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.

Model Answer

Introduction

The democratization movements in India’s princely states played a crucial role in the struggle for a democratic India. These movements sought to challenge autocratic rulers and demand greater representation, civil rights, and democratic reforms. The Indian National Congress (INC) played a varying yet significant role in these movements, particularly as they evolved over time, from moral persuasion to active support. This answer will explore the different forms of democratization movements in the princely states and evaluate the approach of the Indian National Congress towards them.

Phase I: Local Grievance Movements (Before the 1920s)

In the early phase, the demands in the princely states were centered on addressing local grievances such as employment issues, lack of civil liberties, and the dominance of outsiders in administration. Prominent organizations like the Praja Mandal and Lok Parishads were formed in states like Travancore and Mysore (e.g., Praja Mithra Mandali in 1917). These early movements primarily focused on administrative and legal rights for the people under autocratic rule.

Phase II: Demand for Representation (1920s-1930s)

In this phase, the focus shifted to public protests and demands for greater political representation. The establishment of political organizations in states like Bhavnagar, Junagarh, and Rajputana, and the formation of the Punjab Riyasati Praja Mandal, marked a significant escalation in the fight for legal rights. These movements demanded representative assemblies and greater funding for social infrastructure. In places like Cochin and Travancore, some success was achieved, with limited franchise introduced.

Phase III: Mass Mobilization (Post-1930s)

This phase saw mass peasant mobilization, particularly against exploitative taxes and feudal practices. Movements like the Bijolia peasant uprising in Udaipur and the Jat Kisan Sabhas in Rajputana focused on both economic grievances and challenging the feudal status quo. These movements often ran parallel to the urban educated class’s campaigns, though there were limited organizational links between the two.

Phase IV: Unification into the Indian Union

The final phase was marked by the political unification of the princely states into independent India. Political mobilization had already set the stage for the integration, and while some states like Hyderabad and Jammu-Kashmir required military intervention, the process was largely peaceful due to the groundwork laid by these movements.

The Indian National Congress’s Approach

Initially, the INC maintained a policy of non-interference in princely states, as they were considered autonomous entities under the British Crown. However, as democratic movements gained momentum, particularly during Gandhi’s leadership, the Congress shifted its stance. By the late 1930s, the Congress actively supported the demands of the Praja Mandals, advocating for democratic reforms and the formation of responsible governments. The Congress criticized the British for maintaining undemocratic princely rule and even supported civil disobedience against autocratic rulers.

While Congress did support the democratization efforts in princely states, its focus on the broader national struggle often led to a lack of attention to these local movements. Furthermore, the Congress’s non-violent resistance tactics were not always suitable for dealing with the repressive methods employed by princely rulers.

Conclusion

The democratization movements in the princely states evolved from localized grievances to mass mobilization against feudal and autocratic systems. The Indian National Congress, initially reluctant to intervene, increasingly supported these movements, particularly under Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership. However, the Congress’s involvement was not always consistent, and the challenges of uniting the diverse movements in the princely states remained a significant hurdle in achieving widespread success. Despite these challenges, these movements contributed significantly to the eventual unification of India.