Nationalism in India

 Nationalism in India, like other colonies, was associated with the anti-colonial or independence movement. Indians were united by their common struggle against their colonial rulers despite their dissimilar

experiences and notions of freedom. This unity was forged but with conflict and incessant efforts from Congress under the leadership Of Mahatma Gandhi. Society in India was divided among classes and castes.

This chapter deals with their participation in national movements.

The national movement began spreading to new areas and developing new modes of struggle after The First World War in 1919. The reason was clear. People were hopeful that their hardships would end after the war was over. But that did not happen. At this stage, a new mode of struggle was necessary to initiate under the guidance of a leader.

3. Mahatma Gandhi emerged as the new leader with his idea of satyagraha. The idea of satyagraha emphasized the power of truth and the need to search for truth. A satyagrahi could win the battle through non-violence. Mahatma Gandhi believed that non-violence could unite all Indians.

4. After arriving in India from South Africa, Mahatma Gandhi successfully organised satyagraha movement at various places such as Champaran in Bihar, Kheda and Ahmedabad in Gujarat, etc. and got huge success.

5. In 1919, Gandhiji decided to launch a nationwide satyagraha against the proposed Rowlatt Act (1919).

This Act gave the government enormous powers to repress political activities and allowed detention of political prisoners without trial for two years.

6. Rallies began to be organized in various cities against such unjust laws. Workers went on strike in railway

workshops, and shops were closed down. On 13 April, 1919 the infamous Jallianwala Bagh incident took place.

Thousands of innocent people were killed when General Dyer opened fire on them.

7. This ghastly action of the British angered the common mass in India. They took to the streets in towns and attacked government buildings. The government responded with brutal repression, seeking to humiliate and

terrorize people.

8. Mahatma Gandhi now launched a more broad-based movement in India. This movement came to be known as the non-cooperation movement. It began in 1920. Various social groups participated in this movement,

each with its own specific aspiration.