Introduction
The 1920s marked a decisive phase in India’s freedom struggle, witnessing a transformation in the vision of independence. The earlier moderate constitutional goals gave way to a more comprehensive agenda that integrated political freedom with social, economic, and cultural emancipation.
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- Shift from Political Reform to Complete Independence
- The demand evolved from dominion status to Purna Swaraj in 1929 under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru and the Indian National Congress, reflecting a decisive break from earlier reformist tendencies.
- Inclusion of Socio-Economic Justice
- Freedom was no longer viewed merely as political independence but as a means to end economic exploitation. The vision included agrarian reforms, industrial development, and upliftment of workers and peasants.
- Rise of Mass Mobilization
- Gandhian movements like Non-Cooperation (1920–22) and Civil Disobedience (1930–34) transformed the struggle from elite politics into a true mass movement, involving peasants, women, students, and workers.
- Incorporation of Peasant and Worker Interests
- The 1920s saw the emergence of Kisan Sabhas, Trade Unions, and leaders like Swami Sahajanand Saraswati and N.M. Joshi, emphasizing class-based mobilization against colonial and feudal exploitation.
- Integration of Women’s Participation
- Leaders like Sarojini Naidu, Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, and Aruna Asaf Ali broadened the nationalist movement, linking it to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
- Cultural and Educational Awakening
- Tagore’s educational vision at Santiniketan and Gandhiji’s Nai Talim emphasized national education to decolonize minds and revive Indian values.
- Communal Harmony and Composite Nationalism
- Leaders like Maulana Azad and Gandhi promoted Hindu-Muslim unity as an essential pillar of freedom, countering divisive colonial policies of communalism.
- Inclusion of Socialist and Left Ideologies
- Young leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, and M.N. Roy introduced socialist thought, linking freedom with the fight against poverty and inequality.
- Focus on Village Reconstruction and Self-Reliance
- Gandhi’s concept of Gram Swaraj and promotion of khadi, cottage industries, and rural upliftment sought to make India economically self-sufficient and morally regenerated.
- Internationalist Outlook
- India’s freedom movement became part of global anti-imperialist struggles. Nehru’s role in the Brussels Conference (1927) and solidarity with movements in China, Egypt, and Ireland reflected this new vision.
Conclusion
By the 1920s, Indian nationalism had evolved into a multidimensional movement aiming for political freedom, social justice, economic equality, and moral regeneration. This broadened vision laid the foundation for post-independence India’s constitutional ideals of democracy, secularism, and socio-economic justice.
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SALIENT FEATURES OF INDIAN SOCIETY
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