Introduction
Indian workers played a significant role in the freedom struggle, especially during the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–34) and the Quit India Movement (1942). Their participation added strength to the nationalist cause and showed that the fight for independence was not limited to educated elites or politicians. In this post, we will explore how industrial and agricultural workers responded to these two major movements in India’s freedom struggle.
Workers in the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–34)
The Civil Disobedience Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930 with the Dandi March and the breaking of the salt law. It aimed at refusing to obey British laws peacefully.
How Workers Responded:
1. Participation in Hartals and Demonstrations
Workers joined hartals (strikes) and mass protests in many cities. Textile workers in Bombay, jute workers in Bengal, and mill workers in Ahmedabad played active roles in local protests.
2. Boycott of Foreign Goods
Workers helped spread the message of Swadeshi by refusing to handle or transport British-made goods. This hurt British economic interests and showed their political awareness.
3. Factory Strikes
There were several instances where workers went on strike to support the national movement. While these strikes were often linked to wage and work condition demands, they also expressed solidarity with the larger freedom struggle.
4. Role of Trade Unions
Some trade unions, especially those influenced by leftist and nationalist leaders, supported the movement. Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose encouraged worker participation in the national cause.
Limitations:
- The Congress leadership was cautious about worker issues, fearing that it might turn into class struggle.
- Most workers participated spontaneously rather than being organized by political parties.
Workers in the Quit India Movement (1942)
The Quit India Movement was launched in August 1942 after the failure of the Cripps Mission. Gandhi called for the British to “Quit India” immediately. It was a mass uprising involving all sections of society.
Worker Participation:
1. Widespread Strikes
Railway workers, textile workers, and other industrial workers went on strike in support of the movement. These strikes disrupted British transport and communication systems.
2. Sabotage and Underground Activities
In some regions, workers took part in sabotage activities—cutting telephone wires, derailing trains, and damaging British government property. These actions were aimed at paralyzing British control.
3. Workers’ Leaders Arrested
Many worker leaders were arrested during the movement. This included union members and activists who supported nationalist politics.
4. Coordination with Students and Peasants
In places like Bihar and Maharashtra, workers coordinated with students and peasants to organize protests, defy authority, and raise the Indian tricolor flag.
Examples of Worker Participation:
- Ahmedabad Textile Workers: Actively supported Congress movements.
- Railway Workers: Key in spreading messages, blocking supplies, and organizing strikes.
- Jute Workers of Bengal: Took part in demonstrations and picketing.
Impact of Worker Participation
- Increased Pressure on British Rule: Worker strikes hurt industries and transport systems, making it hard for the British to govern smoothly.
- Unity Across Classes: Their participation showed that the struggle was not limited to the middle or upper class but included the working poor.
- Growth of Labor Consciousness: These movements made workers more politically aware and gave rise to stronger labor movements post-independence.
Challenges and Constraints
- British repression was harsh—mass arrests, beatings, and even shootings occurred.
- Workers faced the threat of job loss and wage cuts for participating.
- Many trade unions were divided between communists and Congress-aligned leaders, which weakened unity.
Conclusion
Indian workers were not silent spectators in the freedom struggle. Their response to the Civil Disobedience and Quit India movements added strength to the nationalist cause. Though they faced many challenges, their involvement was a sign of growing political consciousness and unity across social classes. Their contribution, though not always highlighted in mainstream narratives, was vital in challenging British authority and paving the way for independence.