The late 1920s marked a shift in the Indian freedom struggle, with the emergence of radical leaders and youth groups demanding complete independence (Purna Swaraj). This period represented a departure from earlier moderate approaches and set the stage for mass movements under Gandhi.
Background
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Disappointment with British response to constitutional reforms, such as the Simon Commission (1928) and Nehru Report (1928).
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The failure of moderate constitutional methods to achieve Swaraj led to the rise of more assertive voices.
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Growing unrest among youth, students, and provincial leaders fueled demands for radical action.
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The failure of Dominion Status proposals convinced leaders that only complete independence could satisfy Indian aspirations.
Key Radical Leaders
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Jawaharlal Nehru: Advocated aggressive political action and full independence.
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Subhas Chandra Bose: Supported direct action against British authority.
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Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad: Represented the revolutionary militant stream in Punjab and Bengal.
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C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru: Combined legislative activism with radical demands.
Major Developments
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In the Lahore Congress Session (December 1929), radicals pushed for Purna Swaraj as the official goal of the Congress.
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A resolution was passed declaring 26th January as Independence Day, to be celebrated every year.
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Radical leaders emphasized mass mobilization, boycotts, and civil disobedience rather than relying solely on petitions or legislative methods.
Impact
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Marked a clear shift from Dominion Status to complete independence in Congress policy.
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Inspired youth participation in nationalist activities across provinces.
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Laid the foundation for the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–1934) and subsequent mass agitations.
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Highlighted the divergence within Congress between Moderates, Extremists, and radicals, yet united them temporarily under a common goal.
Key Takeaway
The rise of radicals and the demand for Purna Swaraj in 1929 signaled the transition to a more assertive and mass-based nationalist movement. It reflected the impatience of Indians with British reforms and set the stage for direct action and non-violent civil disobedience, which defined the next phase of the freedom struggle.