Nationalism in India

Overview

• Modern nationalism in India developed through the struggle against British rule.
• Different groups united despite diverse experiences and ideas about freedom.
• Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress worked to unify these groups.
• Challenges and conflicts existed in achieving unity.

Key Movements

Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience Movements (1920s)

• These movements were crucial in spreading the idea of nationalism.
• Various social groups participated in and were influenced by these movements.

Context of Nationalism

Post World War I

• Economic and political issues arose from the war:
  • Higher taxes
  • Rising prices
  • Forced soldier recruitment
  • Crop failures
  • Influenza outbreak
• Discontent led to calls for change and new leadership.

Introduction of Satyagraha

• Gandhi returned to India in 1915 after practicing Satyagraha in South Africa.
• Satyagraha: Method of fighting injustice through truth and non-violence.
• Key movements led by Gandhi:
  • Champaran (1917): Peasant rights in Bihar.
  • Kheda (1918): Supporting farmers in Gujarat.
  • Ahmadabad (1918): Satyagraha for cotton mill workers' rights.

The Rowlatt Act (1919)

• Gandhi protested the Rowlatt Act, which suppressed political activities.
• Organized a nationwide hartal (strike) on April 6, 1919.
• British response included:
  • Arresting Gandhi
  • Martial law in Amritsar
  • Jallianwala Bagh massacre (April 13, 1919)
• Resulted in widespread anger and violence.

Khilafat Movement

• Gandhi saw an opportunity to unite Hindus and Muslims by supporting the Khilafat issue, which sought to defend the Ottoman Caliphate.
• Non-cooperation movement initiated in September 1920.

Non-Cooperation Movement

Objectives

• Aim: Support for Khilafat and Swaraj (self-rule).
• Gandhi believed British rule relied on Indian cooperation.
• The movement was structured in stages, including:
  • Boycotts
  • Civil disobedience
• Accepted at Congress session in Nagpur (December 1920).

Social Group Participation

• Various social groups joined, each with different goals regarding Swaraj.
• Urban Involvement: Middle-class participation, boycotting foreign goods led to increased local textile production.
• Rural Involvement: Peasants and tribals engaged in struggles, with notable figures like Baba Ramachandra and Aluri Sitaramaraju leading protests.
• Plantation Workers in Assam: Faced police brutality while seeking to return home.

Movement's Progression

• Gandhi halted the movement in February 1922 due to violence and a need for better training.
• Congress leadership divided:
  • Some favored working within British councils (C.R. Das, Motilal Nehru).
  • Others advocated for direct action (Nehru, Bose).

Civil Disobedience Movement (1930)

The Salt March

• Gandhi's campaign against the salt tax began with a letter to Viceroy Irwin (January 31, 1930).
• Initiated the Salt March (March 12-April 6, 1930), walking from Sabarmati to Dandi.
• Civil disobedience included breaking laws, boycotting goods, and protests against British rule.

Government Response

• British repression intensified, arresting leaders and violently clashing with protesters.
• Gandhi ended the movement in March 1931 after the Gandhi-Irwin Pact, which led to further negotiations.

Societal Reactions to the Movement

• Rich peasants supported the movement due to economic distress but felt disappointed post-movement.
• Poor peasants sought radical changes and were often at odds with Congress.
• Business leaders supported for economic freedom but grew concerned about militant aspects.
• Industrial workers participated selectively but remained largely outside Congress's framework.
• Women's involvement increased, though leadership roles were limited.

Challenges of Nationalism

• Dalits and their representation were often overlooked by Congress.
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar emerged as a significant Dalit leader, advocating for rights and reserved seats, leading to conflicts with Gandhi.
• Muslim participation waned due to feelings of alienation and lack of representation in movements.

Cultural Aspects of Nationalism

• Collective identity was fostered through shared struggles and cultural symbols:
  • Bharat Mata symbolized India's identity.
  • Revival of folklore and traditional culture.
  • The tricolor flag became a symbol of resistance.

Conclusion

• Early 20th-century India saw growing anger against British rule uniting various groups.
• The Congress, led by Gandhi, faced challenges in harmonizing differing objectives.
• The struggle for independence involved complex dynamics and diverse voices.

Quit India Movement

• Triggered by the failure of the Cripps Mission and World War II unrest.
• Started on August 8, 1942, following Gandhi's "do-or-die" speech.
• Involved mass participation, including students, workers, and women.
• British response was to suppress the movement harshly, but protests continued for over a year.