why us selfishness a curse? give answer in 200 words
Answers
Second half of the 19th century was the age of production through machinery at cheaper rates. This provided competitive edge to these products in Indian market in relation to rudimentary techniques based Indian products. The free policy of British advocated for zero import duty on British export to India and a higher tariff on India products reaching abroad leading to squeezing out of Indian industries which were mainly handicraft based and textile based like cotton weaving, spinning and silk and woolen textiles.
Further the inflow of foreign capital and foreign manufacturers, bankers, merchants, company and British servants contributed to the ruin of Indian textile base. They advocated for more access to Indian villages which led to replacement of Indian rulers and nobles or any privilege enjoyed by latter, by British officials. These rulers and nobles used to provide patronage to rural craftsman which was uprooted completely during this period leading to end to mode of livelihood of these crafts persons.
Women witnessed long social boycotts and evil practices in Indian society. Gender discrimination was a blot on Indian society which was changed during the course of 19th century and withered away to a large extend in the 20th century. There were multifarious reasons and causations that led to liberation of women.
The growth of intelligentsia class especially in Bengal and Maharashtra brought the deplorable conditions of the women to forefront. Continuous efforts from individuals like Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Raja Ram Mohan Roy in Bengal and Panduranga etc in Maharashtra led to abolition of Sati, promotion of window remarriage and girl education. This stimulus benefitted the national movement during Swadeshi movement in which women were at vanguard in carrying out protests and picketing of liquor shops.
Further impetus was provided by Gandhiji who reckoned women power as the main challenge to British authority and promotion of Swadeshi items. During the periods of Non cooperation movement Gandhiji brought women into nationalist mainstream discourse by giving them the opportunity to picket shops, boycott government products and organize mass protests by carrying out mock funerals and promoting charkha and khadi. Various women were brought into political platform and as representatives of India in Britain.
In addition to that, women organizations were formed at regional levels and they actively participated in national mobilization and raised their voices at different platforms for different reasons. They even took to the arms to fight colonial power and established underground radio communication network for disseminating nationalist idea. The active participation in quit India movement helped in establishing a free Indian fighting force.