What was the dominant contradiction within the Indian national movement concerning the caste system?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Nationalist leaders worked against discrimination of lower castes while also prioritizing the interests of upper castes.
Option (1) Nationalist leaders considered the abolition of untouchability undesirable while opposing social reforms. — Incorrect. They advocated the abolition of untouchability.
Option (2) Nationalist leaders worked for upliftment of lower castes while denying education to upper castes. — Incorrect. Nothing was denied to the upper castes; they were reassured.
Option (3) Nationalist leaders did not consider colonialism a social evil but regarded caste system a menace. — Incorrect. They saw caste both as a social evil and as a colonial ploy.
Option (4) Nationalist leaders worked against discrimination of lower castes while also prioritizing the interests of upper castes. — Correct. Leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi worked for the upliftment of the lower castes and the abolition of untouchability, and at the same time reassured the landowning upper castes that their interests would be looked after. The two aims pulled in opposite directions, and the post-Independence state inherited this contradiction.
NCERT (2025-26): “Colonialism and Caste … The dominant view in the nationalist movement was to treat caste as a social evil and as a colonial ploy to divide Indians. But the nationalist leaders, above all, Mahatma Gandhi, were able to simultaneously work for the upliftment of the lower castes, advocate the abolition of untouchability and other caste restrictions, and, at the same time, reassure the landowning upper castes that their interests, too, would be looked after. The post-Independence Indian state inherited and reflected these contradictions.…” |