Points to Remember:
- The Swaraj Party’s formation was a direct response to a specific event within the Indian independence movement.
- Understanding the context of the Indian National Congress’s internal divisions is crucial.
- The options provided represent significant events in the Indian freedom struggle.
Introduction:
The Swaraj Party, a significant political party in India’s struggle for independence, emerged from internal disagreements within the Indian National Congress. Its formation was a pivotal moment, showcasing the evolving strategies and ideologies within the movement. The question asks us to identify the specific incident that directly led to the party’s creation. This requires a factual approach, focusing on historical events and their causal relationships.
Body:
The Context of the Non-Cooperation Movement and its Aftermath:
The Non-Cooperation Movement, launched in 1920, aimed at achieving Swaraj (self-rule) through non-violent non-cooperation with British rule. However, the movement faced setbacks, notably the Chauri Chaura incident in 1922, where a clash between protestors and police resulted in violence and loss of life. This led Mahatma Gandhi to suspend the Non-Cooperation Movement, causing deep divisions within the Congress.
The Emergence of the Swaraj Party:
The suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement left many Congress leaders disillusioned. A significant faction, led by Motilal Nehru and C.R. Das, believed that focusing solely on non-violent non-cooperation was insufficient. They argued for a more active political participation within the existing legislative councils. This faction felt that working within the system could be a more effective way to achieve Swaraj. This disagreement, fueled by the aftermath of the Non-Cooperation Movement’s suspension, directly led to the formation of the Swaraj Party in 1923.
Analyzing the Options:
(A) Chauri Chaura: The Chauri Chaura incident is the most directly relevant option. The suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement following this incident created the vacuum that the Swaraj Party filled. The incident highlighted the limitations of the purely non-violent approach and spurred the formation of the party advocating for a more pragmatic approach.
(B) Quit India Movement: The Quit India Movement occurred much later (1942) and is not directly linked to the Swaraj Party’s formation.
(C) Arrival of Simon Commission: The Simon Commission’s arrival (1928) also caused widespread protests, but it did not directly lead to the Swaraj Party’s formation. The party was already established by then.
(D) Bardoli Satyagraha: The Bardoli Satyagraha (1928) was a successful peasant movement, but it was not the primary cause of the Swaraj Party’s formation.
Conclusion:
The Swaraj Party’s formation was a direct consequence of the internal divisions within the Indian National Congress following the suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement after the Chauri Chaura incident. While other events contributed to the evolving political landscape, the immediate catalyst for the Swaraj Party’s emergence was the need for a more active and pragmatic approach to achieving Swaraj in the face of the limitations of the purely non-violent strategy. The party’s existence demonstrated the dynamism and internal debates within the Indian freedom struggle, showcasing the diverse strategies employed to achieve independence. The legacy of the Swaraj Party lies in its demonstration of the importance of adapting strategies and engaging in diverse forms of political action to achieve national goals. This highlights the importance of flexibility and pragmatism in achieving long-term objectives, a lesson relevant even today. Therefore, the correct answer is (A).
JPSC Notes brings Prelims and Mains programs for JPSC Prelims and JPSC Mains Exam preparation. Various Programs initiated by JPSC Notes are as follows:-- JPSC Mains Tests and Notes Program 2025
- JPSC Prelims Exam 2020- Test Series and Notes Program 2025
- JPSC Prelims and Mains Tests Series and Notes Program 2025
- JPSC Detailed Complete Prelims Notes 2025