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The Making of the National Movement: 1870s–1947

Overview

• British Dominance: The British Empire expanded its hold over India through territorial conquests, law impositions, and administration changes affecting various communities.

• Social Issues: Changes impacted peasants, tribes, women’s rights, and the caste system. There was significant social and religious reform, notably influenced by the 1857 Revolt and industrial developments.

Political Consciousness

• The evolution of nationalism was fundamentally linked to growing discontent among diverse groups: peasant class, tribals, women, and the educated elite.

• Key Questions: The emerging question centered on what India represented and for whom it was meant, leading to the early nationalism articulated through political associations formed post-1850.

• Political Associations: Significant organizations included:

  • Poona Sarvajanik Sabha

  • Indian Association

  • Madras Mahajan Sabha

  • Bombay Presidency Association

  • Indian National Congress (INC)

• Concept of Sovereignty: These associations promoted the idea of popular sovereignty and the need for Indians to control their own affairs.

• sovereignty- provincial autonomy(independent elections in states)

Growing Dissatisfaction in the 1870s–1880s

• Arms Act (1878): Prohibited Indians from owning arms.

• Vernacular Press Act: Allowed the government to suppress newspapers critical of British rule.

• Ilbert Bill Controversy (1883): Proposed trial rights for Indians; withdrawal due to white opposition underscored British racial attitudes, inciting further anger.

Formation of the Indian National Congress

• INC Establishment (1885): Formed during a meeting of 72 delegates in Bombay; included notable early leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji and Pherozeshah Mehta.

• Moderate Phase: The Congress initially adopted a moderate approach, seeking greater Indian participation in governance through constitutional means,

  • Demands: Increase Indian representation, civil service exams in India, and economic reforms to address poverty and military expenditures.

Shift to Radical Nationalism

• By the 1890s, radical leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak criticized moderate approaches and advocated for self-reliance and aggressive resistance against British rule, coining slogans like "Freedom is my birthright!"

• Key Radical Figures: Bepin Chandra Pal and Lala Lajpat Rai emerged with more direct action approaches, enhancing public engagement in the freedom struggle.

Partition of Bengal (1905)

• Background: Viceroy Curzon's decision to partition Bengal was met with widespread protest as it aimed to split Bengali influence and control.

• Swadeshi Movement: This led to an organized nationalist movement emphasizing Indian goods and a boycott of British products, especially pronounced in Bengal.

Mass Mobilization (Post-1919)

• Gandhi’s Emergence: Mahatma Gandhi returned to India in 1915, focusing on uniting diverse Indian populations through non-violent resistance.

• Rowlatt Satyagraha: In 1919, Gandhi launched a nationwide struggle against oppressive laws, leading to significant protests and the tragic Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Khilafat Agitation and Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22)

• Khilafat Movement: Muslims protested against British actions towards the Khalifa, prompting joint campaigns with the Congress.

• Non-Cooperation Movement: Gandhi called for non-violent resistance leading to widespread participation across India, involving various social sectors in protests against British regulations.

Civil Disobedience Movement

• Salt March (1930): Gandhi led a march to produce salt in defiance of British salt laws, symbolically linking economic grievances with national independence.

• Significant Participation: Women, peasants, and various ethnic groups engaged extensively, reflecting the movement's mass appeal.

Evolution of Nationalist Organizations

• Moderates vs. Radicals: Differences emerged in approaches, with radicals advocating direct action while moderates preferred negotiations and constitutional means.

• The formation of organizations like the RSS: Introduced different ideologies which would influence the nationalist movement's dynamics.

Lengthening Struggle and the Road to Independence

• Direct Action Day and Communal Tensions: The Muslim League’s shift towards a separate national identity culminated in severe communal riots, marking a turning point in India's political landscape.

• Two Nation Theory: The demand for Pakistan began to gain traction, emphasizing deep divisions in the elimination of Indian unity.

Partition and Independence

• Independence in 1947: The country achieved freedom from British rule amidst the painful context of Partition, leading to major human and societal upheaval as populations were displaced, highlighting the duality of the struggle's success.

Key Questions to Discuss

1. Why were people dissatisfied with British rule in the 1870s and 1880s?

2. Who did the Indian National Congress wish to speak for?

3. What economic impact did World War I have on India?

4. What did the Muslim League resolution of 1940 ask for?

Important Dates in The Making of the National Movement: 1870s–1947

• 1878: Arms Act introduced, prohibiting Indians from owning arms.

• 1883: Ilbert Bill controversy arises regarding trial rights for Indians.

• 1885: Indian National Congress (INC) established during a meeting of 72 delegates in Bombay.

• 1905: Partition of Bengal by Viceroy Curzon, leading to widespread protests and the Swadeshi Movement.

• 1915: Mahatma Gandhi returns to India.

• 1919: Rowlatt Satyagraha initiated by Gandhi, followed by the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

• 1920-22: Khilafat Agitation and Non-Cooperation Movement take place.

• 1930: Gandhi leads the Salt March to protest against British salt laws.

• 1940: Muslim League resolution calls for demands emphasizing separate national identity.

• 1947: India achieves independence from British rule amidst the Partition.