Answer: 

Introduction:

The Indian national movement during the 1920s witnessed the emergence of various ideological strands, significantly broadening its social base. This period marked the diversification of the nationalist struggle, as different groups and leaders contributed their ideas and strategies to the movement for independence.

Body:

The key ideological strands and their impact on the national movement in the 1920s include:

• Gandhian ideology:
  • Mahatma Gandhi emerged as a prominent leader during this time, advocating for non-violent civil disobedience, known as Satyagraha, and passive resistance as a means to challenge British rule.
  • His campaigns, such as the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922) and the Khilafat Movement (1919-1924), garnered support from various sections of society, including peasants, workers, and the middle class.
  • His emphasis on swaraj (self-rule) and the use of indigenous products (swadeshi) resonated with the masses and attracted diverse groups to the national movement.
• Revolutionary nationalism:
  • Leaders like Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, and their organizations, such as the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), advocated for armed struggle to achieve independence.
  • Although this approach had limited mass support, it inspired the youth and generated a spirit of sacrifice and patriotism.
  • Socialism and communism:
  • The formation of the Communist Party of India (CPI) in 1925 and the rise of socialist leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose helped address socio-economic issues and attracted workers, peasants, and intellectuals to the nationalist cause.
• Identity-based movements:
  • The Self-Respect Movement led by E.V. Ramasamy “Periyar” in Tamil Nadu, which focused on eradicating caste-based discrimination and promoting self-respect among the lower castes.
  • Similarly, the demand for separate electorates for Muslims led by the All-India Muslim League contributed to the communalization of Indian politics.
• Regional nationalism:
  • Various linguistic and cultural groups demanded greater representation and autonomy within the Indian polity.
  • This development diversified the national movement and encouraged regional leaders to participate in the struggle for independence.

Conclusion:

The 1920s marked a critical period in the Indian national movement, as various ideological strands emerged, significantly expanding the movement’s social base. These diverse ideologies, although sometimes contradictory, enriched the national struggle and contributed to the eventual achievement of Indian independence.

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