Indian National Movement Overview

Early Stages of the Movement

• The Indian National Movement initially focused on opposing British policies, demanding greater Indian representation in administration, and an end to discriminatory practices.
• Early nationalist groups like the Indian National Congress (INC) aimed to achieve self-rule through peaceful means, advocating for greater autonomy.
• Key figures of the early stage included Dadabhai Naoroji, Surendranath Banerjee, and Gopal Krishna Gokhale, who laid the groundwork for future movements.
• The period saw the rise of nationalist sentiments and a growing awareness of Indian identity.
• Demands for greater Indian participation in governance and an end to discriminatory practices were central.

Rise of Extremism

• Growing frustration with the slow pace of reforms led to the emergence of extremist factions within the INC.
• Figures like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bipin Chandra Pal advocated for swadeshi (indigenous goods) and more aggressive methods.
• The partition of Bengal in 1905 became a pivotal event, uniting nationalist groups in opposition and fostering widespread unrest.
• The swadeshi movement gained significant momentum, aiming to boycott British goods and promote Indian industries.
• The use of public protests and activism became more frequent and fervent.

Gandhian Era

• Mahatma Gandhi's leadership marked a turning point, infusing the movement with a unique philosophy of non-violent resistance (Satyagraha).
• Gandhi's philosophy emphasized truth, non-cooperation, and civil disobedience as powerful tools against oppression and discrimination.
• The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22) and the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-34) became powerful mass movements, challenging British authority and attracting widespread participation.
• The Salt Satyagraha was a significant part of the Civil Disobedience Movement, highlighting British salt monopoly and inspiring widespread participation.
• Growing international support for the movement placed further pressure on the British government to negotiate.

Further Movements & Developments

• The Quit India Movement (1942), seeking complete independence from British rule, triggered widespread civil disobedience.
• The Indian National Army (INA), led by Subhas Chandra Bose, played an important role in pushing for independence from outside India.
• Internal conflicts and disagreements within the independence movement regarding future political structure and communal tensions sometimes complicated progress.
• Negotiations and agreements between various factions within the independence movement played a role in achieving independence.

Key Factors Contributing to Independence

• Persistent struggle and tireless efforts of Indian nationalists.
• The role of Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders in mobilizing the masses and inspiring unity.
• Growing support and sympathy internationally.
• The impact of the Second World War weakened the British empire, making it harder to maintain control over India.
• Growing demands for self-determination throughout the colonized world.
• The increasing cost of maintaining control over India weighed heavily on the British government.
• Inefficiency and internal conflicts within the British administration.

Key Concepts & Figures

• Swadeshi
• Satyagraha
• Non-Cooperation
• Civil Disobedience
• Quit India Movement
• Indian National Army (INA)
• Mahatma Gandhi
• Jawaharlal Nehru
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
• Subhas Chandra Bose

Explore the early stages and rise of extremism in the Indian National Movement. This quiz covers key figures, their ideologies, and the growing nationalist sentiments. Test your knowledge on how early nationalism shaped the path towards self-rule in India.