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4. The Indian National Movement (1857–1917)

The chapter outlines the evolution of organized nationalism in India from the Revolt of 1857 to the arrival of Mahatma Gandhi in 1917. It highlights key events and movements that shaped the nationalist struggle, including the causes and significance of the Revolt of 1857, the rise of the Indian National Congress, and various nationalist phases leading to Gandhi's entry. The chapter reflects on the strategies employed by nationalists to achieve independence from British rule.

Sections

The Indian National Movement (1857–1917)

This section explores the evolution of organized nationalism in India from the Revolt of 1857 until Mahatma Gandhi's arrival in 1917, laying the groundwork for India's independence struggle.

4 Section Overview

Start current section content and materials

4.1 Introduction

This section highlights the early phase of organized nationalism in India from the Revolt of 1857 to Mahatma Gandhi's arrival in 1917, which laid the groundwork for the country's independence struggle.

4.2 The Revolt of 1857

The Revolt of 1857 marked the first major resistance against British rule in India, with diverse causes and significant implications.

4.2.1 Causes of the Revolt

The Revolt of 1857 in India was driven by a combination of political, economic, military, social, and religious causes, culminating in the immediate trigger of the greased cartridge issue.

4.2.2 Nature of the Revolt

The Revolt of 1857 began as a sepoy mutiny in North and Central India, ultimately gaining civilian participation.

4.2.3 Failure of the Revolt

The failure of the Revolt of 1857 was due to several factors including disunity, lack of strategic planning, and stronger British military forces.

4.2.4 Significance of the Revolt

The Revolt of 1857 marked a pivotal point in Indian history as the first major resistance against British rule, leading to the end of the East India Company and inspiring future movements for independence.

4.3 Rise of Nationalism in India

The rise of nationalism in India was significantly influenced by various factors including Western education, socio-religious reform movements, and economic exploitation under British rule.

4.3.1 Factors Leading to Nationalism

The rise of nationalism in India was influenced by factors such as western education, economic exploitation, and the contributions of various Indian leaders.

4.4 Formation of the Indian National Congress (INC)

The Indian National Congress (INC) was formed in 1885 as a platform for educated Indians to address grievances and demand reforms from British rule.

4.4.1 Founding

The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded in 1885 to represent the interests of educated Indians and to voice their demands to the British government.

4.4.2 Objectives

The objectives of the Indian National Congress (INC) focus on fostering national unity, friendly relations among Indians, and presenting constitutional demands to the British government.

4.5 Moderate Phase (1885–1905)

The Moderate Phase of the Indian National Movement, spanning from 1885 to 1905, was characterized by constitutional methods, the establishment of the Indian National Congress, and significant contributions by leaders advocating for reforms.

4.5.1 Methods

The section focuses on the methods utilized by the Indian National Congress during the Moderate Phase (1885–1905), emphasizing constitutional and peaceful approaches to bring about political change.

4.5.2 Important Leaders

This section highlights key leaders within the Indian National Movement during the Moderate Phase, focusing on their contributions and significance.

4.5.3 Contributions

The contributions during the moderate phase of the Indian National Congress highlighted the exposure of economic exploitation and the foundation of national unity.

4.6 Assertive (Extremist) Phase (1905–1917)

This phase of the Indian national movement saw a shift towards more assertive nationalism marked by boycotts and the demand for self-rule in response to British oppression.

4.6.1 Causes for the Rise of Assertive Nationalists

The rise of assertive nationalists in India was sparked by the failure of moderate methods, the Partition of Bengal, rising racial discrimination, and a burgeoning sense of self-respect and national pride.

4.6.2 Methods

This section explores the assertive methods used during the Indian National Movement between 1905 and 1917, focusing on the boycott of British goods and the Swadeshi Movement.

4.6.3 Important Leaders

The section highlights the significant leaders who emerged during the assertive phase of the Indian National Movement, emphasizing their roles and contributions.

4.7 Partition of Bengal (1905)

The Partition of Bengal in 1905 was a strategic move by the British aimed at weakening national unity by dividing Hindus and Muslims, which led to significant protests and the rise of the Swadeshi movement.

4.7.1 Announcement and Reason

The partition of Bengal in 1905 was announced under administrative pretenses but was actually aimed at dividing Hindus and Muslims to weaken national unity.

4.7.2 Reaction and Impact

The partition of Bengal in 1905 sparked significant nationalistic movements in India, leading to the Swadeshi and Boycott Movement and ultimately strengthening the national movement against British rule.

4.8 Surat Split (1907)

The Surat Split of 1907 was a significant division within the Indian National Congress, highlighting the clash between Moderates and Extremists over methods of achieving independence.

4.9 Role of Revolutionaries

The section discusses the influence of revolutionaries in India's struggle for independence and their belief in armed struggle against British rule.

4.10 Arrival of Mahatma Gandhi (1915–1917)

This section discusses the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India in 1915 and his introduction of non-violent resistance through Satyagraha as a means for social and political change.

Learning Objectives

  • The Revolt of 1857 marked the beginning of organized nationalism in India.

  • The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885 to advocate for Indian rights.

  • Various movements evolved from moderate to assertive nationalism, responding to British policies.

Key Concepts

Revolt of 1857

A significant uprising against British rule in India, stemming from political, economic, and military grievances.

Indian National Congress (INC)

A political party founded in 1885 aimed at obtaining a greater share in government for educated Indians.

Satyagraha

A form of non-violent resistance advocated by Mahatma Gandhi, emphasizing truth and non-violence in the struggle for social and political change.

Partition of Bengal

The administrative decision by Lord Curzon in 1905 to divide Bengal based on religious lines, which fueled nationalist fervor.

Moderate and Extremist Phase

Different phases of Indian nationalism characterized by the methods employed: Moderates used petitions and dialogue, while Extremists opted for direct action and boycotts.

Practice Exercises

Total Questions

3

Estimated Time

6 min

Passing Score

70%

Instructions

  • Read each question carefully
  • You can use hints if you need help
  • Complete all questions before submitting