Indian National Movement (1857-1947), Phases, Leaders, Timeline

The Indian National Movement was a long struggle by Indians to gain independence from British colonial rule. Beginning in the late 19th century and culminating in 1947, it involved political, social, and economic efforts to challenge foreign dominance. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and others played crucial roles. The movement combined constitutional reforms, mass mobilization, revolutionary activities, and civil disobedience, shaping modern India

Indian National Movement

The movement evolved in phases, reflecting the changing strategies of Indians against British rule. Early leaders emphasized moderate political reforms, while later generations adopted more radical approaches. Mass movements, including the Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, and Quit India Movement, mobilized millions. It also integrated social reform, women’s participation, and youth activism, marking a nationwide awakening. Regional movements in Bengal, Punjab, Maharashtra, and the South complemented the national struggle for freedom.

Revolt of 1857

The 1857 Revolt, also called the First War of Indian Independence, marked the beginning of modern nationalist sentiment. Triggered by sepoy grievances, economic exploitation, and religious fears, it began in Meerut and spread to Delhi, Kanpur, Lucknow, and Jhansi. Key leaders included Mangal Pandey, Rani Lakshmibai, Nana Sahib, and Bahadur Shah Zafar. Though suppressed, it inspired future organized nationalist movements.

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Indian National Movement Phases

The Historians have distributed the timeline of Indian National Movement into three major Phases:

1. Moderate Phase (1885 – 1905)
2. Extremist Phase (1905 – 1919)
3. Gandhian Era (1919 – 1947)

Moderate Phase (1885-1905)

Focused on petitions, reforms, and dialogue with the British. Leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji emphasized economic critique (Drain Theory).

• Leaders: Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Pherozeshah Mehta, Surendranath Banerjee, W.C. Bonnerjee. Advocated constitutional reforms, petitions, and economic critique.
• Objective: Gain political rights through constitutional methods through “Dominion Status”, including participation in legislative councils, economic justice, and social reform.

Major Events & Movements:

• Important Locations: Bombay, Calcutta, Madras, Allahabad- hubs of political activity and education.
• Outcome: Laid the foundation for organized nationalism, political awareness, and petitioning the British for reform.
• Other Contemporary British Events:

• Indian Councils Act (1892) increased council participation but limited powers.
• Censorship laws to curb nationalist press.

• Regional Uprisings: Peasant agitations in Bengal and Madras, Santhal and Munda tribal revolts.

Extremist Phase (1905-1919)

Advocated direct action, boycott, and assertive nationalism.

• Leaders: Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal. Advocated direct action, boycotts, and assertive nationalism.
• Objective: Achieve “Swaraj” (self-rule) and assert Indian authority against British policies.

Major Movements & Events:

• Important Locations: Bengal (Calcutta), Maharashtra (Bombay), Punjab, United Provinces- major centres of agitation.
• Regional Uprisings: Localized protests against taxes and British policies in Bengal, Punjab, and Maharashtra.

Gandhian Era/ Mass Movements Phase (1919-1947)

Non-violent protests, civil disobedience, and Satyagraha led by Mahatma Gandhi mobilized millions.

• Leaders: Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, Sarojini Naidu, Kasturba Gandhi, Aruna Asaf Ali.
• Objective: Achieve Sampoorna Swaraj (complete independence) through non-violent resistance and mass mobilization.

Major Movements & Events:

• Important Locations: Champaran, Kheda, Dandi, Bombay, Delhi- centres of mass Satyagraha.
• Regional Uprisings: Champaran Satyagraha (1917), Kheda Satyagraha (1918), tribal and peasant revolts integrated into national struggle.
• Other Contemporary British Events: Rowlatt Act (1919), Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919), Simon Commission (1927).

Factors Responsible for National Uprising

The Indian National Movements were the results of the various events that occurred against Policies and Actions of the British. Few of the major causes are:

Indian National Movement (1857-1947) Timeline

The chronological order of the key events and list of major Indian National Movements is tabulated below:

Kheda Satyagraha (1918)

In 1918, Gandhi led Kheda Satyagraha in Gujarat, supporting farmers facing crop failure and high taxes through non-violent protest.

Salt March/ Civil Disobedience Movement (1930)

Gandhi’s 1930 Salt March protested the salt tax, inspiring mass civil disobedience, boycotts, and nationwide anti-British mobilization.

Non-Cooperation Movement (1920)

Launched in 1920-22, Gandhi promoted boycotts of British institutions, resignations, and social unity, paused after Chauri Chaura violence.

Bardoli Satyagraha (1928)

In 1928, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel led Bardoli Satyagraha, achieving concessions from the British against oppressive land taxes through non-violent methods.

Indigo Rebellion / Nil Bidroha (1859)

In 1859-60, Bengal peasants revolted against forced indigo cultivation, gaining temporary concessions and inspiring later nationalist and agrarian movements.

Quit India Movement (1942)

Launched in 1942 by Gandhi, the Quit India Movement demanded immediate British withdrawal, mass protests, strikes, and national unity.

Home Rule Movement (1916)

Led by Tilak and Annie Besant (1916), it aimed for self-governance within the British Empire, mobilizing people politically and socially.

Newspaper and Press Rebellion

The press played a vital role in mobilizing public opinion, spreading nationalist ideas, and documenting British injustices. Newspapers and journals became platforms for protest, awareness, and political critique. Press activism was often suppressed by the British, with censorship laws, fines, and imprisonment of editors, but it continued to strengthen nationalist consciousness across India

Contribution of Women to the Indian National Movement

Women played a critical role in India’s struggle for freedom, participating in protests, leadership, and social reform campaigns. Key contributions include:

Tribal Uprisings

Tribal communities in India resisted British colonial policies that exploited their lands, resources, and autonomy. Tribal uprisings often preceded mainstream nationalist movements and highlighted local grievances against land revenue systems, forest laws, and forced labor.

Peasant Movements

Indian peasants led agrarian movements against excessive taxation, forced cultivation, and oppressive policies. They were crucial in linking local grievances to national awareness.

Formation of Indian National Army (INA)

Leader: Subhas Chandra Bose, 1942.
Objective: Overthrow British rule militarily and inspire Indian soldiers and expatriates to join the freedom struggle.

Structure of Azad Hind Government (Provisional Government of Free India, 1943):

Impact: Boosted morale, inspired Indian soldiers, pressured British administration, and influenced post-war independence.

Causes of Indian National Movements

Various factors responsible for the National Uprising and Indian National Movements involve roles of various section of society along with major activities and policies laid by the British Rulers as discussed below:

1. Role of British Reforms and Acts

The British passed various reforms to manage Indian dissent. These reforms often fueled further nationalist demand for complete independence, as incremental concessions were deemed insufficient.

2. Political Organizations in the Indian National Movement

Besides the Indian National Congress, regional and communal organizations influenced the movement:

• All India Muslim League (1906): Initially sought Muslim interests, later called for Pakistan.
• Hindu Mahasabha (1915): Promoted Hindu nationalist agenda.
• Ghadar Party (1913): Revolutionary activities abroad, especially in the US and Canada.
• Socialist and Labour groups: Focused on workers’ rights and peasant welfare.

3. Role of Media and Literature

Newspapers, journals, and literature played a vital role in spreading nationalist ideas:

• The Indian Spectator, The Hindu, Kesari promoted political awareness.
• Writings of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, Rabindranath Tagore, and revolutionary poetry inspired youth and common people.
• Print media helped unite diverse linguistic and cultural groups under common goals.

4. Role of Youth in the Movement

Youth played a critical role, often participating in revolutionary activities and protests:

• Members of HSRA and Jugantar took part in armed resistance.
• Student movements in colleges across India engaged in boycotts and civil disobedience.
• Young leaders, including Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad, became icons of courage and patriotism.

5. Socio-Religious Movements

Social reform movements complemented political struggle:

• Brahmo Samaj (Raja Ram Mohan Roy)– eradication of Sati, widow remarriage.
• Arya Samaj (Dayananda Saraswati)– revivalist movement, education, anti-caste practices.
• Aligarh Movement (Sir Syed Ahmed Khan)– Muslim education, modern institutions.
• Prarthana Samaj– reform in Maharashtra.

7. Secret Societies and Underground Activities

Secret revolutionary organizations worked alongside moderate and extremist movements:

• Anushilan Samiti– Bengal, revolutionary planning, training.
• Jugantar Party– Bengal, political assassinations.
• Ghadar Party– North America, Indian expatriates, armed struggle during WWI.
• Abhinav Bharat Society– Maharashtra, revolutionary activities.

8. Split in INC and Revolutionary Rivalry

The INC split into Moderates and Extremists (1905-1919) due to differences in approach:

Revolutionary leaders like Bhagat Singh, Surya Sen, Chandrasekhar Azad carried out targeted attacks on British officials, inspiring youth and public support.

9. Role of Working Class

Urban industrial workers participated in strikes and labor protests:

• Bombay Textile Strike (1920s-1930s)
• Bengal jute mill strikes
• Formation of All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC, 1920)
• Highlighted link between industrial grievances and nationalist struggle

10. Role of Capitalists

Indian business community supported nationalism through:

• Funding Swadeshi movement
• Establishing indigenous industries to reduce dependence on British goods
• Leaders: G.D. Birla, Jamnalal Bajaj, Ghanshyam Das Birla

11. Communalism and Its Impact

• Communal divisions emerged in the late 19th and early 20th century.
• Muslim League (1906) advocated separate representation.
• Hindu Mahasabha formed in 1915.
• Impact: Led to political negotiations, partition debates, and influenced nationalist strategies

12. Princely States and Their Struggle

During the Indian National Movement, princely states often participated in protests, strikes, and local uprisings to demand reforms and align with the broader struggle for independence.

Indian National Movement Outcomes

The result of the Indian National Movement was eventually Freedom in 1947. Although various aspects of impacts created through these movements are discussed below:

• Political: End of British rule, foundation of democracy.
• Social: Women and marginalized groups participated in politics.
• Economic: Awareness of exploitation; promotion of indigenous industries.
• Cultural: Revival of Indian identity and national unity.

International: Inspired anti-colonial movements worldwide.