Indian Freedom Struggle Overview

The Indian Freedom Struggle: From Gandhian Era to Independence

• Mahatma Gandhi arrived in India in 1915, introducing Satyagraha (truth and non-violence) to the movement.
• Gandhi championed the rights of the oppressed, including indigo peasants, mill workers, and peasants in various regions.
• Early campaigns demonstrated the power of mass mobilization and non-violent resistance against British rule.

The Rise of Mass Movements

• Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922): Included boycotts of British institutions, promotion of Khadi, and Hindu-Muslim unity.
• Widespread participation marked this movement, but the Chauri Chaura incident led to its withdrawal, creating a temporary setback.

Diverging Paths

• The withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement caused a division within the Congress.
• Pro-changers (C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru) advocated entering legislatures to oppose British policies.
• No-changers (Vallabhbhai Patel and C. Rajagopalachari) emphasized constructive work and continued non-cooperation.

The Rise of Revolutionary Nationalism

• Groups like the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) and Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) emerged with armed resistance.
• Leaders like Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru, and Chandra Shekhar Azad led daring acts of defiance.
• Examples of acts include the Kakori Conspiracy and the Central Legislative Assembly bombing incident.

The Simon Commission and Demand for Purna Swaraj

• The arrival of the Simon Commission in 1928, consisting entirely of British members, sparked widespread protests and boycotts.
• The demand for self-government intensified.
• Lahore Congress in 1929, presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru, declared 'Purna Swaraj' (complete independence) as the movement's goal.

The First Round Table Conference (1930-1931)

• Aimed to discuss constitutional reforms in India.
• Failed to address the core demands of Indian leaders, including complete independence.
• Gandhiji's attendance and disappointment with the outcome are noted.

The Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934)

• Dandi March, a symbolic act of defiance against the Salt Laws, ignited the Civil Disobedience Movement.
• Mass participation included boycotts, non-payment of taxes, and violations of forest laws.
• Brutal British repression led to numerous arrests and casualties.

The Gandhi-Irwin Pact and the Second Round Table Conference

• The Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931) led to Gandhiji's release from prison and participation in the Second Round Table Conference.
• The conference again failed to yield concrete results, leading to the movement's withdrawal.

The Government of India Act of 1935

• Introduced provincial autonomy, leading to elections in 1937.
• Congress emerged victorious in many provinces, assuming significant power.

World War II and the Quit India Movement

• The outbreak of World War II presented a critical juncture.
• Congress opposed India's participation in the war unless granted independence.
• Quit India movement launched in 1942, demanding the immediate withdrawal of British rule.

The Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army)

• During World War II, Subhas Chandra Bose established the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army) with Japanese support.
• This army fought alongside the Japanese in Southeast Asia, inspiring Indian soldiers.

The Partition and Independence

• Quit India Movement intensified the struggle for independence.
• However, independence on August 15, 1947, was marred by the tragic partition of India into India and Pakistan, leading to widespread violence and displacement.

Explore the key events and figures of the Indian Freedom Struggle, focusing on the Gandhian era leading to independence. This quiz covers the rise of mass movements, strategies employed, and the divisions within the Congress party. Test your knowledge on India's journey to freedom!