National Movement of India List from 1905 to 1940

Indian National Movement

The Indian National Movement refers to the collective efforts, struggles, and movements carried out by the people of India to gain independence from British colonial rule. It spanned several decades, from the late 19th century to mid-20th century, and encompassed a wide range of political, social, and cultural activities aimed at achieving self-governance and sovereignty for the Indian subcontinent.

Freedom Movement of India

The Freedom Movement of India refers to the series of efforts, struggles, and movements that aimed to achieve independence from British colonial rule and establish self-governance for the Indian people. It is synonymous with the Indian National Movement but emphasizes the overarching goal of attaining freedom from foreign domination. The movement spanned several decades and was marked by various phases, leaders, and strategies.

Indian National Movement Phases

Phase	Period	Leadership	Goal	Methods Adopted	Social Base
Moderate Phase	1885-1905	Moderates/Early Nationalists	Dominion Status	Constitutional Methods-Petitions, Prayers, Plead	Educated Urban Upper Classes
Extremist/Militant Phase	1905-1920	Extremists/Militant Nationalists	Swaraj/Self-Government	Passive Resistance & Swadeshi	All Urban Classes
Gandhian Phase	1920-1947	Mahatma Gandhi	Sampurna Swaraj/Complete Independence	Satyagraha	All Urban and Rural Classes (including grass-root level population and masses)

List of Freedom Movement of India

Year	Indian National Movement
1857	The Revolt of 1857 or Sepoy Mutiny initiated in Meerut and spread to Delhi, Agra, Kanpur, and Lucknow.
1905-1911	Swadeshi Movement emerged in response to Lord Curzon’s Partition of Bengal.
1914-1917	Ghadar Movement led to the notable incident of the Komagata Maru.
1916-1918	Home Rule Movement launched by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant.
1917	Champaran Satyagraha marked the inception of Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent protests in India.
1919	Rowlatt Satyagraha was a significant resistance against repressive British laws.
1920	Khilafat and Non-cooperation Movement, the first major mass movement led by Gandhi.
1930	Civil Disobedience Movement, including the historic Salt March, challenged salt laws.
1940	Individual Satyagraha launched against the British August Offer in 1940.
1942	Quit India Movement, Gandhi’s third major campaign against British colonial rule.

History of India and Indian National Movement

The history of India is rich and diverse, spanning thousands of years. The Indian National Movement is a significant part of this history, representing the struggle for independence from British colonial rule. Here’s a concise overview:

Ancient and Medieval Periods

• India’s history dates back to ancient civilizations like the Indus Valley Civilization (around 3300-1300 BCE), known for its advanced urban planning and trade.
• The Vedic period brought Aryan migrations and the composition of the Vedas, foundational texts of Hinduism.
• The Maurya Empire (322-185 BCE), under Ashoka, was a major political and cultural force.
• The Gupta Empire (4th to 6th century CE) is considered a “Golden Age” of Indian culture and scholarship.
• Medieval India saw the rise of Islamic empires, including the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire.

Colonial Period and Indian National Movement

• The arrival of European powers, including the British, marked the beginning of the colonial era.
• The British East India Company gained control over parts of India and eventually established direct rule by the mid-19th century.
• The Indian Rebellion of 1857 (also known as the Sepoy Mutiny) was a significant early resistance against British rule.
• The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded in 1885, becoming a key political organization advocating for Indian interests.
• The partition of Bengal in 1905 and subsequent protests led to its reversal, showcasing Indian unity and resistance.
• Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal were prominent leaders during the “Extremist” phase of the movement.
• Mahatma Gandhi emerged as a leader and spearheaded nonviolent resistance, including the Salt March (1930) and Quit India Movement (1942).
• World War I and II had significant impacts on India and contributed to anti-colonial sentiment.
• The INC’s efforts, alongside leaders like Subhas Chandra Bose, led to negotiations with the British.
• India gained independence on August 15, 1947, but the partition also led to the creation of Pakistan and communal violence.

The Indian National Movement was characterized by a variety of tactics, including nonviolent civil disobedience, mass protests, boycotts, strikes, and negotiations. The movement’s leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, and many others, played pivotal roles in shaping India’s destiny.

Post-independence, India faced challenges such as nation-building, economic development, and social reforms. The country adopted a democratic constitution in 1950 and embarked on a path of political, social, and economic transformation.

The Indian National Movement remains a source of inspiration for its resilience, unity, and successful struggle against colonial oppression, and it continues to influence modern-day movements for justice and human rights.

How the First World War Helped in the Growth of the National Movement in India

The First World War, which lasted from 1914 to 1918, had a significant impact on the growth and trajectory of the Indian National Movement. While the war was primarily a global conflict involving major powers, its consequences indirectly contributed to the strengthening of India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule. Here’s how the First World War helped in the growth of the National Movement in India:

1. Economic Impact and Discontent: India provided substantial human and material resources to support the British war effort, including soldiers, laborers, and raw materials. This led to economic hardships and inflation within India, causing widespread discontent among the population.
2. War Expenditure and Taxation: The British government imposed heavy taxes and increased war-related expenditures on India to finance the war effort. These measures added to the economic burden faced by Indians and fueled resentment against British exploitation.
3. Growth of Nationalism: The war exposed Indians to global political dynamics and ideas of self-determination and freedom. Indian soldiers who fought alongside the British in various theaters returned home with a heightened sense of pride and the desire for equality and self-rule.
4. Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms: The British government felt the need to address Indian political demands to maintain support for the war effort. In 1917, the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms were introduced, promising increased participation of Indians in governance and administration. While these reforms fell short of full self-government, they represented a recognition of Indian political aspirations.
5. Non-Cooperation and Political Mobilization: The discontent generated by the war and the desire for greater political representation paved the way for increased political mobilization. Leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Annie Besant, and Mahatma Gandhi began advocating for non-cooperation and civil disobedience as means of pressing for Indian demands.
6. Home Rule Movement: The war years saw the emergence of the Home Rule Movement, led by Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak. This movement aimed to promote self-governance and garner support for Indian aspirations.
7. Emergence of New Leadership: The war created opportunities for new leaders to rise within the Indian National Movement, and the movement’s demands became more assertive and united in seeking self-governance and an end to colonial exploitation.
8. Impact of the Russian Revolution: The Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 in Russia had a global impact, inspiring movements for social justice and anti-imperialism. It resonated with Indian intellectuals and further fueled demands for self-rule.
9. Amritsar Massacre: The Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919, where British troops killed unarmed Indian protesters, intensified public anger and fueled anti-British sentiments.

Overall, the First World War acted as a catalyst that accelerated the growth of the Indian National Movement. It deepened the sense of discontent and political consciousness among Indians, leading to a more unified and determined struggle for self-governance and independence from British colonial rule.

Sepoy Mutiny Meaning

The Sepoy Mutiny, also known as the Indian Rebellion of 1857 or the First War of Independence, was a significant and violent uprising that occurred in India against British colonial rule. It was sparked by a variety of factors, including social, cultural, economic, and political grievances, and it marked a major turning point in India’s struggle against British dominance.

We have come up with a blog & Hindi e-book on the National Movement of India, covering all the important events from 1905 to 1947 that are important for the upcoming govt exams.

You will get the complete information on the National Movement of India 1905-1940 which will help you in your Govt. exam preparation.

About National Movement of India 1905-1930

Part 1: National Movement of India 1905-1930

The Indian National Congress

• Formed in 1885 by Allan Octavian Hume (A.O. Hume), an Englishman and a retired civil servant.
• First session in Bombay under Womesh Chunder Banerjee in 1885 (72 delegates attended it).
• In the first two decades (1885 1905), quite moderate in its approach and confided in British justice and generosity.
• But the repressive measures of the British gave rise to extremists within Congress like Bipin Chandra Pal, Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Lala Lajpat Rai (Lal, Bal, Pal).

Partition of Bengal

• By Lord Curzon on Oct 16, 1905, through a royal Proclamation, reducing the old province of Bengal in size by creating East Bengal and Assam out of rest of Bengal.
• The objective was to set up a communal gulf between Hindus and Muslims.
• A mighty upsurge swept the country against the partition. The national movement found real expression in the movement against the partition of Bengal in 1905.
• The objective was to set up a communal gulf between Hindus and Muslims.
• A mighty upsurge swept the country against the partition. The national movement found real expression in the movement against the partition of Bengal in 1905.

Swadeshi Movement (1905)

• Lal, Bal, Pal, and Aurobindo Ghosh played an important role.
• INC took the Swadeshi call first at the Banaras Session, 1905 presided over by G. K. Gokhale.
• Bonfires of foreign goods were conducted at various places.

Formation of Muslim League (1906)

• Setup in 1906 under the leadership of Aga Khan, Nawab Salimullah of Dhaka and Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk.
• It was a loyalist, communal and conservative political organization that supported the partition of Bengal, opposed the Swadeshi movement, demanded special safeguards to its community and a separate electorate for Muslims.

Demand for Swaraj

• In Dec 1906 at Calcutta, the INC under Dadabhai Naoroji adopted ‘Swaraj’ (Self-govt) as the goal of Indian people. Surat Session of Indian National Congress (1907).
• The INC split into two groups The extremists and The moderates, at the Surat session in 1907. Extremists were led by Bal, Pal, Lal while the moderates by G. K. Gokhale.

Indian Councils Act or Minto Morley Reforms (1909)

• Besides other constitutional measures, it envisaged a separate electorate for Muslims.
• Aimed at dividing the nationalist ranks and at rallying the Moderates and the Muslims to the Government’s side.

Ghadar Party (1913)

• Formed by Lala Hardayal, Taraknath Das and Sohan Singh Bhakna.
• Headquarters was at San Francisco.

Home Rule Movement (1916)

• Started by B.G. Tilak (April, 1916) at Poona and Annie Besant and S. Subramania Iyer at Adyar, near Madras (Sept 1916).
• Objective of the movement: Self-government for India in the British Empire.
• Tilak linked up the question of Swaraj with the demand for the formation of Linguistic States and education in vernacular language. He gave the slogan: Swaraj is my birthright and I will have it.

Lucknow Pact (1916)

• Happened following a war between Britain and Turkey leading to anti-British feelings among Muslims.
• Both INC and Muslim League concluded this (Congress accepted the separate electorates and both jointly demanded for a representative government and dominion status for the country).

August Declaration (1917)

• After the Lucknow Pact, a British policy was announced which aimed at increasing association of Indians in every branch of the administration for the progressive realization of responsible government in India as an integral part of the British empire. This came to be called the August Declaration.

Rowlatt Act (March 18, 1919)

• This gave unbridled powers to the govt. To arrest and imprison suspects without trial for two years maximum. This law enabled the Government to suspend the right of Habeas Corpus, which had been the foundation of civil liberties in Britain.
• Caused a wave of anger in all sections. It was the first country-wide agitation by Gandhiji and marked the foundation of the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (April 13, 1919)

• People were agitated over the arrest of Dr. Kitchlew and Dr. Satyapal on April 10, 1919.
• General Michael Francis O’Dwyer, fires at people who assembled in the Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar.
• As a result, hundreds of men, women, and children were killed and thousands injured.
• Rabindranath Tagore returned his Knighthood in protest. Sir Shankaran Nair resigned from Viceroy’s Executive Council after this.
• Hunter Commission was appointed to enquire into it.
• On March 13, 1940, Francis O’Dwyer was shot dead at a joint meeting of the East India Association and the Central Asian Society (now Royal Society for Asian Affairs) in Caxton Hall in Westminster, London, by an Indian activist, Udham Singh, in retaliation for the massacre in Amritsar.

Khilafat Movement (1920)

• Muslims were agitated by the treatment done with Turkey by the British in the treaty that followed the First World War.
• Two brothers, Mohd. Ali and Shaukat Ali started this movement.

Non-Cooperation Movement (1920)

• It was the first mass-based political movement under Gandhiji.
• Congress passed the resolution in its Calcutta session in Sept 1920.

Part 2: National Movement of India 1920 to 1930

Chauri Chaura Incident (1922)

• A mob of people at Chauri Chaura (near Gorakhpur) clashed with police and burnt 22 policemen on February 5, 1922.
• This compelled Gandhiji to withdraw the Non-Cooperation movement on Feb. 12, 1922.

Simon Commission (1927)

• Constituted under John Simon, to review the political situation in India and to introduce further reforms and extension of parliamentary democracy.
• Indian leaders opposed the commission, as there were no Indians in it.
• The Government used brutal repression and police attacks to break the popular opposition. At Lahore, Lala Lajpat Rai was severely beaten in a lathi-charge. He succumbed to his injuries on Oct. 30, 1928.

Lahore Session (1929)

• On Dec. 19, 1929, under the Presidentship of J. L. Nehru, the INC, at its Lahore Session, declared Poorna Swaraj (Complete independence) as its ultimate goal.
• On Dec. 31, 1929, the newly adopted tri-color flag was unfurled and an. 26, 1930 was fixed as the First Independence Day, was to be celebrated every year.

Revolutionary Activities

• The first political murder of a European was committed in 1897 at Poona by the Chapekar brothers, Damodar and Balkishan. Their target was Mr. Rand, President of the Plague Commission, but Lt. Ayerst was accidentally shot.
• In 1907, Madam Bhikaiji Cama, a Parsi revolutionary unfurled the flag of India at Stuttgart Congress (of Second international).
• In 1908, Khudiram Bose and Prafulla Chaki threw a bomb on the carriage of Kingsford, the unpopular judge of Muzaffarpur. Khudiram, Kanhaiyalal Dutt and Satyendranath Bose were hanged (Alipur Case).
• In 1909, M L Dhingra shot dead Col. William Curzon Wyllie, the political advisor of India Office in London.
• In 1912, Rasbihari Bose and Sachindra Nath Sanyal threw a bomb and Lord Hardinge at Delhi (Delhi Conspiracy Case).
• In Oct 1924, a meeting of revolutionaries from all parts of India was called at Kanpur. They set up the Hindustan Socialist Republic Association/Army (HSRA).
• They carried out a dacoity on the Kakori bound train on the Saharanpur-Lucknow railway line on Aug. 9, 1925.
• Bhagat Singh, with his colleagues, shot dead Saunders (Asst. S. P. Of Lahore, who ordered lathi charge on Lala Lajpat Rai) on Dec. 17, 1928.
• Then Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt threw a bomb in the Central Assembly on Apr 8, 1929. Thus, he, Rajguru and Sukhdev were hanged on March. 23, 1931 at Lahore Jail (Lahore Conspiracy Case) and their bodies cremated at Hussainiwala near Ferozepur.
• In 1929 only Jatin Das died in Lahore jail after 63 days fast to protest against horrible conditions in jail.
• Surya Sen, a revolutionary of Bengal, formed the Indian Republic Army in Bengal. In 1930, he masterminded the raid on Chittagong armoury. He was hanged in 1933.
• In 1931, Chandrashekhar Azad shot himself at Alfred Park in Allahabad.

Dandi March (1930)

• Also called the Salt Satyagraha.
• Along with 78 followers, Gandhiji started his march from Sabarmati Ashram on March 12, 1930, for the small village Dandhi to break the salt law.
• He reached the seashore on Apr. 6, 1930.
• He picked a handful of salt and inaugurated the Civil Disobedience Movement.

First Round Table Conference (1930)

• It was the first conference arranged between the British and Indians as equals. It was held on Nov. 12, 1930, in London to discuss Simon’s commission.
• Boycotted by INC, Muslim League, Hindu Mahasabha, Liberals, and some others were there.

Part 3: National Movement of India 1931 to 1940

Gandhi Irwin Pact (1931)

• Moderate Statesman, Sapru, Jaikar, and Srinivas Shastri initiated efforts to break the ice between Gandhiji and the government.
• The two (government represented by Irwin and INC by Gandhiji) signed a pact on March 5, 1931.
• In this, the INC called off the civil disobedience movement and agreed to join the second round table conference.
• The government on its part released the political prisoners and conceded the right to make salt for consumption for villages along the coast.

Second Round Table Conference (1931)

• Gandhiji represented the INC and went to London to meet British P. M. Ramsay Macdonald.
• However, the session was soon deadlocked on the minorities issue and this time separate electorates were demanded not only by Muslims but also by Depressed Classes, Indian Christians and Anglo Indians.

The Communal Award (Aug 16, 1932)

• Announced by Ramsay McDonald. It showed divide and rule policy of the British.
• Envisaged representation of Muslims, Sikhs, Indian Christians, Anglo Indians, women, and even Backward classes.
• Gandhiji, who was in Yeravada jail at that time, started a fast unto death against it.

Poona Pact (September 25, 1932)

• After the announcement of the communal award and subsequent fast of Gandhiji, mass meeting took place almost everywhere.
• Political leaders like Madan Mohan Malviya, B. R. Ambedkar, and M. C. Rajah became active.
• Eventually, the Poona pact was reached and Gandhiji broke his fact on the sixth day (Sept 25, 1932).
• In this, the idea of separate electorate for the depressed classes was abandoned, but seats reserved to them in the provincial legislature were increased.

Third Round Table Conference (1932)

• Proved fruitless as most of the national leaders were in prison. The discussions led to the passing of the Government of India Act, 1935.

Demand for Pakistan

• In 1930, Iqbal suggested that the Frontier Province, Baluchistan, Sindh and Kashmir be made the Muslim State within the federation.
• Chaudhary Rehmat Ali gave the term Pakistan in 1923. Mohd.
• Ali Jinnah of Bombay gave it practicality.
• Muslim League first passed the proposal of separate Pakistan in its Lahore session in 1940.

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