Page 1: Introduction

• Title: The Struggle for Independence, Freedom at Last, and Partition of India 1947

• Map references:

  • Kashmir, West and East Pakistan, New Delhi, Surma, India, Calcutta

  • Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal marked

Page 2: Nationalism

• Definition:

  • Nationalism refers to the identification with one's own nation and support for its interests.

• Emergence:

  • Modern Indian nationalism arose due to British foreign domination.

  • Conditions of British rule fostered national sentiment among Indians.

  • Both material and moral situations facilitated the development of national movements.

• Discussion prompt:

  • What does nationalism mean to an eighth-grade student?

Page 3: Vocabulary

• Key Terms:

  • Familiarize with terms like British Raj, Nationalist, Satyagraha, Imperialism, Partition, and others that relate to the module's content.

Page 4: Post-First War of Indian Independence (1858-1900)

• Impact of British rule:

  • Major cause of economic backwardness in India.

  • Recognition of British impact grew among Indians, leading to rising national sentiments.

Page 5: India's Economy Before British Rule

• Historical context:

  • India was the second most powerful economy with significant world trade, attracting invaders.

  • British rule redefined this legacy—leading to a reputation for poverty and disease.

Page 6: Economic Exploitation

• Economic policies:

  • The British East India Company enacted oppressive policies leading to poverty.

  • Import/export duties collapsed Indian industries by prioritizing British goods.

  • India was transformed into a supplier of raw materials and a market for British goods.

Page 7: Social Influences by British Policies

• Cultural impacts:

  • British policy aimed to reshape Indian education, religion, and social structures.

  • The portrayal of India as uncivilized justified the British rule, termed "the White man's burden."

Page 8: Rise of the Intelligentsia

• Educated Indians began to question British governance through awareness of their socio-economic realities.

• Disillusionment with British rule grew among earlier supporters.

Page 9: Anti-Imperialist Movement

• Emergence of a national movement:

  • The movement united various Indian classes against British rule, fostering a shared identity against imperialism.

Page 10: Unification of India

• Consolidation of Indian nationhood through:

  • Implementation of a uniform government.

  • Infrastructure like railways and telegraph promoted communication and unity among diverse groups.

Page 11: Role of Education

• Although modern education didn't create nationalism, it empowered educated Indians to lead the movement.

• Educational institutes also attempted to embed servility to British rule.

Page 12: Role of Press and Literature

• The press played a critical role in spreading nationalism and creating an all-India consciousness.

Page 13: Nationalist Writers

• Prominent regional nationalist writers include:

  • Bankim Chandra Chatterjee (Bengali), Rabindranath Tagore, and others across different languages who advocated for nationalism.

Page 14: Racial Arrogance of British Rulers

• British racial superiority created feelings of inferiority among Indians.

• Justice failures in disputes between Englishmen and Indians fueled resentment.

Page 15: National Humiliation

• Racial segregation practices reinforced unity among Indians against British oppression by fostering a shared sense of humiliation.

Page 16: Dadabhai Naoroji and Political Associations

• Dadabhai Naoroji founded the East India Association, emphasizing Indian welfare and political engagement.

Page 17: Formation of the Indian National Congress

• 1885 - Establishment of the Indian National Congress (INC) spearheaded by A.O. Hume and attended by 72 delegates.

• Significance:

  • Marked the organized political struggle for independence.

Page 18: Growth of the INC

• The INC grew significantly, merging local associations into a unified national party, and convened annual sessions.

Page 19: Prominent Early Leaders of INC

• Notable early leaders:

  • Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, among others who propelled the nationalist agenda.

Page 20: Kadambini Ganguli

• Kadambini Ganguli, as the first woman graduate, symbolized the rise of women's participation in the independence movement.

Page 21: Confusion in Nationalist Loyalties

• The moderate leaders' professions of loyalty were strategic, intending to reform British rule rather than expel it initially.

  • Shifted to demands for self-government as dissatisfaction grew.

Page 22: British Response to Growing Nationalism

• Lord Curzon's declaration regarding the Congress demonstrated British concern over Indian unity.

• Strategies employed included promoting divisive policies to weaken nationalist sentiments.

Page 23: Questions for Consideration

• Investigate incidents of the Divide & Rule policy.

• Assess print media's influence on the struggle for freedom.

• Explore moderate visions of freedom and Kadambini Ganguli's impact.

Page 24: Anti-Bengal Partition Movement

• The partition of Bengal in 1905 aimed to weaken nationalist unity, sparked major protests led by notable figures like Rabindranath Tagore.

Page 25: Swadeshi Movement

• From 1905 to 1908, this movement called for boycotts of foreign goods in favor of Indian products, fostering national pride.

Page 26: Formation of All India Muslim League

• Established on December 30, 1906, advocating for Muslim interests and later contributing to the Partition of India.

Page 27: Life of Mahatma Gandhi

• Born on October 2, 1869, Gandhi became instrumental in the Indian freedom movement, starting his legacy in South Africa.

Page 28: Satyagraha Movements

• The first Satyagraha was initiated by Gandhi in 1917, marking a shift toward organized non-violent protest.

Page 29: Khilafat Non-Cooperation Movement

• A significant movement influenced by the Khalifa's treatment and the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, uniting diverse groups against colonial power.

Page 30: Historical Events

• Notable events include the mourning for Queen Victoria and grand ceremonies like the Delhi Durbar.

Page 31: Civil Disobedience Movement

• Gandhi led the Dandi March in 1930 against salt laws, showcasing mass mobilization and non-violent resistance.

Page 32: Quit India Movement

• Launched in August 1942, this movement marked a decisive demand for complete independence led by Gandhi's calls to action.

Page 33: Revolutionary Freedom Fighters

• Focus on underground revolutionary factions believing in armed struggle contrasting with the peaceful approach of Gandhi.

Page 34: Celebrating Revolutionary Efforts

• Discuss the heroes and revolutionary movements that played a vital role in India's struggle for independence.

Page 35: Conclusion of British Rule

• Post WW2 circumstances prompted urgent calls for independence, culminating in a diverse array of factors contributing to India's freedom.

Page 36: India's Independence

• Acknowledgment of the sacrifices in the struggle, leading to the proclamation of independence on August 15, 1947.