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Overview of the National Movement: 1870s–1947

• Examines the discontent of Indians towards British rule and the factors leading to the emergence of nationalism.

Historical Context

Key Issues Prior to 1947

• British conquest and takeover of Indian territories.

• Introduction of new laws and administrative institutions.

• Changes in lives of peasants and tribal communities.

• Educational reforms in the 19th century.

• Debates on women's conditions and rights.

• Challenges to caste systems and social norms.

• Religious and social reform movements.

• The revolt of 1857 and its consequences.

• Economic changes: decline of crafts and rise in industries.

Emergence of Nationalism

Key Questions and Responses

• Key Question: "What is India and for whom?"

• Conclusion: India represents all its people regardless of class, caste, or gender.

• Awareness arises regarding British control over Indian resources and lives.

Political Associations After 1850

• Emergence of political associations in the 1870s and 1880s.

  • Notable Associations: Poona Sarvajanik Sabha, Indian Association, Madras Mahajan Sabha, Bombay Presidency Association, Indian National Congress.

• Leaders were often English-educated professionals, emphasizing the idea of popular sovereignty.

Increasing Dissatisfaction in the 1870s and 1880s

Legislative Changes

• Arms Act (1878): Disallowed Indians from possessing arms.

• Vernacular Press Act: Suppressed criticism in local newspapers.

• Ilbert Bill (1883): Attempt to establish equality in legal trials but retracted under white opposition, highlighting British racial attitudes.

Formation of the Indian National Congress (1885)

• Catalyst for a unified platform for educated Indians after the Ilbert Bill controversy.

• First session attended by 72 delegates from across India.

• Early leaders included Dadabhai Naoroji, Pherozeshah Mehta, and Badruddin Tyabji.

• Emphasis on moderate demands for representation and administrative reforms.

Initial Objectives of Congress

• Moderate phase: Focus on peaceful negotiations for more representation for Indians in government.

• Key demands included:

  • Indianisation of administration.

  • Separation of executive and judiciary.

  • Repeal of unjust laws and freedom of speech.

  • Address economic issues impacting peasants, including land taxes and famine.

Rise of More Radical Nationalism (Post-1890s)

Criticism of Moderate Leaders

• Emergence of leaders like Bepin Chandra Pal and Bal Gangadhar Tilak advocating for self-reliance and swaraj (self-rule).

• Tilak's slogan: “Freedom is my birthright and I shall have it!”

Partition of Bengal (1905)

• Viceroy Curzon's decision to partition Bengal ignited widespread protests and opposition.

• Led to the Swadeshi Movement promoting self-reliance and boycotting British goods.

Growth of Mass Nationalism

After 1919...

• World War I's impact led to increased political mobilization and demands for rights.

• Emergence of Gandhi as a mass leader post-1915, engaging with various Indian communities.

Key Movements Post-Gandhi's Arrival

The Rowlatt Satyagraha (1919)

• Satyagraha against the Rowlatt Act restricted civil liberties.

• Use of non-violent protests and the subsequent Jallianwala Bagh massacre escalated tensions.

Khilafat Movement (1920)

• Hindu-Muslim solidarity in opposing the British treatment of the Khalifa post-World War I.

• Led to the Non-Cooperation Movement calling for mass participation across sectors.

Civil Disobedience and Salt March (1930)

• Gandhi's Dandi March broke the British monopoly on salt.

• Women played significant roles in the civil disobedience campaigns.

Growing Tensions and Partition Post-World War II

The Role of the Muslim League

• Demands for separate electorates for Muslims initiated political divisions.

• Resolutions for independent Muslim states led to communal tensions.

Final Days of British India

• Growing violence and unrest leading up to and during the Partition.

• Emergence of independent India alongside the painful division into Pakistan.

Questions for Review

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 the First World War have on India?

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