Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Begin by briefly introducing the ‘charkha’ as a symbol of Gandhian resistance. Mention its role in India’s freedom struggle, especially in the context of the independence movement. Key Points to Mention: The ‘charkha’ (spinning wheel) became central to Gandhian ...
Indian educator and social reformer Ishwar Chandra Bandyopadhyay lived in the nineteenth century. His attempts to modernise and streamline Bengali prose were noteworthy. In addition, he rationalised and simplified the Bengali alphabet and type, which had not been altered since the first (wooden) BenRead more
Indian educator and social reformer Ishwar Chandra Bandyopadhyay lived in the nineteenth century. His attempts to modernise and streamline Bengali prose were noteworthy. In addition, he rationalised and simplified the Bengali alphabet and type, which had not been altered since the first (wooden) Bengali type was cut in 1780 by Charles Wilkins and Panchanan Karmakar.
Because he couldn’t afford a gas lamp at home, he used to study under street lights because his thirst for knowledge was so great. He completed each test with distinction and expeditiously. His excellent academic standing earned him several scholarships. Ishwar Chandra also took a part-time job as a teacher at Jorashanko to help support the family.
Ishwar Chandra joined the Sanskrit College, Calcutta and studied there for twelve long years and graduated in 1841 qualifying in Sanskrit Grammar, Literature, Dialectics, Vedanta, Smriti and Astronomy.
Vidyasagar advocated for improving women’s status in India, especially in Bengal, where he was born. He aimed to change society from within, in contrast to some other reformers who wanted to establish new societies or institutions. Additionally, Vidyasagar opposed polygamy—the practice of men marrying multiple girls—and child marriage.
Many of these girls would run away and turn to prostitution in order to support themselves because they could no longer stand the mistreatment. Paradoxically, many of them were able to achieve success in their careers after leaving society’s sanction and entering the demi-monde thanks to the city’s economic prosperity and opulent lifestyles. It was estimated that 12,700 public women and prostitutes lived in Calcutta in 1853.
Vidyasagar had laughed earlier in 1854 when a wealthy man from Bengal’s goldsmith caste was admitted to Sanskrit College in Calcutta. He argued that “the goldsmith class (Subarnabanik) stands very low in the scale of castes.” Remarkably, Vidyasagar biographer Sanjib Chattopadhyay disclosed that Ishwar Chandra received his primary education at a school run by wealthy Calcutta goldsmith Shibcharan Mallick.
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Model Answer Introduction of the Charkha into Gandhian Struggle The ‘charkha’ (spinning wheel) became an iconic symbol during Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership of the Indian freedom movement. It represented both the ideals of self-sufficiency and resistance against British colonialism, particularly theirRead more
Model Answer
Introduction of the Charkha into Gandhian Struggle
The ‘charkha’ (spinning wheel) became an iconic symbol during Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership of the Indian freedom movement. It represented both the ideals of self-sufficiency and resistance against British colonialism, particularly their economic exploitation through the importation of foreign goods. Gandhiji used the charkha not only as a tool for economic independence but also as a method to unite Indians in their struggle for freedom.
Breaking the Caste Boundaries
Gandhi’s use of the charkha transcended traditional caste divisions, where manual labor was often seen as degrading. By spinning thread daily, Gandhi illustrated that manual labor was both dignified and integral to a just society. This symbolized the unity of mental and manual labor, advocating for the dignity of all types of work, regardless of caste.
Opposition to Consumerism and Glorification of Human Labor
The charkha was also Gandhi’s tool of protest against industrialization and the mechanized economy that displaced human labor. He believed that modern machines enslaved humanity, and he championed the charkha as a way of reconnecting people to manual labor, rejecting the consumerist, machine-driven world.
Promoting Nationalism and Self-Reliance
Through the promotion of the charkha, Gandhi encouraged the widespread use of khadi, homespun cloth made using locally grown cotton. He saw this as a means to reduce India’s dependency on imported British goods, particularly cloth, which damaged Indian handloom industries. Khadi became synonymous with India’s quest for independence and self-reliance.
Charkha and the Mass Movement
Gandhi’s symbolic use of the charkha was central to his efforts to make the independence movement a mass struggle. It was a practical and symbolic method to connect with the common people, particularly the poor and rural populations. His emphasis on handspun khadi during the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-21) helped rally widespread support, with the charkha becoming a visible sign of resistance.
Conclusion
See lessUltimately, the charkha became a tool of empowerment for the masses, promoting self-reliance, unity, and economic independence. By advocating for khadi, Gandhi tied economic self-sufficiency to national pride and sovereignty, and this symbolic use of the spinning wheel remains one of the most lasting legacies of the Indian independence struggle.