‍Q11. Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian phase. Elaborate.

Model Answer:

Introduction

The Gandhian phase of the Indian nationalist movement, spanning from 1919 to 1947, was marked by Mahatma Gandhi's leadership and his unique methods of nonviolent resistance. This period saw the convergence of various voices that significantly strengthened and enriched the movement.

Body

• Participation of Women: Women played a crucial role during the Gandhian phase. Leaders like Sarojini Naidu, Kasturba Gandhi, and Aruna Asaf Ali mobilised women across the country. The Dandi March and the Quit India Movement saw massive participation of women, breaking traditional barriers and contributing to the struggle for independence.
• Youth and Students: The youth and student community were galvanised by Gandhi's call for non-cooperation and civil disobedience. The establishment of the All India Students' Federation in 1936 and the active participation of young leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose infused new energy into the movement.
• Labour Movements: The working class also became a significant force during this period. The formation of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) in 1920 and the leadership of figures like Lala Lajpat Rai and B.P. Wadia highlighted the intersection of labour rights and the nationalist cause. Strikes and protests by workers in Bombay, Calcutta, and other industrial hubs were pivotal.
• Peasant Uprisings: Peasant movements gained momentum with leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Bardoli and Swami Sahajanand Saraswati in Bihar. The Kheda Satyagraha (1918) and the Bardoli Satyagraha (1928) were significant events where peasants resisted oppressive taxation and land policies, aligning their struggles with the broader nationalist movement.
• Dalit Assertion: The Gandhian phase also saw the rise of Dalit leaders like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who fought for the rights of the marginalised communities. The Poona Pact of 1932, though controversial, was a significant event where Gandhi and Ambedkar negotiated the political representation of Dalits, highlighting the complexities within the nationalist movement.
• Regional and Linguistic Movements: Regional leaders like C. Rajagopalachari in the South, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan in the North-West Frontier Province, and Subhas Chandra Bose in Bengal brought regional issues to the forefront, enriching the nationalist discourse.
• Marxists, Socialists, and Communists: The ideological spectrum of the nationalist movement was broadened with the involvement of Marxists, Socialists, and Communists. Leaders like M.N. Roy, Jayaprakash Narayan, and the formation of the Congress Socialist Party in 1934 added a dimension of class struggle and economic justice to the freedom struggle.

Conclusion

The multidimensional nature of the nationalist movement during the Gandhian phase was significant as it brought together diverse sections of Indian society, each contributing their unique perspectives and strengths. This inclusivity not only enriched the movement but also laid the foundation for a pluralistic and democratic India.

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