The participation of women in National Movement legitimised the Indian National Congress. The British understood that the method of Satyagraha had a special appeal for women.
The participation of women in the freedom movement also influenced the movement for Women’s rights. It legitimised their claim to a place in the governance of India.
However, there were regional differences in the number of women who joined the national movement and synthesized women’s interest with nationalist issues.
The best organised, the most independent and fielded the largest demonstrations were Bombay women. They articulated a clearly feminist nationalism.
Bengal women were known for their militancy. Marching alongside men in the Congress parade and later joining revolutionary activities, they were subjects of folksongs and legends. These women espoused a feminist ideology but put aside in favour of a larger struggle.
However, in Madras fewer women joined the movement. In North India, Nehru and Zutshi families provided strong women leaders.. They put nationalist agenda first and believed that it was not possible to raise women’s consciousness about both politics and women’s rights at the same time.
The revolutionary women presented a different aspect in Indian National movement. They described themselves as sacrificing all the things a women wants like marriage, children etc. No one including the revolutionary women considered revolutionaries as representatives of Indian womanhood.
Rural women unless they were widows protested with their families.
From Swadeshi movement onwards women’s role in National movement can be seen conspicuously. Under Gandhian Leadership their role become more conspicuous in non-cooperation movement, civil disobedience movement and Quit India Movement.
From Non Cooperation movement they got associated with specific programme that as dharna on liquor shop. Sarojini naidu, Urmila devi etc. played an important role during non-cooperation movement.
From 1920’s onwards, the male leaders in the movement cemented a relationship with peasants, workers and women’s association with the intention of gaining mass support from the people.
During 1933 all revolutionary women like Urmila devi, Santhi Das and Protibha devi (Nari sayagraha samiti) etc. were all in jail.
During Quit India movement they got involved in underground movement. Example Aruna asaf ali and Usha Mehta (she started congress radio)
DRAWBACKS OF WOMENS PARTICIPATION
Only women from upper and middle class Hindu women participated and their participation was never large.
Only few Muslim women followed Gandhi. Rest found it difficult to accept Hindu ideas or were ignore by congress leaders.
WOMEN IN MODERN INDIA- ISSUE OF SUFFRAGE AND COUNCIL ENTRY
An Irish – Margaret Couisins was the first to raise issue of women’s suffrage. She send a memorandum to Viceroy through a delegation under Anie Besant in 1917.
Sarojni Naidu raised this issue at special session of Indian national Congress at Bombay (August 1918)
Act of 1919 did not recognise women suffrage but a provision in this act added women to the list of registered voters in provincial legislative councils.
BOMBAY AND MADRAS were the first to extend franchise to women in 1921
MUTHULAKSHMI REDDY was the first women legislator appointed to MADRAS legislative council in 1927.
Sarojini Naidu represented Indian women organisation in SECOND ROUND TABLE CONFERENCE IN 1931
ORGANISATION REALTED TO WOMEN
Bharat Stri Mahamandal —1910—Allahabad —-founded by Sarladevi
ALL INDIA MUSLIM LADIES CONFERENCE—-1914
Lady Hardinge Medical College —1916
National Council Of Indian Women —1925—By Mehribai Tata
All India Women’s Conference –at poona—1926-27—-By Margaret Couisins
Women’s Indian Association –1915 –by Dorothy Jina Rja Dasa—-Anie Besant was its first President
Desh Sevika Sangh —1930— a women wing of RSS
OTHER FACTS RELATED TO WOMEN
Ten women took part in INC session in1889
Kadambini Ganguly —–First Indian Women Graduate. She was a medical student who failed in her final exam but was given diploma of graduation in Medicine by the Principal to continue private practice. Other graduate of this college was Chandramukhi.
Annie Besant—launched home rule, became president of INC in 1917.
Gandhiji played an important role in integrating women in National movement
He used sacred legends from Ramayana like branded British as Ravan who abducted Sita
He made an appeal that rule of Rama would be founded when women like Sita joined nationalistic movement.
Rashtriya stree Sangh –founded by Sarjoni Naidu with goal of swaraj
Indian National Congress set a women’s department in 1940 —Sucheta Mazumdar Kriplani was chosen to organise this department
Women also played role in INA movement-Dr. Lakshmi Swaminathan was Head of Department of Women’s Affairs under provisional INA government . She took charge of Rani of Jhansi regiment.
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Women in the Indian National Movement
Women have played a vital role in the Indian independence movement, from the early days of the movement to the present day. They have been involved in all aspects of the movement, from protests and demonstrations to political negotiations and social reform.
Early women leaders
Some of the earliest women leaders in the Indian independence movement include Sarojini Naidu, Annie Besant, and Bipin Chandra Pal. Naidu was a poet, writer, and politician who was known as the “Nightingale of India.” She was a powerful orator and a strong advocate for women’s rights. Besant was an Irish-born social reformer and political activist who became involved in the Indian independence movement in the early 1900s. She founded the Theosophical Society in India and was a leading figure in the Indian National Congress. Pal was a Bengali politician and journalist who was one of the founders of the Indian National Congress. He was a strong advocate for Hindu-Muslim unity and played a key role in the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Women in the Non-Cooperation Movement
The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched in 1920 by Mahatma Gandhi. The movement called for Indians to boycott British goods and institutions. Many women participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement, both in urban and rural areas. They organized protests, boycotted British goods, and even went on hunger strikes.
Women in the Civil Disobedience Movement
The Civil Disobedience Movement was launched in 1930 by Mahatma Gandhi. The movement called for Indians to disobey British laws and regulations. Many women participated in the Civil Disobedience Movement, both in urban and rural areas. They organized protests, broke British laws, and even went to jail.
Women in the Quit India Movement
The Quit India Movement was launched in 1942 by Mahatma Gandhi. The movement called for the British to leave India immediately. Many women participated in the Quit India Movement, both in urban and rural areas. They organized protests, broke British laws, and even went to jail.
Women in the Indian National Army
The Indian National Army (INA) was an army formed by Indian nationalists to fight against British rule. The INA was led by Subhash Chandra Bose, who was known as Netaji. Many women joined the INA, and some of them even fought in battle.
Women in the Constituent Assembly
The Constituent Assembly was the body that drafted the Constitution of India. Many women were members of the Constituent Assembly, and they played a key role in shaping the future of India. They argued for women’s rights and Equality, and they helped to ensure that these rights were enshrined in the Constitution.
Women in post-independence India
Women have continued to play an important role in Indian Society since independence. They have made significant contributions in all areas of life, including politics, education, and the workforce. They have also been at the forefront of many social movements, such as the women’s rights movement and the environmental movement.
Women in India have come a long way since the early days of the independence movement. They have achieved great progress in terms of education, EMPLOYMENT, and political participation. However, there is still much work to be done to achieve true equality for women in India.
Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about the Indian National Movement:
What was the Indian National Movement? The Indian National Movement was a political movement that sought to end British rule in India. It began in the late 19th century and lasted until India gained independence in 1947.
Who were the leaders of the Indian National Movement? Some of the most important leaders of the Indian National Movement included Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
What were the goals of the Indian National Movement? The goals of the Indian National Movement were to end British rule in India and to establish an independent Indian nation.
What were some of the methods used by the Indian National Movement to achieve its goals? The Indian National Movement used a variety of methods to achieve its goals, including protests, boycotts, and civil disobedience.
What were some of the achievements of the Indian National Movement? The Indian National Movement was successful in achieving its goal of independence for India. It also helped to improve the lives of many Indians by promoting education, social reform, and Economic Development.
What were some of the challenges faced by the Indian National Movement? The Indian National Movement faced a number of challenges, including British repression, internal divisions, and religious conflict.
What was the legacy of the Indian National Movement? The Indian National Movement left a lasting legacy on India. It helped to shape the country’s political system, its social fabric, and its national identity.
What are some of the criticisms of the Indian National Movement? Some critics have argued that the Indian National Movement was too focused on achieving independence and not enough on addressing the needs of the Indian people. Others have argued that the movement was too violent and that it led to the partition of India.
What are some of the misconceptions about the Indian National Movement? One common misconception about the Indian National Movement is that it was a monolithic movement with a single goal. In reality, the movement was diverse, with a variety of goals and methods.
What are some of the Resources available for Learning more about the Indian National Movement? There are a number of resources available for learning more about the Indian National Movement. These include books, articles, websites, and documentaries.
Sure. Here are some MCQs on the topics of Indian history, culture, and society: