Chapter 10: The Indian Freedom Movement Begins

Introduction

• This chapter discusses:

  • International movements that inspired Indian nationalism.

  • Reasons for the rise of nationalism in India.

  • Major developments in the early years of India's freedom movement.

Connections to Our Life

• The sense of belonging to one nation is rooted in the history of colonial misrule.

• Principles of peaceful protest against injustice resonate even today.

Historical Context

• Colonial Background:

  • Understanding colonialism's role in shaping modern India.

  • Key events leading up to the rise of Indian nationalism:

    • The impact of British control over various territories and kingdoms.

    • Laws and policies introduced by the British affecting peasants and tribes.

International Movements Inspiring India

• American War of Independence (1775-1783):

  • Colonies felt exploited by British rule.

  • Political dissatisfaction due to lack of representation in governance.

  • Protests like the Boston Tea Party highlighted resistance to taxation without representation.

  • Inspired Indian leaders by demonstrating successful resistance.

• French Revolution (1789-1792):

  • A response to social inequality and economic distress.

  • The Third Estate's struggle against the privileges of the First and Second Estates.

  • Key ideas: Liberty, equality, fraternity, which influenced Indian political thought.

Emergence of Indian Nationalism

• Nationalism defined: Unity among diverse groups in India irrespective of caste and religion.

• Factors leading to the rise of nationalism:

  • Economic exploitation:

    • Drain of resources, high taxation on agriculture, decline of local industries.

  • Social discrimination:

    • Laws displaying the British attitude towards Indians.

  • Lack of political representation, as all authority resided with British lawmakers.

Significant Changes in Indian Society

• Revival of cultural heritage and self-identity among Indians.

• Spread of Western education inculcating ideas of liberty and democracy.

• Development of communication (railways, telegraph) uniting Indians in their struggle.

The Indian National Congress (INC)

• Formation:

  • Established in 1885, aimed to unite educated Indians from across the country.

  • First session attended by 72 delegates in Bombay.

• Phases of the INC:

  • Moderate Phase (1885-1905): Focused on constitutional methods and peaceful protests.

    • Important leaders: Surendranath Banerjea, Dadabhai Naoroji.

    • Achievements included raising awareness and building a culture of peaceful protests.

  • Radical Phase (1905-1915): Emerged due to disillusionment with moderate approaches.

    • Key figures: Lala Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal, Bal Gangadhar Tilak (known as Lal-Bal-Pal).

    • Advocated for swaraj (self-rule) using boycotts and mass protests.

The Partition of Bengal

• 1905 Partition by British:

  • Divided Bengal to weaken nationalist sentiments among Hindus and Muslims.

• Swadeshi Movement:

  • A response that promoted self-reliance and the use of indigenous products.

  • Leaders included Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Bal Gangadhar Tilak.

Impact of Revolutionary Activities

• Resentment against British repression led to violent revolutionary movements.

• Notable revolutionaries include Khudiram Bose and Aurobindo Ghosh.

Summary of Key Developments

• International movements significantly influenced the Indian freedom movement

• Rise of nationalism was fueled by economic, social, and political discrimination under colonial rule.

• The formation of the INC marked a pivotal point in Indian political engagement.

• The partition of Bengal served as a catalyst for the Swadeshi Movement and reinforced unity among Indians.

Reflection Questions

1. Describe the significance of the American and French revolutions in shaping Indian nationalism.

2. Discuss how cultural revival contributed to the emergence of a national identity.

3. Evaluate the effectiveness of the INC's approach in its early years.