How was Swaraj Different for Various Classes and Groups?

The concept of Swaraj, or self-rule, was not interpreted uniformly across Indian society during the freedom struggle. While leaders like Mahatma Gandhi envisioned Swaraj as self-discipline and self-reliance, different social groups understood and supported the idea based on their unique socio-economic circumstances and expectations.

This divergence in interpretation had a profound effect on how people participated in the national movement. Below is a detailed analysis of how Swaraj was perceived differently by various classes and groups in Indian society.

Differing Perspectives of Swaraj: A Comparative Table

Group/Class	How They Interpreted Swaraj
Peasants	Saw Swaraj as an end to tax burdens, exploitation by landlords, and access to land. They linked it with economic freedom and social justice.
Industrial Workers	Associated Swaraj with better wages, improved working conditions, and labor rights. Their support was driven by the hope of a more equitable economy.
Business Class	Viewed Swaraj as a path to economic self-sufficiency, swadeshi markets, and freedom from British economic restrictions like imports and tariffs.
Landlords & Zamindars	Many feared Swaraj would lead to loss of feudal power and privileges. Some supported it conditionally to maintain status quo under Indian rule.
Dalits and Lower Castes	Wanted Swaraj to bring social equality, abolition of untouchability, and equal rights. For them, political freedom was tied to social liberation.
Women	Saw Swaraj as an opportunity for gender equality, education, and participation in public life. Their involvement grew with leaders like Gandhi encouraging it.
Muslims and Minorities	Some supported Swaraj hoping for equal citizenship, while others feared Hindu domination and demanded guarantees for rights and representation.
Tribal Communities	Linked Swaraj with restoration of forest rights, protection from exploitation, and autonomy in governance of their lands.
Educated Middle Class	Embraced Swaraj as a concept of constitutional reform, civil liberties, and modern governance. They often formed the core of political leadership.

Key Highlights:

Gandhi’s vision of Swaraj emphasized self-rule with moral responsibility, but not all groups interpreted it spiritually.

Economic, social, and political motivations shaped each group’s understanding.

Unity in the national movement was achieved despite these differences, but tensions occasionally surfaced, especially regarding class and caste-based inequalities.

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