Q : Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian phase. Elaborate. 2019 | 15

Introduction

The Gandhian phase (1915–1947) marked the transformation of India’s national movement into a truly mass-based and inclusive struggle. It was no longer a movement led by a single group or ideology but a chorus of many voices—social, regional, ideological, and cultural—that enriched and diversified the vision of freedom.

Body : 

Other voices that strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement : 

1. Moderate and Liberal Voices
• The moderates continued to emphasize constitutional reforms and political education.
•  Leaders like Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Annie Besant kept the liberal spirit alive within the national discourse.
2. Revolutionary Nationalists
• Parallel to Gandhi’s non-violence, revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh, Chandra Shekhar Azad, and Surya Sen inspired youth through ideals of sacrifice, courage, and socialism.
3. Peasant and Working-Class Movements
• Economic nationalism found expression through peasant and labour movements that linked colonial exploitation to social injustice.
•  Leaders like Swami Sahajnand Sarasvati, N.M. Joshi, and S.A. Dange mobilized workers and farmers against both colonial and feudal oppression.
4. Social Reformers and Marginalized Voices
• Eg : Dr. B.R. Ambedkar led the struggle for Dalit rights, while Periyar E.V. Ramasamy challenged caste hierarchies and gender inequality, broadening the scope of nationalism.
5. Women’s Participation
• Leaders like Sarojini Naidu, Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, Aruna Asaf Ali, and Usha Mehta participated in Civil Disobedience and Quit India movements, symbolizing gender inclusion.
6. Religious and Cultural Reformers
• Thinkers like Rabindranath Tagore and Swami Vivekananda emphasized spiritual nationalism and cultural revival. 
7. Leftist and Socialist Voices
• A new ideological current emerged with Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, and M.N. Roy advocating socialism and internationalism. 
• Eg ;The Congress Socialist Party (1934) .
8. Regional Movements
• The Khilafat movement in North India, Rampa rebellion in Andhra, and Praja Mandal movements in princely states added regional depth to the struggle.
9. Youth and Students’ Movements
• Gandhi’s call inspired a generation of students and youth to join nationalist activities. 
• Eg : Youth organizations and volunteer corps infused new energy into the mass movement, ensuring its continuity across social strata.

Conclusion

The Gandhian phase of the freedom struggle was not a single narrative but a confluence of diverse voices. This unity in diversity laid the foundation of India’s plural democracy and inclusive vision after independence.