History
If you were a peasant in Uttar Pradesh in 1920, how would you have responded to Gandhiji's call for Swaraj? Give reasons for your response.
Answer
If I were a peasant in Uttar Pradesh in 1920, I would have responded to Gandhiji's call for Swaraj by supporting him. I would have convinced my village people to do the same. My reasons for supporting him would have been the following:
- Economic exploitation — I have faced economic challenges due to exorbitantly high rents and a variety of other cesses. I have to do begar and work at landlords' farms without any payment. By supporting Swaraj, I could demand for reduction of revenue, abolition of begar, and social boycott of oppressive landlords.
- Non-Violent Resistance — Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence appealed to me a lot. The idea of achieving freedom through non-violent means would have provided a moral high ground and a peaceful way to express dissent against oppressive colonial policies.
- Desire for Political Representation — Supporting Swaraj would mean establishing a more inclusive and representative political system that would address the concerns of all sections of society, including peasants.
Related Questions
Find out about other participants in the National Movement who were captured and put to death by the British. Can you think of a similar example from the national movement in Indo-China (Chapter 2)?
What did Mahatma Gandhi mean when he said satyagraha is active resistance?
Look at Figs. 12 and 14. Do you think these images will appeal to all castes and communities? Explain your views briefly.