Detailed Summary
The section begins by establishing that modern nationalism in Europe was closely tied to the formation of nation-states, leading to newfound identities and cultural symbols among communities. In India, this consciousness started to take form during the anti-colonial struggle against British rule. The First World War (1914-1918) catalyzed substantial economic changes, resulting in increased hardships for the Indian populace, such as tax hikes and food shortages due to crop failures and epidemics.
With the repressive Rowlatt Act of 1919, Mahatma Gandhi proposed the idea of Satyagraha — a non-violent resistance rooted in truth. His return to India in 1915 marked the beginning of organized protests against British injustices, culminating in the widespread Rowlatt Satyagraha.
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre (April 1919) incited further distrust against British rule, leading to intensified nationalist sentiments. Gandhi's vision included uniting Hindus and Muslims under the Khilafat Movement, which sought to protect the Ottoman Empire's Khalifa, thus fostering cooperation between communities.
The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched in 1921, inviting various sections of Indian society, including students, peasants, and urban workers, who each defined swaraj (self-rule) through different lenses. While the movement initially garnered broad support, it faced challenges like economic limitations and instances of violence, which ultimately led to Gandhi withdrawing it in 1922.
The subsequent phases saw the rise of youth-led organizations like the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association, emphasizing the need for revolutionary change. A notable shift occurred when the demand for Purna Swaraj (complete independence) gained traction in the late 1920s, culminating in significant events such as the Salt March in 1930, which became a pivotal symbol of civil disobedience against British rule.
In summary, this section illustrates how diverse social groups navigated their unique aspirations within a collective national identity, driven by Gandhi’s Satyagraha philosophy and the urgent need for India's independence.