Overview of the Chapter
Introduction to the National Movement
“The Making of the National Movement: 1870s–1947” in Class 8 History explores the rise and development of the Indian National Movement, highlighting the key events, figures, and ideologies that shaped the struggle for independence.
The Emergence of Nationalism
Early Nationalists and Organizations
Formation of the Indian National Congress (1885): The Indian National Congress (INC) was formed by A.O. Hume, Dadabhai Naoroji, and others to provide a platform for political dialogue.
Key Figures: Early leaders included Dadabhai Naoroji, Surendranath Banerjee, and Gopal Krishna Gokhale, who advocated for moderate reforms through petitions and dialogue with the British government.
Publicist: A person, such as Dadabhai Naoroji, who promotes a particular cause or ideology through writing and speeches.
Dadabhai Naoroji’s Book: “Poverty and Un-British Rule in India,” where Naoroji argued that British rule was draining India of its wealth.
Causes of Nationalism
Economic Exploitation: British economic policies led to widespread poverty and famine, causing resentment among Indians.
Political Repression: Discriminatory laws and policies alienated Indians, leading to a demand for self-governance.
Socio-Cultural Awakening: The spread of Western education and ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity inspired Indians to seek independence.
Sovereign: Having full, independent power; the goal of the nationalists was to make India a sovereign nation.
The Rise of Militant Nationalism
Partition of Bengal (1905)
Curzon’s Partition: Lord Curzon’s decision to partition Bengal in 1905 was seen as an attempt to divide and rule by creating a religious divide between Hindus and Muslims.
Swadeshi Movement: In response, the Swadeshi Movement was launched, promoting the boycott of British goods and the revival of indigenous industries.
Revolutionary Activities
Key Figures: Leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai (Lal-Bal-Pal) advocated for more radical measures.
Secret Societies: Revolutionary groups like Anushilan Samiti and Ghadar Party engaged in armed resistance against the British.
“Freedom is our birthright”: A famous declaration by Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
Gandhi and Mass Mobilization
The Advent of Mahatma Gandhi
Return to India (1915): Gandhi returned to India from South Africa and emerged as a key leader in the national movement.
Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922): Gandhi launched the Non-Cooperation Movement, urging Indians to withdraw from British institutions and boycott British goods.
Khilafat Agitation: A movement led by Indian Muslims to protect the Ottoman Caliphate, which Gandhi supported to unite Hindus and Muslims against British rule.
Civil Disobedience and Salt March
Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934): Gandhi’s Salt March in 1930 marked the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement, challenging British salt laws.
Impact: The movement saw widespread participation and significant impact, though it faced brutal repression by the British.
The March to Dandi: Gandhi’s march from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi to produce salt, a powerful act of non-violent protest against the British salt monopoly.
The Struggle Intensifies
The Rowlatt Satyagraha (1919)
Rowlatt Act: Allowed the British government to imprison any person suspected of terrorism without trial.
Rowlatt Satyagraha: Gandhi’s protest against the Rowlatt Act, which led to widespread unrest and the tragic Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Quit India Movement (1942)
Launch of the Movement: The Quit India Movement was launched by Gandhi in 1942, demanding an end to British rule.
Mass Uprising: It led to a mass uprising across the country, with significant involvement from students, workers, and peasants.
“It takes a loud voice to make the deaf hear-Inquilab Zindabad!”: A slogan popularized during the movement.
Role of Subhas Chandra Bose
Indian National Army (INA): Subhas Chandra Bose formed the INA with Japanese support to fight against the British.
Contribution: Despite its eventual failure, the INA played a crucial role in inspiring Indians and weakening British resolve.
Towards Independence and Partition
Post-War Developments
World War II Impact: The end of World War II weakened British economic and political power, accelerating the process towards independence.
Cabinet Mission (1946): The Cabinet Mission Plan aimed to discuss the transfer of power and the future constitution of India.
Partition and Independence
Mountbatten Plan (1947): Lord Mountbatten proposed the partition of India into two independent dominions – India and Pakistan.
Independence: India gained independence on August 15, 1947, marking the end of British colonial rule.
Towards Independence and Partition: The events leading to independence and the partition of India, including the role of leaders like Maulana Azad, Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, and Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan.
Social and Economic Aspects
Role of Women
Women’s Participation: Women like Sarojini Naidu, Kasturba Gandhi, and Aruna Asaf Ali played significant roles in the national movement.
Ambabai from Karnataka: An example of grassroots women’s participation in the freedom struggle.
Impact: Their participation highlighted the role of women in public life and inspired future generations.
Economic Dimensions
Boycott of British Goods: Movements like Swadeshi and Civil Disobedience promoted the boycott of British goods, impacting the colonial economy.
Revival of Indigenous Industries: The focus on Swadeshi led to the revival of traditional industries and crafts.
Illegal Eviction: The forced eviction of peasants and workers who participated in the movements.
Legacy of the National Movement
Formation of a Democratic Nation
Constitution of India: The national movement laid the foundation for the creation of a democratic, secular, and republican India.
Inspiration for Future Movements: The struggle for independence inspired other anti-colonial movements globally.
Role of Key Figures
Dadabhai Naoroji: Known for his economic critique of British rule and his book “Poverty and Un-British Rule in India.”
Bal Gangadhar Tilak: Promoted the slogan “Freedom is our birthright” and encouraged revolutionary activities.
Mahatma Gandhi: His philosophy of non-violence and mass mobilization.
Subhas Chandra Bose: Formed the INA and sought armed resistance against British rule.
Maulana Azad, Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, and Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan: Key leaders during the independence movement and partition.
Conclusion
Summary of the Chapter
The chapter “The Making of the National Movement: 1870s–1947” provides a comprehensive understanding of the rise and development of the Indian National Movement. It highlights the key events, figures, and ideologies that shaped the struggle for independence and the formation of modern India.
Additional Information
Key Terms and Concepts
Indian National Congress (INC): Political party formed in 1885 to provide a platform for political dialogue and demand reforms.
Swadeshi Movement: Movement promoting the boycott of British goods and revival of indigenous industries.
Non-Cooperation Movement: Gandhi-led movement urging Indians to withdraw from British institutions and boycott British goods.
Civil Disobedience Movement: Gandhi’s movement challenging British laws through non-violent resistance.
Quit India Movement: 1942 movement demanding an end to British rule.
Indian National Army (INA): Army formed by Subhas Chandra Bose to fight against the British.
Mountbatten Plan: Plan proposing the partition of India into India and Pakistan.
Cabinet Mission: 1946 mission to discuss the transfer of power and the future constitution of India.
Swadeshi: Promoting indigenous goods and industries.
Publicist: A person who promotes a particular cause or ideology.
Sovereign: Having full, independent power; the goal of the nationalists.
Poverty and Un-British Rule in India: Book by Dadabhai Naoroji.
Khilafat Agitation: Movement to protect the Ottoman Caliphate.
Salt March: Gandhi’s march to Dandi to produce salt.
Rowlatt Satyagraha: Protest against the Rowlatt Act.
Inquilab Zindabad: Slogan meaning “Long Live the Revolution.”
Mahants: Religious leaders or temple managers.
Illegal Eviction: Forced removal from land or homes.
Provincial Autonomy: Increased self-governance for provinces.
General Constituencies: Electoral districts not reserved for any specific group.
Important Examples and Cases
Partition of Bengal (1905): Curzon’s decision to partition Bengal, leading to the Swadeshi Movement.
Salt March (1930): Gandhi’s march challenging British salt laws, marking the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Quit India Movement (1942): Mass uprising demanding an end to British rule.
INA and Subhas Chandra Bose: Formation and contribution of the Indian National Army.
The Rowlatt Satyagraha: Gandhi’s protest against the Rowlatt Act.
Khilafat Agitation and Non-Cooperation Movement: United effort by Hindus and Muslims against British rule.
Notable Observations
Impact of National Movements: The national movements had a profound impact on Indian society, mobilizing masses and uniting diverse groups for the cause of independence.
Legacy of Leaders: The efforts of leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, Bose, and many others continue to inspire social and political change in India and beyond.
Chronology of Key Events
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1876 | Formation of the Indian National Association by Surendranath Banerjee. |
| 1885 | Formation of the Indian National Congress (INC). |
| 1905 | Partition of Bengal and the launch of the Swadeshi Movement. |
| 1915 | Return of Mahatma Gandhi to India. |
| 1919 | The Rowlatt Satyagraha and Jallianwala Bagh massacre. |
| 1920-1922 | Non-Cooperation Movement. |
| 1930 | Salt March and the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement. |
| 1942 | Launch of the Quit India Movement. |
| 1946 | Cabinet Mission to India. |
| 1947 | Mountbatten Plan and the independence of India on August 15. |
FAQs on Chapter 8: The Making of the National Movement: 1870s–1947
1. What was the main objective of the Indian National Congress when it was formed in 1885?
The main objective of the Indian National Congress was to provide a platform for political dialogue and demand reforms from the British government.
2. Who were some of the early leaders of the Indian National Congress?
Early leaders included Dadabhai Naoroji, Surendranath Banerjee, and Gopal Krishna Gokhale.
3. What book did Dadabhai Naoroji write, and what was its main argument?
Dadabhai Naoroji wrote “Poverty and Un-British Rule in India,” arguing that British rule was draining India of its wealth.
4. What was the Partition of Bengal in 1905, and why was it significant?
The Partition of Bengal in 1905 was an administrative division by Lord Curzon, seen as an attempt to divide and rule by creating a religious divide. It led to the Swadeshi Movement.
5. What was the Swadeshi Movement?
The Swadeshi Movement was a campaign promoting the boycott of British goods and the revival of indigenous industries.
6. Who were the leaders associated with the rise of militant nationalism?
Leaders associated with militant nationalism included Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai (Lal-Bal-Pal).
7. What was the slogan popularized by Bal Gangadhar Tilak?
The slogan popularized by Bal Gangadhar Tilak was “Freedom is our birthright.”
8. Who returned to India from South Africa in 1915 and became a key leader in the national movement?
Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa in 1915 and became a key leader in the national movement.
9. What was the Non-Cooperation Movement?
The Non-Cooperation Movement, launched by Gandhi in 1920, urged Indians to withdraw from British institutions and boycott British goods.
10. What was the Khilafat Agitation?
The Khilafat Agitation was a movement led by Indian Muslims to protect the Ottoman Caliphate, which Gandhi supported to unite Hindus and Muslims against British rule.
11. What was the significance of Gandhi’s Salt March in 1930?
Gandhi’s Salt March marked the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement, challenging British salt laws and sparking widespread participation in the independence movement.
12. What was the Rowlatt Act, and how did Gandhi respond to it?
The Rowlatt Act allowed the British government to imprison any person suspected of terrorism without trial. Gandhi responded with the Rowlatt Satyagraha, a non-violent protest.
13. What tragic event occurred during the Rowlatt Satyagraha?
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred during the Rowlatt Satyagraha, where British troops fired on a peaceful gathering, killing hundreds.
14. What was the Quit India Movement?
The Quit India Movement, launched by Gandhi in 1942, demanded an end to British rule and led to a mass uprising across India.
15. Who formed the Indian National Army (INA) to fight against the British?
Subhas Chandra Bose formed the Indian National Army (INA) to fight against the British.
16. What was the Mountbatten Plan?
The Mountbatten Plan proposed the partition of India into two independent dominions, India and Pakistan, leading to independence in 1947.
17. Who were some key leaders involved in the events leading to India’s independence?
Key leaders included Maulana Azad, Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, and Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan.
18. What was the significance of the Cabinet Mission of 1946?
The Cabinet Mission aimed to discuss the transfer of power and the future constitution of India.
19. How did women contribute to the freedom struggle?
Women like Sarojini Naidu, Kasturba Gandhi, and Aruna Asaf Ali played significant roles, participating in protests, leading movements, and inspiring future generations.
20. What was the economic impact of movements like Swadeshi and Civil Disobedience?
These movements promoted the boycott of British goods, impacting the colonial economy and reviving traditional industries.
21. Who was Ambabai from Karnataka, and what was her role in the freedom struggle?
Ambabai from Karnataka was a grassroots participant in the freedom struggle, representing the significant role of women in the movement.
22. What was the primary focus of the Self-Respect Movement initiated by E.V. Ramasamy Naicker (Periyar)?
The Self-Respect Movement aimed to eliminate caste discrimination and promote rationalism.
23. What slogan was popularized during the Quit India Movement?
The slogan “It takes a loud voice to make the deaf hear – Inquilab Zindabad!” was popularized during the Quit India Movement.
24. What role did Subhas Chandra Bose play in the Indian National Movement?
Subhas Chandra Bose formed the Indian National Army (INA) and sought armed resistance against British rule, inspiring many with his dedication to the cause.
25. How did the Indian National Movement influence global anti-colonial movements?
The Indian National Movement inspired other anti-colonial movements globally by demonstrating the power of mass mobilization and non-violent resistance.
MCQs on Chapter 8: The Making of the National Movement: 1870s–1947
1. Who founded the Indian National Congress in 1885?
2. What was the main objective of the Swadeshi Movement?
3. Who said, “Freedom is our birthright”?
4. What was the significance of the Non-Cooperation Movement?
5. Who led the Salt March in 1930?
6. What was the Rowlatt Act?
7. What tragic event occurred during the Rowlatt Satyagraha?
8. Who formed the Indian National Army (INA)?
9. What did the Mountbatten Plan propose?
10. Who played a significant role in the Khilafat Movement?
11. What was the main aim of the Quit India Movement?
12. Who was known for the slogan “It takes a loud voice to make the deaf hear-Inquilab Zindabad!”?
13. Who was Ambabai from Karnataka?
14. Which movement did E.V. Ramasamy Naicker (Periyar) initiate?
15. Who wrote the book “Poverty and Un-British Rule in India”?
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