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SSLC History Chapter 6 Notes Pdf English Medium Mass Movement for Freedom
SCERT Class 10 Social Science History Chapter 6 Mass Movement for Freedom Notes Question Answer Kerala Syllabus
Class 10 History Chapter 6 Notes Kerala Syllabus Mass Movement for Freedom
Question 1.
Discuss the changes brought about by the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi in the freedom movement of India and prepare a note about it.
Answer:
Gandhiji transformed India’s freedom struggle into a mass movement. After Mahatma Gandhi had become the leader of the freedom movement, various sections of society, including peasants, workers, women, and students actively participated in the struggles. Gandhiji knew that the British Empire could only be fought against with the support of various sections of Indian society. He was able to unite everyone under a single umbrella and could become one of them.
Question 2.
Complete the Table.
Answer:
| 1917 | Champaran | Issues faced by indigo cultivators |
| 1918 | Ahmedabad | For the salary hike of the textile mill workers |
| 1918 | Kheda | For the peasants |
Question 3.
Identify the features of the early movements in which Gandhij i participated in India and prepare a chart. Mark the locations related to these movements on an outline map of India and include them in the chart.(Hints: Mark the given locations on an outline map of India)
Answer:
- Gandhiji, after having returned to India from South Africa, first turned his attention to local movements.
- Solving the problems of Farmers and Workers.
- The struggle demanded a wage hike.
- The political ideology of Mahatma Gandhi and his Satyagraha, based on non-violence.
Question 4.
Collect more information about Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and present it in the form of a role play.
Answer:
(Hints: Conduct a role play by using the given information)
The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre took place on April 13,1919, in Amritsar, Punjab, and is remembered as one of the most tragic events in Indian history. On that day, thousands of men, women, and children gathered peacefully at Jallianwala Bagh to celebrate the festival of Baisakhi and to protest against the Rowlatt Act, a repressive law passed by the British government that allowed arrests without trial. Without any warning, Brigadier- General Reginald Dyer and his troops surrounded the garden, blocked the narrow exits, and opened fire on the unarmed crowd.
The shooting continued for about ten minutes, killing hundreds and injuring over a thousand people. Official British reports said 379 people were killed, but Indian estimates placed the number much higher. The massacre shocked the entire nation and the world, leading to widespread anger against British rule. It became a turning point in India’s freedom struggle, as many Indians lost faith in British justice and joined the movement for independence. A memorial now stands at Jallianwala Bagh to honor the innocent lives lost in this brutal event.
Question 5.
Hold a discussion on the topic ‘Boycott and Constructive Programmes as the core ideas of Non-Cooperation Movement. ’
Answer:
A non-violent, non-cooperation movement was launched under the joint leadership of the Khilafat Committee and the Indian National Congress. The methods of the Non-Cooperation Movement included:
- Returning titles of honours granted by the British government
- Resigning from government jobs
- Advocates boycotting British courts
- Students boycotting British-run schools
- Boycotting foreign goods
- Boycotting legislative assemblies
- Strengthening social harmony, promoting the use of national products, popularising khadi, and establishing national schools were also key programmes during the movement.
Participation of various sections of society: Women: Women participated in the movement by boycotting foreign goods, and collecting and burning foreign clothes.
Workers: Workers also responded actively to the Non-Cooperation Movement. Workers of the Buckingham Carnatic Mills in Madras, plantation labourers in Assam, and workers of the Assam- Bengal Railway, are among others who went on strike in support of the movement.
Students: Thousands of students boycotted government schools and colleges. They enrolled in national institutions to continue their studies. The Kashi Vidyapeeth in Banaras, Gujarat Vidyapeeth, and Jamia Millia Islamia in Aligarh were among the national institutions founded during this time.
Tribal People: The tribal communities participated in the movement by defying British-imposed forest laws. These laws had restricted access to forest resources.
Peasants: Peasants participated in the movement in large numbers. The ‘Awadh Kisan Sabha’ was formed under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru during this period. In Bengal, peasants boycotted jute cultivation. They chose to grow rice and cotton instead of jute.
Question 6.
Prepare a newspaper report on the Chauri Chaura incident.
Answer:
(Hints)
Violence at Chauri Chaura: Non-Cooperation Movement Suspended
On February 5, 1922, during the Non-Cooperation Movement, a violent clash broke out between protesters and police at Chauri Chaura in Uttar Pradesh. An angry mob set the police station on fire, killing 22 policemen. Shocked by this violation of non-violence, Mahatma Gandhi immediately called off the movement. His decision surprised many leaders and was criticized by Subhas Chandra Bose, who called it a “national calamity.” Soon after, Gandhiji was arrested and sentenced to six years in prison. The incident marked a major turning point in India’s freedom struggle.
Question 7.
How did the policies of the Swaraj Party differ from those of the Non-Cooperation Movement? Discuss.
Answer:
During the Non-Cooperation Movement, both elections and participation in legislative assemblies were boycotted. However, leaders such as C. R. Das and Motilal Nehru, who opposed with this strategy, formed the Swaraj Party in 1923 as a faction within the Congress. Their aim was to utilise the legislative assemblies as forums to voice political dissent. They participated in the elections, became members of legislative assemblies, and criticised the government. Thus, the Swaraj Party could successfully expose the government’s anti-public policies in the legislative assemblies.
Question 8.
Write a short note on the Anti-Simon Commission movement.
Answer:
The British government appointed a commission, led by Sir John Simon, to recommend constitutional reforms for India. All seven members of the commission were British. For this reason, the Congress and Some other political parties decided to boycott the Simon Commission. The entire country observed a hartal on the day the commission arrived in India (February 3, 1928). Streets across India resounded with the slogan “Simon Go Back.” During the protests, Lala Lajpat Rai was severely injured in a lathi charge in Lahore and later succumbed to his injuries.
Question 9.
Prepare a chart listing the major agitations that followed the withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Answer:
- 1928 – Anti-Simon commission movement
- 1928 – Bardoli Peasants Movement
Question 10.
What made the Lahore Congress a milestone in India’s freedom struggle?
Answer:
The annual session of the Indian National Congress was held in Lahore in December 1929. The Lahore Congress was significant in the history of India’s freedom struggle for several reasons.
- The Congress demanded complete independence for the first time.
- It entrusted Gandhiji with the responsibility to launch a mass movement to achieve this goal.
- The tricolour flag was formally adopted.
Question 11.
Prepare a newsletter on the participation of various sections of the population in the Civil Disobedience Movement and present it in the class.
Answer:
THE SEA ROAR AT DANDI
Following the decisions made at the Lahore Congress Gandhiji was entrusted with the task of initiating a mass movement for complete independence. Before launching the movement, Gandhiji sent a letter to Viceroy Lord Irwin, highlighting the hardships faced by Indians under British rule. The letter hinted at a possible civil disobedience movement. To ensure participation from all sections of society, Gandhiji decided to begin the movement by breaking the salt law. It was decided to break the salt law at Dandi Beach in Gujarat. For this, Gandhiji, along with 78 selected volunteers, marched to Dandi. Many foreign reporters also arrived to cover the 24-day-long walk. Gandhiji advised the people gathered along the route on the importance of cleanliness, the need to wear khadi, and fostering social harmony. On April 6, 1930, Gandhiji initiated the Civil Disobedience Movement by making salt on Dandi beach.
- Public participation in the Civil Disobedience Movement surpassed that of the earlier Non-Cooperation Movement.
- Northwestern India was one of the major centres of the Civil Disobedience Movement. Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan led the movement there. He was known as the ‘Frontier Gandhi,’ who led a volunteer force called the Khudai Khidmatgar.
Participation of the various sections of society in this movement are:
| Peasants | Peasants participated in the movement by refusing to pay tax to the government and rent to the landlords. |
| Labourers | Labourers in railways, ports, and mines participated in the movement. The labour strike at Sholapur (Maharashtra) turned violent. |
| Tribal People | They went into the forests to collect resources defying forest laws. |
| Women | They actively participated in programmes of the movement, such as salt making, and picketing shops that sold foreign goods. |
| Traders and Industrialists | They refused to buy or sell imported products. |
Question 12.
Prepare a digital presentation on the issues faced by the peasants and workers in India and their responses and protests against these issues during the British rule.
Answer:
(Hints)
Slide 1: Introduction
Slide 2: Issues Faced by Peasants
- Excessive taxation
- Exploitation by landlords
- Eviction
Slide 3: Major Peasant Movements
- In the 1920s, farmers started organising themselves by forming “kisan sabhas.”
- The movement in Awadh, Uttar Pradesh, during this period was known as the Eka Movement.
- The formation of the All India Kisan Sabha in 1936 marked a significant milestone in the history of the peasant movement.
- In the 1940s, peasant uprisings played a crucial role in the country’s path to freedom.
- The Tebhaga Movement in Bengal and the Telangana Movement in Andhra were prominent ones among the later peasant movements.
Slide 4: Issues Faced by Workers
- Low wages
- Excessive working hours
- Exploitation of women and child labourers, etc.
Slide 5: Major Worker Movements
- The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) was the first labour organisation in India to be formed on a national basis.
- The strikes of railways and telegraph workers in the post-World War II shook India.
- In 1946, a strike organised by labourers in Bombay in support of the Royal Indian Navy (RIN) Mutiny led to violence.
Slide 6: Conclusion
Question 13.
Discuss and prepare a note on how the Quit India Movement differs from earlier movements.
Answer:
- Students, youth, workers, and women all took up the struggle and carried it forward.
- Post offices, telegraph offices, and railway stations were targeted.
- Leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan, Ram Manohar Lohia, Aruna Asaf Ali, and Sucheta Kripalani led the struggle from hiding. They communicated with activists through Congress Radio, which operated secretly from Bombay.
- Struggle turned violent in several areas.
- Certain areas were liberated from British control, and temporary governments were established in those regions.
- The importance of the Quit India Movement is that it made freedom an urgent goal.
- Transfer of power became inevitable.
Std 10 History Chapter 6 Notes Kerala Syllabus – Extended Activities
Question 1.
Organise a presentation highlighting major events in India’s freedom movement since 1919 using ICT in the Social Science Lab.
Answer:
(Hints)
- Title Slide (India’s Freedom Movement (1919 – 1947)
- Highlight Major Events:
- 1919: Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
- 1930 – 34: Civil Disobedience Movement (Salt March)
- 1942: Quit India Movement
- 1947: India achieves independence
- Use Visuals
Question 2.
Organise a digital quiz on the topic “Gandhiji and the Freedom Movement of India.”
Answer:
(Hints)
- When did Mahatma Gandhi return to India from South Africa?
- Which movement was started by Gandhiji in 1920 – 22?
- What was the main principle of Gandhiji’s movements?
- Name the first Satyagraha led by Gandhiji in India.
- Who described Gandhiji’s decision to withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement after Chauri Chaura as a “national calamity”?
Question 3.
Organise a virtual tour of key locations significant to India’s freedom movement.
Answer:
(Hints)
With the help of the teacher, find important places related to the Indian freedom struggle and organize a virtual tour. Record the historical significance and experiences of each place.
Mass Movement for Freedom Class 10 Notes Pdf
- Gandhiji, after having returned to India from South Africa, first turned his attention to local movements.
- In 1917, he intervened in the issues faced by indigo cultivators in Champaran district, Bihar.
- In 1918, Gandhiji participated in the struggle of textile mill workers in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
- The British government appointed Hunter Commission to inquire into various incidents including the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.
- The anti-Rowlatt agitation was a turning point in the freedom movement.
- The Khilafat movement in India was led by two brothers, Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali.
- A non-violent, non-cooperation movement was launched under the joint leadership of the Khilafat Committee and the Indian National Congress.
- Hind Swaraj is a book written by Gandhij i and published in 1909.
- During the Non-Cooperation Movement, both elections and participation in legislative assemblies were boycotted.
- The British government appointed a commission, led by Sir John Simon, to recommend constitutional reforms for India.
- On April 6, 1930, Gandhiji initiated the Civil Disobedience Movement by making salt on Dandi beach.
- In 1928, Bhagat Singh and his associates founded the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA).
- The success of the Russian Revolution in 1917 and the spread of socialist ideas led to the formation of the Congress Socialist Party (CSP).
- The ‘Quit India’ movement began as part of a speech Gandhiji delivered while addressing a mass meeting in Mumbai on August 8, 1942.
- Captain Mohan Singh, an officer in the British Indian Army, took the initiative to form the Indian National Army.
- World War II and the altered global circumstances accelerated the journey towards freedom.
INTRODUCTION
The chapter “Mass Movement for Freedom” explores the period in India’s history when ordinary people from all sections of society actively joined the struggle for independence against British rule. It highlights how peasants, workers, students, women, and tribal communities came together to participate in large-scale movements such as the Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, and Quit India Movement. These movements were mostly non-violent and guided by the principles of Gandhiji, but sometimes escalated into violent clashes due to colonial repression. The chapter emphasizes the power of collective action and shows how the united efforts of millions of Indians gradually weakened British control and paved the way for India’s freedom in 1947.
From Champaran to Kheda
- Gandhiji, after having returned to India from South Africa, first turned his attention to local movements.
- In 1917, he intervened in the issues faced by indigo cultivators in Champaran district, Bihar.
- In 1918, Gandhiji participated in the struggle of textile mill workers in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
- The British government took a few steps to repress the Indian freedom movement which gained momentum after World War I. The Rowlatt Act of 1919 was implemented as part of this effort.
- GandhijicalledforanationalhartalpnApril6,1919, to protest this repressive law that curtailed fundamental rights.
- The British government appointed Hunter Commission to inquire into various incidents including the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.
Towards a mass movement
- The anti-Rowlatt agitation was a turning point in the freedom movement.
- The Khilafat movement in India was led by two brothers, Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali.
- A non-violent, non-cooperation movement was launched under the joint leadership of the Khilafat Committee and the Indian National Congress.
- Gandhiji and the Ali brothers toured the country, convening mass gatherings and promoting the message of the non-cooperation movement.
- During the Non-Cooperation Movement, both elections and participation in legislative assemblies were boycotted.
- A committee under the leadership of Motilal Nehru drafted a constitutional reform report, known as the Nehru Committee Report.
- On April 6, 1930, Gandhiji initiated the Civil Disobedience Movement by making salt on Dandi beach.
The Sea Roar at Dandi
- Public participation in the Civil Disobedience Movement surpassed that of the earlier Non-Cooperation Movement.
- Northwestern India was one of the major centres of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
- The Civil Disobedience Movement convinced the British that it was inevitable to transfer at least some power to Indians. As a result, discussions known as the Round Table Conferences were held in London.
- Salt making was a government monopoly.
The Path of Armed Struggle
- Along with the methods of struggle advocated by the Congress and Mahatma Gandhi, many people adopted different approaches to achieve the goal of freedom.
- Instead of Gandhiji’s non-violent approach, some people adopted the path of revolution.
- The success of the Russian Revolution and the sudden withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement halfway were among the factors that led them to the path of revolution.
- Following this, a revolutionary organisation named the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) was formed in 1924.
- In 1928, Bhagat Singh and his associates founded the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA).
- The success of the Russian Revolution in 1917 and the spread of socialist ideas led to the formation of the Congress Socialist Party (CSP).
- The All India Kisan Sabha led the Tebhaga Movement during 1946 – 47.
- The Royal Indian Navy (RIN) was the naval force of British India.
Quit India
- The ‘Quit India’ movement began as part of a speech Gandhiji delivered while addressing a mass meeting in Mumbai on August 8, 1942.
- During the Quit India Movement, certain areas were liberated from British control, and temporary governments were established in those regions.
- Subhas Chandra Bose was a leader who took a completely different path for India’s freedom.
- Subhas Chandra Bose served twice as the President of the Congress, following differences of opinion with Gandhiji, he resigned from the Congress and formed the Forward Bloc party.
- World War II and the altered global circumstances accelerated the journey towards freedom.
- Captain Mohan Singh, an officer in the British Indian Army, took the initiative to form the Indian National Army.
FROM CHAMPARAN TO KHEDA
• Gandhiji, after having returned to India from South Africa, first turned his attention to local movements.
In 1917, he intervened in the issues faced by indigo cultivators in Champaran district, Bihar. He was persuaded by Raj Kumar Shukla, a native of Champaran, to visit the area. The European planters were exploiting the indigo cultivators. As a result of Gandhiji’s intervention, the British administration appointed a commission, with Gandhiji as a member, to investigate the cultivators’ grievances. Consequently, the issues of the peasants were largely resolved.
In 1918, Gandhiji participated in the struggle of textile mill workers in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The struggle demanded a wage hike. Gandhiji went on a fast, and subsequently the workers’ wages were increased. In 1918, Gandhiji fought for the peasants of Kheda in Gujarat. The cultivators of Kheda were unable to pay tax due to natural calamities. They launched a movement demanding tax remission Gandhiji toured the villages and encouraged them. Eventually, the government agreed to grant tax remission to the cultivators who had lost their yield.
INDIA AND THE FIRST WORLD WAR
- The First World War (1914 – 1918) had severe economic impacts on India.
- Additional wartime taxes were levied on the people.
- Huge quantities of food grains were exported for soldiers which led to a severe food shortage.
- Crop losses and epidemics during that period worsened the situation. Many people died of famine.
RESISTANCE TO BRITISH REPRESSION
The British government took a few steps to repress the Indian freedom movement which gained momentum after World War I. The Rowlatt Act of 1919 was implemented as part of this effort. According to this law:
- Anyone could be arrested without a warrant.
- Anyone could be jailed without trial.
Gandhiji called for a national hartal on April 6, 1919, to protest this repressive law that curtailed fundamental rights. A ‘Satyagraha Sabha’ was formed to publicise the movement. There was a massive popular participation in the hartal. Gandhiji described this national hartal as the ‘most wonderful spectacle.’ The anti-Rowlatt agitation was very strong in Punjab and Lahore. Dr. Satyapal and Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew, the popular leaders of Punjab, were arrested and imprisoned. Martial law was declared in Amritsar.
On April 13, 1919, people gathered on a ground for a public meeting at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar to protest against the arrest of their leaders. Following the orders of General Reginald Dyer, the British police opened fire on the crowd without warning. The ground had only one entrance. According to official records, 379 people were killed during the 10-minute firing. However, actual casualties were likely much higher, with over a thousand injured. The British government appointed Hunter Commission to inquire into various incidents including the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.
The Political Training Ground in South Africa
It was South Africa that shaped the political leader Mahatma Gandhi. He spent twenty years in South Africa. He arrived there as a legal assistant to Dada Abdullah Javeri, a migrant Gujarati merchant. During that time, Gandhiji led a struggle against racial discrimination faced by the Asians and the coloured people at the hands of the whites. It was in South Africa, that Gandhiji developed his Satyagraha, a form of struggle based on non-violence. South Africa served as a training ground for his real struggle. Gandhiji returned to India in 1915.
TOWARDS A MASS MOVEMENT
The anti-Rowlatt agitation was a turning point in the freedom movement. However, it was strong mainly in urban areas. Gandhiji recognised the importance of extending the movement to rural areas as well. He also understood that Hindu-Muslim unity was essential for national solidarity. To achieve this, he took up the Khilafat issue. The Khilafat movement in India was led by two brothers, Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali.
Khilafat
The winners of World War I signed the Treaty of Sevres with defeated Turkey. According to this treaty, many of the powers enjoyed by the Caliph (Khalifa) as the ruler of Turkey and the spiritual leader of the Islamic world were curtailed. The Khilafat Movement began with the objective of restoring the powers of the Caliph.
A FIGHT THROUGH NON-COOPERATION
A non-violent, non-cooperation movement was launched under the joint leadership of the Khilafat Committee and the Indian National Congress. The methods pf the Non-Cooperation Movement included:
- Returning titles of honours granted by the British government
- Resigning from government jobs
- Advocates boycotting British courts
- Students boycotting British-run schools
- Boycotting foreign goods
- Boycotting legislative assemblies
Strengthening social harmony, promoting the use of national products, popularising khadi, and establishing national schools were also key programmes during the movement. Gandhiji and the Ali brothers toured the country, convening mass gatherings and promoting the message of the non-cooperation movement. These tours raised awareness among ordinary citizens that the freedom movement was theirs too. The movement gained widespread popularity in both rural and urban areas. The participation of various sections of society in this movement is:
| Women | Women participated in the movement by boycotting foreign goods, and collecting and burning foreign clothes. |
| Workers | Workers also responded actively to the Non -Cooperation Movement. Workers of the Buckingham Carnatic Mills in Madras, plantation labourers in Assam, and workers of the Assam-Bengal Railway, are among others who went on strike in support of the movement. |
| Students | Thousands of students boycotted government schools and colleges. They enrolled in national institutions to continue their studies. The Kashi Vidyapeeth in Banaras, Gujarat Vidyapeeth, and Jamia Millia Islamia in Aligarh were among the national institutions founded during this time. |
| Tribal people | The tribal communities participated in the movement by defying British – imposed forest laws. These laws had restricted access to forest resources. |
| Peasants | Peasants participated in the movement in large numbers. The ‘Awadh Kisan Sabha’ was formed under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru during this period. In Bengal, peasants boycotted jute cultivation. They chose to grow rice and cotton instead of jute. |
On February 5, 1922, while the Non-Cooperation Movement was underway, tensions escalated between protesters and police at Chauri Chaura in Uttar Pradesh: An enraged mob set the police station on fire, resulting in the deaths of 22 policemen. Recognising that the agitation violated the principle of non-violence, Gandhiji decided to stop the movement. This decision surprised other leaders and Gandhiji faced severe criticism. Subhas Chandra Bose later described this decision as a “national calamity.’’Later, Gandhiji was arrested, tried, and sentenced to six years of imprisonment.
The main objectives behind the decision to grow rice and cotton instead of jute were as follows:
- To force British owners to close down their jute mills by curtailing the supply of jute
- To ensure food security by expanding rice cultivation
- To increase the use of khadi and generate khadi related job opportunities by making cotton available
Hind Swaraj
Hind Swaraj is a book written by Gandhiji and published in 1909. In it, he explained the British rule as: The British rule was established in India with the cooperation of the Indians. It continues to exist due to the same cooperation. If Indians cease cooperation, British rule will end in a year, and Swaraj will be achieved. By the term ‘Hind Swaraj,’ Gandhiji meant self-rule in India.
FIGHT SHIFTED TO THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLIES
During the Non-Cooperation Movement, both elections and participation in legislative assemblies were boycotted. However, leaders such as C. R. Das and Motilal Nehru, who opposed with this strategy, formed the Swaraj Party in 1923 as a faction within the Congress. Their aim was to utilise the legislative assemblies as forums to voice political dissent. They participated in the elections, became members of legislative assemblies, and criticised the government. Thus, the Swaraj Party could successfully expose the government’s anti-public policies in the legislative assemblies.
CONTINUING POPULAR AGITATIONS
Although the Non-Cooperation Movement was called off following the Chauri Chaura incident, the enthusiasm it created persisted among the people. Anti-British protests continued in various parts of the country in the following years. The tribal movement in Andhra Pradesh is an example of this. This movement, known as Rampa Rebellion, was led by Alluri Sitarama Raju. The tribals were driven to agitation by the British forest laws, which festricted their rights to graze their cattle in the forest, and the exploitation by moneylenders.
Around 2,500 square miles of land area was under the control of the rebels. The rebellion was suppressed using military units, including the Malabar Special Police and the Assam Rifles. Alluri Sitarama Raju was killed during the agitation. Student and youth movements gained momentum during this period. Their goal was complete independence from British rule. Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose travelled across the country, addressing students and young activists.
SIMON GO BACK
• The British government appointed a commission, led by Sir John Simon, to recommend constitutional reforms for India.
All seven members of the commission were British. For this reason, the Congress and some other political parties decided to boycott the Simon Commission.The entire country observed a hartal on the day the commission arrived in India (February 3, 1928). Streets across India resounded with the slogan “Simon Go Back.” During the protests, Lala Lajpat Rai was severely injured in a lathi charge in Lahore and later succumbed to his injuries. The British bureaucrats frequently claimed that Indians were incapable of framing robust constitutional reforms.
In this context, various parties held a conference at Pune and prepared a report on constitutional reforms. A committee under the leadership of Motilal Nehru drafted a constitutional reform report, known as the Nehru Committee Report. This report later played a significant role in shaping the Constitution of India.
BARDOLI PEASANTS MOVEMENT
- In 1928, Bardoli in Gujarat became the site for a significant peasant movement.
- The movement was led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Abbas Tyabji and Vithalbhai Patel also played a major role in the movement.
The main cause of the agitation was increase in tax. Peasants launched a protest, refusing to pay the tax. The government seized the peasants’ lands, domestic animals, vehicles, and agricultural tools. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel instructed the agitators: “Pull your carts to pieces and keep it different piaces.” Gandhiji visited Bardoli and strongly supported the peasants. Finally, the government revoked the increased tax. Thus, the movement concluded successfully.
LAHORE CONGRESS: THE TURNING POINT
The annual session of the Indian National Congress was held in Lahore in December 1929. The Lahore Congress was significant in the history of India’s freedom struggle for several reasons.
- The Congress demanded complete independence for the first time.
- It entrusted Gandhiji with the responsibility to launch a mass movement to achieve this goal.
- The tricolour flag was formally adopted.
‘Independence Day Celebration’ Before Independence
January 26, 1930, was celebrated as ‘Independence Day’ across India as per the decision of the Lahore Congress. Meetings were convened in villages and towns simultaneously and the participants declared independence. People participated in the celebrations by hoisting the national flag and singing patriotic songs. Spinning the charkha, promotion of abstinence from alcohol, and fostering Hindu- Muslim unity were’also part of the celebrations. January 26 was celebrated as Independence Day in subsequent years as well. This paved the way for January 26 to be chosen as Republic Day after independence.
PEACE TALKS
The Civil Disobedience Movement convinced the British that it was inevitable to transfer at least some power to Indians. As a result, discussions known as the Round Table Conferences were-held in London. The Congress boycotted the First Round Table Conference in 1930. In this context, the government started efforts to end the Civil Disobedience Movement and to include a Congress representative in the Second Round Table Conference. As part of this, Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed. According to the pact signed on March 5, 1931:
- The Civil Disobedience Movement was suspended.
- Gandhiji participated in the Second Round Table Conference.
But the Second Round Table Conference ended unsuccessfully, and the Congress boycotted the Third Round Table Conference.
Why Salt?
Salt making was a government monopoly. Therefore, private salt production was considered illegal, and violators were prosecuted. Gandhiji decided to break this law. Salt was an essential commodity for both people and livestock in India’s tropical climate. Gandhiji described the government’s monopoly on salt, which was also used for agricultural purposes, as an ‘iniquitous monopoly.’
The Dharasana Struggle
On May 21, 1930, a group of about 2,000 protesters arrived at the Dharasana Salt Works in Gujarat. As they approached, the police launched a lathi-charge, using batons tipped with metal to beat them until they fell. As the injured were carried away, the next group stepped forward. They too were brutally beaten by the police. As they were taken away, yet another group advanced. This relentless cycle went on without pause. By 11:00 am, with temperatures soaring to 46.67°C, 320 protesters had been injured, and 2 had lost their lives. Webb Miller, an American journalist who witnessed the protest, wrote: “In eighteen years of my reporting in twenty countries, during which I have witnessed innumerable civil disobediences, riots, street fights, and rebellions, I have never witnessed such harrowing scenes as in Dharasana.”
THE PATH OF ARMED STRUGGLE
- Along with the methods of struggle advocated by the Congress and Mahatma Gandhi, many people adopted different approaches to achieve the goal of freedom.
- Instead of Gandhiji’s non-violent approach, some people adopted the path of revolution. Most of these revolutionaries were young.
The success of the Russian Revolution and the sudden withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement hallway were among the factors that led them to the path of revolution. Following this, a revolutionary oiganisation named the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) was formed in 1924. Some members attempted to rob the funds of the railway at Kakori in Uttar Pradesh to finance their activities, however, a few were arrested. The revolutionary activities that faced a setback after the Kakori incident regained momentum under the leadership of Bhagat Singh. In 1928, Bhagat Singh and his associates founded the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA). The two major actions carried out by the revolutionaries under Bhagat Singh’s leadership were:
- A police officer named Saunders, who had participated in the lathicharge that led to the death of Lala Lajpat Rai, was shot dead.
- A bomb was thrown into the Central Legislative Assembly Hall.
Following this, the brave revolutionaries Bhagat Singh, Raj guru, and Sukhdev, who were arrested, tried and executed on March 23, 1931. Revolutionary activity was particularly prominent in Bengal during this period. The looting of the Chittagong armoury by the revolutionaries led by Surya Sen, shocked the government. The involvement of women in revolutionary activities was also noteworthy. The prominent among them were Pritilata Waddedar, Kalpana Dutt and Bina Das.
CONGRESS SOCIALIST PARTY (CSP)
The success of the Russian Revolution in 1917 and the spread of socialist ideas led to the formation of the Congress Socialist Party (CSP). The CSP was formed by those within the Congress who were inclined towards socialist ideas. Jayaprakash Narayan became its first Secretary. The party aimed to establish a socialist society by countering capitalism and landlordism. The Congress Socialist Party was able to organise the workers and peasants, and addressed their concerns.
PEASANT MOVEMENTS
Leaders, including Gandhiji, recognised that peasant participation was crucial for strengthening the national movement. At that time, the farmers faced numerous hardships. The major ones included:
- Excessive taxation
- Eviction
- Exploitation by landlords
In the 1920s, farmers started organising themselves by forming “Kisan sabhas.” The movement in Awadh, Uttar Pradesh, during this period was known as the Eka , Movement. The formation of the All India Kisan Sabha in 1936 marked a significant milestone in the history of the peasant movement. In the 1940s, peasant uprisings played a crucial role in the country’s path to freedom.
The Tebhaga Movement in Bengal and the Telangana sentenced to death for their involvement. Four others Movement in Andhra were prominent ones among the were deported to the Andaman islands, and seventeen later peasant movements.
LABOURERS GETTING ORGANISED
With the advent of modern industries, a modern working class emerged in India. Key issues faced by labourers included:
- Low wages
- Excessive working hours
- Exploitation of women and child labourers, etc.
The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) was the first labour organisation in India to be formed on a national basis. The strikes of railways and telegraph workers in the post-World War II shook India. In 1946, a strike organised by labourers in Bombay in support of the Royal Indian Navy (RIN) Mutiny led to violence.
Kakori Incident
On August 9, 1925, revolutionaries stopped the 8 Down Train at Kakori near Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh and robbed the money for the purchase of arms. Many revolutionaries were arrested. Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, Rajendra Lahiri and Roshan Singh were sentenced to death for their involvement. Four others were deported to the Andaman islands, and seventeen were imprisoned.
Tebhaga Chai
The All India Kisan Sabha led the Tebhaga Movement during 1946 – 47. The peasant straggle was against the landlords, known as Jotedars. Previously, the crop was divided into two parts, with one part given to the Jotedars. The peasants staged the strike, demanding that the crop be divided into three parts, with two thirds allocated to them. To this end, they raised the slogan ‘Tebhaga Chai,’ which meant ‘We want two-thirds share.’
Naval Mutiny
The Royal Indian Navy (RIN) was the naval force of British India. In February 1946, the sailors of the RIN revolted against British rule. The mutiny, which began on the ship, Talwar on February 18, 1946, is known as the Royal Indian Navy (RIN) Mutiny. The mutineers removed the British flags and hoisted flags representing the Indian National Congress, the Communist Party, and the Muslim League. Although the mutiny spread to other naval bases, it was eventually suppressed by British military forces.
QUIT INDIA
After the end of World War II, India’s support became crucial for Britain. To secure this, Sir Stafford Cripps came to India. However, Cripps failed to persuade Indian leaders through negotiations. This marked the beginning of the final mass movement led by Gandhiji. The ‘Quit India’ movement began as part of a speech Gandhiji delivered while addressing a mass meeting in Mumbai on August 8, 1942. The movement spread across the country even though leaders, including Gandhiji, were imprisoned.
- Students, youth, workers, and women all took up the struggle and carried it forward.
- Post offices, telegraph offices, and railway stations were targeted.
- Leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan, Ram Manohar Lohia, Arana Asaf Ali, and Sucheta Kripalani led the struggle from hiding. They communicated with activists through Congress Radio, which operated secretly from Bombay.
Although the struggle turned violent in several areas, Gandhiji did not condemn it. He alleged that it was the brutality of the government that provoked the people. He declined pressure from the government to denounce the violence and instead declared a 21-day fast in jail. International newspapers demanded Gandhiji’s release, but he completed the fast by overcoming all odds. During the Quit India Movement, certain areas were liberated from British control, and temporary governments were established in those regions.
- Ballia: In Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, a parallel government was established under Chittu Pandey.
- Satara: The parallel government was formed under Nana Patil in Satara, Maharashtra, which lasted until 1945.
- Tamluk: The parallel government in Tamluk in Bengal lasted for a year. It operated effectively by allocating funds to schools, establishing courts, and distributing surplus grain to the poor.
DELHI CHALO
Subhas Chandra Bose was a leader who took a completely different path for India’s freedom. He served twice as the President of the Congress, following differences of opinion with Gandhiji, he resigned from the Congress and formed the Forward Bloc party. During World War II, Subhas Chandra Bose who reached Singapore took up the leadership of the Indian National Army (INA). He reorganised the INA and, marched to India with the Japanese army. However, his efforts could not overcome the heavy resistance of the British army. After World War II, the INA soldiers held as captives by the British were tried at the Red Fort in Delhi.
The country witnessed widespread protests against the trial of Colonel Prem Sahgal, Colonel G. S. Dhillon and Shah Nawaz Khan. During the trial, Congress leaders, including Nehru, appeared in court. Pamphlets with the slogan “Not traitors, but patriots” were widely circulated. The agitation over the trial of INA soldiers posed a significant challenge to the British government after World War II.
TOWARDS FREEDOM
World War II and the altered global circumstances accelerated the journey towards freedom. Lord Wavell, the then Viceroy, put forward certain proposals in his discussions with the Indian leaders. Although a conference was held in Simla in June 1945 to discuss these proposals, it ended without resolution. Some significant developments after the Simla Conference are:
| Cabinet Mission (March 1946) | • The Cabinet Mission, which included three members of the British Cabinet, reached India to discuss the transfer of power. Stafford Cripps, Pethick Lawrence and A. V. Alexander were its members. • The key proposals included the formation of an interim government until the transfer of power and the establishment of a Constituent Assembly for drafting a constitution for India. |
| Mountbatten Plan (June 3, 1947) | • This proposal was put forward by Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy. • It proposed partitioning the country into India and Pakistan, and granting them independence. |
| Indian Independence (August 15, 1947) | • India gained independence on August 15, 1947, in accordance with the provisions of the Indian Independence Act passed by the British Parliament. • Jawaharlal Nehru became the first Prime Minister of Independent India. |
Indian National Army (INA)
Captain Mohan Singh, an officer in the British Indian Army, took the initiative to form the Indian National Army. Later, Subhas Chandra Bose took over its leadership. Women played a significant role in the activities of the INA. The INA included a women’s unit called the ‘Rani Jhansi Regiment,’ which was led by Captain Lakshmi Sahgal, a Malayali. Vakkom Abdul Khader was another Malayali in the INA who was held captive and was hanged to death by the British.