Subject: Modern History

Answer:

The 1920s marked a transformative period in India's freedom struggle as the national movement underwent significant ideological diversification and social expansion under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. This decade witnessed the emergence of various political philosophies and mass mobilization strategies that broadened the movement's reach across different sections of society.

Ideological Diversification

Gandhian Philosophy

• The philosophy of Non-violence and Satyagraha gained prominence through movements like Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22), attracting widespread participation from all sections of society.
• Constructive Programme focusing on Khadi, social reforms, and Hindu-Muslim unity created a comprehensive framework for national regeneration.

Socialist Ideas

• Formation of the Communist Party of India (1925) and Workers and Peasants Party brought labor issues and class consciousness to the forefront.
• Leaders like M.N. Roy and S.A. Dange promoted marxist ideology and organized trade union movements.

Revolutionary Nationalism

• Hindustan Republican Association (1924) under Ramprasad Bismil and Chandrasekhar Azad advocated armed resistance.
• Bhagat Singh's HSRA (1928) combined revolutionary action with socialist ideology, inspiring youth across the nation.

Social Base Expansion

Rural Participation

• Bardoli Satyagraha (1928) under Sardar Patel demonstrated successful peasant mobilization against colonial exploitation.
• Champaran and Kheda movements established direct connection with rural masses.

Working Class Involvement

• Formation of All India Trade Union Congress (1920) organized industrial workers.
• Ahmedabad Mill Workers Strike (1918) showcased successful labor mobilization under Gandhian leadership.

Women's Participation

• Leaders like Annie Besant and Sarojini Naidu encouraged women's participation in political activities.
• Women's Indian Association (1917) promoted women's rights and political representation.

Youth and Students

• Formation of youth organizations and student movements broadened the social base.
• All Bengal Students Association (1928) and similar organizations politicized educational institutions.

The 1920s witnessed ideological synthesis and social mobilization that transformed India's freedom struggle from an elite movement to a mass movement. This decade laid the foundation for future mass movements like Civil Disobedience and Quit India Movement, making the independence struggle truly representative of India's diverse social fabric with Purna Swaraj as its ultimate goal.