Pre-Independence India and Rise of Nationalism

Pre-Independence India

• The late 18th and 19th centuries witnessed significant political, economic, and social changes in India under British rule.
• The East India Company's gradual expansion led to British rule.
• British economic policies prioritized extracting resources and establishing British markets, often harming Indian industries.
• This decline in Indian handicrafts contributed to increased poverty.
• Social reforms, like abolishing Sati and introducing modern education, emerged alongside social conservatism.

Rise of Nationalism

• Growing dissatisfaction with British rule fueled Indian nationalism.
• Early nationalists, primarily from the elite, championed social reforms and greater political participation.
• The Indian National Congress (INC), founded in 1885, represented various groups' interests.
• The Congress initially advocated for moderate demands like increased representation and resolving economic issues.
• Extremist factions within the Congress called for more assertive resistance.
• Leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Lala Lajpat Rai pushed for a more aggressive stance against British rule.
• Inspired by nationalist movements worldwide, Indian nationalists embraced Indian culture and history as sources of pride.

Gandhian Era

• Mohandas Gandhi became a central figure in the Indian independence movement.
• His philosophy of Satyagraha, nonviolent resistance, challenged British authority.
• Gandhi mobilized mass participation through campaigns like the Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, and Quit India movements.
• These movements highlighted economic and political exploitation under British rule.

Partition and Independence

• The independence movement gained momentum during the 1930s and 1940s.
• Increasing communal tensions between Hindus and Muslims hindered unity.
• The creation of Pakistan as a separate Muslim-majority nation after independence resulted in massive migrations and violence.
• India gained independence on August 15, 1947.

Post-Independence Challenges

• After independence, India faced significant challenges:
  • Mitigating social and economic disparities among various groups.
  • Rebuilding a nation fractured by partition.
  • Integrating princely states into the Indian Union.
  • Establishing economic policies for rapid growth and development.
• India adopted a democratic system with a parliamentary government.

Key Figures

• Mahatma Gandhi: Central figure in the independence movement, advocating non-violent resistance.
• Jawaharlal Nehru: India's first Prime Minister, driving early policies focused on modernization and socialist principles.
• Subhas Chandra Bose: A nationalist leader seeking external support for independence.
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: Crucial role in integrating princely states into India.
• Muhammad Ali Jinnah: Leader of the Muslim League, pivotal in Pakistan's creation.

Economic Developments

• Post-independence India prioritized industrialization and self-sufficiency.
• Early policies focused on import substitution industrialization and developing infrastructure.
• Later decades saw a shift towards more market-oriented policies.

Social Developments

• India made significant efforts to improve literacy, expand access to education, and reduce social inequalities.
• The goal was an inclusive and just society for all Indians.
• Ongoing efforts addressed reducing poverty, improving healthcare, and enhancing living standards for marginalized communities.

Cultural Developments

• India celebrated and promoted its rich cultural heritage.
• Preserving and fostering diverse art forms, literature, and traditions remained a focus.
• A complex interplay of tradition and modernity shaped Indian identity.