The journey to India’s independence was marked by numerous struggles and significant events that eventually led to the country’s freedom from British rule on August 15, 1947. This article explores some of the pivotal moments in India’s fight for independence, highlighting the causes, leaders, and impacts of each event.
In this Article
1. Revolt of 1857: India’s First War of Independence Journey
The Revolt of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny, was a turning point in India’s struggle for freedom. It marked the first time Indians united against British rule. The revolt, initiated by Sepoy Mangal Pandey on March 29, 1857, at the Barrackpore parade ground, was triggered by the rumor that the new Enfield rifle cartridges were greased with cow and pig fat. The revolt had various underlying causes, including pathetic socioeconomic conditions, economic destruction, biased administration, and mistreatment of Indians by the British.
2. Establishment of the Indian National Congress in 1885
Allan Octavian Hume founded the Indian National Congress on December 28, 1885, in Bombay (now Mumbai). The Congress aimed to foster friendly relations among nationalist political workers from different regions and promote national unity, transcending caste, class, religion, and province. It also served as a platform to voice popular demands to the British government.
3. Return of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi to India in 1915
In 1915, Mahatma Gandhi, also known as the Father of the Nation, returned to India from South Africa and assumed leadership of the Indian National Congress in 1920. Gandhi’s presence brought a new dimension to the fight for independence with his philosophy of non-violence and civil disobedience.
4. The Lucknow Pact of 1916
The Lucknow Pact, held in December 1916, was a significant agreement between the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League. The pact aimed to exert joint pressure on the British government for political reforms and foster Hindu-Muslim unity, marking a milestone in India’s quest for independence.
5. The Champaran Satyagraha, 1917
The Champaran Satyagraha was initiated on April 10, 1917, in Bihar. Mahatma Gandhi led this non-violent protest against the forced cultivation of indigo, advocating for the rights of farmers. The movement gained widespread support and showcased the power of non-violent resistance in achieving objectives.
6. Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, 1919
One of the darkest chapters in India’s freedom struggle, the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre occurred on April 13, 1919, in Amritsar. Brigadier-General Dyer ordered his troops to open fire on an unarmed crowd celebrating Baisakhi, resulting in the death of 379 people and injuring 1,200 others. This tragic event fueled the Non-Cooperation Movement.
7. Non-Cooperation Movement, 1920
The Non-Cooperation Movement, launched by Mahatma Gandhi on September 4, 1920, aimed at achieving full independence (Purna Swaraj) through non-violent means. It included boycotting British goods, supporting local products, and picketing alcohol shops. However, the movement ended in 1922 after a violent incident at Chauri Chaura police station.
8. Return of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose to India, 1921
After witnessing the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Subhash Chandra Bose returned to India in 1921 to join the struggle for independence. He later became a prominent leader within the Indian National Congress and played a crucial role in the fight for freedom.
9. Purna Swaraj on January 26, 1930
At the Lahore session in December 1929, Jawaharlal Nehru proposed the idea of Purna Swaraj (complete independence) and declared January 26 as Independence Day. The Purna Swaraj proclamation aimed to end negotiations with the British and assert India’s demand for self-rule.
10. The Dandi March of 1930
The Dandi March, led by Mahatma Gandhi on March 12, 1930, was a symbolic act of civil disobedience against the British salt tax. Gandhi and his followers marched 240 miles from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi to produce their own salt and defy the unjust tax.
Summary
India’s journey to independence was marked by several key events that shaped its destiny. From the Revolt of 1857 to the Dandi March of 1930, each moment played a pivotal role in uniting the nation against British rule. The tireless efforts and sacrifices of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Subhash Chandra Bose, and others inspired a nation to rise against oppression and attain freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was the Revolt of 1857, and what were its main causes?
The Revolt of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny, was India’s First War of Independence. It was triggered by the rumor that the new Enfield rifle cartridges were greased with cow and pig fat. The main causes behind the revolt included pathetic socioeconomic conditions, the destruction of the Indian economy, the low status of Indians in administration, the Doctrine of Lapse, problems of land revenue, ill-treatment of Bahadur Shah Zafar, annexation of Oudh, biased police and judiciary, Christian missionaries, education, and discrimination against sepoys.
2. What were the aims of the Indian National Congress when it was established in 1885?
The Indian National Congress aimed to develop friendly relations between nationalist political workers from different parts of India, foster feelings of national unity irrespective of caste, class, religion, or province, prepare popular demands and present them before the British Government, and lead the nation in the fight for independence alongside the Muslim League.
3. What was the significance of the Champaran Satyagraha in India’s freedom struggle?
The Champaran Satyagraha, initiated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1917, was significant as it highlighted the power of non-violent resistance in achieving objectives. It was a non-violent protest against the forced cultivation of indigo, advocating for the rights of farmers, and garnered widespread support.
4. How did the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre impact India’s freedom movement?
The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, which resulted in the death of hundreds of unarmed civilians, triggered outrage and further strengthened the resolve of Indians to attain freedom from British rule. It served as a turning point, igniting the Non-Cooperation Movement and fueling the spirit of independence.
5. What was the significance of the Dandi March in India’s quest for independence?
The Dandi March was a symbolic act of civil disobedience against the British salt tax. Led by Mahatma Gandhi, it showcased the power of non-violent protest and united people in their fight against unjust British laws. The Dandi March inspired the masses and added momentum to India’s freedom movement.