Nationalism in India Chapter Notes Class 10 History NCERT CBSE

Chapter Notes baes on “Nationalism in India” chapter in NCERT History Textbook for CBSE class 10 Session 2024-25. These notes are well crafted for a fine revision for Board Exams 2025. Click here for Q & Ans. of the textbook exercises.

Introduction

The key points from the introduction, providing a foundation for understanding the development of nationalism in India as detailed in the subsequent sections of the chapter.

Emergence of Modern Nationalism in Europe:

• Associated with the formation of nation-states.
• Involved a change in people’s understanding of identity and belonging.
• Introduction of new symbols, icons, songs, and ideas.
• Redefinition of community boundaries.
• The process of forming a new national identity was lengthy.

Nationalism in India:

• Linked closely to the anti-colonial movement.
• Unity developed through the struggle against colonialism.
• Shared oppression under colonial rule created a bond among diverse groups.
• Different groups experienced colonialism differently and had varied notions of freedom.

Role of Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress:

• The Congress, led by Mahatma Gandhi, attempted to unite diverse groups into a single movement.
• The unity among these groups was complex and often conflicted.

Focus of the Chapter:

• Continuing the story of Indian nationalism from the 1920s.
• Detailed study of the Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience Movements.
• Examination of how the Congress developed the national movement.
• Exploration of the participation of different social groups.
• Understanding how nationalism resonated with the people of India.

1. The First World War, Khilafat, and Non-Cooperation

These points summarize the developments in the Indian national movement post-1919, highlighting key events, Gandhi’s role, and the emergence of the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Impact of the World War 1:

• National movement spread to new areas, incorporating new social groups and developing new modes of struggle.
• War created a new economic and political situation with increased defence expenditure financed by loans and taxes.
• Prices doubled between 1913 and 1918, causing extreme hardship.
• Forced recruitment in rural areas led to widespread anger.
• Crop failures and influenza epidemic (1918-21) resulted in acute food shortages and millions of deaths.
• New leader Mahatma Gandhi proposed a new mode of struggle.

1.1 The Idea of Satyagraha:

• Mahatma Gandhi returned to India in January 1915.
• Introduced the idea of satyagraha, emphasizing non-violent resistance and the power of truth.
• Successfully organized satyagraha movements in Champaran, Kheda and Ahmedabad to support peasants and workers:
  • Champaran (2017) – seeking to obtain for the peasants’ security of tenure as well as the freedom to cultivate the crops of their choice.
  • Kheda (2018) – he joined peasants in Kheda in asking the state for the remission of taxes following the failure of their harvest.
  • Ahmedabad (2018) – he intervened in a labour dispute in Ahmedabad, demanding better working conditions for the textile mill workers.

1.2 The Rowlatt Act 1919:

• This Act had been hurriedly passed through the Imperial Legislative Council despite the united opposition of the Indian members.
• It gave the government enormous powers to repress political activities and allowed detention of political prisoners without trial for two years.

Gandhi’s Nationwide Satyagraha:

• In 1919, Gandhi launched a nationwide satyagraha against the Rowlatt Act.
• Hartal on 6 April 1919 led to widespread protests, strikes, rallies and closures.
• A peaceful procession became violent after police firing attacking government.
• Martial law was imposed in Amritsar and General Dyer took command.
• On 13 April, 1919, a large crowd gathered at Jallianwala Bagh to attend the Baisakhi fair unaware of the imposition of Martial law.
  • General Dyer entered the area, blocked the exit and opened fire killing hundreds of people.
  • His aim was to create fear in the minds of the satyagrahis.
• The news of Jallianwala Bagh spread like wildfire leading to widespread protests and strikes.
• The government responded brutally by humiliating the satyagrahis and bombing villages.
• Looking at the widespread violence, Gandhiji called off the movement.
• Gandhi felt that Rowlatt satyagraha was limited to towns and cities and aimed to launch a nationwide movement with the support of Hindus and Muslims.

The Khilafat Movement:

• Mahatma Gandhi used the Khilafat issue to unite Hindus and Muslims.
• The Ottoman Turkey’s defeat in WWI led to fears of a harsh peace treaty on the Khalifa.
• Khilafat Committee: Formed in Bombay in March 1919, led by Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali.
• Congress resolved in September 1920 Congress session (Calcutta) to support Khilafat and Swaraj through non-cooperation.

1.3 Why Non-Cooperation?:

• Gandhi’s “Hind Swaraj” (1909) claimed British rule survived due to Indian cooperation. . If
• Indians refused to cooperate, British rule in India would collapse within a year, and Swaraj would be established
• Non-cooperation could lead to the collapse of British rule and the attainment of swaraj.
• Proposed stages: Some of the proposals of Non-Cooperation Movement:
  • Surrender the titles which were awarded by the British Government.
  • Boycott of civil services, army, police, courts, legislative councils and schools.
  • Boycott of foreign goods.
  • Launch full civil disobedience campaign, if the government persisted with repressive measures.
• Movement gained popular support but faced internal Congress opposition.
• Compromise reached at Nagpur session in December 1920, adopting the Non-Cooperation programme.

Questions for Further Study:

• How did the movement unfold?
• Who participated in it?
• How did different social groups conceive the idea of Non-Cooperation?

2. Differing Strands within the Movement

These notes highlight the diverse participation in the Non-Cooperation Movement, detailing the urban middle-class involvement and the more radical rural rebellions led by peasants and tribals.

2. Differing Strands within the Movement:

• The Non-Cooperation-Khilafat Movement began in January 1921.
• Various social groups participated, each with its own aspirations.
• The term “Swaraj” held different meanings for different people.

2.1 The Movement in the Towns:

• Middle-class participation was significant in cities.
• Students left government schools, teachers resigned, and lawyers gave up practices.
• Council elections were mostly boycotted, except in Madras (Justice Party participation).
• Economic effects included boycotting foreign goods, picketing liquor shops, and burning foreign cloth.
• Import of foreign cloth halved from Rs 102 crore to Rs 57 crore (1921-1922).
• Indian textile production increased as people wore Indian clothes.
• Movement in cities slowed due to:
  • Expensive khadi cloth.
  • Lack of alternative Indian institutions to replace British ones.
  • Students, teachers, and lawyers returned to government institutions.

2.2 Rebellion in the Countryside:

• Movement spread to peasants and tribals in rural areas post-war.
• Awadh Peasant Movement:
  • Led by Baba Ramchandra, a former indentured laborer.
  • Targeted talukdars and landlords demanding high rents and forced labor (begar).
  • Demanded revenue reduction, begar abolition, and social boycott of landlords.
  • Nai-dhobi bandhs organized to deprive landlords of services.
  • Jawaharlal Nehru helped form Oudh Kisan Sabha (October 1920), integrating the peasant struggle with the Congress movement.
  • Peasants attacked houses, looted bazaars, and took over grain hoards in 1921.
• Tribal Movement in Gudem Hills (Andhra Pradesh):
  • Led by Alluri Sitaram Raju, who claimed special powers and was seen as a divine figure.
  • Protested against forest restrictions and forced labor for road building.
  • Raju promoted Gandhi’s ideals but believed in armed struggle.
  • Gudem rebels conducted guerrilla warfare, attacking police stations and British officials.
  • Raju was captured and executed in 1924, becoming a folk hero.

2.3 Swaraj in the Plantations:

These points show how plantation workers in Assam and other groups interpreted the concept of swaraj and participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement, highlighting their unique aspirations and the challenges they faced.

1. Plantation Workers’ Understanding of Swaraj:
   • For plantation workers in Assam, freedom meant the right to move freely and retain links with their home villages.
   • The Inland Emigration Act of 1859 restricted plantation workers from leaving tea gardens without permission.
   • Inspired by the Non-Cooperation Movement, thousands of workers defied authorities and left plantations, believing in the coming of “Gandhi Raj” and land distribution.
   • Many workers were stranded due to railway and steamer strikes, caught by police, and brutally beaten.
2. Interpretation of Swaraj:
   • Workers and tribals interpreted swaraj in their own ways, imagining it as a time of relief from all suffering and troubles.
   • While not strictly following the Congress programme, their actions were emotionally tied to the larger all-India agitation.
   • Chants of “Gandhiji” and slogans for “Swatantra Bharat” reflected their connection to the broader national movement.

3. Towards Civil Disobedience

These points talk about the situations behind withdrawal of Non-Cooperation Movement, Simon Commision and its boycott and demand for Purna Swaraj.

1. Withdrawal of Non-Cooperation Movement:
   • In February 1922, Mahatma Gandhi withdrew the Non-Cooperation Movement due to increasing violence and the need for better-trained satyagrahis.
   • Within Congress, there was a divide: some leaders wanted to participate in provincial council elections, while others, like Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose, pushed for radical mass agitation and full independence.
2. Economic Depression and Simon Commission:
   • Late 1920s: Worldwide economic depression severely affected Indian agriculture, leading to falling prices and peasant turmoil.
   • 1928: The Simon Commission, with no Indian members, was met with widespread protests and the slogan “Go back Simon.”
   • 1929: Viceroy Lord Irwin offered a vague promise of “dominion status” and a Round Table Conference, which did not satisfy Congress leaders.
3. Demand for Purna Swaraj:
   • December 1929: The Lahore Congress, led by Jawaharlal Nehru, demanded “Purna Swaraj” (complete independence).
   • 26 January 1930 was declared as Independence Day but did not attract much attention.

3.1 The Salt March and the Civil Disobedience Movement:

1. The Salt March:
   • Mahatma Gandhi identified salt as a unifying symbol and sent a letter to Viceroy Irwin with eleven demands, including the abolition of the salt tax.
   • On 31 January 1930, Gandhi began the 240-mile Salt March from Sabarmati to Dandi with 78 volunteers, reaching Dandi on 6 April and breaking the salt law by making salt from seawater.
2. Civil Disobedience Movement:
   • The movement called for breaking colonial laws in addition to non-cooperation.
   • Activities included manufacturing salt, boycotting foreign cloth, picketing liquor shops, refusing to pay taxes, and violating forest laws.
   • The colonial government responded with arrests and repression, leading to violent clashes.
3. Gandhi-Irwin Pact and Aftermath:
   • March 1931: Gandhi-Irwin Pact led to the release of political prisoners and Gandhi’s participation in the Round Table Conference, which ultimately failed.
   • The government resumed repression, and Gandhi relaunched the Civil Disobedience Movement, which continued until 1934.

3.2 How Participants Saw the Movement:

1. Rich Peasants:
   • Rich peasants, like the Patidars of Gujarat and Jats of Uttar Pradesh, joined the movement to fight against high revenue demands.
   • Disappointed by the movement’s suspension without revenue revision, many did not participate when it restarted in 1932.
2. Poor Peasants:
   • Small tenants wanted rent remission but received little support from Congress, leading to an uncertain relationship with the movement.
3. Business Classes:
   • Businessmen supported the movement for economic freedom but were apprehensive after the Round Table Conference’s failure and the spread of militant activities.
4. Industrial Working Classes:
   • Workers participated selectively in the movement, focusing on issues like low wages and poor working conditions, but Congress did not fully support their demands.
5. Women:
   • Women from high-caste families and rich peasant households actively participated in the movement, viewing national service as a sacred duty.

3.3 The Limits of Civil Disobedience:

1. Dalits:
   • Dalits, or ‘untouchables,’ were largely ignored by Congress. Gandhi advocated for their rights but faced resistance from within Congress and dalit leaders.
   • Dr. B.R. Ambedkar demanded separate electorates for dalits, leading to the Poona Pact of 1932, which provided reserved seats in legislative councils.
2. Muslims:
   • Many Muslims felt alienated from Congress after the decline of the Non-Cooperation-Khilafat movement.
   • Efforts for Hindu-Muslim unity failed, and Muslim leaders were concerned about minority rights, leading to limited Muslim participation in the Civil Disobedience Movement.

4. The Sense of Collective Belonging

1. Development of Nationalism:
   • Nationalism spreads when people believe they are part of the same nation, bound by unity.
   • This sense of belonging arose from united struggles and various cultural processes, including history, fiction, folklore, songs, popular prints, and symbols.
2. Symbolism and Imagery: Bharat Mata:
   • The identity of India became visually associated with the image of Bharat Mata in the 20th century.
   • Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay created the image and wrote ‘Vande Mataram’ in the 1870s.
   • Abanindranath Tagore’s painting of Bharat Mata during the Swadeshi movement depicted her as an ascetic, calm, and divine figure.
   • The image evolved over time, circulating in popular prints and painted by various artists, symbolizing devotion and nationalism.
3. Revival of Indian Folklore:
   • Nationalists recorded folk tales, songs, and legends to preserve traditional culture and restore pride in India’s past.
   • Rabindranath Tagore in Bengal and Natesa Sastri in Madras were prominent figures in the folk revival movement.
4. National Symbols: Swadeshi Movement Flag:
   • A tricolour flag (red, green, and yellow) with eight lotuses and a crescent moon was designed to represent British India’s provinces and Hindu-Muslim unity.
5. Swaraj Flag:
   • Designed by Gandhiji in 1921, it was a tricolour (red, green, and white) with a spinning wheel in the center, symbolizing self-help.
   • Carrying and holding the flag during marches became a symbol of defiance.
6. Reinterpretation of History:
   • Nationalist leaders reinterpreted Indian history to instill pride and counter British views of Indians as backward and incapable of self-governance.
   • They highlighted India’s ancient achievements in art, science, mathematics, religion, culture, law, philosophy, crafts, and trade.
   • This narrative presented a glorious past followed by a decline under colonial rule, motivating the struggle for freedom.
7. Challenges in Unifying People:
   • Efforts to unify people faced issues when the glorified past was primarily Hindu and the symbols celebrated were from Hindu iconography, leading to feelings of exclusion among other communities.

Conclusion:

A growing anger against the colonial government united various groups and classes of Indians in a common struggle for freedom in the first half of the twentieth century. Under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, the Congress sought to channel people’s grievances into organized movements for independence. These movements aimed to forge national unity, but diverse groups and classes participated with varied aspirations and expectations. Each group had different grievances, and freedom from colonial rule meant different things to different people. The Congress continuously tried to resolve differences and ensure that the demands of one group did not alienate another, but this often led to disunity and inner conflict. What emerged was a nation with many voices, all seeking freedom from colonial rule.

Quit India Movement 1942

• Wide Discontent among People: Widespread discontent due to the failure of the Cripps Mission and the effects of World War II.
• Mahatma Gandhi called for the complete withdrawal of the British from India.
• The Congress Working Committee passed the ‘Quit India’ resolution on 14 July 1942 in Wardha.
• Resolution: The All India Congress Committee endorsed the resolution on 8 August 1942 in Bombay. The resolution called for a non-violent mass struggle on the widest possible scale throughout the country.
• ‘Do or Die’ Speech: Delivered by Gandhi, rallying the nation to commit to the struggle for independence.
• Mass Movement:
  • The call for ‘Quit India’ led to a significant standstill in many parts of the country.
  • Widespread participation through hartals (strikes), demonstrations, and processions with national songs and slogans.
  • The movement involved students, workers, peasants, and ordinary people.
• Notable Participants:
  • Leaders: Jayprakash Narayan, Aruna Asaf Ali, Ram Manohar Lohia.
  • Women: Matangini Hazra (Bengal), Kanaklata Barua (Assam), Rama Devi (Odisha).
• British Response:
  • The British used force to suppress the movement.
  • Despite this, the movement continued for more than a year before being fully suppressed.