Q. In 1920, which of the following changed its name to "Swarajya Sabha"? (UPSC Prelims 2018)
Answer:
All India Home Rule League
Notes: The correct answer is
[A] All India Home Rule League. This change occurred during a pivotal transition in the Indian National Movement when Mahatma Gandhi assumed a leadership role within the organization.
- All India Home Rule League (Statement A – Correct): In 1920, Mahatma Gandhi was elected the President of the All India Home Rule League. Under his influence, the organization adopted a new constitution and changed its name to Swarajya Sabha (meaning "Association for Self-Rule"). This reflected the shifting goal of the movement from "Home Rule" under the British Empire to the broader concept of Swaraj (complete self-rule). Shortly after, the Sabha was merged into the Indian National Congress to strengthen the Non-Cooperation Movement.
- Hindu Mahasabha (Option B – Incorrect): Founded in 1915 by Madan Mohan Malaviya and others, this organization aimed to protect the rights of the Hindu community. It did not change its name to Swarajya Sabha; its focus remained on communal and cultural identity.
- South Indian Liberal Federation (Option C – Incorrect): Popularly known as the Justice Party, this group was founded in 1916 in Madras to represent the interests of non-Brahmins. It eventually evolved into the Dravidar Kazhagam and did not adopt the name Swarajya Sabha.
- The Servants of India Society (Option D – Incorrect): Founded by Gopal Krishna Gokhale in 1905, this society aimed to train "national missionaries" for the service of India. It maintained its original name and identity throughout its existence, focusing primarily on social and educational reforms.
Historically, the transformation of the Home Rule League into the Swarajya Sabha marked the end of the "Moderate" and "Extremist" phases of the Congress and the beginning of the "Gandhian Era," where mass mobilization became the primary strategy for independence.