Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Gandhian phase of the Indian National Movement, initiated with Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India in 1915, marked a significant turning point in the struggle for independence. While Gandhi provided the overarching ideology and strategy, the movement’s success wasn’t solely his doing. Numerous individuals and groups, representing diverse ideologies and social strata, contributed to its momentum, broadening its base and enriching its character. These voices, often complementing or critiquing Gandhi’s approach, were crucial in mobilizing different sections of society and shaping the ultimate outcome of India’s freedom struggle.
Early Phase & Broadening the Social Base (1915-1922)
Initially, Gandhi focused on mobilizing the Indian diaspora and addressing local grievances. However, the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22) witnessed the entry of new social groups:
- Peasants: Leaders like Baba Ramchandra in Awadh and Swami Subhas Chandra Bose in Bengal mobilized peasants against exploitative land revenue systems. This brought agrarian issues to the forefront.
- Tribals: Movements like the Rampa Rebellion (1922-24) in Andhra Pradesh, inspired by Gandhian principles of non-violence, protested forest laws and tribal exploitation.
- Students: A large number of students actively participated, leaving educational institutions to join the movement, demonstrating a willingness to sacrifice for the cause.
- Women: Gandhi actively encouraged women’s participation, and figures like Sarojini Naidu and Kasturbai Gandhi became prominent leaders, challenging traditional gender roles.
The Rise of Different Ideological Currents (1920s-1930s)
The 1920s and 30s saw the emergence of diverse ideological strands within the nationalist movement:
- Revolutionary Nationalists: Groups like the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) led by Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, and Sukhdev advocated for complete independence through armed struggle, critiquing Gandhi’s non-violent approach as being too slow.
- Socialists: Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, M.N. Roy, and Jayaprakash Narayan advocated for a socialist transformation of Indian society, emphasizing economic equality and social justice. They formed the Congress Socialist Party (CSP) within the Congress.
- Communist Movement: The formation of the Communist Party of India (CPI) in 1925, with figures like M.N. Roy and later P.C. Joshi, introduced Marxist ideology and focused on working-class mobilization.
- Regionalism: The rise of regional movements, such as the Justice Party in South India, advocated for the rights of non-Brahmin communities and challenged the dominance of upper-caste elites within the Congress.
The Quit India Movement & Beyond (1942-1947)
The Quit India Movement (1942) witnessed widespread participation from all sections of society, but also saw the emergence of differing perspectives:
- Underground Resistance: After the suppression of the Quit India Movement, many leaders, including Aruna Asaf Ali, went underground and organized resistance activities.
- Negotiations with the British: While Gandhi was imprisoned, other Congress leaders like Rajendra Prasad and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel engaged in negotiations with the British government, paving the way for independence.
- Muslim League’s Demand for Pakistan: The Muslim League, under Muhammad Ali Jinnah, intensified its demand for a separate Pakistan, adding a new dimension to the political landscape.
Contributions of Specific Individuals
| Leader | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Bhagat Singh | Inspired youth with revolutionary ideals; challenged the colonial government through acts of defiance. |
| Subhas Chandra Bose | Formed the Forward Bloc and the Indian National Army (INA), demonstrating an alternative path to independence. |
| B.R. Ambedkar | Championed the rights of Dalits and advocated for social justice; critiqued the Congress’s approach to caste issues. |
| Periyar E.V. Ramasamy | Led the Self-Respect Movement in South India, challenging Brahminical dominance and advocating for social equality. |
Conclusion
The Gandhian phase of the Indian National Movement was not a monolithic entity. It was a dynamic and multifaceted struggle enriched by the contributions of diverse voices and ideologies. While Gandhi provided the moral and strategic leadership, the participation of peasants, workers, students, women, and various ideological groups broadened the movement’s base and ensured its ultimate success. Recognizing these diverse contributions is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of India’s freedom struggle and its complex legacy.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.