Question

Examine the major activities of Gandhiji in Indian politics from 1924 to 1928.

Answer 1

From 1924 to 1928, Mahatma Gandhi was involved in various key political activities that significantly impacted the Indian independence movement. These activities were marked by his efforts to unite the masses, promote non-violent resistance, and engage with the British government through peaceful means. The following are the major activities of Gandhiji during this period:
1. The Non-Cooperation Movement (1924-1926):
Although the Non-Cooperation Movement officially ended in 1922 due to the Chauri Chaura incident, Gandhiji continued to work towards building a strong nationalist movement. After a brief period of retreat to his ashram in Sabarmati for reflection and rejuvenation, he focused on reviving the spirit of non-cooperation and emphasizing the importance of Khadi (hand-spun cloth), self-reliance, and the boycott of British goods. This period laid the groundwork for future mass mobilization campaigns.
2. The Khilafat Movement (1924):
During this period, Gandhiji supported the Khilafat Movement, led by the Indian Muslims, which aimed to protect the Ottoman Empire and its caliphate after World War I. Gandhiji saw the Khilafat issue as a way to unite Hindus and Muslims in the fight against British imperialism. Although the Khilafat Movement eventually lost momentum, it helped Gandhi strengthen his relationship with the Muslim community and promote Hindu-Muslim unity.
3. The Chauri Chaura Incident (1922) and Gandhiji's Resignation from Congress Leadership:
After the Chauri Chaura incident in 1922, where a mob of protesters clashed with the police, leading to the deaths of 22 policemen, Gandhiji decided to call off the Non-Cooperation Movement and temporarily withdrew from active politics. This decision was based on his commitment to non-violence. Following this, he focused on promoting Khadi, village industries, and self-rule, but he did not engage in direct political confrontation with the British.
4. The Revival of the Salt Satyagraha (1926):
In 1926, Gandhiji revived his focus on self-reliance, particularly through the promotion of Khadi and the boycott of British textiles. This period witnessed the continuation of Gandhi’s economic campaign, where he advocated for self-sufficiency in rural India and the boycott of foreign goods, including salt. Gandhiji's call for using Khadi as a symbol of Indian self-reliance gained traction, especially in rural areas.
5. The Civil Disobedience Movement (1928):
Though the Civil Disobedience Movement was formally launched in 1930, its groundwork was laid in 1928, with Gandhiji’s involvement in the demand for constitutional reforms in India. He led a delegation of Congress leaders in negotiating with the British government on the issue of the Simon Commission, which was set up without any Indian representation. In protest against this, Gandhiji called for a boycott of the Commission and led mass protests demanding the rights of Indians to be properly represented in the future constitutional framework.
6. The Nagpur Session of Congress (1928):
In 1928, Gandhiji was actively involved in the deliberations of the Congress Party. At the Nagpur session, he focused on the issue of 'Purna Swaraj' (Complete Independence). The demand for complete independence, as opposed to the moderate demand for dominion status, gained significant support during this period. Gandhiji’s leadership during this session marked a clear shift towards a more radical and assertive approach to independence.
7. The Bardoli Satyagraha (1928):
Though not directly part of Gandhiji’s activities, the Bardoli Satyagraha in 1928 played a crucial role in furthering his political ideologies. It was led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and supported by Gandhiji’s principles of non-violent resistance. The successful outcome of this agitation against increased land revenue in Gujarat helped to solidify Gandhiji’s belief in Satyagraha as a powerful tool for social and political change.