“Not all social groups were moved by the abstract concept of ‘Swaraj’....
Not all social groups were moved by the abstract concept of swaraj, some groups were not touched by Gandhi's call for civil disobedience:
a. The ‘untouchables’ or Dalits were not moved by the concept of swaraj.They began to call themselves Dalits or oppressed. Many Dalit leaders demanded a different political solution to the problems of the community. They began demanding reserved seats in educational institution and a separate electorate. They believed that political empowerment was the only way of achieving upliftment for dalits.
b. A large section of Muslims felt alienated from the congress. As the congress had come to be associated with Hindu religious nationalist groups like the Hindu Maha–Sabha, Muslims found them detached from the organization, there were frequent communal clashes between the communities that created an atmosphere of suspicion and distrust between the two communities.
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“Not all social groups were moved by the abstract concept of ‘Swaraj’....
Introduction:
The Civil Disobedience Movement of the 1930s, led by Mahatma Gandhi, aimed at achieving complete independence or 'Swaraj' from British colonial rule. While the movement garnered significant support from various sections of society, it is important to acknowledge that not all social groups were moved by the abstract concept of 'Swaraj'.
1. The Industrial Working Class:
- The industrial working class, particularly in urban areas, had economic grievances and concerns that were more immediate than the abstract idea of 'Swaraj'.
- Their main demands were related to better wages, working conditions, and job security.
- Although some workers did participate in the Civil Disobedience Movement, their primary focus was on improving their socio-economic conditions rather than the nationalist cause.
2. Muslims:
- The Muslim community had reservations about the concept of 'Swaraj' due to fears of Hindu majoritarianism.
- They were concerned that an independent India would be dominated by the Hindu majority, potentially compromising their religious and political rights.
- The Muslim League, under the leadership of Mohammad Ali Jinnah, advocated for the creation of a separate Muslim state, leading to the eventual partition of India in 1947.
3. Princes and Aristocracy:
- The princely states, ruled by Indian princes, had their own vested interests and concerns about the idea of 'Swaraj'.
- Many princes were apprehensive about losing their authority and privileges in an independent India.
- They often maintained close ties with the British government and were reluctant to support the Civil Disobedience Movement.
4. Landlords and Zamindars:
- Landlords and zamindars, who held significant power and control over agricultural resources, were also hesitant to fully embrace the concept of 'Swaraj'.
- They feared that land reforms and redistribution of land ownership advocated by the nationalist movement would weaken their own socio-economic position.
- Some landlords even collaborated with the British authorities to suppress the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Conclusion:
While the Civil Disobedience Movement of the 1930s received widespread support from various sections of society, it is evident that not all social groups were equally moved by the abstract concept of 'Swaraj'. The industrial working class, Muslims, princes and aristocracy, and landlords and zamindars had their own concerns and priorities, which sometimes clashed with the nationalist cause. It is important to recognize and understand these diverse perspectives in order to have a comprehensive understanding of the socio-political dynamics during that time.
“Not all social groups were moved by the abstract concept of ‘Swaraj’....
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