UPSC Prelims 2009 Q59: Modern History – Peasant, Tribal & Labour Movements
Who of the following founded the Ahmedabad Textile Labour Association?
- (a) Mahatma Gandhi
- (b) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
- (c) N. M. Joshi
- (d) J. B. Kripalani
Answer: (a) Mahatma Gandhi
Explanation
Who founded the Ahmedabad Textile Labour Association
This pioneering labour union emerged from a specific leader's engagement with mill workers.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Mahatma Gandhi | Correct | Gandhi founded the Ahmedabad Textile Labour Association (Majoor Mahajan Sangh) in 1920, following his involvement in the Ahmedabad mill workers' strike |
| (b) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel | Incorrect | A prominent leader, but not this association's founder |
| (c) N.M. Joshi | Incorrect | A notable trade union figure, but not this specific association's founder |
| (d) J.B. Kripalani | Incorrect | A prominent Congress leader, but not linked to founding this association |
Ahmedabad Textile Labour Association facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded by | Mahatma Gandhi |
| Year | 1920 |
| Context | Following the Ahmedabad mill workers' strike |
Answer: (a) Mahatma Gandhi.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Gandhi founded the Ahmedabad Textile Labour Association in 1920.
- (b) Incorrect. Patel is not credited as this association's founder.
- (c) Incorrect. N.M. Joshi, though a trade-union figure, is not this one's founder.
- (d) Incorrect. J.B. Kripalani is not linked to this specific founding.
Key point
Mahatma Gandhi founded the Ahmedabad Textile Labour Association (Majoor Mahajan Sangh) in 1920, after his involvement in the mill workers' strike there.
Remember
Mahatma Gandhi founded the Ahmedabad Textile Labour Association.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Gandhi's labour-organizing role with his broader political movement leadership.
- Mixing up different trade union pioneers (N.M. Joshi vs. Gandhi).
- Not knowing the specific 1920 Ahmedabad mill strike context.
Exam tip
Ahmedabad Textile Labour Association = founded by Gandhi, 1920, after the mill workers' strike there.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — Modern India (NCERT textbook for Class XII)
- M. K. Gandhi — An Autobiography: The Story of My Experiments with Truth (Navajivan), Part V (the Ahmedabad mill-hands' strike)