RRB Group D GK GS Gandhian Era (1919-1947): Key Movements, Events & Leaders

The Gandhian Era (1919–1947) is a key topic in RRB Group D GK/GS, covering the crucial phase of India’s freedom struggle. Questions often focus on movements, leaders, events, acts, slogans, and committees, making it a high-scoring area. This period includes Gandhi’s rise as a mass leader and major movements like Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, Quit India, along with significant events such as Jallianwala Bagh, Dandi March, Poona Pact, and Government of India Act, 1935. 

Mastery of this topic helps aspirants tackle direct, one-liner, and statement-based questions, building a strong foundation in the Indian National Movement and boosting confidence in the General Studies section.

Gandhi's Arrival and Early Activities in India

Mahatma Gandhi returned to India on January 9, 1915, a day now celebrated as Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. His political mentor, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, advised him to first understand India's diverse social and political landscape. Gandhi's spiritual mentor was Raichandra.

Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, Gandhi's birth anniversary is observed globally as the International Day of Non-Violence. His work was rooted in the principles of Non-violence (Ahimsa) and Truth (Satya). Upon his return, he established the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, which served as his operational base. Before 1915, he established the Tolstoy Farm in South Africa and worked against racism, inspired by Leo Tolstoy.

Initial Satyagraha Movements (1917-1918)

Following his return, Gandhi led three crucial local movements, applying his Satyagraha philosophy:

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• RRB Group D GK GS Directive Principles of State Policy
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Key Events of 1919

The year 1919 was marked by significant legislative changes and pivotal events that intensified the freedom struggle.

The Rowlatt Act

This legislation, dubbed the "Black Law" or "Black Act," granted British authorities sweeping powers to imprison individuals without trial, suspending the right of habeas corpus. It was criticized as a law with "no appeal, no daleel (argument), no vakeel (lawyer)." In protest, Gandhi launched the Rowlatt Satyagraha on April 6, 1919.

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (Amritsar)

A peaceful assembly gathered at Jallianwala Bagh on Baisakhi to protest the Rowlatt Act and the arrest of local leaders Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr. Satya Pal. General Dyer ordered troops to open fire on the unarmed crowd, resulting in numerous casualties. Martial law was subsequently imposed in Punjab.

• British Inquiry: The Hunter Committee, formed by the British, significantly downplayed the death toll. General Dyer was later honored in Britain.

• Indian Inquiry: Indian leaders established the Tahkikat Committee to investigate the actual losses and advocate for compensation.

• Protests: In defiance, Rabindranath Tagore renounced his Knighthood, and Mahatma Gandhi returned his Kaiser-i-Hind medal.

The Khilafat Movement

Led by the Ali Brothers (Mohammad Ali and Shaukat Ali), this movement saw Indian Muslims protesting the British decision to depose the Caliph of Turkey following World War I. Despite British "Divide and Rule" tactics, the movement fostered strong Hindu-Muslim unity. Gandhi supported it as a broader anti-British effort.

The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922)

Emerging from the unity forged during the Khilafat Movement, the Non-Cooperation Movement launched in 1920 marked the first mass movement on a national scale. It involved widespread participation from all sections of society, including lawyers, students, and women. The core strategy involved boycotting British goods, institutions like schools, colleges, and courts, echoing the earlier Swadeshi Movement (1905).

The movement was abruptly withdrawn by Gandhi after the Chauri Chaura incident on February 4-5, 1922. In Gorakhpur, UP, protestors set a police station on fire, killing several policemen. Gandhi, upholding his principle of non-violence, called off the movement and was subsequently arrested.

Post-Non-Cooperation Developments (1922-1929)

The period following the Non-Cooperation Movement saw new strategies and intensified revolutionary activities.

Formation of the Swaraj Party (1923)

After the movement's suspension, leaders like C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru formed the Swaraj Party. Their objective was to contest elections and enter legislative councils to obstruct British policies from within.

The Simon Commission (1927-1928)

A British commission was sent to India to propose constitutional reforms. It faced strong opposition due to the complete absence of Indian members, leading to the popular slogan "Simon Go Back." During protests against the commission, Lala Lajpat Rai was fatally injured by police action.

Revolutionary Activities

The Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) was founded by revolutionaries including Chandrashekhar Azad, Bhagat Singh, and Rajguru. In 1929, Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt threw a bomb in the Central Legislative Assembly, aiming to "make the deaf hear." On March 23, 1931, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru were executed by the British.

The Civil Disobedience Movement and Related Events (1930-1932)

This phase witnessed a renewed push for independence through civil disobedience, spearheaded by Gandhi.

Dandi March (Salt Satyagraha)

On March 12, 1930, Gandhi commenced the Dandi March from Sabarmati Ashram to the coastal village of Dandi. This act of breaking the British salt law, which imposed a tax and monopoly on salt production, initiated the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Round Table Conferences (1930-1932)

Three conferences were held in London to deliberate on constitutional reforms for India. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar attended all three. Gandhi participated only in the Second Round Table Conference after the signing of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact.

Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931)

This agreement between Gandhi and Viceroy Lord Irwin was signed before the Second Round Table Conference. During this period, Gandhi famously stated: "Gandhi may die, but Gandhism will live forever."

Poona Pact (1932)

An agreement between Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi, signed at Yerwada Jail in Poona. It resolved the dispute over separate electorates for the "Depressed Classes" (Harijans), instead providing for reserved seats for Harijans within the general electorate.

The Final Phase Towards Independence (1935-1947)

The final decade leading to independence involved significant political reforms and intensified mass movements.

Government of India Act, 1935

This comprehensive legislation became a significant source for the future Constitution of India.

Individual Satyagraha (1940)

Launched in response to the British "August Offer," this movement involved individual protests.

Quit India Movement (1942)

This was the last great mass movement led by Gandhi, who issued the famous call to "Do or Die." Prominent female leaders like Aruna Asaf Ali and Usha Mehta played crucial roles. The British responded with Operation Zero Hour, arresting major leaders to suppress the movement.

The Path to Independence

• Cripps Mission (1942): Its proposals for India's future were rejected by Indian leaders.

• Cabinet Mission (1946): Arrived in India to plan the transfer of power.

• Indian Independence (1947): India finally achieved independence on August 15, 1947.