Question map
Gandhiji's 'Harijan Campaign' sought to 1. attack caste system as a whole 2. open wells, roads, temples, etc., to Harijans 3. encourage social work among Harijans Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation
Gandhiji's Harijan Campaign (1932–1934) was specifically focused on the removal of untouchability rather than the total abolition of the caste system. He distinguished between the two, choosing not to attack the caste system as a whole or mix the campaign with issues like inter-caste marriage and inter-dining [1]. Instead, the campaign sought to open public amenities such as wells, roads, and temples to Harijans [3]. It also emphasized internal social work and reform among Harijans, including education, hygiene, and the abandonment of practices like eating carrion or consuming liquor [2]. Gandhi established the Harijan Sevak Sangh to facilitate this social upliftment and conducted an extensive all-India tour to collect funds and propagate the removal of disabilities specific to the depressed classes [3]. Therefore, while statements 2 and 3 are correct, statement 1 is incorrect as he did not target the entire caste structure during this specific campaign.
Sources
- [1] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 19: Civil Disobedience Movement and Round Table Conferences > Gandhi's Harijan Campaign and thoughts on Caste > p. 394
- [3] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 19: Civil Disobedience Movement and Round Table Conferences > Gandhi's Harijan Campaign and thoughts on Caste > p. 393
- [2] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 19: Civil Disobedience Movement and Round Table Conferences > Gandhi's Harijan Campaign and thoughts on Caste > p. 395