Notes on Nationalism in India

Introduction

• Focus: Nationalism in India and key movements.
• Emphasis on important dates and events.

Key Movements and Events

• Non-Cooperation Movement

  • Emerged after the First World War.
  • Response to British colonial policies and repression.

• Civil Disobedience Movement

  • Launched by Mahatma Gandhi, advocating non-violent resistance.
  • Key figures: Mahatma Gandhi, leaders of the Congress.

Important Historical Context

• Post-World War I

  • Britain increased defense spending; economic hardships in India.
  • Food grain prices doubled between 1913-1918; famine and epidemics led to 1.2 crore deaths.

• Emergence of Mahatma Gandhi

  • Returned from South Africa advocating for equal rights and non-violent resistance.
  • Introduced the concept of Satyagraha (truth-force).

Key Incidents

• Champaran (1917)

  • Gandhi intervened for indigo farmers facing oppression.

• Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1918)

  • Workers protested for fair wages against rising prices.

• Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919)

  • British troops fired on peaceful protesters; significant loss of life.
  • Resulted in a nationwide outcry and intensified nationalist sentiments.

The Khilafat Movement

• Launched to defend the Khalifa's power in Turkey.
• Collaboration with Congress
  • Hindus and Muslims united under the non-cooperation movement.

Civil Disobedience Movement

• Dandi March (1930)

  • Gandhi marched to the sea to produce salt, violating British laws.
  • Initiated widespread protests and boycotts of British goods.

• Impact on Society

  • Participation of various social groups: workers, women, peasants.
  • Women played a symbolic role; however, often limited in leadership.

Social Dynamics

• Class Relations

  • Rich peasants supported the movement due to high revenue demands.
  • Poor tenants felt neglected by Congress.

• Labor Participation

  • Industrial workers participated less due to lack of focus on their issues by Congress.

• Dalit Involvement

  • Ambedkar advocated for separate electorates for Dalits; tension with Gandhi.

Cultural Identity

• Bharat Mata

  • Symbol of the nationalist movement; represented the Indian motherland.
  • Cultural revival through folklore, songs, and art.

• Swadeshi Movement

  • Promoted Indian goods and boycotted British products.

Conclusion

• Growing anger against colonial government united diverse groups in the struggle for independence.
• Gandhi's leadership aimed to organize grievances into a coherent movement for freedom.