Indian Freedom Struggle (PDF)

Certainly, let\'s merge the provided text into a single chapter and incorporate information about the First Round Table Conference and Azad Hind Fauj. **Chapter: The Indian Freedom Struggle: From Gandhian Era to Independence** The Indian national movement witnessed a transformative phase with the...

Certainly, let\'s merge the provided text into a single chapter and incorporate information about the First Round Table Conference and Azad Hind Fauj. **Chapter: The Indian Freedom Struggle: From Gandhian Era to Independence** The Indian national movement witnessed a transformative phase with the arrival of Mahatma Gandhi in 1915. Gandhiji, with his philosophy of Satyagraha, emphasizing truth and non-violence, infused the movement with a unique character. He championed the rights of the oppressed, including the indigo peasants of Champaran, the mill workers of Ahmedabad, and the peasants of Kheda. These early campaigns demonstrated the power of mass mobilization and the effectiveness of non-violent resistance against the British. **The Rise of Mass Movements:** Gandhiji\'s leadership propelled the movement into a mass movement. The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922), encompassing boycotts of British institutions, promotion of Khadi, and Hindu-Muslim unity, witnessed widespread participation. However, the unfortunate Chauri Chaura incident, involving violence against the police, led to the withdrawal of the movement, causing a temporary setback. **Diverging Paths:** The withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement led to a division within the Congress. The \'pro-changers,\' led by C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru, advocated for entering the legislatures to oppose British policies from within. The \'no-changers,\' led by Vallabhbhai Patel and C. Rajagopalachari, emphasized constructive work and continued non-cooperation. **The Rise of Revolutionary Nationalism:** While Gandhiji championed non-violence, a strong revolutionary movement emerged. Groups like the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA), later renamed the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), resorted to armed resistance. Prominent figures like Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru, and Chandra Shekhar Azad led daring acts of defiance, including the Kakori Conspiracy and the Central Legislative Assembly bomb incident. These acts, though often met with harsh repression, inspired the nation and fueled the revolutionary spirit. **The Simon Commission and the Demand for Purna Swaraj:** The arrival of the Simon Commission in 1928, consisting entirely of British members, sparked widespread protests and boycotts across India. This further solidified the demand for self-government. The Lahore Congress in 1929, presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru, declared \'Purna Swaraj\' (complete independence) as its goal, marking a significant turning point in the movement. **The First Round Table Conference (1930-1931):** The First Round Table Conference, held in London, aimed to discuss constitutional reforms for India. However, the conference failed to address the core demands of Indian leaders, including complete independence. Gandhiji, who attended the conference, was deeply disappointed by its outcome. **The Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934):** The Dandi March, a symbolic act of defiance against the Salt Laws, ignited the Civil Disobedience Movement. Widespread civil disobedience, including boycotts, non-payment of taxes, and violations of forest laws, ensued. The movement witnessed mass participation, including women\'s active involvement. However, the British responded with brutal repression, leading to numerous arrests and casualties. **The Gandhi-Irwin Pact and the Second Round Table Conference:** The Gandhi-Irwin Pact, signed in 1931, led to Gandhiji\'s release from prison and his participation in the Second Round Table Conference. However, the conference again failed to yield concrete results, leading to the withdrawal of the Civil Disobedience Movement. **The Government of India Act of 1935:** The Government of India Act of 1935 introduced provincial autonomy, leading to elections in 1937. The Congress emerged victorious in most provinces, assuming power in several states. **World War II and the Quit India Movement:** The outbreak of World War II presented a critical juncture. The Congress opposed India\'s participation in the war unless granted independence. In 1942, the \'Quit India\' movement was launched, demanding the immediate withdrawal of British rule. **The Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army):** During World War II, Subhas Chandra Bose, escaping from house arrest, established the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army) with the support of Japan. This army fought alongside the Japanese against the British in Southeast Asia, inspiring Indian soldiers to fight for their own freedom. **The Partition and Independence:** The Quit India Movement intensified the struggle for independence. However, the joy of independence on 15th August 1947 was marred by the tragic partition of India into India and Pakistan, leading to widespread violence and displacement. **Conclusion:** The Indian freedom struggle was a multifaceted movement, encompassing diverse ideologies and strategies. From Gandhiji\'s philosophy of non-violence to the revolutionary activities of the HSRA, from mass movements to armed resistance, the struggle reflected the multifaceted nature of Indian society. The sacrifices and struggles of millions of Indians, from Mahatma Gandhi to ordinary citizens, ultimately paved the way for India\'s hard-won independence. This merged chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the Indian freedom struggle, incorporating information about the First Round Table Conference and the Azad Hind Fauj.