History, Chapter 1, Nationalism in India

How did the revival of Indians folklore develop the ideas of Nationalism among Indians? Explain.

Ans.A. Idea of nationalism also developed through a movement to revive Indian folklore. B. In late nineteenth century India, nationalists began recording folk tales sung by bards and they toured villages to gather folk songs and legends. C. These tales they believed gave a true picture of traditional culture that had been corrupted and damaged by outside forces. D. It was essential to preserve this folk tradition in order to discover one's national identity and restore a sense of pride in one's past. E. In Bengal, Rabindernath Tagore himself began collecting ballades, nursery rhymes

What were the methods used by peasants of Awadh to achieve their goal? Explain

Ans.A. In many places nai-dhobi bandhs were organized by panchayats to deprive landlords of the service of even barbers and washer men. B. The peasant movement demanded reduction of revenue, abolition of beggar and social boycott of oppressive landlords. C. Some peasants denied doing beggar-work without at landlords' farms without any payment. D. As the movement spread in 1921, the houses of talukdars and merchants were attacked, bazaars were looted.

Which political solutions were adopted by Dalits leaders to the problems of their community?

Ans.A. Many Dalits leaders were keen on different political solutions to the problems of the community. B. They began organizing themselves and demanding reserved seats in electoral institutions. C. They also asked for separate electorate that would choose Dalits members for legislative councils. D. They believed, Political empowerment would resolve the problems of their social disabilities. E. Dr B R Ambedkar organized the Dalits and formed a Depressed classes Association in 1930s. F. These voluntary organizations also receive financial support from the government for creating awareness among people.

Important dates in nationalist movement in india (class 10 history )

1 Secondary SchoolHistory5 points Important dates in nationalist movement in india (class 10 history ) Advertisement Ask for details FollowReport byManusrimanjari 09.03.2016 Answers THE BRAINLIEST ANSWER! naz12Ambitious nationalism in india TIMELINE- 1914- 1918 The First World War 1913- 1918 The war prices increased in double 1918-1919 & 1920-1921 Crop failure 1921 Famines and the epidemic Mahatma Gandhi 1916 Mahatma Gandhi organized satyagraha movement in Champaran (Bihar) 1917 Mahatma Gandhi organized satyagraha movement in Kheda District (Gujarat) 1918 Mahatma Gandhi organized satyagraha Movement in Ahmedabad. 1919 Rowlatt Act was Passed (It gave the govt. enormous powerto repress political activities, and allowed detention of political prisoners without trial for two years. 10th April,1919 The police in Amritsar fired upon a peaceful procession. Martial Law Was imposed. 13th April, 1919 Jallianwala Bagh Massacre took place. March, 1919 Khilafat Committee founded in Bombay. Sep, 1920 Congress Session in Calcutta- Decided to start a non- cooperation Movement in support of Khilafat as well as for Swaraj. December ,1920 Congress Session at Nagpur- A compromise was worked out and the Non- cooperation programme was adopted. Different strands within the Movement 1921-1922 The Import of foreign cloth halved. June,1920 Jawahar Lal Nehru going around the village in Awadh October,1929 Oudh Kisan Sabha was set up headed by J.L. Nehru 1920 The peasant movement in Awadh spread, but the Congress Leader Were not happy with them. 1921 A militant Guerrilla movement spread in the Gudem Hills of Andhra Pradesh. Movement started by Alluri Sitaram Raju. 1924 Raju was captured and executed.

Can you identify the different limitations of Civil Disobedience Movement?

24. Ans.. Limited participation of Dalits: Dalits participation in the civil Disobedience movement was very limited, particularly in Maharashtra and Nagpur region where their organization was quite strong. B. No Participation of Muslims: Some of the Muslim political organizations in India were also Lukewarm in their response to the Civil Disobedience Movement. After Non-Cooperation-Khilafat movement Muslims felt alienated from the congress. C. Dominant role of Sanatanis and Hindu Mahasabha: The role of Sanatanis and Hindu Mahasabha was very dominant. Due to the fear of Sanatanis the conservative high class Hindus, congress ignored the Dalits. Congress was very close to Hindu Mahasbha. Hindus Mahasabha strongly opposed the efforts of compromise between Congress and Muslim League. D. Clash between BR Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi: In 1930 Dr B R Ambedkar clashed with Mahatma Gandhi at the second round table conference by demanding separate electorate for Dalits. E. Participants have different aspirations: Participation had their own aspirations. There was a contrast between the demands of industrialist and working class. Contrast was also there in the demand of Rich peasants and poor peasants. United struggle was not there.

The Limits Of Civil Disobedience -Participation of Muslims

After the decline of the Non-Cooperation-Khilafat Movement, a large section of Muslims became alienated from the Congress. From the mid-1920s, the Congress was more visibly associated with the Hindu religious nationalist groups. The Congress and the Muslim League tried to renegotiate and alliance. Muhammad Ali Jinnah was an important leader of the Muslim League. He was willing to give up the demand for separate electorate. But he wanted reserved seats for Muslims in the Central Assembly. He also wanted representation in proportion to population in the Muslim-dominated provinces (Punjab and Bengal). At the All Parties Conference in 1928, M R Jayakar of the Hindu Mahasabha strongly opposed the efforts at compromise. This further alienated the Muslims from the Congress.

Highlight the major facts about the new economic situation created by First World War in India?

Ans. A. First World War led to a huge increase in defense expenditure which was financed war loans and increase in Taxes. B. Custom duties were raised and new income taxes were introduced. C. Through war years prices increased-doubling between 1913 and 1918. D. Villagers were called upon to supply soldiers. E. Forced recruitment in rural areas caused widespread anger

Elaborate the contribution of Allaouri Sita Ram Raju in the nationalist movement in India.

Ans.A. Alluri Sita Ram Raju claimed that he had a variety of special powers: he could make correct astrological predictions and heal people, and he could survive even bullet shots. B. Captivated by Raju, the rebels proclaimed that he was an incarnation of God. Rajju talked of the greatness of Mahatma Gandhi, said he was inspired by the Non Cooperation Movement, and persuaded people to wear Khadhi and giving up drinking. C. But at the same time he asserted that India could be liberated only by the use of force, not non-violence. D. The Gudem rebels attacked police stations, attempted to kill British officials and carried on guerrilla warfare for achieving swaraj. Raju was captured and executed in 1924, and over the time became a folk here

What was the impact of Infamous Jallianwalla Bhag incident over Society and British Government?

Ans.A. As the news of Jallianwalla Bagh spread, crowds took to the streets in many north Indian towns. B. There were strikes, classes with the police and attacks on government buildings. C. The government responded with brutal repression, seeking to humiliate and terrorize people. D. Satyagrahis were forced to rub their noses on the ground, crawl on the streets, and do salute to all sahibs. E. People were flogged and village around Gujranwala in Punjab now in Pakistan were bombed.

Explain the contribution of Gandhiji to uplift the position of Untouchables in the society?

Ans.A. Gandhiji declared that swaraj would not come for a hundred years if untouchability was not eliminated. B. He called the untouchables Harijans children of God, C. He organized satyagraha to secure them entry into temples and to assess to public wells, tanks, roads and schools, D. He himself cleaned toilets to dignify the work of Bhangi (the Sweepers). E. He persuaded the upper castes to change their heart and give up the sin of untouchability.

Why was Gandhiji decided to call off the Rowlett Satyagraha?

Ans.A. Gandhiji in 1919 decided to launch a nationwide satyagraha against Rowlett Act (1919) B. On 13 April the famous Jallianwala Bagh incident took place. As the news of Jallianwalla Bagh spread, crowd took to the streets in many north Indian towns. C. There were strikes, classes with the police and attacks on government buildings. D. The government responded with brutal repression, seeking to humiliate and terrorize people. E. Satyagrahis were forced to rub their noses on the ground, crawl on the streets, and do salute to all sahibs. F. People were flogged and village around Gujranwala in Punjab now in Pakistan were bombed. G. Seeing violence spread, Mahatma Gandhi called of the movement

How was the Civil obedience Movement different from Non Cooperation Movement? State any three points of difference.

Ans.A. Non-cooperation Movement was launched in1920 to 1922, while the Civil Disobedience Movement continued 1929 to 1934. B. The Non-cooperation Movement was launched because of the anger of Jallianwala Bagh and against Rowlett Act, while Civil Disobedience movement was launched against the arrival of Simon Commission. C. The Idea of Non Cooperation include that if the Indians refused to cooperate British rule in India will would collapse within a year and swaraj would come. But the idea of Civil Disobedience Movement includes breaking colonial rules and disobeying the rules.

Why did the Rich peasant communities become active in the Civil Disobedience Movement?

Ans.A. Rich peasant communities -like Patidars of Gujarat and the Jatts of Uttar Pradeshwere active in the movement. B. Being producers of cash crops, they were very hard hit by the trade depression and falling prices. C. As their cash income disappeared, they found it impossible to pay the government's revenue demand. And the refusal of the government to reduce the revenue demand led to widespread resentment. D. Due to this reason rich peasants become enthusiastic supporters of the civil Disobedience Movement.

Identify the reasons that why Muslim Political organizations in India were lukewarm in their response to the civil disobedience Movement.

Ans.A. Some of the Muslim political organizations in India were also lukewarm in their response to the Civil Disobedience Movement. B. After the decline of the Non- Cooperation-Khilafat movement, a large section of Muslims felt alienated from the congress. C. From the mid-1920s the congress came to be more visibly associated with openly Hindu religious nationalist group like the Hindu Mahasabha. D. As relation between Hindus and Muslims worsened, each community organized religious processions with militant fervor, provoking Hindu-Muslim communal clashes and riots in various cities. E. Every riot deepened the distance between the two communities.

Explain the issue behind the Khilafat Movement

Ans.A. The First World War had ended with the defeated of Ottoman Turkey. B. There were rumors that a harsh peace treaty was going to be imposed on the Ottoman emperor -the spiritual head of the Islamic world. C. To defend the Rowllat Act, Mahatma Gandhi felt, to take the Khilafat issue. D. To bring the Hindus and Muslims closer, he felt, to take the Khilafat issue. E. Muslim leaders Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali began discussing with Gandhiji the possibilities of a united mass action on the issue. F. Later at Calcutta Session in 1920, Gandhiji convinced the leaders in congress, to start a non cooperation movement in support of khilafat.

Who gave the slogan "Inquilab - Zindabad"? What do you understand by this slogan?

Ans.A. The famous slogan Inquilab Zindabad was given by Hasrat Mohani. This famous slogan inspired the activities of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association particularly Ashfaqulla Khan, Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad. B. It is a Hindustani phrase taken from Persian which translates to "Long Live Revolution". C. It was a common phrase used by revolutionaries during the British rule over India. D. It was popularized in the activities of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association by revolutionaries such as Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad, who used it to urge future generations to endorse, and support the party's rebellious actions.

Why was the Non Cooperation movement withdrawn by Gandhiji?

Ans.A. The movement was turning violent. B. At Chauri-Chaura in Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, a peaceful demonstration in bazaar turned into a violent clash in which more than 20 policemen were killed. C. Gandhiji also felt that Satyagraha is needed to be properly trained before they would be ready for mass movement.

Why were Indians against Rowlat Act?

Ans.A. This Act had been hurriedly passed through the Imperial Legislative Council despite the united opposition of Indian Members. B. It gave the government enormous power to repress political activities, and allowed detention of political prisoners without trial for two years. C. The Rowlett Act acted as an instrument of suppression of civil rights of the Indians hence produced widespread discontent among masses.

Why did the growth of nationalism in the colonies linked to anti colonial movement?

Ans.By the end of Nineteenth century anti-colonial Movement in most of the colonies led to the growth of nationalism. The colonial exploitation led to poverty and caused miseries to the people. The shared a common hatred against the colonial rule. In colonies the people began to discover their unity in the process of their struggle against colonialism. Each section of the society felt the effects of colonialism. The British policy of racialism and that of divide and rule exposed the nature of their rule and created the feeling of oneness among Indians. They felt the sense of common hatred against colonial rule.

What were the main ideas of Gandhiji behind 'Non Co-operation'?

Ans.Gandhiji in his famous book Hind Sawraj declared that British Rule was established in India with the cooperation of Indians, and successful only because of our cooperation. If Indians refused to cooperate, British rule in India would collapse within a year and swaraj would come. According to Gandhiji it should begin with the surrender of titles that the British government awarded, and a boycott of civil services, army, police, courts and legislative councils, schools and foreign.

Can you explain why some congress leaders were reluctant to boycott the council elections of November 1920?

Ans.Many within the congress were, however concerned about the proposals given by Gandhiji. They were reluctant to boycott the council elections of November 1920 because the feared that the Movement might lead to popular violence. In the months between September and December there was instance tussle within the congress. For a while there seemed no meeting point between the supporters and the opponents of the movement. Finally at the Congress session at Nagpur in December 1920, a compromise was worked out and the Non cooperation program was adopted.

What is separate electorate? Why do you think Gandhiji was against the demand of separate electorate by B R Ambedkar?

Ans.Separate electorates are usually demanded by minorities who feel it would otherwise be difficult for them to get fair representation in government. Separate electorate for Dalits means that Dalits will choose their separate leader by separate elections for Dalits. Gandhiji was against the demand of separate electorate of Dr B R Ambedkar because he believes that separate electorates for Dalits would slow down the process of their integration into society

Gandhiji saw this as an opportunity to bring Muslims under the umbrella of unified national movement" Can you explain that opportunity

Ans.That opportunity was 'Khilafat Issue'. The First World War ended with the defeat of Ottoman Turkey. And there were rumours that a harsh peace treaty was going to be imposed on the ottoman emperor-the spiritual head of the Islamic world (the Khailifa). To defend the khalifa's temporal power, a khilafat committee was formed in Bombay in March 1919. A young generation of Muslims leaders likes the brothers Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali, Began discussing with Mahatma Gandhi about the possibility of a united mass action on the issue. Gandhiji saw this as an opportunity to bring Muslims under the umbrella of unified national movement.

Highlight the effects of Non Cooperation movement on the economy of India.

Ans.The effect of non co-operation on the economic front was more dramatic. Foreign goods were boycotted, liquor shops picketed, and foreign cloth burnt in huge bonfire. The import of foreign cloths halved between 1921 and 1922 its value dropping from Rs 102 crore to Rs 57 crore. In many places merchants and traders refused to trade in foreign goods or finance foreign trade. As the boycott movement spread, and people began discarding imported clothes and wearing only Indian ones, production of Indian textiles mills and handlooms went up.

Why martial law was imposed in Punjab during the month of April in 1919?

Ans.The martial law was imposed in Punjab because Rowlatt Act was introduced by the British Government. Against this act rallies were organized in various cities, workers went on strike in railway workshops and shops closed down. British Government decided to clamp down on the nationalist leaders. Local leader were picked up from Amritsar. Mahatma Gandhi was barred from entering Delhi. On 10 April, the police in Amritsar fired upon a peaceful procession, provoke widespread attacks on banks post offices and railway stations. Due to this martial law was imposed and General Dyer took command.

Civil Disobedience Movement

By the end of 1921, the movement was turning violent at many places. Gandhiji decided to withdraw the non-cooperation movement in February 1922. Even many Congress leaders were fatigued by mass struggles and wanted to participate in the elections to the provincial councils. The provincial councils were set up by the Government of India Act of 1919. Many leaders were of the opinion that it was important to oppose the British policies by becoming a part of the system. The older leaders; like Motilal Nehru and Motilal Nehru formed the Swaraj Party (within the Congress) and began to argue for a return to council politics. The younger leaders; like Subhas Chandra Bose and Jawaharlal Nehru; were in favour of more radical mass agitation and pressed for full independence. This was a period of internal debate and dissension within the Congress. This was also the period when the effect of the Great Depression was being felt on India. Agricultural prices began to fall from 1926. The prices collapsed in 1930. The whole country was in turmoil because of the effects of Great Depression.

SECTION D — THE SENSE OF COLLECTIVE BELONGING

Collective belonging comes through experiences of common struggles. A common history and fiction, through folklore, songs and popular prints andBharat Mata became the symbol ofBakim Chandra Chattopadhyay created the image in his song "Vande Mataram" in his novel 'Anand Math' (1870s). Abanindranath Tagore painted Bharat Mata as a calm, composed, divine and spiritualRabindranath Tagore of Bengal and Natesa Sastri of Madras compiled songs, ballads, myths andReinterpretation of History : Indians delved in the past history and discovered India's greatness and achievements in mathematics, literature, religion, culture, philosophy, crafts and Conclusion : Gandhiji channelised the anger against colonial government into a common struggle for freedom in the first half of the 20th century. He saw the emergence of a nation wanting to liberate itself from the colonial rule, in spite of all its differences.

People's Perception Of The Movement - FARMERS

Farmers: For the farmers, the fight for swaraj was a struggle against high revenues. When the movement was called off in 1931; without the revenue rates being revised; the farmers were highly disappointed. Many of them refused to participate when the movement was re-launched in 1932. The small tenants just wanted the unpaid rent to the landlord to be remitted. They often joined the radical movements which were led by Socialists and Communists. Congress did not want to alienate the rich landlords and hence, the relationship between the poor peasants and Congress was uncertain.

Non-Cooperation Movement

In his famous book Hind Swaraj (1909) Mahatma Gandhi declared that British rule was established in India with the cooperation of Indians, and had survived only because of this cooperation. If Indians refused to cooperate, British rule in India would collapse within a year, and swaraj would come. Gandhiji believed that if Indians begin to refuse to cooperate, the British rulers will have no other way than to leave India. Some of the proposals of non-cooperation movement: Surrender the titles which were awarded by the British government. Boycott civil services, army, police, courts, legislative councils and schools. Boycott foreign goods. Launch full civil disobedience campaign, if the government persisted with repressive measure.

Reasons for Slowdown of Non Cooperation Movement:

Khadi was more expensive than mill-made cloth. The poor people could not afford to buy khadi. Boycott of British institutions posed a problem of lack of alternative Indian institutions. Such institutions were slow to come up. Students and teachers began coming back schools. Similarly, lawyers resumed their work in the courts.

The Idea of Satyagraha

Mahatma Gandhi advocated a novel method of mass agitation; called satyagraha. This method was based on the idea that if someone is fighting for a true cause, there is no need to take recourse to physical force to fight the oppressor. Gandhiji believed that a satyagrahi could win a battle through non-violence, i.e. without being aggressive or revengeful. Some early satyagraha movements organized by Gandhi: Peasants' movement in Champaran in 1916. Peasants' movement in Kheda in 1917. Mill workers' movement in Ahmadabad in 1918.

Response of British Rulers

The colonial government began to arrest the Congress leaders. This led to violent clashes in many places. Mahatma Gandhi was arrested about a month later. People began to attack the symbols of British rule; such as police posts, municipal buildings, law courts and railway stations. The government's repression was quite brutal. Even women and children were beaten up. About 100,000 people were arrested.

The Sense Of Collective Belonging

Nationalism spreads when people begin to believe that they are all part of the same nation, when they discover some unity that binds them together. The united struggles for independence helped in building the sense of collective belonging. Additionally, a variety of cultural processes also captured the spirit of nationalism. Nation Depicted in Images: The identity of the nation is most often symbolised in a figure or image; with which people can identify the nation. The image of Bharat Mata was the pictorial representation of the mother land. 'Vande Mataram' the national song was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1870s. This was sung during the Swadeshi movement in Bengal. Different artists projected their own version of Bharat Mata. Folklores: Many nationalist leaders took help of folk tales to spread the idea of nationalism. It was believed that the folk tales revealed the true picture of traditional culture. National Flag: The national flag which we see today has evolved through various stages. A tricolor (red, green and yellow) was used during the Swadeshi movement. There were eight lotuses on it which depicted the eight provinces of British India. There was a crescent moon on the flag which represented Hindus and Muslims. Gandhji had designed the Swaraj flag by 1921. It was also a tricolor (red, green and white) and there was a spinning wheel in the centre. Reinterpretation of History: Many Indians felt that the British had given a different interpretation of the Indian history. They felt that it was important to interpret the history from an Indian perspective. They wanted to glorify the rich past of India so that the Indians could feel proud of their history.

SECTION B — DIFFERING STRANDS WITHIN THE MOVEMENT

Non-Cooperation began in JanuaryMany groups joined it for their own specificSwaraj did mean the same toMovement in Towns : Middle class took up the fight. Students, teachers, lawyers gave up studies, jobs, practice and joined it in thousands. Council elections boycotted. Foreign goods Liquor shops picketed.Movement in the countryside : Peasants and tribals took over the struggle which turned violent at times. In Awadh, Baba Ramchandra fought against landlords and talukdars. In 1920, Jawaharlal Nehru and Baba Ramchandra formed Oudh Kisan In Andhra Pradesh : The peasants of Gudem Hills led a guerilla movement against the British. Their leader, Alluri Sitaram Raju, advocated use of force. He was captured and executed in 1924. Movement in Plantations : Workers in Assam agitated to move freely, a protest against the Inland Emigration Act (1859) which prevented them from leaving the plantation withoutThe Chauri-Chaura incident of 1922 made Gandhiji call off the

Jallianwalla Bagh

On 10th April 1919; in Amritsar; the police fired upon a peaceful procession. This provoked widespread attacks on government establishments. Martial law was imposed in Amritsar and the command of the area was given to General Dyer. The infamous Jallianwalla Bagh massacre took place on 13th April; the day on which Baisakhi is celebrated in Punjab. A crowd of villagers came to participate in a fair in Jallianwalla Bagh. This was enclosed from all sides with narrow entry points. General Dyer blocked the exit points and opened fire on the crowd. Hundreds of people were killed in the incident. Public reaction to the incident took a violent turn in many north Indian towns. The government was quite brutal in its response. Things took highly violent turn. Mahatma Gandhi called off the movement as did not want violence to continue.

The Limits Of Civil Disobedience -Participation of Dalits

Participation of Dalits Initially Congress used to ignore the dalits; because it did not want to alienate the conservative high-caste Hindus. But Mahatma Gandhi was of the view to bring social reforms to improve the plight of the dalits. Mahatma Gandhi declared that without removing the practice of untouchability, swaraj could not be achieved. Many dalit leaders wanted a different political solution to the problems of the dalit community. They demanded reserved seats in educational institutions and separate electorate for dalits. Dalit participation in the Civil Disobedience Movement was limited. Dr. B R Ambedkar organized the dalits into the Depressed Classes Association in 1930. He clashed with Mahatma Gandhi; during the second Round Table Conference; on the issue of separate electorate for dalits. When the British government conceded Ambedkar's demand, Gandhji began a fast unto death. Finally Ambedkar had to accept Gandhiji's position. This resulted in signing of the Poona Pact of September 1932. It made the provision for reserved seats for the Depressed Classes in provincial and central legislative councils. But the voting was to be done by the general electorate

SECTION C — TOWARDS CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE

R. Das and Motilal Nehru founded the Swaraj Party within the Congress to fight elections for the Councils and demand reform.The Simon Commission (1928) led to protests throughoutAt the Lahore Session of the Congress (Dec. 1929) the Congress adopted the resolution of Complete Swaraj as its 26th January, 1930 to be celebrated as Independence Day.Gandhiji gave the call for Civil DisobedienceHe chose 'Salt' as the symbol of unity of the nation. Called the 'Salt Tax' as most inhuman. The movement started on 31 January, 1930. He made eleven demands in a letter to the Viceroy Lord His demands covered every class from industrialists to peasants.Famous Dandi March began on March 12, 1930. On 6th April 1930, Gandhiji reached Dandi, a village in Gujarat and broke the Salt Law by boiling water and manufacturing salt. Thus began the Civil DisobedienceThe Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22) attempted to bring the government to a standstill by non-cooperating with theThe Civil Disobedience Movement aimed at paralysing the government by performing illegalBoycott of foreign goods, non-payment of taxes, breaking forest laws were its mainThe British Government followed a policy of brutal repression. Arrested all the leaders including Gandhiji and Nearly 100,000 people were arrested.Lord Irwin, the Viceroy, signed a pact with Gandhiji on 5 March, 1931. Gandhiji agreed to attend the Second Round Table Conference and the British agreed to release all political prisoners.Gandhiji returned from the Second Round Table Conference disappointed in December Civil Disobedience started again.By 1934 the Movement lost itsWhat Swaraj meant to different social groups who joined the Civil DisobedienceTo the countryside : Rich peasant communities expected the revenue tax to be reduced, when the British refused to do so, they did not rejoin the movement in 1932.The Poor were the peasants who rented the land from landlords. Depression made them unable to pay rent and wanted it to be reduced. Their relationship with the Congress becameThe Business Classes. After the war, their huge profits were reduced, wanted protection against import of foreign goods. The failure of the Round Table Conference, curbed their enthusiasm for the Civil DisobedienceThe industrial working class did not participate in a large number. They joined because of low wages and poor working conditions. Congress was reluctant to include workers' demands as it would alienate theWomen and the Civil Disobedience Movement. 1930 was the year when women entered the struggle for Independence on a massive scale. During Gandhiji's Dandi March, they joined protest marches, picketed foreign clothes and shops. But Congress did not encourage them or gave them important posts in the

People's Perception Of The Movement- Industrial workers

The industrial workers showed lukewarm response to the Civil Disobedience Movement. Since industrialists were closer to the Congress, workers kept a distance from the movement. But some workers selectively participated in the Movement. Congress did not want to alienate the industrialists and hence preferred to keep the workers' demands at bay.

Simon Commission

The British government constituted a Statutory Commission under Sir John Simon. The commission was made to look into the functioning of the constitutional system in India and suggest changes. But since all the members in the commission were British, the Indian leaders opposed the commission. The Simon Commission arrived in India in 1928. It was greeted with the slogan 'Go back Simon'. All parties joined the protest. In October 1929, Lord Irwin announced a vague offer of 'dominion status' for India but its timing was not specified. He also offered to hold a Round Table Conference to discuss the future constitution. The radical leaders within the Congress became more assertive. They were not satisfied with the British proposal. The liberals and moderates were in favour of the dominion status, but they were losing their influence in Congress. In December 1929, the Lahore Congress was presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru. It passed the resolution of 'Purna Swaraj' or full independence for India. It declared 26th January 1930 as the Independence Day and gave a call to the people to take a pledge to struggle for complete independence. But the celebrations attracted little public support. It was then left to Mahatma Gandhi to correlate the abstract idea of freedom to more concrete issues of everyday life.

Limits of Civil Disobedience

The Dalits or the Untouchables did not actively participate in the movement, they demanded reservation of seats, separate electorates. Dr B.R. Ambedkar, the leader of the Dalits, formed an association in 1930, called the Depressed Classes Association. He clashed withGandhiji began a fast unto death against separate electorate. Finally Poona Pact between the two leaders (1932) gave reserved seats in Provincial and Central Councils but were voted by generalMuslim political organisations also kept away from theCongress seemed more visibly associated with Hindu religious nationalist groups. The leader of the Muslim League M.A. Jinnah wanted reserved seats for Muslims in Central Assembly. Civil Disobedience Movement started in an atmosphere of distrust and suspicion between the two

SECTION A — THE FIRST WORLD WAR, KHILAFAT AND NON-COOPERATION

The First World War (1914-1918) was a turning point in the history of Indian National Movement.It created a new political and economicNational Movement spread to new areas, influenced new social groups, developed new modes of Nationalists could demand new concessions from Great Britain.But the war did not end hardships caused by it to millions of the poor inHardships suffered during the war - Huge defence expenditure, rise in prices, famines or crop failure (1918-19-20-21). Nearly 12 to 13 million people died (Census 1921) due to the famine.Anger caused by forced recruitment of army in the villages. At this stage Gandhiji emerged on the nationalNew Ideas - Satyagraha, a novel way of fighting the colonial rule in India. A non-aggressive, peaceful mass agitation against oppression and injustice. Gandhiji knew India could never match the British inSatyagraha means insistence on A moral force, not passive resistance.Gandhiji organised Satyagraha Movements in Champaran, Bihar (1916), Kheda district of Gujarat (1917) and amongst cotton mill workers in Ahmedabad (1918).These campaigns established him as the leader of theRowlatt Act (1919), Jallianwala Bagh massacre (13 April, 1919) and the Khilafat Movement led Gandhiji to start his Non-Cooperation Movement inKhilafat Movement was led by two brothers Shaukat Ali and Muhammad Ali; was founded to fight for Khilafat rights, and was against the harsh treatment given to the Khalifa, Emperor of the Turkish Empire, after the First WorldGandhiji convinced the Congress to join hands with the Khilafat Movement and start a Non-Cooperation Campaign forNon-Cooperation with the British rule, programme adopted at the Nagpur Session of Congress in

People's Perception Of The Movement- Businessmen

The Indian merchants and industrialists could grow their business during the First World War. They were against those colonial policies which restricted their business activities. They wanted protection against imports and a rupee-sterling foreign exchange ratio which would discourage imports. The Indian Industrial and Commercial Congress was formed in 1920 and the Federation of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FICCI) was formed in 1927. These were the results of attempts to bring the common business interests on a common platform. For the businessmen, swaraj meant an end to oppressive colonial policies. They wanted an environment which could allow the business to flourish. They were apprehensive of militant activities and of growing influence of socialism among the younger members of the Congress.

Khilafat Movement

The Khilafat issue gave him the opportunity to bring the Hindus and Muslims on a common platform. The Ottoman Turkey was badly defeated in the First World War. There were rumours about a harsh peace treating likely to be imposed on the Ottoman emperor; who was the spiritual head of the Islamic world (the Khalifa). A Khilafat committed was formed in Bombay in March 1919 to defend the Khalifa. This committee had leaders like the brothers Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali. They also wanted Mahatma Gandhi to take up the cause to build a united mass action. At the Calcutta session of the Congress in September 1920, the resolution was passed to launch a non-cooperation movement in support of Khilafat and also for swaraj.

Differing Strands within the Non cooperation Movement:

The Non-Cooperation-Khilafat Movement began in January 1921. Various social groups participated in this movement, each with its own specific aspiration. All of them responded to the call of Swaraj, but the term meant different things to different people.

The Rowlatt Act(1919):

The Rowlatt Act was passed by the Imperial Legislative Council in 1919. The Indian members did not support the Act, but it was passed; nevertheless. The Act gave enormous powers to the government to repress political activities. It allowed detention of political prisoners without trial for two years. On 6th April, 1919; Gandhiji launched a nationwide satyagraha against the proposed Rowlatt Act. The call of strike on 6th April got huge response. People came out in support in various cities, shops were shut down and workers in railway workshops went on strike. The British administration decided to clamp down on the nationalists. Several local leaders were arrested. Mahatma Gandhi was barred from entering Delhi.

Effects of First World War

The War led to a huge increase in defence expenditure. This was financed by war loans and by increasing taxes. Customs duties were raised and income tax was introduced to raise extra revenue. Prices of items increased during the war years. The prices doubled between 1913 and 1918. The common people were the worst sufferers because of price rise. Forced recruitment of rural people in the army was another cause of widespread anger among people. Crop failure in many parts of India resulted in acute shortage of food. Influenza epidemic further aggravated the problem. According to 1921 census, about 12 to 13 million people died because of f

The Movement in the Towns:

The movement started with good participation from the middle-class in the cities. Thousands of students left government-controlled schools and colleges, headmasters and teachers resigned, and lawyers gave up their legal practices. The council elections were boycotted in most provinces except Madras. In Madras, the Justice Party, the party of the non-Brahmans, felt that entering the council was one way of gaining some power - something that usually only Brahmans had access to. Foreign goods were boycotted, liquor shops picketed, and foreign cloth burnt in huge bonfires. The import of foreign cloth halved between 1921 and 1922, its value dropping from Rs 102 crore to Rs 57 crore. The boycott of foreign cloths helped in increasing the demand of cloths made in India.

The peasants' movement in Awadh

The peasants' movement in Awadh was led by Baba Ramchandra. He was a sanyasi who had earlier worked in Fiji as an indentured labourer. The peasants were against the high rents and may other cess which were demanded by talukdars and landlords. The peasants demanded reduction of revenue, abolition of begar, and social boycott of oppressive landlords. Jawaharlal Nehru began touring the villages in June 1920. He tried to understand the problems of the peasants. Oudh Kisan Sabha was set up by October. It was headed by Jawaharlal Nehru, Baba Ramchandra and a few others. By associating itself with the peasants' movement, Congress was able to integrate the movement in Awadh with a wider non-cooperation movement. At many places, people stopped paying rents by invoking the name of the Mahatma.

Swaraj in the Plantations

The plantation workers were not permitted to leave the tea gardens without permission; as per the Indian Emigration Act of 1859. When the news of Non-Cooperation Movement spread to the plantations, many workers began to defy the authorities. They left plantations and headed towards their homes. But they got stranded on the way because of a railway and steamer strike. They were caught by the police and brutally beaten up. Many analysts are of the opinion that the vision of the movement was not properly defined by the Congress. Different people interpreted the term 'swaraj' in their own ways. For them, swaraj meant an end to all their problems. However, people from various strata of society began to chant the name of Gandhi and the slogan of Swatantra Bharat. In some way or the other, they were trying to relate to the wider movement which was beyond their comprehension.

Tribal Peasants in Non cooperation Movement

Tribal peasants gave their own interpretation of Mahatma Gandhi and the idea of swaraj. The tribals were prevented from entering the forests to graze cattle, or to collect fruits and firewood. The new forest laws were a threat to their livelihood. The government forced them to do begar on road construction. Many rebels from the tribal areas became non-violent and often carried guerilla warfare against the British officials.

Round Table Conference

When things began to take a violent turn, Mahatma Gandhi called off the movement. He signed a pact with Irwin on 5th March 1931. This was called the Gandhi-Irwin Pact. As per the Pact, Gandhiji agreed to participate in the Round Table Conference in London. In lieu of that, the government agreed to release the political prisoners. Gandhiji went to London in December 1931. The negotiations broke down and Gandhiji had to return with disappointment. When Gandhiji came back to India, he found that most of the leaders were put in jail. Congress had been declared illegal. Many measures were taken to prevent meetings, demonstrations and boycotts. Mahatma Gandhi relaunched the Civil Disobedience Movement. By 1934, the movement had lost its momentum.

Women's Participation in the movement

Women also participated in the Civil Disobedience Movement in large numbers. However, most of the women were from high-caste families in the urban areas and from rich peasant households in the rural areas. But for a long time, the Congress was reluctant to give any position of authority to women within the organization. The Congress was just keen on the symbolic presence of women.

How the plantation workers of Assam interpret Mahatma Gandhiji and the notion of swaraj?

Workers too had their own understanding of Mahatma Gandhi and the notion of swaraj. For plantation workers in Assam, freedom meant the right to move freely in and out of the confined space in which they were enclosed, and it meant retaining a link with the village from which they had come. Under the Inland Emigration Act of 1859, plantation workers were not permitted to leave the tea gardens without permission, and in fact they were rarely given such permission. When they heard of the Non-Cooperation Movement, thousands of workers defied the authorities, left the plantations and headed home. They believed the Gandhi Raj was coming and everyone would be given land in their own villages. They, however, never reached their destination. Stranded on the way by a railway and steamer strike, they were caught by the police and brutally beaten up.