Introduction

Nationalism in India developed through various struggles against British rule. Different social groups and regions participated in the freedom movement under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. The movement united people and strengthened the feeling of national identity.

The First World War, Khilafat and Non-Cooperation

The First World War created economic hardships in India. Prices increased, taxes were raised and people suffered due to forced recruitment. These conditions gave rise to dissatisfaction among Indians.

The Idea of Satyagraha

Mahatma Gandhi introduced the idea of Satyagraha, which emphasized truth and non-violence. According to him, people could resist injustice peacefully without using violence.

Rowlatt Act (1919)

• Passed by the British Government in 1919.
• Allowed detention without trial.
• Curtailed civil liberties.
• Strongly opposed by Indians.

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919)

On 13 April 1919, General Dyer ordered troops to open fire on a peaceful gathering at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar. Hundreds of people were killed and many others were injured.

Khilafat Movement

The Khilafat Movement was launched by Muslim leaders to protect the position of the Khalifa of Turkey. Mahatma Gandhi supported this movement and linked it with the Non-Cooperation Movement to strengthen Hindu-Muslim unity.

Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922)

In September 1920, Mahatma Gandhi proposed the Non-Cooperation Movement. The movement aimed to oppose British rule through peaceful and non-violent means. It also sought to redress the wrongs done during the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and support the Khilafat issue.

Objectives of the Non-Cooperation Movement

• Attain Swaraj (self-rule).
• Boycott British institutions and goods.
• Promote Indian products and national education.
• Strengthen Hindu-Muslim unity.

Main Programmes of the Movement

• Boycott of government schools and colleges.
• Resignation from government jobs and titles.
• Boycott of foreign cloth and goods.
• Promotion of khadi and hand-spun cloth.
• Boycott of legislative councils.

The movement spread rapidly and received support from students, teachers, lawyers, peasants and workers.

Differing Strands within the Movement

Different social groups participated in the movement with their own expectations and grievances.

Movement in Awadh

• Led by Baba Ramchandra.
• Peasants demanded reduction of taxes and abolition of begar.
• They opposed oppressive landlords.

Tribal Movements

• Tribal communities fought against restrictions imposed by the colonial government.
• They wanted access to forests and traditional rights.

Plantation Workers

• Wanted freedom to move freely and return to their villages.
• Opposed harsh working conditions.

Different groups interpreted Swaraj according to their own needs and aspirations.

Withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement

In February 1922, a violent incident took place at Chauri Chaura in Uttar Pradesh. Protesters set a police station on fire, leading to the death of several policemen.

Mahatma Gandhi believed that violence violated the principles of Satyagraha and therefore withdrew the movement in 1922.

The Civil Disobedience Movement

The Civil Disobedience Movement was launched in 1930. Unlike the Non-Cooperation Movement, people were encouraged not only to refuse cooperation but also to violate unjust laws peacefully.

Why Was the Movement Started?

• Demand for complete independence.
• Opposition to British economic policies.
• Demand for reduction in taxes.
• Growing dissatisfaction among Indians.

The Salt March (Dandi March)

On 12 March 1930, Mahatma Gandhi started the Salt March from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi. He covered about 240 miles and reached Dandi on 6 April 1930.

By making salt from seawater, Gandhi broke the British salt law and marked the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Importance of the Salt March

• United people from different sections of society.
• Made the freedom struggle a mass movement.
• Attracted worldwide attention.
• Demonstrated the power of non-violent resistance.

Round Table Conferences

The British government organized Round Table Conferences in London to discuss constitutional reforms for India.

First Round Table Conference (1930)

• Congress did not participate.
• No major results were achieved.

Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931)

• Civil Disobedience Movement was suspended.
• Political prisoners were released.
• Gandhi agreed to participate in the Second Round Table Conference.

Second Round Table Conference (1931)

• Mahatma Gandhi represented the Congress.
• The conference failed to achieve any settlement.

The Poona Pact (1932)

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar demanded separate electorates for the Depressed Classes. Mahatma Gandhi opposed this proposal and went on a fast.

As a result, the Poona Pact was signed in September 1932 between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Main Features of the Poona Pact

• Separate electorates were abandoned.
• Reserved seats were provided for the Depressed Classes.
• Representation of marginalized communities increased.

Sense of Collective Belonging

Nationalism spread among Indians when people from different communities, regions and social groups began to develop a feeling of unity and shared identity. This sense of collective belonging was created through symbols, images, folklore, songs and reinterpretation of history.

These cultural elements helped people imagine India as one nation and strengthened the freedom struggle.

The Role of Symbols and Images in Creating Nationalism

National leaders realized that symbols and images could unite people and inspire patriotic feelings. Therefore, several symbols were used to represent the nation.

Bharat Mata

• The image of Bharat Mata was created by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
• Later, Abanindranath Tagore painted Bharat Mata as a calm and spiritual figure.
• She was shown carrying a book, sheaves of paddy, a mala and white cloth.
• People began to worship Bharat Mata as a symbol of the nation.

National Flag

• The tricolour flag became a symbol of national unity.
• People carried the flag during processions and demonstrations.
• It represented freedom and sacrifice.

Revival of Indian Folklore and Traditions

Nationalists believed that true Indian identity could be found in local traditions and folk culture.

• Folk songs and stories were collected to preserve Indian heritage.
• Traditional customs and cultural practices were promoted.
• Nationalists used literature and songs to spread patriotic feelings.
• These efforts strengthened the feeling of unity among Indians.

Reinterpretation of History

Indian leaders encouraged people to take pride in India's glorious past. They highlighted the achievements of ancient India in science, mathematics, art and architecture.

Nationalists believed that Indians had a rich cultural heritage and should not consider themselves inferior to Europeans.

Importance of Reinterpreting History

• Developed self-confidence among Indians.
• Promoted feelings of nationalism.
• Inspired people to fight against colonial rule.
• Created pride in India's heritage and traditions.

Important Dates Chart

Important Events Chart

Important Personalities Chart

Important Movements and Sessions Chart

Timeline Flowchart

1915
│
├── Mahatma Gandhi returned to India
│
1917
│
├── Champaran Satyagraha
│
1918
│
├── Kheda Satyagraha
│
1919
│
├── Rowlatt Act
├── Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
│
1920
│
├── Non-Cooperation Movement Begins
│
1922
│
├── Chauri Chaura Incident
└── Withdrawal of Non-Cooperation Movement
│
1930
│
├── Dandi March
└── Civil Disobedience Movement
│
1931
│
├── Gandhi-Irwin Pact
└── Second Round Table Conference
│
1932
│
└── Poona Pact

Key Terms

One-Line Revision

• Mahatma Gandhi returned to India in 1915.
• Satyagraha was based on truth and non-violence.
• The Rowlatt Act was passed in 1919.
• Jallianwala Bagh Massacre took place on 13 April 1919.
• The Non-Cooperation Movement started in 1920.
• The movement was withdrawn after the Chauri Chaura Incident in 1922.
• The Salt March began on 12 March 1930.
• The Civil Disobedience Movement demanded complete independence.
• The Poona Pact was signed in 1932.
• Symbols, folklore and Bharat Mata strengthened nationalism in India.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Satyagraha?

Satyagraha is a method of peaceful resistance based on truth and non-violence introduced by Mahatma Gandhi.

Why was the Non-Cooperation Movement withdrawn?

It was withdrawn after the Chauri Chaura Incident in 1922 because Mahatma Gandhi opposed violence.

What was the purpose of the Salt March?

The Salt March aimed to break the British salt law and launch the Civil Disobedience Movement.

What was the Poona Pact?

The Poona Pact of 1932 was an agreement between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar regarding representation of the Depressed Classes.

Who painted Bharat Mata?

Abanindranath Tagore painted the famous image of Bharat Mata.

Related Chapters

• Chapter 1 – The Rise of Nationalism in Europe
• Chapter 3 – The Making of a Global World
• Chapter 4 – The Age of Industrialisation
• Chapter 5 – Print Culture and the Modern World