Chapter 2: Nationalism in India (Detailed Notes)
1. Introduction to Nationalism in India
The growth of nationalism in India was linked to the anti-colonial movement against
British rule.
People from different backgrounds united under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.
The struggle for independence took place in several phases and involved various
movements.
2. The First World War and Nationalism
Impact of World War I (1914-1918) on India:
o Heavy taxes and forced recruitment for the British army.
o Price rise due to war expenditures, causing hardship for common people.
o Harsh repression of nationalist activities by the British government.
The war intensified nationalist feelings, leading to widespread unrest.
3. The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922)
Launched by Mahatma Gandhi to oppose British rule peacefully.
Inspired by Satyagraha (truth and non-violent resistance).
Causes of the Movement:
1. Rowlatt Act (1919) – Allowed the British to arrest Indians without trial.
2. Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919) – British troops fired on peaceful protestors in
Amritsar.
3. Khilafat Movement (1920) – Supported Muslim leaders demanding restoration of the
Ottoman Caliph.
Methods of Non-Cooperation:
Boycotting British goods, schools, courts, and jobs.
Promotion of Swadeshi (Indian-made goods) and Khadi (handspun cloth).
Widespread protests and strikes.
Chauri Chaura incident (1922): A violent clash led Gandhi to call off the movement.
4. The Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934)
The next major mass movement led by Mahatma Gandhi against British rule.
Marked by defiance of unjust British laws.
Causes of the Movement:
1. Failure of the Simon Commission (1927) – British failed to include Indians in
political reforms.
2. Demand for Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) at Lahore Session of
Congress (1929).
Major Event: Salt March (Dandi March, 1930)
Gandhi walked 240 miles from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi to break the salt law.
Thousands joined, inspiring national protests.
British arrests, but the movement gained worldwide support.
Methods of Civil Disobedience:
Refusal to pay taxes
Boycott of British goods
Protests and strikes
Outcome:
Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931): British agreed to release prisoners if Congress stopped
protests.
The movement slowed down but inspired future struggles.
5. Role of Different Social Groups
Industrialists and Merchants – Supported the movements but wanted economic
policies favoring Indian businesses.
Peasants and Farmers – Protested against high taxes and exploitation.
Women’s Participation – Women like Sarojini Naidu and Kasturba Gandhi took
active roles.
Dalits (Depressed Classes) – Dr. B.R. Ambedkar demanded equal rights for lower
castes.
6. The Quit India Movement (1942)
Launched in August 1942, demanding immediate British withdrawal.
Famous slogan: "Do or Die" (by Gandhi).
Led to mass arrests of leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, and Patel.
Violent protests erupted, but British rule weakened.
7. Indian Independence (1947)
After years of struggle, British India was divided into India and Pakistan on 15th
August 1947.
The efforts of nationalists led to India's freedom from colonial rule.
Conclusion
Nationalism in India was shaped by mass movements, unity, and sacrifices of leaders
and citizens.
Gandhian philosophy of non-violence played a key role in the independence
struggle.
The movements paved the way for India’s democratic and independent future.
