Indian Nationalism and Satyagraha

Indian Nationalism

• Indian nationalism emerged during the anti-colonial struggle against British rule.
• The 1920s saw significant movements like Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience.
• The Congress played a key role in shaping the national movement.
• Various social groups participated and contributed to the growing national identity.

First World War Impact

• The First World War created economic and political hardship for Indians.
• Income tax and custom duties increased, leading to hardship for common people.
• Crop failures and epidemics exacerbated the already difficult situation (1918-19).
• These factors prompted a shift in strategies and the rise of new leaders.

Satyagraha

• Mahatma Gandhi returned to India in 1915, introducing the concept of Satyagraha.
• Satyagraha emphasized truth and non-violent resistance, which sought to unite Indians.
• Gandhi used Satyagraha in different parts of India to support various groups facing oppression (Champaran, Kheda, Ahmedabad).

The Rowlatt Act and Jallianwala Bagh

• The Rowlatt Act of 1919 empowered the British to repress dissent and detain without trial.
• Gandhi launched a nationwide Satyagraha against the Rowlatt Act.
• The Jallianwala Bagh massacre (April 13, 1919) involved the firing on a peaceful crowd, causing widespread protests. This incident significantly angered the public and led to violence.

The Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movements

• The First World War's conclusion involved the defeat of Ottoman Turkey, leading to concern about the Khalifa in Muslim communities.
• Gandhi supported the Khilafat movement, aiming to unite Hindus and Muslims.
• The Non-Cooperation movement, supported by the Khilafat movement, sought to discourage cooperation with British rule.
• This was a multi-staged approach, starting with the surrender of titles awarded by the British and boycotts.

Non-Cooperation Movement

• The Non-Cooperation-Khilafat Movement began in January 1921.
• This movement involved various social groups.
• The movement affected different areas in different ways.

Urban Participation

• Middle class groups (students, teachers, lawyers) played a large role in the urban areas.
• Boycotts of foreign goods boosted Indian industries (textiles).
• However, economic challenges and limited opportunities in Indian institutions caused some to return to British institutions.

Rural Participation

• The movement spread to rural areas with peasant and tribal uprisings.
• Peasants protested against high rents and exploitative practices.
• Movements like the Oudh Kisan Sabha emerged to represent peasant grievances.
• Violent protests against landlords in Awadh (Uttar Pradesh) were common.
• In the Gudem Hills of Andhra Pradesh, a militant guerrilla movement, led by Alluri Sitaram Raju, occurred against forest policies.

Plantation Workers' Participation

• Plantation workers in Assam sought freedom of movement and connection with their villages.
• The Inland Emigration Act restricted their movement.
• Thousands left the plantations, but faced violence and arrest by the police.

Transition to Civil Disobedience

• The Non-Cooperation Movement was called off in 1922 due to a rise in violence.
• The Swaraj Party formed by Das and Nehru aimed to participate in elections.
• The worldwide economic depression and falling agricultural prices impacted Indian politics.
• The Simon Commission's visit in India fuelled nationalistic sentiments ("Go Back Simon").
• The Lahore Congress of 1929 demanded Purna Swaraj (complete independence) and declared January 26, 1930, as Independence Day.

Salt March and Civil Disobedience Movement

• The Salt March, led by Mahatma Gandhi, was a pivotal moment.
• Gandhi's protest against the salt tax led to a nationwide Civil Disobedience Movement.
• Participants broke the law by manufacturing salt.
• The campaign impacted different sectors (textiles, revenue, forestry).
• Abdul Ghaffar Khan's arrest further fuelled the movement.
• Gandhi's arrest led to significant unrest.
• Gandhi-Irwin Pact (March 1931) resulted in Gandhi's agreement to attend a Round Table Conference.

Other Groups and Movements

• Patidars and Jats participated significantly.
• Poorer peasants supported socialist and communist movements alongside the Civil Disobedience movement.
• Industrialists initially supported the Civil Disobedience movement but later some withdrew their support.
• A substantial number of women participated but faced early limitations in leadership roles.

Limits and Challenges

• Dalits faced marginalization, and the concept of Harijan (Children of God) did not address their demands for separate electorates.
• Issues regarding Muslim concerns and demands for separate electorates were prominent.
• A dispute over representation to the Central Assembly and the Muslim-dominated provinces arose.

Development of National Identity

• The concept of 'nationhood' developed and associated with shared history, symbols (songs, folklore, popular prints), and icons.
• 'Bharat Mata' became a powerful visual symbol of India's identity, represented by visuals and songs.
• Various flags and colours associated with the Nationalistic movement emerge (tricolor and spinning wheel).

Conclusion

• The independence movement involved diverse participation and complex dynamics.
• The Congress faced challenges in accommodating many different social groups and interests with diverging needs and intentions.
• India was on the path to freedom, but the diversity and conflicting interests presented challenges to the movement's unification.