The Role of Janki Devi in India’s Independence Movement
India’s struggle for independence was not just marked by the efforts of prominent leaders but also by the involvement of common men and women who felt the pulse of the nation’s quest for freedom. Janki Devi, a name that resonates with courage, played a pivotal role during India’s freedom movement, particularly when she drew inspiration from Jamna Bajaj, a prominent social worker and nationalist.
Janki Devi’s Awakening to the Freedom Struggle
Janki Devi, who belonged to a family of deep-rooted values, was initially unaware of the harsh realities faced by the nation under British colonial rule. However, her journey into the world of social reform and freedom struggle began when she encountered Jamna Bajaj, a dedicated follower of Mahatma Gandhi and a key figure in the independence movement.
Jamna Bajaj was known for her unwavering support for the use of Khadi and the promotion of self-reliance as an act of defiance against British rule. She not only worked on empowering women but also helped spread Gandhi’s messages of non-cooperation, non-violence, and self-sufficiency. Through Jamna’s influence, Janki Devi found herself drawn into the ideals of self-rule, or Swaraj, and the principles of self-reliance.
Janki Devi soon became an ardent supporter of Gandhi’s vision of an independent India. Her engagement with the women’s sections of the independence movement led to a greater understanding of the power of community and collective action. It was during this time that she also began to understand the significance of Khadi, which would play a crucial role in India’s anti-colonial struggle.
The Khadi Movement: Swadeshi Movement
One of the most powerful symbols of India’s independence movement was the use of Khadi, the handspun cotton fabric. This was part of the broader Swadeshi movement which aimed at promoting Indian-made goods and boycotting British goods, especially foreign textiles. In the context of the Khadi Movement, Mahatma Gandhi emphasized the use of Khadi as a way for Indians to become economically self-reliant and break free from the clutches of British imperialism.
The Spread of Khadi Among Women
As part of the broader movement, Khadi was not just a fabric; it was a symbol of unity and resistance. Women, in particular, took to spinning Khadi in their homes, creating a network of self-reliant units spread across rural India. The charkha (spinning wheel), promoted by Gandhi as a tool for economic and social freedom, became a central symbol in this movement.
Janki Devi, deeply inspired by Jamna Bajaj, became a leading figure among women in this movement. She inspired women to adopt the charkha in every household. The act of spinning Khadi was not just a domestic task; it was a political act of defiance. By spinning their own clothes, people were rejecting British textile imports, which had flooded the Indian market and crippled the local handloom industry.
Women, who were traditionally confined to the domestic sphere, found empowerment through their participation in Khadi production. For Janki Devi, this represented a breakthrough moment: women could participate actively in the national struggle, contribute to the economic upliftment of their community, and assert their political power.
1930: A Year of Tumultuous Change
The Arrest of Jamnalal Bajaj
The year 1930 was marked by a significant escalation in India’s struggle for independence. The arrest of Jamnalal Bajaj, one of the leading figures in the independence movement, was a major event that spurred Mahatma Gandhi into action. Jamnalal Bajaj had been a close associate of Gandhi and had worked tirelessly to support the cause of non-violence and economic self-reliance through Khadi.
With the arrest of Jamnalal, the nationalist sentiment reached a boiling point. The moment was ripe for Gandhi to call for a more aggressive form of protest. This gave birth to the Civil Disobedience Movement, famously known for the Salt March, where Gandhi and his followers marched to Dandi to defy the British monopoly on salt.
Non-Cooperation Movement Under Gandhi’s Leadership
The arrest of Jamnalal Bajaj also fueled a surge of energy within the Indian masses. Gandhi, who had been at the forefront of the Non-Cooperation Movement since 1920, decided that it was time to step up the campaign. In 1930, Gandhi called for the breaking of British laws, including the law on salt production and distribution, which was one of the most symbolic demonstrations of British economic control over India.
The Non-Cooperation Movement was built on the principle of non-violence (Ahimsa) and non-cooperation with the British government. This meant resigning from government jobs, refusing to pay taxes, and boycotting foreign goods. The movement also promoted the use of Local and made in Bharat(India) goods, with a particular emphasis on Khadi. The British, underestimating the power of non-violent protest, responded with arrests, repression, and violence, but the Indian masses remained resolute.
Janki Devi was an pro supporter of Ghandhi in the Non-Cooperation Movement. She worked to mobilize women, ensuring that they played an active role in the protests. For her, it was about much more than just political independence—it was about the emancipation of Indian women from colonial rule and societal constraints.
Janki Devi Role and Objective
Janki Devi’s involvement in the independence struggle, particularly her efforts to spread the Khadi movement and mobilize women, marked her as a significant figure in India’s path to freedom. She understood that independence wasn’t just about political liberation but also about social and economic transformation.
Her contributions were not just confined to spinning the charkha or promoting Khadi. Janki Devi played a crucial role in organizing and encouraging women to break free from their traditional roles and participate actively in the nationalist movement. This laid the groundwork for future generations of women to be more politically aware and engaged in the post-independence era.
In Summary
The journey of Janki Devi is an inspiring one. From being influenced by Jamna Bajaj to embracing the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, Janki Devi’s participation in the Khadi Movement and the Non-Cooperation Movement demonstrates the power of grassroots activism. Her involvement not only helped in the political struggle against British rule but also contributed to the social awakening of Indian women.
