Final Module 4 - VIII -Struggle for Independence, Freedom, Partition
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.