Modern History Playlist
19 chapters • 0 completed
1
Advent of Europeans in India
10 topics
2
Decline of the Mughal Empire
7 topics
3
Emergence of Regional States
11 topics
4
Expansion and Consolidation of British Power
23 topics
5
British Government & Economic Policies (1757-1857)
7 topics
6
Social Reform Movements
24 topics
7
People’s Resistance before 1857
13 topics
8
The revolt of 1857
7 topics
9
Growth of Nationalism and Moderate Phase of Congress
9 topics
10
British Administration in India
9 topics
11
Era of Militant Nationalism (1905-1909)
6 topics
12
First Phase of Revolutionary Activities(1907-1917)
8 topics
13
India’s Response to First World War and Home Rule Movement
5 topics
14
Emergence of Gandhi
10 topics
15
Non-Cooperation Movement and Khilafat Movement
10 topics
16
Emergence of Swarajists, Socialist Ideas, Revolutionary Activities
8 topics
17
Struggle For Swaraj: 1928-1935
16 topics
18
Period from 1935-42
12 topics
19
Period from 1942-47
25 topics
Progress (0%)
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Chapter 9: Growth of Nationalism and Moderate Phase of Congress
Chapter Test9 topics•Estimated reading: 27 minutes
Factors in the Growth of Modern Nationalism (Why did Indians Unite?)
Key Point
Modern Indian nationalism grew due to British colonial policies , socio-religious reform movements, emergence of modern education , print culture, and global influences. It was a reaction to foreign rule and a creation of modern ideas.
Modern Indian nationalism grew due to British colonial policies , socio-religious reform movements, emergence of modern education , print culture, and global influences. It was a reaction to foreign rule and a creation of modern ideas.
Detailed Notes (6 points)
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1. Economic Exploitation (The Drain): The most visible cause of discontent. The British exploited India's wealth (the Drain of Wealth theory, proved by Dadabhai Naoroji ), destroyed local Indian industries (by importing cheap machine-made goods), and imposed excessive high taxation on farmers. This shared economic suffering created a feeling of being a single nation victimized by a common enemy.
2. Political and Administrative Unity: The British, unintentionally, provided the framework for unity. They established a centralized administration (the whole country governed from one place), uniform laws, and a common network of railways, telegraphs, and postal systems. This infrastructure connected diverse regions and made political mobilization across India possible.
3. Modern Education and Western Thought: English education, though initially intended to create cheap clerks, introduced Indian intellectuals to the ideals of liberty, equality, democracy, and nationalism from European history. This provided the intellectual tools to critique British hypocrisy. The first major Universities (Calcutta, Bombay, Madras) were established in 1857.
4. Socio-Religious Reform Movements: These movements were vital because they created social confidence. Leaders like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Dayanand Saraswati, and Vivekananda promoted self-respect, rationalism, and social equality within Indian society. By fighting social evils and promoting unity, they created a necessary foundation for the political struggle.
5. Role of the Press and Literature: Newspapers, journals, and pamphlets , both in English and local languages (vernacular press), acted as a powerful medium. They publicized the true nature of British exploitation and quickly spread political education and nationalist ideas to the masses.
6. Repressive British Policies: Acts of political arrogance fueled the nationalist fire. Policies like the Vernacular Press Act (1878) (which censored local-language newspapers), the Arms Act (1878) , and especially the controversial Partition of Bengal (1905), which divided people on religious lines, directly provoked strong mass reactions.
Key Factors of Nationalism
| Factor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Economic Exploitation | Drain of wealth, high taxation, and destruction of local industries created common suffering. |
| Education & Western Thought | Spread liberal, democratic, nationalist ideas; established Universities (Calcutta, Bombay, Madras) in 1857. |
| Reform Movements | Promoted social equality, self-respect, and unity as a necessary pre-condition for political freedom. |
| Press & Literature | Vernacular newspapers became the key tool for political education and criticism of the government. |
| Modern Communication | Railways and telegraph physically and mentally unified the country for quick political mobilization. |
| Repressive Policies | VPA (1878) and Partition of Bengal (1905) directly provoked strong nationalist reactions. |
Fun Facts
Dadabhai Naoroji’s Drain of Wealth theory provided the first effective economic critique of British rule, becoming a rallying point for early nationalists.
The Indian press, despite censorship and fines, became one of the strongest voices of nationalism and political opposition.
Mains Key Points
Nationalism was a composite phenomenon; it emerged as a reaction to colonial exploitation but drew strength from socio-cultural reforms and modern political ideas.
The Press, associations, and modern communication were vital in transforming localized discontents into a unified, all-India political consciousness.
Nationalism had both economic and cultural dimensions, making it a truly comprehensive force by the early 20th century.
Prelims Strategy Tips
The three major Universities (Calcutta, Bombay, Madras) were all founded in 1857 .
Vernacular Press Act (1878) was aimed at censoring the Indian-language press (the 'Gagging Act').
Partition of Bengal (1905) was a major turning point, leading to the Swadeshi Movement.
Political Associations Before the Indian National Congress (Building the Foundation)
Key Point
Before the formation of the 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 the 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 (Key Precursors)
| Region/State | Association/Party | Year | Leaders/Founders | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bengal | Landholders’ Society | 1838 | Dwarkanath Tagore | The First political association in India, though it primarily focused on protecting the interests of the Zamindars (landlords) against the government. |
| Bengal | British Indian Association | 1851 | Debendranath Tagore, Radha Kanta Deb | Merged earlier societies; demanded legislative and revenue reforms. |
| Bengal | Indian Association of Calcutta | 1876 | Surendranath Banerjee, Ananda Mohan Bose | The most important pre-Congress organisation. It organized campaigns across India for Indianisation of Civil Services (allowing more Indians in high government jobs) and legislative reforms. |
| Bombay | East India Association | 1866 | Dadabhai Naoroji (in London) | Formed in London to influence the British public and Parliament about Indian issues; highlighted 'Drain of Wealth'. |
| Bombay | Poona Sarvajanik Sabha | 1870 | M.G. Ranade , S.H. Sathe | Served as a formal link between the government and the common people in the Deccan region; worked for constitutional reforms. |
| Madras | Madras Mahajan Sabha | 1884 | M. Viraraghavachari, G. Subramania Iyer, P. Ananda Charlu | Organized political discussions; precursor to INC; fostered unity among South Indian leaders; formed just one year before the INC, showing the growing readiness for a national body. |
| All India | Indian National Conference | 1883 | Surendranath Banerjee, Anand Mohan Bose | A successful attempt to hold an all-India conference in Calcutta, proving that a national-level political body was feasible; merged with the INC in 1886. |
Foundation of the Indian National Congress (INC) (The Launch of Organized Politics)
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 (6 points)
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Genesis: Founded in December 1885 at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, Bombay.
Founder: The idea was conceived by Allan Octavian Hume ( A.O. Hume ), a retired British civil servant. Hume wanted to provide educated Indians a safe channel to express their frustrations.
First Session: Presided over by W.C. Bonnerjee (Woomesh Chandra Bonnerjee) with only 72 delegates (representatives) from across India.
Early Objective (The Moderates): The initial goals were very moderate (mild): to promote unity, demand greater Indian representation in legislative councils (parliaments), and push for reforms in the Civil Service, all through constitutional means (petitions and discussions).
The 'Safety Valve' Theory (Mains Context): Some historians argue that Hume intended the INC to act as a 'safety valve'—a peaceful, constitutional outlet for educated Indians' discontent, thereby preventing a violent mass uprising. However, Indian leaders later effectively used this platform to foster genuine nationalism and challenge the colonial government.
The INC soon became the central and most powerful organization of the Indian national movement.
Early Sessions of the INC (Prelims Focus)
| Year | Place | President | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1885 | Bombay | W.C. Bonnerjee | First session; 72 delegates; initiation of moderate constitutional demands |
| 1886 | Calcutta | Dadabhai Naoroji | Second session; attendance doubled; Naoroji explained 'Drain of Wealth' |
| 1887 | Madras | Syed Badruddin Tyabji | Became the First Muslim President; promoted unity across communities |
| 1888 | Allahabad | George Yule | Became the First English President; symbol of inclusivity |
Fun Facts
The 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 with the British.
The number of delegates rose rapidly: from 72 (1885) to over 600 by the 1890s, showcasing its rapid acceptance.
Mains Key Points
Foundation of INC symbolized the entry of educated Indians into organized, constitutional politics.
It created a national political platform uniting diverse regions and communities under a common banner.
Early moderates laid emphasis on constitutional reforms and economic critique, preparing the intellectual base.
Though limited in scope initially, it sowed the seeds of political unity and eventually mass nationalism.
Prelims Strategy Tips
INC founded in 1885 in Bombay; first session presided over by W.C. Bonnerjee .
Dadabhai Naoroji (1886 session) is called the '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): The Moderate Phase
Key Point
The first two decades of the Indian National Congress were dominated by the 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 the 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 | UPSC Significance (Key Feature) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1885 | Bombay | W.C. Bonnerjee | First Session (at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College); 72 delegates; laid down the basic objectives of the Congress. |
| 1886 | Calcutta | Dadabhai Naoroji | Attendance significantly increased; marked the merger with the National Conference (S.N. Banerjee's organization). |
| 1887 | Madras | Syed Badruddin Tyabji | Became the First Muslim President; appealed for communal unity. |
| 1888 | Allahabad | George Yule | Became the First English President; symbolized the early inclusivity of the Congress. |
| 1890 | Calcutta | Pherozeshah Mehta | Kadambini Ganguly (first woman graduate of Calcutta University) addressed the session. |
| 1892 | Allahabad | W.C. Bonnerjee | Criticized the Indian Councils Act of 1892 for being inadequate. |
| 1896 | Calcutta | Rahimtulla M. Sayani | The National Song 'Vande Mataram' was sung for the first time (by Rabindranath Tagore). |
| 1897 | Amraoti | C. Sankaran Nair | Condemned the arrest of Bal Gangadhar Tilak on sedition charges. |
| 1901 | Calcutta | Dinshaw E. Wacha | Mahatma Gandhi made his first appearance on the INC platform (urging support for Indians in South Africa). |
| 1904 | Bombay | Sir Henry Cotton | Protested against Lord Curzon's policies, including his plan to partition Bengal. |
| 1905 | Benares | Gopal Krishna Gokhale | Formally expressed resentment against the Partition of Bengal; formally proclaimed the Swadeshi Movement. |
| 1906 | Calcutta | Dadabhai Naoroji | 'Swaraj' (Self-Government) was explicitly declared as the goal of the Congress for the first time. |
| 1907 | Surat | Rash Behari Ghosh | The 'Surat Split': INC formally divided into the Moderates and Extremists. |
INC and National Movement (1907–1919): Extremism, Reforms, and Unity
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/Significance | INC President (Relevant) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1905–1907 | Swadeshi & Boycott Movement | Bengal (Calcutta epicentre) | Gopal Krishna Gokhale (Banaras 1905) | Triggered by Partition of Bengal (1905, to divide people); promoted Swadeshi (use of Indian goods) and Boycott (rejecting British goods); led by Tilak, Aurobindo, Bipin Pal. |
| 1907 | Surat Split | Surat | Rash Behari Ghosh (President) | INC divided into Moderates (favored petitions, led by Gokhale) and Extremists (favored direct action/mass agitation, led by Tilak). Extremists were expelled. |
| 1909 | Morley-Minto Reforms (Indian Councils Act) | British Parliament, London | — | Introduced separate electorates for Muslims (meaning only Muslims could vote for Muslim representatives) → institutionalizing communal politics; expanded legislative councils. |
| 1916 | Lucknow Pact | Lucknow | Ambica Charan Mazumdar (President) | A landmark agreement where the Congress and the Muslim League united (Hindu-Muslim unity at peak) and made joint demands. Congress accepted the separate electorates. |
| 1916 | Home Rule Movement | Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madras | — | Led by Annie Besant and B.G. Tilak during World War I. They demanded Home Rule (self-government within the British Empire) and popularized Swaraj among a broader public. |
| 1917 | Montagu Declaration | London | — | The British officially announced the policy of 'progressive realisation of responsible government ' in India — the first official promise of self-rule. |
| 1919 | Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (Govt. of India Act 1919) | British Parliament, London | — | Introduced dyarchy (dual rule/two executive authorities) in the provinces (dividing subjects into 'transferred' and 'reserved'); limited franchise; extended separate electorates to Sikhs. |
Fun Facts
The Surat Split session (1907) was marked by physical scuffles, with chairs and shoes being thrown between the two warring factions.
The annulment of Bengal partition in 1911 was seen as a victory for the Swadeshi movement.
Tilak famously declared 'Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it' during the Home Rule Movement.
The Home Rule Movement successfully involved women and the youth in political agitation.
Mains Key Points
This phase successfully bridged the gap between early constitutionalism (Moderates) and the later mass action (Extremists/Gandhi).
The Home Rule Movement was crucial in popularizing nationalist demands and taking them to the masses, preparing ground for Gandhi's entry.
The Morley-Minto Reforms were a turning point, successfully planting the seeds of communalism by granting separate electorates.
The Lucknow Pact, while showcasing unity, legitimized communal representation, which became a serious political hurdle later.
Prelims Strategy Tips
1907 Surat Split → Moderates (Gokhale) vs Extremists (Tilak) division.
1909 Morley-Minto Reforms → introduced separate electorates for Muslims.
1916 Lucknow Pact → Hindu-Muslim unity (Congress + Muslim League joint demands).
1917 Montagu Declaration → first official step towards self-government.
1919 Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms → introduced dyarchy (dual rule) in provinces.
Gandhian Era – Phase I (1919–1935): The Rise of Mass Movements
Key Point
The Gandhian era marked the shift of nationalism into a mass movement. Gandhi’s leadership, the concept of 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, the concept of 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/Significance | INC President (Relevant) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1919 | Rowlatt Act & Satyagraha | Delhi (nationwide protest) | — | The Rowlatt Act (Black Act) extended wartime repressive laws; led to Gandhi’s first all-India protest; led to massive unrest. |
| 1919 | Jallianwala Bagh Massacre | Amritsar, Punjab | — | General Dyer ordered firing on peaceful gathering; horrific event that served as a turning point , hardening anti-British sentiment. |
| 1920–1922 | Non-Cooperation Movement (NCM) | Nationwide | Nagpur (1920) → C. Vijayaraghavachariar | First mass political strike; combined NCM (boycotting British institutions) with Khilafat Movement; ended after Chauri Chaura (1922) violence. |
| 1927 | Simon Commission Boycott | All-India protests | — | All-white commission for constitutional reform; universally boycotted with 'Simon Go Back' slogans due to no Indian members. |
| 1929 | Lahore Session (Purna Swaraj) | Lahore | Jawaharlal Nehru | INC declared Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) as its official goal; 26 January 1930 observed as Independence Day. |
| 1930–1934 | Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) | Started at Dandi, Gujarat | Karachi (1931) → Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel | Launched with the Salt March (defying Salt Law); direct defiance of British laws; wide participation of women, peasants, tribals. |
| 1931 | Gandhi-Irwin Pact | Delhi | — | Agreement leading to INC suspending CDM; Gandhi attended 2nd Round Table Conference; failed to achieve substantial results. |
| 1932 | Poona Pact | Yerwada Jail, Pune | — | Agreement between Gandhi & Ambedkar on depressed classes; secured reserved seats within the Hindu joint electorate. |
| 1935 | Government of India Act 1935 | London (British Parliament) | — | Introduced Provincial Autonomy (self-rule in provinces) and expanded franchise; laid the constitutional framework for later India. |
Fun Facts
Rabindranath Tagore renounced his knighthood in protest against the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
During the Salt March, Gandhi deliberately picked up a lump of natural salt as a symbolic act of defiance against the British salt monopoly.
The Swaraj Party (formed after NCM) was led by C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru to fight elections and disrupt the legislature from within.
Gandhi attended the 2nd Round Table Conference in London, dressed simply in a dhoti, symbolizing India’s poverty and self-reliance.
Mains Key Points
The Gandhian era successfully transformed Indian nationalism into a mass struggle, mobilizing diverse sections including peasants, women, and workers.
The use of Satyagraha and non-violence gave India a unique, morally superior method of resistance, which gained global attention.
However, the period also highlighted internal challenges like the rise of communal politics (after 1909, 1919) and the need to address the deep-seated issue of caste representation (Poona Pact).
The political experience and unity forged in the CDM directly prepared the path for the final struggle: the Quit India Movement in the 1940s.
Prelims Strategy Tips
Rowlatt Act 1919 is known as the 'Black Act'.
NCM (1920–22) ended after the violence at Chauri Chaura (1922).
Purna Swaraj was adopted at the Lahore Session 1929 (President: Nehru).
Salt March 1930 covered 240 miles to Dandi.
Poona Pact 1932 was between Gandhi and Ambedkar.
The Govt. of India Act 1935 introduced Provincial Autonomy.
Ilbert Bill Controversy (1883)
Key Point
The Ilbert Bill Controversy (1883), during the Viceroyalty of Lord Ripon, was a major political event that exposed the racial arrogance of the British and galvanized the Indian educated elite into organized national action.
The Ilbert Bill Controversy (1883), during the Viceroyalty of Lord Ripon, was a major political event that exposed the racial arrogance of the British and galvanized the Indian educated elite into organized national action.
Detailed Notes (5 points)
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The Bill’s Purpose: The Bill, introduced by Law Member C.P. Ilbert, aimed to rectify the anomaly in the judicial system by allowing Indian District Magistrates and Sessions Judges to try European subjects in criminal cases.
The British Reaction: The Bill faced ferocious, racially charged opposition from the entire European community (including non-officials like planters and merchants). They protested violently, leading to the formation of the European and Anglo-Indian Defence Association.
The Indian Reaction: Indian intellectuals immediately realized the hypocrisy: the British talked of equality but vehemently opposed it when it affected their racial privilege. This feeling of humiliation strengthened the need for a national political body.
Outcome: Due to the overwhelming European pressure, the Bill was withdrawn and subsequently amended. The final version largely restored the previous anomaly, requiring Europeans to be tried by a European judge.
Significance: The controversy was a turning point. It showed the educated Indians the power of organized agitation and definitively proved that the British community would always place race above justice, hastening the formation of the Indian National Congress (INC).
Ilbert Bill Controversy Summary
| Year | Viceroy | Key Issue | Impact on Indian Politics |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1883 | Lord Ripon | Allowing Indian judges to try Europeans in criminal cases. | Exposed racial bias; boosted organized nationalism (hastening INC formation). |
Fun Facts
The European community raised a huge fund, known as the 'Indigo Planters' Fund', to defend their 'rights' and oppose the Bill.
Mains Key Points
The controversy was a significant factor in the growth of nationalism as it provided a common political grievance and exposed the true nature of colonial rule.
It proved that the constitutional moderation of early political associations was insufficient to counter institutionalized racism.
The backlash showed Indians the importance of a single, all-India political body to counter the united opposition of the Europeans.
Prelims Strategy Tips
The Ilbert Bill was introduced in 1883 during the time of Lord Ripon.
The Bill's failure proved the racial arrogance of the British judicial system.
It demonstrated the power of organized lobbying to Indian leaders.
Servants of India Society (1905)
Key Point
The Servants of India Society was founded by Gopal Krishna Gokhale in 1905 in Poona. It was a non-political organization dedicated to social service and the training of national missionaries.
The Servants of India Society was founded by Gopal Krishna Gokhale in 1905 in Poona. It was a non-political organization dedicated to social service and the training of national missionaries.
Detailed Notes (5 points)
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Founder and Year: Founded by Gopal Krishna Gokhale (a leading Moderate leader of the INC and political guru to Mahatma Gandhi) in 1905.
Objective: To train national missionaries for the service of India and promote the true interests of the Indian people without political agitation. Members were required to take vows of life-long poverty and dedication to service.
Core Activities: The Society worked primarily in the fields of education, sanitation, health care, and famine relief. It aimed to create a dedicated, non-sectarian, and secular body of workers.
Ideology: The Society strongly adhered to the philosophy of the early Moderates: belief in social reform, liberal values, and gradual constitutional progress, rejecting the radical methods of the Extremists (who were rising in 1905).
Legacy: While not a political party, the Society trained many future political and social leaders, notably H.N. Kunzru and T.B. Sapru, and inspired other social service organisations.
Servants of India Society Summary
| Year | Founder | Focus | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1905 | Gopal Krishna Gokhale | Training national missionaries for social service (non-political). | Poona (Pune) |
Fun Facts
The Society was formed just before Gokhale left for England to protest against the Partition of Bengal.
Mahatma Gandhi considered joining the Society, but his methods were deemed too radical by Gokhale's associates.
Mains Key Points
The Society represents the Moderate ideal of nation-building: prioritizing social reform and dedicated service over immediate political confrontation.
It aimed to create a high standard of public ethics among political workers, influencing later leaders like Gandhi and Nehru.
Its formation highlights the ideological split of 1905 within the INC: Gokhale chose service and reform, while Tilak chose mass agitation.
Prelims Strategy Tips
Founded by Gokhale in 1905.
It was strictly a non-political social service organization.
Founded in the same year as the Partition of Bengal and the Benares INC session (presided by Gokhale).
All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) (1936)
Key Point
The All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), established in 1936 in Lucknow, was the first all-India body of peasants and represented a key step in linking the local agrarian struggles with the national political movement.
The All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), established in 1936 in Lucknow, was the first all-India body of peasants and represented a key step in linking the local agrarian struggles with the national political movement.
Detailed Notes (6 points)
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Formation: Formed at the Lucknow session in 1936 (the same year as the Lucknow Congress Session). The formation was a culmination of local and provincial peasant organizations, notably the Bihar Provincial Kisan Sabha (BPKS) led by Sahajanand Saraswati.
Founders and Leadership: The first President was Swami Sahajanand Saraswati, and the first General Secretary was N.G. Ranga.
Core Objective: To mobilize peasants against the Zamindari system and land revenue policies, and secure permanent relief from indebtedness. Its long-term goal was the abolition of the Zamindari system itself.
Ideological Stance: AIKS initially worked closely with the Indian National Congress (INC), urging it to adopt a radical agrarian program. However, it gradually became influenced by Socialist and Communist ideas, adopting a more radical stance than the INC leadership.
'Kisan Manifesto': AIKS issued a 'Kisan Manifesto' demanding comprehensive land reforms, reduction of rent and revenue, and the cancellation of rural debts.
Significance: AIKS provided an organized, class-based platform for peasants, transforming scattered local protests into a unified, national movement. It successfully pressured the INC and the British government to recognize agrarian distress as a key national issue.
All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) Summary
| Year | Place | First President | First General Secretary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1936 | Lucknow | Swami Sahajanand Saraswati | N.G. Ranga |
Fun Facts
The formation of the AIKS highlighted the growing influence of Socialist and Communist thinking within the broader National Movement in the 1930s.
The AIKS motto was 'Kisan Sabha Zindabad' (Long Live the Peasant Association).
Mains Key Points
AIKS was crucial in imparting class consciousness and unifying the disparate local peasant movements into a single, national force.
It demonstrated the failure of the early Congress leadership to fully integrate radical agrarian demands, leading to the rise of independent peasant politics.
The AIKS's pressure was instrumental in ensuring that post-Independence India made Zamindari Abolition a constitutional priority.
Prelims Strategy Tips
The AIKS was founded in 1936 at Lucknow.
The first president was Swami Sahajanand Saraswati.
The organization focused on the abolition of Zamindari (landlords).
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