Overview
This lecture covers British colonial laws and their oppressive impacts, the rise of Indian nationalism, major independence movements, the formation and role of the Indian Constitution, and the main pillars of Indian democracy.
Oppressive Colonial Laws and Policies
- Bengal Code 1824 standardized British laws in Bengal Presidency.
- Doctrine of Lapse enabled British annexation of states lacking a male heir.
- Subsidiary Alliance forced Indian rulers to accept and fund British troops.
- British interference in religious customs (e.g., Sati abolition, Widow Remarriage) caused widespread resentment.
- Indians faced discrimination in civil service and military jobs.
- Exploitative land revenue systems (Permanent Settlement, Ryotwari, Mahalwari) impoverished peasants.
- Gagging Act 1857 and Vernacular Press Act 1878 restricted Indian press freedom.
- Arms Act 1878 banned Indians from carrying arms without a license.
- Land Acquisition Act 1894 allowed forced land acquisition by the government.
- Railways established for British benefit, not for Indian welfare.
- Ilbert Bill 1884 highlighted racial bias against Indian judges.
- Vernacular Press Act was later reversed by Lord Ripon in 1882.
Partition of Bengal: Causes and Consequences
- Partitioned in 1905 by Lord Curzon to "ease administration," dividing mainly along religious lines.
- Sparked mass protests, Swadeshi and Boycott movements, and formation of the Muslim League (1906).
- Seen as "divide and rule"; created deep communal divisions.
- Annulled in 1911 due to strong opposition and continued unrest.
Rise of Indian National Congress (INC) and Nationalism
- INC founded in 1885 to unite Indians and seek reform through petitions.
- Early leaders included W.C. Bonnerjee, Dadabhai Naoroji, and Gokhale.
- INC split into Moderates (constitutional reform) and Radicals (mass action).
- Revolutionaries and the Muslim League emerged, reflecting rising communal and militant trends.
Key Events in the Independence Struggle (20th Century)
- Jallianwala Bagh, Rowlatt Act, Non-cooperation, and Civil Disobedience movements mobilized the nation.
- Salt March (1930) became a symbol of protest.
- Government of India Act 1935 granted limited self-rule.
- WWII accelerated demands for independence (Quit India Movement 1942).
- Independence achieved in 1947, but with Partition and mass violence.
Indian Constitution and Democratic Foundations
- Constitution: Set of written rules for governance, protects rights, and defines government structure.
- Key Features: Federalism, Parliamentary system, Separation of Powers, Fundamental Rights, Secularism, Independent Judiciary.
- Drafted by the Constituent Assembly (1946–1949); Dr. B.R. Ambedkar led drafting.
- Four Pillars: Legislature, Executive, Judiciary, Free Press.
Lawmaking Process
- Bill drafted, presents in Parliament, debated, sent to committees, then voted in both houses.
- Requires Presidential assent to become law.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Doctrine of Lapse — Policy annexing Indian states without a male heir.
- Subsidiary Alliance — Forced alliance placing British troops in Indian states.
- Swadeshi Movement — Boycott of British goods and promotion of Indian products.
- Constituent Assembly — Body that drafted the Indian Constitution.
- Federalism — Division of powers between central and state governments.
- Fundamental Rights — Basic rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review details of major colonial laws and their impacts.
- Study the timeline and characteristics of independence movements.
- Understand the structure and functions of the Indian Constitution.
- Track current bills at https://mpa.gov.in/bills-list.