Nationalism in India: Movements and Struggles

The term 'Harijan' was used by Mahatma Gandhi to refer to the 'untouchables', meaning 'children of God', emphasizing their right to dignity and equality.

Gandhi organised satyagrahas to secure access to temples, wells, roads, and schools for the 'untouchables', challenging the existing social hierarchy.

Dalit leaders believed that political empowerment through reserved seats and separate electorates would be a more effective solution to the problems of the community.

The Depressed Classes Association, led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, demanded separate electorates for Dalits at the Round Table Conferences, advocating for their independent representation.

The Poona Pact, a compromise between Gandhi and Ambedkar, granted reserved seats in legislative councils for the Depressed Classes (later known as Scheduled Castes), but they were to be elected by the general electorate.

Some Muslim political organisations were reluctant to support the Civil Disobedience Movement due to growing communal tension and perceived Hindu dominance in the Congress.

Hindu-Muslim communal clashes and riots became more frequent in the 1920s and 30s, deepening the divide between the two communities and impacting the political climate.

The Muslim League was willing to give up its demand for separate electorates if Muslims were assured reserved seats in the Central Assembly and proportional representation in Muslim-dominated provinces.

The Hindu Mahasabha, a Hindu nationalist organization, strongly opposed any compromise on representation, leading to the breakdown of negotiations.

The Civil Disobedience Movement (1930) heightened tensions between Hindus and Muslims, as many Muslims felt alienated from the Congress and worried about their minority status.

Sir Muhammad Iqbal, a prominent Muslim leader, argued in 1930 that separate electorates were essential for safeguarding Muslim culture and identity.

Iqbal's statement about the importance of Muslim self-determination on their own terms laid the groundwork for the later demand for Pakistan.

Iqbal stressed the importance of mutual respect and harmony between communities, rejecting any form of ill-will or hostility.

Muslims feared that their cultural and religious identity could be overshadowed by a Hindu majority in an independent India.

The growing distrust and suspicion between Hindus and Muslims created a challenging environment for achieving a united national movement.

The Simon Commission, a British-led body formed to propose constitutional reforms for India, was met with widespread opposition. The slogan "Go back Simon" reflected widespread anger and demand for Indian self-governance.

The Congress party, under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru, formalized the demand for "Purna Swaraj" (full independence) at the Lahore Congress in 1929. This marked a shift towards a more assertive and radical stance on self-determination.

Mahatma Gandhi's Salt March and the subsequent Civil Disobedience Movement were a powerful protest against the British salt tax. Engaging everyday people and highlighting the injustice of the tax, it united the nation to fight for independence.

Mahatma Gandhi sent a letter to Viceroy Irwin with eleven demands, aiming to create a unified movement across Indian society. These demands were carefully chosen to resonate with different groups, including industrialists and peasants.

The Congress party saw a shift in leadership, with radicals becoming more influential. This shift away from moderates marked a changing dynamic in the struggle for independence.

The British response to the Simon Commission protests included the use of force. Lala Lajpat Rai, a prominent leader, succumbed to injuries sustained during a peaceful demonstration.

The British offered 'dominion status' for India, but it was vague in timing and specifics. This offer was deemed inadequate by Congress leaders, who were determined to achieve full independence.

"Purna Swaraj" or full independence was a powerful rallying cry for Indian national identity. It meant complete control of India's destiny, a vision of self-governance and a break from British rule.