Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Indian National Movement, initially dominated by moderate and extremist ideologies within the Indian National Congress, underwent a significant transformation from the 1920s onwards. This period witnessed the emergence of diverse ideological strands, responding to the socio-economic realities of India and attracting wider participation from various social groups. The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22), sparked by Mahatma Gandhi, marked a turning point, injecting a mass base into the movement. Subsequently, the rise of socialist, communist, and revolutionary ideologies further diversified the movement, challenging existing social hierarchies and expanding its reach to previously untouched sections of society.
The Gandhian Phase and its Broadening Appeal
Mahatma Gandhi’s ideology of Satyagraha, emphasizing non-violent resistance, resonated deeply with the Indian masses. The Khadi movement (1920s) and the Salt Satyagraha (1930) mobilized peasants and workers, challenging British economic policies. Gandhi’s emphasis on Hindu-Muslim unity, though imperfect, attracted support from diverse religious communities. His focus on social reforms like the eradication of untouchability, through movements like the Harijan Welfare Movement (1934), brought marginalized communities into the fold.
The Rise of Socialist Ideology
Disillusionment with the limitations of Gandhian methods and the persistence of social and economic inequalities led to the emergence of socialist thought. Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Jayaprakash Narayan, and Ram Manohar Lohia advocated for a more radical transformation of Indian society. They focused on the rights of workers and peasants, advocating for land reforms and improved working conditions. The Congress Socialist Party (CSP), formed in 1934, played a crucial role in organizing labor movements and peasant struggles.
The Communist Influence
The influence of communist ideology grew in the 1920s and 30s, particularly among the working class. The Communist Party of India (CPI), founded in 1925, focused on organizing industrial workers and advocating for their rights. They actively participated in trade union movements and peasant struggles, often independently of the Congress. Their focus on class struggle appealed to the most exploited sections of society.
Revolutionary and Nationalist Movements
Alongside these ideologies, revolutionary and nationalist movements continued to operate, albeit often underground. Groups like the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), founded by Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru, advocated for complete independence through armed struggle. While their methods were different, they contributed to the overall anti-colonial sentiment and inspired a generation of youth. Their actions, though often violent, drew attention to the injustices of British rule.
Impact on Social Base
The diversification of ideologies significantly expanded the social base of the national movement.
- Peasants: Mobilized by Gandhi’s movements and socialist/communist parties advocating land reforms.
- Workers: Organized by socialist and communist parties, demanding better working conditions.
- Dalits: Drawn into the movement through Gandhi’s efforts and the work of leaders like B.R. Ambedkar.
- Women: Increasingly participated in all forms of protest, challenging traditional gender roles.
- Tribals: Involved in movements against forest laws and exploitation.
| Ideology | Key Leaders | Social Base |
|---|---|---|
| Gandhian | Mahatma Gandhi | Peasants, Workers, Dalits, Women |
| Socialist | Jawaharlal Nehru, Jayaprakash Narayan | Workers, Peasants, Intellectuals |
| Communist | M.N. Roy, P.C. Joshi | Industrial Workers, Landless Laborers |
| Revolutionary | Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev | Youth, Students, Disillusioned Nationalists |
Conclusion
The decade of the 1920s and subsequent years marked a crucial phase in the Indian National Movement. The emergence of diverse ideological strands – Gandhian, socialist, communist, and revolutionary – broadened its social base, transforming it from an elite-driven movement to a mass movement encompassing all sections of Indian society. This diversification not only intensified the struggle for independence but also laid the foundation for a more inclusive and egalitarian India post-independence, though the full realization of these ideals remained a continuing challenge.
Answer Length
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