The Khadi movement, an integral part of Mahatma Gandhi’s constructive programme, became a powerful symbol of swadeshi, self-reliance, and resistance to British economic domination. Assam played a significant role in this movement, especially after Gandhi’s visit in 1921.
Gandhi’s Visit to Assam (1921)
- Gandhi visited Assam in 1921 during the Non-Cooperation Movement.
- He was deeply impressed by the weaving skills of Assamese women and praised them in Young India: “Every woman of Assam is a born weaver… And she weaves fairy tales in cloth.”
- His visit galvanized public interest in khadi and swadeshi.
Institutional Developments
- The Assam Khadi Board was established and later restructured with Krishna Nath Sarmah as its Secretary.
- Despite political disturbances, Congress-led local committees implemented khadi-related programmes:
- One khaddar depot in each district was established.
- Khadi centres came up in Barpeta, Guwahati, Nagaon, Barakathani, Dergaon, Chelenghat, Charing, Kakatigaon, and Chaungi.
Key Leaders and Events
- Krishna Nath Sarmah was a pivotal figure; he was arrested for Non-Cooperation involvement and released in 1922.
- Post-Chauri Chaura (1922), with the withdrawal of the movement, focus shifted to constructive work:
- Promotion of khadi
- National education
- Hindu-Muslim unity
- Campaign against untouchability
Khadi Exhibition and Expansion (1923)
- Under Kuladhar Chaliha, Rohinikanta Hatibaruah, and K.N. Sarmah, a khadi exhibition was held in 1923.
- It emphasized khadi’s role in swaraj and self-reliance.
- The exhibition earned ₹1500, highlighting public support.
National Integration and Coordination
- In 1925, Sarmah and Sankarlal Baruah represented Assam at the Patna meeting of Provincial Khadi Boards.
- They met Sankarlal Banker, Secretary of the All India Khadi Board, who advised vigorous implementation in Assam.
Support from National Leaders
- All India Spinners’ Association was formed by Gandhi to coordinate khadi production nationwide.
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad visited Assam to inspect khadi progress.
- Impressed by local efforts, he recommended increased financial support for the Assam Khadi Board.
1926 Congress Session at Guwahati
- Congress session was held under a khadi pavilion — a landmark event in Assam’s khadi history.
- The entire venue was made of Pure Assam Khadi, prompting Gandhi to say: “The city was under khadi canvas.”
- This symbolic act strengthened Assam’s khadi identity.
Civil Disobedience Movement (1930)
- The momentum gained during the 1920s translated into mass support for khadi during the 1930 Civil Disobedience Movement.
- Assam continued to play a vital role in the khadi campaign and broader national movement.
Conclusion
The khadi revolution in Assam was not merely a symbolic act but a well-organized grassroots movement, integrating local craftsmanship, political ideology, and constructive nationalism. Through leaders like Krishna Nath Sarmah and mass participation, Assam became a shining example of regional contribution to the national freedom struggle through khadi.
Keywords for Answer Writing
- Constructive Programme
- Non-Cooperation Movement
- Gandhi’s Assam Visit 1921
- Krishna Nath Sarmah
- Assam Khadi Board
- All India Spinners’ Association
- 1926 Congress Session Guwahati
- Civil Disobedience Movement Assam
Course Purchase Query 