8.2. The Growth of Mass Nationalism

The struggle against British rule gradually became a mass movement, involving peasants, tribals, students, and women in large numbers and occasionally factory workers as well. Certain business groups too began to actively support the Congress in the 1920s.

This chunk describes how the struggle for independence transitioned from elite-led protests to a broader mass movement. Initially, the movement was limited to politically active classes, but gradually, ordinary citizens began to participate actively, showcasing a collective national consciousness among various groups such as peasants, tribes, and women.

Consider the protest movements today that involve everyone from school students to farmers. Just like those protests, where people from diverse backgrounds unite for a common cause, the Indian independence movement saw various segments of society come together to confront British rule.

The First World War altered the economic and political situation in India. It led to a huge rise in the defence expenditure of the Government of India. The government in turn increased taxes on individual incomes and business profits. Increased military expenditure and the demands for war supplies led to a sharp rise in prices which created great difficulties for the common people.

This chunk highlights how the First World War significantly impacted India’s economy. As the British government increased its military spending, it imposed heavier taxes on the Indian populace. The consequence was a rise in everyday prices, making life more challenging for average Indians, which in turn fueled discontent and increased support for nationalist movements.

Imagine a family facing financial strain due to sudden tax increases while prices for food and essentials surge. This scenario of economic burden mirrors what many Indian families experienced during the war, prompting widespread anger and a stronger push for independence.

It is in these circumstances that Mahatma Gandhi emerged as a mass leader. Gandhiji, aged 46, arrived in India in 1915 from South Africa. Having led Indians in that country in non-violent marches against racist restrictions, he was already a respected leader, known internationally.

This part details Gandhi’s return to India and his rise as a national figure. His experiences in South Africa, where he led non-violent protests against discrimination, helped him gain recognition. The Indian context, marked by grievance against British rule and growing unrest, provided a fertile ground for his leadership.

Think of a coach who has successfully led a team to victory in another region and returns to train the local team. Just as the coach brings valuable strategies and knowledge, Gandhi returned with ideas of non-violent resistance that would inspire Indians towards independence.

In 1919, Gandhiji gave a call for a satyagraha against the Rowlatt Act that the British had just passed. The Act curbed fundamental rights such as the freedom of expression and strengthened police powers. Mahatma Gandhi asked the Indian people to observe 6 April 1919 as a day of non-violent opposition.

This chunk focuses on the Rowlatt Satyagraha, which was Gandhi's first large-scale campaign against oppressive laws. The Rowlatt Act restricted civil liberties, and Gandhi's call to action mobilized many Indians to engage in nonviolent protests, marking a pivotal moment in the struggle for independence.

Imagine a community coming together to protest against unfair laws that hinder their rights. Just like in a neighborhood watch meeting where everyone decides to stand up against crime, the Rowlatt Satyagraha saw widespread participation as Indians collectively opposed unjust legislation.

The Khilafat issue was one such cause. In 1920, the British imposed a harsh treaty on the Turkish Sultan or Khalifa. People were furious about this as they had been about the Jallianwala massacre. The leaders of the Khilafat agitation, Mohammad Ali and Shaukat Ali, wished to initiate a full-fledged Non-Cooperation Movement.

This section discusses the connection between the Khilafat Movement and the Non-Cooperation Movement. Both were reactions to injustices faced by Muslims and highlighted the unity among different communities in India against British rule. Gandhi supported this alliance, underscoring the importance of Hindu-Muslim solidarity.

Imagine two neighboring communities coming together to fight against a common threat. This teamwork can inspire larger participation. Similarly, the Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movements worked together, illustrating that unity can strengthen the fight for justice.

The Non-Cooperation Movement gained momentum through 1921–22, thousands of students left government-controlled schools and colleges. Many lawyers gave up their practices. British titles were surrendered and legislatures boycotted.

As the Non-Cooperation Movement progressed, mass participation surged. Students, professionals, and common citizens took significant steps like boycotting British institutions and surrendering titles as forms of protest. This showed how the call for national independence resonated across various demographics, encouraging many to partake actively.

Think about how in recent protests, schools have shut down with students advocating for climate action. Just as students today take a stand for their beliefs, in the 1920s, Indian students and professionals withdrew from British-controlled systems to showcase their dissatisfaction.

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