1. Formation of Indian National Congress (1885):
The Indian National Congress (INC) was established in 1885. Initially, it followed a moderate approach towards the British, lobbying for greater representation of Indians in the Government and civil services and for more rights for the Indian people.
2. Partition of Bengal (1905):
The British tried to divide the nationalist movement by partitioning Bengal on religious lines. This led to widespread protests and marked the beginning of the Swadeshi Movement, promoting indigenous goods and the boycott of British goods. The partition was ultimately revoked in 1911 due to continuous protests.
3. Formation of the Muslim League (1906):
The All India Muslim League was formed in 1906, promoting the political rights and interests of the Muslim community. This marked the beginning of a separate political identity for Muslims, leading to the later demand for a separate nation-state, Pakistan.
4. The Morley-Minto Reforms (1909):
These reforms allowed Indians to participate more fully in provincial legislatures and introduced separate electorates based on religion. This step was taken to placate rising nationalist sentiments but ended up deepening communal divisions.
5. The Home Rule Movement (1916):
Led by Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, this movement aimed for self-government within the British Empire, rather than complete independence. It garnered significant support.
6. The Lucknow Pact (1916):
This pact between the INC and the Muslim League proposed greater Indian participation in the colonial government. It marked a significant cooperation between the two organizations.
7. The Rowlatt Act (1919) and the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre:
The British government enacted the Rowlatt Act, which allowed imprisonment without trial. In protest, a public meeting was held at Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, where British troops led by General Dyer fired on unarmed civilians. The incident shocked the nation and led to a dramatic escalation in nationalist sentiments.
8. Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922):
Led by Mahatma Gandhi, this was a significant protest against British rule, where Indians were asked to boycott British goods, courts, schools, and services. The movement ended abruptly after the Chauri Chaura incident, in which a violent mob set a police station on fire.
9. Simon Commission (1928):
The British set up this commission to suggest constitutional reforms in India, but it had no Indian members. This led to widespread protests across the country and calls for Purna Swaraj, or complete independence.
10. Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934):
This was initiated by Gandhi's Dandi March, where he violated the salt laws. The movement involved defying British laws non-violently and was a significant challenge to British authority.
11. The Government of India Act (1935):
This act proposed a semi-responsible government at the provincial level but was criticized as it did not fulfill the demands for complete independence.
12. Quit India Movement (1942):
This was a civil disobedience movement launched by Gandhi, demanding an end to British Rule. Despite a widespread and brutal crackdown, the movement significantly weakened British authority and resolve.
13. Indian National Army (1942):
Formed by Indian nationalists in Southeast Asia during World War II with Japanese assistance, under the leadership of Subhash Chandra Bose, the INA fought against British forces. Though it was militarily defeated, the INA trials in 1945-46 stirred up nationalist sentiments.
14. Cripps Mission (1942):
During World War II, the British government sent Sir Stafford Cripps to India to secure Indian cooperation. He proposed Dominion status for India after the war. However, the mission failed as both the INC and Muslim League had their reservations. The INC wanted immediate independence, while the Muslim League saw it as insufficient for Muslim autonomy.
15. Bengal Famine (1943):
The Bengal famine of 1943, where millions of people died due to starvation, malnutrition, and disease, further increased resentment towards the British, who were widely seen as having mismanaged the situation.
16. Wavell Plan and Simla Conference (1945):
Wavell, the Viceroy, proposed a plan for a new Executive Council in which all members except the Viceroy and the commander in chief would be Indians. The Simla Conference was held to discuss the Wavell Plan, but it ended in a stalemate due to the disagreements between the INC and the Muslim League.
17. INA Trials (1945-1946):
The trials of the soldiers of the Indian National Army in Red Fort, Delhi, aroused nationalistic sentiments among the Indian population. The British could not continue ruling India in the face of such massive nationalistic uprisings.
18. Cabinet Mission (1946):
19. Direct Action Day and Communal Violence (1946):
20. Mountbatten Plan (1947):
21. Independence and Partition (1947)
Tags : UPSC Preparation Strategy for 2024
21 июн 2023
