Sarojini Naidu and Women's Role in Indian Freedom Movement

The question asks about the specific movement where Sarojini Naidu played a key role in convincing Mahatma Gandhi to allow women's participation. Understanding the historical context of India's freedom struggle is crucial to answer this.

Analyzing the Options

Let's examine each option to determine its relevance:

• Quit India Movement: Launched in 1942, this was a major movement, and women participated actively. However, Sarojini Naidu's specific persuasion regarding women joining the movement is more prominently associated with an earlier campaign.
• Champaran Satyagraha: This movement in 1917 was one of Gandhi's earliest in India. While important, it primarily focused on indigo planters' issues and the scale and nature of women's participation were different compared to later mass movements.
• Salt Satyagraha: Also known as the Dandi March, this movement started in 1930. It was a landmark civil disobedience campaign against the British salt tax. Women were initially hesitant to join the march itself in large numbers due to Gandhi's reservations about their physical strain and potential mistreatment. However, prominent leaders, including Sarojini Naidu, strongly advocated for women's full inclusion in the broader Salt Satyagraha activities, such as picketing, manufacturing salt, and participating in processions.
• Non-Cooperation Movement: This movement took place from 1920 to 1922. Women did participate, but the question focuses on Sarojini Naidu's specific act of persuading Gandhi for their inclusion in a particular movement, which is most famously linked to the Salt Satyagraha.

Sarojini Naidu's Role in Salt Satyagraha

During the planning and execution of the Salt Satyagraha (Dandi March) in 1930, there were discussions about the extent of women's participation. While Gandhi allowed women like Sarojini Naidu to accompany him on the march itself, their role in the initial walking contingent was limited. However, Sarojini Naidu and other women leaders pressed for greater involvement in the civil disobedience activities that followed the march. They argued that women were equally capable and committed to the cause and should not be excluded. Sarojini Naidu was a vocal advocate for women's rights and their role in the national movement. Her persuasion was significant in opening up wider participation avenues for women during the Salt Satyagraha.

Following the Dandi March, when Gandhi was arrested, Sarojini Naidu actually led the raid on the Dharasana Salt Works, demonstrating women's courage and leadership in the movement.

Conclusion

Based on historical accounts, Sarojini Naidu's key role in persuading Mahatma Gandhi to fully allow women to join the mainstream civil disobedience movement, particularly in direct action like salt manufacturing and picketing, is most strongly associated with the Salt Satyagraha.

Revision Table: Key Movements and Sarojini Naidu

Additional Information: Women in Indian Freedom Struggle

Women played a vital and often understated role in India's struggle for independence. They participated in various capacities:

• Active Protest: Joining marches, picketing, and civil disobedience actions.
• Leadership: Leading movements and organizations (e.g., Annie Besant, Sarojini Naidu, Sucheta Kripalani, Aruna Asaf Ali).
• Support Roles: Providing shelter, resources, and communication support to revolutionaries and freedom fighters.
• Constructive Work: Engaging in Khadi promotion, national education, and social reform.

Sarojini Naidu, known as the "Nightingale of India," was not just a poet but a formidable political leader who actively campaigned for women's rights and their indispensable role in the national movement.