Roadmap for Answer Writing
To effectively answer the question, follow this structured approach:
1. Introduction (50-60 words)
- Context: Provide a brief overview of the role of the Indian capitalist class in the national movement.
- Thesis: State that the Indian capitalist class adopted a mixed strategy, supporting both constitutional methods and alternative forms of struggle. Highlight their dual objective of aligning with nationalist movements while safeguarding their economic interests.
2. Support for Constitutional Methods (100-120 words)
- Key Argument: Explain how the Indian capitalist class utilized constitutional participation as a means to influence policy while rejecting colonial exploitation.Subpoints to Include:
- FICCI’s Opposition to Constitutional Reforms: FICCI rejected the Report of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Reforms in 1934 for being inadequate (Source: FICCI Records).
- Boycotting Round Table Conferences: FICCI advised its members to boycott the Round Table Conferences, barring the second one due to the absence of Congress leadership (Source: FICCI Archives).
- Support for National Interests: They consistently supported measures that benefited the national economy and rejected bills like the Public Safety Bill (Source: Legislative Records).
3. Support for Alternative Forms of Struggle (100-120 words)
- Key Argument: Discuss the capitalist class’s willingness to support alternative forms of struggle, such as mass civil disobedience, when necessary to build pressure on the British.Subpoints to Include:
- Non-Violent Civil Disobedience: G.D. Birla’s warning to Lord Halifax and Lord Lothian about potential mass civil disobedience if constitutional demands were ignored (Source: Birla’s Correspondence).
- Mediation Role: Capitalists like G.D. Birla, Purshottamdas Thakurdas mediated between Congress and the British, helping to negotiate compromises during critical phases like the withdrawal of the Civil Disobedience Movement (Source: Personal Letters of G.D. Birla and Purshottamdas Thakurdas).
- Critique of Imperialism: Leaders such as Birla and Thakurdas criticized imperialist economic policies like excessive taxation and currency manipulation (Source: Economic Critiques by Indian Capitalists).
4. Balancing Economic Interests with Nationalist Goals (50-60 words)
- Key Argument: Highlight how the capitalist class balanced their economic interests with the larger goal of Indian independence, avoiding extreme actions that could destabilize their businesses while supporting the nationalist cause.
- Example: Their fear of prolonged mass civil disobedience turning into revolutionary socialism and threatening capitalism itself (Source: Historical Analysis of Indian Capitalism).
5. Conclusion (30-40 words)
- Summary: Conclude by reaffirming that the strategy of the Indian capitalist class, marked by a mix of constitutional engagement and willingness to support alternative forms of struggle, was crucial to the Indian freedom movement. Their pragmatism ensured the continued momentum of the nationalist cause.
Relevant Facts for the Answer
- FICCI’s Opposition to Constitutional Reforms (1934):
- FICCI rejected the Report of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Reforms for being inadequate and not fulfilling national aspirations (Source: FICCI Records).
- Boycott of Round Table Conferences:
- FICCI and the capitalist class boycotted the Round Table Conferences (except the second one) due to the absence of Congress leadership and Mahatma Gandhi (Source: FICCI Archives).
- Support for National Economic Interests:
- They rejected bills like the Public Safety Bill, which would have repressed socialists and communists (Source: Legislative Records).
- G.D. Birla’s Warning on Civil Disobedience (1937):
- G.D. Birla warned British leaders like Lord Halifax and Lord Lothian with the threat of mass civil disobedience if their demands were not met (Source: Birla’s Correspondence).
- Mediation between Congress and the British:
- Capitalist leaders like G.D. Birla and Purshottamdas Thakurdas mediated between Congress and the British government, especially during the withdrawal of the Civil Disobedience Movement (Source: Personal Letters of G.D. Birla and Purshottamdas Thakurdas).
- Critique of British Economic Policies:
- Leaders like Birla and Thakurdas critiqued British imperialism for its economic exploitation of India, including excessive taxation, currency manipulation, and the remittance of home charges (Source: Economic Critiques by Indian Capitalists).
Model Answer
Strategy of the Indian Capitalist Class During the National Movement
The Indian capitalist class played a significant role in the national movement, adopting a strategy that balanced constitutional participation with alternative forms of struggle. This dual approach helped them navigate between aligning with the Indian National Congress (INC) and protecting their own economic interests.
1. Support for Constitutional Methods
a. Constitutional Participation:
b. Alignment with Congress’s National Goals:
2. Support for Alternative Forms of Struggle
a. Non-Violent Mass Struggles:
b. Mediation and Pressure on the British Government:
3. Long-Term Vision and Nationalist Support
Conclusion
The Indian capitalist class adopted a balanced strategy during the national movement, supporting constitutional reforms while also using mass struggles to apply pressure on the British. Their ability to mediate between Congress and the British, combined with their long-term vision, played a crucial role in the Indian freedom struggle.