Theories and Practices of Nationalism - HW05
Look at the Poorna Swaraj Resolution of 1929, and the Karachi Congress of 1931, and explain how Indian Nationalism was a form of civic nationalism. 400 words, 11.59pm tonight
Ans. Based on the Poorna Swaraj resolution and the Karachi Resolution, Bipin Chandra’s theory of Indian Nationalism as a civic nationalism holds.
The applicability of his theory will be tested against the tenets of:
- Nationalism emerging out of the primary contradiction of economic exploitation by the British
- The imagined nationalism unites people with different interests, where ethnic demands “aren’t nationalism”
A quick look at the two resolutions immediately belies the influence of this line of thought: both are heavily focused on National interests in economic terms, with the Karachi resolution explicitly stating “political freedom must include real economic freedom”.
The Declaration of Poorna Swaraj1 states that the British government has “… based itself on the exploitation of the masses, and has ruined India …”, calling thereon for complete independence. It then details how the economic ruin of the nation - via disproportionate taxation, collapse of village industries, unfair advantages to British manufacturers, and more - has reduced the nation politically, culturally, and spiritually. There is no call on behalf of “Indian ethnicity” of any sort.
Likewise with the Karachi resolution2: after demanding economic freedom, it goes on to “state the position of the Congress” as a list (showing relevant ones):
- Fundamental rights, including that “No disability to attach to any person of religion, caste or creed” in regard to employment, office, or trade and “Equal rights and obligations [and access to public areas]”
- Religious neutrality of the state - no imagination of nation on the basis of religion
- There are a number of worker focused clauses hinting at the economic aspect:
- A requirement for living wage, limited hours of labour.
- Protection of women workers, and prohibition of child labour
- The right for labour to form Unions
Again, the call for Nationalism is not ethnic, but based on ideas of rights - civic. The two resolutions highlight too the demand of nationalism arising from grounds of economic exploitation, as per what has been said by Bipin Chandra.