Course Code: MHI-109
Assignment Code: MHI-109/AST/ TMA/2024-25
a) The Subaltern View on Indian National Movement
The Subaltern View on the Indian National Movement provides a critical perspective on the traditional narrative of India’s struggle for independence. Emerging from the Subaltern Studies Group, this approach challenges the dominant historical interpretations that often highlight the roles of elite leaders and major political events. Instead, it focuses on the experiences and contributions of marginalized groups in society, such as peasants, workers, and lower-caste individuals.
Key Features:
- Emphasis on Marginalized Voices: The Subaltern View argues that the contributions of ordinary people, who were often sidelined in mainstream historical accounts, played a crucial role in the national movement. It seeks to highlight the struggles and agency of these groups, examining how their resistance and mobilization shaped the independence struggle.
- Critique of Elite-Centric Narratives: Scholars like Ranajit Guha have critiqued traditional historical narratives for focusing predominantly on the actions and perspectives of political elites, such as leaders of the Indian National Congress. The Subaltern View seeks to provide a more inclusive history that acknowledges the varied experiences of different social groups.
- Focus on Local Resistances: The Subaltern View examines local and regional resistances that were significant but often overlooked. It sheds light on grassroots movements and uprisings that contributed to the broader struggle against colonial rule.
- Revising Historical Interpretation: By emphasizing the agency of subaltern groups, this perspective encourages a revision of historical interpretations, aiming for a more nuanced understanding of the Indian National Movement.
Impact: The Subaltern View has enriched historical scholarship by providing a more comprehensive understanding of the Indian independence movement. It challenges established narratives and encourages a re-evaluation of who is considered important in historical accounts.
d) Achievements of the Congress Ministries during 1937-39
The Congress Ministries, which governed various provinces in British India from 1937 to 1939, achieved several notable milestones in their brief period of administration. This period is often seen as a formative phase in India’s journey towards self-rule.
Key Achievements:
- Administrative Reforms:
- Efficiency Improvements: The Congress Ministries implemented various administrative reforms to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of provincial governments. They streamlined bureaucratic processes and introduced measures to curb corruption.
- Social and Educational Policies:
- Educational Expansion: The ministries focused on expanding education and improving literacy rates. They established new schools and colleges, and promoted education for women and marginalized communities.
- Social Reforms: They introduced legislation aimed at social reform, including measures to improve the conditions of laborers, and enhance public health services.
- Economic Policies:
- Economic Development: Efforts were made to stimulate economic development in the provinces. This included initiatives to promote industrial growth, improve infrastructure, and support agricultural development.
- Political Reforms:
- Political Participation: The Congress Ministries worked towards increasing political participation and representation. They encouraged the involvement of local communities in governance and aimed to make the political process more inclusive.
- Resistance to British Policies:
- Non-Cooperation with the British Government: While working within the framework of British rule, the Congress Ministries also resisted certain British policies and laws. They protested against policies they deemed unjust and sought to highlight Indian grievances to the British government.
Challenges: Despite these achievements, the Congress Ministries faced several challenges, including limited powers under the Government of India Act of 1935, political opposition, and communal tensions. The ministries’ tenure ended with the resignation of Congress ministries in 1939 in protest against Britain’s decision to involve India in World War II without consulting Indian leaders.
Legacy: The period of Congress rule in the provinces demonstrated the capabilities of Indian leaders in governance and administration, contributing to the growing momentum for full independence. It also highlighted the limitations and challenges of working within the colonial framework.
b) Political Mobilisation in the Princely States
Background: The Princely States were semi-autonomous regions ruled by local princes or maharajas under British suzerainty. During the early 20th century, political mobilization in these states became a significant aspect of India’s struggle for independence.
Key Aspects:
- Emergence of Political Awareness:
- Nationalist Influence: The rise of nationalist sentiments in British India began to influence the Princely States. Leaders and activists from these states were inspired by the Indian National Congress (INC) and other nationalist movements to seek greater political rights and reforms.
- Educational and Social Reform Movements: Increased literacy and social reform movements in the princely states contributed to political awareness. Educated elites and reformers began advocating for political representation and social change.
- Formation of Political Organizations:
- State-Specific Organizations: Various political organizations emerged in different princely states. For example, the Hyderabad State Congress in Hyderabad and the Mewar State Congress in Mewar sought to address local issues and push for reforms.
- Link with National Movement: These organizations often aligned with the broader Indian National Congress, participating in national movements and supporting anti-colonial efforts.
- Political Agitation and Reforms:
- Demand for Reforms: Political mobilization led to demands for reforms, such as greater representation in local governance, freedom of speech, and an end to autocratic rule. The princely states experienced agitation for constitutional reforms and increased political participation.
- Repressive Measures: Rulers in several princely states responded with repression and restrictions, attempting to quell political dissent. Despite this, the agitation persisted, leading to increased political pressure on the rulers.
- Impact on National Movement:
- Increased Unity: The political mobilization in the princely states contributed to the broader Indian independence movement by fostering unity among different regions and communities. It highlighted the widespread demand for self-rule across the Indian subcontinent.
Legacy: Political mobilization in the princely states laid the groundwork for future political developments, including the eventual integration of these states into independent India. It demonstrated the growing political consciousness and demand for democratic governance among all segments of Indian society.
c) Political Ideas of the Swaraj Party
Background: The Swaraj Party was founded in 1923 by leaders Chittaranjan Das and Motilal Nehru as a faction of the Indian National Congress (INC). The party aimed to achieve greater political rights and self-governance through constitutional means.
Key Ideas and Objectives:
- Participation in Legislative Councils:
- Electoral Strategy: The Swaraj Party’s primary strategy was to participate in the legislative councils established under the Government of India Act of 1919. They believed that gaining seats in these councils would allow them to push for constitutional reforms and greater autonomy.
- Reform from Within: The party aimed to use their positions within the councils to challenge British policies and demand reforms, working from within the existing political framework rather than boycotting it.
- Advocacy for Self-Governance:
- Self-Rule: The Swaraj Party sought to achieve greater self-governance and political representation for Indians. They advocated for increased powers for Indian legislatures and greater control over local administration.
- Constitutional Reform: They aimed to push for constitutional changes that would enhance Indian participation in governance and reduce British control.
- Collaboration and Negotiation:
- Political Collaboration: The Swaraj Party believed in collaborating with other political groups and negotiating with the British government to achieve their goals. They sought to build alliances and create a unified front for greater political influence.
- Incremental Progress: They pursued an incremental approach to political reform, aiming for gradual progress rather than immediate independence.
- Criticism of Extremist Approaches:
- Moderation: The Swaraj Party criticized the more radical approach of complete non-cooperation and boycott, arguing instead for practical engagement with the British political system to achieve reforms.
Impact: The Swaraj Party’s approach had a mixed impact. While it achieved some success in gaining seats and influencing legislation, it also faced criticism from other nationalist leaders who felt that it compromised too much with the British. Despite this, the party played a crucial role in shaping the political discourse of the time and contributed to the evolving strategy of the Indian independence movement.
Additional Contents:
What are the village commons? Discuss its significance. (500 words)
Describe the agrarian class structure in India with examples. (500 words)