Question

Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss.

Answer 1

The 1920s marked a significant period in the Indian national movement as it evolved to include diverse ideological strands, thereby expanding its social base. This diversification in ideology was driven by the emergence of new political leaders, social movements, and the increasing involvement of different sections of Indian society in the freedom struggle. Here’s a detailed discussion of how the national movement expanded during this period:

1. Emergence of Gandhian Ideology

• Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience:

  • Mahatma Gandhi emerged as the preeminent leader of the national movement, introducing his philosophy of non-violent resistance and civil disobedience.
  • The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22) and Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-34) were significant campaigns that mobilized millions of Indians across regions and classes, including peasants, workers, and the urban middle class.

• Expansion of Social Base:

  • Gandhi’s emphasis on non-violence and inclusivity attracted a broad spectrum of people, including women and marginalized communities, into the movement.
  • His focus on issues like untouchability, rural upliftment, and the promotion of Khadi resonated with the masses, bringing diverse groups into the nationalist fold.

2. Rise of Leftist and Socialist Ideologies

• Influence of Global Events:

  • The success of the Russian Revolution (1917) and the global rise of socialism influenced Indian thinkers and activists, leading to the growth of socialist and communist ideologies within the national movement.

• Formation of Leftist Groups:

  • Organizations like the Communist Party of India (founded in 1925) and the Congress Socialist Party (founded in 1934) emerged, advocating for radical social and economic reforms.
  • Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose were influenced by socialist ideas, emphasizing issues like land redistribution and workers' rights.

• Appeal to Workers and Peasants:

  • The leftist groups focused on mobilizing industrial workers and peasants, organizing strikes, and forming trade unions to address economic inequalities and exploitation.

3. Growth of Communal and Regional Politics

• Communal Politics:

  • The 1920s saw the rise of communal organizations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), founded in 1925, which sought to promote Hindu nationalism.
  • The Muslim League, which initially supported the Khilafat Movement in alliance with the Congress, began to assert more distinct communal demands by the late 1920s.

• Regional Movements:

  • Regional political formations gained prominence, addressing specific local issues and cultural identities. For instance, the Justice Party in Madras advocated for the rights of non-Brahmins, while the Akali Movement in Punjab focused on Sikh religious reforms.

• Impact on Social Base:

  • These developments highlighted the need to address the aspirations and concerns of various religious and regional communities, expanding the movement’s reach but also complicating national unity.

4. Participation of Women and Marginalized Groups

• Increased Involvement of Women:

  • Women played a more prominent role in the national movement during the 1920s, participating in protests, picketing, and organizing under the leadership of figures like Sarojini Naidu and Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay.
  • The All India Women's Conference (founded in 1927) worked to address issues such as education and social reform, linking women’s rights with the broader struggle for independence.

• Inclusion of Dalits and Backward Classes:

  • Leaders like B.R. Ambedkar emerged as prominent advocates for the rights of Dalits, challenging caste discrimination and demanding social justice.
  • Gandhi’s efforts to abolish untouchability and integrate Dalits into the national movement also contributed to expanding its social base.

5. Cultural and Intellectual Awakening

• Promotion of Indigenous Culture:

  • The 1920s witnessed a revival of interest in Indian culture, literature, and arts, with an emphasis on using cultural identity as a tool for political mobilization.
  • Movements like the Swadeshi Movement encouraged the use of Indian goods, fostering a sense of national pride and self-reliance.

• Intellectual Debates and Literature:

  • The period saw the flourishing of political literature and debate, with newspapers, journals, and public discussions playing a key role in spreading nationalist ideas.

Conclusion

The decade of the 1920s was transformative for the Indian national movement, as it broadened its ideological spectrum and expanded its social base. The integration of diverse ideologies, including Gandhian non-violence, socialism, regionalism, and communal politics, allowed the movement to engage a wider cross-section of Indian society. This period laid the foundation for a more inclusive and dynamic struggle for independence, setting the stage for the eventual attainment of freedom in 1947. Despite the challenges of communalism and regionalism, the 1920s marked a significant step towards creating a united front against colonial rule, with a vision for a pluralistic and equitable future for India.