QUES . Since the decade of the 1920s the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss. UPSC MAINS 2020 GS PAPER I. 250 words. 15 marks
HINTS:
The national movement in India since the 1920s embraced diverse ideologies and movements, enabling it to broaden its social base and address a wide range of issues. This multifaceted approach has played a vital role in shaping India’s journey to independence and fostering a more inclusive society.
Must read: Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian phase
Various ideological strands and their impact on the national movement
Pro-Changers and No-Changers
After the withdrawal of the non-cooperation movement, a debate on the course of action during the passive phase began among Congressmen. Those who advocated for the council entry were called Pro-changers, whereas those who were against entry into electoral politics and advocated for Gandhi’s constructive programs were called No-changers. No-Changers argued that the entry of nationalists would lead to neglect of constructive work, loss of revolutionary zeal, and political corruption.
Must read: Constructive Program of Mahatma Gandhi
Swarajism
Swarajism can be viewed as a ‘political experiment’ within the context of the national movement’s long history. It meant broadening the national movement to include legislative bodies as well. Inside the legislatures, colonial rule was to be questioned and challenged.
The main proponents of this concept were Motilal Nehru and Chittaranjan Das. On 1 January 1923, they formalised it by establishing the Swaraj Party within Congress.
Socialist ideas
Young nationalists were influenced by Marxist ideas and the Soviet Revolution. They criticized Swarajists and No-Changers, advocated consistent anti-imperialism and complete independence (Purna Swarajya). Leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhash Chandra Bose supported socialism as a means to address social and economic inequalities.
Must read: Differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom
Communist movement
The establishment of the Communist Party of India in 1925 further diversified the ideological landscape, focusing on the rights of workers and class struggle.
Trade Unionism
All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) was founded in 1920, led by Lala Lajpat Rai, Dewan Chaman Lal, and Tilak. Major strikes in Kharagpur Railway Workshops, Tata Iron and Steel Works, Bombay Textile Mills (involving 1,50,000 workers for 5 months), and Buckingham Carnatic Mills. First May Day was celebrated in India in Madras in 1923.
Revolutionary nationalism
In the 1920s, frustration with the Non-Cooperation Movement’s withdrawal and Gandhian methods led to a new wave of revolutionaries influenced by socialist and Marxist ideologies, combining radical ideas with the broader nationalist movement.
Groups like the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association, led by Bhagat Singh, aimed to achieve independence through armed struggle and revolutionary tactics.
Gandhian ideology
The principles of non-violence, truth, and self-sufficiency advocated by Mahatma Gandhi have influenced various aspects of the national movement and continue to shape India’s political and social landscape.
Must read: How difficult would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi?
Constitutionalism
Some leaders, like Motilal Nehru and C. Rajagopalachari, focused on constitutional reforms and negotiations with the British government to achieve a gradual transition to self-rule.
Caste and Dalit movements
The caste movements played a crucial role in mobilising communities, fostering unity, and advocating for affirmative action policies, which sought to address historical injustices and provide opportunities for socio-economic advancement. Prominent leaders of these Dalit Movements were B.R. Ambedkar, E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker, Sree Narayana Guru, etc..
Must read: Gandhi and Ambedkar : common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden
Must read : Ambedkar vs Gandhi : Caste System and Untouchability
Women’s participation
Women’s involvement, symbolized by the concept of “Bharat Mata,” fostered unity and strengthened nationalist sentiments against colonial rule. Women were instrumental in resistance activities such as boycotting foreign-made cloth and picketing, enhancing the movement’s effectiveness. Leaders like Sarojini Naidu and Annie Besant advocated for women’s rights and equality.
Must read: Indian women : the torch bearer’s during struggle for freedom
Regional movements
Various regional movements emerged, such as the Tebhaga movement in Bengal and the Telangana movement in Andhra Pradesh, addressing local issues and contributing to the broader national struggle.
Cultural Nationalism
Cultural nationalism in India since 1920s played a crucial role in shaping the country’s identity and fostering a sense of unity and resistance against British colonial rule.
Advocates of cultural nationalism promoted regional languages, classical languages like Sanskrit, and vernacular literature as symbols of India’s linguistic diversity and cultural richness. It also encouraged the revival and promotion of traditional Indian arts, crafts, and handicrafts. This effort aimed to preserve indigenous artistic expressions and provide economic opportunities to local artisans.
Must read: Rabindranath Tagore’s Contribution to the Freedom Movement
Religious Nationalism
Religious nationalism in India since 1920s played a significant role in shaping the country’s political and social landscape, particularly in the context of the movement for independence and the subsequent partition of the subcontinent.
Advocates of Hindu nationalism sought to assert the primacy of Hindu culture, traditions, and values, often advocating for a Hindu-majority state. On the other hand, Muslim nationalism in India was closely associated with the demand for the protection of Muslim rights and interests. The All India Muslim League, led by figures like Muhammad Ali Jinnah, championed the idea of a separate Muslim-majority state, which culminated in the creation of Pakistan in 1947.
Thus, the period since 1920s marked the diversification of the nationalist struggle, as different groups and leaders contributed their ideas and strategies to the movement for independence. This period marked a significant shift in the Indian freedom struggle, as it moved from being an elitist movement to a mass movement.
