Nationalist Movement

Nationalist Movement in India refers to the organized efforts made by Indians to gain independence from British colonial rule. Spanning over a century, this movement underwent various phases, from early moderate efforts to mass-based civil disobedience. The movement unified people from diverse backgrounds and laid the foundation for democratic governance in independent India.

Early Phase: The Rise of Nationalism (1857–1905)

The seeds of Indian nationalism were sown with the Revolt of 1857, also called the First War of Independence. Though it failed, it marked the beginning of organized resistance against British rule. After 1857, Indian society witnessed growing resentment due to economic exploitation, racial discrimination, and denial of political rights. The formation of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885 was a turning point. Leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Surendranath Banerjee led the moderate phase, demanding constitutional reforms, civil rights, and greater Indian participation in administration through petitions and peaceful protests.

Extremist Phase and Revolutionary Nationalism (1905–1919)

As the moderate methods yielded little, a more assertive form of nationalism emerged. The Partition of Bengal in 1905 by Lord Curzon ignited widespread anger, leading to the Swadeshi Movement, which urged Indians to boycott British goods and support indigenous industries. Leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai – the Lal-Bal-Pal trio – encouraged youth to take pride in India’s heritage and fight for complete independence.

Parallelly, revolutionary groups began to operate in Bengal, Punjab, and Maharashtra, inspired by nationalist leaders and global revolutionary trends. Organizations like Anushilan Samiti and Ghadar Party advocated for armed rebellion against the British.

Gandhian Era: Mass Mobilization and Civil Disobedience (1919–1947)

The most impactful phase of the Indian Nationalist Movement began under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, who introduced non-violent mass movements. His philosophy of Satyagraha (truth-force) and Ahimsa (non-violence) transformed the Indian struggle into a mass-based, inclusive movement.

• Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22):

Launched after the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and Rowlatt Act, this movement called for boycott of British institutions, schools, titles, and foreign goods.

• Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–34):

Triggered by the Salt March (Dandi March) in 1930, this movement involved defiance of unjust British laws. Gandhi’s leadership during this period earned him global recognition.

• Quit India Movement (1942):

Amid World War II, Gandhi launched the historic “Do or Die” campaign demanding immediate British withdrawal. Despite brutal suppression, this movement demonstrated the Indian people’s resolve for complete independence.

Role of Other Leaders and Organizations:

While Gandhi led the masses, several other leaders and groups contributed significantly:

• Subhas Chandra Bose formed the Indian National Army (INA) and sought help from Axis powers to liberate India. His slogan “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom” inspired many.

• Jawaharlal Nehru, a key figure in Congress, represented the aspirations of youth and socialism.

• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, although focused on Dalit rights, was instrumental in shaping India’s democratic future through social reforms and constitutional vision.

• Revolutionary groups like Bhagat Singh’s Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) emphasized violent resistance to end colonial rule.

Impact of World Events and British Policies:

Events such as World War I and II, the Russian Revolution, and economic crises influenced Indian politics and increased dissatisfaction with British rule. Simultaneously, British policies like the Government of India Act, 1935, and Cripps Mission, though offering limited self-rule, failed to satisfy Indian aspirations.

The final phase of the movement saw rising communal tensions. The demand for Pakistan by the Muslim League, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and the failure of reconciliation efforts led to the Partition of India in 1947, accompanied by widespread violence and displacement.