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Indian National Movement for UPSC Prelims

1. Introduction to Indian National Movement

The Indian National Movement (1885–1947 CE) was a prolonged struggle against British colonial rule, culminating in India’s independence on August 15, 1947. It evolved through three distinct phases: Moderate, Extremist, and Gandhian, each marked by different ideologies, strategies, and leaders. From petitions to mass mobilization, the movement united diverse groups against colonial exploitation, making it a cornerstone topic for UPSC Prelims.

2. Chronology and Historical Context

The National Movement began with the formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885, spurred by colonial exploitation, socio-religious reforms, and Western education. The Moderate phase focused on constitutional demands, the Extremist phase introduced radical methods, and the Gandhian phase mobilized masses through non-violence, leading to independence.

Phase	Timeline	Key Events
Moderate Phase	1885–1905	INC formation, petitions for reforms, Swadeshi beginnings
Extremist Phase	1905–1919	Partition of Bengal, Swadeshi Movement, Home Rule Leagues
Gandhian Phase	1919–1947	Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, Quit India, independence

3. Moderate Phase (1885–1905)

Overview

The Moderate phase, led by early Congress leaders, focused on constitutional methods like petitions, resolutions, and dialogues with the British. They sought reforms within the colonial framework, emphasizing economic critiques and administrative representation.

Key Leaders

• Dadabhai Naoroji: Propounded the “Drain of Wealth” theory, first Indian MP in Britain.
• Gopal Krishna Gokhale: Advocated education, mentored Gandhi.
• Surendranath Banerjee: Founded Indian Association (1876), led anti-partition protests.

Key Features

• Demanded greater Indian representation in civil services and councils.
• Criticized British economic policies for causing poverty.
• Organized annual INC sessions to voice grievances.

4. Extremist Phase (1905–1919)

Overview

The Extremist phase emerged due to Moderate failures and British repression, advocating radical methods like boycotts, swadeshi, and self-rule (swaraj). Leaders rejected British reforms as inadequate, intensifying the struggle.

Key Leaders

• Bal Gangadhar Tilak: Declared “Swaraj is my birthright,” promoted swadeshi.
• Lala Lajpat Rai: Led protests in Punjab, advocated mass agitation.
• Bipin Chandra Pal: Promoted national education and swadeshi in Bengal.

Key Events

• Partition of Bengal (1905): Sparked Swadeshi and Boycott Movements.
• Surat Split (1907): INC split between Moderates and Extremists.
• Home Rule Leagues (1916): Led by Tilak and Annie Besant, demanded self-government.

5. Gandhian Phase (1919–1947)

Overview

The Gandhian phase transformed the National Movement into a mass struggle through non-violent resistance (satyagraha) and civil disobedience. Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership united diverse groups, making independence inevitable.

Key Features

• Non-violence (ahimsa) and truth as core principles.
• Mobilized peasants, workers, women, and students.
• Combined political demands with social reforms (e.g., untouchability abolition).

Key Leaders

• Mahatma Gandhi: Led major movements, popularized satyagraha.
• Jawaharlal Nehru: Advocated socialism, youth leader.
• Subhas Chandra Bose: Formed Indian National Army (INA), sought armed struggle.

6. Key Organizations and Leaders

Organization	Founded	Key Leaders	Role
Indian National Congress	1885	Naoroji, Gokhale, Tilak, Gandhi, Nehru	Led political struggle, coordinated movements
Home Rule League	1916	Tilak, Annie Besant	Demanded self-government
Indian National Army	1942	Subhas Chandra Bose	Armed struggle against British
Muslim League	1906	Muhammad Ali Jinnah	Advocated Muslim interests, demanded Pakistan

7. Major Movements and Events

Movement	Year	Key Features	Outcome
Swadeshi Movement	1905–1911	Boycott of British goods, promotion of Indian products	Strengthened national consciousness
Non-Cooperation Movement	1920–1922	Boycott of schools, courts, titles; khadi promotion	Withdrawn after Chauri Chaura incident
Civil Disobedience Movement	1930–1934	Salt Satyagraha, Dandi March, tax refusal	Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931), Round Table Conferences
Quit India Movement	1942	“Do or Die” call, mass protests	Suppressed but weakened British resolve

8. British Policies and Responses

Repressive Measures

The British used laws like the Rowlatt Act (1919) and Vernacular Press Act (1878) to curb protests. Leaders were imprisoned, and movements were suppressed with violence (e.g., Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, 1919).

Constitutional Reforms

• Morley-Minto Reforms (1909): Introduced separate electorates for Muslims.
• Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (1919): Introduced dyarchy in provinces.
• Government of India Act (1935): Proposed federal structure, provincial autonomy.

Negotiations

The British held Round Table Conferences (1930–1932) and sent missions like Cripps (1942) and Cabinet Mission (1946) to negotiate with Indian leaders.

9. Role of Masses and Other Groups

Masses

Peasants, workers, students, and women participated actively, especially in Gandhian movements. Women like Sarojini Naidu and Aruna Asaf Ali played prominent roles.

Other Groups

• Revolutionaries: Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, and HSRA conducted armed actions.
• Communists: Formed CPI (1925), focused on workers’ rights.
• Minorities: Muslim League and Sikh groups influenced political demands.

10. Significance and Legacy

Political Legacy

The movement achieved independence, established democratic institutions, and unified diverse regions, though partition led to India and Pakistan.

Social Legacy

Gandhi’s focus on social issues like untouchability and rural upliftment inspired post-independence reforms. The movement empowered marginalized groups.

Global Impact

India’s non-violent struggle inspired anti-colonial movements worldwide, including in Africa and Asia.

UPSC Preparation Tips

1. Memorize key leaders (Naoroji, Tilak, Gandhi, Nehru, Bose) and their contributions.
2. Focus on differences between Moderate, Extremist, and Gandhian strategies.
3. Understand major movements (Swadeshi, Non-Cooperation, Quit India) and their outcomes.
4. Link British policies (Rowlatt Act, 1935 Act) to Indian responses.
5. Practice map-based questions for event locations (Dandi, Amritsar, Champaran).
6. Revise key documents (Lahore Resolution, Cabinet Mission Plan) and slogans.