Q. Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss. (250 words, 15 marks) [UPSC PYQ]

Approach:

• • Question Tag: Discuss
  • Keywords: Decade of 1920s, national movement, ideological strands, expanded social base
  • How to answer: The question requires an explanation of how different ideologies emerged in the Indian national movement during and after the 1920s, and how these diverse ideological strands helped in broadening the movement's social base.
  • Key elements: 

• Introduction:

• • • • Brief overview of the national movement before the 1920s
      • Mention of the shift that occurred in the 1920s

• Body:

• • • • Major ideological strands that emerged
      • How each strand appealed to different sections of society
      • Impact of these ideologies on the movement's expansion
      • Challenges and conflicts arising from ideological diversity

• Conclusion:

• • • Overall impact on the freedom struggle
    • Legacy of this ideological diversification

Model Answer:

Introduction: The 1920s marked a turning point in India's freedom struggle, as the national movement underwent a significant transformation. This decade saw the emergence of diverse ideological strands, which not only enriched the movement intellectually but also expanded its social base, making it truly mass-based.

Body:

• Gandhian ideology:

• • • Introduced non-violent civil disobedience and satyagraha
    • Emphasised moral and ethical principles in politics
    • Appealed to masses through simple language and symbolism Example: The Salt Satyagraha of 1930 mobilised people from all walks of life.

• Socialist ideas:

• • • Brought focus on economic equality and workers' rights
    • Appealed to the working class and peasantry
    • Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose popularised socialist thoughts Example: Formation of the All India Trade Union Congress in 1920 brought labour issues to the forefront.

• Communist ideology:

• • • Emphasised class struggle and anti-imperialism
    • Attracted industrial workers and radical intellectuals
    • Formed strong bases in certain regions Example: The formation of the Communist Party of India in 1925 and its role in organising workers' movements.

• Revolutionary nationalism:

• • • Advocated armed struggle against British rule
    • Appealed to youth seeking immediate action
    • Groups like Hindustan Republican Association emerged Example: The Kakori Conspiracy case of 1925 highlighted the activities of revolutionary nationalists.

• Religious reformist movements:

• • • Aimed at social and religious reforms within communities
    • Broadened the social base by addressing community-specific issues Example: The Self-Respect Movement in Tamil Nadu under E.V. Ramasamy challenged caste hierarchies.

• Ambedkarite movement:

• • • Focused on the rights and representation of Dalits
    • Brought the issue of caste discrimination to the national stage Example: The Mahad Satyagraha of 1927 led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar for Dalit rights.

• Women's participation:

• • • Increased involvement of women in the national movement
    • Women's organisations addressed both national and gender-specific issues Example: The formation of the All India Women's Conference in 1927.

• Peasant movements:

• • Addressed agrarian issues and mobilised the rural population
  • Linked local grievances with the larger freedom struggle Example: The Bardoli Satyagraha of 1928 in Gujarat united peasants against colonial policies.

Conclusion: The diversification of ideological strands in the 1920s transformed the Indian national movement from an elite-driven campaign to a multifaceted, mass-based struggle. This ideological expansion not only broadened the movement's social base but also laid the foundation for a more inclusive and diverse independent India.