Chronology of Modern Indian History

An Act passed in 1882 by the British government to repeal the Vernacular Press Act of 1878, which had restricted the freedom of the press in India. This repeal was a significant step towards granting greater press freedom in India.

The Ilbert Bill, introduced in 1883, aimed to grant Indian judges the authority to try European British subjects for offenses committed in India. However, the bill faced strong opposition and was ultimately diluted, granting limited power to Indian judges.

The Indian National Congress (INC) was established on December 28, 1885, by A.O. Hume with the objective of promoting Indian self-governance and representation in the British government. It aimed to unite Indians across various regions and social classes.

The Second Factory Act of 1891 introduced important labor reforms in India. It prohibited the employment of children below the age of nine, restricted women's working hours, and prohibited women from working at night.

The Indian Councils Act of 1892 aimed to expand the Legislative Councils in India, increasing the number of non-official members. It also allowed members to ask questions related to the budget.

The Bubonic plague, a deadly epidemic, swept through Bombay and Pune in 1897. This led to the passing of the Epidemic Diseases Act, designed to contain the spread of infectious diseases.

The Punjab Land Alienation Act of 1900 aimed to prevent the transfer of agricultural land from the hands of Punjabi farmers to non-agricultural communities, aiming to protect their interests and prevent exploitation.

The 1905 announcement by Lord Curzon led to the Swadeshi movement, a nationwide campaign promoting Indian goods and businesses. It was driven by nationalistic sentiment and a desire for economic independence.

A significant event which led to the division of the Bengal province in 1905, causing widespread resentment and ultimately contributing to the rise of nationalist sentiments.

A political party founded in 1906 to advocate for the rights of Indian Muslims within the larger struggle for self-rule.

Established with the goal of providing an alternative to the British-controlled education system in India, it promoted Indian culture and values in education.

A political split within the Indian National Congress in 1907, dividing the party into 'Moderates' who favored gradual reforms and 'Extremists' who demanded immediate self-rule.

The Indian Councils Act of 1909, also known as the Morley-Minto Reforms, expanded Indian representation in legislative councils and introduced separate electorates for Muslims.

Part of the Morley-Minto Reforms, it allowed Muslims to elect their representatives separately from other communities, ensuring their representation in government.

The shifting of the British capital from Calcutta (Kolkata) to Delhi in 1911. This change symbolized a shift in power and administration in British India.

A provisional government established in Kabul, Afghanistan in December 1915 by Raja Mahendra Pratap, with the help of Amanullah Khan, aiming to challenge British rule.

A series of regulations implemented by the British government in 1915 to control dissent and maintain order during World War I. These regulations gave the government extensive powers to detain individuals without trial and restrict freedom of speech.

A non-violent movement led by Mahatma Gandhi in Champaran, Bihar, in 1917, protesting against the forced cultivation of indigo by British landlords. It marked the first instance of Gandhi's Satyagraha (truth force) technique in India.

A series of reforms introduced by the British government in India, aimed at gradually increasing Indian participation in governance. These reforms included the establishment of provincial councils with a limited degree of self-governance.

A series of repressive laws introduced by the British government in 1919, giving authorities wide powers of arrest and detention without trial, intended to curb nationalist activities. These laws sparked widespread protests and led to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

A massacre of unarmed civilians at Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, on April 13, 1919. This tragic incident, where British troops fired on a peaceful crowd, sparked outrage across India and contributed to the growing nationalist movement.

A political agreement reached in 1916 between the Indian National Congress and the All-India Muslim League. This pact addressed demands for representation and advocated for self-governance for India.

A movement launched in 1916 by prominent Indian leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant, advocating for self-governance. This movement gained momentum due to the growing discontent with British rule during World War I.

A major incident in 1922 where a protest against the British Raj turned violent, leading to the deaths of many civilians and police officers. It was a turning point in the Indian Independence Movement as it led to a shift in Gandhi's strategy towards non-violent civil disobedience.

This political party was formed in India in 1923 by a group of prominent Congress leaders who advocated for full independence and criticized Gandhi's policy of non-cooperation. It aimed to participate in elections and gain power within the existing system.

A British-appointed commission formed in 1927 to review the Government of India Act, 1919. Composed solely of British members, it faced strong opposition from Indian nationalists.

This report, authored by a committee led by Motilal Nehru in 1928, proposed a plan for constitutional reforms in India, urging for dominion status and greater autonomy. It was a response to the Simon Commission's recommendations and a reassertion of Indian aspirations for self-rule.

A significant movement for social justice, led by Sri Narayan Guru in 1924 in Travancore, challenging the caste system and untouchability. It advocated for equality and human rights.

A political party formed in India in 1925 that aimed to achieve complete independence from British rule through armed revolution. It was known for its involvement in violent activities.

The first Indian woman to become the President of the Indian National Congress. She was a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement, known for her eloquent speeches and advocacy for women's empowerment.

A crucial factor in the rise of the Indian national movement. This movement brought together Muslims and Hindus in a shared struggle for independence. The movement centered on the demand for the protection of the Caliphate in Turkey and symbolized a growing sense of Muslim-Hindu solidarity.

A protest movement led by Yore Charan and Nana Patil in Satara, Maharashtra, known for its non-violent approach and strong opposition to British rule.

The first Indian National Army formed during World War II, aimed at securing India's independence from British rule. Led by Subhas Chandra Bose, it consisted of Indian soldiers from the British Indian Army who defected to the Axis powers.

A political movement advocating for the creation of an independent Muslim state in the northwest of British India, later becoming Pakistan. It was founded by Muhammad Ali Jinnah and gained significant political traction during the 1940s.

A plan proposed by Viceroy Lord Wavell in 1945 for the formation of a post-war interim government in India. It aimed to resolve the ongoing political deadlock between the Congress and the Muslim League, including the potential for a future plebiscite on the partition of India.

A 1946 plan devised by the British Cabinet Mission to address the independence of India. It aimed to create a unified, independent India with a federal structure, allowing provinces to choose their own autonomy. The plan was rejected by the Muslim League, ultimately leading to the partition of India.

A statement made by British Prime Minister Clement Attlee on February 20, 1947, announcing the transfer of power to India by June 30, 1948. This marked a crucial step towards India's independence, though the date was later expedited.

A plan proposed by Lord Mountbatten in June 1947, leading to the partition of India into independent India and Pakistan. It included the establishment of a new constitution, the transfer of power, and provisions for the administration of the newly formed countries, ultimately resulting in the independence of both nations.

An act passed by the British Parliament in 1947, implementing the Mountbatten Plan and granting independence to India and Pakistan. This paved the way for the transfer of power and the establishment of two new independent nations in the Indian subcontinent.

The agreement between Gandhi and the British Viceroy, Lord Irwin, leading to the suspension of the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) and Gandhi agreeing to participate in the Round Table Conference (RTC). It involved the release of political prisoners, limited salt making rights for coastal villages, and the withdrawal of emergency ordinances.

A significant session of the Indian National Congress (INC) held in Karachi that endorsed the Delhi Pact, confirmed Swaraj as the ultimate goal, passed a resolution on fundamental rights, and adopted a national economic program.

A series of meetings held by the British government to discuss India's future, often featuring representatives from different communities and political groups. The second Round Table Conference saw Gandhi as the sole representative of the INC, but failed to achieve a consensus on key issues.

An award issued by the British Prime Minister, Ramsay MacDonald, in response to the communal tensions in India. It granted separate electorates for the depressed classes (Dalits), leading to Gandhi's fast unto death protest.

A pact reached between Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar, ending Gandhi's fast unto death. It resulted in the expansion of reserved seats for the depressed classes, but rejected the idea of separate electorates.

Gandhi's dedicated campaign to address the issue of untouchability, starting both during his imprisonment and after his release. It included the establishment of organizations like the ‘All India Anti-Untouchability League’ and the publication of the weekly ‘Harijan’.

The legislative act passed by the British Parliament that introduced major constitutional reforms in India, including the creation of a federal structure and provincial autonomy. However, it also included provisions for communal representation that were criticized by many Indians.

A political party that emerged during the Indian independence movement, advocating for socialist and democratic reforms in India. Prominent leaders included Narendra Dev and Jayprakash Narayan.