Chapter 9 THE MAKING OF THE NATIONAL MOVEMENT: 1870S-1947

The Emergence Of Nationalism

The period from the 1870s onwards saw a growing dissatisfaction with British rule among various Indian groups, leading to the emergence of national consciousness. Political associations like the Poona Sarvajanik Sabha, Indian Association, Madras Mahajan Sabha, and the Indian National Congress were formed. These organizations, largely led by educated professionals, aimed to represent all people of India and advocated for greater Indian participation in governance, administrative reforms, and the expansion of civil rights. The Ilbert Bill controversy and the Arms Act of 1878 intensified this desire for self-rule and highlighted racial discrimination, solidifying the idea of a sovereign Indian people.

The Growth Of Mass Nationalism

The struggle against British rule gradually transformed into a mass movement involving peasants, tribals, students, women, and workers. The First World War significantly altered India's economic and political landscape, increasing taxes and military expenditure, which affected common people while benefiting business groups. News of the Russian Revolution and socialist ideas also inspired Indian nationalists.

The Advent Of Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi emerged as a prominent mass leader after his return from South Africa in 1915. His earlier campaigns against racial discrimination had earned him respect. He spent his initial year in India understanding the country's conditions and later led local movements in Champaran, Kheda, and Ahmedabad, gaining support from various social groups.

The Rowlatt Satyagraha

In 1919, Gandhiji called for a nationwide satyagraha against the Rowlatt Act, which curbed fundamental freedoms. This movement, marked by widespread protests and hartals, aimed for non-violent opposition. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar during this period, where British forces fired on a peaceful gathering, caused national outrage and strengthened the resolve against British rule.

Khilafat Agitation and The Non-Cooperation Movement

The Khilafat issue, concerning the harsh treaty imposed on the Turkish Sultan, united Hindus and Muslims. Gandhiji supported the Khilafat leaders, urging the Congress to campaign against the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the Khilafat wrong, and demand swaraj. The Non-Cooperation Movement (1921-22) saw widespread participation, with students boycotting schools, lawyers giving up practices, and people rejecting foreign goods.

People’s Initiatives

While many people followed Gandhiji's call for non-violent resistance, some linked their movements to local grievances, sometimes acting outside Gandhian ideals. Examples include peasant movements in Kheda and forest satyagrahas in Andhra Pradesh, where people protested against high revenue demands and forest regulations, often associating Gandhiji with their hopes for change.

The People’s Mahatma

Gandhiji was often perceived by ordinary people as a messianic figure who could alleviate their suffering and poverty. They linked his name to their own struggles, believing he would help them achieve their specific goals, even if these actions sometimes deviated from his non-violent principles.

The Happenings Of 1922-1929

Gandhiji called off the Non-Cooperation Movement after the Chauri Chaura incident in 1922, where peasants resorted to violence. His followers then focused on constructive work in rural areas. Meanwhile, leaders like C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru advocated participating in legislative councils. The mid-1920s also saw the formation of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Communist Party of India, representing different political ideologies.

The March To Dandi

To fight for Purna Swaraj (complete independence), Gandhiji initiated the Salt March in 1930, defying the British salt monopoly. He and his followers marched to Dandi to break the salt law by gathering and boiling sea water. This campaign connected the broader desire for freedom with a specific grievance affecting all sections of society.

Quit India And Later

During World War II, Gandhiji launched the Quit India movement in 1942, urging people to "do or die" non-violently. Despite the immediate arrest of leaders, the movement spread, involving peasants and youth. The British responded with severe repression. Later, in 1940, the Muslim League demanded separate states for Muslims, and by 1946, partition became increasingly likely due to the failure of negotiations between the Congress and the League.

Towards Independence And Partition

The failure of negotiations after World War II, coupled with the Muslim League's persistent demand for Pakistan and escalating communal violence, made partition almost inevitable. India gained independence in 1947, but this was accompanied by the trauma of Partition, which caused immense suffering and displacement.

Exercises

The exercises focus on understanding the timeline, key figures, and various phases of the national movement. Questions require matching historical figures with their contributions, filling in blanks about important events and organizations, and identifying true/false statements. Discussion prompts encourage analysis of the reasons for Indian dissatisfaction, the role of different groups in the movement, the impact of World War I, the significance of Gandhiji's arrival, the nature of the Rowlatt Satyagraha and Non-Cooperation Movement, people's varied interpretations of Gandhiji's call, the causes of the split in the Congress, the methods of struggle used, and the factors leading to Partition. Activities include researching local national movements, finding out about leaders, and imagining historical conversations.