NAM can act as a platform to negotiate and conclude international disputes peacefully, thereby securing favourable decisions for each member.
- Preservation of territorial integrity and sovereignty: The NAM reiterates the preservation of territorial integrity and state sovereignty. It stands as a unifying force against the expansionist policies of big powers.
Despite its relevance, the NAM faces many challenges like poor cooperation between the member states, being merely a forum for talk shop, lack of initiatives on emerging security concerns such as global terrorism etc. Therefore, there is an urgent need to strengthen the NAM and the member countries need to reaffirm their commitment to it, so that the NAM can play a prominent and leading role in the current international scenario.
See less
Shivam tiwariLearner
The popular mass character of the Swadeshi movement was short-lived by mid-1908.(Answer in 200 words)
-
The period of Swadeshi movement, which began in 1905 amidst partition of Bengal and lasted for several years, was an important part of India's fight for independence. The objective was to avoid British products and encourage the use of Indian goods to develop a self-sufficient economy. The SwadeshiRead more
The period of Swadeshi movement, which began in 1905 amidst partition of Bengal and lasted for several years, was an important part of India’s fight for independence. The objective was to avoid British products and encourage the use of Indian goods to develop a self-sufficient economy.
The Swadeshi movement lost momentum due to severe government repression, as the British government used brutal force to suppress the protests. The authorities apprehended numerous officials, placed limits on public assemblies, and passed legislation to quash nationalist efforts.
The Swadeshi movement suffered from poor organisation and lack of discipline. The absence of strong leadership in the movement resulted in inconsistencies in direction, causing confusion among the population. There was a division within Nationalist ranks as the Swadeshi movement split into two groups – the Moderates and the Extremists. The Moderates supported peaceful demonstrations and step-by-step changes, while the Extremists pushed for more extreme actions, such as violent demonstrations. The division hindered the effectiveness of the movement, which the British government exploited.
Limited support among the masses: The Swadeshi movement had a narrow social base. The movement received its main support from the middle class and intellectuals, with little participation from the peasants, workers, and rural residents.
Crusade without a leader: The movement did not have a charismatic leader to motivate and bring together the people. The movement struggled to maintain its momentum as it lacked a leader, causing it to eventually lose its appeal.
Students were removed from public schools and colleges during prohibited public gatherings and processions. The media was placed under strict regulations. Police used it for dispersing public gatherings and assemblies.
During the Surat session in 1907, the Congress divided, causing additional harm to the Swadeshi movement.The leaders of the movement, such as Ashwini Kumar Dutt, Krishna Kumar Mitra, Lokmanya Tilak, Ajit Singh, Lajpat Rai, Chidambaram Pillai, were swiftly targeted by the government, resulting in the movement becoming leaderless. Bipin Chandra Pal and Aurobindo Ghosh stepped down from politics together.
However, it is important to note that no mass movement can maintain a constant pace indefinitely without breaks, especially when encountering strong opposition, and this applies to the Swadeshi and boycott movements as well.
See less
Shivam tiwariLearner
Talk about the reasons for the Industrial Revolution’s beginnings in England and emphasize its effects. (Answer in 200 words)
Answer: The Home Rule Movement was started on the lines of the Irish Home Rule League by the All India Home Rule League to obtain the status of a Dominion within the British Empire as enjoyed by Australia, Canada, South Africa and New Zealand. It was the Indian response to the First World War in a lRead more
Answer: The Home Rule Movement was started on the lines of the Irish Home Rule League by the All India Home Rule League to obtain the status of a Dominion within the British Empire as enjoyed by Australia, Canada, South Africa and New Zealand. It was the Indian response to the First World War in a less charged but more effective way. Evolution of the Home Rule movement:
Contributions of the Home Rule movement:
The Home Rule Leagues and the associated activities had some positive effects and contributed to the freedom struggle in the coming years.
See less