Question

Explain with examples the role of industrialist in the freedom struggle of India.

Answer 1

The industrialists supported the civil disobedience movement with much enthusiasm. 

1.They lent their support to the Congress in protest against the colonial policies that restricted indigenous business enterprises. They expected protection against imported foreign goods and a rupee-sterling ratio that would have discouraged imports. 

2.They also gave financial assistance and refused to buy or sell foreign goods. The industrialists formed associations like the Indian Industrial and Commercial Congress (in 1920) and the FICCI in (1927).

3.The promise of Swaraj was viewed by industrialists as freedom from the domination of market by foreign goods. The industrial groups withdrew their support after the Second Round Table Conference due to its failure. 

4.They were also concerned about the rise of socialist ideology in the Congress and the growth of militant activities which they feared as detrimental to their interests.  

5. Purshottamdas Thakurdas and G.D. Birla attacked the colonial control over the Indian economy and supported the Civil Disobedience Movement.