The Civil Disobedience Movement, launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930, saw the active participation of various social groups across India, each with its grievances and aspirations. Here's an explanation of how different social groups were involved in the movement, along with examples:
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Indian National Congress (INC): The INC played a central role in organizing and leading the Civil Disobedience Movement. It mobilized people from diverse backgrounds, including political leaders, activists, and volunteers, to participate in acts of nonviolent resistance against British colonial rule. Prominent leaders of the INC, such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Sarojini Naidu, and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, led protests, organized marches, and courted arrests to defy British laws and policies.
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Peasants and Farmers: The Civil Disobedience Movement saw significant participation from peasants and farmers who were burdened by oppressive British land revenue policies, unfair taxation, and exploitative agricultural practices. They joined the movement to protest against high land revenue assessments, unjust tenancy laws, and the British monopoly on agricultural produce. For example, the Bardoli Satyagraha in Gujarat, led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, saw the participation of peasants who refused to pay increased land taxes imposed by the British authorities.
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Workers and Laborers: Industrial workers and laborers also actively participated in the Civil Disobedience Movement to protest against poor working conditions, low wages, and lack of labor rights under British rule. They organized strikes, demonstrations, and boycotts of British-made goods to demand better working conditions and labor reforms. The Dharasana Salt Works Satyagraha in Gujarat, where workers marched nonviolently to seize salt pans from British control, exemplified the participation of workers in the movement.
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Women: Women played a significant role in the Civil Disobedience Movement, contributing to various aspects of the struggle, including organizing marches, picketing, and spinning and weaving khadi (homespun cloth) as a symbol of self-reliance and resistance to British goods. Women leaders like Sarojini Naidu, Kamala Nehru, and Aruna Asaf Ali played prominent roles in mobilizing women to join the movement and defy British laws. The participation of women in the Salt Satyagraha and picketing of liquor shops demonstrated their active involvement in the movement.
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Students and Youth: Students and youth were actively involved in the Civil Disobedience Movement, organizing rallies, boycotts, and protests against British colonial rule. They played a crucial role in spreading awareness about nationalist ideals, promoting nonviolent resistance, and challenging British authority. Student leaders like Subhash Chandra Bose, Jayaprakash Narayan, and Asaf Ali played significant roles in mobilizing young people to join the movement and participate in acts of civil disobedience.
Overall, the Civil Disobedience Movement saw the active involvement of various social groups, including political leaders, peasants, workers, women, students, and youth, each contributing to the struggle for Indian independence through acts of nonviolent resistance and defiance against British colonial rule.
