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The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors or contributions from different parts of the country

Last updated on September 30, 2023 by Alex Andrews George

The Indian Freedom Struggle is a saga that begins with the onset of British colonialism in the 17th century.

The East India Company initially entered India as traders, gradually expanding their control until they established a full-fledged colonial administration.

With the Battle of Plassey in 1757, the Company secured a decisive victory, marking the commencement of British dominance over Indian territories.

Early Resistance (1757-1857)

From the early days of colonization, various sections of Indian society resisted British rule. The period witnessed a series of uprisings, including tribal revolts, peasant movements, and local mutinies, each signifying discontent and opposition against foreign subjugation.

First War of Independence (1857)

The Revolt of 1857, often termed the First War of Independence, was a significant turning point. Sparked by the introduction of the new Enfield rifles, the uprising saw widespread participation from soldiers, civilians, and royalty alike, reflecting a collective aspiration for freedom.

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Formative Years (1858-1905)

Following the Revolt of 1857, the British government officially took control of the East India Company. The subsequent years saw the formation of early political groups and the articulation of constitutional demands, laying the groundwork for an organized national movement.

Swadeshi and World War I (1905-1918)

The Swadeshi Movement, initiated against the partition of Bengal, advocated for the boycott of British goods and the promotion of self-reliance. World War I further intensified the struggle, as expectations for self-governance grew among Indians who contributed significantly to the war effort.

Gandhian Era (1919-1947)

The entry of Mahatma Gandhi transformed the Indian nationalist movement. With his principles of truth, non-violence, and Satyagraha, Gandhi mobilized masses across the country, leading pivotal campaigns like the Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, and the Quit India Movement.

Subaltern and Revolutionary Contributions

Parallelly, subaltern groups, including tribal communities, women, and lower castes, played an indispensable role, fighting for both national independence and social emancipation. The freedom struggle also witnessed the emergence of revolutionary groups seeking to overthrow British rule through armed rebellion.

Towards Independence

The persistent efforts of various factions within the Indian freedom movement eventually bore fruit in 1947 when India gained independence. This triumph was, however, accompanied by the painful partition of the country into India and Pakistan, leaving behind a legacy of both unity and division.

Table of Contents

Early Resistance to British Rule (1757-1857)

The seed of the Indian freedom struggle was sown immediately after the Battle of Plassey in 1757 when the British East India Company took control over Bengal. During this phase, India saw sporadic uprisings mainly due to the oppressive policies of the British.

Major Uprisings

Between 1757 and 1857, numerous revolts erupted in different parts of the country. These were primarily led by local chieftains, peasants, and tribal leaders who were directly affected by the harsh revenue policies and administrative practices imposed by the British. Some notable uprisings include the Sanyasi Rebellion (1763-1800), the Chuar Rebellion in Bengal, and the Paika Rebellion in Odisha in 1817.

Key Figures

• Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi: Born as Manikarnika, Rani Laxmibai played a crucial role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Her courage and leadership were evident as she led her army against the British, becoming a symbol of resistance and an inspiration for future generations.
• Kunwar Singh: A prominent leader during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, Kunwar Singh led the revolt in Bihar. Despite being in his old age, his commitment to the cause made him a notable figure in the struggle against British rule.
• Bahadur Shah II: The last Mughal emperor, also known as Bahadur Shah Zafar, played a symbolic role in the 1857 Rebellion. He was declared the emperor of India by the rebelling sepoys, providing a symbolic unity to the rebellion against the British.

The First War of Independence (1857)

The Revolt of 1857 marked a significant turn in the Indian freedom struggle. Often referred to as the First War of Independence, it was a major, but ultimately unsuccessful, uprising against the British East India Company.

The revolt began in Meerut on May 10, 1857, and soon spread to several parts of northern and central India. Major battles occurred in Delhi, Lucknow, Kanpur, and Jhansi, with local rulers, sepoys, and civilians participating actively.

Notable Figures

• Mangal Pandey: Pandey played a pivotal role in igniting the rebellion. A sepoy in the British East India Company, his act of rebellion in Barrackpore is often considered the first spark of the 1857 uprising.
• Tantia Tope: A close associate of Nana Sahib, Tantia Tope was a general in the Indian Rebellion of 1857. He was instrumental in the recapture of Gwalior and led his troops with agility and surprise against the British forces.

Formative Phase (1885-1905)

Post-1857, nationalistic sentiments were channelled into forming organized movements. The Indian National Congress (INC) was established during this period, marking the beginning of a new phase in the Indian freedom struggle.

Indian National Congress

Founded in 1885 by A.O. Hume, the INC played a significant role in the freedom struggle. Initially, it was a platform for civil servants to express their views on British policies, but over time, it became the principal leader of the Indian nationalist movement.

Leaders of the Phase

• Dadabhai Naoroji: Known as the ‘Grand Old Man of India’, Naoroji was a prominent leader of the INC and the first Indian to be a British MP. He was one of the earliest leaders to demand ‘Swaraj’ or self-rule for India.
• Gopal Krishna Gokhale : A mentor to Mahatma Gandhi, Gokhale was a senior leader of the INC and founder of the Servants of India Society. He advocated for social reforms and was a strong supporter of constitutional means to achieve political self-rule.

Swadeshi Movement (1905-1911)

The Swadeshi Movement was a turning point in India’s struggle for freedom, initiating widespread public protest against British rule for the first time. The Movement began as a response to the partition of Bengal by Viceroy Lord Curzon in 1905, aimed at dividing and ruling by creating religious divisions.

Context and Overview

Curzon’s decision was ostensibly based on administrative convenience, but it was widely perceived as a ‘divide and rule’ strategy. In response, the Swadeshi Movement emerged with a call for the boycott of British goods and the promotion of Indian-made products. It was not just a form of economic nationalism but also a powerful cultural and social revolution.

Prominent Contributors:

• Bal Gangadhar Tilak : Often referred to as ‘Lokmanya’, Tilak was one of the first and strongest advocates of Swaraj. He was one of the prime architects of modern India and probably the strongest advocate of Swadeshi. Tilak used the movement to represent the major grievances of the people and exposed the British government’s exploitation of the Indian people.
• Bipin Chandra Pal: Known as the ‘Father of Revolutionary Thoughts’, Pal was part of the Lal-Bal-Pal triumvirate that was at the forefront of the Swadeshi Movement. He advocated the boycott of British goods and emphasized self-reliance and national education as the key to national regeneration.
• Lala Lajpat Rai : Rai played a pivotal role in the Swadeshi Movement. Being a fervent nationalist, he supported the boycott of British goods and institutions. He played a key role in promoting Swadeshi goods and ideas through speeches and writings, inspiring many to join the movement.
• Rabindranath Tagore : Nobel laureate and cultural icon, Tagore actively participated in the Swadeshi Movement. He promoted the idea of self-reliance through the use of Swadeshi goods and the boycott of foreign products. He also composed many songs and writings during this time to inspire a sense of nationalism and unity among Indians.

Key Events and Impact

• Swadeshi and Boycott: The twin strategies of Swadeshi and Boycott were employed. The people were urged to boycott British goods and promote the use of Indian goods. This led to a surge in the Indian indigenous industry.
• Formation of banks: Many Indians, inspired by the movement, established indigenous banks and insurance companies to strengthen the economic base of the colonized nation.
• Educational Boycott: There was a widespread boycott of government schools and colleges. National educational institutions like the Bengal National College were established.
• Spread of the Movement: Initially starting in Bengal, the movement spread to other parts of India, fostering a sense of nationalism and unity among diverse groups of people.

Challenges and Legacy

Though the Swadeshi Movement eventually slowed down due to various reasons including differences within the INC and repressive measures by the British, it left an indelible mark on India’s struggle for freedom. The Movement sowed the seeds for future mass movements led by Gandhi and others, creating a legacy of resistance and self-reliance that would continue until India gained independence in 1947.

Gandhian Era (1915-1947)

The Gandhian Era marks a significant chapter in India’s freedom struggle, embodying non-violent resistance, civil disobedience, and grassroots mobilization. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, or Mahatma Gandhi , played an instrumental role during this period, shaping the course of the movement towards attaining Swaraj or self-rule.

The Gandhian Era was characterized by mass participation and the introduction of non-violent resistance as a powerful tool against colonial oppression. Gandhi, with his unique philosophy and methodology, mobilized the common masses, making the struggle for independence truly inclusive and participatory.

Gandhi’s Return & Philosophy

• Return to India: Gandhi returned to India from South Africa in 1915, immersing himself in the Indian socio-political environment.
• Philosophy: His philosophy centred on truth, non-violence, and simplicity, with Satyagraha or ‘truth force’ being his method for civil resistance.

Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922)

• Overview: Gandhi launched the Non-Cooperation Movement in response to the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and the repressive Rowlatt Act.
• Major Events: Mass boycott of British goods, services, and institutions, including schools, colleges, and courts.
• Key Contributors: Alongside Gandhi, leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru , Sardar Patel , and Maulana Azad played crucial roles.

Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934)

• Introduction: It was a mass protest against the British-imposed salt tax, exemplified by the Dandi Salt March led by Gandhi.
• Dandi March: Gandhi’s 240-mile march to the Arabian Sea town of Dandi to make salt, symbolically challenged the British monopoly.
• Notable Participants: Sarojini Naidu, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, and Vallabhbhai Patel were active participants.

Quit India Movement (1942)

• Background: With World War II intensifying, Gandhi sought to leverage the global situation to push for India’s immediate exit from British rule.
• Main Events: Despite mass arrests of leaders, the movement saw widespread participation across India, with protests, strikes, and demonstrations.
• Key Figures: Aruna Asaf Ali, Jayaprakash Narayan, and Usha Mehta were among those who played pivotal roles.

Sub-Movements & Other Leaders

• Khilafat Movement: Working in tandem with the Non-Cooperation Movement, it sought to protect the Ottoman Caliphate, showcasing Hindu-Muslim unity.
• Subhash Chandra Bose: Though differing from Gandhi’s ideology, Bose contributed immensely to the freedom struggle, notably through the Azad Hind Fauj.

Legacy of the Gandhian Era

• Philosophy & Tactics: Gandhi’s philosophies continue to inspire movements for civil rights and social change across the world.
• Constitutional Developments: The era witnessed significant constitutional developments, like the Government of India Act 1935, which shaped India’s political future.
• Path to Independence: The sustained resistance eventually led to the British conceding to the demand for independence, culminating in the attainment of freedom in 1947.

Subaltern Contributions to the Indian Freedom Struggle

Subaltern contributions refer to the efforts of groups that were socially, politically, and geographically outside of the hegemonic power structure. These groups, often overlooked in mainstream narratives, played a crucial role in the Indian Freedom Struggle.

The subaltern contributions to the Indian Freedom Struggle offer a narrative of resistance and assertion by groups that were marginalized and oppressed. These stories of resilience and struggle are vital to understanding the multifaceted and inclusive nature of India’s journey to independence.

Tribal Movements

• Overview: Tribal communities resisted British rules that affected their traditional rights and livelihoods.
• Birsa Munda: Leader of the Munda tribe, Birsa led the Munda Rebellion against British rule, aiming to establish the Munda Raj and remove the British government and missionaries.
• Alluri Sitarama Raju: He led the Rampa Rebellion of 1922-24 against the British in response to the implementation of the Madras Forest Act, which restricted the tribal people’s access to forests.

Women in the Freedom Struggle

• Overview: Women participated actively in the freedom struggle, breaking traditional norms and contributing significantly to the movement.
• Sucheta Kriplani: She was a freedom fighter who worked closely with Mahatma Gandhi during the Partition riots. She was India’s first woman Chief Minister, serving as the head of the Uttar Pradesh government.
• Kasturba Gandhi: Kasturba was a political activist involved in the Indian Independence Movement and the wife of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. She was imprisoned in British jails multiple times along with her husband.
• Aruna Asaf Ali: Known for hoisting the Indian National Congress flag at the Gowalia Tank maidan in Bombay during the Quit India Movement, Ali was a strong supporter of civil rights and an advocate for women’s empowerment.

Lower Caste Movements

• Overview: Lower caste movements aimed to eradicate caste-based discrimination and ensure social justice and equality.
• B.R. Ambedkar : A jurist, economist, and social reformer, Ambedkar campaigned against social discrimination towards the untouchables and supported the rights of women and labourers. He played a pivotal role in drafting the Constitution of India.
• Periyar E.V. Ramasamy: Founding the Self-Respect Movement and Dravidar Kazhagam, Periyar worked against caste-based discrimination and Brahminical supremacy. He was also a strong advocate for women’s rights.

Other Minority Contributions

• Overview: Various minority groups also participated actively in the freedom struggle.
• Maulana Abul Kalam Azad : An Indian scholar and a senior leader of the Indian National Congress, Azad was the first Minister of Education in India. He supported education for the underprivileged and played a significant role in developing the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
• Sikh Community: The community played a vital role, with figures like Bhagat Singh and Udham Singh becoming symbols of resistance against British rule.

Revolutionary Movements in the Indian Freedom Struggle

Revolutionary movements formed a vital aspect of the Indian freedom struggle, providing a militant alternative to the non-violent approach advocated by Gandhi and the Indian National Congress. These groups sought to achieve independence through armed struggle and subversion against British colonial rule.

The revolutionary movements in the Indian freedom struggle were pivotal in mobilizing and inspiring the masses towards the cause of independence. Although their methods differed significantly from the mainstream, non-violent struggle, the revolutionaries’ courage, and commitment left an indelible mark on India’s journey towards freedom, making them unforgettable heroes of the nation’s history.

Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA)

• Overview: Established in 1928, the HSRA aimed to overthrow the British colonial authority through an armed revolution.
• Bhagat Singh : A prominent leader in the HSRA, Singh is celebrated for his courage and commitment to the independence cause. He was involved in several high-profile actions, including the bombing of the Central Legislative Assembly and the killing of British police officer J.P. Saunders.
• Chandrasekhar Azad: A mentor to Singh, Azad was involved in the Kakori train robbery and other actions aimed at undermining British rule. He vowed never to be captured alive and kept his promise until his last breath.
• Rajguru and Sukhdev: Close associates of Singh and Azad, both played critical roles in various revolutionary activities and were eventually executed alongside Singh.

Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army – INA)

• Overview: Founded in 1942, the INA was an armed force comprising Indian prisoners of war and expatriates in Southeast Asia, aiming to overthrow British rule with Japanese assistance during World War II.
• Subhas Chandra Bose : The most prominent leader of the INA, Bose was a charismatic figure who sought international alliances to support India’s independence struggle. He coined the famous slogan “Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom!” inspiring many to join the INA.

Other Noteworthy Movements & Figures

• Anushilan Samiti and Jugantar: These were two prominent revolutionary organizations in Bengal involved in a series of bombings, assassinations, and robberies as forms of protest against British rule.
• Surya Sen: Leader of the Chittagong Armoury Raid, Sen was a school teacher who led a group of revolutionaries in a daring raid on British armouries.
• Rash Behari Bose: He played a key role in the Ghadar Conspiracy and later collaborated with Japanese forces to support the Indian independence movement during World War II.

Legacy & Impact

While the revolutionary movements did not directly lead to India’s independence, they had significant impacts:

• Inspiring the Masses: The courage and sacrifices of the revolutionaries inspired many Indians to join the independence movement.
• Shaping National Consciousness: These movements helped foster a sense of nationalism and urgency among the general population, creating widespread support for India’s struggle for freedom.
• Pressurizing Colonial Powers: The activities of these groups kept the British authorities on edge, forcing them to deploy significant resources to maintain control.

The Indian Freedom Struggle: Conclusion

The Indian Freedom Struggle is a journey of countless sacrifices, movements, and leaders, each contributing towards the cherished goal of independence.

It’s a testament to the indomitable spirit of the people of India, their enduring fight for justice, and the diverse paths they tread to secure national freedom.

Understanding this struggle is imperative for appreciating the value of freedom and the democratic principles that modern India is built upon.

Before we finish…

In addition to this overview post, we have created a lot of articles and study materials on Indian History.

Out of these, lovers of Modern Indian History should not miss:

• How to Study Modern Indian History for UPSC?
• Modern Indian History: From about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present – significant events, personalities, and issues
• India’s Struggle for Independence: Indian Freedom Movement

How to study the Indian Freedom Struggle in detail?

Students may note that this article on the Indian National Movement is just an overview of the topic. There is a lot more to learn  about the history of India.

We recommend the below sources to learn the History of India and the Indian National Movement.

• Join  ClearIAS Video Course (Prelims cum Mains).
• Go through  ClearIAS notes on Indian History.
• Read  books on Indian History .

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History of India’s Independence

Over the course of history, India has faced several invasions. While most of the invaders made their intentions clear right from the word go, the British managed to bring India under their control through a business venture. It all started with the British East India Company, which started off as a mere joint-stock company, but slowly went about spreading its wings and influence, before the British government finally took control of the entire country. 

The British company had landed in India in the early seventeenth century as traders, but began interfering in Indian affairs around 1750s. After the battle of Plassey (1757), it began to transform from a trading company to a ruling force. As the British began to spread their tentacles over a large part of India, the exploitation of local resources and people began in full force. The British were concerned just about consolidating their rule and power. 

The British rule had a damaging effect on the social, economic, cultural and political life of Indians, which gradually forced common masses and rulers to rise in revolt against the British rule. Several agrarian, tribal, and political rebellions broke out against the foreign rule, but it was the rebellion of 1857, which proved as a launch pad for all the subsequent struggles against the British rule. 

The continuously increasing awareness, contact with the outside world, and the urge to free the motherland, gave rise to an organized movement by the end of the nineteenth century, which uprooted the 200-year-old British rule in 1947.

The History of British Colonialism in India 

After the fall of the Mughal Empire, the British gained the support of many local rulers by offering them help against their adversaries. Since the British were equipped with huge cannons and newer war technology their support proved helpful to many Indian rulers. In exchange for their support, the East India Company managed to set up trading centers in places like Madras, Calcutta and Bombay. The British gradually started to extend their fortification. When they were asked to stop their extension by Siraj-ud-daulah, the Nawab of Bengal, they defeated him in the Battle of Plassey (1757). This win against Siraj-ud-daulah played a crucial role in colonizing the whole of India.      

Early Rebellions Against the British Rule

For their short-term benefit, many Indian rulers supported the British colonization in India, but many of them opposed the idea of foreign rule. This created a conflict between Indian rulers, which was further used by the British to their advantage. Among the early rebellion, South Indian rulers, such as Puli Thevar, Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan, Pazhassi Raja, Rani Velu Nachiyar, Veerapandiya Kattabomman, Dheeran Chinnamalai, Maruthu Pandiyar, etc. revolted against the British and fought several wars and battles. 

Many rulers like Hyder Ali and Dheeran Chinnamalai sought the help of Maratha rulers in their fight against the British. 

Agitated by the ill-impact of the British rule on the social, cultural, tribal, and economic fabric of society, many individuals like Sidhu Murmu, Kanhu Murmu and Tilka Manjhi stood up against the British colonization. 

While the British managed to defeat bigger ruler like Tipu Sultan via local alliances (supporting one ruler against the other), they did not have must difficulty in suppressing local agrarian and tribal rebellions. The British not only used better weapons, but they also resorted to devious tactics like the ‘divide and rule policy’ in to consolidate their rule and might.             

Even though the British tried their best to suppress rebellions across India, these revolts would not stop as the British not only subjected people to a foreign rule but also exploited people economically.

The Revolt of 1857

Often referred to as the ‘First War of Indian Independence,’ the revolt of 1857 was the result of a series of incidents, but the immediate reason for the revolt was the issue of ‘greased cartridges.’ The East India Company mistreated the Indian soldiers and discriminated between the Indian and the European soldiers. While the soldiers knew that the British were using factors like religion and caste against them, the news of the newly introduced Enfield P-53 rifles using cartridges made out of fat extracted from beef and pork sparked a widespread rebellion against the British. Since the soldiers had to bite the cartridge in order to load the rifle, it did not go down well with the Hindu and Muslim soldiers as it hurt their religious belief. Since consuming beef and pork is against the religious beliefs of Hindus and Muslims respectively, the allegation convinced Indian soldiers that the British were trying to convert them into Christians. 

This, along with many other factors, played a crucial role in the revolt of the soldiers. Many Indian rulers from different states followed suit and locked horns with the British. At the end of it all, at least 800,000 people, including many civilians, were killed. As a result of the rebellion, the British government took control of the administration of India from the East India Company.

Organized Movements

The revolt of 1857 was the first large-scale rebellion against the British rule, and inspired the future generation to fight for the independence of the motherland. Slowly and gradually many organizations were formed that started to demand for some sort of self-governance and rights for Indians. 

In 1867, Dadabhai Naoroji founded the East India Association, while Surendranath Banerjee came up with the Indian National Association in 1876. 

With more and more people coming up with the demand for more rights, several prominent people came forward and decided to form a platform that will demand for self rights and self governance. It led to the formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885.

Since the British failed to grant even the moderate demands set by the Congress, many Indians started questioning the moderate leaders of the Congress, and advocated more radical approach in dealing with the British, which gave rise to several revolutionary organizations that advocated use of force and violence. 

Works done by socio-religious groups like Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj played a crucial role in creating awareness among Indians. The works of reformers like Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, V. O. Chidambaram Pillai and Subramanya Bharathy evoked a sense of nationalism among Indians.

The Rise of Nationalism

Radical leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak straightway pushed for self-rule for Indians. Tilak was also saddened by the fact that the education system of the British government did not portray India’s history and culture in a positive light. He advocated complete freedom (Swaraj) and managed to inspire many Indians with his famous slogan, “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it.” He was joined by other like-minded leaders like Bipin Chandra Pal and Lala Lajpat Rai. The trio together came to be known as ‘Lal-Bal-Pal,’ but they were expelled from the Congress for advocating violence and disorder. However, they had done enough to instill nationalism into the minds of thousands of Indians. 

The Partition of Bengal

Since pre-independent Bengal was as big as France in terms of its geography, the then Viceroy and Governor-General, Lord Curzon, ordered the partition of Bengal in 1905. He argued that the partition would lead to a better administration and ease the rising conflict between the Hindus and the Muslims. 

The Indian nationalists, however, believed that the move was an attempt to slow down the momentum gathered by the recent nationalist movements. They also believed that Lord Curzon was employing the divide and rule policy to create a rift between Hindus and Muslims. This led to a large-scale protest against the British rule, including boycotting British products and publications of several rebellious newspapers and articles. The government was eventually forced to reunite Bengal in 1911. But a new partition, based on the languages spoken, was created soon after. The partition of Bengal left an indelible mark on the people and political scenario of Bengal. 

The Rise of the Muslim League

In 1886, Syed Ahmed Khan, an Islamic reformist and philosopher, founded the All India Muhammadan Educational Conference. The conference was set-up in an attempt to provide quality education to Indian Muslims. The conference organized annual meetings to discuss various methods to improve the quality of education, among other things. In 1906, during the 20th session of the conference, the members decided to set up a political party called the ‘All India Muslim League.’ After the creation of the All India Muslim League, the party strived towards achieving equal civil rights for the Muslim population in India. Slowly and gradually, the Muslim league started to propagate the theory that the Indian National Congress was a pro-Hindu outfit, and that the political party was incapable of ensuring equal rights for the Muslim community in India. This belief found many takers, and slowly and gradually more and more Muslim leaders started contemplating the idea of creating another political entity where Muslims would form the majority.

National Movement & the First World War

The national movement started picking-up at the end of the nineteenth century and by the turn of the new century it had gathered a critical mass, which would propel it further in the coming years. More and more people were joining hands with nationalist leaders and the Congress to raise the demand of self-rule. Led by leaders like Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal and V. O. Chidambaram Pillai, more and more commoners began to protest against the British government. 

Though the Indian National Congress was still advocating the importance of the British rule, people had begun to participate in mass movements, which inspired others as well. Meanwhile, just before the beginning of the First World War, the British government had promised special benefits to India in return for their support during the First World War. As many as 1.3 million Indian soldiers were sent to places like the Middle East, Europe and Africa to fight for the British in the First World War. Also, many individual rulers of different princely states supported the British by sending large supplies of money, food and ammunition. 

The Arrival of Mahatma Gandhi

Gandhi had mastered the methods of civil disobedience through non-violent means in South Africa, where he worked as a barrister. In 1914, many political prisoners were freed by General Jan Smuts, thanks to Gandhi's non-violent protests. Impressed by his methods, a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress Gopal Krishna Gokhale requested Gandhi to return to India and join the national movement. Upon his arrival, Gandhi joined the Indian National Congress and accepted Gopal Krishna Gokhale as his mentor. He then went on to establish Satyagraha ashram and led a Satyagraha campaign in 1917. For the next three years, Gandhiji led many non-violent protests that included Satyagraha and fasting. The Kheda Satyagraha and the Champaran satyagraha were some of the early movements where he applied the concept of Satygraha to fight for the rights of farmers and other peasants.

The Non-Cooperation Movement

In 1919, Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer ordered to shoot at a peaceful gathering of men, women and children in Jallianwala Bagh, who had gathered to celebrate Baisakhi and to condemn the arrest of Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew and Satya Pal. This inhuman act of the British sent shockwaves across India, and received strong criticism and protests all over India. Mahatma Gandhi too denounced this cowardly behavior and strongly condemned it. 

The national movement was slowly building-up and the Jallianwalah Bagh incident played an important role in the start of the ‘Non-cooperation Movement.’ It was the first big Satyagraha movement under Gandhi’s leadership. He requested the support of other political and religious leaders and gave a call to Indians to stop using British products. 

Gandhiji advocated the use of Khadi over British textiles. He also asked government servants to quit their jobs, and return the British titles and honors. Many Indians refused to pay taxes and many teachers and lawyers gave up their respective profession. The non-co-operation movement became a huge success throughout India until it was called off by Gandhiji in the wake of the Chauri Chaura incident, in which three civilians and 22 policemen were killed.   

The Non-cooperation movement had seen an unprecedented and large-scale participation from the people of all regions and status. The entire country was transformed into a different zone and the protests were largely successful, but the unfortunate incident at Chauri Chaura forced Gandhi to call the movement off. He said that people were still not ready for mass-movements of this nature. 

The decision to call-off the non-cooperation movement left many disappointed and was criticized by several leaders.

Revolutionary Movement & its Role in Freedom Movement

While the Indian National Congress, led by leaders like Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Mahatma Gandhi, advocated civil disobedience and non-violent protests, many firebrand leaders believed in overthrowing the British with the use of force. The revolutionary movement had begun as early as the late 1750s, but it was during the Partition of Bengal that it began to take shape. Under the leadership of Barin Ghosh, many revolutionaries began to collect arms and explosives. They even started manufacturing bombs and some were even sent to foreign countries to acquire knowledge about bomb-making and other military training. 

By 1924, Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) was formed and firebrand revolutionaries like Chandrashekhar Azad, Bhagat Singh, Ashfaqullah Khan, Ramprasad Bismil, Shivaram Rajguru, Surya Sen, etc. began to involve themselves in various revolutionary activities. Some of the famous revolutionary activities include Alipore bomb conspiracy, Chittagong armoury raid, Kakori train robbery, Delhi-Lahore conspiracy case, etc.

Azand Hind Fauz

Subhas Chandra Bose quit the Indian National Congress and travelled to many countries to seek help for India’s independence. Bose wanted to raise an Indian army to fight against the British. Based on Hitler’s advice, he went to Japan and formed the Indian National Army (Azad Hind Government). During the Second World War, the Indian National Army managed to capture Andaman and Nicobar islands with the help of the Japanese army. However, the setback to Japan in the Second World War impacted the prospects of the INA as well and it’s march was blocked on the Border and many soldiers and officers were arrested.

Quit India Movement

As the World War II progressed, Mahatma Gandhi intensified his protests for the complete independence of India. He drafted a resolution calling for the British to Quit India. The 'Quit India Movement' or the 'Bharat Chhodo Andolan' was the most aggressive movement launched by the Indian National Congress. Gandhi was arrested on 9th August 1942, and was held for two years at the Aga Khan Palace in Pune. The Quit India Movement came to an end by the end of 1943, when the British gave hints that complete power would be transferred to the people of India. Gandhi called off the movement which resulted in the release of 100,000 political prisoners.

Partition & Independence of India

Though prominent leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru were not willing to accept the formula of partition based on religion, but communal clashes between religious groups hastened the creation of Pakistan. The independence cum partition proposal offered by the British Cabinet Mission in 1946 was accepted by the Congress. Sardar Patel convinced Gandhi that it was the only way to avoid civil war and the Mahatma reluctantly gave his consent. The British Parliament passed the famous Indian Independence Act 1947, and on August 14, Pakistan was declared a free nation. Few minutes later at 12:02 am, India became a democratic nation, much to the joy and relief of the entire Indian subcontinent. 

After India's independence, Gandhiji focused on peace and unity among the Hindus and Muslims. He began a fast-unto-death in Delhi, asking for all communal violence to be stopped and the payment of Rs. 55 crores, as per the Partition Council agreement, to be made to Pakistan. Ultimately, all political leaders conceded to his wishes. 

The Constituent Assembly was given the responsibility of creating the constitution. Headed by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949. On 26 January 1950, the Constitution of India came into effect.

Indian Freedom Struggle

The Indian freedom struggle began with the 1st war of Indian independence. Later on, Indian National Congress was established in 1885 when 72 delegates from all over the country met in Bombay. Indian National Congress played a very important role in the Indian freedom struggle. This article will provide interesting snippets about the Indian freedom struggle.

Indian Freedom Struggle – Moderate Approach

In the first 20 years, the Indian National Congress (INC) was moderate in its approach. They began by demanding a greater voice for Indians in the administration and government. It called for conducting civil services examinations in India. INC demanded that the Legislative councils be introduced in provinces where they did not exist and more power be given to the Legislative councils to make them more representative.

• INC demanded freedom of speech and expression.
• They wanted to repeal the arms laws and separate the judiciary from the executive.
• The INC also demanded the British reduce the economic woes of the Indians by seeking more funds for irrigation, reducing the military expenditure, reducing land revenue, etc.
• The INC passed many resolutions on the sufferings of forest dwellers, treatment of Indian labourers abroad and on the subject of the salt tax.
• The moderate leaders of the INC tried to increase the awareness of the general public about the unjust British rule by giving speeches, writing articles, publishing newspapers, and sending their representatives to different parts of the country to mobilise the opinion of the public.

Indian Freedom Struggle – Rise of Radicals

• By the 1890s, Lala Lajpat Rai in Punjab, Bipin Chandra Pal in Bengal, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak in Maharashtra were unhappy with the political style of Congress.
• They tried to explore more radical objectives and methods.
• They were unhappy with the “politics of prayers”.
• The radicals emphasised constructive work and self-reliance.
• Tilak raised the slogan, “Freedom is my birthright and I shall have it!”
• Radicals wanted people to fight for their swaraj by relying on their own strength and not based on good intentions of the British government.

Mahatma Gandhi

The Indian freedom struggle is always incomplete without understanding the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma Gandhi played a very pivotal role. He led the Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, Salt Satyagraha, and Quit India Movement.

• He was born in Porbandar, located in Gujarat.
• Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi is the full name of Mahatma Gandhi. He was born on 2nd October 1869.
• Mahatma Gandhi died on 30th January 1948.
• Mahatma Gandhi is known as the Father of the Nation.

Salt Satyagraha – Dandi March

• Gandhi led a large group of people from Sabarmati Ashram on 12th March 1930 to Dandi, a coastal village in Gujarat, to break the salt law by producing salt from seawater.
• The British Government in India had imposed a salt tax, hence Mahatma Gandhi started the Salt Satyagraha. It was a Civil Disobedience Movement.
• The Salt Satyagraha march lasted for 24 days from 12 March 1930 to 5 April 1930.
• When Mahatma Gandhi started the Salt Satyagraha, he was accompanied by 80 satyagrahis, all of whom were inmates of his ashram.
• As they kept moving from village to village, the length of the procession kept increasing.
• Mahatma Gandhi reached Dandi on 6th April, manufactured salt from the seawater and violated the Salt law made by the British.

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Political History

Strategic actions, ensuing events, for more information, about this conflict summary.

This conflict summary was commissioned by the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict (ICNC). We are an educational organization dedicated to developing and sharing knowledge related to nonviolent civil resistance movements for human rights, freedom, and justice around the world. Click here to access ICNC’s homepage.

The Indian Independence Struggle (1930-1931)

Download PDF Version Download Farsi PDF Version By: Lester Kurtz June 2009

Mohandas Gandhi’s civil disobedience movement of 1930-1931—launched by the Salt March—is a critical case for understanding civil resistance. Although by itself it failed to bring Indian independence, it seriously undermined British authority and united India’s population in a movement for independence under the leadership of the Indian National Congress (INC). It further signaled a new stage in the struggle for Indian swaraj (self-rule) and facilitated the downfall of the British Empire in India. Gandhi’s Salt Satyagraha (a word Gandhi used to connote civil resistance, meaning “holding fast to the truth”) drew upon a traditional South Asian cultural practice – the “ Padyatra ” (a long spiritual march) that became a model of strategic action for many social movements in the decades to come.

On the anniversary of the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar—in which hundreds of unarmed Indians were killed and many more wounded by British soldiers—Gandhi reached down and scooped up a handful of mud at a beach and declared that he was shaking the foundations of the British Empire. He then boiled the mud in seawater to produce illegal salt, an act repeated by thousands which led to the arrest of an estimated 60,000-100,000 men and women who participated for the first time in mass public demonstrations. Widespread civil disobedience followed with grassroots actions across the nation including not only illegal salt making, but also bonfires burning British cloth, picketing of shops selling foreign cloth, picketing of liquor shops, and rent withholding. Other issues came to the fore in the campaign as well, such as Hindu-Muslim unity and an attack on the caste system and the elimination of “untouchability”—Gandhi encouraged members of the lowest “untouchable” (harijan or dalit ) caste to participate, thereby creating considerable controversy, especially in villages along the route of the march where the local hosts were delighted to welcome the famous Mahatma (which was a name people gave to Gandhi meaning “great soul”) but were loath to associate with “outcasts.” Some criticize Gandhi for losing focus on the issue of independence and diffusing the struggle by including so many other issues, but that was characteristic of his approach.

Following Gandhi’s arrest and imprisonment just after midnight on 5 May 1930, the famous woman poet Sarojini Naidu took over leadership of the nonviolent invasion of the Dharasana Salt Works in Gujarat. Naidu sent wave after wave of satyagrahis toward the plant, where they were met by soldiers who clubbed them with steel-tipped poles (lathis), an event that was recorded by journalists and that moved many around the world to sympathize with the Indian cause. Gandhi was finally released from prison and the Salt Satyagraha ended on March 4, 1931, with the signing of the Gandhi-Irwin pact and the invitation for Gandhi to attend Round Table talks in London to discuss the possibility of Indian independence.

The Salt March was not only the most widely-celebrated moment in Gandhi’s career as a freedom fighter, but it is paradigmatic of his approach: it is a highly-symbolic and dramatic exercise in civil resistance, contextualized among a variety of other nonviolent actions (boycotts, civil disobedience, picketing) strategically focused on a relatively narrow goal. It mobilized mass participation, included widespread civil disobedience, had a profound cultural resonance, and attracted worldwide attention through the media. The people were united, the British Empire’s façade of civility exposed, and pillars of its vast power shaken.

British control of the South Asian Subcontinent began as a trading venture in the early seventeenth century with the English East India Company, which later became a managing agent for the British government. Following an uprising in 1857 (the “Mutiny,” the British called it), India came under direct administration by the British Empire. The British colonial government relied on the cooperation of Indian elites and soldiers for formal control of the government and the population.

Mohandas K. Gandhi launched and directed three major campaigns in the Indian Independence Movement: noncooperation in 1919-1922, the civil disobedience movement and the Salt Satyagraha of 1930-1931, and the Quit India movement from about 1940-1942. Prior to these campaigns, he had studied law in England, was admitted to the bar at the High Court of Chancery, and then spent a formative 20 years in South Africa where he met raw racial insults, rallied Indians to fight for their human rights, and cultivated his classic methods of nonviolent civil resistance or, as he called it, Satyagraha.

Gandhi spent almost two years in prison starting in 1922, charged with publishing seditious writings in the journal Young India, to which he pleaded guilty, and used the time to read, pray, and spin. He then worked behind the scenes in the Indian National Congress (INC) political party and directed his attention to what he called “constructive work” such as easing tensions between Hindu and Muslim communities, opposing the practice of “untouchability,” and spinning cloth as part of his noncooperation with British colonial rule, which was centered to a large extent on the textile industry. Gandhi was provoked into action along with other members of the INC by the creation of a British commission that included no Indians to help chart the course of India’s future.

The INC passed Gandhi’s resolution at its 1929 annual meeting in Lahore asking for full independence and promising civil disobedience if it was not granted. On 26 January 1930, the INC celebrated “Independence Day” and Gandhi was busy forging a plan for the inevitable response to the lack of official independence. He decided to launch the campaign with an act of civil disobedience involving the British salt tax. The salt tax was a political issue that had a personal impact on all Indians, especially among the poor. Salt was a basic necessity for survival and its taxation was viewed as an example of British arrogance. On 2 March 1930, Gandhi wrote a letter to Viceroy Lord Irwin informing him of his intent to commit civil disobedience in ten days if eleven previously-communicated demands (related to the salt tax, land revue assessments, military spending levels, currency exchange rates, and a tariff on foreign cloth) were not met. The letter, addressed to the viceroy as a “friend,” was delivered by British Quaker Reginald Reynolds to make the point that it was not simply a matter of Indians against the British. The civil disobedience campaign was designed to appeal to multiple audiences including the broader Indian civil society (to draw them into the struggle), British officials, young radicals in the freedom movement wanting violent confrontations, and some Indian economic elites who opposed independence altogether.

On 12 March Gandhi set out with 78 members of his ashram on a 241-mile (390-kilometer)1 march from Sabarmati, Gujarat, to the coastal village of Dandi. Greeted by large crowds along the way, some of whom joined the march, Gandhi communicated his message of Indian independence, the injustice of the salt tax, and the need to spin in order to promote a boycott of British cloth and thus attack the core of the British Empire’s exploitative relationship with India, which was the textile industry.

The campaign failed to bring independence or even major concessions, but it inspired the Indian people and, as Jawaharlal Nehru put it, widened the outlook of “the village masses,” who for the first time “began to think a little in terms of India as a whole.”

The repression the satyagrahis suffered at the hands of the regime—beatings, imprisonment, even torture—backfired, creating a serious credibility problem for the Empire at home and abroad. When India finally achieved independence on 15 August 1947, scholars and many Indian people looked back on the Salt Satyagraha as a turning point in the Indian independence struggle.

The Salt Satyagraha was a multi-faceted campaign of civil disobedience that included a range of strategic actions beyond the march and the act of illegal salt-making itself. It was part of a tactical sequence that allowed the civil resisters to seize the initiative from the British and ran from the earlier Civil Disobedience Campaign of 1919-1922 that focused on a boycott of British cloth, to the demand for complete and immediate independence, setting the stage for the Quit India Movement of 1940-1941 and the eventual recognition of independence in 1947. The Salt March was a response to the British refusal to recognize the INC’s declaration of independence in December of 1929 and was designed to dramatize the injustice of colonial rule in a concrete way by challenging the salt tax, but also to memorialize the British massacre of nonviolent protestors at Amritsar in 1919.

The carefully choreographed march went from village to village providing opportunities to make public statements of protest and to recruit people into the movement. The making of salt from the Indian Ocean in defiance of British law led to widespread arrests and beatings by British troops. Baffled by the inability of massive arrests to slow the movement, British officials finally arrested Gandhi himself, thinking it would stop its momentum. On the contrary, more participants were mobilized and the movement escalated its tactics as planned by Gandhi prior to his arrest, with a nonviolent invasion of the Dharasana Salt Works. Wave after wave of civil resisters were severely beaten and then replaced in a spectacle that captured the attention of the world’s media. The naked violence against unarmed protesters discredited the Empire even among its staunch supporters in England. In order to save face, the Viceroy was forced to negotiate for the first time with Gandhi as a representative of the INC. Gandhi was invited to London for Roundtable talks with government officials about the possibility of Indian independence. While Gandhi negotiated, a backlash against the conciliatory policies that were counter-offered by the British emerged among British officials in India and a wave of repression clamped down on Congress officials back in India, including the arrests of Jawaharlal Nehru and Abdul Gaffar Khan while Gandhi was on his journey home. Rather than suppressing the movement the repression again energized it – more than 60,000 people were arrested for civil disobedience in the first nine months of 1932. Although formal Independence did not come for another sixteen years, delayed in part by the Second World War, the movement had seized the initiative.

The social organization of the Salt March was designed not only for civil resistance directed at the British colonial system, but also to model the new social order that the freedom fighters wished to put in its place. In advance of the campaign, the INC set up lines of leadership succession, so that with each wave of arrests, new leaders were ready to replace those who were taken away and the participation of women and “untouchables” in the March and the movements parallel structures laid the groundwork for a different kind of social structure in independent India.

In brief, some of the strategic actions of the movement during the Salt Satyagraha included:

Nonviolent Protest and Persuasion

• Formal statements: public speeches by Gandhi and other INC leaders, letters of opposition (including Gandhi’s correspondence with the viceroy), mass petitions.
• Communications with a wider audience: Slogans and symbols, newspaper and journal articles from Gandhi’s own journals, masterful use of the international press, leaflets and pamphlets, lectures by INC activists on trains to a “captive audience.”
• Group Representations: delegations to persuade officials, picketing of liquor stores.
• Symbolic public acts: displays of flags (independent India), prayer and worship (Gandhi’s daily prayer meetings).
• Drama and Music: singing, dancing, and drums at public gatherings and among the crowds greeting the marchers as they arrived in village after village
• Processions: the Salt March itself, which for Gandhi was also explicitly a religious as well as political procession.
• Honoring the Dead: political mourning of the thousands of unarmed demonstrators killed or wounded by British soldiers at Amritsar in 1919—Gandhi deliberately planned for the march to arrive at the seacoast on the anniversary of their death.
• Social Noncooperation
• Ostracism of persons: social boycotts of persons not engaging in noncooperation with the British government.
• Economic Noncooperation
• Action by consumers: national boycott of British cloth and shops selling it, as well as liquor stores; rent withholding.
• Limited strikes, hartals, and economic shutdowns
• Political Noncooperation
• Rejection of authority: withholding of allegiance and refusal of public office by Indians.
• Noncooperation with government: resignations of government employment and positions, withdrawal from government educational institutions
• Alternatives to obedience: popular nonobedience, refusal to disperse, civil disobedience of British laws, especially the salt tax.
• School boycotts
• Nonviolent Intervention
• Physical intervention: nonviolent invasions, especially of the Dharasana Salt Works, nonviolent occupation of the seashore to make salt.
• Social intervention: new social patterns, overloading of facilities (especially jails), alternative markets (salt, cloth) and institutions, such as ashrams and communities that cut across caste, class, and religious-communal lines.
• Economic interventions: alternative economic institutions such as salt manufacturing and the khadi (homespun) cloth industries.
• Political intervention: civil disobedience of “neutral” laws, dual sovereignty, making the Indian National Congress a de facto ruling entity in an attempt to sideline the colonial government.

Although not without its corruption, injustices, and occasional outbursts of inter-communal conflict, India is the world’s largest democracy with significant civil liberties and an independent judiciary as well as a formally free press.

Despite remarkable cultural, religious, and linguistic diversity, overwhelming poverty, and many other social problems, the country has a stable democratic government. The spirit of nonviolent confrontation from the Salt Satyagraha persists. Across the nation, nonviolent civic organizations regularly mobilize for social and political change and engage in public demonstrations to air their grievances with the government. Free speech is protected—a member of the government’s own planning commission once severely criticized the nation’s constitution in a public speech in Delhi—and movements within a robust civil society often resist the state to redress grievances, sometimes using the classic “ padyatra .”

1. Although this is the commonly-assumed distance, Thomas Weber (2009:488) recalculates the distance of the march at 220 miles (350 kilometers).

Watch a 25 minute film on the Indian Independence Movement and Gandhi’s famous Salt March of 1930-1931, from the critically-acclaimed film  A Force More Powerful :

For further reading:

• Ackerman, Peter, and Jack DuVall. “India: Movement for Self-Rule.” In A Force More Powerful: A Century of Nonviolent Conflict , 61-111. New York, NY: Palgrave, 2000.
• Alexander, Meena. “Sarojini Naidu: Romanticism and Resistance.” Economic and Political Weekly XX (Oct. 26, 1985): 68-71.
• Brown, Judith M. Gandhi: Prisoner of Hope . New Haven: Yale University Press, 1989.
• Brown, Judith M. Gandhi and Civil Disobedience: The Mahatma in Indian Politics 1928-1934 . Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2008.
• Erikson, Erik. “On the Nature of Psycho-Historical Evidence: In Search of Gandhi.” Daedalus 97 (Summer 1968): 695-730.
• Fox, Richard. ”Gandhi and Feminized Nationalism in India.” In Women Out of Place: the Gender of Agency and Race of Nationality , ed. Brackette F. Williams, 37-49. New York, NY: Routledge, 1996.
• Gandhi, Mohandas K. Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi . New Delhi: 1994. Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, http://www.gandhiserve.org/cwmg/cwmg.html .
• Israel, Milton. Communications and Power: Propaganda and the Press in the Indian Nationalist Struggle, 1920-1947 . Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1994.
• Kurtz, Lester R. “Gandhi and his Legacies.” In Encyclopedia of Violence, Peace, and Conflict, Vol. 2 , 837-851. Oxford: Elsevier, 2008.
• Lieten, G. K. “The Civil Disobedience Movement and the National Bourgeoisie.” Social Scientist 11 (May 1983): 33-48.
• Nanda, B. R. “Gandhi, Mohandas Karamchand.” In Encyclopædia Britannica , 2009.
• Nanda, B. R. Mahatma Gandhi: A Biography . Delhi: Oxford University Press, 1996.
• Suchitra. “What Moves Masses: Dandi March as a Communication Strategy.” Economic and Political Weekly (April 8, 1995): 743-46.
• Weber, Thomas. “Gandhian Nonviolence and the Salt March.” Social Alternatives 21 (Autumn 2002): 46-51.
• Weber, Thomas. On the Salt March: The Historiography of Gandhi’s March to Dandi . New Delhi: Rupa and Co., 2009.

This conflict summary was commissioned by the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict (ICNC). We are an educational organization dedicated to developing and sharing knowledge related to nonviolent civil resistance movements for human rights, freedom, and justice around the world. Learn more about our work here .

Hundreds of past and present cases of nonviolent civil resistance exist. To make these cases more accessible, ICNC compiled summaries of some of them between the years 2009-2011. You can find these summaries here . Each summary aims to provide a clear perspective on the role that nonviolent civil resistance has played or is playing in a particular case. They are authored by people who have expertise in a particular region of the world and/or expertise in the field of civil resistance. Each author speaks with his/her own voice, and conflict summaries do not necessarily reflect the views of ICNC.

For a wide range of resources on civil resistance, visit ICNC’s Resource Library , which features resources on civil resistance in English and over 65 other languages .

To support scholars and educators who are designing curricula and teaching this subject, we also offer an Academic Online Curriculum (AOC), which is a free, extensive, and regularly updated online resource with over 40 different modules on civil resistance topics and case studies.

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Essay on Freedom Fighters

Freedom fighters in India are heroes who dedicated their lives to liberating our country from colonial rule. In this essay, we will delve into their inspiring stories and the significant impact they had on shaping India’s history.

Defining Freedom Fighters

Freedom fighters were individuals who valiantly opposed British colonial rule in India. They used various methods, from nonviolent resistance to armed struggle, to fight for the nation’s independence. Their unwavering commitment and bravery set the stage for a free India.

The Importance of India’s Independence

India’s struggle for independence was one of the most significant movements in world history. Statistics show that it played a pivotal role in ending colonialism and inspiring other nations to seek freedom. India’s independence served as a beacon of hope for oppressed people worldwide.

Mahatma Gandhi :The Father of the Nation

Mahatma Gandhi, often referred to as the “Father of the Nation,” was a prominent freedom fighter known for his philosophy of nonviolent resistance. Experts agree that his leadership and principles played a crucial role in India’s independence.

Subhas Chandra Bose: The Spirited Leader

Subhas Chandra Bose, a charismatic and determined leader, believed in a more direct approach to freedom. His efforts to mobilize the Indian National Army (INA) inspired many. Experts recognize his role in strengthening the fight against British rule.

Jawaharlal Nehru – The Visionary Statesman

Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, was not only a freedom fighter but also a visionary leader. He played a significant role in shaping India’s future as a democratic nation. Experts credit his leadership in steering India towards progress.

Sardar Patel :The Unifier

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, known as the “Iron Man of India,” played a crucial role in uniting the princely states to form a unified India after independence. Experts acknowledge his contributions to national integration.

Role of Women Freedom Fighters

Women freedom fighters, such as Sarojini Naidu and Rani Lakshmibai, played essential roles in the struggle for independence. Their dedication and courage inspired countless others to join the fight.

Legacy of India’s Freedom Fighters

The legacy of India’s freedom fighters lives on in the hearts of its citizens. They serve as a source of inspiration, reminding us of the importance of freedom, unity, and perseverance.

Conclusion of Essay on Freedom Fighters

In conclusion, India’s freedom fighters were true champions of independence. Their dedication, courage, and leadership paved the way for a free and democratic India. Their legacy continues to inspire us to value and protect the hard-earned freedom we enjoy today. India’s history is a testament to the power of determination and unity, as demonstrated by these remarkable individuals. As we remember their sacrifices, let us carry forward their spirit of patriotism and work towards building a better, inclusive, and progressive India.

Also Read: E ssay on Essay

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Quit India Movement: A Crucial Chapter in India's Fight for Independence

The Quit India Movement, also known as the Bharat Chhodo Andolan or August Kranti, was a landmark event in India's struggle for independence from British colonial rule. Launched on August 8, 1942, this movement marked a pivotal phase in the Indian freedom struggle, spearheaded by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress (INC).

Initiated by Mahatma Gandhi during the All India Congress Committee session in Bombay, the Quit India Movement aimed to secure an immediate end to British rule in India. Gandhi's famous "Do or Die" speech galvanized the nation, urging Indians to engage in a non-violent struggle to compel the British to leave India. The movement emerged against the backdrop of World War II, a time when Britain faced increasing pressures both globally and domestically. The British government's failure to address India's demands for independence further fueled dissatisfaction.

Key Outcomes

The Quit India Movement had profound effects on India's quest for independence:

• National Unity : The movement united Indians across different regions and social strata, fostering a heightened sense of nationalism and solidarity.
• Public Sentiment : It demonstrated to the British that their continued rule was untenable and that India's struggle for independence was intensifying.
• Political Impact : The movement contributed to the weakening of British control, laying the groundwork for India's eventual independence in 1947.

The formal launch of the movement on August 8, 1942, saw Gandhi's call for "Quit India" become synonymous with the demand for immediate British withdrawal. This slogan captured the essence of the movement and its urgent appeal for self-rule.

The British response to the Quit India Movement was severe. Major Congress leaders were arrested, and over 100,000 people were detained. Violent repression led to approximately 10,000 deaths. Despite the harsh crackdown, the movement persisted until 1944 and underscored India's resolve for self-governance. The INC was banned, and its leaders were imprisoned for much of the war period, yet the movement highlighted the untenability of British rule without Indian support.

The Quit India Movement is remembered as a defining moment in India's freedom struggle. It showcased the collective will of the Indian people and their determination to achieve self-rule. In 2024, various commemorative events will celebrate this legacy, including speeches by prominent figures and tributes to those who sacrificed for the cause.

The movement not only advanced India's independence agenda but also highlighted the broad-based participation in the freedom struggle. It played a crucial role in shaping India's path to independence and remains a powerful symbol of resistance and national unity.

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