Nationalism in India | Class 10 Social Science Notes

How Participants saw the Movement

The Civil Disobedience Movement attracted diverse social groups, each with distinct aspirations and interpretations of swaraj. Rich peasants, such as the Patidars of Gujarat and Jats of Uttar Pradesh, were hit hard by falling agricultural prices and could not pay government revenue. They enthusiastically supported the movement, organizing communities and enforcing participation. However, they were disappointed when the movement was suspended in 1931 without revenue relief and often refused to join the restarted movement in 1932. Poorer peasants, many tenants, sought remission of unpaid rents and joined radical movements led by socialists and communists; the Congress was cautious about supporting such demands to avoid alienating landlords. Business classes initially supported the movement, hoping swaraj would remove colonial restrictions and boost trade, but became apprehensive after the failure of the Round Table Conference and the rise of militant and socialist elements. Industrial workers participated selectively, adopting Gandhian ideas like boycotts but generally remained aloof due to the Congress's reluctance to address labor demands. Women played a significant role, participating in marches, picketing, and jail terms, often moving into public spaces for the first time. However, their roles were largely symbolic, with Gandhi emphasizing traditional roles for women. The movement also faced limits: Dalits ('untouchables') were initially marginalized by Congress but later organized under leaders like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, demanding political empowerment through reserved seats and separate electorates, leading to tensions with Gandhi and the Poona Pact of 1932. Muslim participation declined due to communal tensions and fears of Hindu domination, with leaders like Muhammad Ali Jinnah advocating for separate electorates to protect minority rights.

📊 Diagram: Fig. 9 – Women join nationalist processions. During the national movement, many women, for the first time in their lives, moved out of their homes on to a public arena; Fig. 10 – Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Maulana Azad at Sevagram Ashram, Wardha, 1935.

🧪 Activity: Discuss why various classes and groups participated in the Civil Disobedience Movement; Read Source D and debate the idea of communalism.

🔗 Connection: This section prepares the understanding of how nationalism created a collective identity through symbols, history, and culture.