Q.70 Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian Phase. GS-I: HISTORY (UPSC CSE 2016) (200 words/12.5 Marks)

Answer:

INTRODUCTION:

In the freedom struggle movement of India women participation was not any lesser than their male counterparts. They took on variety of roles ranging from organising protest and leading procession to contributing to underground movements. Their participation especially grew during the Gandhian era and their multi-faceted participation expanded the reach and influence of the nationalist movement.

THE BODY

• • Women played a crucial role in providing coordination to the nationalist movement and women from all walks of life, belonging to different regions, religions, and social backgrounds, actively contributed against colonial rule.
  • Their involvement in freedom struggle helped them escape domestic confinement and pursue careers in public life. Many of them acquired positions of authority which opened the avenues for gender equality.

Characteristics of women’s participation in the freedom struggle:

• • Regional diversity: Participation of women from different sections of society like Rani Lakshmibai, Begum Hazrat Mahal and later Kasturba Gandhi symbolised India’s regional diversity and unity across the nation.
  • Mass Movements: Women actively participated in mass movements such as non-cooperation, civil disobedience and Quit India movement in huge numbers. They participated in various activities such as strike, picketing and facing lathi-charges.
  • Role of Women’s Organizations: Women’s organisation laid the groundwork for women to actively take part in the fight for independence. These groups assisted women in organizing themselves and advocated for their rights. For example, All India Women’s Conference, Women’s Indian Association mobilized women across class and regional barriers.
  • Humanitarian works: Women played role in spreading information by acting as messengers and communicators between nationalists. They performed humanitarian work as they provided food, shelter and medical aid to satyagrahis and political prisoners.

Role of Mahatma Gandhi:

Mahatma Gandhi recognised that women’s qualities of patience, forbearance, and moral courage, make them ideal for satyagraha. Mahatma Gandhi played a crucial role in encouraging women’s participation. Initially, Congress and Gandhi encouraged only symbolic participation of women, wanting them to focus on homemaking roles rather than hold positions of authority. But later their active involvement was seen in major movements.

• • Non-Cooperation Movement (1920): Women took an active part in the boycott of British products and establishments, such as colleges and They coordinated and participated in protest marches and rallies, putting a focus on Mahatma Gandhi’s call for nonviolence. They even went to jail for the first time during this movement.
  • Salt Satyagraha (1930): In order to challenge the salt monopoly of Britishers women demonstrated resistance. Women like Sarojini Naidu and Kamala Nehru actively picketed salt mills and shops and walked alongside Mahatma Gandhi during the historic Salt March and provided vital leadership.
  • Quit India Movement (1942): women participation were more prevalent in this movement. After the arrest of the movement’s male leaders, they assumed responsibility for its continued existence. They took part in picketing, meetings, processions.

CONCLUSION:

Women played a crucial role in India’s independence movement and took an active part in national movements. Apart from this they also redefined gender roles and societal protocols. Their contribution was recognized by both nationalist and British officials especially during the Gandhian movements which changed the course of Indian history.