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Beginning of Mass Nationalism (1919-1939)

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Home/Freedom Movement/Beginning of Mass Nationalism (1919-1939)/Page 3

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Rajashree Shirke
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Rajashree ShirkeLearner
Asked: January 17, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Brief Context: Introduce the First World War, its participants, and its global implications. Focus on India: State how the war’s effects were particularly felt in India due to British colonial policies. 2. Socio-Economic Disruptions in India Break down the ...

upsc: beginning of mass nationalism (1919-1939)
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer The First World War (1914-1918) caused significant socio-economic disruptions in India, which contributed to the rise of mass mobilization for the independence movement. Some of the key disruptions included: 1. Economic Hardships Rise in National Debt: To fund the war, the British goverRead more

    Model Answer

    The First World War (1914-1918) caused significant socio-economic disruptions in India, which contributed to the rise of mass mobilization for the independence movement. Some of the key disruptions included:

    1. Economic Hardships

    • Rise in National Debt: To fund the war, the British government significantly increased defense expenditure, leading to a rise in national debt by over Rs. 3 million between 1914 and 1923. This debt burden was passed on to the common people through heavy war loans and increased taxes. This economic strain was compounded by the rise in prices, leading to widespread hardship for the Indian populace.
    • Food Shortages and Famine: The export of food grains to support the war effort, along with crop failures in 1918-19, led to food shortages and famine. The underproduction of crops during this period disproportionately affected vulnerable groups, such as women and children.

    2. Distress Among Peasants and Workers

    • Farmer Distress: Rising prices of industrial goods and food crops during the war were not matched by a corresponding increase in the prices of Indian agricultural raw materials. This led to severe distress among farmers, sparking protests like the Kisan Sabha movement in Uttar Pradesh (1918).
    • Working-Class Discontent: Low wages, long working hours, and harsh working conditions, compounded by the demand for overtime to increase war production, led to widespread dissatisfaction among industrial workers.

    3. Spread of Pandemic

    • The return of Indian soldiers from the front lines in Europe facilitated the spread of the Spanish Flu (1918-1919), which claimed millions of lives and overwhelmed India’s already strained healthcare system.

    Contribution to Mass Mobilization for Independence

    The socio-economic impact of WW-I fueled the Indian independence struggle in several ways:

    1. Political Awareness

    Indian soldiers who fought in the war returned with heightened political awareness and a sense of injustice about colonial rule. This sense of empowerment contributed to the spread of nationalist ideas.

    2. The Home Rule Movement

    In response to the hardships caused by WW-I, the Home Rule Movement, led by leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant, gained momentum. It called for self-governance and rallied public opinion against British policies.

    3. Repressive British Policies

    The British response to growing discontent included the imposition of martial law and the Rowlatt Act (1919), which restricted civil liberties. These oppressive measures further united Indian society, leading to Gandhiji’s Rowlatt Satyagraha.

    4. The Khilafat-Non-Cooperation Movement

    The harsh post-war Treaty of Sevres and the treatment of the Turkish Sultan (Khalifa) sparked the Khilafat Movement. Gandhiji’s Non-Cooperation Movement, which combined the Khilafat cause with the broader nationalist struggle, mobilized peasants, workers, and women.

    Thus, the socio-economic disruptions caused by the war, alongside oppressive British policies, led to mass mobilization across various sections of Indian society for the independence movement.

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Rajashree Shirke
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Rajashree ShirkeLearner
Asked: January 27, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Context: Briefly introduce the Vaikom Satyagraha, its origins, and significance. Mention that the movement, while primarily a social reform struggle, also contributed to India’s larger independence movement. Thesis Statement: State that the Vaikom Satyagraha played a crucial ...

upsc: beginning of mass nationalism (1919-1939)
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Introduction The Vaikom Satyagraha, initiated in 1924 in Kerala, marked a significant turning point in the social and political landscape of India. Aimed at securing the rights of lower-caste communities to use the public roads leading to the Sri Mahadevar Temple, the movement sought toRead more

    Model Answer

    Introduction

    The Vaikom Satyagraha, initiated in 1924 in Kerala, marked a significant turning point in the social and political landscape of India. Aimed at securing the rights of lower-caste communities to use the public roads leading to the Sri Mahadevar Temple, the movement sought to challenge caste-based discrimination. Led by social reformer T.K. Madhavan, and supported by Mahatma Gandhi, the Satyagraha became a symbol of both social reform and a precursor to India’s larger freedom struggle.

    Vaikom Satyagraha and Social Reform

    The Vaikom Satyagraha was instrumental in raising awareness about caste-based discrimination and the plight of Dalits in India. By challenging the denial of access to public roads for certain caste groups, the movement highlighted the deep-rooted social inequalities. This spurred public opinion against untouchability and inspired other social reform movements across India, including those advocating for Dalit and women’s rights.

    The movement also marked a turning point in the Indian social reform landscape, instilling a sense of rationality and social justice among the masses. Gandhian principles of non-violence were actively embraced, and the Congress leadership, along with Gandhi, recognized the importance of eradicating untouchability. Thus, the Vaikom Satyagraha contributed to the broader social reform agenda of the time.

    Vaikom Satyagraha and India’s Struggle for Independence

    The Vaikom Satyagraha was also pivotal in India’s independence struggle, particularly in shaping the Gandhian model of non-violent resistance. The movement served as a testing ground for Satyagraha, where Gandhi’s ideas of peaceful protest were implemented on a large scale for the first time. This non-violent tactic later influenced major independence movements, including the Salt Satyagraha and the Quit India Movement.

    Furthermore, the Satyagraha united people from different castes, religions, and regions, embodying the idea of mass participation. It also fostered communal harmony, with both Savarnas and Avarnas, along with Christians and Muslims, participating actively in the movement. The inclusive nature of the struggle laid the groundwork for a more unified India.

    Conclusion

    While primarily focused on social reform, the Vaikom Satyagraha played a crucial role in India’s broader struggle for independence. It challenged social inequalities, promoted Gandhian principles of non-violence, and set the stage for future mass movements that ultimately contributed to India’s liberation. The movement, thus, was both a significant step toward social justice and a key moment in the larger freedom movement.

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Rajashree Shirke
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Rajashree ShirkeLearner
Asked: January 27, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Briefly introduce the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: Date (April 13, 1919), location (Amritsar), and perpetrators (British Army under General Dyer). Mention its significance in India’s struggle for independence and its global impact. 2. Domestic Impact on India’s Independence Movement Political ...

upsc: beginning of mass nationalism (1919-1939)
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Introduction The Jallianwala Bagh massacre of April 13, 1919, marked a critical juncture in India's fight for independence. British troops, under General Reginald Dyer, killed hundreds of unarmed Indian civilians protesting British oppression. This brutal act not only heightened tensionRead more

    Model Answer

    Introduction

    The Jallianwala Bagh massacre of April 13, 1919, marked a critical juncture in India’s fight for independence. British troops, under General Reginald Dyer, killed hundreds of unarmed Indian civilians protesting British oppression. This brutal act not only heightened tensions within India but also attracted global attention, significantly influencing both domestic and international politics.

    Domestic Impact of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

    The massacre galvanized India’s political landscape. It became a powerful rallying cry for Indian leaders, leading to the emergence of Mahatma Gandhi as a key figure in the independence movement. The massacre intensified the push for Indian self-rule, sparking the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920, which united Hindus and Muslims in their opposition to British colonialism.

    Relations between the British and Indians soured dramatically after the massacre. The Indian public lost trust in British authorities, and anti-British sentiments surged across the nation. The massacre also deepened religious and communal divides, particularly among the Sikh community, many of whom were victims, leading to feelings of betrayal, as they had previously been loyal to the British.

    Additionally, many soldiers who had previously served in the British Indian Army protested the massacre by resigning or refusing to reenlist, demonstrating the growing disillusionment with British rule.

    International Impact of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

    Globally, the massacre attracted widespread condemnation. International media outlets denounced the British for their actions, portraying them as an example of colonial brutality. This criticism not only tarnished Britain’s image but also fueled anti-colonial sentiment worldwide.

    The incident also led to diplomatic tensions, particularly with the United States and Canada, who criticized Britain’s treatment of Indians. Moreover, it inspired nationalist movements in other colonized countries and contributed to the larger decolonization process.

    Conclusion

    The Jallianwala Bagh massacre was a transformative event in India’s struggle for independence. It galvanized domestic resistance, united diverse groups against British rule, and attracted global attention to the injustices of colonialism. It remains a significant moment in both Indian and global history, symbolizing the brutality of imperialism and the unyielding desire for self-determination.

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Rajashree Shirke
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Rajashree ShirkeLearner
Asked: January 27, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Contextualize the situation: Briefly mention the political situation after the withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922 and the divisions that arose within the Indian National Congress. State the factions: Introduce the two main factions—Swarajists and No ...

upsc: beginning of mass nationalism (1919-1939)
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Introduction After the withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement by Gandhi in 1922, the Indian National Congress saw a division into two main factions: the Swarajists, who advocated working within the British political system, and the No Changers, who wanted to continue with non-cooperRead more

    Model Answer

    Introduction

    After the withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement by Gandhi in 1922, the Indian National Congress saw a division into two main factions: the Swarajists, who advocated working within the British political system, and the No Changers, who wanted to continue with non-cooperation and boycott British institutions. This division led to differing approaches towards the freedom struggle, and their ability to manage disagreements is worth examining, especially in comparison to the earlier rift between the Moderates and Extremists.

    Differences Between the Swarajists and the No Changers

    Swarajists

    • Constitutional Engagement: The Swarajists, led by C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru, believed in engaging with the British political system through legislative councils. They saw participation in these councils as a way to push for reforms and demand concessions from the British government, particularly following the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919, which offered limited self-governance.
    • Strategic Participation: They formed the Swaraj Party in 1923 to contest elections and occupy legislative positions, believing this route could serve as a stepping stone towards full independence (swaraj). They were pragmatic in their approach, focusing on legislative reforms.

    No Changers

    • Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience: Led by Gandhi, the No Changers rejected participation in British institutions. They saw the legislative councils as inadequate and instead focused on mass movements like Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience to achieve full independence.
    • Rejection of Reforms: The No Changers viewed the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms as insufficient and advocated for immediate and complete independence.

    Maturity in Managing Disagreements

    Yes

    • Unified Goal of Independence: Despite their differences, the Swarajists and No Changers remained united in their overarching goal of independence. This was in stark contrast to the intense fragmentation between the Moderates and Extremists after the 1907 Surat split.
    • Leadership Under Gandhi: Gandhi’s leadership helped mitigate conflicts within the Congress, particularly during the 1924 Belgaum session. This allowed both factions to engage in constructive debates and remain within the broader framework of the Congress, unlike the violent split between Moderates and Extremists.
    • Practical Success: The Swarajists were able to form governments in some provinces, like in the Central Provinces, following their electoral successes in 1923. Similarly, the No Changers continued to build the nationalist movement through social reforms, showing that both factions could achieve their goals without resorting to violence.

    No

    • Partial Separation: The Swarajists did form a separate party (Khilafat-Swarajya Party), indicating a level of detachment from the Congress, which mirrored the earlier division between Moderates and Extremists after 1907. This lessened their cohesion within the Congress.
    • Moderate-Extremist Reconciliation: It is also worth noting that the Moderates and Extremists eventually reconciled through the Lucknow Pact of 1916, uniting under the common goal of independence, much like the Swarajists and No Changers.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, while both the Swarajists and the No Changers took different paths towards independence, they exhibited more maturity in managing their disagreements than the Moderates and Extremists. Their ability to stay united under Gandhi’s leadership, avoid violence, and work towards practical solutions, like the Swarajists’ participation in elections, ensured that they maintained a productive role in the freedom struggle. Ultimately, their cooperation laid the groundwork for the more radical push for independence, marked by the Purna Swaraj resolution at the 1929 Lahore Session.

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Adheesh Raman
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Adheesh RamanLearner
Asked: February 15, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Context: Briefly introduce the Non-Cooperation Movement (NCM), launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920, and its significance in India’s independence struggle. Thesis: Mention that the movement was motivated by various socio-political factors and played a pivotal role in ...

upsc: beginning of mass nationalism (1919-1939)
  1. Team
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Introduction The Non-Cooperation Movement (NCM), initiated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920, marked a critical phase in India's quest for independence from British colonial rule. The movement aimed at uniting Indians in peaceful protest and demanding self-governance. It was a transformative stRead more

    Model Answer

    Introduction

    The Non-Cooperation Movement (NCM), initiated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920, marked a critical phase in India’s quest for independence from British colonial rule. The movement aimed at uniting Indians in peaceful protest and demanding self-governance. It was a transformative step in the Indian freedom struggle.

    Key Factors that Motivated Gandhi to Launch the Non-Cooperation Movement

    1. Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: The brutal massacre on April 13, 1919, where British troops killed hundreds of innocent Indian civilians, deeply impacted Gandhi. This tragic event intensified his resolve to challenge British rule.
      • Fact: The massacre galvanized widespread outrage, strengthening the call for non-violent resistance against British oppression.
    2. Rowlatt Act: The 1919 Rowlatt Act, which allowed the British to imprison Indians without trial and curtail civil liberties, violated fundamental human rights, prompting Gandhi to take action.
      • Fact: Gandhi saw the Rowlatt Act as an unjust law, leading him to launch nationwide protests in opposition.
    3. Khilafat Movement: The Khilafat Movement, led by Indian Muslims to protect the Ottoman Caliphate, provided an opportunity for Gandhi to unite Hindus and Muslims against British rule.
      • Fact: Gandhi’s involvement in the Khilafat Movement aimed to bridge communal gaps and form a united front for independence.
    4. Economic Hardships Due to World War I: The economic consequences of India’s involvement in World War I, including soaring prices and suffering peasants, led to widespread resentment against British rule.
      • Fact: The war induced economic strain, fueling discontent among Indians, particularly the working class and peasants.

    Significance of the Non-Cooperation Movement

    1. Mass Mobilization: The NCM united various sections of Indian society, including students, peasants, and workers, in a nonviolent resistance against British rule.
      • Fact: Millions participated in protests, creating a national sense of purpose and unity.
    2. Hindu-Muslim Unity: Gandhi’s efforts to involve both Hindus and Muslims in the NCM helped bridge communal divisions and foster a collective identity against British imperialism.
      • Fact: This unity helped challenge the British strategy of “divide and rule.”
    3. Boycott of British Institutions and Goods: The NCM encouraged the boycott of British goods, educational institutions, and courts, weakening British authority and boosting local industries.
      • Fact: The boycott led to economic losses for the British and increased self-reliance among Indians.
    4. Inspiration for Future Movements: The NCM laid the foundation for subsequent independence movements, including the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Quit India Movement.
      • Fact: The principles of nonviolent resistance and self-reliance, advocated during the NCM, became the core strategy in later movements.

    Conclusion

    While the Non-Cooperation Movement did not immediately achieve its goals, it played a crucial role in reshaping India’s freedom struggle. Gandhi’s leadership and the movement’s mass appeal significantly advanced the cause of Indian independence, laying the groundwork for future protests and resistance against British colonialism.

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Shivam tiwari
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Shivam tiwariLearner
Asked: June 17, 2024In:
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Gandhiji’s actions in Champaran, Ahmedabad, and Kheda established him as a nationalist with a strong sense of compassion for the underprivileged. (Answer in 200 words)

upsc: beginning of mass nationalism (1919-1939)
  1. Shyamlal Sharma
    Shyamlal Sharma Learner

    Answer: In January 1915, Gandhi ji returned to India after his struggle in South Africa, where he got the opportunity to evolve his own style of politics and leadership. Gandhiji realized that Satyagraha is the only viable way to fight against tyranny of Britishers. He also believed that non-violencRead more

    Answer: In January 1915, Gandhi ji returned to India after his struggle in South Africa, where he got the opportunity to evolve his own style of politics and leadership. Gandhiji realized that Satyagraha is the only viable way to fight against tyranny of Britishers. He also believed that non-violence and involvement of masses including poor and lower strata of society is important for the success of the freedom movement. His earliest successful Initiatives in India reflected that he had deep sympathy for poor i.e.:

    • Champaran Satyagraha: European planters had involved the cultivators in agreements that forced them to cultivate indigo on 3/20th of their holdings, known as tinkathia system. Towards the end of the 19th century, German synthetic dyes forced indigo out of the market and the European planters of Champaran enhanced rents and other illegal dues. On Gandhiji’s demand, an Enquiry Committee was set up by the government to look into the grievances of the cultivators. It led to the passage of Champaran Agrarian Act which abolished the ‘tinkathia’ system and also partly addressed the grievances of the tenants.
    • Ahmedabad and Kheda: In 1918, Gandhiji was involved in two campaigns in his home state of Gujarat.
      • First, he intervened in a labour dispute in Ahmedabad, demanding better working conditions for the textile mill workers. Gandhiji persuaded the mill owners and the workers to agree to arbitration by a tribunal, but the mill owners, taking advantage of a stray strike, withdrew from the agreement.
        • The breach of agreement was treated by Gandhiji as a very serious affair, and he advised the workers to go on strike.
        • Gandhiji decided to go on a fast, to rally the workers and strengthen their resolve to continue. The strike was withdrawn and the tribunal later awarded the thirty-five per cent increase in wages the workers had demanded.
      • Secondly, he joined peasants in Kheda asking the state for the remission of taxes following the failure of their harvest.
        • The Gujarat Sabha, of which Gandhiji was the President, played a leading role in the agitation. Appeals and petitions having failed, Gandhiji advised the withholding of revenue, and asked the peasants to fight unto death against it.
        • As a result, the Government had issued instructions directing that revenue should be recovered only from those peasants who could pay.

    With his active involvement in the three movements, Gandhi tested his methods and consolidated his style of leadership in the Indian context:

    • In the Champaran movement, Gandhiji went into the villages dressed in the sort of clothes villagers wore, speaking the vernacular, espousing causes which concerned his audience.
    • With his novel methods and active involvement, he mobilised popular support, drawing in the local businessmen, educated men among others. He acted as go-between for these different groups, mediating between two tiers of public life, and in return secured a powerful provincial following.
    • In the course of these movements, a group of local intelligentsia like Rajendra Prasad, Rajkumar Shukla, J. B. Kripalani, Indulal Yajnik, etc. came in close contact with Gandhi and worked as his emissaries among masses.

    These initiatives established Gandhiji as a true nationalist with a compassion for the poor and needy. The impact of this image was felt in the upcoming years. It was this reservoir of goodwill, and of experience, that encouraged Gandhiji, in February 1919, to call for a nation-wide protest against the unpopular legislation (Rowlatt Act) that the British were threatening to introduce.

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Prakher Singh
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Prakher SinghBegginer
Asked: June 17, 2024In:
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Explain the causes of the upsurge in revolutionary activity following the Non-Cooperation Movement. (Answer in 200 words)

upsc: beginning of mass nationalism (1919-1939)
  1. Sujata Gautam
    Sujata Gautam Begginer

    Answer: The revolutionaries had faced severe repression during the First World War. But in early 1920, many of them were released to allow a harmonious environment for the Montford Reforms to work. Gandhi soon launched the Non-Cooperation Movement (NCM). Persuaded by Gandhiji and C.R. Das, many revoRead more

    Answer: The revolutionaries had faced severe repression during the First World War. But in early 1920, many of them were released to allow a harmonious environment for the Montford Reforms to work. Gandhi soon launched the Non-Cooperation Movement (NCM). Persuaded by Gandhiji and C.R. Das, many revolutionary groups either agreed to join the non-cooperation programme or suspend their activities to give the non-violent Non-Cooperation Movement a chance. However, there was a rise in revolutionary activities post the NCM due to the following reasons:

    • The sudden withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement left many of the revolutionaries disillusioned leading to questioning the basic strategy of the nationalist leadership and began to look for alternatives.
    • The younger nationalists were not convinced by the parliamentary work of the Swarajists or to the patient, undramatic, constructive work of the No-Changers. They were drawn to the idea that violent methods alone would free India and started reviving revolutionary activities.
    • The upsurge of working-class trade unionism after the War influenced the revolutionaries who wanted to harness the revolutionary potential of the new emergent class for nationalist revolution.
    • The influence of Russian Revolution (1917) and the success of the young Soviet state in consolidating itself led to newly sprouting communist groups with their emphasis on Marxism, socialism, and the proletariat. This furthered the rise of revolutionary activities.
    • Literature publishing memoirs and articles extolling the self-sacrifice of revolutionaries started growing in popularity. Journals such as Atmasakti, Sarathi, and Bijoli and books such as Bandi Jiwan by Sachin Sanyal and Pather Dabi by Sharat Chandra Chatterjee fuelled the revolutionary activities too.
    • There was an emphasis on group action aimed at organs of the colonial State, instead of individual action. The objective was to set an example before the youth and to demoralize the bureaucracy especially one operating in Bengal.
    • Facing the classical dilemma and operational difficulties like mobilizing and recruiting people, the young intellectuals later decided to opt for propaganda by deed, i.e., through individual heroic action and by using courts as a forum for revolutionary propaganda. For example, Chandrasekhar Azad, Sukhdev, Bhagat Singh, Surya Sen, Pritilata Waddedar, Kalpana Dutt etc.

    Two separate strands of revolutionary groups emerged during this period-one operating in Punjab-UP-Bihar and the other in Bengal. Owing to government repression and factionalism among the revolutionaries, revolutionary activity suffered a setback, but soon many of revolutionaries started regrouping new smaller groups and continued work underground like the new ‘Revolt Groups’, under Surya Sen (Chittagong Group).

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Bhavesh singh
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Bhavesh singhBegginer
Asked: June 17, 2024In:
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Analyze the press’s contribution to the Indian national movement’s early stages. Mention the difficulties the Indian press encountered at the time as well. (Answer in 200 words)

upsc: beginning of mass nationalism (1919-1939)
  1. Rohini Singh
    Rohini Singh Begginer

    Answer: Since the publication of the first printed newspaper, the Bengal Gazette in 1780, the Indian nationalists who were attracted to modern civil liberties inspired by the French Revolution, realized the role of an independent press. In 1824 itself, Raja Rammohan Roy had protested against a regulRead more

    Answer: Since the publication of the first printed newspaper, the Bengal Gazette in 1780, the Indian nationalists who were attracted to modern civil liberties inspired by the French Revolution, realized the role of an independent press. In 1824 itself, Raja Rammohan Roy had protested against a regulation restricting the freedom of the press. Understanding this significance, many newspapers in various parts of India were started. This realization of the potential and conscious effort to develop and spread the press played a critical role in the early phase of the freedom struggle of India in the following manner:

    • Political propaganda and education: Political work of the Indian National Congress during its initial years was greatly helped by the press, as it did not have its own organization structure then. Formation and propagation of nationalist ideology was carried out through the press.
    • Preparation of masses: The national movement between the period of 1870 and 1918 had not yet resorted to mass agitation and the political work did not consist of active mobilization of people in mass struggles. The press was the chief instrument in arousing, training, mobilizing and consolidating nationalist public opinion.
    • Enhancing the geographical spread of the freedom struggle: The influence of the press was not confined to the large cities and the towns. It carried the messages of leaders and nationalists to the far reaches of the country and library movements sprang up all over the country.
    • Opposition to the government: The press played an institutional role of opposition to the government by criticizing the activities of the government and worked on the motto of “oppose, oppose, oppose”. Newspapers such as Amrit Bazar Patrika, Kesari, Mahratta etc. played an exemplary role in this regard.

    However, arousing political consciousness, inculcating nationalism, exposing colonial rule, and ‘preaching disloyalty’ were no easy tasks and the press faced many challenges, such as:

    • Sedition law: The Sedition clause under Section 124A and other sections like 153A and 565 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) had stringent provisions, even imprisonment for life, with an attempt to silence the newspapers which were critical of the government. Bal Gangadhar Tilak faced three trials in cases related to sedition and was imprisoned twice.
    • The Vernacular Press Act, 1878: It was passed by the colonial government to suppress the voice of the non-English newspapers, which were critical of the government after the famine of Bengal. Under this Act, press equipments were also seized.
    • Other draconian legislations: In the early 1900s as the national movement gathered steam, the colonial government brought in many draconian acts like the Prevention of Seditious Meetings Act of 1911, Press Act of 1910, and Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1908 to suppress the voice of the Indian press. The Press Act of 1910, which brought over 1,000 newspapers under prosecution, made the Raj’s pockets heavier by Rs. 5 lakhs in form of securities and forfeitures.

    Despite these challenges, the Indian press found ingenious ways to survive and thrive. The Amrit Bazar Patrika turned into an English publication overnight to avoid censorship under the Vernacular Press Act. Also, staunch defence of the freedom of the press was undertaken by the national leaders. Recognizing the significance of the freedom of the press in a democracy, it is now a fundamental right under the Constitution of India.

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Rani Singh
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Rani SinghLearner
Asked: June 22, 2024In:
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Describe the achievements of the Swaraj Party in India and trace their development. Talk about its flaws as well. (Answer in 150 words)

upsc: beginning of mass nationalism (1919-1939)
  1. Saumya
    Saumya Begginer

    The Swaraj Party was formed in 1923 aiming to use the legislative platforms to press for reforms and promote the cause of self-governance (Swaraj) within the constitutional framework provided by British authorities. Evolution of the Swaraj Party: The Swaraj Party was formed in 1923 by leaders of theRead more

    The Swaraj Party was formed in 1923 aiming to use the legislative platforms to press for reforms and promote the cause of self-governance (Swaraj) within the constitutional framework provided by British authorities.

    Evolution of the Swaraj Party:

    The Swaraj Party was formed in 1923 by leaders of the Indian National Congress who disagreed with Mahatma Gandhi’s decision to suspend the Non-Cooperation Movement after the Chauri Chaura incident in 1922. The incident involved violence against police by protesters, leading Gandhi to call off the movement due to concerns over maintaining nonviolence. Dissatisfied with this decision and seeking a more active political role within the legislative framework, leaders such as Motilal Nehru and Chittaranjan Das formed the Swaraj Party.

    The party aimed to contest elections to the provincial legislative councils established under the Government of India Act of 1919 (also known as the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms). The Swaraj Party sought to use these councils as platforms to press for reforms and advocate for greater self-governance (swaraj) within the constitutional framework.

    Achievements of the Swaraj Party:

    1. Election Success: The Swaraj Party participated in elections to the provincial legislatures and achieved considerable success. In the 1923 elections, they won a significant number of seats, demonstrating their popularity and influence among voters disillusioned with British policies and seeking greater Indian autonomy.
    2. Legislative Advocacy: Within the legislative councils, Swaraj Party members actively advocated for reforms that promoted Indian interests. They focused on issues such as civil liberties, economic policies favoring Indian industries, reduction of taxes on peasants, and administrative decentralization.
    3. Opposition to Simon Commission: The Swaraj Party vehemently opposed the Simon Commission (1927), which was appointed by the British government to review the functioning of the Government of India Act and recommend reforms. Their protests highlighted the demand for Indian representation and led to widespread support from across the political spectrum.
    4. Constitutional Reforms: Through their participation in the legislative councils and advocacy efforts, the Swaraj Party contributed to discussions on constitutional reforms. Their proposals influenced subsequent reforms culminating in the Government of India Act of 1935, which expanded provincial autonomy and laid the groundwork for future constitutional developments.

    Shortcomings of the Swaraj Party:

    1. Limited Mass Base: The Swaraj Party’s electoral success was concentrated primarily in urban areas and among educated elites. They struggled to mobilize support from rural and marginalized communities, limiting their ability to represent broader sections of Indian society.
    2. Internal Divisions: The party faced internal divisions over strategy and tactics, particularly concerning cooperation with the British government. Some leaders advocated for more radical approaches, while others favored a more cautious, reformist approach within the existing constitutional framework.
    3. Impact of Repression: British authorities often resorted to repressive measures to curb nationalist activities, including arrests, censorship, and legislative maneuvers to undermine the Swaraj Party’s influence. These challenges undermined their effectiveness and limited their ability to achieve broader nationalist goals.
    4. Transition to Congress: Over time, many Swaraj Party leaders reunited with the Indian National Congress under Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership. This transition diminished the Swaraj Party’s distinct identity and political influence, as Congress became the dominant force in the nationalist movement.

    “We propose to capture the legislatures and to make the administration work for the people in as much as we can do so consistently with the spirit of non-cooperation.” – Motilal Nehru, 1923.  In summary, While it achieved notable successes in electoral politics, its limitations in mobilizing mass support and internal divisions impacted its long-term effectiveness as a separate political entity within India’s nationalist movement.

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