● Trace the journey of working-class movement in India since the advent of modern industries. How did this disparate group emerge as an organized class in late 1920s onwards?Approach ● Introduce the advent of working class. ● Trace the development of all India class consciousness in various phases. ● Conclude appropriately.
The modern worker made their appearance in India in the second half of 19th century with the slow beginnings of Railways and modern industries. Before the nationalists began to associate with working class agitations towards the end of 19th century, there were several strikes, agitations. But these were sporadic, spontaneous and unorganized revolts based on economic grievances. ● Phase 1 (1850s -1900): In this phase, the worker class remained largely unorganized on a class basis. There were some early organized effort to improve the conditions of workers. Ex: Workingmen’s club by Sasipada Banerjee in Bengal. One major reason for the relatively lukewarm attitude of the early nationalists was that during this phase they didn’t wish to create any divisions within the ranks of Indian people. Thus, we notice lack of class consciousness among workers in this period. ● Phase 2: With the coming of Swadeshi movement, the situation began to change...