Indian Independence Movement History

Background

• India was a British colony from the mid-18th century until 1947
• British East India Company established trade relations with India in the early 17th century
• Over time, the company's influence expanded, and India became a British colony

Indian Independence Movement

• Emerged in the late 19th century, with Indian nationalism as its core ideology
• Early leaders included Ram Mohan Roy, Dadabhai Naoroji, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak
• Movement gained momentum in the early 20th century with the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi

Key Events

• Swadeshi Movement (1905-1908): boycott of British goods and promotion of Indian industries
• Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922): mass protests and civil disobedience against British rule
• Salt March (1930): Gandhi-led march to protest the British salt tax
• Quit India Movement (1942-1944): demand for immediate independence from British rule

Indian National Congress

• Founded in 1885, became the primary voice of Indian nationalism
• Led by Gandhi, Nehru, and Patel, among others
• Demanded independence, constitutional reforms, and protection of Indian rights

Muslim-Hindu Divide and the Creation of Pakistan

• Muslim League, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, demanded a separate homeland for Muslims
• 1947: British government divided British India into India and Pakistan
• Mass migration and violence occurred during the partition

Independence and Aftermath

• August 15, 1947: India gained independence
• January 26, 1950: India adopted its Constitution, becoming a republic
• Jawaharlal Nehru: first Prime Minister of India
• Mahatma Gandhi: assassinated on January 30, 1948

Colonial India

• British colonization of India lasted from the mid-18th century until 1947.
• The British East India Company initiated trade with India in the early 17th century, expanding influence over time.

Indian Independence Movement

• The movement, centered on Indian nationalism, began in the late 19th century.
• Early leaders included:
  • Ram Mohan Roy: Pioneer of social and religious reform.
  • Dadabhai Naoroji: Advocated for Indian rights and education.
  • Bal Gangadhar Tilak: Early proponent of self-rule.
• Mahatma Gandhi became a significant figure in the early 20th century, promoting non-violent resistance.

Key Events in the Movement

• Swadeshi Movement (1905-1908): Encouraged the boycott of British products to boost Indian industries.
• Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922): Sparked mass protests and active refusal to obey British laws.
• Salt March (1930): A 240-mile march led by Gandhi to oppose the British salt tax, symbolizing civil disobedience.
• Quit India Movement (1942-1944): A significant call for immediate independence from British domination.

Indian National Congress

• Established in 1885, it became the leading organization for Indian independence.
• Major figures included Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
• Advocated for independence, constitutional reforms, and the rights of Indians.

Muslim-Hindu Divide and Pakistan's Formation

• The Muslim League, under Muhammad Ali Jinnah, sought a separate nation for Muslims.
• The partition of British India in 1947 resulted in the establishment of India and Pakistan.
• This division led to mass migrations and widespread communal violence.

Independence and Its Aftermath

• August 15, 1947: India officially gained independence from British rule.
• January 26, 1950: India adopted its Constitution, declaring itself a republic.
• Jawaharlal Nehru became the first Prime Minister, emphasizing unity and progress.
• Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948, impacting the nation's symbol of peace and non-violence.