Chapter-4

Nationalism in India
The literal meaning of nationalism is “the rise of national
consciousness.” The rise of such national consciousness in which political,
economic, social and cultural unification is reflected. By the first half of the
19th century, India was divided into small states. That time there was lack of
factors which could bind India in unity. It also lacked equal judiciary system.
The lack of national unity means the lack of feeling that could bind all the
people residing in India with the same aim and concern. But in the second
half of the 19th century, several factors rose in India which began to remove
such shortcomings and India began to emerge as a completely organised
nation. This is nationalism and the expression of this nationalism is freedom
struggle.
In the 19th century, national consciousness rose on account of British
ruling system. Almost all the classes of Indian people were exploited due to
political economic and social changes brought about by the British rule. It
aroused the feeling of dissatisfaction among the people. On the other hand,
the British developed post and telegraph system, railway, printing press and
equal administrative system. Though these things were developed for
smooth functioning of administration, yet they played an important role in
the rise of national consciousness.
Reasons of rising nationalism:
The rise of nationalism in India was the result of the conjugation of
different powers and reasons which can be studied by dividing them into the
followings:
Political reason:
Different factors contributed in the awakening of national
consciousness in India, but all were related to administrative policies of the
World of History :: 67
British. The British rulers were the supporters of imperialistic policy. With the
declaration of Queen Victoria, all the indigenous states came under the
British rule. This incident gave India a national form to some extent. After
that, a great wave of nationality came in India and the British made efforts to
repress it.
In 1878, the then Viceroy Lord Linton passed 'Vernacular Press Act'
and imposed ban on the press. In 1879, to keep weapons by Indians was
declared illegal through Arms Act. The 'Albert Bill' was passed in 1883 and it
enforced nationalism in India. The main aims of this bill were to hear the
criminal cases of Indians and Europeans in a common court and put the
privilege to an end by which the cases on Europeans were heard of only by the
European judges. The Europeans opposed this bill and the government had to
withdraw it. Similarly, Lord Curzon passed 'Calcutta Corporation Act' in 1899
by which the number of elected members was reduced and that of non-
elected members was increased. By the 'University Act' in 1904, the control of
government over Universities was protracted. Curzon divided Bengal in 1905
on the communal basis and argued that it was done for administrative
purpose. It enraged the Indians and nationalism was enforced. Further the
British government cancelled in it in 1911. The 'Seditions Meetings Act' was
passed in 1907 to ban the meetings and in 1910 'Indian Press Act' was passed
to punish those who published exciting articles.
Under the infrastructure programme of Dalhousie, railway, telegraph
line and organised transportation system were started in India. These
reduced the distance of different regions of India. Localisation ended, one
region was joined to another. One state was connected with others and they
became helpful in the development of nationalism.
English education policy played an important role in the rising of
nationalism in India. It grew awareness of democracy and modern
development. Indians came to know about humanism, individualism,
European renaissance, French revolution and the freedom struggle of
America. They got influenced with the thoughts of Montesquieu and
Rousseau. Now they began to talk of the rights, being acquainted with
liabilities and modern laws.
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Economic reason:
The economic policies which the British adopted in India jolted Indian
agriculture and cottage industries. Due to British economic policies, the
situations of farmers, workers, and other classes were getting bad to worse.
The agricultural policy of the British was designed with the purpose of
collecting more and more land revenue. According to permanent settlement,
the Zamindars had to pay a fixed land-revenue as tax to government. The
Zamindars collected more taxes that they had to pay. Whenever the farmers
raised voice against the exploitation from the Zamindars or money-lenders,
the government collected the cash crop (Indigo, cotton, sugarcane etc.) at its
own rate and use them as raw materials in their own industries. The farmers
producing cotton and indigo suffered from this policy.
Even in industrial spheres, the labourers and workers were facing
several difficulties. The British imposed several types of ban on cloth made in
India whereas there was no ban or tax on the cloth made in England by
machine. In 1882, the government removed import tax on cotton clothes.
The goods made by machines in England was brought to India and the process
of industrialisation in India was very slow because the government was not in
favour of industrialisation in India. So in this situation, it was quite natural for
the workers to be unemployed.
In the brief discussion of agriculture and industries, we came to know
that every Indian society was facing difficulties under the British rule. The
feeling of dissatisfaction did not give birth to national consciousness
suddenly, but this dissatisfaction rose as different aspects of revolts in
different times. Since the beginning of the company rule, there rose several
revolts till 1857. The revolution of 1857 compelled to think what the essential
planning for success is. Indians came to the conclusion that freedom can be
achieved through clarity of target, powerful institution, matured leadership,
purity in the ways of struggle and well planned movement.

World of History :: 69
Social reason:
The British policy of racial difference was also an important factor in
the rise of nationalism in India. The English considered themselves supreme
and neglected Indians. They did not treat Indians properly even in foreign
countries. Many types of legal ban were imposed on Indian/Indians in South
Africa. The Indians were not allowed to travel with the Englishmen in trains in
India. They ill-treated the Indians in trains, clubs, roads and hotels. This
aroused the feeling of hatred among Indians for the Englishmen.
The biased policy of the British in
government services provoked the
nationalism in India. The government
tried to keep Indians aloof from the
higher posts.
Most of the liabilities of
governance were in the hands of the
officers of Indian civil services.
Theoretically, Indians, too could take
part in the competitive examinations
held for the selection of this service,
but the selection of Indians for this
service was very difficult. If anyone
Surendranath Banerjee, First I.C.S. was selected, the British government
tried to create obstacles in his appointment. They did so with Surendranath
Banerji. So the educated and middle class raised strong voice against the
British rule.
Religious reason:
Religious reformation movement played an important role in the
th
awakening of nationalism in any country of the world. In the 19 century,
many great-men started movements against social and religious mal-
practices. The names of Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Devendra Nath Tagore,
Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar, Swami Dayanand Sarswati and Ram Krishna
Paramhans are remarkable among these great persons. Besides them,
William Jones, Maxmuller, Charles Wilkinson and other European scholars
World of History :: 70
translated Indian religious books into English. It aroused devotion to their
own religion among Indians. These reforms gave the lesson of unity, equality
and freedom to the Indians and awakened new consciousness among them.
As a result nationalism grew up.
The formation of All India National Congress in 1885 was the result of
rising nationalism. In the beginning, this organisation asked only for
reformation, but the oppressive policy of the British government enraged the
members of the congress and the national movement started under the
leadership of Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal and Lala Lajpat Roy (Bal
Pal Lal). This very time, the first world war started in 1914 and the British
government pushed India also into the war.
India's relationship with the cause and result of the First World War:
A. A brief note on the First World War: The First World War was an
important incidence in the world history. It was a direct consequence of
colonial and imperialistic competition of European countries. The war started
in 1914 was fought for four years between the two groups : One group
included France, Britain, Russia (allied countries) and America that joined
them after 1917 and the other group included Germany, Austria-Hungry and
Italy (Central forces). This war directly or indirectly affected the political and
economic status of the whole world.
B. India's relation with causes of the First
World War : The First World War was fought in
order to set up and protect the colonial system
in the Asian countries including India and
African countries. India occupied an important
place among the British colonies and it was
Britain's first preference to protect it at any
cost even the instable environment of the First
World War. As the war started, the British
government declared that the aim of the Annie Besant
British rule was gradually to form a responsible

World of History :: 71
government in India. The government imposed import tax in 1916 so that the
textile industry might grow in India and the English could get its benefit.
C. Event order in India during the First World War : All the happenings in
India during the world war were the consequence of the situations arousing
from the war. It created a new
economic and political situation in India
which helped the nationalism gain
maturity. As the war started some
nationalist leaders like Tilak and Gandhi
provided every possible help in the war
effort of the British government
because they had faith in the assurance
of the government about Swaraj (home
rule). The confusions of Indians were
removed as the war went ahead. As the
defence expenditure increased, the tax
on Indian was also increased which
Lala Hardayal caused price-hiking. The contemporary
nationalist leaders began to enforce the government for Swaraj. Being
inspired by Ireland, Annie Besent and Tilak started Home Rule movement in
India in 1915-17. During this period of war, the revolutionary movement
started in India and abroad. The revolutionary organisations spread to the
whole of North India as well as in Bengal, Maharashtra and Punjab. On the
other hand, the revolutionaries residing in America and Canada with the help
of Lala Hardayal established the Gadar party in 1913 and made efforts for
armed revolution in India. During the First World War, two important political
events occurred in 1916. Firstly, both the groups of the congress — moderate
and extremist — were unified. Secondly, the congress and the Muslim League
agreed to run joint political campaign. During the war, Mahatma Gandhi
appeared in politics after doing three successful Satyagrahas — Champaran,
Kheda and Ahmedabad movements.

World of History :: 72
D. Impact of the First World War on India : After the war the economic
condition of India worsened — firstly the price rose, then the economic
activities began to be mitigated and educated Indians residing in cities were
unemployed. The price rising reached its climax which affected the workers,
artisans and farmers most. During the war, the economy of England also came
in crisis. The import from England to India stopped and Indian industries
began to flourish. The group of Indian industrialists rose in this situation. But
as the war ended, the situations changed. Again the influence of foreign
capital increased in India. Indian industrialists wanted a huge tax on imported
goods so that their domestic industry might grow up, but the government did
not do so. So they realised that it could be done by making pressure through
strong national movement.
The First World War strengthened nationalist feeling in Africa and Asia
including India. During the war, the allied countries promised to all countries
to open a new era of democracy and national self-decision. But after the war,
they tried to have strong control rather than end their colonies. The
implementation of Rowlett Act in 1919 in India was its example, according to
which any Indian could be taken into custody without any trial. Against this
th
very act, the Jaliyanwala Bagh massacre happened on 13 April, 1919 and the
Marshall Law was imposed on the Punjab. The people were oppressed
atrociously.
After the war, the wave of nationalism rose in India and the British
government made some efforts to improve the ways of governance. It was
known as Montague Chelmsford plan or Government of India Act 1919. By
this proposal, the imperial legislative council was enlarged and it was ensured
that most of the members should be elected. The number of members in
both the houses — Legislative Assembly (Lower house) and Council of States
(Upper house) was increased. But the Indian nationalists could not be
satisfied with these little rebates because they had proceeded ahead. So they
got mentally ready for decisive political struggle.

World of History :: 73
 The direct effect of the First World War came before as Khilafat
Movement. Ottoman Turkey who was a political and spiritual leader (Khalifa)
of the Islamic world was defeated in the First World War. A rumour that a
cruel peace treaty would be imposed on Ottoman Emperor spread and the
Indian Muslims got annoyed. On the other hand, the peace between the
League and the Congress (Lucknow pact) in 1916 had already paved the way
for joint political campaign for both the Hindus and the Muslims. In this
situation, Gandhiji drew an outline of the non-cooperation movement taking
the issue of disobedience as a forthcoming political movement.
The world war reduced the dignity of the British. From the very
beginning of imperialism, the Europeans initiated the ideology of racial and
cultural dignity to keep their power intact. But at war time, both the lobbies
made propaganda against each other and unveiled their brutal and
uncivilised behaviour in colonies. Naturally the people the colonies (India)
believed in both the lobbies and the fear of British dignity began to be
removed.
The post war situations created the background of Gandhian age
(1919-47) in the national movement. After coming back from South Africa in
January, 1915, Gandhiji set up Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad for creative
works. He led the farmers' movement in Champaran and Kheda and workers'
movement in Ahmedabad and got national recognition as an impressive
political leader. At the last phase of the First World War, he established a close
relationship with the leaders of the Congress, Home Rule and the Muslim
League. He started Satyagraha (non-violent protest) against the oppressive
policies of the British and Rowlett Act.
Satyagrah against Rowlett Act:
To repress the growing revolutionary incidents and dissatisfaction,
Lord Chelmsford appointed a committee under the Chairmanship of Justice
Sydney Rowlett. The committee recommended both the preventive and
punitive special acts to check the revolutionary activities .On the
recommendation of the committee, the Revolutionary and Arbitrary Act was
World of History :: 74
passed on the 21st March, 1919 by the central
legislative council.According to this act, there
was a provision to form a special court and
nobody could appeal against its judgement.
Anybody could be imprisoned without any
evidence or warrant. The leaders like Mahatma
Gandhi called it improper, against freedom and
fundamental rights. To oppose this Act, a
Satyagraha meeting was held in the
Presidentsship of Gandhiji and they put
themselves into prison. A nation-wide strike
was called on 6th April, 1919. The movement Mahatma Gandhi
became violent at many places. The last consequence of the movement was
Jalianwala Bagh massacre on 13rd April, 1919.
Jalianwala Bagh Massacre:
The Punjab was much affected with the world war and the people
were agitated there. After the nationwide strike on 6th April, the two local
leaders Dr. Satyapal and Kichalu were arrested on 9th April, 1919. These two
leaders were the members of the reception committee in the annual
conference of the Congress. A public meeting was called in Jalianwala bagh
on 13rd April, 1919 against their imprisonment. The district Magistrate
General O’Dwyer reached
there and ordered firing at
the peaceful meeting
without any warning.
About 1000 people were
killed. A lot of people were
wounded. After the
Jalianwala bagh massacre,
Marshall Law was imposed
in the Punjab and an
environment of terror was
created there.
Jalianwala Bagh
World of History :: 75
 Rabindra Nath Tagore gave up the title of 'Knight' in the protest of this
massacre. Shankaran Nyre, the pro-president of the Congress resigned from
the working committee of the Viceroy. Gandhiji also gave up the title 'Kaiser-
e-hind'. The Jalianwala bagh massacre thus vitalized the national movement.

Khilafat Movement:
The Ottoman Empire was dissolved after the defeat of Turkey against
Britain in the First World War. The Sultan of Turkey was deprived of using his
power even in the rest of his provinces. They came under the control of a high
commission appointed by the allied countries. Since the ruler of the Ottoman
empire, the Sultan of Turkey was the Khalifa of the Islamic world, the Muslims
of India did not like this misbehaviour with Turkey. Indian Muslims took this
breach of promise as betrayal. So Indian Muslims started a strong movement
in the beginning of 1920 to compel Britain to change its policy about Turkey. It
was called 'Khilafat Movement'.
This movement became strong enough by getting the support of
Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress (Amritsar Session,
December, 1919). Mahatma Gandhi also became the president of All India
Khilafat Movement in November, 1919. Gandhiji took it as a great
opportunity for Hindu-Muslim unity. The Khilafat revolutionaries prepared a
three-point requisition letter :
i. The Sultan of Turkey (Khalifa) should be given enough rights so that he
could protect Islam.
ii. The Arabs should be given under the control of the Muslim empire
(Khalifa).
iii. The Khalifa should be made patronage of the holy places of the
Muslims.
On 17th October, 1919, Khilafat day was observed in all over India.

World of History :: 76
 In the Kolkata session (September, 1920), the Indian National
Congress, at the inspiration of Gandhiji, passed two resolutions against the
unjust deeds and decided to start non-cooperation movement. In this
session, two issues were particularly discussed firstly, the view of the British
government on the issue of Khilafat and secondly, the failure of the
government in punishing the officers who were indulged in the brutal murder
of innocent people in the Punjab.
Nagpur session of the congress (December, 1920) approved the
resolution of Calcutta session and the aim of Swaraj (Home Rule) was
proposed in place of self-government. Several creative programmes were
prepared in this session that enforced the Congress achieving the target.
Non-Cooperation movement (1920-22):
Non Co-operation movement was the first public movement that
started under the leadership of Mahatma
Gandhi. There were three main reasons of this
public movement (i) the issue of Khilafat (ii) to
get justice against the brutal activities of the
government in Punjab and lastly (iii) to achieve
Swaraj.
Two types of programmes were
adopted in this movement. Firstly, the Non-Cooperation Movement
destructive activities to weaken and defeat the British government morally
under which renunciation of titles and honorary posts, boycott of
government and non-government functions, boycott of government schools
and colleges, boycott of legislative council elections, boycott of foreign goods
and rejection of job in Mesopotamia were included.
Secondly, under the creative activities, to abide by the decision of the
Panchs in place of court, to set up national schools and colleges so that the
students who boycotted the government schools and colleges might
continue their studies, to adopt Swadeshi, to make Charkha (spinning wheel)
and Khadi popular, to collect one crore rupees for Tilak Swaraj Fund and
distribute 20 lacs Charkhas in all over India were included.

World of History :: 77
Beginning of the movement:
The non-co-operation movement was started in 1921 under the
leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. This movement got a great success in all over
India. The boycott of foreign clothes and government schools and colleges
continued. During the movement, some educational institutions like national
schools, Jamia Millia Islamia, Aligarh Muslim University and Kashi Vidyapith
were established. Great Barristers like Motilal and Chitranjan Das left their
advocacies and led the movement. Prince of Wales was welcomed on 17
November, 1921 in Mumbai with nationwide strike.
The government declared the movement illegal and arrested about
30,000 revolutionaries. Gandhiji declared Civil Disobedience Movement
against these arrests. But during this, the mob attacked the police station on
5th February, 1922 and killed 22 policemen, in the protest of police firing at the
political procession in Chauri-Chaura in Gorakhpur district in Uttar Pradesh.
Gandhiji thought that the public were not ready for comprehensive civil
disobedience movement. So Gandhiji decided to stop the movement. The
British government arrested Gandhiji on March, 1922 and imprisoned him for
6 years.
The issues of Khilafat ended with the arrest of Gandhiji and sudden
stay of non-cooperation movement. The unity of the Hindus and the Muslims
was disturbed and communalism began to reign. Neither Swaraj was gained
nor the injustice done in Punjab was solved. But in spite of these failures, this
movement got a great achievement. All Indian people began to believe in the
Congress and Gandhiji. The whole country became active all together. Hindi
was accepted as a language to get the whole country united and the Charkha
and handloom also got impetus.
Civil Disobedience Movement:
The Civil Disobedience Movement started in the leadership of
Gandhiji in 1930 against the British colonial power was the second mass
movement which had a very broad social base. There was a vacuum like
situation in Indian national movement after the end of non-cooperation
movement. But in the meantime some incidents reoccurred that gave a new

World of History :: 78
life to decaying nationalism. The causes of civil disobedience movement can
be understood under these sub-headings:
(i) Simon commission : At the
time of passing the act of 1919, the
British government declared that
these reforms would be reviewed
after 10 years. But before the fixed
time, the British government formed
Indian statutory commission in
November, 1927 which was generally
called Simon Commission. It was a
seven-member commission in which Simon Commission
all the members were Englishmen. Sir John Simon was its Chairman. The aim
of this commission was to think over constitutional reformation. But there
was a rapid and intense reaction against it. The main reason of the protest
against the Simon commission was non-inclusion of any single Indian in the
Commission. The fate of decision about the self-government of India was in
the hands of the foreigners. And so Indian people got agitated and greeted
the Simon Commission with black flags, strike and demonstrations. They
raised the Slogan “Simon, go back”. The movement against the Simon
Commission thus gave birth to a broad political struggle. Now once again the
country was ready to struggle hard.
(ii) Nehru Report : At the time of the boycott of the Simon Commission,
the then Secretary of State for India, Lord Birkenhead challenged the Indians
to make a constitution which was acceptable to all groups and parties. To
reply the challenge, the congress organised an all-party conference in Delhi in
February, 1928. Motilal Nehru was the Chairman in this conference. This
committee asked the British government for 'Dominion State' but one group
of the Congress disagreed with this opinion. Though Nehru Report was not
accepted, but it led several important decisions. The communal feeling which
was suppressed now appeared once again. Both the Muslim League and the
Hindu Mahasabha aired it. So Gandhiji initiated the civil disobedience
movement.
World of History :: 79
(iii) The effect of worldwide economic depression : The economy of India
was badly affected by the worldwide economic depression of 1929-30. There
was unexpected price hike. The export from India reduced but the English did
not stop drainage of wealth
from India. Most of the Some important parts of the
industries were closed "declaration of independence" were like this
down, several capitalists "We believe that it is the inalienable right of
suffered bankruptly. The the Indian people, as of any other people, to
have freedom and to enjoy the fruits of their
farmers had already been
toil and have the necessities of life, so that
suffering from poverty and they may have full opportunities of growth.
the whole country was We believe also that if any government
against the government. deprives a people of these rights and
Thus it was an appropriate oppresses them the people have a further
time for starting civil right to alter it or to abolish it. The British
disobedience movement. Government in India has not only deprived the
Indian people of their freedom but has based
(iv) Increasing impact itself on the exploitation of the masses, and
of Socialism : This time has ruined India economically, politically,
Marxist and socialist culturally and spiritually.
ideology was spreading We hold it to be a crime against man
rapidly. The congress was and God to submit any longer to a rule that
also under pressure. This has caused this fourfold disaster to our
was expressed as the rise of country. We recognize, however, that the
most effective way of gaining our freedom is
leftism in the congress. The
through Non-violence. We will, therefore,
leaders like Jawaharlal prepare ourselves by withdrawing, so far as
N e h r u a n d S u b h a s h we can, all voluntary association from the
Chandra Bose were in British Government, and will prepare for civil
favour of this. So, a new disobedience, including non-payment of
programme was needed to taxes ........... ."
balance leftist pressure.
(v) Growth of revolutionary movement: This time the situation of India
was beyond control. 'Meerut conspiracy case' and 'Lahore conspiracy case'
tempered the ideology against the government. Once again the
revolutionary nationalist activities grew in Bengal. The revolutionaries under
the leadership of Suryasen raided the armoury in Chatgawn in April, 1930.
The nick-name of Suryasen was ‘Master da'.
World of History :: 80
(vi) Demand for complete Swaraj : The annual session of the Congress
was held in Lahore in December, 1929 under the presidency of Jawaharlal
st
Nehru. Nehru unfurled tri-colour flag at the bank of Ravi on 31 December,
1929 at midnight. It was declared to celebrate complete Independence Day
on 26th January, 1930. So a wave of excitement spread all over the country.
(vii) Compromising view of Gandhiji : Before starting the movement
Gandhiji put 11-point demands before Viceroy Irwin and promised to
withdraw the proposed movement if the demand be fulfilled. But not to
speak of fulfilling the demand, Irwin even refused to see Gandhiji. In the
meantime, the government was continuing oppression. So being compelled,
Gandhiji decided to start his movement with 'Dandi March.’

Dandi March (From 12th

th
March to 6 April, 1930):
Gandhiji started
civil disobedience
movement with Dandi
March. Gandhiji with his
78 followers started his
historical march from
Sabarmati Ashram to
th
Dandi sea coast on 12
March, 1930. After 250 km
of Pada Yatra in 24 days,
they reached Dandi on Dandi March
th
April 5 and violated the law by making salt from seawater on 6 April, 1930.
The programme of movement was as follows:
I. Violation of salt laws everywhere
ii. Boycott of schools and colleges by students

World of History :: 81
 iii. Foreign clothes should be burnt
iv. No taxes should be paid to the government
v. Women should protest before wine shops
vi. Lawyers should leave the court and employees their posts
vii. The people in every house should spin and make yarn
viii. Truth and non-violence should be kept above among all these
programmes and only then Poorna Swaraj can be achieved.
Expansion of salt movement (Namak Satyagrah):
Once Gandhiji broke the salt laws, the Satyagrah of breaking salt laws
started in the whole country.
C. Rajagopalachari made salt march from Trichanapalli to Vedaranya at
the sea coast of Tanjaur in Tamilnadu
- K. Kelappan made the salt march from Kalikat to Pothannur in Malawar
- The social and political reforms of Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan spread political
consciousness among the Pathans in Peshawar. He was also known as
'Badshah Khan' or 'Frontier Gandhiji'. He established a non-government
organisation named 'Khudai Khidmatgar'. He was also known as 'Lal
Kurti'.
- The movement started in Sholapur in the reaction of Gandhiji arrest
assumed a violent form. Thousands of mill workers took part in the strike.
- The most intense reaction of salt satyagrah took place in Dharasana. Here
the movement started under the leadership of Sarojini Naidu, Imam
Saheb etc. and the government tried to suppress them forcibly.
- The movement against Chaukidari and Union Board was started in Bengal.
- Movement against tax was started in different tallukas of Gujrat.
- Students started a strong movement against 'Cunningham Circular' in
Assam.
- Rani Gadinalyu did a remarkable leadership in Manipur and Nagaland.

World of History :: 82
Expansion of the movement in Bihar:
Since there was no sea coast in Bihar, the movement started here
against the Chaukidari tax. Ganga Prasad Roy led the movement against the
Chaukidari tax in Siwan. Afterwards the movement spread to Gaya,
Bhagalpur, Munger, Barh, Mokama, Barahia and Begusarai. During the civil
disobedience movement, the prisoners in Chhapra jail refused to put on
foreign clothes and started nangi strike. The women of Patna took active
participation in the boycott of foreign clothes. Mrs. Hasan Imam led this
movement and Vindhyavasini Devi took it further ahead. Chandrawati Devi
started the movement against the Chaukidari tax in Gaya.
Gandhi Irwin Pact:
The expansiveness of civil disobedience movement compelled the
British government to compromise. The government had to compromise
with Gandhiji which is known as 'Gandhi-Irwin Pact'. It is also known as Delhi
th
Pact which is done between Gandhiji and Lord Irwin on 5 March, 1931.
According to this pact Gandhiji stopped the movement and agreed to take
part in the second round table conference. Irwin also accepted some of the
demands. Gandhiji participated in the second round table conference but it
did not succeed. So he returned in disappointment. On the other hand the
British government accelerated the wheel of suppression. Then Gandhiji
again started civil disobedience movement. But it had no vigour and spirit as
before and so this movement was completely taken back in 1934.
Results of Civil Disobedience Movement:
1. This movement expanded the social base of national movement. This
expanded social base can be seen in the participation of women,
workers and poor and illiterate people of villages and cities.
2. This movement politicised the different classes of the society. The new
classes of society were filled with anti-English feelings.

World of History :: 83
 3. The participation of women in the movement had a great importance.
For the first time, women were seen in the effective role in the national
movement. The other aspect of the women's role in this movement is
the entry of women in public life.
4. The 'economic boycott' in this movement affected the economic
interests of the British. The import of British clothes in India reduced
and it affected the import of other goods adversely.
5. New ways of organisation were used during this movement which
were not seen previously. The organisations of 'Vanar Sena' and
'Manjari Sena' were given new forms during this movement. The
'Prabhat pheri' in an organised way also had a great importance. The
use of newspapers and magazines was a new way to organise the
people.
6. Civil disobedience movement had a great effect also on the workers'
and farmers' movement.
7. The main result of this movement was passing the India Government
Act, 1935 by the British government.
8. For the first time, the British government had a talk with the congress
on the basis of equality.
Thus after the First World War (1914), the national movement rolled
ahead and non-cooperation movement and civil disobedience movement
were done against the exploitation policy of the British. These movements
gave a new dimension to the farmers' and workers' movements. Indian
farmer class was also dissatisfied with the British exploitation policy. As a
result, their protest began to assume the form of movement and further it
became a subsidiary part of Indian independence movement.

World of History :: 84
Peasants' Movement:
In the second half of the 19th century, the Indian economy was in a bad
situation due to frequent famine. Lacs of farmers and the people of weaker
class were starving. The direful famines of 1876-78, 1896-97 and 1899-1900
made it clear what the consequence of oppressive land tax policy was. The
farmers started movement at different places in India. Consequently, the
government changed its land revenue policies and various tenancy acts were
passed but they were not enough.
By the early 20 years of the establishment of the congress (1885), no
remarkable work was done to solve the problems of the farmers. However,
the congressmen tried to pay attention to these issues in their every session.
With the rise of Mahatma Gandhi in Indian politics, the peasants' movement
got a new direction. The main peasants' movements started at different
places of India which paved the way for national movement were as follows:

Champaran Movement (1917):

The condition of indigo producing farmers in Bihar and Bengal was
very miserable. Particularly in Bihar, the 'Tinkathia system' was in vogue, by
which the farmers had to produce indigo in 3/20 part of their land. It was
generally their most fertile land. The farmers did not want to produce indigo
because it reduced the fertility of the land. Though, efforts were made to
change the 'Tinkathia system' in 1908, but it did not change the adverse
conditions of the farmers. Indigo farm owners compelled the farmers to sell
their products to them on a fixed price which was very low. At this time
German scientists began to produce artificial indigo colour and so the
demand of Indian indigo reduced in the world market. Most of the indigo
farm owners in Champaran began to realise that the trade of indigo would not
be beneficial for them. So to keep their profit on, they started to impose the
loss on the farmers. For this, they began to convince the farmers that they
could be freed from the cultivation of indigo if they paid a great
compensation. Besides it, they increased the Lagan excessively.

World of History :: 85
 The farmers of Champaran were fed up with this type of tyrannical
behaviour of the indigo farm owners. In the Lucknow session of the congress
in 1916, Rajkumar Shukla, a farmer of Champaran attracted everyone's
attention towards this problem and requested Gandhiji to visit Champaran.
When Gandhiji reached Motihari (the district office of Champaran), his
presence was taken as a danger for peace. The government ordered him to
leave Champaran but Gandhiji realised the interests of the people there and
refused to do so. Immediately, he was arrested and a case was filed against
him in the district court. But Bihar government ordered the commissioner
and district court to withdraw the case. Gandhiji was also prohibited from
conducting any type of movement as well. But he was allowed to be familiar
with the problems of the farmers. This way Gandhiji realised the problems of
the farmers of Bihar and particularly of Champaran.
On the pressure of Gandhiji, the government formed 'Champaran
Agrarian Committee.' Gandhiji was a member of this committee. This
committee recommended to abolish the 'Tinkathia system' as well as the tax
which the farmers had to pay. The increased rate of Lagan should be reduced
and 25% of the tax which was illegally collected from the farmers should be
paid back to them. These recommendations of the committee were passed in
1919 as 'Champaran Agrarian Act.' Though this movement was related to the
problems of farmers, but most of the supporters of Gandhiji were from
educated middle class, as Rajendra Prasad, Acharya Kripalani, Gorkah Prasad,
Brajkishore Prasad and Dharnidhar Prasad played important role in
Champaran Satyagrah. Local mahajans and the mukhtiyars of the villages also
supported Gandhiji. Since Gandhiji made his principles of truth and non-
violence the base of this movement, it is also known as Champaran
Satyagrah.
Khera Movement:
The other parts of the country also experienced peasants' movement.
In the Khera district of Gujrat, Gandhiji supported the peasants' demand for
the exemption of lagan because the kharif crops destroyed in 1917 due to
heavy rains. Since, according to the lagan rule, there was no provision of the
exemption in the lagan in this situation, the government rejected this
demand.The government alleged that the outsiders were provoking the

World of History :: 86
farmers not to pay the lagan. But this allegation was baseless. On 22nd June
1918, Gandhiji called for movement which continued for a month. During
this, the Rabi crops grew satisfactory and the government left the oppressive
way. The situation was changed and Gandhiji announced to withdraw the
satyagrah. By this satyagrah, the farmers of rural areas in Gujarat got courage
to oppose the exploiting rules of the English.
Moplah uprising (1917:
The farmers of Malabar seacoast in modern Kerala undertook a great
uprising which is known as Moplah uprising. Moplahs were local patteders
and farmers who were the followers of Islam, whereas local 'Nambudari' and
'Nayer' landholders belonged to upper caste Hindus. Like another
landholders they enjoyed government protection and police and court
supported them. In the 19th century, the burden of lagan on Moplah farmers
was increased and their rights were being controlled. This dissatisfaction
created the situation of conflict among the farmers and landlords which
unfortunately turned into communal violence. In 1921, a new situation was
created when the congress demanded for land and revenue reforms in the
interests of farmers and supported in Khilafat movement. Being encouraged
in this new situation, Moplah rebellions declared one of their religious
leaders, Ali Musaliar their king and began to attack
government institutions. Observing the
seriousness of the situation, military action was
started against the rebellions in October, 1921. By
December, more than ten thousand of rebellions
were killed and more than fifty thousand were
arrested. Thus this uprising gradually came to an
end.
Bardoli Satyagrah:
Similarly, in 1928 the dissatisfaction among the Sardar Ballabh Bhai Patel
farmers in Bardoli talluka in Surat district of Gujarat aroused against the
increment in lagan. The farmers were also dissatisfied with the
recommendations of 'Bardoli investigation commission' and they started a

World of History :: 87
movement against the decision of the government. Ballabh Bhai Patel played
a decisive role in it. On this occasion, he was called 'Sardar'. He awakened the
intellectuals towards the problems of the farmers and gave opportunity to
the women to participate in the movement. A strike in railway was called on in
Mumbai in the support of farmers and K. M. Munshi and Lalji Narangi
resigned from the membership of Bombay Legislative Council in the support
of the movement. As a result, the government had to form a new
investigation committee under the leadership of Bloomfield and Marwell
which accepted this increment improper and the government had to reduce
the rate of lagan. Thus this movement successfully came to an end.
Formation of Kisan Sabha:
These initial movements
awakened the farmers towards their
rights and now they began to realise
their strength. So Kisan Sabhas were
formed in Bihar, Bengal, Uttar Pradesh
and Punjab in the decade of 1920. In
1922-23, in Bihar, Kisan Sabha was
formed in Munger under the leadership
of Shah Muhammad Zubair but it got a
comprehensive and strong base in 1928
when Swami Sahjanand Sarswati
formally established Kisan Sabha in
Bihta and again in 1929 in Sonepur. This
Sahjanand Sarswati year Sardar Patel came to Bihar and it
th
strengthened the movement. On 11 April, 1936, All India Kisan Sabha was
formed in Lucknow. That time Bakast movement was started in Bihar which
was accepted as a main demand in 1937 session of the congress. With this,
the problems of farmers came into the mainstream of national movement.
Workers' movement:
The development of industrialisation and Marxist ideology in Europe
influenced the other countries and the workers were awakened with the

World of History :: 88
industrial development even in India. In the initial years of the 20th century,
Subrahmanya Aiyar advocated the formation of workers' union and on the
other hand Swadeshi movement had an effect on the workers. In 1917, when
the plague broke out in Ahmedabad, the workers began to leave the city, but
the mill owners increased their salary to stop them. When the plague was
checked, they decreased their salary. The workers were dissatisfied with it
because even the bonus was inadequate for them due to the First World War
and dearness. Gandhiji supported the demands of the workers and tried to
mediate with the mill owners. At last, bonus was restored after his advice and
its rate was fixed 35%. The communist international of the Russian revolution
in 1917 and the formation of workers' organisation were such foreign events
that directly influenced Indian national movement and worker class. On 31st
October, 1920 the congress party formed 'All India Trade Union Congress
(AITUC)'. C. R. Das advised the congress to include the farmers and workers
actively in national movement and support their demands.
In course of time, the popularity of the leftist ideology strengthened
the workers' movement which made the British government more anxious
and they assumed oppressive way against the workers. A case of treason was
filed against some of the leftist leaders on the name of 'Merrut conspiracy'.
In the meantime civil disobedience movement was started in 1930 which
initially got the support of the workers. But in 1931, it was divided into three
organisations named All India National Trade Union Congress, Hind Mazdoor
Sangh and United Trade Union Congress. Even after it, some of the main
leaders of the national movement like Jawahar Lal Nehru, Subhash Chandra
Bose etc. continued to support the workers.

Tribal movement:
Tribal movement played an important role in Indian national
th
movement. Unlike 19 century, tribal uprising in various parts of India had
th
been a permanent factor even in the 20 century. These uprisings took place
in indifferent parts of India. There was turmoil in the old Rampa region of
Godawari hills in South India where uprising took place in 1916. It prepared

World of History :: 89
the background for the uprising under the leadership of Almuri Sitaram Raju
in 1922-24. The tribal people started guerrilla war under the leadership of
Shree Raju against the exploitation by Sahukars, and ban by the forest
department on the Jhoom cultivation and the right of grazing continued for a
long time. Madras government had to spend a lot of money and military
th
power to suppress this uprising. At last, Raju was arrested on 6 May, 1924
and shot dead. This uprising was totally suppressed in September, 1924.
Khond movement took place in the feudal estate Daspulla in Orissa in
1914. It started due to succession dispute but soon it assumed a different
form. The Englishmen feared that the Khond movement would spread to
difficult mountain ranges of Eastern Ghats, Kalahandi and Bustar. So they
tried to suppress this movement immediately. The villages of the Khonds
were burnt to ashes.
This movement created the situation of war between the English and
the tribal people and the rumour provoked the Oranv of Chhotanagpur
region to revolt. But this movement was non-violent and it continued from
1914 to 1920. Jatra Bhagat was the leader. This movement laid emphasis on
the social and educational reforms in which monism was emphasized and
meat, wine and dances were prohibited.
This movement became as an inseparable part of Gandhian non-co-
operation movement of 1920. The nationalist movement under the
leadership of the congress was also having good impact on the tribal people
and they were joining the national movement. In 1917, the Santhals in
Mayurbhanj and 'Thodoi Kookies' in Manipur revolted. The guerrilla war
continued for two years. The 'Pothang' system according to which the
adivasis were compelled to carry the luggage of the officers without any
wages and the complaint of imposing ban on the Jhoom cultivation were the
main factors of this revolution.
During the civil disobedience movement, deep nationalist feeling was
seen among the tribal people of north-west frontier. Similarly, during quit
India movement unprecedental nationalist consciousness aroused among
the tribal people of South Bihar.

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 INDIAN POLITICAL PARTIES

Indian National Congress:

The beginning of Indian
national movement is considered Land Holders Society - 1938
with the foundation of 'Indian Bengal British Indian
National Congress' in the last Association - 1943
phase of the 19th century. This is East India Association - 1866
the first all India political Indian Association - 1876
institution. With the foundation Pune Sarvajanik Sabha - 1870
of the Congress, Indian National Indian League - 1875
Movement got a new direction Madras Mahajan Sabha - 1884
and momentum.
However, it is not an unexpected incidence. Before it, the
development of infrastructure in India, expansion of modern education,
development of newspapers, religious reform movements, rise of middle
class intellectuals and nationalist movements in Europe played important
role in the awakening of national consciousness among Indians. In this
context, several organisations were formed at regional level in India.
In due course of time, Indian national movement remained going
ahead day by day at regional levels. At the beginning this movement was
limited to educated middle class, but it further gained the sympathy of
several Indian classes. This very time Indian Association was opposing the
Rent Bill and the Press Act and Arms Act made by Lord Liton was being
opposed strongly by Indians. The government had to withdraw the Press Act.
Though there was no all India Political Institution then, the victory paved the
way for Indian natinoalists. They began to think that unity is must. Ilbert Bill
passed in the time of Lord Ripon was unitedly opposed by the Europeans and
this victory gave Indian nationalists an opportunity to be united.
In December, 1883, Anand Mohan Bose, the secretary of Indian
Association organised an all India conference named 'National Conference' in
Kolkata with the aim of unification of disintegrated nationalist forces.

World of History :: 91
But on the other hand a retired British Officer, Allen Octrovian Hume began to
make his efforts in this direction and formed 'Indian National Union' in 1884.
Afterwards Hume continued discussing in this regard with Indian leaders and
Indian Viceroy, Lord Dufrin for the year long. At last on December 25-28,
1885, a meeting of Indian National Union was called in Pune but
unfortunately plague outbroke in Pune and the venue of meeting was
changed. This meeting was held in Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, Bombay
on Monday 28 December, 1885 and this organisation was renamed as 'Indian
National Congress'. The world 'Congress' was taken from the history of North
America which means 'the group of people'. Vyomeshchandra Banerjee
presided over this meeting and 72 members participated in it. Its initial
objectives are as follows:
i. Effort to unite different organisations indulging in the activities of
national interests of India in different sectors.
ii. To make friendship and cordial relationship among the countrymen
and end religious, racial and provincial conflicts.
iii. To make every possible effort for the development and strengthening
of national unity.
iv. To discuss the important and necessary issues with the eminent
citizens of India and prepare data for proofs regarding these.
v. To make efforts for reforms through requisitions and memorandum to
the viceroy and his council.
Thus the initial objective of the congress was only to bring reforms in
governance. After the division of Bengal by Lord Curzon in 1905, the voice of
conflict began to rise within the congress and in 1907 it was divided and the
congress got weaker. But the rise of Gandhiji in Indian politics strengthened
Indian National Congress and it played the most important role in the
freedom of India from the slavery of the British government by making
national unity.

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Leftism / The Communist Party:
The word 'Leftism' was first used in French revolution but in time lag
after the rise of socialism or communism it became its synonym.
In the beginning of the 20th century, the communist meetings began
to be initiated in Mumbai, Kolkata, Kanpur, Lahore, Madras and various other
places. At that time Muzaffar Ahmad, S. A. Dange, Maulavi Barakatullah
Gulam Hussain etc. were the main personalities associated with this
ideology. They began to nurture leftist ideologies through their journals. But
with the success of Russian revolution, the communist ideologies began to
spread rapidly in India. In the mean time time M. N. Roy (Manavendra Nath
Roy) formed the communist party of India in Tashkand. But they were not
openly working in India. During non-cooperation movement, they got an
opportunity to spread their ideology through journals and magazines. Now
they began to join extreme nationalist movements. So after the drop of non-
cooperation movement, the government began to suppress them and 8
persons were prosecuted under Peshawar Conspiracy case (1922-23),
Kanpur conspiracy case (1924) and Meerut conspiracy case (1929-33). Then
communists attracted the people's attention and they were called nationalist
'communist martyrs.' During it, they got the support of the congress because
the congressmen did not let the 'public safety bill' pass, for it was against the
communists. Thus the communist movement was now getting established. In
1925, a person named Satyabhakt founded the Communist Party of India.
Now the leftist party of England also began to take interest in the communist
party of India
However, several organisations of the workers had been formed till
now. AITUC was formed in 1920 but it was divided in 1928 and N. M. Joshi
formed AITUF in 1929. Thus the influence of leftism on workers was growing.
This time, effort was made to link the farmers with communism and Kisan-
Mazdoor party was formed at different places. Labour Swaraj Party was the
first party of the farmers and workers but in December, 1928, All India
Mazdoor Kisan Party was formed at all India level. Till now an obvious impact

World of History :: 93
Subhash Chandra Bose, Ram Manohar Lohia, Jay Prakash Narayan, Achyut
Patbardhan and Narendra Dev. So in October 1934, the congress socialist
party was formed in Mumbai. However, though Jai Prakash Babu had already
formed the Bihar Socialist Party in 1931, yet they ware accompanying the
Congress.
During the civil disobedience movement the communists began to
oppose the congress, because the congress was running by the support of
the industrialists and capitalist who were exploiting the workers. The
communits began to criticise even the leftist wing of the congress and
disconnected themselves from the congress. This was the time when the
socialist did not keep themselves aloof of it. Due to the communits, there was
a danger of split in the congress which resulted as the formation of the
Forward Block by Subhash Chandra Bose.
Muslim League:
The British were surprised to see the Hindu-Muslim unity in the
revolution of 1857. After this revolution
the British began to think that they can
rule over India easily by dividing the
Hindus and the Muslims because there is a
sharp division between the both. It was
the climax of the policy 'divide and rule'.
This was the reason that in 1887, Lord
Dufrin called the Congress a party of the
Hindus and an Englishman named William
Hunter emphasized much on English-
Muslim friendship in his book.
Mohammad Ali Jinnah On the other hand, the leaders of
Indian National Congress and other nationalists began to take support of
religion for spreading national consciousness in India. So the Muslims started
thinking that the Congress wanted to form a Hindu state.

World of History :: 94
 Thus a background was being prepared because some Muslim elites
wanted to take their society on the path of development by taking them out
of humiliation. So they began to spread education among them. Abdul Latif,
Agha Khan and Sir Syed Ahmad Khan were eminent leaders. Sir Syed Ahmad
Khan founded Mohammadan Anglo-Oriental College in Aligarh in 1877. In
1905, Lord Curzon divided Bengal into two parts — East Bengal and West
Bengal. East Bengal was named Muslim province and they were convinced
that the division was in their interest, but its main objective was to weaken
the emerging extreme nationalist movement. Both the Hindus and the
Muslims opposed this policy so violently that Lord Hardinge withdrew it in
1911.
Now, the Hindu-Muslim unity compelled the British to make a way to
keep the Muslims aloof from the Congress. Lord Minto began to practise this
policy and asked his Secretary Dunlop Smith and the principal of Aligarh
College, Arcwald to meet the Muslim representatives. In this context Nawab
Mohsin-ul-Mulk with 35 Muslim leaders met them under the leadership of
Agha Khan. Thus Agha Khan laid the foundation of the Muslim League.
Afterwards, the Nawab of Dhaka, Salimullah Khan suggested the
name of organisation 'All India Muslim Confidency' and its first conference
was convened in Dhaka on 30 December, 1906, whereas its name was
changed into 'All India Muslim League' and thus an all India Muslim
organisation was founded. This muslim Leage party was founded with the
objective of ensuring proper representation of the Muslim in government
services and on the posts of judges. Making a separate electoral college for
legislative council and saving the interests of the Muslim in the appointment
of the Council were its main objectives. The Englishmen took this incident as
a landmark and declared that they had taken about 7 crore people in their
favour. To prove it, the seeds of communalism were sown by keeping partial
interests of the Muslims in mind in the reforming act of 1909. But in 1916 the
Congress and the League made a compromise. The nationalist Muslim
leaders like Hakim Ajmal Khan, Dr. Ansari, Dr. Kichalu, Maulana Abul Kalam
Azad, and Maulana Majharul Haque alongwith the congress gave the
movement a new momentum.

World of History :: 95
 The Muslim League did not get adequate success in different
elections and it proved that it had not a wide support among the Muslims
and the Congress was the only party to lead the country. Further, the Muslim
League parted with the Congress under the leadership of Muhammad Ali
Zinna and asked for separate representation and constituency for the
Muslims which made a route of the division of India. The English played a
crucial role in it.

Swaraj Party:
The disappointment and irritation born out of the sudden withdrawal
of Non-Co-operation movement was reflected in the Gaya session of the
Congress (1922) in which Chitranjan Das was the president. Chitranjan Das
and Motilal Nehru thought that besides constructive activities, the congress
should take part in different elections in the country, and enter commercial
and public meetings to create hindrance in the activities of the government.
A proposal was placed in the Gaya session on this subject but it was not
passed. Then Chitranjan Das and Motilal Nehru resigned from all the posts of
the Congress and founded Swaraj Party. As a result of the optimum efforts of
these two leaders, the first summit of the Swaraj party was held in Allahabad
in 1923.
However, the main aim of the Swaraj Party was not different from
Indian National Congress because both of them wanted swaraj but their
ways were different. They wanted either improvement or end in the reforms
Act of 1919. They entering the Dhara Sabhas wanted to keep on the non-
coperative attitude with the Congress. They would go into the dhara sabhas,
argue on different issues and come out raising voice against them. Their
policy was to weaken the power of beaurocrates, to oppose the oppressive
laws, to strengthen the national power and take part in Satyagrah after
resigning the post if it be necessary.

World of History :: 96
 However, the swarjists carrying their initial policies into effect got
success to an extent as to reject budget proposal and get an investigation
committee on the Reform Act, 1919 formed. But after the death of C. R. Das,
some leaders like Kelkar, Pupul Jaykar selected the way for supporting the
government. This was the time when the swarasists Hindus came nearer to
the nationalist leaders because the support of Hindu Communalism was
taken in the election. At the places like Varanasi, there was no difference
between the Swaraj party and Hindu Mahasabha. It was the reason that
Motilal Nehru sometimes had to turn to the communal appeals. The Swaraj
Party probably got paralysed by 1926 and became limited due to not being
stuck to their policies and not keeping themselves aloof from communalism.
Rashtriya Swayansevak Sangh (RSS):
Rashtriya Swaynsevak Sangh (RSS) was founded in 1925 on the
concept of 'Hindu, Hinduism and Hindu Nation'. This party did not emerge all
of a sudden, its rise was being visualized from the earlier times. This time the
revival of the Hindus began to favour the dignity of the Hindu rituals. It
influenced the then leadership, the leaders of religious reform movement
and literature. However, in 1830, Radhakant founded Dharma Sabha in
Kolkata and started the activities of religious reforms. But in 1875, Swami
Dayanand Sarswati founded 'Arya Samaj' in Mumbai and raised the slogan
'Back to the Vedas'. It was the initial stage of the Hindu revival. In this age, the
Vedas were being called paramount and the Sanatan form of the Hindu
religion was being established.
On the other hand, the youths were not satisfied with the activities of
Indian National Congress for 10-15 years and they wanted to assume
aggressive nature. Some main leaders like 'Bal, Pal, and Lal' began to take
support of Hindu religion in the expansion of national consciousness. Other
leaders also followed the way. It was quite natural because the then Indian
society was scrupulous and the public were easily convinced and awakened
with the religious examples. This very time, in 1909, Lala Lalchand, a
supporter of Lala Jagat Roy criticised the congress and said that every Hindu is
first a Hindu and then an Indian. Now the conservatives of the Hindu religion

World of History :: 97
began to be united through Dharma Sabhas, Sanatan Dharma Sabhas and
Kumbh Melas which resulted as the foundation of 'Hindu Mahasaha' in
Haridwar by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya.
But with the rise of Mahatma Gandhi, both the communal parties
were upstaged. When the non-cooperation movement was withdrawn, a
conflict rose among the extreme nationalists and communalism was
aggravated once again. The follower of the Hindu Mahasabha talked of the
joining Hindi and the Hindus with Hindustan and so their domain was
spreading. This time, Shree K. B. Hedgewar, a follower of Balgangadhar
founded Rashtriya Swaynsevak Sangh (RSS) in Nagpur in 1925 with the
objective to build a strong nation by making the Indian Hindu youths
disciplined and morally strong. So, it started to emerge as a social institution.
Here the lesson of nationhood as well as conventional Hinduism was taught.
Thus the above written facts tell us that the different administrative,
economic and social policies of the British government gave birth to
nationalism in India. From 1914 to 1930, Indian National Movement was at its
climax in which Indian National Congress played an important role under the
leadership of Gandhiji. This time Kisan Sabha and several organisations of
workers were founded which started movements for their rights and further
consolidated in national movement. In this very period, various parties like
Communist Party, Swaraj Party and RSS were founded in India and the
activities of the Congress Party and the Muslim League got momentum. After
1930, the movements done by all these parties against the British policy
activated Indian national movement.

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 EXERCISE

Objective Question:
1. The Gadar Party was founded by _____ in ______
(a) Gurdayal Singh, 1916
(b) Chandrashekhar Azad, 1920
(c) Lala Hardayal, 1913
(d) Sohan Singh Bhakhana, 1918

2. When was the Jaliyanwala Bagh massacre happened?

(a) 13 April, 1919 (b) 14 April, 1919
(c) 15 April, 1919 (d) 16 April, 1918

3. In which year was the Lucknow pact signed?

(a) 1916 (b) 1918
(c) 1920 (d) 1922

4. In which session of the Congress was the proposal of Non-

cooperation movement passed?
(a) September 1920, Kolkata
(b) October 1920, Ahmedabad
(c) November 1920, Faizpur
(d) December 1920, Nagpur

5. The Khilafat movement started in India in _____ for the support

of the ruler of _____.
(a) 1920, Turkey (b) 1920, Arabia
(c) 1920, France (d) 1920, Germany

6. The Civil disobedience movement started in ____ with ____

march.
(a) 1920, Bhuj (b) 1930, Ahmedabad
(c) 1930, Dandi (d) 1930, Alba

7. In which annual session of the Congress was the proposal of

Purna Swarajya passed?
(a) 1929, Lahore (b) 1931, Karanchi
(c) 1933, Kolkata (d) 1937, Belgawn

World of History :: 99
 8. Rashtriya Swaynsevak Sangh was found in _____ by ______.
(a) 1923, Guru Golwalakar
(b) 1925, K. B. Hedgewar
(c) 1926, Chitranjan Das
(d) 1928, Lalchand

9. During which movement of the farmers did Ballav Bhai Patel get
the title of 'Sardar'?
(a) Bardoli (b) Ahmedabad
(c) Kheda (d) Champaran

10. When was the Rampa revolts taken place?

(a) 1916 (b) 1917
(c) 1918 (d) 1919

Fill in the blanks:

1. Bal Gangadhar Tilak and _________ started the Home Rule
movement.
2. ________ was the leader of the Khilafat movement in India.
3. __________ movement come to an end on _______ February.
4. ______________ was the Chairman of the Simon Commission.
5. The movement against __________ tax was started in ______.
6. The first president of Indian National Congress was __________.
7. All India Kisan Sabha was formed on ______ April, ________.
8. ________ movement was taken place in Orissa in _________.

Very short answer type questions:

1. Why was the Khilafat movement started?
2. What do you mean by the Rollat Act?
3. What was the purpose of Dandi March?
4. What was the Gandhi-Irwin pact or Delhi pact?
5. Present a brief account of Champaran Satyagrah.

World of History :: 100

 6. What do you mean by Meerut conspiracy?
7. What do you know about Jatra Bhagat? Write in brief.
8. Why was All India Trade Union Congress founded?

Match the following:

i. Gandhian phase (a) 5 February, 1922
ii. Chauri-Chaura massacre (b) 1919-1947
iii. The first president of the (c) 1915

iv. Withdrawal of Bengal division (d) Kerala

v. Hindu Mahasabha (e) 1911
vi. Moplah revolts (f) Madan Mohan Malviya

Short answer type questions (Answer in 60 words):

1. How can you say that the non-cooperation movement was the first
public movement?
2. What were the results of the civil disobedience movement?
3. In which situation was Indian National Congress founded?
4. Write a note on the peasants' movement of Bihar.
5. Describe the foundation of the Swaraj Party and its objectives.

Long answer type questions (Answer in 150 words):

1. Discuss the inter-relation of the First World War with Indian National
Congress.
2. Describe the causes and results of the Non-cooperation movement.
3. Discuss the reasons of the civil disobedience movement.
4. Describe of the development of the workers' movement in India.
5. Discuss the contribution of Gandhiji in Indian National movement.
6. Mark the role of the leftists in Indian national movement.

World of History :: 101