The National Movement and its Legacy

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand the roots of India’s post-1947 development in its freedom struggle.
2. Comprehend the democratic, secular, and civil liberties framework established by the national movement.
3. Recognize the economic critiques and visions promoted during the independence movement.
4. Appreciate the influence of the national movement on India’s social justice and political policies.
5. Analyze the legacy of the movement in modern Indian politics and governance.

India’s hundred-year freedom struggle was pivotal in shaping its post-independence policies, ideals, and structures. The economic and administrative frameworks were inherited from colonial and pre-colonial times, while the vision for nation-building was inspired by the values and ideology of the national movement. These values were not only restricted to the intellectual class but were disseminated among the masses during the era of mass politics, creating a unified sense of purpose in society. The Indian National Congress (INC), the main political organization, was instrumental in integrating India’s diverse population under a shared objective of liberation and development. The movement excluded only communalists and those loyal to colonial rulers.

Important Note: The enduring ideals from the movement, such as democracy, civil liberties, and inclusiveness, continue to serve as the benchmarks for political evaluation in India.

Character of the National Movement

The Indian freedom struggle remains one of the most significant mass movements in world history. Its uniqueness lies in the active role of the people in their political liberation, driven by the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhiji emphasized that the masses created the movement, though leadership played a crucial role in its success or failure.

1. Satyagraha: A form of non-violent resistance involving mass participation, dependent on the political mobilization of millions.
2. Faith in Adult Franchise: The movement’s trust in the political capacity of common people led to the immediate introduction of adult franchise after independence.
3. Democratic Polity: The movement was committed to representative democracy and civil liberties, with early demands for adult franchise and freedom of the press.
4. 1937 Congress Ministries: These ministries extended civil liberties to peasants, workers, and students, promoting the rights of radical groups.
5. Democratic Functioning of Congress: Policies were decided after debate and open voting, as seen in the 1920 Non-Cooperation and 1929 Lahore decisions.
6. Tolerance of Dissent: Congress encouraged diverse opinions, ensuring democratic functioning within its ranks.
7. Commitment to Civil Liberties: Leaders like Tilak and Gandhiji fiercely defended the freedom of the press and civil liberties.

Important Note: The national movement’s commitment to civil liberties was a pillar of its ideology, with leaders like Gandhiji emphasizing that civil liberties were “the water of life” in the struggle for freedom.

Economic Underpinnings of the National Movement

The Indian national movement also developed a critique of the colonial economy and outlined an economic vision for post-independence India. The nationalists sought self-reliance, not through isolation but by preventing India from occupying a subordinate position in the global economy.

1. Self-reliant Economy: Focused on modern industrialization and scientific advancement to overcome colonial backwardness.
2. Industrial and Agricultural Link: Emphasized the connection between industrial and agricultural development to reduce rural unemployment.
3. Heavy Industry: The need for a capital goods sector was stressed to avoid dependence on foreign economies.
4. Small-Scale and Cottage Industries: While focusing on heavy industry, there was support for cottage industries to create employment.
5. Foreign Capital: Nationalists opposed unrestricted entry of foreign capital but were open to using it if politically independent.
6. Agrarian Reforms: Abolition of zamindari and rent receivers, with agriculture to be based on peasant proprietorship.
7. State’s Role: The state was seen as a central player in industrialization, with early calls for economic planning and public sector development.
8. Planning Initiatives: Congress supported planning as early as 1938 through the National Planning Committee, while Indian capitalists presented the Bombay Plan in 1943.

Socialist Orientation

The national movement had a pro-poor orientation from the beginning, with leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji criticizing colonialism for impoverishing the masses.

1. Socialist Ideals: Starting in the late 1920s, leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose began pushing for socialist ideals within the movement.
2. Radical Programme: This included goals such as free education, tax reduction for the poor, debt relief, and land to the tiller.
3. Karachi Resolution (1931): This pivotal moment highlighted the need for economic freedom for the masses.
4. Gandhiji’s Radicalism: Gandhiji declared in 1942 that land should belong to those who work on it, reflecting the movement’s growing radicalism.
5. Gender and Caste Equality: The movement’s agenda included the fight against gender and caste discrimination. It supported the social liberation of women and the abolition of untouchability.
6. Reservations and Hindu Code Bills: The movement’s influence ensured smooth passage for reservations and the Hindu Code Bills in the post-independence period.

Secularism

From its inception, the national movement upheld secularism as a core value, defining it as a separation of religion from politics and equal treatment for all citizens regardless of religion.

1. Comprehensive Secularism: Congress advocated for state neutrality towards religion and freedom of conscience for all citizens.
2. Gandhiji’s Shift: Though initially combining religion and politics for moral grounding, Gandhiji later advocated for their separation.
3. Communalism as a Threat: Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru saw communalism as a form of fascism, and the movement consistently countered communal divisions.

Important Note: The failure to effectively counter communalism was a significant factor leading to the Partition in 1947, but the strong secular tradition helped secure secularism as a cornerstone of independent India’s constitution.

Nation-in-the-Making

The national movement recognized India as a nation-in-the-making and actively promoted nation-building through a united struggle against colonialism.

1. All-Indianness: The INC was founded as a nationwide organization, committed to mobilizing people across India.
2. Unity in Diversity: The movement emphasized the strength of India’s cultural and linguistic diversity and saw it as complementary to national unity.
3. Integration of Princely States: The post-independence integration of princely states into the Indian Union was facilitated by their participation in the national movement.

Foreign Policy

India’s foreign policy, after independence, was rooted in the anti-imperialist and anti-fascist principles evolved by the nationalists.

1. Opposition to Colonialism: The nationalists opposed colonialism globally and sympathized with all independence movements.
2. Anti-Fascist Stance: In the 1930s and 1940s, Indian leaders like Gandhiji and Nehru took strong anti-fascist positions.
3. Internationalism: India supported progressive forces worldwide, aligning with movements against imperialism.

Important Note: The non-chauvinist nature of Indian nationalism meant that even while opposing British imperialism, the movement rejected reverse racism or bitterness towards the British people.

Political Norms

The national movement developed certain political norms that became its lasting legacy. The movement was both ideologically driven and accommodative of diverse political currents, maintaining unity through democratic principles.

1. Open-ended Organization: While highly ideological, the movement accommodated different viewpoints.
2. Democratic Functioning: Decisions were made through debate and majority voting, allowing dissent to exist within the framework.
3. High Ethical Standards: The leaders of the movement, such as Gandhiji and Jawaharlal Nehru, maintained high moral authority, which mobilized millions.
4. Compromise and Reconciliation: The movement’s legacy of compromise and accommodation was critical to the politics of independent India.

The Legacy of the National Movement

The national movement bequeathed India a rich legacy of political independence, economic development, social equality, civil liberties, and secularism. Its values were enshrined in the constitution and continue to guide India’s governance, though the strength of this legacy depends on its continued reinforcement.

MCQ: Which resolution highlighted the need for economic freedom alongside political independence?
A) Lahore Resolution
B) Karachi Resolution
C) Bombay Plan
Answer: B