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Indian National Movement

Category: GS-1 (Modern History, Indian Society, Freedom Struggle)

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1. Introduction

The Indian National Movement was a sustained struggle by Indian people from the mid-19th century until 1947 to overthrow British colonial rule and attain political freedom. This movement was a combination of political, social, economic, and cultural resistance which profoundly shaped modern India. Understanding this movement is essential for UPSC Prelims and Mains (GS-1 and GS-2), especially for topics related to history, polity, and ethics.

2. Historical Background

British dominance began with the Battle of Plassey (1757), when the East India Company gained control over Bengal. The Company's rule later transitioned to direct British Crown control after the Revolt of 1857, which marked India’s first large-scale rebellion against colonial rule, often called India’s First War of Independence. Though it was suppressed, the revolt planted the seeds for organized nationalist movements. The late 19th century saw the rise of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885, initially as a forum for dialogue and reform.

3. Causes of the National Movement

1. Economic Exploitation
   British policies drained India’s wealth via land revenue systems like the Permanent Settlement and the Ryotwari system, and imposed tariffs that destroyed Indian industries. Famines were frequent due to economic neglect.
2. Political Oppression
   Indians were excluded from governance and faced racial discrimination. The British passed repressive laws such as the Rowlatt Act (1919) which allowed detention without trial.
3. Social and Cultural Awakening
   The rise of reformist movements (e.g., Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj) and western education created political consciousness and demanded reforms.
4. Influence of Global Events
   The success of the American and French revolutions, and later the impact of World Wars, especially the first, fueled Indian aspirations for self-rule.
5. Growth of Nationalism
   Early leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji highlighted the “Drain Theory” showing economic exploitation, while others like Bal Gangadhar Tilak promoted assertive nationalism.

4. Key Phases & Movements of the Indian National Movement

Phase/Movement	Period	Description
Moderate Phase	1885–1905	Leaders used petitions, dialogues, and constitutional reforms to press demands. Focus was on loyalty and gradual reforms. Key figures: Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale.
Extremist Phase	1905–1919	Assertive nationalism emerged with calls for Swadeshi (boycott of foreign goods) and more direct action. Leaders: Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, Lala Lajpat Rai.
Gandhian Phase	1919–1947	Mass movements based on non-violence and civil disobedience. Major campaigns: Non-Cooperation (1920), Civil Disobedience (1930), Quit India Movement (1942).

Important Movements in Detail

• Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922)

  Initiated by Mahatma Gandhi after the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919) and disappointment with the Khilafat & Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms.

  • Objective: Peaceful refusal to cooperate with British rule.
  • Features: Boycott of British institutions, law courts, foreign goods, and titles.
  • Events:
    • Students left government schools and colleges (e.g., Jamia Millia Islamia founded).
    • Lawyers like Motilal Nehru gave up practice.
    • Chauri Chaura Incident (1922): Protest turned violent; Gandhi called off the movement.
  • Leaders: Gandhi, Ali Brothers, C.R. Das, Motilal Nehru

• Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–1934)

  Marked by the iconic Dandi March, it was Gandhi’s response to British salt laws.

  • Launch: Gandhi’s 240-mile march from Sabarmati to Dandi (March-April 1930).
  • Demands: Abolition of salt tax, land revenue reduction, and civil liberties.
  • Events:
    • Participation of women like Sarojini Naidu, Kasturba Gandhi.
    • Boycotts, picketing, and tax refusal became widespread.
    • Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931): Gandhi agreed to attend the Second Round Table Conference.
  • Leaders: Gandhi, Nehru, Sardar Patel, Sarojini Naidu

• Quit India Movement (1942)

  Launched during WWII on 8 August 1942 by the All India Congress Committee.

  • Slogan: “Do or Die”.
  • Immediate Impact: Mass arrests; Congress declared unlawful.
  • Events:
    • Parallel governments set up in Ballia, Tamluk, Satara.
    • Widespread strikes, sabotage, and underground resistance.
    • Participation by students, peasants, women.
  • Leaders: Gandhi, Aruna Asaf Ali, J.P. Narayan, Ram Manohar Lohia

• Revolutionary Movements

  Advocated armed struggle against British imperialism – mainly youth-driven underground organizations.

  • Groups:
    • HSRA – Hindustan Socialist Republican Association
    • Anushilan Samiti, Ghadar Party
  • Key Events:
    • Kakori Train Robbery (1925): Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan
    • Assembly Bomb Case (1929): Bhagat Singh, Batukeshwar Dutt
    • Death of Saunders (1928): Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev avenged Lala Lajpat Rai’s death.
  • Famous Figures: Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Rajguru, Sukhdev, Batukeshwar Dutt

5. Notable Leaders

Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948)

Regarded as the Father of the Nation, Gandhi pioneered the philosophy of Satyagraha—a method of non-violent resistance. His leadership in the Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, and Quit India Movement was crucial in India's struggle for independence.

Jawaharlal Nehru (1889–1964)

The first Prime Minister of independent India, Nehru was a key architect of modern India. He emphasized scientific temper, secularism, and socialist principles while laying the foundation of parliamentary democracy.

Subhas Chandra Bose (1897–1945?)

A prominent nationalist leader who advocated armed struggle against British rule. He founded the Indian National Army (INA) and inspired many with the slogan, “Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom.”

Bal Gangadhar Tilak (1856–1920)

Known as ‘Lokmanya’, Tilak was an assertive nationalist who championed the Swadeshi movement and popularized Ganapati and Shivaji festivals to awaken national consciousness.

Rani Lakshmibai (1828–1858)

The Queen of Jhansi and a leading figure of the 1857 Revolt, she is remembered for her courage and leadership in armed resistance against British colonial forces.

6. Outcomes & Impact

• India became independent on 15 August 1947.
• The movement dismantled British imperialism and inspired democratic, secular, and federal polity.
• Introduced new values of non-violence, civil rights, and mass participation in politics.
• Laid foundation for India's Constitution and social reforms.
• Helped end exploitative economic policies and fostered industrial and agricultural development post-independence.

7. Relevance for UPSC

• GS-1: Indian Freedom Struggle, role of leaders, ideological evolution.
• GS-2: Influence on constitutional values like liberty, equality, federalism.
• Ethics: Gandhi's values of non-violence, truth, leadership integrity.

8. Interactive MCQs for Revision

Q1. Who gave the slogan “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it”?

Mahatma Gandhi
Subhas Chandra Bose
Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Lala Lajpat Rai

Submit

Q2. The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched as a reaction to which event?

Simon Commission
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
Chauri Chaura Incident
Second Round Table Conference

Submit

9. Summary

• The Indian National Movement was a long, multifaceted struggle against British colonial rule spanning nearly a century.
• It evolved through various phases: Moderate, Extremist, and Gandhian mass movements, each with distinctive methods and leadership.
• It combined political, economic, social, and cultural factors and was influenced by global events.
• The movement laid the foundation of India’s modern democratic polity, economic reforms, and ethical governance.
• Key leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, Tilak, and Bose shaped India’s fight for independence and its future trajectory.