1. India Under British Rule
For many years, India was ruled by the British. The British controlled the administration, trade, economy and many important resources of the country.
The British introduced many laws and systems of administration. However, many Indians felt that they were being treated unfairly and that India should be governed by Indians.
Farmers, workers, students, teachers, women, soldiers and political leaders gradually became involved in the struggle against British rule.
The freedom struggle was not a single event. It was a long movement involving many people, organisations, protests and sacrifices.
The Indian National Congress (INC) became one of the major organisations leading the national movement.
2. Mahatma Gandhi and the Freedom Struggle
Mahatma Gandhi was one of the most important leaders of India's freedom struggle.
He was born on 2 October 1869 at Porbandar in Gujarat. He studied law and later went to South Africa.
Gandhi returned to India from South Africa in 1915. He soon became an important leader of the Indian national movement.
Gandhiji believed that Indians could fight injustice without using violence.
His main principles were:
- Truth
- Non-violence
- Satyagraha
- Self-reliance
- Swadeshi
- Unity among people
What was Satyagraha?
The word Satyagraha means holding firmly to truth.
Gandhiji used peaceful resistance against injustice. He believed that people should not use violence even when they were treated unfairly.
A Satyagrahi was expected to remain peaceful, brave and truthful.
Gandhiji encouraged people to resist unjust laws through peaceful protests, boycotts, marches and non-cooperation.
3. Early Movements Led by Gandhi
Before leading nationwide movements, Gandhi participated in several local struggles.
Champaran Satyagraha – 1917
Champaran was in present-day Bihar.
Farmers there were facing problems under the system imposed by British planters.
Gandhiji went to Champaran and supported the farmers through peaceful protest.
This became one of his first major movements in India.
Kheda Satyagraha – 1918
Farmers in Kheda, Gujarat, were facing difficulties because of crop failure and poor harvests.
Gandhiji supported their demand for relief from taxes.
Ahmedabad Mill Strike – 1918
Gandhiji also supported textile workers in Ahmedabad who were demanding better working conditions and wages.
These movements helped Gandhi become a well-known national leader.
4. The Rowlatt Act
In 1919, the British government passed the Rowlatt Act.
The Act gave the government wide powers to arrest and detain people suspected of involvement in political activities without the normal legal protections.
Many Indians considered the law unfair.
Gandhiji opposed the Act and called for peaceful protests against it.
The protests increased tensions in several parts of India.
5. The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
One of the most tragic events in the freedom struggle occurred at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar on 13 April 1919.
A large crowd had gathered there. Many people had come to observe Baisakhi, while others had gathered to protest against British policies.
The gathering included men, women and children.
A British officer named General Reginald Dyer ordered his soldiers to fire on the crowd.
The people were largely unarmed and had very limited ways to escape.
Many people were killed and many others were injured.
The event shocked people throughout India.
Why was Jallianwala Bagh important?
The massacre greatly increased anger against British rule.
Many Indians who had previously hoped for reforms within British rule became more strongly convinced that India needed freedom.
It also increased support for Gandhi's national movements.
Important Date
13 April 1919 – Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
6. The Non-Cooperation Movement
After the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and other events, Gandhi believed that Indians should stop cooperating with the British government.
The Non-Cooperation Movement began in 1920.
Meaning of Non-Cooperation
Non-cooperation means refusing to support or cooperate with something.
Gandhi asked Indians to peacefully refuse to cooperate with British institutions.
People were encouraged to:
- Boycott British schools and colleges.
- Boycott British goods.
- Give up certain government titles and honours.
- Avoid some government institutions.
- Promote Indian-made goods.
- Wear Khadi.
- Support Swadeshi.
The movement brought large numbers of ordinary Indians into the freedom struggle.
Students, teachers, workers, farmers, traders and women participated in different ways.
7. Swadeshi and Khadi
Swadeshi
Swadeshi means using and promoting goods made in one's own country.
Gandhiji encouraged Indians to use Indian products instead of imported British goods.
Khadi
Khadi is hand-spun and hand-woven cloth.
Gandhi promoted spinning and wearing khadi as a symbol of self-reliance and opposition to dependence on British manufactured cloth.
The spinning wheel, or charkha, became an important symbol of the freedom movement.
8. Withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement
The Non-Cooperation Movement was largely intended to remain peaceful.
However, an incident took place at Chauri Chaura in Uttar Pradesh in February 1922.
A crowd attacked a police station and several policemen were killed.
Gandhiji was deeply concerned because the movement had turned violent.
He believed that a movement based on non-violence could not continue if people were using violence.
Therefore, he decided to withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922.
Important Lesson
Gandhiji showed that he considered non-violence an important principle, even when it meant stopping a large political movement.
9. The Simon Commission
In 1927, the British government appointed the Simon Commission.
Its purpose was to study constitutional reforms in India.
However, there was no Indian member on the commission.
This angered many Indian leaders and people.
When the commission came to India in 1928, people protested against it.
The famous slogan:
"Simon Go Back"
was raised during the protests.
10. Lala Lajpat Rai and the Simon Commission
Lala Lajpat Rai, an important nationalist leader, led a protest against the Simon Commission in Lahore.
During the protest, the police used a lathi charge.
Lala Lajpat Rai was seriously injured.
He later died from his injuries in 1928.
His death increased anger against British rule and inspired many young nationalists.
11. New Leaders Join the Movement
As the freedom movement developed, several young and new leaders became important.
Jawaharlal Nehru
Jawaharlal Nehru became one of the leading figures of the Indian National Congress.
He strongly supported complete independence for India.
He became Congress president at the Lahore session in 1929.
Later, he became the first Prime Minister of independent India.
Subhas Chandra Bose
Subhas Chandra Bose was a strong nationalist leader.
He believed that India needed complete freedom and later became associated with the Indian National Army (INA).
He became popularly known as Netaji.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Sardar Patel was an important Congress leader who participated in several movements.
He was known for his organisational ability and leadership.
After independence, he played an important role in bringing many princely states into the Indian Union.
Sarojini Naidu
Sarojini Naidu was a poet, political leader and freedom fighter.
She actively participated in the national movement and encouraged people to fight for freedom.
Role of Young People and Women
The freedom movement was not limited to a few famous leaders.
Many students, young people and women also participated.
Women such as Sarojini Naidu, Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, Aruna Asaf Ali and Kasturba Gandhi played important roles in different stages of the movement.
12. The Demand for Poorna Swaraj
During the early freedom struggle, some Indian leaders initially demanded greater self-government.
Over time, the demand became stronger.
Many leaders began to believe that India should have complete independence rather than limited self-government.
Lahore Session of Congress – 1929
The Indian National Congress held its annual session at Lahore in December 1929.
Jawaharlal Nehru was the president of the session.
The Congress adopted the resolution demanding Poorna Swaraj, meaning Complete Independence.
This was an important turning point in the freedom struggle.
13. 26 January 1930 – Independence Day
The Congress decided that 26 January 1930 would be observed as Independence Day.
People across India were encouraged to take a pledge to work towards complete independence.
Public meetings and celebrations were held in many places.
The day became an important symbol of India's demand for freedom.
Many years later, when the Constitution of India came into force on 26 January 1950, the date was chosen to honour the earlier declaration of complete independence.
Today, 26 January is celebrated as Republic Day.
14. The Civil Disobedience Movement
In 1930, Gandhi launched the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Civil disobedience means peacefully refusing to obey certain unjust laws.
The movement became famous because of Gandhi's protest against the British salt laws.
15. The Salt March or Dandi March
Salt was an important part of everyday life, but the British government controlled its production and sale and imposed a tax on it.
Gandhiji decided to challenge the salt laws.
He began a march from Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad to Dandi, a coastal village in Gujarat.
The march began on 12 March 1930.
Gandhiji and his followers walked for many days and reached Dandi on 6 April 1930.
At Dandi, Gandhi broke the salt law by making salt from seawater.
The Salt March attracted huge attention.
It showed how an ordinary item such as salt could become a powerful symbol of resistance.
People in different parts of India joined the Civil Disobedience Movement.
16. Why Was the Salt March Important?
The Salt March was important because:
- Salt was used by everyone, rich or poor.
- The salt laws affected ordinary people.
- It provided a simple way for people to participate in the movement.
- It attracted international attention.
- It encouraged people to challenge unjust laws peacefully.
The movement demonstrated the power of organised peaceful protest.
17. World War II
World War II began in 1939.
Britain declared war on Germany, and the British government also declared that India was at war without consulting Indian leaders.
This caused disagreement between Indian political leaders and the British government.
The Indian National Congress wanted India to have freedom and did not accept the idea that India should automatically be involved in the war without the consent of its people.
The war created difficult economic and political conditions.
Food and other essential goods became difficult to obtain in many places, and prices increased.
The demand for independence became even stronger.
18. The Quit India Movement
The Quit India Movement was launched in 1942.
The Indian National Congress passed the Quit India resolution in August 1942.
Gandhiji gave the famous call:
"Do or Die."
The main demand was simple:
The British should leave India.
The movement spread to many parts of the country.
The British government arrested Gandhi and many other national leaders.
Even though the major leaders were arrested, students, workers, women and ordinary citizens continued protests in different places.
Some people organised underground activities and kept communication networks alive.
The movement showed the strong desire of Indians for complete independence.
19. Role of Students and Women in the Quit India Movement
Students played an important role by participating in demonstrations and spreading messages.
Women also took active roles.
Aruna Asaf Ali became particularly well known for her role during the Quit India Movement. She hoisted the Indian national flag at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Bombay in August 1942.
Many ordinary people also participated, showing that the demand for independence had become a mass movement.
20. Subhas Chandra Bose and the Indian National Army
Subhas Chandra Bose was one of the most well-known leaders of the Indian independence movement.
He believed that the British should be removed from India and supported a more militant approach to the struggle.
He became associated with the Indian National Army (INA), also called the Azad Hind Fauj.
What was the INA?
The Indian National Army was a military force formed during World War II with the aim of fighting British rule in India.
It included Indians living in Southeast Asia and Indian prisoners of war who joined the movement.
Subhas Chandra Bose became its most famous leader.
21. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
Subhas Chandra Bose was popularly known as Netaji.
He travelled to Southeast Asia during World War II and reorganised the INA.
He formed the Provisional Government of Free India, also known as the Azad Hind Government, in 1943.
He encouraged Indians to fight for freedom.
His famous slogan:
"Jai Hind"
became closely associated with the national movement and is still widely used.
Another famous expression associated with Bose was:
"Give me blood, and I will give you freedom."
22. The INA and Its Military Campaign
The INA fought alongside Japanese forces against the British in parts of Southeast Asia and northeastern India.
The INA took part in military operations around Imphal and Kohima during 1944.
The military campaign did not succeed in defeating the British forces.
However, the INA became an important symbol of resistance.
After the war, several INA officers were put on trial at the Red Fort in Delhi.
The INA trials attracted considerable public attention and sympathy in India.
They became an important part of the events surrounding the final years of British rule.
23. Towards Independence
By the end of World War II in 1945, Britain faced serious economic and political difficulties.
The demand for Indian independence had become very strong.
Indian political leaders continued discussions with the British government about India's future.
The British government eventually decided to transfer power.
However, disagreements between major political groups over the future political structure of India remained.
The question of whether different communities could live together within one political system became increasingly difficult.
24. The Demand for a Separate Nation
The All-India Muslim League, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, increasingly demanded a separate homeland for Muslims.
The demand for Pakistan became an important part of the political situation in the 1940s.
At the same time, the Indian National Congress generally supported a united India.
There were serious political disagreements between the Congress and the Muslim League.
These disagreements, along with other factors, contributed to the decision to divide British India.
25. The Birth of Two Nations
In 1947, British India was divided into two independent countries:
- India
- Pakistan
This division is known as the Partition of India.
India became independent on 15 August 1947.
Pakistan became an independent country in August 1947.
The partition created new international borders between the two countries.
26. The Effects of Partition
Partition was a very difficult period for millions of people.
People living in areas that became part of the other country often had to leave their homes.
Millions of people crossed the new borders.
Many families became refugees and had to start their lives again in unfamiliar places.
There was also serious violence and loss of life.
Communities that had lived together for generations were separated by the new borders.
The governments and ordinary citizens had to work to provide food, shelter, transport and other support to displaced people.
27. India Becomes Independent
On 15 August 1947, India became an independent nation.
Jawaharlal Nehru became the first Prime Minister of independent India.
He delivered his famous speech, "Tryst with Destiny", as India entered a new era.
The national flag was hoisted at the Red Fort in Delhi.
Independence brought freedom from British rule, but it also brought many responsibilities.
India now had to build its own democratic institutions, economy, education system, industries and infrastructure.
28. Why Is the Freedom Struggle Important?
The freedom struggle is important because it teaches us about:
Unity
People from different regions, languages, communities and backgrounds participated in the struggle.
Courage
Freedom fighters faced arrests, hardships and difficulties while continuing their struggle.
Non-violence
Gandhiji showed how peaceful resistance could become a powerful method of opposing injustice.
Sacrifice
Many people sacrificed their careers, property, freedom and sometimes their lives for the cause of independence.
Responsibility
Freedom also means responsibility. Citizens have the responsibility to respect the Constitution, laws and rights of others.
29. Important Leaders and Their Contributions
Mahatma Gandhi
- Promoted truth and non-violence.
- Led the Non-Cooperation Movement.
- Led the Civil Disobedience Movement.
- Led the Salt March.
- Played a major role in the Quit India Movement.
Jawaharlal Nehru
- Supported complete independence.
- Presided over the Lahore Congress session of 1929.
- Became the first Prime Minister of independent India.
Subhas Chandra Bose
- Led the Indian National Army.
- Formed the Azad Hind Government.
- Encouraged armed resistance against British rule.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
- Important leader of the national movement.
- Organised and led important campaigns.
- Later helped integrate princely states into independent India.
Lala Lajpat Rai
- Important nationalist leader.
- Led the protest against the Simon Commission in Lahore.
Sarojini Naidu
- Freedom fighter and political leader.
- Participated actively in national movements.
- Became the first Indian woman president of the Indian National Congress.
Aruna Asaf Ali
- Played an important role in the Quit India Movement.
- Became famous for hoisting the national flag during the 1942 movement.
30. Important Events in Chronological Order
Year
Event
1915
Mahatma Gandhi returned to India
1917
Champaran Satyagraha
1918
Kheda Satyagraha and Ahmedabad Mill Strike
1919
Rowlatt Act
13 April 1919
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
1920
Non-Cooperation Movement began
1922
Chauri Chaura incident; Non-Cooperation Movement withdrawn
1927
Simon Commission appointed
1928
Protests against Simon Commission; Lala Lajpat Rai died
1929
Poorna Swaraj resolution
26 January 1930
Independence Day observed
1930
Civil Disobedience Movement
12 March 1930
Dandi March began
6 April 1930
Gandhi reached Dandi and broke the salt law
1939
World War II began
1942
Quit India Movement
1943
Azad Hind Government formed
1944
INA campaign around Imphal and Kohima
1945
World War II ended
1947
India became independent and Partition took place
31. Important Terms
Freedom Struggle
The long movement through which Indians fought for independence from British rule.
Satyagraha
A method of peaceful resistance based on truth.
Non-violence
The principle of not using physical violence against others.
Swadeshi
The practice of using and promoting goods made in one's own country.
Boycott
Refusing to buy, use or support something as a form of protest.
Khadi
Hand-spun and hand-woven cloth promoted by Gandhi as a symbol of self-reliance.
Non-Cooperation
Refusing to cooperate with British institutions and systems as a peaceful form of protest.
Civil Disobedience
Peacefully refusing to obey certain unjust laws.
Poorna Swaraj
Complete independence.
Partition
The division of British India into India and Pakistan in 1947.
INA
Indian National Army, also known as Azad Hind Fauj.
Independence
Freedom from foreign rule.
32. Key Points to Remember
- Mahatma Gandhi returned to India in 1915.
- Gandhi promoted truth and non-violence.
- The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre took place on 13 April 1919.
- The Non-Cooperation Movement began in 1920.
- Gandhi withdrew the movement after the violent Chauri Chaura incident in 1922.
- The Simon Commission was opposed because it had no Indian member.
- Lala Lajpat Rai led a protest against the Simon Commission in Lahore.
- The Poorna Swaraj resolution was adopted at the Lahore Congress session in 1929.
- 26 January 1930 was observed as Independence Day.
- The Civil Disobedience Movement began in 1930.
- Gandhi's Dandi March was an important event of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
- World War II began in 1939.
- The Quit India Movement began in 1942.
- Gandhi gave the call "Do or Die" during the Quit India Movement.
- Subhas Chandra Bose led the Indian National Army.
- The INA was also called the Azad Hind Fauj.
- Bose formed the Azad Hind Government in 1943.
- British India was divided into India and Pakistan in 1947.
- India became independent on 15 August 1947.
- Jawaharlal Nehru became the first Prime Minister of independent India.
33. Quick Revision: The Freedom Struggle at a Glance
Gandhi returns to India – 1915
↓
Champaran Satyagraha – 1917
↓
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre – 1919
↓
Non-Cooperation Movement – 1920
↓
Chauri Chaura – 1922
↓
Simon Commission – 1927
↓
Poorna Swaraj – 1929
↓
Civil Disobedience & Dandi March – 1930
↓
World War II – 1939
↓
Quit India Movement – 1942
↓
Azad Hind Government – 1943
↓
INA Campaign – 1944
↓
Partition and Independence – 1947
34. Conclusion
India's independence was the result of a long and difficult struggle.
Mahatma Gandhi gave the freedom movement a powerful method based on truth and non-violence. At the same time, many other leaders followed different approaches and contributed in their own ways.
The freedom struggle involved famous leaders as well as millions of ordinary Indians.
The movements such as the Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement and Quit India Movement brought people together against British rule.
The efforts of leaders such as Gandhi, Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, Sardar Patel, Lala Lajpat Rai, Sarojini Naidu and many others, along with the participation of ordinary citizens, helped shape India's journey towards independence.
On 15 August 1947, India finally became independent.
The story of India's freedom struggle reminds us that independence comes with responsibilities. As citizens of a democratic country, we should respect one another, protect our country's unity, follow the Constitution and contribute positively to society.