Nationalism in India

Overview

This lecture is based on the chapter 'Nationalism in India', which explains the development of the feeling of nationalism in India, various movements against British rule, and their impact.

Feeling and Definition of Nationalism

• Nationalism means a feeling of pride and unity towards the country.
• Unity was formed across the country for freedom from British rule.
• 'Anti-British' sentiment was common in uniting Indians.

Mahatma Gandhi and the Satyagraha Movement

• Gandhi adopted the method of Satyagraha after returning from Africa.
• Satyagraha - a struggle based on truth and non-violence.
• 1917: Satyagraha in Champaran (Bihar), Kheda (Gujarat), and Ahmedabad.

World War I and Its Effects

• Due to the war from 1914-18, taxes, prices, and forced recruitment increased in India.
• Crops failed and epidemics spread, increasing dissatisfaction.

Rowlatt Act and Jallianwala Bagh

• The Rowlatt Act allowed arrest without trial.
• After the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the movement became more intense.

Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movement

• The Khilafat movement included the religious concerns of Muslims.
• In 1920, Gandhi and Congress started the Non-Cooperation movement.
• Boycott of government schools, colleges, and foreign goods.

Limitations of the Non-Cooperation Movement

• The movement weakened due to lack of Indian institutions and expensive khadi.
• After the violence at Chauri-Chaura in 1922, Gandhi withdrew the movement.

Rural and Tribal Participation

• In Awadh, farmers demanded lower land tax and abolition of forced labor.
• Tribals in Andhra Pradesh protested for forest rights.

Civil Disobedience Movement

• In 1930, Gandhi presented 11 demands, with the main demand to remove the salt tax.
• Salt law was violated through the Dandi March.
• Millions were arrested, but the movement turned violent in some areas.

Role of Various Classes

• Rich farmers, poor farmers, traders-industrialists, workers, and women participated with their own interests.
• Dalits and Muslims participated less in the movement under different circumstances.

Unity and the Concept of the Nation

• The imagination of Bharat Mata, compilation of folk tales, the tricolor flag, and reinterpretation of history created a national identity.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Nationalism — A shared feeling of unity and pride towards the country.
• Satyagraha — A non-violent struggle based on truth and non-violence.
• Rowlatt Act — A law giving power to arrest without trial.
• Non-Cooperation Movement — A movement to not cooperate with British rule.
• Civil Disobedience — Protesting by breaking laws.
• Khilafat Movement — A movement to protect the powers of the Turkish Caliph.
• Dandi March — The march led by Gandhi to violate the salt law.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Re-read the chapter 'Nationalism in India' from the textbook.
• Mark the locations of Awadh, Jallianwala Bagh, Dandi, and Nagpur on the map.
• Prepare a timeline of the movement and important dates.
• Focus on comparing the Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience movements for the next lecture.