The making of the national movement

The Making of the National Movement: 1870s-1947

• British conquest of territories and takeover of kingdoms occurred
• Introduction of new laws and administrative institutions
• Changes in the lives of peasants and tribals; educational changes in the 19th century
• Debates regarding the condition of women
• Challenges to the caste system; social and religious reform
• The 1857 revolt and its aftermath
• Decline of crafts and growth of industries
• The study explores if Indians were discontented with British rule and how different groups and classes felt dissatisfied.

The Emergence of Nationalism

• The emergence of a consciousness among Indian people that India belonged to its people, regardless of class, color, caste, creed, language, or gender
• This awareness developed gradually, through political associations formed after 1850, especially those formed in the 1870s and 1880s
• Associations like the Poona Sarvajanik Sabha, the Indian Association, the Madras Mahajan Sabha, and the Bombay Presidency Association, and the Indian National Congress, were led by English-educated professionals, such as lawyers
• The goal was Indian sovereignty - the ability to act independently without outside interference.
• British rule faced increasing dissatisfaction, exemplified by the Arms Act of 1878, which restricted arms ownership, and the Vernacular Press Act of the same year, which silenced critics.
• The Ilbert Bill of 1883, which aimed to give Indian judges equal powers to try British and European subjects, faced white opposition and was withdrawn, greatly angering Indians because it highlighted the racial biases of the British.

Who Did the Congress Seek to Speak for?

• The Indian Mirror, a newspaper, argued in January 1886 that the First National Congress in Bombay was a foundation for a future parliament beneficial to the entire country
• Badruddin Tyabji, the Congress President of 1887, stated that the organisation represented all of India's communities, not just one class or section

A Nation in the Making

• The Congress initially focused on gaining greater representation for Indians in government and administration
• The Congress sought greater voice for Indians, greater legislative power, higher Indian positions within the British administration, and civil service examinations held in India.
• The demand for Indianisation of administration was a movement against racism, as most important jobs were held by white officials

The emergence of Mass Nationalism

• Increased participation in the national movement by peasants, tribals, students, women, and business groups, beginning in 1919
• Rise in defence expenditures, increased taxation on individuals and businesses, and increased wartime prices

The Advent of Mahatma Gandhi

• Gandhi arrived from South Africa in 1915
• His experience leading nonviolent protests against racist policies in South Africa gave him credibility and support from Indians of different classes and backgrounds
• Gandhi spent a year traveling through India to understand the people and the current situation
• He became a powerful leader of the Indian National movement

The Rowlatt Satyagraha

• Gandhi called for a satyagraha against the Rowlatt Act in 1919
• The Act limited free expression and strengthened police powers
• People reacted to this Act by protesting nonviolently, including strikes (hartals)

Khilafat Agitation and Non-Cooperation Movement

• This was fueled by the harsh treaty imposed on the Ottoman Caliph (Turkish Sultan) in 1920
• There was concern over Muslim control of sacred places in the Ottoman empire
• Gandhi supported the agitation and urged the Congress to campaign against the Punjab wrongs and the Khilafat wrong, emphasizing the need for Swaraj
• A movement was initiated demanding independence from the British

The happenings of 1922-1929

• Gandhi ended the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922 after violence erupted at Chauri Chaura, where a crowd of peasants set fire to a police station, killing 22 policemen
• Leadership within the Congress shifted to those favoring political participation, including Chitta Ranjan Das and Motilal Nehru, who argued for participation in legislative councils to influence government policies and promote social change in rural areas
• Formation of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu organization, and the Communist Party of India occured in the mid-1920's

The March to Dandi

• In 1930 Gandhi led a march to Dandi to protest the British Salt Tax
• The Salt March was a symbol of general discontent and united people from different social classes in the fight for independence
• Women actively participated in the Salt Satyagraha, challenging traditional social roles and gaining greater visibility in the independence movement

Women in the Freedom Struggle

• Many women participated in the national movement, often in non-traditional roles
• Women's participation was significant in the freedom struggle, and contributed substantially to the independence movement, challenging traditional social norms and acquiring larger roles in professions, governance and leadership

Provincial Autonomy

• The Government of India Act of 1935 granted provincial autonomy, allowing for greater Indian participation in governance at the provincial level
• Elections were held in 1937

Bose and the INA

• A radical nationalist, Bose did not share the ideal of Ahimsa but respected Gandhi
• In 1941, Bose left India, went to Singapore, formed the Indian National Army (INA)
• The INA tried to enter India in 1944 from Imphal-Kohima but failed