Chapter 11: The Making of the National Movement: 1870s–1947
This chapter focuses on the rise of the Indian National Movement and the struggle for
independence from British rule, covering the period from the 1870s to 1947. It discusses key
events, ideologies, and leaders that shaped the movement.
1. Early Nationalism (1870s–1900)
Background:
o In the late 19th century, there was a growing discontent among Indians due to
British policies, economic exploitation, and cultural suppression.
o The Indian National Congress (INC) was formed in 1885 with the goal of
gaining more rights for Indians within the British colonial system.
Key Features of Early Nationalism:
o Early nationalists sought reforms and greater representation for Indians in
British institutions, but they did not demand full independence.
o The movement was largely led by educated elites like lawyers, teachers, and
journalists.
o They aimed to secure more Indian participation in governance, administrative
reforms, and the recognition of Indian rights.
Important Leaders:
o Dadabhai Naoroji: Known as the "Grand Old Man of India," he highlighted
the economic drain theory, showing how British colonialism was draining
India’s wealth.
o Gopal Krishna Gokhale: A moderate nationalist and social reformer who
advocated for Indian rights through constitutional means.
o Surendranath Banerjee: Played an important role in the early days of the
Indian National Congress, pushing for reforms.
Achievements:
o The INC started gaining prominence and organized petitions to the British
government demanding constitutional reforms and greater representation of
Indians in legislative councils.
o The British, however, were resistant to significant changes and continued to
enforce policies that were unfavorable to Indian interests.
2. Moderate and Extremist Approaches (1900–1915)
The Split in the INC:
o The early period of Indian nationalism was marked by a split within the
Congress into two factions: the Moderates and the Extremists.
o Moderates (led by leaders like Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Dadabhai Naoroji)
advocated gradual reforms within the framework of the British colonial
system.
o Extremists (led by leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and
Lala Lajpat Rai) believed in more radical approaches, demanding self-rule
(Swaraj) and direct confrontation with British rule.
Key Events:
o Partition of Bengal (1905): The British decision to partition Bengal on
communal lines (into East Bengal and West Bengal) was seen as an attempt to
divide Hindus and Muslims, thus weakening the nationalist movement. This
led to widespread protests and agitation.
o Swadeshi Movement: Following the Partition of Bengal, the Swadeshi
Movement (1905–1908) gained momentum. People were encouraged to
boycott British goods and promote the use of Indian-made products.
o Vande Mataram: The song "Vande Mataram," written by Bankim Chandra
Chattopadhyay, became the slogan of the Swadeshi Movement.
Key Leaders:
o Bal Gangadhar Tilak: One of the prominent leaders of the Extremist faction,
Tilak was a strong advocate of self-rule and the use of mass protests and
agitation.
o Lala Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal were also influential in pushing for
Swaraj.
Outcome:
o The British government responded by suppressing the movement through
arrests, restrictions on public meetings, and other repressive measures.
o However, the movement also created widespread awareness of the need for
self-rule.
3. Gandhi and Mass Nationalism (1915–1947)
Mahatma Gandhi’s Return:
o Mahatma Gandhi returned to India in 1915 from South Africa, where he had
developed his ideas on non-violent resistance.
o Gandhi’s leadership marked a significant shift in the nature of the national
movement, from elite-based struggles to mass-based movements.
Key Movements Led by Gandhi:
o Champaran and Kheda (1917–1918): Gandhi led the farmers’ struggle in
Champaran (Bihar) and Kheda (Gujarat) against oppressive policies and taxes
imposed by the British. These movements marked the beginning of his mass
mobilization in India.
o Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922): Gandhi launched this movement
after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919. He called for non-cooperation
with the British government, urging Indians to boycott British goods, schools,
and courts. The movement gained massive support but was called off after the
Chauri Chaura incident (where a mob killed police officers).
o Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–1934): Gandhi’s famous Salt March
(Dandi March) in 1930 was a direct action against the British monopoly on
salt. The movement called for the breaking of laws, and it saw widespread
participation from all sections of Indian society.
o Quit India Movement (1942): During World War II, Gandhi launched the
Quit India Movement, demanding an immediate end to British rule in India.
The movement was suppressed brutally, but it marked the last major struggle
for independence.
Key Leaders in Gandhi's Struggle:
o Jawaharlal Nehru: A key figure in the Congress, Nehru worked alongside
Gandhi, and later became India’s first Prime Minister.
o Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: Played a significant role in organizing protests
and in the integration of princely states after independence.
o Subhas Chandra Bose: A prominent nationalist leader who opposed
Gandhi’s non-violent methods and formed the Indian National Army (INA) to
fight against the British.
4. The Role of Other Social Groups and Political Movements
Muslims and the Congress:
o Initially, the Muslim community was a part of the national movement.
However, after the formation of the All India Muslim League in 1906,
differences began to arise between Hindus and Muslims regarding their
political interests, especially after the partition of Bengal.
o Over time, the demand for a separate Muslim nation, led by figures like
Muhammad Ali Jinnah, gained traction, leading to the Two-Nation Theory
and eventually the creation of Pakistan in 1947.
Role of Women:
o Women played a significant role in the nationalist movement, especially
during the Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience movements. Leaders like
Sarojini Naidu and Kamini Roy were active in organizing protests and
spreading nationalistic ideas.
5. India Gains Independence (1947)
World War II and the Aftermath:
o During WWII, India contributed massively to the British war effort, but in
return, it faced economic hardship and political instability.
o The Quit India Movement of 1942 further escalated tensions between the
British and the Congress.
End of British Rule:
o The British finally decided to leave India in 1947 due to the pressure of the
ongoing national movement, along with the financial burden of WWII and
increasing unrest.
o India was partitioned into two independent nations: India and Pakistan.