Nationalism in India

A set of practice flashcards focusing on key events, terms, and figures from the Indian nationalist movement covered in the notes.

What movement did Gandhi launch in 1920 that aimed to achieve swaraj and defend the Khilafat through non-cooperation?

The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922), which also aligned with the Khilafat cause.

What did the Rowlatt Act (1919) authorize the British government to do?

Detain political prisoners without trial for two years and repress political activities; gave the government sweeping powers.

What major event happened at Jallianwalla Bagh in 1919?

General Dyer opened fire on a peaceful crowd, killing hundreds and triggering widespread outrage and repression.

Define satyagraha as Gandhi described it.

A force that seeks truth through non-violent means, persuading the oppressor through conscience rather than force.

Who led the Awadh peasant movement in 1920–21?

Baba Ramchandra, with the Awadh Kisan Sabha playing a key role.

What was the Bardoli Satyagraha (1928) and who led it?

A successful peasant movement in Bardoli, Gujarat against enhanced land revenue; led by Vallabhbhai Patel.

Who was Alluri Sitarama Raju and what was his movement about?

Leader of the Gudem Hills rebellion; used guerrilla tactics against the British and declared Gandhi’s influence; captured and executed in 1924.

What was the Inland Emigration Act of 1859 and its impact on plantation workers?

Restricted plantation workers in Assam from leaving the tea gardens; contributed to discontent and mass protests.

What event marked the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–1931)?

The Salt March (Dandi March) starting in March 1930, culminating in the salt tax violation on 6 April 1930.

Where did Gandhi’s Salt March end and what did it symbolize?

Ended at Dandi, Gujarat on 6 April 1930; symbolized mass civil disobedience against the salt tax and British rule.

What is the Poona Pact (1932)?

Agreement between Ambedkar and Gandhi reserving seats for Dalits in legislatures, but to be voted by the general electorate, not separate electorates.

What does the term harijan refer to and who coined it?

Gandhi’s term for the untouchables, meaning 'children of God'.

What was the Round Table Conference?

Conferences in London (1930–32) to discuss constitutional reforms; Gandhi participated via the Gandhi–Irwin pact; negotiations ultimately failed.

What is Purna Swaraj?

Complete independence for India; declared at the Lahore Congress in December 1929; to be celebrated as Independence Day on 26 January 1930.

Describe the Swaraj flag designed by Gandhi.

A tricolor flag (red, green, and white) with a spinning wheel at the center, symbolizing self-help and independence.

What role did Bharat Mata play in nationalism?

A nationalist symbol (image of the mother country) used to evoke unity and pride; associated with Bankim Chandra’s Vande Mataram and Abanindranath Tagore’s painting.

How was nationalism linked to folklore and history in this period?

Nationalists revived folklore and reinterpreted history to celebrate India’s achievements, while sometimes risking exclusion of minority communities.

What was the Quit India Movement (1942) and its slogan?

A mass movement calling for the British to quit India; launched by the Congress in 1942 with the Do or Die slogan; widespread but suppressed within a year.

Name some leaders and participants in the Quit India Movement.

Gandhi; Jayprakash Narayan; Aruna Asaf Ali; Ram Manohar Lohia; women like Matangini Hazra, Kanaklata Barua, Rama Devi; mass participation of ordinary people.

What is the key difference between the Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience movements?

Non-Cooperation involved withdrawing from government services and institutions; Civil Disobedience involved actively breaking certain laws (e.g., salt law) and facing penalties as a form of protest.

What was the Khilafat movement’s aim and its relation to the national movement?

Defence of the Ottoman Caliphate (Khilafat) and a united mass action with the Congress to promote Hindu–Muslim unity.

Who led the 1928 Bardoli movement and what did it achieve?

Led by Vallabhbhai Patel; achieved rollback of an increased land revenue demand and gained widespread attention.

What was the impact of the Simon Commission and the slogan associated with it?

It had no Indian members; sparked widespread protests; the slogan 'Go Back Simon' became a rallying cry.

How did Dalits participate in the movement and what controversy arose around representation?

Dalits participated variably; Ambedkar led the Depressed Classes Association (1930) pushing for separate electorates, which Gandhi opposed, leading to the Poona Pact.