The Indian Freedom Struggle (1857-1947)
Overview
The Indian Freedom Struggle (1857–1947) spans nine decades of resistance against British colonial rule. It began with the Revolt of 1857, often called India's First War of Independence, and culminated in Independence on 15 August 1947. The movement saw diverse phases: armed uprisings, moderate constitutionalism, mass movements led by Gandhi, and revolutionary nationalism. Key figures, organisations, and landmark events shaped this transformative period in Indian history.
Typed Notes
Revolt of 1857 – Causes, Events & Significance
The Revolt of 1857 was triggered by the introduction of greased cartridges (Enfield rifle) believed to contain cow and pig fat, offending Hindu and Muslim soldiers. Immediate cause: Mangal Pandey's revolt at Barrackpore (29 March 1857); main outbreak at Meerut (10 May 1857). Key leaders: Bahadur Shah Zafar (Delhi), Rani Lakshmibai (Jhansi), Tantia Tope, Nana Sahib (Kanpur), Begum Hazrat Mahal (Lucknow). The revolt was suppressed by 1858. The British Crown replaced the East India Company's rule via the Government of India Act, 1858. V.D. Savarkar called it 'First War of Independence.'
Rise of Indian National Congress & Moderate–Extremist Split
INC was founded in 1885 by A.O. Hume, Dadabhai Naoroji, and Dinshaw Wacha. The Moderate phase (1885–1905) focused on petitions and constitutional methods; leaders included Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Dadabhai Naoroji. The Extremist phase (1905–1920) was led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bipin Chandra Pal (Lal-Bal-Pal). The Surat Split (1907) divided Congress into Moderates and Extremists. Tilak's slogan: 'Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it.' The Lucknow Pact (1916) reunited Congress and the Muslim League under Tilak and Jinnah.
Gandhian Era – Mass Movements (1919–1942)
Gandhi entered Indian politics after the Rowlatt Act (1919), which allowed detention without trial. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre (13 April 1919) under General Dyer killed hundreds. Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22) was withdrawn after Chauri Chaura violence (February 1922). Civil Disobedience Movement began with Dandi March (12 March – 6 April 1930), where Gandhi walked 241 miles to make salt. Gandhi–Irwin Pact (1931) suspended the movement. Quit India Movement launched on 8 August 1942 with the slogan 'Do or Die.' The Cripps Mission (1942) and Cabinet Mission (1946) were key constitutional proposals.
Revolutionary Nationalism & Road to Independence
Revolutionary nationalists rejected peaceful methods. Key figures: Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru (hanged 23 March 1931); Chandrashekhar Azad; Subhas Chandra Bose formed the Indian National Army (INA/Azad Hind Fauj) in 1943 with the slogan 'Jai Hind' and 'Give me blood, I will give you freedom.' The Royal Indian Navy Mutiny (1946) alarmed the British. The Cabinet Mission Plan (1946) proposed a federal structure. Mountbatten Plan (3 June 1947) announced Partition; Indian Independence Act passed on 18 July 1947. India became independent on 15 August 1947; Pakistan on 14 August 1947.
Key Concepts
Revision ke liye ek nazar — exam se pehle yahi padhna hai.
- 01Revolt of 1857 began on 10 May 1857 at Meerut; Mangal Pandey fired the first shot at Barrackpore on 29 March 1857.
- 02Indian National Congress (INC) was founded in 1885 by A.O. Hume; first session held in Bombay, presided over by W.C. Bonnerjee.
- 03Partition of Bengal (1905) by Lord Curzon triggered the Swadeshi Movement and Boycott of British goods.
- 04Gandhi launched Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22), Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–34), and Quit India Movement (1942).
- 05Mountbatten Plan (3 June 1947) led to Indian Independence Act 1947; India became independent on 15 August 1947.
Questions & Solutions
Pehle khud try karo — phir solution kholo. Yahi tariqa topper banata hai.
What was the immediate cause of the Revolt of 1857, and who fired the first shot?
Who founded the Indian National Congress and when was its first session held?
Describe the significance of the Dandi March (1930) and its outcome.
What was the Quit India Movement and what was its central slogan?
What was the Mountbatten Plan and what were its key provisions?
The Indian Freedom Struggle evolved from the armed Revolt of 1857 through moderate constitutionalism, Gandhian mass movements, and revolutionary nationalism to Independence in 1947. Key milestones include INC's founding (1885), Swadeshi Movement (1905), Non-Cooperation (1920), Dandi March (1930), Quit India (1942), and the Mountbatten Plan (1947). Understanding dates, leaders, and slogans is critical for UPSC and BPSC examinations.
Chapter-end quiz
4 MCQsOption tap karo — turant pata chalega sahi ya galat, explanation ke saath.
Q1.Who presided over the first session of the Indian National Congress in 1885?
Q2.The Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place on which date?
Q3.Which movement was withdrawn by Gandhi following the Chauri Chaura incident?
Q4.Subhas Chandra Bose's Indian National Army (INA) was also known as:
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