Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian phase. Elaborate (250 words)
The Gandhian phase of the Indian independence movement refers to the period between 1915 and 1947, during which Mahatma Gandhi emerged as a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress. During this time, various voices came together to strengthen and enrich the nationalist movement.
Voices that strengthened the Nationalist Movement:
- Gandhi’s leadership and philosophy of non-violence and civil disobedience: inspired many Indians to join the freedom struggle. He mobilized the masses through non-violent means like hartals, satyagraha and non-cooperation.
- Peasants and workers: Many peasants and workers joined the freedom struggle under the leadership of Gandhi and other leaders. They participated in various agitations, strikes and boycotts.
- Women: Women played a significant role in the freedom struggle, particularly in the civil disobedience movement led by Gandhi. They participated in marches, boycotts, and other forms of protest. The emergence of women leaders like Sarojini Naidu, Annie Besant, and Vijayalakshmi Pandit played a significant role in the freedom struggle.
- Dalits and other marginalized groups: also joined the freedom struggle under the leadership of Gandhi and other leaders. They were encouraged to participate in the freedom struggle through the Harijan movement launched by Gandhi.
- Muslims: Muslims also played a significant role in the freedom struggle, particularly under the leadership of leaders such as Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Jinnah. Many Muslims supported the Khilafat movement, which aimed to protect the Ottoman Empire and its caliph, the leader of the Muslim world.
- Role of regional leaders: The participation of regional leaders in the freedom struggle also added to the strength of the movement. Leaders like Subhas Chandra Bose, Sardar Patel, Rajendra Prasad, Rajagopalachari, and many others played important roles in the freedom struggle.
