Detailed Summary
The Civil Disobedience Movement in India saw the involvement of diverse social groups, each motivated by distinct ideals and grievances. Rich peasant communities like the Patidars and Jats were vocal supporters, driven by economic hardship due to falling prices and high revenue demands, interpreting 'swaraj' as a struggle against oppressive taxation. On the other hand, poor peasants, who rented land, sought relief from unpayable rents and often aligned with radical movements led by Socialists and Communists, feeling unsupported by the Congress.
The business classes, having profited during World War I, sought economic independence from colonial controls, creating organizations to represent their interests. In contrast, industrial workers generally remained aloof from the movement, participating selectively. However, they adopted some Gandhian principles, like boycotting foreign goods, to address their own struggles for better wages and conditions.
Women played a significant role, participating actively in protests and marches for the first time, though their increased visibility did not lead to substantial changes in societal roles.
Finally, dalits, previously ignored by Congress, began organizing for their own political rights, driven by leaders like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, advocating for separate electorates and ultimately leading to conflicts with Gandhiji over representation issues. The section highlights the complexity of the movement, illustrating the varied aspirations of participants and the challenges of forging a united front in the face of sociopolitical diversity.