Mains Marathon 2024

Introduction

The Indian National Movement was a broad-based and multifaceted struggle for independence from British colonial rule, which spanned over a century, culminating in India's independence in 1947. It involved a diverse array of strategies, leaders, and philosophies, reflecting the complex socio-political landscape of the time.

Body

Broad-based Involvement of Various Classes :

• Peasants and Rural Populations
  • Champaran and Kheda Satyagrahas: Early in the 20^th century, Mahatma Gandhi led significant movements like the Champaran Satyagraha (1917) and Kheda Satyagraha (1918) which directly addressed the grievances of peasants suffering under oppressive British policies and landlords.
  • Bardoli Satyagraha: The Bardoli Satyagraha (1928), led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, saw peasants in Gujarat protest against increased land revenue demands, further highlighting the involvement of the rural populace in the movement.
• Urban Working Class
  • Trade Union Movements: The urban working class also played a significant role, particularly through trade union movements and strikes. The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), established in 1920, was instrumental in organizing labor strikes and protests against exploitative labor practices.
• Middle Class and Intellectuals
  • Swadeshi Movement: The Swadeshi Movement (1905-1908) saw the middle class, including students, teachers, lawyers, and professionals, boycotting British goods and institutions. They promoted indigenous products and enterprises, contributing to economic self-reliance and nationalistic fervor.
  • Role of Congress Leaders: Intellectuals and educated elites, such as Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, played pivotal roles in shaping the political discourse and strategies of the Indian National Congress, thus driving the movement forward.
• Business and Industrial Class
  • Support from Industrialists: Prominent industrialists supported the national movement financially and ideologically. They funded various activities of the Indian National Congress and participated in initiatives like the Swadeshi Movement.
  • Economic Policies: The industrial class also supported the movement's economic policies, which aimed at reducing dependence on British imports and fostering indigenous industries.
• Mass Movements:
  • Mass movements like the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22), Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-34), and Quit India Movement (1942) exemplified the unified, multi-class nature of the struggle. These movements saw widespread participation from all segments of society.
• Dalit Movement:
  • Dr. B.R. Ambedkar emerged as a prominent leader championing the concerns and aspirations of Dalits.
    • Through organizations such as the Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha, he advocated for social reforms and political representation for Dalits, emphasizing the principles of “educate, organize and agitate".
    • He launched influential periodicals like Mook Nayak and Bahishkrit Bharat, to vigorously defend Dalit rights and advance their cause.
• Adivasi Participation:
  • Tribals and Adivasis also joined the freedom struggle in various forms, participating in movements like the Santhal Rebellion, the Munda Rebellion, and later Gandhian movements.
• Women’s Participation :
  • Women played a vital role in the national movement, participating in large numbers in various protests, marches, and civil disobedience activities. Leaders like Sarojini Naidu, Bhikaji Cama, and Aruna Asaf Ali became prominent figures in the movement.
  • Organizations like the All India Women’s Conference (AIWC) were instrumental in mobilizing women and addressing both national and gender-specific issues.

Conclusion

Despite the diversity and differences in priorities of participants, the Indian National Movement maintained a unified stance against British colonial rule. The common goal of self-determination and independence transcended class and caste barriers, bringing together a wide array of societal groups.