Social Movements in India

Exploring Collective Action, Social Change, and Democratic Participation in India's Rich History.

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Introduction to the Module

Social movements are collective efforts by people to bring about or resist social change, often emerging from shared grievances, discontent, or a vision for a better society. India, with its vast diversities and socio-economic complexities, has been a fertile ground for a rich tapestry of social movements throughout its history.

These movements, ranging from peasant and labor struggles to environmental and human rights campaigns, have played a pivotal role in shaping public discourse, influencing legislation, challenging the status quo, and empowering marginalized sections of society. This module provides a typology of major social movements in India, analyzes their historical and contemporary significance, and delves into their multifaceted role as catalysts of social change.

6.2.1: Typology of Social Movements

Social movements in India are diverse, reflecting the country's varied social issues and aspirations.

Peasant Movements

Definition: Collective actions by farmers and agricultural laborers against land ownership, exploitation, debt, pricing, and government policies.

Historical & Contemporary:

  • Historical: Indigo Revolt (1859-60), Deccan Riots (1875), Champaran Satyagraha (1917), Moplah Rebellion (1921), Tebhaga (1946-47), Telangana (1946-51).
  • Contemporary (Farmers' Protests 2020-21): Against three farm laws, demanding legal MSP. Led to repeal of laws. Highlighted farmers' vulnerability.

Labour Movements

Definition: Collective actions by industrial workers for better conditions, wages, social security, and rights.

Trade Unions & Changing Nature of Work:

  • Historical: Early unions (Madras Labour Union 1918, AITUC 1920) against exploitation.
  • Trade Unions: Role in collective bargaining, advocating labor laws. Challenges: declining membership, politicization.
  • Changing Nature: Informalization, Gig Economy/Platform Work (delivery, cab drivers) posing new challenges for rights and social security. New forms of mobilization emerging.

Environmental Movements

Definition: Movements responding to environmental degradation, for resource protection, sustainable development, and environmental justice.

Key Movements:

  • Chipko Movement (1970s, Uttarakhand): Forest conservation via non-violent resistance (hugging trees). Key figures: Sunderlal Bahuguna, Gaura Devi. Influenced forest policy.
  • Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) (1980s-present): Opposition to large dams (Sardar Sarovar Project) due to displacement, environmental impact. Key figures: Medha Patkar, Baba Amte.
  • Climate Action: Demanding emissions reduction, climate justice (e.g., Fridays For Future India).

Women's Movements

Definition: Collective efforts to challenge gender inequality, patriarchy, and discrimination, advocating for women's rights and empowerment.

Phases & Impact on Legislation:

  • Phases: 19th C Social Reform (Sati, Widow Remarriage), Pre-Indep (political rights), Post-Indep (violence against women, land rights), Contemporary (intersectionality, digital safety, LGBTQ+ women).
  • Legislation Impact: Sati Abolition (1829), Dowry Act (1961), IPC 498A (1983), Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (2005), POSH Act (2013), Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2013 ('Nirbhaya Act'), Women's Reservation Bill (106th CA Act, 2023).

Dalit & Tribal Movements

Dalit Movements:

  • Focus: Challenge caste oppression, untouchability, discrimination, demand equality, dignity, political empowerment.
  • Historical: Anti-Brahmin (Jyotiba Phule), Self-Respect (Periyar), Ambedkar (constitutional rights, PoA Act).

Tribal Movements:

  • Focus: Protect land, forest rights, cultural identity; demand autonomy/statehood.
  • Historical: Munda Rebellion, Santhal Hul.
  • Contemporary: Against displacement, implementation of FRA & PESA, identity (Bodoland, Gorkhaland).

Human & LGBTQ+ Rights

Human Rights Movements:

  • Focus: Universal human rights (civil, political, economic, social, cultural).
  • Issues: State repression, police brutality, communal violence, child/bonded labor, accountability. Examples: PUCL, PUDR.

LGBTQ+ Rights Movements:

  • Focus: Rights, dignity, social inclusion for sexual/gender minorities.
  • Milestones: NALSA vs. Union of India (2014 - 'third gender'), Navtej Singh Johar vs. Union of India (2018 - decriminalized 377), Transgender Persons Act (2019).
  • Contemporary: Demands for same-sex marriage, adoption rights, non-discrimination, societal acceptance.

6.2.2: Role of Social Movements in Social Change

Social movements are dynamic forces that drive change and shape societal evolution.

Key Roles & Mechanisms

  • Awareness Creation: Through protests, campaigns, media, public education. Bring attention to neglected problems (e.g., dowry violence, caste atrocities).
  • Policy Advocacy: Lobbying, petitions, research, drafting policy proposals. Direct influence on new laws and amendments (e.g., RTE, POSH, POCSO, FRA).
  • Challenging Status Quo: Questioning dominant power structures, social norms, traditional hierarchies (e.g., patriarchy, caste). Forces re-evaluation of values.
  • Empowering Marginalized: Providing collective voice, fostering solidarity, building leadership from within communities (Dalits, tribals, women, LGBTQ+). Enables rights assertion and participation.

Impact on Legislation & Public Discourse

  • Impact on Legislation: Many landmark social legislations are direct outcomes of sustained pressure (e.g., Sati Abolition, Hindu Code Bill, Environmental Protection Act, LGBTQ+ reforms, Women's Reservation Bill). Highlight inadequacies.
  • Impact on Public Discourse:
    • Shifting Narratives: From 'private matter' to 'crime' (domestic violence).
    • Increased Debate: Generate public debate and critical thinking.
    • Sensitization: Sensitize public and policymakers.
    • Challenging Stereotypes: Breaking down prejudices.
  • Role in Democracy: Strengthen democratic participation, provide avenues for grievances, act as a critical check on state power.

Prelims-ready Notes

  • Social Movements: Collective efforts for social change.
  • Typology:
    • Peasant: Historical (Champaran, Tebhaga, Telangana), Contemporary (Farmers' Protests 2020-21 against farm laws - led to repeal, legal MSP demand).
    • Labour: Trade Unions (AITUC), changing nature of work (informal, gig economy).
    • Environmental: Chipko (forest conservation, Sunderlal Bahuguna), Narmada Bachao Andolan (dams, displacement, Medha Patkar), Climate Action (Fridays For Future).
    • Women's: Phases (19th C Social Reform, Pre-Indep, Post-Indep VAW), Legislation Impact (Dowry Act, PWDVA, POSH Act, Nirbhaya Act, Women's Reservation Bill (106th CA Act 2023)).
    • Dalit: Anti-caste (Jyotiba Phule, Periyar, Ambedkar), PoA Act.
    • Tribal: Land/Forest rights (FRA, PESA), Identity (Bodoland, Jharkhand, Telangana).
    • Human Rights: Broader civil/political/socio-economic rights (PUCL, PUDR).
    • LGBTQ+ Rights: NALSA (2014, 'third gender'), Navtej Singh Johar (2018, decriminalized 377), Marriage equality debate (SC verdict Oct 2023 - refused legal recognition).
  • Role of Social Movements in Social Change: Awareness creation, Policy advocacy, Challenging status quo, Empowering marginalized. Impact on Legislation & Public Discourse.

Prelims Summary Table: Major Social Movements & Associated Points

Movement Type Key Examples/Figures Key Issues/Demands Impact/Significance
Peasant Champaran, Tebhaga, Telangana; Farmers' Protests (2020-21) Land tenure, debt, MSP, farm laws, exploitation Land reforms, MSP policy, repeal of farm laws, peasant rights
Environmental Chipko (Sunderlal Bahuguna), Narmada Bachao Andolan (Medha Patkar), Climate Action Forest conservation, anti-dam, displacement, climate justice Influenced forest policy, environmental impact assessment, climate awareness
Women's Savitribai Phule, AIWC; 1970s New Wave Sati, child marriage, widow remarriage; VAW, political representation Sati Abolition, Hindu Code Bill, Anti-Dowry, PWDVA, POSH, Women's Res. Bill
Dalit Jyotiba Phule, Periyar, B.R. Ambedkar Anti-caste, untouchability, dignity, reservations Constitutional abolition of untouchability, PoA Act, reservation policy
LGBTQ+ Various activist groups Decriminalization of 377, marriage equality, non-discrimination NALSA (third gender), Navtej Singh Johar (decriminalization)

Mains-ready Analytical Notes

Major Debates/Discussions

Social Movements: Disruptive or Democratic?
  • Debate: Are social movements a threat to law and order and economic stability, or a vital component of democracy?
  • Arguments: Can be disruptive (protests, bandhs) but often the only avenue for marginalized voices, leading to policy change and deeper democracy. Crucial check on state power.
Changing Nature of Movements
  • Debate: Shift from traditional class/caste-based movements to new identity-based movements (gender, LGBTQ+, environmental) and digitally-enabled protests.
  • Implication: Changes nature of demands, organizational structures, and strategies.
Impact of FCRA on Movements
  • Debate: Stricter FCRA (2020) regulations impact NGOs active in social movements. Does this stifle legitimate advocacy?
  • Conclusion: While transparency is needed, overly restrictive environment can harm movements' vital role.

Historical/Long-term Trends, Continuity & Changes

From Rights-seeking to Identity Assertion

Early movements focused on basic rights (civil liberties, labor), while later movements increasingly emphasized identity (caste, gender, tribal, regional) and dignity.

Increased Politicization

Movements increasingly engage with the political process, forming or influencing political parties, and using electoral politics.

Digitalization of Movements

Rise of social media and digital tools transformed how movements organize, communicate, and mobilize, making them faster and more widespread.

Intersectional Nature

Growing recognition that social problems are interconnected (e.g., gender and caste, environment and tribal rights), leading to more intersectional movements.

Contemporary Relevance/Significance/Impact

Farmers' Protests (2020-21)

Landmark example of a sustained, large-scale movement forcing policy change (repeal of farm laws), highlighting collective action.

Climate Action

Youth-led movements (Fridays For Future India) increasingly prominent, drawing global attention to environmental issues and demanding accountability.

LGBTQ+ Rights

Ongoing struggle for marriage equality post-decriminalization of IPC 377 demonstrates persistence of identity-based movements.

Labor Rights in Gig Economy

New movements from gig workers (delivery, cab drivers) demanding social security and better labor rights, adapting to new forms of work.

Impact on Legislation

Social movements continue to be primary drivers for legislative reforms (e.g., demand for UCC, stricter laws against caste atrocities, women's reservation bill).

Real-world/Data-backed Recent Examples

  • Farmers' Protests (Renewed Calls): Farmer organizations continued to push for legal MSP in 2023-24, demonstrating sustained movement. (Source: News reports).
  • Women's Reservation Bill (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023): Passage is a direct outcome of decades of advocacy by women's movements for political representation. (Source: PIB, Sept 2023).
  • Supreme Court Hearings on Same-Sex Marriage (2023): Petitions and SC verdict (Oct 2023) were a culmination of prolonged advocacy by LGBTQ+ rights movements (SC refused legal recognition of marriage, stated it's for Parliament). (Source: LiveLaw, Bar & Bench).
  • Environmental Activism against specific projects: Localized movements continue against mining, deforestation, pollution, involving tribal/local communities. (Source: News reports).
  • Dalit Assertion and Protest: Continued protests against caste atrocities, demand for effective implementation of PoA Act, and cultural assertion movements. (Source: NCRB reports, news reports).

UPSC Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims MCQs

UPSC 2023:

Q. In the context of the 'gig economy', which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. The gig economy includes both full-time and part-time workers.
2. Gig workers are typically entitled to the same benefits as regular employees, such as provident fund and gratuity.
3. Digital platforms facilitate the matching of gig workers with tasks or clients.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  • (a) 1 and 2 only
  • (b) 1 and 3 only
  • (c) 2 and 3 only
  • (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b)

Hint: Relates to the changing nature of work, which is driving new forms of labor movements.

UPSC 2022:

Q. Which of the following statements best describes the term 'Constitutional Morality'?
(a) Adherence to the letter of the Constitution, irrespective of its spirit.
(b) The principles underlying the Constitution, including rule of law, democracy, and equality.
(c) The moral code prescribed for public servants in the Constitution.
(d) Following the directives of the Supreme Court in all matters.

Answer: (b)

Hint: Social movements often invoke constitutional morality to challenge discriminatory practices or demand social justice.

UPSC 2017:

Q. The 'Chipko Movement' is associated with:
(a) Conservation of forests in the Himalayas.
(b) Protection of wildlife.
(c) Anti-dam protests in the Narmada Valley.
(d) Conservation of marine ecosystems.

Answer: (a)

Hint: Direct factual question on a prominent environmental movement.

Mains Questions

UPSC 2023:

"The proliferation of digital technologies has opened up new avenues for political mobilization, but it has also raised concerns about its misuse for spreading misinformation and hate speech. Discuss the challenges posed by this duality for India's democracy." (15 marks)

Direction: Directly relates to social movements. Digital platforms are now key tools for mobilization for various movements (farmers, women, LGBTQ+) but also face challenges from misuse.

UPSC 2022:

"Discuss the various types of challenges faced by tribal communities in India in terms of their cultural identity, land rights, and development." (15 marks)

Direction: Directly on tribal movements. Tribal movements specifically advocate for land rights (FRA, PESA implementation) and cultural identity against displacement and exploitation.

UPSC 2021:

"Do you agree that there is a growing trend of regionalism in India? Discuss the positive and negative implications of regionalism in India." (15 marks)

Direction: Regional movements (e.g., Gorkhaland, Bodoland) are a significant type of social movement, often driven by linguistic or ethnic identity and demands for autonomy.

UPSC 2019:

"Despite the constitutional provisions and various government initiatives, incidents of caste-based discrimination continue to occur in India. Analyze the reasons for the persistence of casteism and suggest measures to eradicate it." (15 marks)

Direction: Directly on Dalit movements. Discuss how these movements challenge casteism, assert dignity, and advocate for legal and social reforms to eradicate discrimination.

Trend Analysis

Prelims Trends

Questions on Social Movements are consistent, focusing on typologies, prominent examples (Chipko, Narmada Bachao), key figures, and their impact on specific issues or legislation.

Recent trends often include contemporary movements (Farmers' Protests, LGBTQ+ rights) and the role of technology in mobilization.

Mains Trends

This is a very high-priority topic for Mains, often appearing in GS Paper 1 (Society) and GS Paper 2 (Polity/Social Justice). Questions are highly analytical and critical, demanding a nuanced understanding of the causes, manifestations, roles, and impacts of various social movements.

The focus is on their role as catalysts of social change, their impact on legislation and public discourse, and their contribution to deepening democracy. Debates around their disruptive vs. democratic nature, and the challenges they face (e.g., regulatory environment) are also important. Expect questions requiring concrete examples, historical context, and an analysis of their relevance to contemporary India.

Original MCQs for Prelims

Q. Which of the following statements about the contemporary Farmers' Protests (2020-2021) in India is/are correct?

  • 1. The protests were primarily against the Union Government's three new farm laws.
  • 2. A key demand of the protesting farmers was a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP).
  • 3. The protests were largely confined to Southern Indian states.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  • (a) 1 only
  • (b) 1 and 2 only
  • (c) 2 and 3 only
  • (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: The farm laws were the primary trigger. Statement 2 is correct: Legal guarantee for MSP was a central demand. Statement 3 is incorrect: The protests were predominantly led by farmers from Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh.

Q. Consider the following landmark Supreme Court judgments related to LGBTQ+ rights in India:

  • 1. NALSA vs. Union of India (2014): Recognized transgender persons as the 'third gender'.
  • 2. Navtej Singh Johar vs. Union of India (2018): Decriminalized consensual homosexual acts among adults.
  • 3. Supriyo vs. Union of India (2023): Granted legal recognition to same-sex marriage under the Special Marriage Act.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • (a) 1 only
  • (b) 1 and 2 only
  • (c) 2 and 3 only
  • (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect: In Supriyo vs. Union of India (October 2023), the Supreme Court refused to grant legal recognition to same-sex marriage, stating it was a matter for Parliament.

Original Descriptive Questions for Mains

Question 1 (15 marks)

"Social movements in India, from historical anti-caste struggles to contemporary environmental and identity-based movements, have served as crucial catalysts for social change and deepened democratic processes. Discuss the multi-faceted role played by these movements in transforming Indian society, highlighting their impact on legislation and public discourse."

Key Points/Structure
  • Introduction: Define social movements as agents of change and acknowledge their rich history in India.
  • Multi-faceted Role in Transforming Indian Society: Awareness Creation; Challenging Status Quo; Empowering Marginalized; Policy Advocacy; Democratic Deepening.
  • Impact on Legislation: Direct Catalysts (e.g., Sati Abolition, Hindu Code Bill, Dowry Prohibition Act, POCSO Act, Forest Rights Act, laws against sexual harassment, decriminalization of 377, Women's Reservation Bill); Filling Gaps.
  • Impact on Public Discourse: Shifting Narratives; Increased Debate; Sensitization; Inclusivity.
  • Conclusion: Indispensable for dynamic democracy, proactive forces pushing for justice, freedom, equality, ensuring state responsiveness.

Question 2 (10 marks)

"The changing nature of work, particularly the growth of the gig economy, has led to the emergence of new challenges for labour movements in India. Analyze how traditional trade unions are adapting to these changes and discuss the strategies required to ensure social security and rights for the new age workforce."

Key Points/Structure
  • Introduction: Explain changing nature of work (informalization, gig economy) and implications for labor movements.
  • Challenges for Labour Movements: Informalization; Gig Economy (independent contractors, no benefits); Decentralized Workforce; Platform Control; Lack of Social Security.
  • Adaptation of Traditional Trade Unions: Forming New Unions (for gig workers); Advocacy for Legislative Changes (new laws for gig workers); Digital Mobilization; Focus on Social Security.
  • Strategies for Social Security & Rights: Legal Recognition ('gig worker' status); Universal Social Security Fund; Minimum Wage & Fair Pricing; Collective Bargaining; Grievance Redressal; Skill Development; Digital Inclusion.
  • Conclusion: Gig economy threatens labor rights. Proactive adaptation from movements, supported by progressive legislation and governance, is crucial for new age workforce.