'The Making of the National Movement' traces the growth of nationalism in India from the late nineteenth century to the period of the Quit India Movement of 1942. The chapter explains how Indians developed a sense of national identity, how the Indian National Congress was formed, and how the movement for freedom evolved through different phases.
The chapter begins by describing how colonial rule created a unified system of administration, railways, and communication, which helped in the growth of a national consciousness. The economic exploitation of India under colonial rule, the discriminatory policies of the British, and the rise of educated Indians all contributed to the growth of nationalism.
The chapter covers important developments: the formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885, the moderates and the extremists, the partition of Bengal and the Swadeshi movement, the Non-Cooperation Movement, the Civil Disobedience Movement, and the Quit India Movement. It describes the role of Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders in uniting the masses in the struggle for freedom.
Nationalism in India emerged as a response to colonial rule. The British united the country administratively, but they also exploited it economically. The educated Indians, who were influenced by Western ideas of liberty and equality, began to question British rule. They demanded a share in the administration and equal rights.
The economic exploitation of India, the drain of wealth, the ruin of Indian industries, and the discriminatory treatment of Indians in their own country created deep discontent. Indians began to realise that they were being ruled by a foreign power that was exploiting them. This realisation gave birth to a national consciousness, which gradually grew into a powerful movement.
The Indian National Congress was formed in December 1885. A retired British official, A.O. Hume, played a role in its formation, but it was primarily the effort of Indian leaders who wanted a platform to voice the demands of the Indian people. The Congress met in Bombay in 1885, with W.C. Bonnerjee as its first president.
The early leaders of the Congress are called the Moderates. They believed in constitutional and peaceful methods. They presented petitions, held meetings, and demanded reforms from the British government. They asked for more representation in the government, the reduction of taxes, and better conditions for Indians. Their approach was one of dialogue and gradual reform.
By the early twentieth century, a new group of leaders emerged within the Congress who were dissatisfied with the slow pace of the Moderates. These leaders, called the Extremists, included Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal and Lala Lajpat Rai, known as 'Lal, Bal, Pal'. They believed in more aggressive methods, including strikes and boycotts.
The Extremists demanded 'Swaraj' or self-rule. Tilak, who coined the slogan 'Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it', advocated mass participation and boycott of British goods. The difference between the Moderates and the Extremists created tensions within the Congress, but both contributed to the growth of the national movement.
In 1905, Lord Curzon decided to partition Bengal into two provinces. The British claimed this was for administrative convenience, but Indians saw it as a divide-and-rule policy to weaken the national movement. The partition provoked widespread protests across the country.
The movement against the partition of Bengal gave rise to the Swadeshi Movement. Indians boycotted British goods and adopted Indian-made products, or 'Swadeshi'. The movement was particularly strong in Bengal, and it promoted the use of Indian industries and culture. The partition was eventually revoked in 1911, largely due to the pressure of the protests.
The First World War (1914-1918) created new conditions in India. The British needed Indian soldiers and resources for the war, and Indians hoped that their contribution would lead to political concessions. But after the war, the British did not grant the expected reforms, leading to disillusionment.
In this period, Mahatma Gandhi emerged as a major leader. Gandhi had returned from South Africa in 1915 and soon became involved in the national movement. The Khilafat Movement, which supported the Turkish Caliph, also gained momentum, and Gandhi supported it, leading to the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1920.
The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched by Gandhi in 1920. Under this movement, Indians were asked to withdraw their cooperation from the British government. They were asked to give up government jobs, titles, and to boycott schools, courts and foreign goods. Gandhi believed that non-violence and non-cooperation could force the British to leave India.
The movement gained huge popularity. Students left schools, lawyers gave up their practice, and people boycotted British goods. The movement, however, was called off by Gandhi in 1922 after the violent incident at Chauri Chaura, where a police station was set on fire. Gandhi felt that the movement was not remaining non-violent.
In 1930, Gandhi launched the Civil Disobedience Movement, beginning with the famous Salt March (Dandi March). Gandhi and his followers marched from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi on the sea coast to break the salt law, which prohibited Indians from making salt.
The Salt March attracted worldwide attention and inspired people across the country to break the salt law. The Civil Disobedience Movement saw mass participation, including women, who came out in large numbers. The movement was a major step in the struggle for freedom, although it was eventually suspended.
The Quit India Movement was launched in August 1942, during the Second World War. Gandhi gave the call of 'Do or Die'. The Congress demanded that the British should quit India immediately. The British responded with immediate and harsh repression, arresting the leaders.
Despite the repression, the movement spread across the country, with strikes, protests and underground activity. The Quit India Movement showed the determination of the Indian people to be free. Though it was suppressed, it made it clear that the British could not continue ruling India for long.
The national movement, through its various phases, had brought the idea of freedom to the masses. The British finally realised that they could not hold on to India. After the Second World War, the British government began negotiations for the transfer of power. In 1947, India became independent.
The making of the national movement was a long and arduous journey. It involved the sacrifice of millions of people, the leadership of great personalities, and the development of a strong national consciousness. The movement achieved its aim of freedom in 1947, though the country was partitioned into India and Pakistan.
| Event | Year | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Formation of Indian National Congress | 1885 | First national platform |
| Partition of Bengal | 1905 | Led to Swadeshi Movement |
| Non-Cooperation Movement | 1920-22 | First mass movement under Gandhi |
| Salt March / Civil Disobedience | 1930 | Breaking of salt law |
| Quit India Movement | 1942 | 'Do or Die'; final major mass movement |
| Group | Leaders | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Moderates | W.C. Bonnerjee, G.K. Gokhale | Petitions, dialogue, gradual reform |
| Extremists | Lal, Bal, Pal | Aggressive methods, boycott, Swaraj |
'The Making of the National Movement' describes the long journey of India's struggle for freedom, from the formation of the Congress in 1885 to the Quit India Movement of 1942 and independence in 1947. The movement grew from the moderate politics of petitions to mass movements under Gandhi that united people across regions, religions and classes. Through the Swadeshi Movement, Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience and Quit India, Indians demonstrated their determination to be free. The chapter reminds us that the national movement was a collective achievement, built on the sacrifices and efforts of countless ordinary and extraordinary Indians.