Brief Notes on Modern Indian History

Introduction

• The past guides us so that we can create a better future.
• The UPSC Foundation Course 2024-25 has been launched, offering GS and Optional classes along with 247 library and mentorship availability.

Modern Indian History

• The significance of modern history in UPSC and state PSC exams.
• Five parts of modern history:
  1. Arrival of Europeans
  2. The Revolt of 1857
  3. Rise of Modern Nationalism in India
  4. Rise of the Indian National Congress
  5. Towards Independence and Partition

Arrival of Europeans

Portuguese

• Arrival of Vasco da Gama (1498)
• Attempt to establish Portuguese trade monopoly
• Acquisition of Goa (1510)

Dutch

• Establishment of a factory at Masulipatnam (1605)
• Trade inclination towards Indonesia

British

• Charter to the East India Company (1600)
• Establishment of a factory at Surat (1613)
• Acquisition of Bombay and expansion of trade activities

French

• Establishment of the French East India Company (1664)
• Townships in Pondicherry and Chandernagore

The Revolt of 1857

• Sepoy Mutiny and its main causes
• Role of Mangal Pandey and other leaders
• Discontent of Indians towards British rule

Indian National Movement

Congress and the Moderate Era

• Establishment of the Indian National Congress (1885)
• Contributions and demands of the Moderates

Extremist Faction and Swadeshi Movement

• Opposition to the Partition of Bengal
• Role of Lal-Bal-Pal

Gandhian Era

Non-Cooperation Movement

• Start of Non-Cooperation Movement (1920)
• Support for the Khilafat Movement

Civil Disobedience Movement

• Gandhi's Dandi March (1930)
• Salt Satyagraha and public participation

Quit India Movement

• Start of Quit India Movement (1942)
• Discontent against British rule

Independence and Partition

• Cabinet Mission Plan and Mountbatten Plan
• Partition and Independence of India (1947)

Conclusion

• Significant contribution of modern Indian history to the Indian freedom struggle.
• The Indian freedom struggle inspired future generations.

With all these important points in consideration, these notes attempt to cover a comprehensive overview of modern Indian history.