How would you explain the transformation of Indian nationalism from its narrow social base into a mass movement under Gandhi?

If we use Rao's work as an example of this transformation,
the answer would lie in the recognition that Indian independence is both a political and
spiritual quest.  The presence of Gandhi's ideas helped to bring about a watershed
moment in the consciousness of the Indian nation.  While there was a generally shared
consensus that Indian independence from the British was needed, the message that
followed this was murky, at best.  Gandhi ends up providing the clarity to such a
message in his assertion that the liberation from the British is not the foundation of
the struggle.  Rather, he argues, the struggle must be on an ethical/ moral or spiritual
level.  It is this type of transcendent claim that allows the movement of Indian
nationalism to become a broad one.  In Gandhi's mind, the idea of stratification or
discrimination, practices employed by the British, is no different whether an Indian or
an Anglo is perpetrating it.  This causes more people to be brought into the movement,
helping to make the transformation into a mass movement.  For example, examine the women
in Rao's story.  It is only through Gandhi/ Moorthy that they are incorporated as a
vital part of the movement.  It is they who resume the struggle and fight when their men
flee into the jungle.  This is only possible because Gandhi saw that the moral or
ethical transformation of individuals ends up broadening the movement to become one of
human rights, not merely political entitlements.  Given the caste system and tradition
bound edicts that silenced many, this helps to widen the drive for independence,
bringing about a certain unity to millions of Indians.  It is this transcendent call to
action, reciprocal against both aggressor and victim, that ends up widening the call for
independence, bringing more people into the fold.