Question

How was the struggle built up by workers decisive for the national movement?

Answer 1

In the late 19th century, India saw an industrial revolution with the introduction of railways. This led to the growth of textile mills, industries, and railway companies, increasing the demand for workers. However, workers faced exploitation and poor living conditions, leading to strikes like those by tea plantation workers in Assam and GIP Railway workers in 1899. To address this, the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) was formed in 1920, with Lala Lajpat Rai urging workers to join the national movement. Leaders like Shripad Dange and Muzaffar Ahmed promoted socialist ideas and formed militant groups. Strikes by Mumbai mill workers in 1928 and others followed, pressuring the government to pass laws to suppress them. Ultimately, workers’ struggles played a key role in strengthening the national movement.