Introduction – The Rise of Nationalism in India

• Before the 1870s, Indians mostly accepted British rule, but gradually, they started questioning it.
• Nationalism developed as Indians united against British exploitation.
• People started demanding political rights, economic reforms, and self-rule (Swaraj).

Reasons for the Growth of Nationalism

• Economic hardship – British policies ruined Indian industries.
• Racial discrimination – British officials treated Indians as inferior.
• Awareness through education – English-educated Indians learned about democracy and freedom.
• Newspapers and literature – Spread nationalist ideas.

The Birth of the Indian National Congress (1885)

• The Indian National Congress (INC) was formed in 1885 to unite Indians and demand reforms.
• A.O. Hume, a retired British officer, helped in its formation.
• The first INC session was held in Bombay (Mumbai) in 1885, presided over by W.C. Bonnerjee.

Early Demands of the Congress (Moderate Phase: 1885–1905)

• More Indians in government jobs.
• Reduction in land revenue taxes.
• Freedom of speech and press.
• Protection of Indian industries.

The Rise of Extremists – Demand for Swaraj (1905–1919)

• Many Indians felt the INC was too slow in fighting against British rule.
• A new group of leaders, called Extremists, demanded complete independence (Swaraj).

Leaders of the Extremist Phase

• Bal Gangadhar Tilak – “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it!”
• Bipin Chandra Pal – Advocated Swadeshi and mass protests.
• Lala Lajpat Rai – Led protests against British rule in Punjab.

Partition of Bengal (1905) and Swadeshi Movement

• Lord Curzon divided Bengal in 1905 to weaken nationalism.
• Indians launched the Swadeshi Movement, boycotting British goods and promoting Indian-made products.
• Universities, industries, and banks were set up to promote self-reliance.

The First World War and Its Impact on India (1914–1918)

• The British forced Indians to fight in World War I, promising reforms in return.
• Indians expected self-rule after the war, but the British introduced harsh laws instead.

The Rowlatt Act (1919)

• Allowed arrest without trial.
• Banned political meetings and protests.

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (April 13, 1919)

• General Dyer ordered open fire on unarmed protesters in Amritsar.
• Over 1,000 people were killed.
• This event shocked the entire nation and increased opposition to British rule.

Mahatma Gandhi and the Mass Movements

• Gandhi returned to India in 1915 and introduced Satyagraha (nonviolent resistance).
• He mobilized people across India through mass movements.

Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922)

• Indians boycotted British goods, schools, and services.
• Khadi (handwoven cloth) was promoted to support local industries.
• British offices, courts, and institutions were boycotted.
• The movement was called off after violence at Chauri Chaura (1922).

Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–1934)

• Gandhi launched the Salt Satyagraha (Dandi March) in 1930, breaking British salt laws.
• Indians refused to pay taxes and stopped following British rules.
• The British were forced to negotiate with Indian leaders.

Quit India Movement (1942)

• Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement with the slogan “Do or Die”.
• Indians demanded immediate independence.
• The British arrested thousands, including Gandhi and Nehru.
• The movement weakened British control and made them realize they could no longer rule India.

Role of Revolutionary Leaders and Parallel Struggles

Apart from Gandhi, many revolutionaries fought for independence using armed struggle.

Bhagat Singh and the Revolutionaries

• Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, and Rajguru attacked British officials.
• 1929: Bhagat Singh threw bombs in the Central Assembly.
• He was hanged in 1931, becoming a martyr for India.

Subhas Chandra Bose and the Indian National Army (INA)

• Bose believed in armed struggle against the British.
• Formed the Azad Hind Fauj (INA) in 1943.
• INA fought against the British in Burma and Northeast India.
• Bose’s slogan: “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom!”

India’s Independence and Partition (1947)

• The British realized they could not control India anymore.
• Lord Mountbatten was sent to discuss India’s independence.
• Due to religious tensions, India was divided into two nations – India and Pakistan.

The Indian Independence Act (1947)

• India and Pakistan became independent on August 15, 1947.
• Jawaharlal Nehru became the first Prime Minister of India.
• Pakistan was created as a separate Muslim state.

The Legacy of the Freedom Struggle

• India’s freedom struggle inspired other colonies to fight for independence.
• Democracy and secularism became the foundations of independent India.
• Gandhi’s principles of nonviolence influenced global leaders like Martin Luther King Jr.

Conclusion

• Nationalism grew in India due to British exploitation.
• The Indian National Congress was formed in 1885 to demand reforms.
• Extremists like Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bipin Chandra Pal demanded complete independence.
• Gandhi led mass movements like Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, and Quit India.
• Revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh and Subhas Chandra Bose fought against British rule.
• India became independent in 1947, but the country was partitioned.