Modern History Playlist
19 chapters • 0 completed
1
Advent of Europeans in India
9 topics
2
Decline of the Mughal Empire
7 topics
3
Emergence of Regional States
11 topics
4
Expansion and Consolidation of British Power
19 topics
5
British Government & Economic Policies (1757–1857)
4 topics
6
Social Reform Movements
20 topics
7
People’s Resistance before 1857
3 topics
8
The revolt of 1857
6 topics
9
Growth of Nationalism and Moderate Phase of Congress
6 topics
10
British Administration in India
7 topics
11
Era of Militant Nationalism (1905-1909)
5 topics
12
First Phase of Revolutionary Activities(1907-1917)
8 topics
13
India’s Response to First World War and Home Rule Movement
4 topics
14
Emergence of Gandhi
6 topics
15
Non-Cooperation Movement and Khilafat Movement
7 topics
16
Emergence of Swarajists, Socialist Ideas, Revolutionary Activities
5 topics
17
Struggle For Swaraj: 1928-1935
13 topics
18
Period from 1935-42
9 topics
19
Period from 1942-47
22 topics
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Chapter 9: Growth of Nationalism and Moderate Phase of Congress
Chapter Test6 topics•Estimated reading: 18 minutes
Factors in the Growth of Modern Nationalism
Key Point
Modern Indian nationalism grew due to British colonial policies, socio-religious reform movements, emergence of modern education, print culture, and global influences.
Modern Indian nationalism grew due to British colonial policies, socio-religious reform movements, emergence of modern education, print culture, and global influences.
Detailed Notes (10 points)
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Economic Exploitation: Drain of wealth, destruction of Indian industries, high taxation, and famines led to widespread discontent.
Political Factors: Centralized colonial administration, exclusion of Indians from higher services, racial discrimination created resentment.
Socio-Religious Reform Movements: Leaders like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Dayanand Saraswati, Vivekananda, Phule promoted equality, education, and rationalism, preparing the ground for nationalism.
Role of Education: English education, universities (Calcutta, Bombay, Madras 1857) spread liberal, democratic and nationalist ideas.
Press and Literature: Vernacular newspapers, journals, pamphlets spread political awareness and criticism of colonial rule.
Modern Communication: Railways, telegraph, postal system integrated India, promoting unity and quick mobilization.
Impact of Western Thought: Ideals of liberty, equality, fraternity, and nationalism inspired Indian intellectuals.
International Influences: Success of American War of Independence, French Revolution, unification of Italy & Germany encouraged Indians.
Role of Associations: Early associations (East India Association, Indian Association, Poona Sarvajanik Sabha) created political awareness.
Repressive British Policies: Partition of Bengal (1905), Vernacular Press Act (1878), Arms Act (1878) intensified nationalist feelings.
Key Factors of Nationalism
| Factor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Economic Exploitation | Drain of wealth, industry destruction created discontent |
| Education | Spread liberal, democratic, nationalist ideas |
| Reform Movements | Social equality, rationalism promoted unity |
| Press | Newspapers and literature spread awareness |
| Modern Transport & Communication | Railways, telegraph unified India |
| Western & Global Influences | Inspired by global revolutions & unifications |
| Associations | Early associations built political consciousness |
| British Policies | Repressive acts & partition fueled nationalism |
Fun Facts
Dadabhai Naoroji’s Drain of Wealth theory became a rallying point for early nationalists.
The Indian press, despite censorship, became one of the strongest voices of nationalism.
Mains Key Points
Nationalism emerged as a response to colonial exploitation but drew strength from socio-cultural reforms and education.
Role of press, associations, and modern communication was vital in uniting people.
Nationalism had both economic and cultural dimensions, making it a mass force by the early 20th century.
Prelims Strategy Tips
Universities of Calcutta, Bombay, Madras were all founded in 1857.
Vernacular Press Act (1878) curtailed Indian press freedom.
Partition of Bengal (1905) was a turning point in nationalism.
Political Associations Before the Indian National Congress
Key Point
Before the formation of INC in 1885, several regional and all-India political associations emerged that created political consciousness, demanded reforms, and prepared the ground for organized nationalism.
Before the formation of INC in 1885, several regional and all-India political associations emerged that created political consciousness, demanded reforms, and prepared the ground for organized nationalism.
Major Political Associations Before INC (State-wise)
| Region/State | Association/Party | Year | Leaders/Founders | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bengal | Zamindari Association / Landholders’ Society | 1838 | Dwarkanath Tagore, Radhakanta Deb | First political association in India; voiced zamindars’ interests; focused on revenue reforms. |
| Bengal | Bengal British India Society | 1843 | George Thompson, Krishna Mohan Banerjee | Sought reforms in governance; protection of tenants; opposed zamindari oppression. |
| Bengal | Bangabhasha Prakashika Sabha | 1836 | Associates of Raja Rammohan Roy | First association to promote public opinion; discussion-based body. |
| Bengal | British Indian Association | 1851 | Debendranath Tagore, Radha Kanta Deb | Merged Landholders’ Society & Bengal British India Society; demanded reforms in legislature and revenue policies. |
| Bengal | Indian League | 1875 | Sisir Kumar Ghosh | Focused on spreading political education among the masses and political reforms. |
| Bengal | Indian Association of Calcutta (Indian National Association of Bengal) | 1876 | Surendranath Banerjee, Ananda Mohan Bose | Most important pre-Congress organisation; sought Indianisation of services, expansion of legislative councils; led All India campaigns like Age of Consent agitation. |
| Bombay | Bombay Association | 1852 | Dadabhai Naoroji, Jagannath Shankar Sheth | Submitted petitions on financial & administrative reforms; opposed press restrictions. |
| Bombay | East India Association | 1866 | Dadabhai Naoroji (in London) | First body to connect Indian political leaders with British Parliament; highlighted 'Drain of Wealth'. |
| Bombay | Poona Sarvajanik Sabha | 1870 | M.G. Ranade, S.H. Sathe | Worked for constitutional reforms, famine relief, and economic development. |
| Madras | Madras Native Association | 1852 | Gazulu Lakshminarasu Chetty | Petitioned for administrative reforms; limited urban elite participation. |
| Madras | Madras Mahajan Sabha | 1884 | M. Viraraghavachari, G. Subramania Iyer, P. Ananda Charlu | Organised political discussions; precursor to INC; fostered unity among South Indian leaders. |
| All India | Indian National Conference | 1883 | Surendranath Banerjee, Anand Mohan Bose | Held in Calcutta; demanded representative institutions; merged with INC after 1885. |
Foundation of the Indian National Congress (INC)
Key Point
The Indian National Congress, founded in 1885, marked the beginning of an organized nationalist movement in India. It provided a platform for political dialogue, reform demands, and eventually the struggle for independence.
The Indian National Congress, founded in 1885, marked the beginning of an organized nationalist movement in India. It provided a platform for political dialogue, reform demands, and eventually the struggle for independence.
Detailed Notes (7 points)
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Founded in December 1885 at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, Bombay.
The idea was conceived by Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant, to provide a platform for educated Indians.
First session was presided over by W.C. Bonnerjee with 72 delegates from across India.
Aimed at creating a forum for civic and political dialogue, uniting Indians across regions.
Early objectives: Greater Indian representation in legislative councils, civil service reforms, protection of Indian industries, spread of political consciousness.
INC worked as a 'safety valve' (according to some historians) to allow expression of Indian grievances within constitutional means.
It soon became the central organisation of the Indian national movement.
Early Sessions of the INC
| Year | Place | President | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1885 | Bombay | W.C. Bonnerjee | First session; 72 delegates; moderate constitutional demands |
| 1886 | Calcutta | Dadabhai Naoroji | Second session; attendance doubled; Naoroji explained 'Drain of Wealth' |
| 1887 | Madras | Syed Badruddin Tyabji | First Muslim President; promoted unity across communities |
| 1888 | Allahabad | George Yule | First English President; symbol of inclusivity |
| 1889 | Bombay | Sir William Wedderburn | Supported Indian representation in councils |
Fun Facts
INC was initially supported by some British officials as a 'safety valve' for political discontent.
In its early years, INC was dominated by the 'Moderates' who believed in petitions, resolutions, and dialogues.
The number of delegates rose rapidly: from 72 (1885) to over 600 by the 1890s.
Mains Key Points
Foundation of INC symbolized the entry of educated Indians into organized politics.
It created a national political platform uniting diverse regions and communities.
Early moderates laid emphasis on constitutional reforms, petitions, and dialogue with the British.
Though limited in scope, it sowed the seeds of political unity and mass nationalism.
Prelims Strategy Tips
INC founded in 1885 in Bombay; first session presided over by W.C. Bonnerjee.
Dadabhai Naoroji (1886 session, Calcutta) = 'Grand Old Man of India'.
Syed Badruddin Tyabji (1887) = first Muslim President.
George Yule (1888) = first English President.
Timeline of Indian National Congress Sessions (1885–1907)
Key Point
The first two decades of the Indian National Congress were dominated by Moderates, who believed in petitions, prayers, and constitutional methods. The Surat Split in 1907 marked the division between Moderates and Extremists.
The first two decades of the Indian National Congress were dominated by Moderates, who believed in petitions, prayers, and constitutional methods. The Surat Split in 1907 marked the division between Moderates and Extremists.
INC Sessions (1885–1907)
| Year | Place | President | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1885 | Bombay | W.C. Bonnerjee | First session; 72 delegates; constitutional reforms demanded. |
| 1886 | Calcutta | Dadabhai Naoroji | Attendance doubled; 'Drain of Wealth' theory highlighted. |
| 1887 | Madras | Syed Badruddin Tyabji | First Muslim President; unity across communities stressed. |
| 1888 | Allahabad | George Yule | First Englishman President; symbol of inclusiveness. |
| 1889 | Bombay | Sir William Wedderburn | Demanded Indian representation in services. |
| 1890 | Calcutta | Ferozeshah Mehta | Stressed constitutional reforms. |
| 1892 | Allahabad | Dadabhai Naoroji | Demanded expansion of legislative councils (Indian Councils Act 1892). |
| 1896 | Calcutta | Rahimtulla Sayani | Resolutions on famine relief; Tilak raised 'Swaraj' slogan in parallel sessions. |
| 1905 | Banaras | Gopal Krishna Gokhale | Resolution against Partition of Bengal; rise of Extremist influence. |
| 1906 | Calcutta | Dadabhai Naoroji | Declaration of 'Swaraj' (Self-Government) as the goal. |
| 1907 | Surat | Rash Behari Ghosh | Split between Moderates (Gokhale, Pherozeshah Mehta) and Extremists (Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, Lala Lajpat Rai). |
Fun Facts
Dadabhai Naoroji presided over Congress three times (1886, 1893, 1906).
Surat Split session saw chairs thrown and physical scuffles between groups.
Early INC had delegates from across India, including princely states.
Mains Key Points
INC (1885–1907) represented the Moderate Phase of the national movement.
Demands: representation in councils, civil service reforms, reduction of military expenditure, protection of Indian industries.
1906 Calcutta session declared 'Swaraj' as the ultimate goal — a turning point.
1907 Surat Split reflected growing divergence between constitutional moderates and assertive extremists.
Prelims Strategy Tips
INC founded in 1885 (Bombay, W.C. Bonnerjee).
Dadabhai Naoroji declared 'Swaraj' as Congress goal in 1906 (Calcutta session).
Surat Split (1907) → Moderates vs Extremists.
First Muslim President: Badruddin Tyabji (1887).
First English President: George Yule (1888).
Indian National Congress and National Movement (1907–1919)
Key Point
This phase witnessed the Surat Split, rise of Extremists, limited constitutional concessions (Morley-Minto Reforms), Hindu-Muslim unity (Lucknow Pact), the spread of Home Rule agitation, and British commitments towards self-government (Montagu Declaration, Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms).
This phase witnessed the Surat Split, rise of Extremists, limited constitutional concessions (Morley-Minto Reforms), Hindu-Muslim unity (Lucknow Pact), the spread of Home Rule agitation, and British commitments towards self-government (Montagu Declaration, Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms).
Key Events (1907–1919)
| Year | Event | Place | INC President | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1905–1907 | Swadeshi & Boycott Movement | Bengal (Calcutta epicentre) | Gopal Krishna Gokhale (Banaras Session 1905) | Triggered by Partition of Bengal (1905); promoted indigenous industries, boycott of foreign goods; leaders: Tilak, Aurobindo, Bipin Pal. |
| 1907 | Surat Split | Surat | Rashbihari Ghosh (INC President, 1907) | INC divided into Moderates (Gokhale, Mehta) and Extremists (Tilak, Lajpat Rai, B.C. Pal). |
| 1909 | Morley-Minto Reforms (Indian Councils Act) | British Parliament, London | — | Expanded legislative councils; introduced separate electorates for Muslims → rise of communal politics. |
| 1911 | Delhi Durbar | Delhi | — | Partition of Bengal annulled; capital shifted from Calcutta to Delhi. |
| 1914–1918 | World War I | Europe & Global (impact on India) | — | India supplied soldiers & resources; expectation of self-government after war; rise of political consciousness. |
| 1916 | Lucknow Pact | Lucknow | Ambica Charan Mazumdar (Lucknow Session, 1916) | Congress and Muslim League joint demands; agreement on separate electorates; Hindu-Muslim unity at peak. |
| 1916 | Home Rule Movement | Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madras | — | Annie Besant (South India) & Tilak (Maharashtra, Karnataka); demand for self-government; inspired youth and women. |
| 1917 | Montagu Declaration | London | — | British Secretary of State Edwin Montagu announced policy of 'progressive realisation of responsible government'. |
| 1917 | Champaran Satyagraha (precursor) | Champaran, Bihar | — | Mahatma Gandhi led indigo peasants in Bihar; his first successful mass struggle in India. |
| 1919 | Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (Govt. of India Act 1919) | British Parliament, London | — | Introduced dyarchy in provinces; limited franchise; separate electorates extended to Sikhs, Anglo-Indians, Europeans. |
Fun Facts
At Surat (1907), chairs and shoes were thrown during clashes between Moderates and Extremists.
Annie Besant was interned by the British in 1917 for her role in the Home Rule Movement.
Tilak declared 'Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it' during this period.
The annulment of Bengal partition in 1911 was seen as a victory for Swadeshi movement.
Mains Key Points
This phase bridged the gap between early petitions (Moderates) and mass satyagraha (Gandhi).
It saw both cooperation (Lucknow Pact) and confrontation (Extremist agitation) with British rule.
The Home Rule Movement carried nationalist ideas deep into Indian society, preparing ground for mass movements.
World War I increased expectations of reforms, but Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms fell short, leading to post-1919 disillusionment.
Prelims Strategy Tips
1907 Surat Split → Moderates (Gokhale) vs Extremists (Tilak).
1909 Morley-Minto Reforms → separate electorates for Muslims.
1916 Lucknow Pact → Hindu-Muslim unity (Congress + Muslim League).
1916 Home Rule Movement → Annie Besant + Tilak.
1917 Montagu Declaration → first official step towards self-government.
1917 Champaran Satyagraha → Gandhi’s first mass movement in India.
1919 Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms → dyarchy in provinces.
Gandhian Era – Phase I (1919–1935)
Key Point
The Gandhian era marked the shift of nationalism into a mass movement. Gandhi’s leadership, satyagraha, and non-violent struggle mobilised millions across classes, regions, and communities. Key milestones include the Rowlatt Satyagraha, Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, and constitutional experiments like Simon Commission and Government of India Act 1935.
The Gandhian era marked the shift of nationalism into a mass movement. Gandhi’s leadership, satyagraha, and non-violent struggle mobilised millions across classes, regions, and communities. Key milestones include the Rowlatt Satyagraha, Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, and constitutional experiments like Simon Commission and Government of India Act 1935.
Major Events of Gandhian Era (1919–1935)
| Year | Event | Place | INC President | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1919 | Rowlatt Act & Satyagraha | Delhi (nationwide protest) | — | Extended wartime repressive laws; Gandhi’s first all-India protest; led to unrest. |
| 1919 | Jallianwala Bagh Massacre | Amritsar, Punjab | — | General Dyer ordered firing on peaceful gathering; over 1000 killed; turning point. |
| 1920–1922 | Non-Cooperation Movement | Nationwide | Nagpur Session (1920) → C. Vijayaraghavachariar | Boycott of schools, councils, foreign goods; ended after Chauri Chaura (1922). |
| 1922–1924 | Swaraj Party | Calcutta (formation) | Hakim Ajmal Khan (1921); C.R. Das (leader) | Entered legislatures to oppose British policies from within. |
| 1927 | Simon Commission Boycott | All-India protests | — | All-white commission; boycotted; 'Simon Go Back' slogan. |
| 1928 | Nehru Report | Lucknow | M.A. Ansari (INC President, 1927) | Proposed dominion status; rejected by extremists demanding independence. |
| 1929 | Lahore Session (Purna Swaraj) | Lahore | Jawaharlal Nehru | INC declared complete independence as its goal; 26 January 1930 observed as Independence Day. |
| 1930–1934 | Civil Disobedience Movement | Started at Dandi, Gujarat | 1930 (Lahore Resolution was followed); Presidents: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (Karachi 1931) | Salt March; no-tax campaigns; wide participation of women, peasants, tribals. |
| 1931 | Gandhi-Irwin Pact | Delhi | Jawaharlal Nehru (Lahore President 1929); followed by Karachi Session (1931) → Sardar Patel | INC suspended movement; Gandhi attended 2nd Round Table Conference. |
| 1932 | Poona Pact | Yerwada Jail, Pune | — | Agreement between Gandhi & Ambedkar on depressed classes; reserved seats introduced. |
| 1935 | Government of India Act | London (British Parliament) | — | Introduced provincial autonomy; expanded franchise; federal scheme (not implemented). |
Fun Facts
Rabindranath Tagore renounced his knighthood in protest against Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
During the Salt March, Gandhi picked up a lump of salt as a symbolic defiance of British monopoly.
Round Table Conferences (1930–32) in London showcased deep divisions among Indian groups (INC, Princes, Ambedkar, Communal groups).
Gandhi was called to London dressed in a simple dhoti, becoming a symbol of India’s humility and resistance.
Mains Key Points
The Gandhian era transformed Indian nationalism into a mass struggle, mobilising peasants, tribals, women, students, and workers.
The use of satyagraha and non-violence gave India a unique method of resistance, contrasting with violent movements globally.
However, the period also saw communal divisions and failures of constitutional reforms (1919, 1935) to satisfy Indian aspirations.
The groundwork laid in this phase directly prepared the path for Quit India Movement and Independence in the 1940s.
Prelims Strategy Tips
Rowlatt Act 1919 → 'Black Act'.
Jallianwala Bagh massacre (1919) → General Dyer.
Non-Cooperation (1920–22) ended after Chauri Chaura (1922).
Simon Commission (1927) → 'Simon Go Back'.
Lahore Session 1929 → 'Purna Swaraj'.
Salt March 1930 → 240 miles, Dandi.
Poona Pact 1932 → Gandhi vs Ambedkar compromise.
Govt. of India Act 1935 → Provincial Autonomy.
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