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Home/upsc: freedom movement

Mains Answer Writing Latest Questions

Bhairavi Gauatam
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Bhairavi GauatamBegginer
Asked: June 28, 2024In:
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It took the combined efforts and sacrifices of many societal segments to win India’s independence war. Talk about the contributions that tribal women made to the fight for national freedom in this setting. (Answer in 150 words)

upsc: freedom movement
  1. Dua Mohanti
    Dua Mohanti Begginer

    India's war of independence was won by the collective efforts and sacrifices of freedom fighters across gender and geographical lines. Tribal revolts and reform movements also played a significant role in setting the tone for freedom and exposing the exploitative nature of the British Empire. TribalRead more

    India’s war of independence was won by the collective efforts and sacrifices of freedom fighters across gender and geographical lines. Tribal revolts and reform movements also played a significant role in setting the tone for freedom and exposing the exploitative nature of the British Empire. Tribal women leaders have contributed greatly to shaping the freedom struggle and defending their land against colonial power.
    Following are the few among various contributors in this regard:

    • Rani Gaidinliu: Rani Gaidinliu joined the freedom struggle at the young age of 13. Gaidinliu belonged to the Rongmei clan of the Zeliangrong tribe in western Manipur.
      • She asked her tribesmen to refuse to pay taxes and called out for freedom. She was arrested and tried and sentenced to life imprisonment at the age of 16 by the British. She was released in 1947 after India became independent and continued to work for the upliftment of her people.
    • Putali Tamang: Putali Maya Devi Tamang from Darjeeling hills participated in the freedom struggle as a schoolgirl and actively tried to do her part by constantly keeping in touch with the Congressmen and collecting information about movements around the country.
      • She worked towards women equality in the political arena. With this objective, she formed a Mahila Samiti that produced khadi clothes, which served as symbols of the national movement. She also started a Harijan Samaj (Committee) in Kurseong, inspiring Dalits to take education.
    • Helen Lepcha: Helen alias Sabitri Devi from Lepcha tribe belonged to Sikkim. During the peak of the Non-Cooperation movement, she led a huge rally to Jharia coalfield in the year 1921 at the famous Mohammed Ali Park at Calcutta. She was also associated with Netaji Subash Chandra Bose and was closely involved in formulating Netaji’s escape plan to Europe.
    • Phulo Murmu and Jhano Murmu: These two sisters jumped into the battle fray with their brothers, and reportedly killed 21 British troops before they were martyred. The British brutally quelled the Santhal’s movement after killing over 25,000 tribal people. The Santhal Bidroho (revolt) of 1855-56 was in all probability, the fiercest liberation movement in India next to the “Sepoy mutiny” of 1857.

    Tribal women fought on the frontline in many tribal revolts such as the Pahariya mutiny in Chota Nagpur region in 1778, the Tanti mutiny in 1786, the Tamar mutiny in 1789, the Sardar mutiny in 1830.

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Bhavesh Desai
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Bhavesh DesaiBegginer
Asked: July 6, 2024In:
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Analyze how the Russian Revolution and World War II, in particular, affected India’s anticolonial tactics and the development of Indian nationalism. incorporating modifications to political strategy and philosophy.

upsc: freedom movement
  1. Uday Bhatia
    Uday Bhatia Begginer

    Indian nationalism, a broad based movement that aimed to free India from colonial rule, was notably influenced by international upheavals such as World War II and the Russian Revolution. These global events not only modified India's political ideologies but also had a profound impact on the strategiRead more

    Indian nationalism, a broad based movement that aimed to free India from colonial rule, was notably influenced by international upheavals such as World War II and the Russian Revolution. These global events not only modified India’s political ideologies but also had a profound impact on the strategies employed in its anticolonial struggle.

    Influence of International Upheavals on Indian Nationalism

    • World War II’s Economic Drain: British resources were severely drained during WWII, weakening their hold on colonies like India. The Bengal Famine of 1943, exacerbated by the British diverting resources for war, resulted in mass deaths and ignited widespread anti-British sentiments.
    • Women’s Participation: Both the Russian Revolution and WWII had significant female involvement, influenced India by inspiring more women to take active roles in the freedom struggle, like Aruna Asaf Ali in the Quit India Movement and Captain Lakshmi Sahgal in the INA.
    • Quit India Movement: Initiated in 1942, Gandhi called for a ‘Do or Die’ approach, seeking to exploit Britain’s engagement in WWII. It was one of the most significant civil disobedience movements and posed a considerable challenge to British authority.
    • International Support: The end of WWII saw the emergence of anti imperialist sentiments globally. Leaders like President Truman of the USA openly supported decolonization, adding international pressure on Britain to expedite India’s road to independence.
    • RIN Mutiny: The Royal Indian Navy mutiny of 1946 was a landmark event heavily influenced by anti-fascist and anti-imperialist ideologies. Sailors raised slogans of ‘Quit India’ and ‘Jai Hind’, shaking the confidence of the British administration in their naval security.
    • Peasant Movements: Socialist ideologies inspired leaders to focus on agrarian reforms and peasant rights. Swami Sahajanand Saraswati organized the Kisan Sabha, which later merged with the Indian National Congress, highlighting the plight of the peasants and advocating for their rights.

    Impact on India’s Anti-Colonial Strategies, Ideology, and Tactics

    • Passive Resistance: The ideals of passive resistance and civil disobedience in movements like the Salt March and Quit India Movement, notably championed by Gandhi, drew inspiration from various international philosophies, including the nonviolent aspects of the Russian Revolution.
    • Armed Struggle: The Russian Revolution and WWII both had factions that advocated and used armed struggle to meet their ends. This influenced Indian leaders like Subhash Chandra Bose, who organized the Azad Hind Fauj to overthrow British rule through military might.
    • Ideological Shifts: The Russian Revolution of 1917 introduced socialist and communist ideologies that influenced Indian leaders. Jawaharlal Nehru, for example, was significantly influenced by socialist principles and worked towards incorporating them into the Indian National Congress’ policies.
    • Labour Reforms: The Marxist ideologies that gained prominence after the Russian Revolution influenced labour laws in India. The Factory Act, Minimum Wages Act, and other labour reforms aimed at social justice can be traced back to these influences.
    • Secularism: The destructive impact of fascist ideologies during WWII influenced India’s strong commitment to secularism. Leaders saw secularism as an essential principle for maintaining a diverse and harmonious society.
    • Rise of Communist Parties: Inspired by the Russian Revolution, the Communist Party of India was formed in 1925. It adopted Marxist-Leninist ideologies, and started to exert influence in trade unions and peasant movements, adding another layer of complexity to the freedom struggle.

    International upheavals like World War II and the Russian Revolution had a multifaceted impact on Indian nationalism and its anticolonial strategies. These global events not only shaped India’s path to independence but also laid ideological foundations that continue to influence its politics and foreign policy.

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Anita Ratnam
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Anita RatnamLearner
Asked: January 27, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Purpose: Provide a brief context about socialism’s emergence and its relevance to the Indian freedom struggle. Key Points: Mention the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution in Russia as a global catalyst for socialism. Highlight the alignment of socialist ideals with the ...

upsc: freedom movement
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Indian National Movement Labor Movements Socialist ideologies fueled the growth of labor unions and the mobilization of the working class. Leaders like S.A. Dange and E.M.S. Namboodiripad championed workers’ rights, advocating for better wages and working conditions. These labor movemenRead more

    Model Answer

    Indian National Movement

    1. Labor Movements
      • Socialist ideologies fueled the growth of labor unions and the mobilization of the working class.
      • Leaders like S.A. Dange and E.M.S. Namboodiripad championed workers’ rights, advocating for better wages and working conditions.
      • These labor movements were integrated into the larger independence struggle, highlighting the synergy between economic and political liberation.
    2. Congress Socialist Party (CSP)
      • The CSP, a socialist faction within the Indian National Congress, was formed by leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan, Acharya Narendra Dev, and Ram Manohar Lohia.
      • The CSP promoted socialist ideals such as economic democracy, land reforms, and the upliftment of marginalized communities.
    3. Contribution of Bhagat Singh
      • Revolutionary socialist Bhagat Singh emphasized the need for complete independence and radical change.
      • His socialist beliefs focused on dismantling colonial and exploitative systems, advocating self-determination and economic equality.
    4. Peasant Movements
      • Socialist ideologies influenced movements like Tebhaga in Bengal, Telangana in Andhra Pradesh, and the Warli tribal uprisings, which targeted exploitative land systems.
      • These movements empowered peasants and tribal communities, making their demands central to the national struggle.
    5. Post-Independence Policies
      • Socialist principles shaped the Directive Principles of State Policy in the Indian Constitution.
      • Reforms such as land redistribution, nationalization of industries, and public-sector enterprises were rooted in socialist thought.

    Role of Socialist Influences in Reshaping the Freedom Struggle

    1. Ideological Impact
      • Socialism became a Congress goal in the 1927 Madras session.
      • It expanded the vision of post-independence India to include economic justice and a welfarist state, contrasting with Gandhian village-centric ideals.
    2. Mass Mobilization
      • Socialist groups organized Kisan Sabhas and labor unions, making peasants and workers active participants in the freedom struggle.
      • Issues such as labor rights and land reforms mobilized new constituencies, strengthening the nationalist movement.
    3. Political Impact
      • Prominent leaders like Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Jayaprakash Narayan brought socialist ideals to the forefront.
      • Leftist ideologies created space for discussions on class and social justice within nationalist policies.

    Conclusion

    Socialist influences transformed the Indian freedom struggle by integrating economic justice, social equality, and radical transformation into its framework. This legacy shaped not only the independence movement but also the vision of a progressive, inclusive India post-1947.

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Anita Ratnam
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Anita RatnamLearner
Asked: January 27, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction Begin by acknowledging that India’s struggle for independence was not an isolated phenomenon but influenced by global events, particularly in North America. Mention how ideas of liberty, equality, and self-determination from the American Revolution and global shifts after ...

upsc: freedom movement
  1. Team
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Introduction The Indian struggle for independence was deeply influenced by global events and ideas, particularly those emanating from North America. The principles of liberty, equality, and self-determination, which were championed during key global events such as the American RevolutioRead more

    Model Answer

    Introduction

    The Indian struggle for independence was deeply influenced by global events and ideas, particularly those emanating from North America. The principles of liberty, equality, and self-determination, which were championed during key global events such as the American Revolution and World Wars, significantly shaped India’s quest for independence.

    1. World Wars and Geopolitical Shifts:

    • World War I (1914-1918): India’s support to Britain during the war led to some political concessions by the British. This culminated in the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms and the Government of India Act, 1919, which introduced the concept of a responsible government in India. Although this did not meet Indian aspirations, it created a momentum for political activism.
    • World War II (1939-1945): The war weakened the British Empire. The emergence of the US and the Soviet Union as superpowers pushed for decolonization. This global shift created a favorable environment for India’s push for self-rule.

    2. American Revolution:

    • US Declaration of Independence (1776): The American Revolution, with its ideals of liberty and democracy, greatly influenced the Indian freedom struggle. The Indian National Congress (INC) adopted similar ideals to challenge British colonial rule.
    • Non-Violent Resistance: Gandhi and other leaders drew inspiration from the American Revolution to adopt non-violent resistance, aiming to achieve independence through peaceful means, much like the American colonists’ revolt.

    3. Parallel Symbolic Acts:

    • Salt March (1930): Gandhi’s Salt March mirrored the symbolic Boston Tea Party of the American Revolution, both acts serving as a form of civil disobedience against colonial monopolies.
    • Swadeshi Movement: Similar to the Non-Importation Movement in the USA, the Swadeshi Movement called for the boycott of British goods and the promotion of indigenous products.

    4. Literary Influence:

    • Thoreau’s ‘Civil Disobedience’ (1849): Gandhi was deeply influenced by Thoreau’s essay, which emphasized non-violent protest as a form of resistance against unjust laws. This inspired Gandhi’s philosophy of peaceful civil disobedience.

    Conclusion

    Global events, particularly in North America, played a pivotal role in shaping the Indian independence movement. The exchange of ideas across borders, especially those of liberty, democracy, and self-rule, not only inspired Indian leaders but also accelerated the drive towards independence, ultimately leading to India’s freedom in 1947.

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Kamini g
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Kamini gLearner
Asked: June 24, 2024In:
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Brave and enduring contributions were made by female revolutionaries to India’s war for independence. Talk about it. (Answer in 150 words)

upsc: freedom movement
  1. prernachauhan
    prernachauhan Begginer

    Among the key actors who brought the Indian national freedom movement to the finishing line were the women, who were fearless and committed and defiantly changed the course of events. Brave ones like Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi were able to stand up to the brutal British forces during the 1857 rebelliRead more

    Among the key actors who brought the Indian national freedom movement to the finishing line were the women, who were fearless and committed and defiantly changed the course of events. Brave ones like Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi were able to stand up to the brutal British forces during the 1857 rebellion and became an example of courage and resistance.
    Otherwise known as the “Nightingale of India,” Sarojini Naidu was one of the important figures of the civil disobedience movement, and her voice was often used for the rights of women. Aruna Asaf Ali, who gained attention during the Quit India Movement in 1942, led demonstrations and flew the Indian National Congress flag at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Bombay.
    Bhikaji Cama, an early sponsor of independence, unfolded the first edition of the Indian flag at the international socialist convention in Germany in 1907, thus acquiring the support of the international community for the Indian cause. Apart from these women and many others, they not only stood up against British colonial control but also they were the ones who dismantled societal traditions, this way, igniting the desire for freedom and gender equality in the vanguard years.

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Anita Ratnam
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Anita RatnamLearner
Asked: January 16, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Start with the background: Mention the rise of socialism as a global ideology during the early 20th century and its influence on the Indian freedom struggle. Note the emergence of socialist leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, ...

upsc: freedom movement
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer The socialist influence within the Indian National Congress (INC) marked a turning point in India's freedom struggle, shifting its focus toward socio-economic equality and mass mobilization. Prominent leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, Acharya Narendra Dev, and JayaprakRead more

    Model Answer

    The socialist influence within the Indian National Congress (INC) marked a turning point in India’s freedom struggle, shifting its focus toward socio-economic equality and mass mobilization. Prominent leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, Acharya Narendra Dev, and Jayaprakash Narayan infused socialist ideals into the movement, significantly transforming its trajectory.

    1. Integration of Socialist Ideals into Congress Demands

    Socialist leaders emphasized that true independence must encompass economic and social liberation. At the Karachi session of 1931, INC passed resolutions on Fundamental Rights and Economic Policy, advocating for justice and equality. This marked a shift from purely political freedom to a vision of a welfare state.

    2. Widening the Social Base of the Movement

    Socialists sought to include workers and peasants in the struggle, advocating for the abolition of capitalism and the zamindari system. Initiatives like the Faizpur Session of 1936, which focused on peasant issues, reflected this shift. Trade unions and peasant associations gained momentum, creating a broad base of support.

    3. Demand for ‘Purna Swaraj’

    Replacing the earlier demand for ‘Swaraj,’ socialists called for ‘Purna Swaraj’ (complete independence), encompassing socio-economic freedom. This vision was formalized at the Lahore Session of 1929 under Nehru’s presidency.

    4. Inclusion of Princely States

    Socialist leaders extended their efforts to princely states, aligning with democratic movements against autocratic rulers. At the Haripur Session in 1938, Congress declared that Purna Swaraj included the liberation of princely states, broadening the scope of the movement.

    5. Youth and Militancy

    With leaders like Subhas Chandra Bose, the movement adopted a more youthful and militant approach, focusing on mass mobilization and direct action. This reinvigorated the struggle with greater energy and commitment.

    6. Adoption of Continuous Struggle

    Socialists replaced the earlier “Struggle-Truce-Struggle” strategy with “Struggle-Victory Strategy”, emphasizing sustained resistance through workers’ strikes and peasant agitations. This approach was evident in the uncompromising nature of the Quit India Movement.

    Conclusion

    The socialist influence redefined the freedom struggle, intertwining it with social and economic justice. This laid the foundation for the socio-economic policies implemented in independent India, ensuring the fight for freedom resonated with the aspirations of the masses.

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Lakshmi Devi
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Lakshmi DeviBegginer
Asked: June 29, 2024In:
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Talk about the contribution the Indian diaspora made to India’s liberation movement, particularly in the first part of the 20th century. (Answer in 250 words)

upsc: freedom movement
  1. Sangeeta rathor
    Sangeeta rathor Begginer

    In the 19th and 20th century, a large number of Indians moved to foreign countries like America, Canada, Great Britain, South Africa, South-East Asia, etc. Many of them played an important role in India's freedom struggle. Role played by Indian diaspora in the freedom struggle of India: Indian intelRead more

    In the 19th and 20th century, a large number of Indians moved to foreign countries like America, Canada, Great Britain, South Africa, South-East Asia, etc. Many of them played an important role in India’s freedom struggle.
    Role played by Indian diaspora in the freedom struggle of India:

    • Indian intelligentsia in Europe:
      • Shyam ji Krishna Varma founded the “India Home Rule Society” in 1905 and a hostel ‘India House’ in London, which became the centre for Indian revolutionaries like Savarkar, Madam Cama, and Madan Lal Dhingra etc.
      • Madam Bhikaji Cama hoisted the Indian tricolour-flag in Germany in 1907. Later, she moved to Paris and started the Paris Indian Society. She wrote, published and distributed revolutionary literature, including Bande Mataram (in response to the Crown ban on the poem Vande Mataram) and Madan’s Talwar (in response to the execution of Madan Lal Dhingra). These weeklies were smuggled into India through the French colony of Pondicherry.
    • Ghadar revolutionaries: Lala Hardyal and Sohan Singh Bhakna colluded with the Indian community in San Francisco and formed ‘Ghadar Party’ by 1913. The party played an instrumental role in distributing revolutionary news and poetry from different centres of the world such as Russia, Ireland, India, etc. It developed strong solidarity ties with Irish, Egyptian and other anti-colonial movements.
      • They acted as a link between the militant diaspora intellectuals and the activists in the Indian subcontinent. The Ghadar movement was helped by the Indian communities around the Pacific Rim to acquire money and arms.
      • Ghadar publicity about the infamous “Komagata Maru” incident fuelled the Punjabi Muslim soldiers of the Fifth Madras light infantry in Singapore to mutiny in 1915.
      • With the support of the Ottoman and German empires, rebels like Raja Mahindra Pratap, Maulana Barkatullah, Champakraman Pillai and others had set up a provisional government of India in Afghanistan in 1916 for coordinating an upsurge or uprising within the subcontinent.
    • Indian prisoners of war: When South East Asia was invaded by Japan, about 45,000 Indian prisoners of war were captured from Singapore alone. These soldiers were used by Mohan Singh (captain), and later by Subhash Chandra Bose to form the Indian National Army (INA) to fight against British forces.
      • The INA trials became a galvanising point in the Indian Independence movement. It led to shift of loyalties in the serving army men, as observed in the mutinies of Royal Indian Airforce and Royal Indian Navy, after which a decisive shift in the British policy towards India’s independence was observed.

    Overall, the Indian diaspora played a significant role in India’s freedom struggle, both in terms of raising awareness about the cause and providing support to the Indian National Congress and other organizations working towards India’s independence.

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Anirudh Singh
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Anirudh SinghLearner
Asked: July 6, 2024In:
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Talk about how women’s participation in the Indian freedom movement affected gender dynamics in the country during British rule. Give instances to illustrate important points.

upsc: freedom movement
  1. Meenakshi Sharma
    Meenakshi Sharma Begginer

    Women played a very significant role in the Indian freedom struggle, which influenced gender relations during British rule. They broke all traditional barriers by engaging in a public role and questioning patriarchal norms.   In the revolt of 1857, Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi showed courage and sRead more

    Women played a very significant role in the Indian freedom struggle, which influenced gender relations during British rule. They broke all traditional barriers by engaging in a public role and questioning patriarchal norms.

     

    In the revolt of 1857, Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi showed courage and strength. Sarojini Naidu participated in the Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience Movements. Kasturba Gandhi mobilized women for Salt March and worked with Mahatma Gandhi in Dandi March.

     

    In 1942, the Quit India Movement brought forward both Aruna Asaf Ali and Usha Mehta, who organized protest and underground activities. Women picketed and boycotted; nationalist activities in each corner, showing determination and capability, set the tone.

     

    These were lasting contributions in terms of change in gender relations. Women’s active participation in the struggle challenged customary roles and increased the acceptance of women participating in the public and political sphere. The visibility of women in the struggle for independence also assisted in mobilizing subsequent generations in fighting for gender equality.

     

    This legacy of these women contributed much to policy-invigorated social change through brings about women’s rights and education-related policies, bringing gradual change in society. Their participation in the freedom movement played a crucial role in renovating gender roles and gave impetus to future improvements in the status of women in India.

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Team
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TeamSupreme
Asked: September 9, 2024In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction Brief overview of the anti-colonial struggle in India. Importance of understanding global developments influencing this struggle. Political Developments Decline of the British Empire Fact: The two World Wars weakened Britain’s military and economic power. Source: “The Decline of the British Empire,” The ...

upsc: freedom movement
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Introduction The anti-colonial struggle in India, which sought to liberate the nation from British rule, was influenced by a confluence of political, economic, and social developments both within India and globally. This movement emerged prominently during the late 19th and early 20th cRead more

    Model Answer

    Introduction

    The anti-colonial struggle in India, which sought to liberate the nation from British rule, was influenced by a confluence of political, economic, and social developments both within India and globally. This movement emerged prominently during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, driven by the desire for independence and inspired by global changes.

    Political Developments

    The decline of the British Empire was a significant political factor. The aftermath of World War I and World War II severely weakened Britain’s military and economic power, prompting many colonies, including India, to question colonial rule. Additionally, the emergence of new world powers, notably the United States and the Soviet Union, advocated for decolonization and self-determination, encouraging Indian leaders.

    Economic Developments

    Economically, the exploitation under British rule was profound. High taxes, forced cultivation of cash crops, and exploitative trade policies led to widespread impoverishment among the Indian populace, fueling resentment and discontent. This economic hardship was a critical motivator for the anti-colonial struggle.

    Social Developments

    Socially, the rise of Indian nationalism, with leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, united diverse groups against British rule. The influence of other successful anti-colonial movements, such as the Irish War of Independence and the Russian Revolution, also inspired Indian activists.

    Moreover, exposure to liberal ideas through Western education led many Indian elites to advocate for democracy and self-determination. Social reform movements aimed at addressing caste discrimination and social inequalities further galvanized public support for independence.

    Conclusion

    These interconnected political, economic, and social factors not only fueled the anti-colonial struggle in India but also underscored the broader context of global transformations during this pivotal era.

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Nandani Naina
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Nandani NainaBegginer
Asked: July 1, 2024In:
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Describe what the terms “Swaraj” and “Purna Swaraj” mean in the context of India’s anti-colonial national movement. Examine the Indian National Congress’s development within this framework as well. (250 words)

upsc: freedom movement
  1. Sita mata
    Sita mata Begginer

    The term Swaraj means 'self-rule'. The concept of Swaraj in India evolved with time during various phases of the national struggle for independence. Different leaders had a different understanding of the concept. Various meanings of Swaraj: For Moderates like Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale,Read more

    The term Swaraj means ‘self-rule’. The concept of Swaraj in India evolved with time during various phases of the national struggle for independence. Different leaders had a different understanding of the concept.

    Various meanings of Swaraj:

    • For Moderates like Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, etc. the meaning of Swaraj was bhai Nao limited to greater say and participation of Indians in the government. They demanded self-government under the British paramountcy on the lines of other colonies of the United Kingdom like Australia and Canada.
    • For Extremists like Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Swaraj meant complete freedom from colonial rule. Both Tilak and Annie Besant wanted an Irish-type ‘home rule’ in India.
    • For Gandhiji, the concept of Swaraj was a comprehensive one and included political, economic, social, and moral perspectives. For him, self-rule was only a political aspect of Swaraj.

    Overall, Swaraj meant ‘self-rule in the internal matters only’. Purna Swaraj, on the other hand, meant complete independence from foreign rule in internal as well as external matters. The origin of this concept can be traced to the views of the Extremist section of the Indian National Congress (INC) which finally became a goal of the Congress in 1930.

    Progression of the Indian National Congress from Swaraj to Purna Swaraj:

    • Before the partition of Bengal (1905): The Moderates who dominated the Congress at that time emphasized the politics of “prayers and petitions”, while the Extremists wanted to gain Swaraj through extra-constitutional methods, rather than relying on the ‘good intentions’ of the government.
    • Calcutta session (1906): The Extremist faction got prominence during the partition of Bengal in 1905 by Lord Curzon. During the Calcutta session of the INC, a toned-down Swaraj along the lines of other self-governing British colonies like Australia and Canada was declared as the goal of INC. However, the Surat split (1907) led to the expulsion of the Extremists from the Congress.
    • Lucknow session (1916): This session brought the Extremists and Moderates together. It gave a new impetus to the Home Rule movement in India and led to the Montagu Declaration of working towards the gradual development of free institutions in India with a view to ultimate self-government.
    • Nehru Report (1928): The INC boycotted the Simon Commission and submitted a memorandum to appeal for ‘dominion status’ through the Nehru Report. The INC in its Calcutta Session (1928) also passed a resolution stating that dominion status be granted within one year.
    • Lahore session (1929): After the Irwin Declaration in 1929, which announced a vague offer of dominion status, the INC declared Purna Swaraj (complete independence) to be the goal of the INC and celebrated Purna Swaraj or Independence Day on 26th January 1930.

    Hence, the INC progressively changed its stance regarding the benevolence of the British Empire and raised its demand for self-rule from dominion status to complete independence. The Republic Day which is celebrated on 26th January is basically a commemoration of the earlier ‘Purna Swaraj Day’ celebrated on the same day in 1930.

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