Question

Name the symbol of the freedom movement that could make the poor earn supplementary income and make them self-reliant.

• A. Charkha
• B. Flag
• C. Dhoti
• D. Factory

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The symbol of the freedom movement known for empowering the poor by providing them with opportunities to earn supplementary income and fostering self-reliance was the Charkha. The Charkha, or spinning wheel, played a crucial role during India's struggle for independence.

The Charkha was not merely a tool for spinning cotton; it emerged as a powerful symbol to support the idea of self-sufficiency by encouraging the production of khadi, a hand-spun and hand-woven fabric. Through advocating the use of the Charkha, leaders like Mahatma Gandhi emphasized the importance of self-reliance and economic independence at the grassroots level. This initiative helped villagers and the poor by enabling them to produce their own goods, reducing dependence on British-manufactured textiles, and promoting rural craftsmanship and small-scale industries. 

Answer 2

The Charkha, or spinning wheel, became a significant symbol of the Indian independence movement, especially under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi promoted the Charkha as a symbol of self-reliance, advocating for the Indian people to produce their own cloth (khadi) rather than relying on imported British textiles. This movement was not only about economic independence but also about cultural and social empowerment for the poor and marginalized sections of society.

By using the Charkha, Gandhi encouraged rural populations to engage in productive activities, helping to create employment and reduce poverty. It was seen as a way to unite the country in a common cause, fostering a sense of collective effort and national pride. The Charkha became a symbol of resistance against British colonial exploitation and a tool for promoting the self-sufficiency of Indian villages.

Through the practice of spinning khadi, Gandhi envisioned a decentralized economy where communities could rely on local production, reducing dependence on foreign goods and fostering a sense of dignity among the masses. The Charkha also symbolized the fight against untouchability and social inequality, as it offered opportunities for economic participation and empowerment to people from all walks of life, including the most marginalized groups.