India's Struggle for Freedom Flashcards

Flashcards based on the lecture notes about the India's Struggle for Freedom. The flashcards are in a vocabulary style.

Modern Indian nationalism

Arose to meet the challenge of foreign domination as a reaction to the oppressive and exploitative nature of British rule.

Kuka Rebellion

A rebellion of the Sikhs under Guru Ram Singh against the British policy of creating a rift between Hindus and Muslims in Punjab.

Nationalism

A patriotic feeling of love and loyalty for one's country born out of common history, culture, territory, and economic and political goals.

Impact of the Revolt of 1857

It shook the very foundations of British presence in India

Western Education and Modern Ideas

Opened the floodgates of modern knowledge and rational thinking, transforming the traditional outlook of the people.

The English Language

Acted as a link between the educated Indians from various parts of the country

Common Code of Law and Administrative Unity

Indirectly created conditions for the growth of nationalism in India by transforming a fragmented India into a united whole.

Modern Transport and Communication System

Strengthened the sense of unity and nationalism by increasing social mobility and interaction.

Rediscovery of India's Glorious Past

Instilled in the Indians feelings of national pride and self-confidence and inspired them to dream of a new resurgent India.

Socio-Religious Reformers

Rejuvenated Indian society, instilled in people a pride in their Indian identity, and prepared the ground for the growth of the national spirit.

Vernacular Press and Literature

Played a vital role in spreading modern ideas and creating national awareness by criticizing British policies and exposing the evils of foreign rule.

Economic Exploitation

Transformed India into an agricultural colony, a supplier of raw materials, and a market for British manufactured products.

Racial Arrogance and Racial Discrimination of British Rulers

Fueled a nationalistic reaction due to the racial arrogance and discrimination of British rulers.

Repressive Policies of Lord Lytton

Caused great resentment among the educated Indians due to discriminatory policies.

The Vernacular Press Act

Curbed the liberty of the Indian press, depriving people of their basic right to freedom of speech and expression.

The Arms Act

Prevented Indians from owning and carrying weapons without a license, while exempting Europeans.

Reduction in Age for ICS Examination

Reduced the chances of Indian candidates joining the civil services.

The Ilbert Bill Controversy

Allowed Indian judges to try Europeans accused of crimes, leading to violent reactions and highlighting racial arrogance.

The Indian National Congress

Expressed the national aspirations of the Indian people and was established in 1885.

Kukas

Were the followers of Guru Ram Singh who tried to overthrow British rule in Punjab.

Indologists

People who researched India's historical past and revealed its rich heritage.

Discriminatory policies

Were adopted by the British in dealing with the Indians at the social, political and economic levels.

Ilbert Bill

Allowed Indian judges to try Europeans accused of crime.

Early nationalists

Were the nationalist leaders who led the Congress in its initial years.

Assertive nationalists

Were the leaders of the Congress who believed in the radical method of active opposition to the British government.

Swaraj

Means self-rule. It refers to the end of foreign rule.

Partition of Bengal

Was done in 1905 by Lord Curzon on communal lines, destroying the unity between the Hindus and the Muslims.

Boycott of foreign goods

Refers to the refusal to use British goods.

Swadeshi

Means the use of indigenous goods, i.e. goods produced and made in India.

Muslim League

Served as a political platform for upper-class Muslims.

Separate electorates

Refer to the voting population of the country, divided into different electorates based on factors like religion, caste, occupation, etc.

Home Rule Leagues

Were formed under Tilak and Annie Besant with the aim to achieve self-government within the British.

The Lucknow Pact

Was signed between the Muslim League and the Congress in 1916, regarding a joint scheme of political reforms in India.

Milestones

Government of India Act, 1919, or the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms, provided for Dual Government in the provinces, severely restricted the right to vote, enlarged the Provincial Legislative Councils and the Governor General remained answerable to the Secretary of State.

Emergence of Mahatma Gandhi

Fought against racial discrimination in South Africa and returned to India in 1915, and protested using satyagraha.

Satyagraha

Was a non-violent way of protesting where the suffering and patience of the satyagrahi would bring about change of heartin the enemy.

Harijan

Means children of God and was the name given by Gandhiji to the 'untouchables'.

Rowlatt Act

empowered the government to arrest and imprison people without any warrant or trial for any length of time.

Hartal

Means to go on a strike in protest of something.

Jallianwala Bagh massacre

Took place on 13 April 1919 when General Dyer opened fire on the peaceful gathering in the Bagh killing thousands of people.

Non-Cooperation Movement

Was launched by Gandhiji in 1920, and the ultimate goal was the attainment of swaraj by peaceful and legitimate means.

Chauri Chaura

Is a village in Uttar Pradesh where a procession of peasants were fired upon by the police in 1922.

Civil Disobedience Movement

Was a form of non-cooperation involving the breaking of government laws.

Dandi March

Was a historical march of Gandhiji from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi and symbolized defiance of the salt law.

Cripps Mission

Was sent in 1942 when the British faced the threat of Japanese attack

Quit India Resolution

Resolution was passed by the Congress in 1942, emphasizing its demand for the end of British rule in India.

Indian National Army

The army under the supreme commandership of Subhash Chandra Bose was ready to lay down its life for the liberation of its motherland.

Indian Independence Act

Act was passed by the British Parliament in July 1947, bringing to an end the British rule in India.