Class 10 History Chapter 2- Nationalism in India (Notes)

 

Class 10 History

Chapter 2- Nationalism in India

 (Notes)

 Summary                

 The period spanning the First World War to the Civil Disobedience Movement marked a transformative phase in India's nationalist movement, characterized by diverse strategies and widespread mobilization. The aftermath of World War I brought about economic hardships and disillusionment among Indians, prompting a surge in nationalist sentiment. Mahatma Gandhi's introduction of satyagraha as a nonviolent means of resistance resonated deeply with the Indian populace, leading to various satyagraha movements across the country. These movements, including those in Champaran, Kheda, and Ahmedabad, showcased the power of nonviolent resistance in challenging oppressive systems and garnering mass support.

The introduction of repressive measures like the Rowlatt Act further fueled discontent, leading to widespread protests and civil disobedience. The tragic Jallianwalla Bagh massacre served as a catalyst for intensified resistance against British rule. Concurrently, the Khilafat Movement emerged as a significant force, aligning with the nationalist cause and highlighting the unity among different religious communities against colonial oppression. Mahatma Gandhi's advocacy for non-cooperation with the British government gained momentum, leading to the adoption of the Non-Cooperation-Khilafat Movement in 1921.

The Civil Disobedience Movement, launched in response to escalating repression and broken promises by the colonial government, symbolized a comprehensive challenge to British authority. Gandhi's iconic Salt March galvanized widespread participation and showcased the power of nonviolent resistance in mobilizing masses against colonial injustices. The movement's inclusive nature, encompassing actions like breaking salt laws, boycotting foreign goods, and picketing liquor shops, reflected a collective commitment to challenging colonial hegemony.

Despite its achievements, the Civil Disobedience Movement faced limitations, including limited participation from marginalized communities like untouchables and growing communal tensions between Hindus and Muslims. Mahatma Gandhi's Harijan Movement aimed to address caste-based discrimination and uplift marginalized communities, culminating in the Poona Pact of 1932, which provided reserved seats for the Depressed Classes in legislative councils. The varying responses of Muslims to nationalist movements, influenced by factors like the decline of the Khilafat Movement and growing communal tensions, underscored the complexities of India's nationalist struggle.

Symbolism played a crucial role in fostering collective identity and unity among Indians during this period. Icons like Bharat Mata and symbols like the tricolor flag became powerful representations of national pride and unity. The reinterpretation of history to highlight India's glorious past and achievements further instilled a sense of pride and purpose among Indians. These symbols and narratives were instrumental in unifying diverse communities and inspiring a shared commitment to the nationalist cause, despite the challenges and complexities of the struggle against colonial rule.

 

Brief Notes (point wise)

 

1. Impact of the First World War on Indian Nationalism

Economic and Political Changes

1.1 The war created a new economic and political landscape in India.

 1.2 Defense expenditure increased, leading to higher taxes and war loans.

1.3 Price rises and hardships affected common people.

1.4 Forced recruitment aggravated by food shortages and famine.

 1.5 The influenza epidemic worsened the situation, causing mass casualties.

 1.6 Indians realized their unnecessary involvement in the war, fostering unity against British rule.

2. Philosophy of Satyagraha

Principles of Satyagraha

2.1 Emphasized the power of truth and nonviolent resistance.

2.2 Advocated appealing to the oppressor's conscience rather than using physical force.

2.3 Considered a novel approach to resist injustice, as it prioritized nonviolence.

 2.4 Successfully organized by Mahatma Gandhi in various movements across India.

3. Opposition to the Rowlatt Act

Protests against Repressive Measures

3.1 Indians opposed the Rowlatt Act, which granted the government repressive powers.

3.2 Non-violent civil disobedience, rallies, and strikes were organized.

3.3 Resistance included closing shops and boycotting British institutions.

4. Jallianwalla Bagh Massacre

Tragic Events of April 13

4.1 On April 13, the Jallianwalla Bagh massacre occurred in Amritsar.

4.2 British General Dyer blocked exits and opened fire on a crowd, killing hundreds.

4.3 Dyer's objective was to instill fear and awe among satyagrahis.

5. Origins of the Khilafat Movement

Context of the Ottoman Empire's Defeat

5.1 After the First World War, rumors of harsh peace terms for the Ottoman Empire surfaced.

 5.2 Muslims worldwide, including in India, supported the Ottoman Khalifa.

 5.3 The Khilafat Committee, led by Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali, was formed in India.

6. Rationale for Non-Cooperation

Gandhi's Philosophy and Strategy

6.1 Mahatma Gandhi believed British rule relied on Indian cooperation.

 6.2 Non-Cooperation Movement aimed to withdraw support from British institutions.

 6.3 Challenges arose due to economic constraints and the failure to replace British systems.

7. Rural Rebellions

Resistance in Awadh and Tribal Regions

7.1 Peasant movements in Awadh demanded reduced revenue and tenant rights.

7.2 Tribals in Andhra Pradesh rebelled against forest restrictions and forced labor.

 7.3 Leaders like Baba Ramchandra and Alluri Sitaram Raju led these movements.

8. Struggles of Plantation Workers

Quest for Freedom among Plantation Laborers

8.1 Plantation workers sought freedom of movement and links to their villages.

8.2 The Inland Emigration Act restricted their movement, leading to defiance and unrest.

8.3 Hopes for Gandhi Raj spurred workers to leave plantations but faced police brutality.

9. Transition to Civil Disobedience

Reasons for Shift in Strategy

9.1 Gandhi withdrew Non-Cooperation Movement due to escalating violence.

9.2 Economic depression and the Simon Commission prompted new political dynamics.

9.3 The Lahore Congress formalized the demand for full independence.

10. Salt March and Civil Disobedience

Defiance against Salt Tax

10.1 Gandhi's letter to Viceroy Irwin demanded the abolition of the salt tax.

10.2 Salt March covered 240 miles from Sabarmati to Dandi, where salt was symbolically made.

10.3 Features of Civil Disobedience included boycotting foreign goods and picketing liquor shops.

11. Relaunch of Civil Disobedience

Renewed Resistance

11.1 Gandhi relaunched Civil Disobedience Movement after the Second Round Table Conference.

11.2 Economic distress and repression fueled mass participation in the movement.

12. Participation of Social Classes

Involvement across Society

12.1 Rich and poor peasants, business class, and industrial workers participated.

12.2 Women played a significant role in protests and civil disobedience.

12.3 Merchants and industrialists supported the movement financially and through boycotts.

13. Limitations of Civil Disobedience

Challenges and Constraints

13.1 Untouchables' limited participation due to Congress' neglect and communal tensions.

13.2 Muslim disillusionment with Congress and Hindu-Muslim communal clashes hindered unity.

13.3 Communal riots and tensions escalated, undermining the movement's goals.

14. Untouchability Reforms

Gandhi's Efforts for Social Change

14.1 Gandhi led efforts to abolish untouchability and promote social equality.

14.2 Satyagraha campaigns aimed to secure rights and dignity for the oppressed.

 14.3 Poona Pact of 1932 provided reserved seats for Depressed Classes in legislative councils.

15. Muslim Responses to Nationalism

Varied Reactions

15.1 Many Muslims were lukewarm to Civil Disobedience, feeling alienated from Congress.

15.2 Congress' alignment with Hindu nationalist groups strained Hindu-Muslim relations.

15.3 Muslim League gained prominence advocating for separate electorates.

16. Nationalist Symbols and Icons

Unifying Imagery

16.1 Bharat Mata symbolized the nation's identity, depicted in various forms of art and literature.

16.2 Nationalist movements revived Indian folklore and adopted tricolor flags.

16.3 Historical reinterpretation instilled pride in India's achievements.

17. Collective Identity through History

Rediscovering National Pride

17.1 Indians sought pride in their history amidst British denigration.

17.2 Nationalist histories highlighted India's achievements and urged resistance to colonial rule.

 

Detail Notes           

 


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

The First World War marked a significant turning point in India's nationalist movement. It catalyzed the growth of nationalist sentiment due to the new economic and political circumstances it created. The war necessitated increased defense expenditure, leading to rising taxes and a surge in war loans. This financial strain exacerbated by a price rise caused widespread hardship among the common people. Forced recruitment during the war further fueled discontent. The acute shortage of food resulted in famine and an influenza epidemic, claiming millions of lives. Indians began to realize their unnecessary involvement in the war, fostering unity against British rule.

2. The Idea of Satyagraha

The concept of satyagraha, introduced by Mahatma Gandhi, emphasized the power of truth in resisting oppression through nonviolent means. Satyagrahis could win battles against injustice by appealing to the oppressor's conscience rather than resorting to physical force. Gandhi successfully organized satyagraha movements across India, beginning with his endeavors in Champaran, Bihar, and Kheda, Gujarat, in 1917. He later mobilized cotton mill workers in Ahmedabad in 1918, showcasing the effectiveness of nonviolent resistance in challenging oppressive systems.

3. The Rowlatt Act

Gandhiji led a nationwide satyagraha against the repressive Rowlatt Act of 1919, which granted the government sweeping powers to suppress political activities and detain individuals without trial. Indians responded with non-violent civil disobedience, organizing rallies, strikes, and shop closures in protest against the unjust law.

4. Jallianwalla Bagh Incident

The tragic Jallianwalla Bagh massacre on April 13, 1919, epitomized British brutality and fueled Indian resentment. Hundreds of innocent civilians were killed when General Dyer ordered his troops to open fire on a peaceful gathering in Amritsar. Dyer aimed to instill fear among satyagrahis, demonstrating the extent of British repression.

5. Reasons for the Khilafat Movement

The defeat of Ottoman Turkey in World War I sparked concerns among Muslims worldwide about the fate of the Ottoman emperor (the Khalifa). In India, the Khilafat Movement, led by Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali, aimed to support the Khalifa's temporal powers. The movement gained momentum, aligning with the nationalist cause, as evidenced by its endorsement at the 1920 Calcutta Congress session.

6. Why Non-cooperation?

Gandhi's advocacy for non-cooperation stemmed from his belief that British rule in India relied on Indian cooperation. He argued that if Indians refused to cooperate, British dominance would collapse, paving the way for self-rule (Swaraj). The Nagpur Congress session in December 1920 formalized the Non-Cooperation program, advocating for the surrender of titles, boycotts of British institutions, and the promotion of indigenous goods. The Non-Cooperation-Khilafat Movement commenced in January 1921, symbolizing a unified struggle for Swaraj.

7. Rebellion in the Countryside

Peasant uprisings in regions like Awadh and the Gudem Hills of Andhra Pradesh reflected rural discontent against oppressive landlords and colonial policies. Led by figures like Baba Ramchandra and Alluri Sitaram Raju, these movements demanded agrarian reforms, social justice, and an end to colonial exploitation.

8. Swaraj in the Plantations

Plantation workers in Assam yearned for Swaraj as a means to escape the harsh conditions imposed by colonial labor laws. The Inland Emigration Act of 1859 restricted their mobility, compelling them to undertake the historic Salt March, defying colonial restrictions.

9. Towards Civil Disobedience

Gandhi's decision to withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement in February 1922 was prompted by escalating violence and the need for better satyagraha training. External factors, such as the worldwide economic depression and the Simon Commission's exclusion of Indian members, further fueled nationalist sentiments.

10. The Salt March and the Civil Disobedience Movement

Gandhi's Salt March, culminating in the symbolic defiance of the salt tax at Dandi, galvanized widespread support for the Civil Disobedience Movement. Thousands participated in breaking salt laws, boycotting foreign goods, and picketing liquor shops, embodying the spirit of nonviolent resistance.

11. Features of the Civil Disobedience Movement

The Civil Disobedience Movement encompassed a range of actions, including the mass breaking of salt laws, boycotts of foreign goods, picketing of liquor shops, and refusal to pay taxes. By urging people to defy colonial laws and institutions, the movement represented a comprehensive challenge to British authority in India. The movement's emphasis on nonviolent resistance and mass participation underscored its inclusive and transformative nature.

12. Relaunch of Civil Disobedience

Gandhi's decision to relaunch the Civil Disobedience Movement was driven by the breakdown of negotiations at the Second Round Table Conference and the escalating repression by the colonial government. Despite facing challenges such as the imprisonment of prominent leaders like Ghaffar Khan and Jawaharlal Nehru, the Congress remained steadfast in its commitment to the struggle for independence. The participation of various social classes and groups, including rich and poor peasants, business class, industrial workers, and women, reflected the widespread discontent with British rule.

13. Limitations of Civil Disobedience

The limited participation of untouchables highlighted the Congress's failure to address the concerns of marginalized communities within the nationalist movement. Growing communal tensions between Hindus and Muslims, exacerbated by political developments and religious processions, posed significant challenges to the unity of the movement. Despite its achievements, the Civil Disobedience Movement faced internal divisions and external pressures, constraining its ability to achieve its objectives fully.

14. Untouchability and Harijan Movement

Mahatma Gandhi's advocacy for the eradication of untouchability through the Harijan Movement reflected his commitment to social justice and equality. Through campaigns, satyagraha, and personal example, Gandhi sought to challenge caste-based discrimination and uplift the marginalized communities. The Poona Pact of 1932, which provided reserved seats for the Depressed Classes in legislative councils, marked a significant milestone in the struggle against untouchability.

15. Muslim Response to Nationalist Movements

While some sections of Muslims actively participated in nationalist movements like the Khilafat and Civil Disobedience, others remained lukewarm or even opposed such efforts. Factors such as the decline of the Khilafat movement, perceptions of Congress's alignment with Hindu nationalist groups, and communal tensions contributed to varying degrees of Muslim participation. The emergence of the Muslim League as a prominent political force, advocating for separate electorates and representing Muslim interests, further complicated the dynamics of nationalist movements.

16. Symbolism and Collective Identity

The imagery of Bharat Mata, epitomized in Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's "Vande Mataram" and Abanindranath Tagore's paintings, symbolized the collective identity of the Indian nation. Nationalist movements, such as the Swadeshi movement, employed symbols like the tricolor flag and reinterpretations of history to foster a sense of pride and unity among Indians. These symbols played a crucial role in unifying diverse communities and inspiring a shared commitment to the nationalist cause.

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