Author:

Bhaskar Ghosh
PhD Research Scholar
Department of History
Visva-Bharati
Santiniketan,West Bengal, India

Email: ghoshbhaskar378@gmail.com

Abstract::Abstract:The working-class movement in British India has long been a central theme of discussion
among historians. The formation of a working-class in India remains a subject of ongoing debate and
scholarly inquiry. During the colonial period, the working-class movement was shaped and directed
by various ideologies, making it difficult to identify an idiosyncratic character of the movement in
India. The pressing issues faced by Indian workers under the capitalist structure became so urgent
that they drew prominent national figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, C.R. Das, and
many others into their fold. Gandhiji’s unparalleled approach to the working-class movement has
garnered both appreciation and criticism. The distinctive and profound ideas articulated by
Gandhiji—such as non-violence, self-reliance, conciliation, and trusteeship—offered new insights into
the existing workers’ struggle, thus redefining their antagonism. To Gandhiji, labourers were not
merely a component of the production process; rather, he regarded them as one of the strongest pillars
in the nation-building programme, for whom he advocated holistic development. He proudly regarded
himself as a labourer and envisioned the nation’s salvation through their efforts.1
This paper aims to explore Gandhi’s ideals for the holistic development of the workers.

Key Words::Capitalist Structure, Self-reliance, Conciliation, Trusteeship, Nation etc.