Indian National Movements, History, Importance, Struggles

Indian National Movements: The Indian National Movement was a big moment in India's history when people joined together to fight against British rule. Before this, different areas in India tried to resist on their own, but it was hard to stand up to the British alone. India looked more like a bunch of separate places instead of one country.

Indian National Movements Overview

Indian National Movements Phases

1. Moderate Phase (1885-1905): Seeking Representation

Leadership: People like Dadabhai Naoroji and Gopal Krishna Gokhale were important leaders.

Objective: They wanted more say for Indians within the British Empire, but not full independence yet. They believed in using peaceful ways to ask for reforms.

Key Features:

• Indian National Congress (INC) was formed in 1885.
• They asked for more Indians in the government and civil service.
• They focused on fixing economic and social issues.
• They mainly used petitions and talks with the British to get what they wanted.

2. Extremist Phase (1905-1919): Pushing for Full Self-Government

Leadership: Leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Lala Lajpat Rai became important.

Objective: They wanted full self-government, not just more representation. They used bold actions to protest British rule.

Key Features:

• The split of Bengal in 1905 led to big protests.
• They encouraged people to stop cooperating with the British and to boycott foreign goods.
• They pushed for more cultural pride and self-reliance.

3. Gandhian Phase (1919-1947): Fighting Non-Violently for Independence

Leadership: Mahatma Gandhi was the main leader, along with Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Patel.

Objective: They wanted complete freedom from British rule. Gandhi led the way with his idea of non-violence.

Key Features:

• They had big movements like the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922) and the Quit India Movement (1942).
• Gandhi encouraged people to resist peacefully and to make their own clothes (Khadi).
• Finally, after World War II, India got independence on August 15, 1947.

Indian National Movements List

Indian National Movements Details

• Revolt of 1857 (Sepoy Mutiny): It was a widespread uprising against British rule, sparked by various grievances including the use of rifle cartridges greased with pig and cow fat, which offended religious sensibilities. Although it was suppressed by the British, it marked a significant shift in Indian attitudes towards colonial rule.
• Partition of Bengal: The British government divided Bengal in 1905 for administrative convenience, but it also had the ulterior motive of creating divisions among Bengali Hindus and Muslims to weaken the growing nationalist movement. This led to widespread protests and the emergence of the Swadeshi Movement.
• Swadeshi Movement: This movement, which started in 1905, aimed to promote Indian goods and boycott British products as a way of protesting against British rule and supporting Indian industries. It was a response to the Partition of Bengal and became a significant part of the nationalist movement.
• Formation of Muslim League: Established in 1906, the Muslim League initially aimed to protect the political rights of Muslims in India and ensure their representation in the Indian political system. Over time, it became a key player in the movement for Pakistan.
• Gadar Party Movement: Formed in 1913 by Indian expatriates in North America, the Gadar Party aimed to overthrow British colonial rule in India. It was involved in revolutionary activities and played a significant role in the struggle for independence.
• Home Rule Movement: Led by Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak from 1916 to 1918, the Home Rule Movement sought self-rule and self-governance for India within the British Empire. It helped in unifying moderate and extremist factions within the nationalist movement.
• Champaran Satyagraha: In 1917, Mahatma Gandhi led the Champaran Satyagraha, a protest against the forced indigo cultivation by British landlords in Champaran, Bihar. It was one of Gandhi's first successful experiments with nonviolent resistance.
• Rowlatt Act: Passed in 1919, the Rowlatt Act allowed the British government to jail suspects without trial, leading to widespread protests and the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.
• Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: In 1919, British troops fired on a peaceful gathering of protesters in Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, killing hundreds of unarmed civilians. This brutal incident fueled further resentment against British rule.
• Non-Cooperation Movement: Launched by Gandhi in 1920, the Non-Cooperation Movement aimed to boycott British goods, institutions, and services as a means of nonviolent resistance against colonial rule.
• Civil Disobedience Movement: Following the Non-Cooperation Movement, the Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930 aimed to challenge British laws and taxes through nonviolent civil disobedience.
• Quit India Movement: Gandhi's call for the British to "Quit India" in 1942 led to widespread protests and civil disobedience across the country, marking a significant moment in the struggle for independence.
• Partition of India: In 1947, British India was divided into two separate nations, India and Pakistan, based on religious lines, leading to widespread violence and displacement.

Indian National Movements Factors Responsible

1. Unity in Diversity: Despite diverse cultures and languages, Indians felt united under British rule, creating a sense of nationalism.
2. Improved Transport and Communication: Roads and railways built by the British allowed people and ideas to move freely, spreading the message of freedom.
3. Growth of Press: Newspapers and publications helped educate people about the freedom struggle and connect activists across the country.
4. Repressive Policies: Laws like the Vernacular Press Act restricted freedom of expression, sparking anger and resistance.
5. Racial Discrimination: British authorities treated Indians unfairly, leading to resentment and a desire for equality.
6. Inspiration from Abroad: Indians drew inspiration from other countries' struggles for freedom, shaping their own movement.
7. Economic Exploitation: British policies exploited Indian resources, fueling the desire for economic independence.

Indian National Movements Centers

1. Mumbai: A center for nationalist leaders and Congress sessions.
2. Kolkata: Another hub for nationalist activities and home to influential leaders.
3. Delhi: Witnessed key events like King George V's coronation and became India's capital.
4. Ahmedabad: Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram was a base for nonviolent movements.
5. Lucknow, Nagpur, Lahore, Champaran, Amritsar, Dandi, Jhansi: All played significant roles in various movements and protests during the struggle for independence.