The Indian Freedom Movement, also known as the Indian Independence Movement, was a historic struggle for independence from British colonial rule. It spanned several decades and involved a variety of strategies, from nonviolent resistance to armed uprisings. Here is an overview of key events and phases in the Indian Freedom Movement from 1885 to 1947:
1. Formation of the Indian National Congress (1885):
· Year: 1885
· Event: The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded in Bombay with the aim of obtaining a greater share in government for educated Indians. It initially called for constitutional reforms within the British Empire.
2. Early Nationalist Movements:
· Swadeshi Movement (1905-1908): Protest against the partition of Bengal; emphasized the use of Indian-made goods.
· Partition of Bengal (1905): The British decision to partition Bengal was met with widespread opposition, leading to its annulment in 1911.
3. World War I and the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre:
· Year: 1919
· Event: The Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred in Amritsar, where British troops opened fire on a peaceful gathering, resulting in a significant loss of life.
· Consequence: Increased resentment against British rule, paving the way for more assertive demands for independence.
4. Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922):
· Leader: Mahatma Gandhi
· Objective: Nonviolent resistance, non-cooperation with British institutions, and promotion of Swadeshi.
· Outcome: The movement gained massive popular support but was suspended after the Chauri Chaura incident in 1922.
5. Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934):
· Leader: Mahatma Gandhi
· Objective: Nonviolent resistance against British salt laws and taxes; boycott of foreign goods.
· Outcome: The Dandi March and widespread protests forced the British to negotiate, leading to the Gandhi-Irwin Pact.
6. Quit India Movement (1942):
· Objective: Demanding an end to British colonial rule and immediate independence.
· Outcome: Mass protests, strikes, and civil disobedience; widespread arrests of Indian leaders; contributed to the post-war atmosphere of decolonization.
7. Post-War Period and Independence (1945-1947):
· Post-War Changes: World War II weakened the British Empire; global anti-colonial sentiment increased.
· Mountbatten Plan (1947): The last British Viceroy, Lord Mountbatten, proposed the partition of India into two independent dominions, India and Pakistan.
· Independence Day (August 15, 1947): India gained independence from British rule; Pakistan was also formed as a separate nation.
Legacy:
· Constitution of India (1950): The Indian Constitution was adopted, providing a framework for the world's largest democracy.
· Social and Economic Reforms: Post-independence India focused on economic development, social justice, and building a democratic system.
The Indian Freedom Movement involved a diverse range of leaders, ideologies, and methods, with figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, and Subhas Chandra Bose playing key roles. The movement ultimately led to the establishment of a free and sovereign India in 1947.
