Question

Why did various classes and groups of Indians participate in the Civil Disobedience Movement?

Answer 1

The various classes and groups of Indians joined in the Civil Disobedience Movement for their own, restricted reasons. To them, “swaraj” was something they carved for.

• To businessmen, swaraj represented a moment when colonial commercial restrictions would be removed, allowing trade and industry to flourish without constraints.
• Swaraj, like the rich peasant classes, was a movement against high land revenues.
• Women took swaraj as achieving an elevated status and equality with males in Indian society.
• Poor peasants saw swaraj as the time when they would own their own land, not have to pay rents, or beg.
• The working class hoped for good earnings and pleasant working conditions.