The Ahmedabad Mill Strike of 1918 was a significant episode in India’s freedom struggle and marked Mahatma Gandhi’s first hunger strike as a form of protest. The strike was primarily driven by economic grievances of textile mill workers in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and it played a crucial role in shaping Gandhian methods of Satyagraha and non-violent resistance.
Background of the Ahmedabad Mill Strike
The industrial landscape of Ahmedabad in the early 20th century was dominated by textile mills, employing thousands of workers. The plague epidemic of 1917–1918 significantly affected the city, leading to a drastic reduction in the workforce. To retain labor, mill owners introduced a plague bonus, offering additional wages to workers. However, when the epidemic subsided, the employers decided to withdraw the bonus, leading to dissatisfaction among workers.
Key Factors Leading to the Strike
- Plague Epidemic (1917–1918): The outbreak forced mill owners to introduce additional wages as a plague bonus.
- Withdrawal of Plague Bonus: Once the epidemic subsided, mill owners decided to discontinue the bonus, which workers perceived as unfair.
- Demand for 50% Wage Hike: Workers, under the influence of union leaders and social reformers, demanded a 50% increase in wages instead of a return to pre-plague wages.
- Refusal by Mill Owners: The owners were unwilling to accept such a hike, leading to a confrontation between them and the workers.
Gandhiji’s Involvement in the Ahmedabad Mill Strike
Mahatma Gandhi was invited by Ambalal Sarabhai, a prominent industrialist and philanthropist, to intervene in the conflict. However, Sarabhai’s sister, Anasuya Sarabhai, who was actively working for workers' rights, played a crucial role in convincing Gandhi to support the laborers.
Events Leading to the Strike
- February 1918 – Textile mill owners withdraw the plague bonus, causing unrest among workers.
- Workers Demand a 50% Wage Increase – Led by Anasuya Sarabhai, workers begin to push for their demands.
- Gandhiji Mediates – Gandhi steps in to negotiate but fails to bring the mill owners to an agreement.
- Strike Begins – Workers go on strike to demand fair wages.
Gandhi’s Hunger Strike and Its Impact
Seeing the deadlock, Gandhiji went on a hunger strike on March 15, 1918, to put pressure on mill owners. His Satyagraha tactics gained public sympathy, forcing the employers to reconsider their stance.
Key Developments During the Strike
- Support from Workers and Public – Gandhi's fast generated immense support for the striking workers.
- Mill Owners Agree to Arbitration – Facing moral and public pressure, the employers agreed to submit the dispute to a tribunal.
- Tribunal Decision in Favor of Workers – The tribunal ruled in favor of the workers and awarded them a 35% wage hike.
Outcome of the Ahmedabad Mill Strike
- The strike was a major victory for workers, marking one of the earliest instances of Gandhian non-violent resistance in labor disputes.
- 35% Wage Increase – The tribunal awarded a significant wage hike to workers.
- Establishment of the Ahmedabad Textile Labour Association (Majoor Mahajan Sangh) – This became India’s first trade union, ensuring better rights for workers.
Timeline of the Ahmedabad Mill Strike
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Early 1918 | Mill owners withdraw the plague bonus |
| Feb 1918 | Workers demand a 50% wage hike |
| March 1918 | Gandhiji intervenes but negotiations fail |
| March 15, 1918 | Gandhiji begins hunger strike |
| March 18, 1918 | Mill owners agree to arbitration |
| April 1918 | Tribunal rules in favor of workers with a 35% wage hike |
Significance of the Ahmedabad Mill Strike
- It was Gandhiji’s first hunger strike in India, setting a precedent for future movements.
- It marked the beginning of organized labor movements in India.
- It demonstrated the power of non-violent resistance in economic conflicts.
Conclusion
The Ahmedabad Mill Strike of 1918 was a defining moment in India’s labor rights movement and a turning point in Gandhiji’s use of Satyagraha. The success of this protest inspired similar labor movements and strengthened the role of trade unions in colonial India.
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