Explain how Gandhiji’s mass appeal was undoubtedly genuine in the context of Indian politics and how it contributed to his success in broadening the basis of nationalism.
Gandhiji had brought a great transformation in the Indian nationalism. He gave it a mass base. When Gandhiji came to India from South Africa, nationalism in India was a movement of professionals and intellectuals. But Gandhiji ensured the involvement and participation of peasants, workers, and artisans rather than standing aloof from the common people, Mahatma Gandhi identified himself with them. He lived like the common people. He wore a simple dhoti or lion-cloth and also worked on a Charkha (spinning- wheel). He also encouraged other nationalists to do the same. He did all these things to strengthen the nationalist movement in India. Mahatma Gandhi had a mass appeal. He broadened the basis of nationalism in Indian politics. For this, he took up the following steps:He suggested the Indian National Congress set up its new branches in various parts of the country. He suggested the establishment of a series of Praja Mandals to promote the nationalist creed in the princely states. He did not use the language of the rulers and conveyed his message in the mother tongue. Thus, Gandhiji took nationalism to the distant corners of the country. He broadened its base to include all social groups. He also strengthened it so that it could be the path to achieve complete independence from the colonial rule.
