The making of National Movement
The chapter “The Making of the National Movement: 1870s-1947” explains how the Indian National Movement
developed from the late 19th century to India’s independence in 1947. It covers the formation of early political
organizations, the rise of nationalism, mass movements led by Mahatma Gandhi, and the final phase of India’s struggle
for independence.
Early Nationalists (1870s – 1905)
Emergence of Nationalism
By the 1870s, educated Indians became aware of the British exploitation of India’s economy.
Social reformers and political thinkers criticized British policies.
Newspapers and books spread political awareness.
Formation of the Indian National Congress (INC)
Founded in 1885 by A.O. Hume (a retired British official).
First session was held in Bombay (Mumbai), presided over by W.C. Bonnerjee.
Objectives:
To create a platform for dialogue between Indians and the British.
To demand greater participation in administration.
To promote unity among Indians.
Moderates (1885 – 1905)
Key Leaders: Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Surendranath Banerjee.
Demands:
Greater representation in government.
Economic reforms (reduction of land revenue, cut in military expenses).
Indianization of services.
Used petitions, speeches, and discussions to press for reforms.
Dadabhai Naoroji wrote about the “Drain of Wealth” theory, highlighting how British rule impoverished India.
Radical Nationalists (1905 – 1919)
Partition of Bengal (1905) & Swadeshi Movement
Partition of Bengal (1905) by Lord Curzon created widespread protests.
Swadeshi Movement was launched to boycott British goods and promote Indian industries.
Leaders of the Radical (Extremist) phase:
Bal Gangadhar Tilak – “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it.”
Bipin Chandra Pal – Advocated self-reliance and Swadeshi.
Lala Lajpat Rai – Known as “Punjab Kesari,” led protests against British rule.
Formation of the Muslim League (1906)
The All India Muslim League was formed in 1906 to promote the interests of Muslims.
The British supported the League to create divisions between Hindus and Muslims.
Lucknow Pact (1916)
INC and Muslim League came together demanding self-rule.
Marked Hindu-Muslim unity against British rule.
Gandhian Era (1919 – 1947)
Rowlatt Act (1919) and Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
Rowlatt Act (1919) allowed the British to imprison people without trial.
Jallianwala Bagh massacre (April 13, 1919) – British General Dyer ordered firing on peaceful protesters in Amritsar.
This incident fueled nationwide protests against British rule.
Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22)
Mahatma Gandhi led the movement to resist British rule through non-violence.
Indians boycotted British goods, services, and institutions.
Chauri Chaura incident (1922) – Violence by protestors led Gandhi to call off the movement.
Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-34)
Started with Dandi March (March 12, 1930) – Gandhi broke the Salt Law.
Indians refused to pay taxes, boycotted foreign goods, and protested against British policies.
Quit India Movement (1942)
Launched on August 8, 1942, demanding an immediate end to British rule.
Gandhi’s call: “Do or Die.”
British responded with mass arrests, but the movement intensified across the country.
Partition and Independence (1947)
Demand for Pakistan
Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the Muslim League demanded a separate nation.
1940 – Lahore Resolution called for the creation of Pakistan.
Mountbatten Plan (June 3, 1947)
Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India, proposed partition.
India and Pakistan were created as two independent nations on August 15, 1947.
Conclusion
India’s national movement evolved over decades, moving from moderate demands to mass struggles.
The contributions of leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Sardar Patel were crucial.
The movement ultimately led to India’s independence on August 15, 1947.
