Author: Sukomal Sen
Publisher: K P Bagchi
Year: 1997
Language: English
Pages: 577
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8170741890
Description
The revolutionary significance of the Indian Working class as a new social force and the great dynamism of its development have hardly ever been evaluated in hitherto published social and political history of India. The present work is a distinguished and erudite contribution in this direction and caters to a long-felt need.
Modern Indian working class was born in a period when India witnessed the transition of her economy from agricultural appendage of imperialist Britain to nascent Industrialism. Further, in India, because of her colonial and feudal exploitation and the non-homogeneous and retarded development of capitalism, the condition of the proletariat was additionally problematic and its establishment as a new class was a tortuous and protracted process. And since the birth, the working class of India had to confront two basic antagonistic forces-an imperialist political rule and economic exploitation both by the native and foreign capitalist classes. Consequently, the Indian trade union movement far from remaining as an economic movement alone, became intertwined with the political struggle for national liberation.
The chapters of the book present an objective and fascinating study of the intricacies and interconnections of these social, economic and political processes and through a galaxy of facts and figures graphically unfold the poignant but magnificient story of the Indian working class beginning from its birth in the 1830’s, its onward march right upto the present times.
The revised and enlarged edition further deals with the effect of on going scientific and technological revolution on the struggle and structure on the working class.
Contents
International Background
Disintegration of Traditional Indian Economy
Development of Capitalist Economy in India and Emergence of the Working Class
Advance of Industrialization and Conditions of Working Class
Emigrant Indian Labour and Plantation Labour
Beginning of Working-Class Movement 1850-1900
Preparatory Phase for Organized Trade Union Movement 1900-14
First World War-Political Awakening of Working Class and Development of Organized Trade Union Movement 1914-20
Foundation of the All India Trade Union Congress 1920
Second Session of the All India Trade Union Congress 1921
First Appearance of Marxian Thought In India and Consolidation of the World Proletariat
Economic Recession-Defensive Struggle of the Working Class 1922-26
Sharpening and Extension of Struggle 1926-29
Organizational Split and Imperialist Onslaught 1929-31
Struggles During World Economic Crisis 1931-36
Sharp Struggles During Provincial Autonomy and on the eve of war 1937-39
Eventful Course of Working-Class Struggles During World War II 1939-45
Last Phase of National Struggle and the Indian Working-Class 1945-47
Trade Unions of Government and over White Collar Employees
Working-Class in the New Perspective 1947 to 1970
Working-Class Struggles Confront Unprecedented Repression from State 1971-77
Diverse Political Scenario and New Vistas of Working-Class Struggles 1977-1984
Sharpening of Economic Crisis and Mounting Working-Class Resistance 1985-1990
New Situation-Problems and Prospects
INDEX