During the Gandhian era, numerous voices had bolstered and enhanced the nationalist movement. Give specifics. (250 words) [UPSC 2019]
Model Answer Introduction The Indian national movement in the 1920s underwent a significant transformation with the emergence of various ideological strands, broadening its social base. This decade marked a diversification of the nationalist struggle, as different groups and leaders contributed uniqRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The Indian national movement in the 1920s underwent a significant transformation with the emergence of various ideological strands, broadening its social base. This decade marked a diversification of the nationalist struggle, as different groups and leaders contributed unique ideas and strategies toward the fight for independence.
Key Ideological Strands
Gandhian Ideology
Mahatma Gandhi emerged as a central figure during this period, promoting non-violent civil disobedience known as Satyagraha. His campaigns, such as the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922) and the Khilafat Movement (1919-1924), attracted support from peasants, workers, and the middle class. Gandhi’s emphasis on swaraj (self-rule) and the use of indigenous products (swadeshi) resonated widely, fostering a sense of unity among diverse groups.
Revolutionary Nationalism
Simultaneously, leaders like Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad championed revolutionary nationalism through organizations like the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA). While their approach of armed struggle garnered limited mass support, it inspired youth and instilled a spirit of sacrifice and patriotism among the younger generation, emphasizing the urgency of independence.
Socialism and Communism
The formation of the Communist Party of India (CPI) in 1925 and the rise of socialist leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose helped in addressing socio-economic issues. Their ideologies attracted workers, peasants, and intellectuals, integrating socio-economic concerns with the nationalist struggle, thus expanding the movement’s appeal.
Identity-Based Movements
Identity-based movements played a crucial role in diversifying the national movement. The Self-Respect Movement led by E.V. Ramasamy “Periyar” focused on eradicating caste discrimination, while the demand for separate electorates for Muslims, championed by the All-India Muslim League, highlighted the communal dimensions of Indian politics.
Regional Nationalism
Various linguistic and cultural groups began to demand greater representation and autonomy, encouraging regional leaders to engage in the nationalist struggle. This regional emphasis enriched the national movement and reflected the diverse aspirations of the Indian population.
Conclusion
The 1920s were a pivotal era in the Indian national movement, characterized by the emergence of various ideological strands that significantly expanded its social base. These diverse ideologies, albeit sometimes contradictory, enriched the nationalist struggle and laid the groundwork for the eventual achievement of Indian independence.
See less
From 1919 to 1947, the Gandhian stage of the Indian nationalist movement saw numerous voices from many sources energizing and fortifying the fight for independence. Gandhi's inclusive leadership attracted people from different parts of society, hence turning the cause into a mass-based effort. 1. FaRead more
From 1919 to 1947, the Gandhian stage of the Indian nationalist movement saw numerous voices from many sources energizing and fortifying the fight for independence. Gandhi’s inclusive leadership attracted people from different parts of society, hence turning the cause into a mass-based effort.
1. Farmers and peasants
Agrarian movements including the Champaran Satyagraha in 1917 and the Bardoli Satyagraha in 1928 tackled agrarian impoverishment and drew farmers into the national fight. Leaders including Vallabhbhai Patel and Rajendra Prasad multiplied the voices of rural India, linking bottom-up conflicts to the more general national movement.
2. corporate workers
Under leaders such Subhas Chandra Bose and Lala Lajpat Rai, who ran strikes and boycotts during movements like Non-Cooperation (1920-22) and Quit India (1942), the working class entered the movement. The AITUC sort of groups fused the independence movement with labor rights.
3. Females
Leading characters included Sarojini Naidu, Kasturba Gandhi, and Aruna Asaf Ali. Women’s empowerment was evident in their actions in picketing, demonstrations, and civil disobedience, hence increasing the movement’s foundation.
young people and students.
Especially during the Quit India Movement, which showed the youngsters’ energy behind this cause, the students came out in support and rioted at many levels mostly along with Jayaprakash Narayan as a role model.
5. Other Backward Classifications
Leaders such as G.R. discussed questions of social justice. Periyar and Ambedkar acted to see that the nationalist movement embraced an end to casteism, Dalit and minority rights.
6. Cultural and Literary Offerings
Poets, writers, and intellectuals like Rabindranath Tagore, Subramania Bharati, and Premchand permeated nationalism into art and literature through their works, thus inspiring the masses.
Conclusion
See lessThe different engagement during the Gandhian period not only empowered the nationalist movement but also guaranteed that it answered the many issues of Indian society, hence transforming independence into a common goal.